DrD

We are to gladly support our aged family members. . . This is something we would do even as an unbeliever - so as a believer it should be something that we willingly and cheerfully do. . . This is (caring for aging family members) is a form of honoring them and in a sense repaying them for what they have done for us - and is well pleasing in God's sight. . . Believers that refuse to aide or support aged family members are not only compared to unbelievers - but are considered to be worst than an unbeliever. . .

To pay attention to what we are doing (engaging soul and spirit) - to be persisitent and endure - and to be thankful to God for what He has already done as well as for the promises He has given - knowing that He will manifest them in our lives. . . Puttimng these principles into practice will positivelt affect our prayer life. . . The problems they will overcome would be to over any lack of faith we might have - ingratitude - or our unwillingness to serve. . .

There must be an inward change as well as the presence and influence of the Spirit of God to produce godliness in a person. . . Strong examples of godliness in Church leaders is important because people that follow certain people tend to memic their behavior and lifestyle. Righteousness begets righteousness - unrighteous behavior has the same effect. . . 2 Thessalonians 3:6-7 (NKJV) 6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you;

The instructions Paul gives to employers is a reminder of their responsibility to their employees - basically that they should have a greater concern for their employees that their bottom line. . . They should treat their employees with dignity and respect - pay them an honest wage and benefits. . . If these things were to be done the atmosphere at the work place would change drastically - employees attitudes would be such that the quality of the product would be such that it would result in that company being successful. . .

We are to do our best at all things and at all times because ultimately, as servants of Christ, our attempt is to demonstrate His presence in our lives. . . We are to do our best. I've always felt that if (1) it is illegal or immoral, (2) unsafe, or (3) against the rules - then give it your best. . . We are actually working for the Lord in that He is Lord of lords (over all). . If we were to actually live by these attitudes in the wok place the attitudes of the people and the quality of the produce would greatly improve. . .

Godliness is a love for God that is so great that it results in us hating everyting that is opposed to or not like sults Him. . . It is an act that results in us acting like God - living like God - and glorifying Him in all that we do. . . Godliness is produced by the presence of God's Spirit and His control in our lives as well as by our knowing and living in agreement with the Word and will of God. . . Godliness is different from embracing a strict morality in that godliness changes us from the inside out - it changes our nature thereby changing our character to be in harmony with the character of Christ. Romans 12:1-2 (NRSV) 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God--what is good and acceptable and perfect.

B)There is order in all things - and because of such we all need to know how to subject and submit ourselves to those who have rule over us whether in the Church or in teh secular world. . . Fathers should refrain from being so strict / demanding that it results in discouragement. . . Fathers need also find ways of bonding with their children - not to be their friend - but a parent that takes responsibility in training their children to be successful and effective in life, both in the natural (secular) and in the spiritual. . .

This reminder was to give Timothy some advance warning that this would take place so that he would not be overwhelmed by it - but prepared so that he could be as successful as possible in combatting it. . . If we know in advance what is to happen - and have the proper tools or weapons to combat it - It is possible to "minimize" the damage and possible save some. . .

There is order in all things as absence in order results in choas - these roles and commands are purposed to keep or maintain a peaceful atmosphere that would result in the family growing in Christ and also having a positive impact on others which could aide in drawing them to Christ. . . Unselfish love seems difficult to husbands because we fail to understand the positive effect it has. Jesus loves us unselfishly even when we are not in total agreement and obsdience to Him. . . Harshness is promoted by our misunderstanding that obedience is not to be demanded - but can be expected when real love is applied. . .

The request being made of God are: that we do good and share with others

Praising God with our lips and with our lives

The qualifications for overseer/elder and deacon are simular however the elder/overseer has the responsibility of being the over-all leader in the local church and has a greater responsibility in teaching the Word of God and is held to higher standards. . . My feelings are any person and every person who serves in a position of leadership in the Church should possess these qualities - whether they be Sunday School Teacher / Superintendent - Youth Leader - Choir Director - it doesn't matter. If you are in a leadership position these qualities / character traits should be evident in thier life and ministry. . .

Christian virtues are the character traits of Christians and are important because of the effect they have on us personally - as well as on others around us both within and without the community of the Church. These qualities build up the believer as opposed to tearing them down - make better any and every situation as opposed to them becoming worst. They have the tehdency of drawing people to Christ as opposed to allowing people to remain in a state or condition outside of Christ. . . 2 Peter 1:2-9 (NLT) 2 May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. 3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world

That He is eternal

These tendencies are important to consider because such character traits discourage and devide people - bring a reproach upon the Church and those that attent that Church and bring a negative view of Christ. . When we don't consider these factors our attempt to serve Christ and draw people to Him end up a shipwreck with no survivors. . .

Sins of the tongue are easy to slip into when we allow those who talk in that manner to influence us - when we allow them to conyinually talk that way in our midst without anhy attempt to help them see that such is a sin. we are able to break free from these sins of the tongue when we ask God for forgiveness and purpose to do differently. . .

Greed being defines as a selfish and excessive desire for more of something than is needed. This in itself is an indicator

Because of the importance of the position we need to be sure that that person has been tested and proven to be above reproach - so as not to lean toward the influence of others - to determine that they are righteous and holy - that they are faithful and worthy of trust. All of this is necessary because they are not only leading God's people, but are setting and example that others will follow and develop. . . We should be looking for someone who loves God enough to faithfully and obediently serve God. . .

First of all the desire for sex is strong and innate - secondly, the world we live in tries to rationize it as being the natural thing to do - third, casual sex is socially acceptable to those outside of a true relationship with God - and finally, it was a part of our old nature and if it is not mortified once we become believers, it has the ability to influence us. . . By renewing our minds so that our lives are lived in agreement with the will and purpose of God and according to His Word. . .

That if he is married he should nbe married to only one woman and he should be faithful in that relationship - whose marriage is above reproach. . . A leader's family is also important because his family - their lifestyle, their character, is an indicator of how he leads - his leadership ability - basically, how he has led his family is a pretty good indicator of how he will lead the Church. . .

To make a conscious decision about what we are going to think or meditate on - that being heavenly things or the ways of God. Not at all - it means we are positioning ourselves to be used of God for the good of the world. When we don't take control of and direct our thinking and meditating we set ourselves up to be influenced by the enemy / ways of the world and increase the posibility of yielding to its temptations.

All born again believers are members of the Body of Christ

YES, we should fear the consequences of a life that is in rebellion, a life that opposes the will and plan of God. Fear of God becomes unhealty when we are so terrified that what we do may not comply with the will of God - so we do none of the things that we are commanded to do or are required to do as servant of teh Lord. God has demonstrated that His love for us is perfect in what Jesus did in the act of redemption - proving that God seeks not to punish us but to perfect us in Him. . . John 3:16-18 (NLT) 16 For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. 18 There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in Gods one and only Son. John 15:9-17 (NLT) 9 [b]I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Fathers commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! 12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down ones life for ones friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesnt confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 16 You didnt choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other. [/b]

MY THOUGHTS: Eve was deceived and Adam rebelled against God disobeyimng His command - this indicates to me that both of them rejected God's will for their lives choosing rather to do things their own way thereby permitting sin to enter mankind as a whole. As a result of this God pronounced judgement on all the parties involved in this event - Adam and Eve who represented mankink as a whole and Satan as well. Even though Jesus has come and redeemed us from sin and it consequences - which allows us to come back into a right relationship with the Father, through Him (Jesus) - as far as I can tell these curses or judgments have not this point been abated and are yet in effect. Man must yet engage in labor to eat and provide living for himself and family (this is not to suggest that God is not the source of our blessing) - women are yet enduring pain at childbirth - so, consequently her husband is yet the one with the greater authority. I agree and accept the fact that women are enormously gifted and trememdously intellegent - and that we, the Church nor society are consistent in all the areas that speak to women in ministry. Because of the gifts women possess - the intellegence they have and exercise - as well as the contributions they bless the Church with this does not permit or grant them the right to exercise authority over their husbands - whether inside of the Church community or outside of it. every born-again believer (male and female) is given a ministry [to be a witness for Christ / as an ambassador for Christ reconciling humanity back to God through Christ Jesus] - and a commission [go into all the world and proclaim this Good News (Gospel) to all creatures] - and yet this does not give the woman the right to exercise authority over the man. The gifts, talents, intellect, and ministry women have been given are extremely instrumental in decision making which gives them every right to participate in any and all decisions and intellegent men ought to welcome their input and participation (especially husbands) and should encouage their involvement without relinguishing their role and responsibility as the God-appointed head. Genesis 3:16 (NKJV) 16 To the woman He said: "I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you." 1 Corinthians 11:3 (NKJV) 3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. God has established an order and as born-again believers we must comply with such no matter how others may feel about such. Ephesians 5:22-24 (NKJV) 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. There are many vital and important roles and responsibilities for women in the home, society and ministry however I don't believe that the calling of "PASTOR" or the office of "BISHOP" are among them. Other than what I have already stated my view can be supported by the Word of God. One other thing - according to the Word of God 1 Timothy 3:1-5 (NLT) 1 This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be an elder, he desires an honorable position.” 2 So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. 3 He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. 4 He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. 5 For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?

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