Thursday, August 31, 2006

Love is a verb by Bob Longo


In an effort to both provide more varied content. As wells as further exsposure to Christian writers everywhere. I will be posting material by various brothers and sisters in Christ from time to time.

I now present Love is a verb by Mr Bob Longo.

Enjoy!

Clyde

That’s right Love is something we do. In the world we live in today, you may find that hard to believe. We watch TV, read a book; even the music we listen to, leads us to believe that love is a chemical reaction, or a feeling that is uncontrollable. When we fall in love, we will hear sirens, whistlers, and see skyrockets. When we find “that certain someone”, we want to be with him or her all the time. The strong magical bond of love holds us together, and makes us inseparable. As if this “feeling called love“, is some kind of emotional super glue.


Unfortunately, statistics indicate otherwise. The divorce rate in the US is about 49%; our super glue is starting to sound more like a super lubricant. Before anyone begins to think I’m some sort of marriage counselor looking for business, I’m not. I am a sinner and as the saying goes, been there, done that, got the t-shirt. The objective is to share what I have learned from my mistakes, and more importantly, what God tells us in the Bible.

So, if love isn’t sirens, whistles, and fireworks; what is it? 1John 4:16 seems like a great place to start, it tells us, “God is love”. Since God is love, without God there is no love. It follows that we need God to have love in a relationship. Where should we start? Fist and foremost we need a personal relationship with God. Second, if we’re talking about a romantic relationship with someone of the opposite sex here on earth, we need God it that relationship too. In 2Corinthians 6:14 God tells us “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers”. This is a very important item. If you are not both true believers, you will encounter many stumbling blocks. Your relationship will be like trying to do a paint by numbers kit, with both of you using a different number-to-color chart. From the beginning of the relationship, make God the dominant figure, pray together; study the Bible together, not just on the Lord’s Day, but every day.

The Bible (KJV) mentions the word love 311 times in 281 verses. Let us see what we can learn about love from God’s word. The first place we find an example of romantic love in the Bible starts Genesis 29 and continues through chapter 50. Jacob falls in love with Rachel. He works seven years for her father to receive her as his bride, only to find out that he must first marry Leah, Rachel’s older sister. Jacob then works another seven years for Rachel’s hand in marriage. What a great sacrifice, fourteen years Jacob worked for Rachel. But Jacob was not the only one to sacrifice. What about Leah? She was hated by Jacob (Gen 29:31). Didn’t she sacrifice a lot for Jacob’s love? She stayed married to Jacob until her death; she bore him six sons and a daughter. Leah even traded her son’s mandrakes so she could spend time with Jacob. It appears by the story of Jacob, the LORD is telling us; in order to love we must sacrifice for the other person. Another thing the LORD teaches as we continue the story is that we must forgive. Even as Esau forgave Jacob, and Joseph forgave his brothers.

Does God tell us whom we should love? In Matthew 22:36-38 we read “ Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.” God should be our first love, But how should we should we show our love for God? God tells us in Exodus 20:6 “And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments,” And again in John 14:15 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Again, God is telling us we must sacrifice; abandon our fleshly desires and obey his commands to show love him.

Does the Bible tell us to love anyone else? Over thirty times the Bible tells us to love our neighbors, one another or our enemies. The Bible says to forgive as in Matthew 6:12 “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” God tells us of the importance of forgiveness in Matthew 6:14-15 “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” How many times should we forgive? “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21)

To love we must take action (Love is a verb).

How does this work into our daily lives?

One, Put God first in your life; “ We love him, because he first loved us. (1John4:19)

Second, If your looking for a spouse, look for a true believer you can share your love of God with. 2Corinthians 6:14 “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers”.

Third, Sacrifice, Give of yourself, your time, put your loved ones first. Remember, it’s not about you.

Forth, Forgive, “say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21), And after you have forgiven don’t bring the subject up again. God shows us this by example in Isaiah 43:25: I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

Fifth, Pray, alone, and together, 1 Thessalonians 5:17: “Pray without ceasing.”

Last, But surely not least; Read and Study the bible, Romans 10:17, So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.


God bless you all

rglongo@comcast.net


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Monday, August 28, 2006

The Empty Nest


This has been a busy week for us. Cumulating tomorrow afternoon when we drive our daughter, our only child, to the college of her choice in Massachusetts.

Wow, this came fast! I'll spare you the reminiscing and probably the tears. I would council you to hold them and love them while you can. The last 18 years have just flown by. Of Course we will worry, probably every free moment we get.

We long ago gave her over to the Lord, and he has done a great job leading us forward to this day.

We will place our trust in our Creator and His promise as stated in Proverbs 22:6 ;
"Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it. '

I would like to ask you all to pray for us on our journey. Oh yeah, for our safety on the trip to and fro as well.

God Bless

C & C

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Thursday, August 24, 2006

1 Tim 2:12 Culturally Relative or Eternal Precedence


The First Baptist Church of Watertown NY has created a controversy in the media with its firing of a long time Sunday school teacher on the grounds she is a women. The mainstream media is of course all over the gender aspect of this story.

My question is, does First Baptist Church have it right? Does the Bible teach that women are not to teach men as a guide line to be followed by all churches or was this teaching meant only for the church at Ephesus?

CNN Report
Fox News Report


The Ephesian Church at the time of Paul's instructions to Timothy was ripe with false teachers and heresies. Timothy was to restrain (1 Tim 1:3) these false teachers on the grounds that they taught out of vain self interests (1 Tim 6:3-4)

Paul in his second letter to Timothy makes a point of saying some of the women of the church were being swayed by these false teachers. (2 Tim 3:6-9)

He includes a sanction against younger women of the church who had corrupted their witness for the sake of earthly things. (1 Tim 5:11-15)

Understanding both of these facts also explains Pauls call for women of the Ephesian church to silence. (1 Tim 2:11)



Comparing the typical first century woman with the women of today from an educational background, we can easily see a cultural trend. That being the women of today are far better educated, thus equipped to teach. The first century women not so much.

Allowing the Bible to interrupt itself we see instances of women teaching men (Acts 18:26) and prophesying. (1 Cor 11:5 and Acts 21:8-9)

I think the Bible is clear on the issue of women teaching, even teaching men. They are allowed to teach, even men. 1 Timothy 2:12 then would be for the Ephesian Church of the time and not a precedence for time immemorial.

What do you think?

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Monday, August 21, 2006

Courting or Dating, it's your call...


I had occasion recently to speak with a young friend of ours about her
failures at finding a boyfriend let alone a decent guy. She lamented her nearly flawless record of picking "losers".

I was appalled by not only the behaviors of some of her boyfriends,
but even more so by what she would tolerate. All in the name of having a guy
to call her own.

It seems to me that this is an all to common malady in our highly
sexualized society. You can not turn around today, sometimes literally, without bumping up against some sexual reference or imagery. Take for insistence the products being advertised on our public airways. You can have your dinner and learn what is available in the way of enhancements all at the same time. In today's society love equals sex, but sex does not equal love.

An off shoot of these societal norms, is the belief that it is better to experience as many intimate relationships as possible. How else are you to know if you and your current partner are "compatible". Understand this compatibility spoken of is sexual and has nothing to do with true compatibility. This is the Dating model.

The Dating model leads to an individual "experiencing" many partners and many broken relationships. The longer this cycle of failure persists the more it becomes the norm, to the determent of marriage. Once a person establishes that relationships are throw away, wedding vows are just words.

The Courting model allows the perspective couple to get to know each other in a protected and monitored environment, always seeking His guidance. In this way saving physical and emotional intimacy for the spouse to be. Seems to me that this is a much saner model.

The relationship of greatest import is that which we have with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Concentrating on your relationship with Jesus and trusting in Him to provide a marriage partner.

I have counselled our young friend along these lives. She has agreed to read Josh Harris' book I Kissed Dating Goodbye. I will provide the book, Carole and I the council, but its God who provides you a mate. Why accept
anyone else?

Related Resources
Focus on the Family Dating and Courtship
Mary Mohler's Modeling Modesty
Eternal Prespective Ministries on sexual purity

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Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Happy Birthday


HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY Kiddo!


We couldn't be more proud of you.
The song lyrics below say it far better than we ever could.
All our love,

Mom and Dad



It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth
And If I never told you
I want you to know
As I watch you grow

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh, but more than memories

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

It's not living if you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings


Mark Harris
The Line between the Two
Integrity Music - 2005

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Israel-Hezbollah Cease Fire


The cease fire between Israel and Hezbollah has almost completed its second day.

A fragile peace its been with skirmishes highlighting the first dayt. All the
while waiting for the UN peacekeepers to arrive.

The United Nations peace keeping forces. Not exactly what Jesus had in mind
when he stated in The Sermon on the Mount;

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9 KJV


The UN has a dismal record in regards to its peace keeping roles. The list of
failures is long. Angola, Kashmir, Congo, Haiti, Kosovo, Bosnia,
Somalia, Sierra Leone and on it goes.

Add to this a lack of accountability leading to corruption and violence even murder
and you can see why I am skeptical of a lasting peace.

James said
Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:18 NIV


From here it looks like the UN peacekeeping efforts have been a dismal failure.

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Sunday, August 06, 2006

Israel - Hezbollah is it just? Continued...


Originally I did not think this topic would warrant a second article. After reading a couple of comments and re-reading the first message, my thinking has changed.

Not because I disagree necessarily with what I am hearing, but that the first article was written before I had completely formed my opinion.

It is a fact that Hezbollah, which is an elected part of the Lebanese government, is in violation of the Geneva convention regarding its utter disregard of the Lebanese civilian population. Protocol I, Art. 51 sec. 7, makes it a violation to use civilians as human shields. Protocol I, Art. 37 sec. 1, likewise disallows blending into the civilian population.

Israel on the other hand is guilty of indiscriminate bombing resulting in the destruction of innocent civilians. See Protocol I, Art. 57 sec. 2b and Protocol I Art. 85, sec. 3.

See the Geneva Conventions for yourself

If the argument were purely secular, the international community has a case against both combatants.

That however is not the concern of this article. The concern of this article is does Israel have just cause to pursue and is it executing this war in a just manner?

I would ask you to be consistent on your thinking, applying the same standard, His standard to both sides. To lay aside any eschatological bias. The lives of thousands of our Christian brothers and sisters depend on it.

Does the Israeli government have the right to defend its population? Certainly, just read Romans 13. Not only do they have the right, but the obligation. That is unquestioned.

Israel's actions have brought me to the conclusion that they are waging a war of hatred, revenge and using excessive force with no regard to the civilian population.

Lebanon has more Christians than any other Middle Eastern country. Our Christian brothers and sisters.

Quoting an article titled "Another point of view : Evangelical blindness" by Martin Accad, Academic Dean of the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Lebanon written for Christianity Today;

"According to the Lebanese health minister, Israel is even using phosphoric bombs, which are forbidden under international conventions! Are my people to consider Iran more dangerous than this? Are we safely in good hands with such actions? Come with me to Beirut and see how inoffensive Israel is.

Read the article here

A phosphoric bomb is a weapon that bursts into flames and has been referred to as a chemical weapon.

Again quoting Martin Accad, from a follow up article for Christianity Today titled "Who is my neighbor";
"Examples are endless, but the point is that whenever an armed force carries out military operations so indiscriminate that they repeatedly result in the killing of non-combatant civilians, these should be called "terrorist" acts. On the Lebanese front, the media says that about 35 Israeli and more than 350 Lebanese non-combatants have been killed, with hundreds more injured and hundreds of thousands displaced. Ms. Ansari, Middle East and North Africa program director of Save the Children, U.K., said her "contacts in Lebanon reckoned that up to 45 percent of the casualties were youths." That is about 150 children, up to one hundred families left childless. All of these are acts of terror, and they are still going on, and the international community has been unable (or rather unwilling) to take a decisive stance by calling for a ceasefire."

Read the article here

What of Hezbollah? They are with very poor accuracy firing missiles into Nazareth! Home of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Killing without care Christian, Jew and Muslim, Arab and Jew.

I find no justice, no righteousness in this conflict. Only wanton destruction and uncalled for death.

There can never be lasting peace in the Middle East without the Prince of Peace himself!

Quoting the Apostle Paul ; How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? Romans 10:14 NIV

If we allow the continued self-destruction of Israel and Lebanon, Christ church in the region will suffer along with the region.

What can you or I do you might ask? PLENTY! Again quoting Martin Accad ; PRAY!!!

1) Pray for the displaced, injured, and mourning who are living in areas that are being subjected daily to heavy shelling.

2) Pray that the Church in Lebanon will be "salt and light" to the community, that God would be glorified in all that is said and done.

3) Go to the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary website and ask them for their regular updates on the relief efforts.

4) Find out which other organizations are doing relief work in Lebanon and get involved in moral and financial support.

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