What is paradise

Posted on May 17, 2013 by howtobesaved@abiblecommentary.com

If you were to “Google” the word paradise, you’ll get some remarkable pictures from across the globe and the mind of man. Many will show beautiful, lush tropical scenes with sandy beaches and sunny weather. Others will show scenes imagined by man for the likes of the old Land of the Lost television show or, more recently, Avatar.

The word paradise is only used three times in modern translations: Luke 23:43Luke 23:43
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
43 And he said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise.

WP-Bible plugin; 2 Corinthians 12:32 Corinthians 12:3
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3 And I know such a man ,

WP-Bible plugin; and Revelation 2:7Revelation 2:7
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7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.

WP-Bible plugin. It is clear in 2 Corinthians 12:32 Corinthians 12:3
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
3 And I know such a man ,

WP-Bible plugin that paradise refers to heaven, the dwelling place of God since it is used as a synonym for the “third heaven.” It is also clear in Revelation 2:7Revelation 2:7
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.

WP-Bible plugin that paradise refers to heaven. In that passage, Jesus – through John – promises those Christians from Ephesus that if they conquer, they will eat of the tree of life in the “paradise of God”. Chapter 22 of Revelation places the tree of life in the Garden of God in heaven.

But what about Luke 23:43Luke 23:43
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
43 And he said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise.

WP-Bible plugin? To what destination does “paradise” refer? The Greek word paradeisos is a Persian word. Originally, it referred to parks or gardens of the kings and nobility. While the English word is not used in the Old Testament, the word paradeisos is used 47 times in the Greek translation of the Old Testament to refer to the Garden of Eden as well as the new “garden” to come with the Messiah.

As the prophets pictured the Messianic Age, they used Paradise motifs (Ezekiel 36:35Ezekiel 36:35
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
35 And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are fortified and inhabited.

WP-Bible plugin and Isaiah 51:3Isaiah 51:3
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
3 For Jehovah hath comforted Zion; he hath comforted all her waste places, and hath made her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of Jehovah; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.

WP-Bible plugin are two among numerous references). In other words, the prophets were predicting another Garden of Eden to come, comparable with, if not better than, the first Garden. Confidence in a resurrection of the dead spread and as it did so, many believed they would also participate in this new garden (paradeisos).

As you might expect, the idea that this new paradeisos was hidden also became popular. Throughout Jewish literature written between the Old Testament and the New, paradeisos came to be used for that hidden garden wherein dwelt the souls of the patriarchs long dead as well as the righteous, God’s elect.

It seems that this unseen paradeisos, the dwelling place of the righteous departed, is the place where Jesus says He will be with the thief on the cross in Luke 23:43Luke 23:43
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
43 And he said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in Paradise.

WP-Bible plugin. The thief would have fellowship with the Messiah in that garden. The thief wanted to be remembered in the kingdom (23:42). Jesus told him that he would be with Jesus in paradise/garden (23:43).

The place where Jesus went at death was not to be with the Father. That came at the ascension (John 20:17John 20:17
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
17 Jesus saith to her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended unto the Father: but go unto my brethren, and say to them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and my God and your God.

WP-Bible plugin; Acts 1:9-11Acts 1:9-11
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9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they were looking stedfastly into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 who also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye looking into heaven? this Jesus, who was received up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye beheld him going into heaven.

WP-Bible plugin). Jesus did, however, go to the dwelling place of the righteous dead (hades; Acts 2:27, 31Acts 2:27, 31
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul unto Hades, Neither wilt thou give thy Holy One to see corruption. 31 he foreseeing this spake of the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he left unto Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.

WP-Bible plugin), the place He calls “paradise” to the thief. It is the garden before you get to the eternal garden of God, which is in heaven where the tree of life is located (Revelation 22). Jesus is the One who brings back (or makes available) the paradeisos of God to everyone, both Jew and Gentile.

–Paul Holland

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Near death experiences

Posted on May 16, 2013 by howtobesaved@abiblecommentary.com

A “Funny” Near Death Experience

A friend of mine read what I had written recently on near death experiences and shared a story from a website. In Apple Valley, MN, a four-year-old boy had a near death experience while having an emergency surgery on his spleen. As so many have “testified”, little Jeremy also saw Jesus and some family members. His experience gave him a book contract.

What is “funny” about Jeremy’s NDE is that he did not see his grandmother in heaven. His mother, Brenda, beamed that the day he “returned” was the “most wonderful day of our lives” – until he stated that he did not see Grandma there. He listed a host of relatives he had seen there – but no Grandma.

Brenda asked Jeremy if he had seen Grandma – “She ain’t there.” She reports that her smile froze in place. “All the comfort I’ve had since her death vanished.” The family quizzed the little four-year-old again two days later. His story was the same – some relatives were there; Grandma was not.

The “revelation” has divided the family. Some even doubt that Jeremy did not really have an NDE. Others suggest that Grandma was out doing business for God and was not around. Still others are beginnig to wonder if Grandma was a Chrsitian after all! Another daugther, Beatrice, has been racking her brain to recall if Grandma ever “claimed Christ or not.” Now, when these members of the family look at pictures of Grandma, they are filled with grief and anger. Some even wish Jeremy had not gone to heaven after all!

Beatrice concludes the news report (larknews.com): “As wonderful as it was for him, the rest of us are going out of our minds. I wish someone could go back to heaven and find out for sure.”

I am sorry for this family’s grief. Yet, it is a little comical, in the light of biblical teaching. You see, NDE’s are not biblical. When God actually gave one person – Paul – an “out-of-body” experience, He specifically told Paul not to tell anyone what he saw: “And I know that this man was caught up into paradise–whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows– and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter” (2 Corinthians 12:3-42 Corinthians 12:3-4
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
3 And I know such a man , 4 how that he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

WP-Bible plugin).

Another thought – what we need to “hold on to” is not where Grandpa or Grandma spends eternity. We need to hold on to our relationship to God. It is our relationship with God through Christ that makes all the difference.

Third, the Bible says very little about who is actually in heaven. Enoch and Elijah went straight to heaven. God buried Moses, who appeared with Elijah with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. But the eternal destination of most of the Bible’s men and women remains a complete mystery as far as the written record is concerned. Is there a reason for that?

Finally, our relationship with God on earth and our happiness in heaven should not be dependent on where other family members spend eternity. Our relationship with God is personal and cannot be dependent on others. Jesus suggests that our happiness in heaven will be dependent on the power of God (Matthew 22:29Matthew 22:29
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
29 But Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.  

WP-Bible plugin). He can see to it that we are happy, regardless of who else is there.

–Paul Holland

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The best books on parenting

Posted on May 15, 2013 by howtobesaved@abiblecommentary.com

Mary plays an important role in the raising of Jesus. Yet, the things she did for her Son are things Moms can do today. You may not raise a Jesus but you can raise a faithful disciple of Jesus if you’ll follow Mary’s example.

MARY VALUED HER CHILD’S YOUTH – 2:19
But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.

We need to understand, acknowledge, and appreciate the uniqueness of our children. Moms, value your children’s youth. Don’t try to make them grow up too fast.

Focus on children individually. Spending time with each child communicates that he or she is an important individual and not just “one of the kids.”

Treat each child as a unique individual created in God’s image. When you look at a child as an individual, you see their individual strengths and weaknesses.

MARY WORSHIPPED SCRIPTURALLY – 2:41ff
It was the Law of Moses that all male Jews should present themselves in Jerusalem three times a year. Only men were required to make the journey so the fact that Mary went with Joseph shows her level of dedication. Plus, the trip from Nazareth to Jerusalem was 80 miles so it would be a long, tedious journey of about three days.

We see the impact of this habit from Mary on Jesus later in Luke 4:16Luke 4:16
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and he entered, as his custom was, into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up to read.  

WP-Bible plugin – “He came to Nazareth where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath…”

It is rare that a child will rise above his upbringing. He may sink below his upbringing quite easily but he (or she) usually does not rise above the training received in the home. So, Moms, look at yourself and your pattern of worship. Will your children follow you in your pattern and what will their life be like if they do so?

MARY TAUGHT JESUS TO OBEY – 2:51:
This passage clearly shows that He submitted to His mom and dad which means they taught Him to submit. If you look back at 2:48, the question of Mary: “Why have you treated us this way?” – there is a hint of a reproach – “You should not treat your Mom this way.”

Despite the fact that Jesus was God in the flesh and was the one who spoke the world into existence, He still modified His behavior and left Jerusalem, returning home and continued His submission to His parents (cf. Hebrews 5:8-9Hebrews 5:8-9
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8 though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation;  

WP-Bible plugin).

Moms – working with Dads – need to make boundaries relative to how children should act. Explain the rules to your children. Enforce the rules seriously, calmly, and lovingly. Be creative with your punishment but be firm and follow through. Our children need to learn that actions have consequences.

MARY LEARNED HER PLACE – 8:19-21:
At first, this little incident seems harmless, even benign. Luke does not indicate to us the motivation of Mary and the siblings in trying to get Jesus.

But Jesus took the opportunity to show that it is our spiritual relationship to Him that is paramount, over a physical relationship. There is, in the least, an element of possessiveness to this statement.

Moms, your job is to teach your children to fall in love with Jesus and then get out of the way. They need to be dedicated and committed to their Lord and Master and go where their conviction leads them. Do not stand in the way of them serving the Lord.

Follow Mary’s example and you can raise faithful disciples of Christ.
–Paul Holland

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How to be saved from the devil

Posted on May 14, 2013 by howtobesaved@abiblecommentary.com

This is an adaptation of an outline given me by Jerry Carmichael, preacher in Dry Ridge, KY.

In 1 John 4:41 John 4:4
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
4 Ye are of God, my little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.

WP-Bible plugin, the apostle writes: “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” In verses 17-18, he continues, “By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” Finally, in 5:4, John writes: “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith.”
It seems that many Christians are of the notion that we are to live our lives in fear of our spiritual enemy, Satan. Perhaps this is because of passages such as 1 Peter 5:81 Peter 5:8
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour,  

WP-Bible plugin. However, “beware” is not the same thing as “be fearful”.

FOR THE CHRISTIAN TO LIVE IN A SPIRIT OF FEAR IS CONDEMNED IN THE BIBLE
According to 1 John 4:17-181 John 4:17-18
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17 Herein is love made perfect with us, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as he is, even so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath punishment; and he that feareth is not made perfect in love.

WP-Bible plugin, fear subsides as one matures and as love grows. John tells us in Revelation 21:8Revelation 21:8
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
8 But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.

WP-Bible plugin that cowards will have their part in the lake of punishment! Mary was told by the angels, “Do not be afraid” (Luke 1:30Luke 1:30
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30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God.

WP-Bible plugin). The Hebrew writer encourages us, “The Lord is my Helper I will not fear what man can do to me” (13:5-6).
Christians don’t have to walk in constant fear of Satan because “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:41 John 4:4
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
4 Ye are of God, my little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.

WP-Bible plugin)! We have overcome the world (1 John 5:41 John 5:4
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4 For whatsoever is begotten of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that hath overcome the world, even our faith.

WP-Bible plugin)!

SATAN IS NOT OMNISCIENT (ALL KNOWING)!
The cross is evidence of this fact. If Satan were omniscient he would have known that the cross would be his undoing (1 Corinthians 2:6-81 Corinthians 2:6-8
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
6 We speak wisdom, however, among them that are fullgrown: yet a wisdom not of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who are coming to nought: 7 but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, even the wisdom that hath been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds unto our glory: 8 which none of the rulers of this world hath known: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory:

WP-Bible plugin). Therefore, rather than working to have Jesus crucified, he would have worked to keep Him from the cross! He must not have known the end result. He also does not know everything about humans.

SATAN IS NOT OMNIPOTENT (ALL POWERFUL)!
He could not afflict Job more than what He was allowed by God (Job 1:6-2:6Job 1:6-2:6
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
6 Now it came to pass on the day when the sons of God came to present themselves before Jehovah, that Satan also came among them. 7 And Jehovah said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered Jehovah, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. 8 And Jehovah said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? for there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and turneth away from evil. 9 Then Satan answered Jehovah, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? 10 Hast not thou made a hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath, on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11 But put forth thy hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will renounce thee to thy face. 12 And Jehovah said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thy hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of Jehovah. 13 And it fell on a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house, 14 that there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them; 15 and the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away: yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 16 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 17 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have taken them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 18 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house; 19 and, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 20 Then Job arose, and rent his robe, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped; 21 and he said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: Jehovah gave, and Jehovah hath taken away; blessed be the name of Jehovah. 22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. 2 1 Again it came to pass on the day when the sons of God came to present themselves before Jehovah, that Satan came also among them to present himself before Jehovah. 2 And Jehovah said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered Jehovah, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. 3 And Jehovah said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? for there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and turneth away from evil: and he still holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. 4 And Satan answered Jehovah, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. 5 But put forth thy hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will renounce thee to thy face. 6 And Jehovah said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thy hand; only spare his life.

WP-Bible plugin). He could not destroy the apostles without  “asking” God’s permission (Luke 22:31Luke 22:31
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31 Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat:  

WP-Bible plugin). According to John 10:28-29John 10:28-29
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28 and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who hath given them unto me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.

WP-Bible plugin, he can’t snatch the obedient believer from the protection of God. He can’t do what we won’t allow him! He can be overcome (1 John 2:12-141 John 2:12-14
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12 I write unto you, my little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. 13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye know him who is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the evil one. I have written unto you, little children, because ye know the Father. 14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye know him who is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the evil one.

WP-Bible plugin)!

SATAN IS NOT OMNIPRESENT (EVERYPLACE AT ONCE)!
James encourages us in James 4:7James 4:7
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
7 Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  

WP-Bible plugin that Satan flees when he is resisted. He waits outside for an opening to get into our lives (Genesis 4:7Genesis 4:7
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
7 If thou doest well, shall it not be lifted up? and if thou doest not well, sin coucheth at the door: and unto thee shall be its desire, but do thou rule over it.

WP-Bible plugin; 1 Peter 5:81 Peter 5:8
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour,  

WP-Bible plugin). He cannot inhabit our lives if we don’t allow it! He can also be driven out (Matthew 12:43-45Matthew 12:43-45
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
43 But the unclean spirit, when he is gone out of the man, passeth through waterless places, seeking rest, and findeth it not. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man becometh worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this evil generation.

WP-Bible plugin).

CONCLUSION:
Rather than living our lives in the fear of Satan, we should be living in the “joy of the Lord” (Matthew 25:21-23Matthew 25:21-23
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22 And he also that received the two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: lo, I have gained other two talents. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

WP-Bible plugin; Neh. 8:10Neh. 8:10
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10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye grieved; for the joy of Jehovah is your strength.

WP-Bible plugin)! Christians are more powerful than Satan because of the One who dwells in us (1 John 4:41 John 4:4
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
4 Ye are of God, my little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.

WP-Bible plugin)! The fox is not a threat to the chickens unless he is allowed into the coup! Satan is not a threat to us unless we let down our guard and allow him to return to our “empty house” (Matt. 12:43-45Matt. 12:43-45
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
43 But the unclean spirit, when he is gone out of the man, passeth through waterless places, seeking rest, and findeth it not. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man becometh worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this evil generation.

WP-Bible plugin).

–Paul Holland

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How to save your marriage

Posted on May 14, 2013 by howtobesaved@abiblecommentary.com

All of us who are married want to be happy. No one says “I do”, wanting a 4-cylinder marriage after a V-8 romance, much less expecting to be divorced one day. What can we do – what can you do – to be a “happy couple”?

A Women’s Health magazine article on Foxnews.com gives several pointers. Its author, Shelia Monaghan, offers these suggestions: Pretend you just met. In other words, go out on dates and talk about something other than the normal, daily mundane topics. Second, don’t watch too many romance movies. She makes a good point here – it’s almost similar to pornography for men. Magazines and movies create unreal expectations which normal people – rather than staged scenes with actors and actresses – cannot fulfill. That creates fake “magical moments” that are unsustainable and impossible to fulfill.

Third, be a beauty to his beast. What she means is to be supportive of one another; invest in each other’s welfare. The apostle Paul will say it this way: “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4Phil. 2:3-4
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
3  doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself; 4 not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.

WP-Bible plugin). If there is any relationship in which these principles are important to live out, it is in the marriage relationship.

Fourth – control the booze. I’ve got a better suggestion – get rid of the booze. Nothing good ever comes out of hitting the bottle. Fifth, she suggests you “hold a grudge” as long as it doesn’t spill over into other areas of the relationship. This suggestion is anti-biblical and defies common sense. Who can argue or hold a grudge in one area and it not “spill over” into other areas? Actually, Paul tells us that forgiving as soon as possible is a better act of love: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice” (Eph. 4:31Eph. 4:31
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and railing, be put away from you, with all malice:

WP-Bible plugin). “Bitterness” here is “grudge.” Put it away.

Ms. Monaghan had five more suggestions but it seems to me that biblical principles on being a selfless, other-centered person is the best way to be a happy couple. If you want better application of biblical principles, I suggest a book by a former professor of mine, Magnificent Marriage: Ten Beacons Show the Way to Marriage Happiness.

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A mother’s day sermon

Posted on May 12, 2013 by howtobesaved@abiblecommentary.com

Mother’s Day 5/12/13

REVELATION 2:18-19REVELATION 2:18-19
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
18 And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like unto burnished brass: 19 I know thy works, and thy love and faith and ministry and patience, and that thy last works are more than the first.

WP-Bible plugin – TEXT
1)    God said he knew about the “works” of His people at Thyatira.
2)    In life a lot of the works – especially those done by moms – go unnoticed.
a)    There is not a single good act done by a mother which goes unnoticed by God.
b)    No matter how small a mom’s actions are or how early or late something is done, God knows about it.
3)    In the first part of verse 19 we also find the word “love.”
a)    For many the word “love” describes a good, nice, or warm feeling.
b)    When the Bible delves deeply into the subject of love, we find it being expressed as a verb.
4)    True love causes people to act and act in a good way.
5)    Some of what love causes people to do is explained by Paul in 1 Cor. 13.
a)    Paul said love “suffers long” (1 Cor. 13:41 Cor. 13:4
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
4 Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

WP-Bible plugin); this quality is practiced by good mothers.
b)    Love is “kind” (same verse), and we know good mothers try to excel at kindness.
c)    Good women try to avoid envy and boasting (1 Cor. 13:41 Cor. 13:4
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
4 Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

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d)    Good moms are mindful of the need to engage in selfless behavior (1 Cor. 13:51 Cor. 13:5
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
5 doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil;

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e)    Paul said true love is not “easily provoked” (1 Cor. 13:51 Cor. 13:5
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
5 doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil;

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f)    “Provoked” in 1 Cor. 13 has the sense of not flying into a state of rage or getting carried with anger.
g)    Love doe not “take account of evil” (1 Cor. 13:51 Cor. 13:5
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
5 doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil;

WP-Bible plugin) – with true love records of wrongs are expunged.
h)    Forgiveness is given and grudges are not held.
i)    Those with true love to do rejoice with unrighteousness (they take no pleasure in sin), 1 Cor. 13:61 Cor. 13:6
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
6 rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth;

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j)    This same verse says they “rejoice with the truth.”
6)    Mothers and others with true love “bear all things, believe, hope, and endure all things” (1 Cor. 13:71 Cor. 13:7
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
7 beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

WP-Bible plugin).
7)    FAITH – Rev. 2:19Rev. 2:19
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
19 I know thy works, and thy love and faith and ministry and patience, and that thy last works are more than the first.

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8)    Mary Jane Kurtz.
9)    Faith is a natural outgrowth from the love and works described by John in Rev. 2:19Rev. 2:19
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
19 I know thy works, and thy love and faith and ministry and patience, and that thy last works are more than the first.

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MINISTRY / SERVICE – REV. 2:19REV. 2:19
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
19 I know thy works, and thy love and faith and ministry and patience, and that thy last works are more than the first.

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1)    This word seems to describe the “level” or “degree” of a person’s service.
2)    God intends for Christians to have a certain level of commitment.
3)    This commitment means putting spiritual things first in life (Mt. 6:33Mt. 6:33
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
33 But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  

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4)    he end of this verse says these Christians became even busier as time passed.
5)    We have come to a time when many parents want to shirk their responsibly when it comes to their children.
6)    Prov. 22:6Prov. 22:6
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it.

WP-Bible plugin says children need to be “trained.”
7)    Deut. 6:7Deut. 6:7
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
7 and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

WP-Bible plugin speaks about “diligently training” our children.
8)    Eph. 6:4Eph. 6:4
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord.

WP-Bible plugin says fathers are to “nurture” their children.
9)    This kind of activity takes work.
a)    PATIENTCE – Rev. 2:19Rev. 2:19
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
19 I know thy works, and thy love and faith and ministry and patience, and that thy last works are more than the first.

WP-Bible plugin – “endurance in spite of hardships/difficulties.”
10)    When some of the first century Christians were persecuted, they were sometimes tempted to turn tail and run.
11)    God’s word teaches His people – and this includes parents – to endure difficult circumstances.
12)    Works, love, faith, service, and patience (endurance).
13)    If you are practicing these things, GREAT!
14)    If not, will you recognize the need for these things in your life and choose to begin pursing them today?

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How to train children

Posted on May 10, 2013 by howtobesaved@abiblecommentary.com

Two preadolescent children were hospitalized in northern Spain for “cell phone addiction.”  The director of the hospital’s center for adolescent psychiatry said the two children had their phones for about eighteen months and were using them non-stop.  Their parents did not restrain them, according to the director, and this incessant use lead to academic problems.
The students, ages 12 and 13, would have to be hospitalized up to two years.  The Spanish drug enforcement agency estimates that 10% of teenagers from Madrid are addicted to either the internet or cell phones.  In Spain, the average age for acquiring a cell phone is between ages 12-14 while “experts” suggest that teenagers not buy cell phones until they reach 16 years old.
That statement that the doctor made regarding parents not restraining their teenagers reminds me of the sons of Eli.  Their names were Hophni and Phineas and they were priests, men of God, mediators for the people. But they are also described as “worthless men” (1 Samuel 2:121 Samuel 2:12
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
12 Now the sons of Eli were base men; they knew not Jehovah.

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It is noteworthy that “worthless” in the New American Standard and English Standard versions (the NIV has “wicked”) translate the Hebrew which means literally, “sons of Belial” (cf. KJV).  “Sons of” is a Hebrew idiom that means “characterized by” or “having the qualities of”.  For example, Jesus tells us to become “sons of light” (John 12:36John 12:36
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
36 While ye have the light, believe on the light, that ye may become sons of light. These things spake Jesus, and he departed and hid himself from them.  

WP-Bible plugin). That is, we should believe in the light that we may be “characterized by light” or “have the qualities of light”.
“Belial” is a Hebrew word meaning “worthlessness” or “wickedness”.  So, Hophni and Phineas were two priests who were characterized by worthlessness.  Or, they had the qualities of being wicked.  These were two worthless and wicked sons.  They were not boys; they were men.
Why were they worthless and wicked? For starters, though they were priests, the text goes on to say “they did not know the LORD”. That is, while they knew about Jehovah, they did follow His ways. That’s the sense in which they did not know the Lord.  The historian gives us an example of their wickedness in that they extorted from the people while they sacrificed (2:13-16).  In that way, they “despised the offering [i.e., the worship] of the Lord” (vs 17).
The historian tells us that Hophni and Phineas “lay with the women who served at the doorway of the tent of meeting” (vs 22). These were supposedly men of God – but they are guilty of flagrant immorality, abusing their position as priests.  Eli gave the two men a mild rebuke, but “they would not listen to the voice of their father” (vs 25).
God sent a prophet, his name we do not know, who rebukes Eli and foretells that his sons would both die in one day (vs 34). “Why do you kick at My sacrifice and at My offering which I have commanded in My dwelling, and honor your sons above Me, by making yourselves fat with the choicest of every offering of My people Israel?” (vs 29).
It does not seem that Eli was guilty of the wickedness in which his sons thrived but he was guilty, according to God, of one error relative to his fatherhood. God tells Samuel in chapter three: “For I have told him [Eli] that I am about to judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knew, because his sons brought a curse on themselves and he did not rebuke them” (3:13). Other translations use the word restrain. The verb can also mean “set one right”.
Eli’s mistake as a father was that he did not tell his kids “no”.  We are living in an extremely permissive society today. It’s not always easy being a parent. Knowing when to say “yes” and when to say “no” is a challenge sometimes. Too many “no’s” can squelch a child’s drive, energy and inquisitive nature. Too many “yes’s” can turn a selfless five-year-old into a selfish fifteen-year-old.
A good dose of moral instruction from God’s word and a healthy dose of common sense (18 months talking on a cell phone?) will help the Christian parent have the wisdom to say “yes” and “no” when each is appropriate.
“The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother” (Proverbs 29:15Proverbs 29:15
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom; But a child left to himself causeth shame to his mother.

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-Paul Holland

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What is an act of God

Posted on May 9, 2013 by howtobesaved@abiblecommentary.com

A woman’s house in Bowie County, Texas burned down in late March. That is not all that unusual. It is the method of its burning that is unusual. A spokesman for the Sherriff’s department gave the details.

The woman saw a snake in the grass outside her home. She obtained some gasoline and poured it on the snake. Then she set the snake of fire. Unfortunately, the snake did something the woman had not anticipated. It slithered into a pile of brush close to the house, setting it on fire. That brush fire then set the house on fire. Several fire departments responded to the scene but the house could not be saved.

That is sad. I wonder how the insurance company responded. That clearly is not an act of God. Do insurance companies take into account “acts of Satan”? After all, it was a snake.

Sometimes we do the same thing with our tongues. We think we are doing something only for the moment but the fire we spark by saying the wrong thing or with the wrong tone or wrong attitude can burn down our house.

James brings these two ideas together in James 3. First, he writes in verse 5: “the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.” It only takes a spark to get a fire going… Then in verse 8, he brings in the imagery of the snake: “no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”

The mentality that creates this flaming poison is identified by Paul in Galatians 5:20Galatians 5:20
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties,

WP-Bible plugin as “outbursts of wrath/anger” (NKJV; NASV) or “fits of anger/rage” (ESV/NIV).

To avoid burning our house down through the poison of our fiery tongue, we must exercise self-control. As my dad would say, “We’ve got to put our mind into gear before we put our mouth in to motion.” Taste your words first. Are they going to have the impact that you intend for them to have? Are they going to build up or tear down? Are they going to improve the situation or worsen the situation?

Don’t throw flames with your tongue. You may burn your house down.

–Paul Holland

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The parable of the Good Samaritan

Posted on May 8, 2013 by howtobesaved@abiblecommentary.com

A Third-Mile Christian

            Under Roman law, any official of the state or the army could draft any citizen into service for the moment – but not more than one mile out of the way. Jesus alludes to this law in Matthew 5:41Matthew 5:41
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go one mile, go with him two.

WP-Bible plugin: “if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” Simon of Cyrene was compeled to carry Jesus’ cross. In Matthew 5:41Matthew 5:41
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go one mile, go with him two.

WP-Bible plugin, Jesus asks us to do the extra for one another. To be ready to sacrifice time and energy to be helpful to those who are in need. The Christian ought not to take a yard stick and say, “Here ends the mile. I will go no further.”

To illustrate this same principle, in Luke 10:25-29Luke 10:25-29
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
25 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and made trial of him, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 26 And he said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? 27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. 28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. 29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor?

WP-Bible plugin, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan with which we are quite familiar. When asked what the two greatest commandments were, by a lawyer wanting to excuse his own racial prejudice, Jesus responded that the second was: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

To answer the next question the lawyer proposed: “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus gives us the story of the Samaritan. The road to Jericho was about 18 miles of mostly desolate mountainous terrain. By the time of the great biblical scholar, Jerome, in the 4th century, it was known as the “Bloody Way.” The priest and the Levite walked by on the other side.

The Samaritan – the last individual expected to be “good” by Jesus’ audience – began his act of kindness in his heart. The text says when he saw the injured man, he “had compassion” (10:33). That’s where Christianity starts – in the heart. This compassion led the Samaritan to act like a Christian – he “bound up his wounds.” Being a “good neighbor” is a self-evident behavior. If you see a need, you fill it.

The Samaritan continued his act of compassion by going the second mile. He took time out of his day and schedule to load the injured man on his own animal and brought him to the inn. There, he took care of him. That is “second-mile” Christianity. If Jesus had stopped there, we would be impressed with the Samaritans compassion, his concern, and his interest. We would have said, “You did well.”

But then the Samaritan went one step further than even that. The next day, he told the inn keeper, “Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back,” giving him two denarii. That’s two days’ wages. Equivalent of a few hundred dollars. It would have paid for basic room and board for about two weeks. The good Samaritan went the third mile. It is obvious that his eye, his heart, his hand, and his foot as well as his wallet were all subservient to the law and expectations of God.

There are two sides of the road – the side of indifference and apathy and the side of compassion and service. Which side of the road are you traveling?

–Paul Holland

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How God helps us

Posted on May 7, 2013 by howtobesaved@abiblecommentary.com

The patriarch of old, Job, uttered words of despair that have emanated from the human heart since earliest of times: “Man, who is born of woman, is short-lived and full of turmoil” (14:1). Is your heart and mind in turmoil? We sometimes are so confused, so disoriented about which way to go, we do not even know what is in our own hearts.

Sometimes, we are so confounded – Do we take this course or that one? – What are the repercussions of this decision? That decision? We try to play a chess game in our minds with our lives. In chess, you think several moves in advance and anticipate how the other person will respond. We try that in life. We think into the future and say to ourselves, “If I make this decision, then this will happen…” “If I make that decision, this will likely happen…”

But when the dust settles at the end of the day – stirred up by all the confusing thoughts running through our minds – we still lay our head on the pillow, sometimes crying ourselves to sleep, not knowing what decision to make. We often can’t even read our own hearts and don’t know exactly what to pray to the Father. Our faith is there; the words just are not. We don’t know what to even verbalize.

Enter the Holy Spirit. Among the blessings and assurances God gives us that He cares and will provide for our needs is the promise of Divine Intercession recorded in Romans 8:26-27Romans 8:26-27
English: American Standard Version (1901) - ASV
26 And in like manner the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered; 27 and he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.  

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“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

Paul writes here that the Holy Spirit knows our hearts, even when we do not know what to pray for as we ought. He intercedes for us since God knows the mind of the Spirit. Consequently, the Spirit intercedes for us. God will not, however, do anything in violation of His will. He answers our prayers in accordance with, in harmony with His will.

So, the next time you are “down in the dumps” and don’t know what to say or how to pray. Remind yourself that God does. In the next verse, Paul also gives us this promise: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

–Paul Holland

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