PressThrough

If we as Christians are never rebuked by the way's of the world, then that tell's me that there is really no change and people don't see you as a threat to their lifestyle. Winning the trials through persecution, or rejection, makes for the Joy unspeakable; as God's Character is being built up in us.

That being a friend and servant of God' is exactly like He said. And to count the trials as Joy for Christ is Character is being built up in me as I over come the fiery darts of those I reach out to In Jesus Name.

The danger is in becoming like that which we are trying to avoid apart from Christ. Persecution is a very hard word, and I don't think it applies to my life, but suffering Yes. But Distracted by Persecution. No, I think not. Now our Military men and women over in Iraq; I think fit this question. Now I don't know if those being held captive are Christians, but they are obeying the Government and are being Persecuted as we know Christian have been in the past, by what The Word of God say's, and because they are there trying to help those being Persecuted (The Nation) to be able to live life with out Totalitarian Dictatorship to keep them inline with tolerating abuse and starving to death from and because of their own Government, and even each other because they are afraid....... Ok, I'll finnish the thought or my heart on it: I think they are afraid, no not going there. I'll say this though, that fear is not of God. If one is afraid then they are walking in the flesh with the concerns of the flesh. I get scared sometimes, for instense, the other day after a call for help messege went across the television screen for people to help find a missing 9 year old boy. I went for a walk to at least cover this area, and I freaked myself out when I thought I saw a hand through a window in a local market. But I worked myself up to be afraid by thoughts of "what if", as I stared into the window to make sure of what I was seeing, for the lighting was dim. I determined that it was not a hand because it didn't even look like one. You see after I first saw in the window I picked it out and then after debating with my self on what it was, the worst thoughts came and I got scared, because "what if" it was the boy, then what? Is someone near by to harm me as well? I completed the walk of the area in which I determined to cover, and never found anything out of order. I also have not heard another word on the boy. I Pray that he was found unharmed. I think this story does give a good example of the tricks we play on our minds when our minds are not on God and the things of God. I started out with holding The Holy Spirits hand, but ended up letting go and trying to figure it out myself. I was doing a good thing by looking for the boy, but when thought's apart from God came into the picture, I lost it. My composure in the Lord left me.

In all things we are to give God the Glory for; as it is God who gave it to us.

When I was a non-Christian I didn't really think of giving an account to any body for my sins. I didn't care. I can't speak for anybody else because I never asked them this question. As a Christian I like being accountable and having other's to talk to about my poor choises that lead to depression and what not. Because by talking to other's I am able to get it out and it doesn't grow in my Spirit and cause me to become bitter. By doing this I am enabled to receive feedback, that helps me identify the root cause of the sin and call it out, and move on, in Christ. Hallelujah. <<<This responce covers the last 2 questions of Q.3. As for why Christian's don't like the idea of being accountable, I can only speculate from what I have heard and seen in certain Christians that I tried to have fellowship with in Christ. I think they are affraid. They're not receiving the Word right and don't believe that which is contrary to what they want to do, so they try to disprove the Word and let fear rule them in their walk. They don't want to be corrected, because it causes them to get real and they may have to change something.

As the old adage goes "misery loves company", oh, and what a prise (so they think) if "one" should tempt a Christian to fall back, they use our slip ups to justify their own behavior. If a christian is tempted and goes there, then they are walking in the flesh. How to resist temptation:>>>2 Corinthians 10:5 ....Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Amen

The attitudes we are here exhorted to be like are in by dieing to sin, living to God, sobriety, prayer, charity, hospitality, and the best improvement of our talents.

When I repented of my sins and asked Jesus to forgive me and to come into my life and guide me through The Holy Spirit into all understanding of His Word, I accepted the responsibility of spreading the Gospel, and living a life suitable to Our Father as His diciple. My Baptism with water symbolised my understanding of The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus and the surrender of that which I repented of, and willingness to emulate Him.

Reconciliation with God! Being with Him in Spirit: that is actualize Him from my inward senses of Taste, Touch, Smell, Sight, and Hearing. To draw even nearer in an intimate relationship with God I must use all of my senses, and walk in obedience to my Father on Earth as it is in Heaven!

Being actively guilty of that which you are testifying of, makes it hard to be a witness when under trial of it. And so although the same err would be easy to identify in somebody else, it makes that person out to be a hypocrite if they should say anything to correct the situation. Having a clear conscience will defeat any kind of accusation that may come your way at anytime, and also qualifies one to correct another.

Hmmm. I am not a member (so to say) of a local Church Building, but I do visit which ever ones I do because I desire to be active in the Church in my Community. Up to this point I have not been planted in one because of the lack of what God say's in 1Pt 3:8,9, and not only a lack there. For some part they all have some of those qualities, but I tell you, if something is an abomination to the Lord, then it is an abomination to me and I will not subject myself to it. All of the qualities mentioned here: 1Pe 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 1Pe 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. are needed. I can not change the climate in those churches myself. It must be a group effort. And as far as effort goes, this shouldn't be a hard thing to accomplish if every member really had a heart for Christ. I am wearied by the church. I am also sorry to say it, but it is so. I would love nothing more than for every believer to believe God and obey Him, rather than people trying to disprove the Word and bringing their false doctrine in. Even here at home. I live in a big building and there are people who say that they love God, but also say they don't believe all of the Word. Sheeesh. Where do I go?

For two people in a relationship to treat one or the other wrongly, then it takes the focus off doing the will of Father, and puts it on self.

A husband should relate to his wife with knowledge and wisdom because it is according to the gospel. This manner of living is about love because God is love and it is to the best interest of everyone to live by such standards. I think men try to dominate wowmen to keep them at a status lesser then them and this creates rebellion and disrespect for the man, and tears apart the relationship. Both man and woman where made in Gods image and for one to dominate the other then there is not wholeness in the body of Christ; one member working in harmony with the other.

Inner beauty comes from being secure with who you are as a child of God'. Character is built up by perseverance under pressure. Perseverance shows God a steady persistence in adhering to your purpose in life; which is to Glorify God in all circumstances. This state of Grace also shows stabilty to the husband.

This may sound wierd, but when I am not feeling well, I will spend some extra time on the outward appearance and I feel better; some how my spirit is lifted. It's not that anyone will see me, by chance they might, but that's not my reason for doing it. (As I wrote my responce here, it came to me that by doing this (bathing, and getting dressed in my Sunday's best, and a little makeup), that it is spiritual, for the act of doing it took my focus off of being sick and I became able to Praise God for I wasn't concerned about that headache or how ill I was feeling.) Looking at scripture: 1Ti 2:9 we are told to adorn ourselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array, But with 1Ti 2:10... good works. Now looking at Isa 3:24 And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty. So yes we are to be clean, and can wear some perfume. Our apparil should be that of neatness, so as to not draw attention to ourselves. And yes we should take care of our hair, we just don't have to go to extremes with it and innerweave gold into the braids as this was a common thing with women of loose morals. As far as makeup goes, I think modesty is the key. If a little helps even out the color for public appearances, then I think it's ok. Any other accentuations is for the husbands pleasure<<<who is the God-head of the family). We represent our Father in heaven, and He is Exquisit, and His creation is beautiful and easy to look at<<<<That is why we should try to look our best. Trying to look our best by adorning ourselves with gold and silver and loose clothing (I'm talking about the lack of clothes or extremely tight fitting), and sparkling eye lids, is for drawing attention to ourselves. It even suggest's to me the hiding of the true self. It is a distraction, like: look at what I have on and see what my body looks like, but don't see the inner me because maybe they don't feel beautiful about who they are, or even know that they are beautiful to God. (exception>>it is ok behind closed doors for your husband) The balance is in motivation. Who are you doing it for and for who's Glory? If we read the scripture and obey God, then we know that we must take care of our selves in modesty, daily. We just don't go over board so as to make that what is important. All that God created is already ours and is beautiful in it's natural form, so why exploit it and give all your attention to getting it? Store up for yourselves Treasures in Heaven, that nobody can come in and steal, and that doesn't rust, and that moth's can't eat, and which come from the heart.

Mental and Physical Abuse, that is lies, head games, beatings, rape (to name a few). And mostly someone pretending to love and follow Christ just to win your heart and then turn away from Jesus after the marriage ceremony and start treating you like crap because they think you have to take it and even telling you that they really don't believe in Jesus - afterwards, makes it difficult to say the least in submitting to the person behaving in this manner. I don't think silence about something that can be improved is being submissive. There is a time and place for every conversation. If "one" is not aloud respect in giving their opinion, then that sounds more like oppression to me and not submission. Submission is wrong when the provoking of it causes "one" to get out of line with God.

If "one" is still struggeling with the power of sin in their life after having received Jesus as their Savior, then they are still operating according to the flesh and understanding thereof. We don't deal with sin. Let it die by putting it off, have no concern with it, and forget it, and move on in The Holy Spirit, leaning on God' understanding, and depend on The Holy Spirit for specific guidance. Rejoice and be Happy in The Lord. Live the Will of God, with God!!! Hallelujah, Amen!!!

I decided to do a word search of the word "significance" and although uncertain of it's origin, it is believed to be of Latin origin from the word "Titos", meaning a christian. Looking in the American Heritage College Dictionery - 3rd edition, it is the state or quality of being significant - meaningful. This word study kindly reminded me, although I did not forget, in this instance that: Me - A Christian, whom God foreknew, took it personally - my sins, upon Himself, because He knows my worth and oh how much love is between us and that surrounds us. He did it to fulfill the law once and for all, that I may be presented at Judgement Day as forgiven and purified of my state of being while living according to my own understanding, that I was once lost in. So there would be no more rememberance of it. That means that I should forget it too, and be the new creature, His child, that He went through this for. My Father Loves me and I take it personally that He did this for me, that I may be free. Hallelujah, oh Praise God. Oh, the pain that He endured for me, is very personal, awesome, and well Joy Unspeakable!!!

For reproof, correction, and for instruction in righteousness. Jesus suffered in torment of His being for me on that cross. He could only stand this because He is Love in it's purest form. He is God! Amen

Jesus suffered for me through beatings, slanders, scorgings, and apostacy of those who knew the Truth.

Q4. (2:21-23) How does Christ's example speak to your situation? I must not be shocked or moved off of my foundation in Christ by the insults and physical violence of others, for I have been called into this; for Christ also suffered for me, being an example to follow. Suffering will come as a result from being different (set apart unto Christ), and I am to count the trials as Joy, for Christ is being built up in me as a result of enduring in all humility. How is your behavior going to be different because of what you see in Jesus' character in this passage? I will be humble, with a servant attitude; being found blameless of slanders as a result.

As quoted from 1Pet 2:20 kjv ...when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. Christians are not to be complainers in the sense of how the wiles of satan work, which beset us. If we complain to our boss or other's that do us wrong, then we have not the mind of Christ; Who did not say a word when falsley accused. He did not go around gossiping and backbitting about those wrongs to others either, so as to be like them. He indured this grief and was found blameless. He did this to fulfill and bring an end to the law/Torah, so that we may live as free men and women, following His example and guidance in all this world would dish out to us. So that we may in turn bring light into the darkness for those seeking the way of Truth/ Life. We bring our complaint to God, not to complain at God, but for His cosolation. It is helpful to remember that it is not flesh and blood that we restle with, but with the powers and principalities of darkness. Doing this will help us to see whom ever is doing us wrong with the eyes and heart of God. I quit most of my jobs because of unfair treatment from either bosses or co-workers. I thought well there are plenty more jobs where this came from, and I would just leave, or never go back. I see now (not just now) how I was wrong and only proved to them that I didn't have what it takes to remain: stability (stay-ability). Although I do not now physically work for a pay check, because in my ignorance I ruined my body, from a vehicle accident, and by getting envolved in relationships with abusive people. I still at times, in which I am so ashamed, react in a harsh way to the slanders of people I testify of God to. I take it very personally. It hurts me to the core to hear the lies against God, and sometimes when it hits home because of something I did do, but have repented over and turned from. I get so angry and moved off of my foundation, acting just like the attacker. Then I'm sickened because although I did no wrong at first. I end up on my knees in repentance again, because I missed another chance for to bring Gods Light into the situation, and possibly winning another for Christ, but in a twisted sort of way I end up justifying there behavior to them and they go on attacking people and God through them, and never looking at their own behavior.

Q2. (2:18) If we are to submit to our employers and respect them, what is that saying about God's expectation that we do a good job? That we be found blameless against the false accusations of foolish men. In what sense do we dishonor God when we don't give our full effort to our jobs? Being that The will of God is, to a good man, the strongest reason for any duty; as stated also in an exposition by Henry. If we do not give our full efforts to our jobs, then we are not reverent towards God!

By me being in obedience to God will cause the pagans who see me and have heard my testimony to glorify God in His coming. Glory Be To God!!! God gets hurt when we turn our backs on Him because He loves us and wants only the best for us. He knows where we lead our selves, that's why He corrects us. He wishes that none perish in the firery depths of hell. Hallelujah!!! He Himself went through so much pain in His walk on earth and death on the Cross; to lead us into the light, freeing our spirits so that we may live in all confidence of Him, and looking forward to our Heavenly Kingdom. Praise God!!! If we should turn our backs on Him after having once tasted His Graciousness, then it's like we're telling Him we don't need Him after all He's done for us. It's like saying I love you but don't trust you now that life is better, so I am going to do it my way. God Forbid!!! We are to be examples to the unbeliever and babes in Christ, by living a Holy life in submission and obedience to God. So as to be a light for the lost in Christ, showing them the way through the darkness to Home in Gods Glory. Amen

1 Pet 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. <<<I can't explain this any clearer for the first part of this question. Blending into the way's of the world detract's from Gods' praise, for one because it's the exact opposite of His guidance and there for "one" would be given up and over to a reprobate mind, in which they were appointed. For two because nonbelievers wouldn't see any change and there by continue to think that doing life their way is fine, never turning to God.