One of the more difficult aspects of discipline is a willingness to be honest with each other. We were raised on the principle; if you do not have anything nice to say, do not say anything at all. If we think back to when we heard this saying, it probably had nothing to do with whether our statement was true. Kids oftentimes are the most honest people one would ever meet. Adults are taught to be “tactful” and “considerate”, but this is often at the expense of being honest and helpful. Titus 1:10-13 (ESV): For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, The Apostle Paul did not want to allow ambiguity of words to cause Christians to misunderstand his message. Paul knew he had to be emphatic in his statements because souls were at risk. Jewish converts were trying to mingle Christianity with Judaism, but Paul understood that could not happen. In fact, Paul encouraged Christians to rebuke those who would misapply the words of God. Titus 1:16 (ESV): They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work. Paul described them as liars, evil, and lazy; not because he did not like them, but because that is what they were. Anyone claiming to know and follow God, but did not keep His word is a liar. To not obey God is to be evil and to misapply His words are to be lazy. Paul is speaking with the simplicity of a child we all use to know. He is not interested in pandering, he is interested in saving everyone’s soul (including the people he called liars, evil, and lazy). Paul is hoping his words, along with the church’s words (assuming the church rebukes them as commanded) will create a change in their lives. Too often we are uncomfortable speaking the truth because we do not believe there is anything we can say to encourage change. Constructive criticism is not always fun, but it is beneficial and necessary. Imagine if no one was comfortable telling the lost they were lost; allowing them to believe God was pleased with their actions. If we love and care about each other, we will tell each other what we need to hear; regardless of how it may affect our relationship. Let us be as clear in our discernment and humble in our interactions; whether we are being corrected or correcting others.
By: Undre Griggs, Jr. If asked to list some of the most undesirable traits a person can have, pride would likely be high on the list. Pride can manifest itself in our lives in many ways. Pride can arise from wealth, appearance, knowledge, talent, influence/power, and the social status one occupies. Pride is a self-destructive trait that makes it hard for us to ask for help. It also makes it near impossible for us to admit when we are wrong. Pride makes it challenging for us to maintain relationships; as it is difficult for a prideful person to forgive and empathize with others. A lack of humility creates the illusion that we are never wrong, and someone who believes that does not have the patience for imperfection. Proverbs 16:5 (ESV): Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished. Pride puts a strain on all relationship, including our relationship with God. A prideful person will find becoming a Christian unnecessary. They will not be able to see their shortcomings, so they cannot see the need for a Savior. They will see themselves as a “good person” who does the best they can when they can. Proverbs 11:2 (ESV): When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. A humble person knows they need a Savior because a humble person understands their own shortcomings. Furthermore, they know they need a Savior they don’t deserve and salvation is a debt they could never repay. They are willing to devote their lives to expressing their appreciation through obedience, kindness to others, and selflessness. A prideful person lacks the awareness to properly judge the debt they owe Jesus Christ. Of all the shortcomings a prideful person possesses, this the most detrimental. They will be defiant and unwilling to submit themselves to the will of God and follow His wisdom. If they frequently rely upon themselves, God’s wisdom may be too perplexing for some to make the leap of faith. God’s wisdom is not of this world and requires a trust that surpasses all understanding. A trust that only a humble person is capable of achieving. Whenever we begin to look inward at our successes instead of upward to the true source, we run the risk of turning a gift into a curse.
By: Undre Griggs, Jr. How does the Bible describe heaven? It depends where in the Bible you are reading. The Apostle Paul describes a third heaven; does that mean there are three different kinds of heaven? 2 Corinthians 12:1-4 (ESV): I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 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. In a word, yes. The heaven we most often think of is the third heaven. This is the place where God resides with his angels, and where Jesus is preparing a place for us (John 14:1-3). This is the heaven where God will wipe away every tear and there will be no more mourning and pain (Revelation 21:4). As found in Psalm 103:19 the word "heaven" here is defined as the location of God’s throne. The same word for heaven found in Psalm 103:19 (8064. Shamayim) is translated as sky in Genesis 1:26. This would likely be the first heaven. This heaven is depicted in the Bible as a location where rain and clouds are located (Isaiah 45:8). This heaven is described in the physical sense and should not be confused with the spiritual heaven. Psalm 8:3-4 (ESV): When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? The second heaven is located between the first and the third heaven. This heaven would be restricted to the universe and the stars. While it is common to assume God lives among the stars, God is not located in the second heaven. God’s throne remains in the third heaven; making the first and second heaven more of a physical location than a spiritual one. In our physical body we can see the attributes of the first (sky, clouds, rain) and second (stars) heaven; yet we cannot see God and His angels in the third heaven. This was not an accident as the beauty of nature was created by God for us to know He exists (Romans 1). Meaning everything from photosynthesis to condensation to a shooting star should bring comfort to idea that our universe had a designer. And when I think of it that way, it makes sense that the beauty of nature is its own piece of heaven and properly named as such.
By: Undre Griggs, Jr. While watching television, a car commercial came on that caught my eye. Unlike traditional car commercials that talk about how well they can tow this or how fast they can go from 0-60 mph; this commercial was bragging about how much their brand is trusted. Titus 2:7-8 (ESV): Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. There is something to be said about someone (or something) who is trusted by their peers and counterparts. There are many ways to achieve this goal, but it is probable each path will mention the need to be consistent. To be a “model of good works”, one would need to actively and consistently help others. The Greek used for “model” means to be a stamp or impression. If any of us have ever used a stamp, we can appreciate the dependability of it. Every time the stamp is pressed on a paper, it leaves the same mark over and over again. And when someone is consistent, it makes it difficult for opponents to spread lies about them. Romans 13:4 (ESV): For he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. We should live in a manner where it is almost impossible to convince someone we did something contrary to our character. It should be as difficult as convincing someone a stamp that left one impression is going to leave another impression the next time it is used. Put simply, the imprint of a stamp does not change; and neither should the imprint we leave. If we want to be trustworthy, the first thing we need to do is commit to be the same every day. This will enable people to get to know us; whether that is a good thing or a bad thing is up to us. In the case where we do not believe we are living a life consistent with the expectations God has of us, we should commit to making a change for the better. While the difficulty of making a change may keep us wanting to try, it is well worth the investment.
By: Undre Griggs, Jr. Israel finds herself in captivity, yet Micah speaks with unyielding confidence. As a prophet of God, Micah recognizes that God is righteous and His will must be followed. Micah 7:8-9 (NKJV): Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; When I fall, I will arise; When I sit in darkness, The Lord will be a light to me. I will bear the indignation of the Lord, Because I have sinned against Him, Until He pleads my case And executes justice for me. He will bring me forth to the light; I will see His righteousness. Similar to a parent with their child or an employee with their supervisor; if rules and consequences are set forth, breaking the rules will trigger the consequence. Micah is confident because God continues to be his light and he identifies that God is honoring His word. At times, God keeping His word will bestow blessings on us; such as His promise to never flood the earth in the manner of the great flood again (Genesis 9:11). Other times, God keeping His word will enact consequences on those who disobey His will. There are many passages in the Old Testament where God is clear that He will punish the guilty and wrongdoers (Nah. 1:3, Jer. 30:11). Ephesians 1:18 (ESV): having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, Micah is honest in his assessment of the situation. He states he has sinned, disobeyed the will of God and that has provoked God’s wrath. He is clear of his understanding that obedience to God will put him back in God’s favor. Another interesting thing to note is the fact that Micah is shadowing the birth of Jesus Christ as the savior of the world. Jesus speaks of Himself as the “light of the world” and those who follow Him must avoid the darkness and have a “light of life” (John 8:12). Micah knows our lives will be lost until the promised Messiah comes and advocates on our behalf (John 14:6, 1 John 2:1). Once Jesus Christ came and died for the sins of the world, “He will bring me forth to the light” as long as we live a life of obedience and righteousness. We cannot consider ourselves a child of God if we live a duel life of saint and willful sinner. God continues to keep His word; so let us be as confident as Micah when it comes to understanding God’s will and let us be obedient enough to follow it.
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Dean Road
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