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Daily Devotions Archive
January, 2001
By Bernie Parsons - Jan 02, 2001
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 KJV
Hello, Family & Friends,
As we contemplate what Moses told the Israelites about the law that God gave them, we realize that he told them to teach their children and their grand-children. They were instructed to talk about the Lord's commandments and ways all of the time: when they arose in the morning, and just before they lay down to sleep at night; when they walked along the trails and streets; and they were even to have them written on the posts of their gates and doors.
Ephesians 6:4 "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
The Apostle Paul was an efficient write, and I am amazed at how much he says in so few words. In his advice to Christian fathers, he informs us that it is the father's ultimate responsibility to teach the children. He has the duty to "bring them up"--grow them--in the ways of the Lord. He even tells us the manner in which the instruction is to be given--not in a way that angers the child, but in a tender way that gets the point across. The word "nurture" indicates the loving, careful attention that must be given to the child so that the child may grow up in righteousness. The word "admonition" lets us know that the child must be warned of the dangers of disobeying the Lord.
Colossians 3:20-21 "Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged."
Paul writes the same message a little differently to the church at Colosse. Here, he charges the fathers not to provoke the children to anger, to avoid discouraging them. The same message of instructing them lovingly comes through in these few words.Careful attention is to be paid to the children when they are informed of the Lord's ways. Thus, the child sees God as the highest authority, with the earthly father parenting within the sphere of God's influence.
Family leadership is like that of an elder in the church--in fact, before a man can be an elder in the church, he must be a good father.
1 Timothy 3:2-5 "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)"
1 Peter 5:1-3 "The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock."
A good leader does not beat his followers into blind submission, but tenderly--yet firmly--leads them to where they need to go. A good father must be a good leader.
God bless all!
Love, in Christ,
Bernie
By Bernie Parsons - Jan 02, 2001
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Ephesians 6:1-3 KJV
Hello, Family & Friends,
In the 1960's it became popular to speak of a "generation gap". This is a theoretical gulf between parents and their children. The only gulf that was ever there was an experience, or maturity, gap. Parents generally have experienced more than have their children and are more mature. The generation gap was a device of liberals to pry children from their parents' teaching, including morality. The goal was to increase promiscuous sexuality, legalize so-called "recreational" drugs, and to gain acceptance for immoral and dangerous lifestyles. Many liberal leaders of change over the past 40 years n0ow acknowledge that they grew up in strict, usually religious, families, and resented it. They wanted to change the cultural climate so that they could indulge their personal fantasies and whims without social repercussions or criminal consequences.
God knew what He was doing when He instructed children to obey their parents. Children can benefit from the instruction, example, and wisdom of their parents. This prevents unnecessary heartache, danger, and trouble.
Ephesians 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Ephesians. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth."
Colossians 3:20 "Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord."
Unfortunately, the educators' unions, like the National Education Association (NEA) and the America Federation of Teachers (AFT) are run by liberals. As part of public education, they call for promotion of homosexual lifestyles, promiscuous sexual activity, abortions, and other ungodly acts. As parents, our best weapon is to teach our children the ways of the Lord before and during their formal educational years.
Children, respect your parents and listen to them! They have your best interests at heart. You can learn enough from them to avoid many costly mistakes.
Proverbs 6:20-22 "My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee."
God bless all!
Love, in Christ,
Bernie
By Bernie Parsons - Jan 05, 2001
Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. Proverbs 22:15 KJV
Hello, Family & Friends,
Many modern liberal thinkers have rejected the idea of disciplining children. The evidence is all around us when we go out into public places--children out of control: back-talking their parents, refusing to obey their parents instructions, and throwing uncontrollable tantrums. The parents scream at the children, and never offer to discipline them.
While modern liberals have equated discipline with child abuse, these are two different things. Discipline can take many forms, not just physical contact, although that is one avenue, as suggested by the theme scripture above. Discipline is necessary to make families, cultures, and religions work. Otherwise, everyone would do anything they please, regardless of the danger to themselves and others. Again, we see this played out in abortion, drug abuse, homosexuality, promiscuous sexual activity, divorce, adultery, theft, and even outright murder.
Proverbs 23:13-14 "Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell."
Proverbs 3:11-12 "My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth."
This scripture is quoted by the writer of Hebrews, then expanded upon.
Hebrews 12:5-11 "And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby."
Discipline is not to be used as a way to vent our own frustrations or anger. It is a method of correction, for guiding the immature, the untrained, and the unlearned away from danger. That danger may be physical, or it may involve the eternal destiny of the soul, but in either instance, if discipline is required, it is better than watching those we love go to their destruction.
God bless all!
Love, in Christ,
Bernie
By Bernie Parsons - Jan 08, 2001
Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.Colossians 3:19 KJV
Hello, Family & Friends,
Love of a husband for his wife is not something we hear much about these days. With the frenzied quest for personal satisfaction, little thought is given to the well-being of others, including wives. Like those in the world, many in the church are deluded and seduced by the idea of personal gratification. I hear few Christian husbands speak of loving their wives. Intent upon projecting the world's idea of a manly image, they often neglect their wives.
Ephesians 5:25 "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;"
As a husband, are you ready--and willing--to forfeit your own life for that of your wife? Would you readily die for her, without hesitation and without qualification?
Ephesians 5:28-31 "So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."
In marriage, man and woman are melded into one being in the eyes of God. They become as one body, an inseparable part of one another. Why then should a man not treat his wife as lovingly as he does his own body?
To nourish means to supply that which allows the wife to become strong and to grow. To cherish indicates a readiness to hold her in deep love and respect, to protect her from hardship and danger. Would to God that every Christian husband would follow this holy instruction! When a husband nourishes and cherishes his wife as the Bible instructs, the bond between the two is unbreakable.
Love is a sign of strength, not weakness. Even a little romance enhances a marriage--this is part of the nourishing and cherishing. When Christian men truly love their wives and show it, they strengthen the family, the church, and the nation.
God bless all!
Love, in Christ,
Bernie
By Bernie Parsons - Jan 09, 2001
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. Ephesians 5:22 KJV
Hello, Family & Friends,
Marriage doesn't seem to count much anymore. One important Bible principle that is ignored in our modern society is the godly role of women in marriages. Feminists quickly refuse and renounce anything remotely resembling what the Bible teaches.
Ephesians 5:22-24" "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing."
Colossians 3:18 "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord."
1 Peter 3:1-6 "Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement."
If men will do as the Bible teaches, and begin to nourish and cherish their wives, and if wives will reverence their husbands and submit to their leadership, marriage will function as God designed it. A marriage can be a happy state of existence, not one of misery. Marriage is not about men doing what they please, neglecting their wives, seeking their own personal gratification. It is not about keeping women "barefoot and pregnant", or treating them as belongings, or slaves. Neither is it about women "growing away from their husbands", or "falling out of love", or always getting what they want. Marriage is when a male and female become one entity in the eyes of God. As such, they work together for the common good of the marriage, the family, and the church of the Lord.
God bless all!
Love, in Christ,
Bernie
By Bernie Parsons - Jan 10, 2001
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. Ephesians 5:31 KJV
Hello, Family & Friends,
Marriage is an honorable thing in the eyes of God, and should be in the eyes of men and women the world over. A man and a woman unite in marriage to become one before God and man. This was so from the beginning.
Genesis 2:23-24 "And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
Matthew 19:4-5 "And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?"
When husbands and wives see themselves as critical and complementary parts of the same unit they will work together. There will be happiness instead of bitterness, cooperation instead of resentment. Love, loyalty, and dedication will see them through the toughest times together.
Genesis 2:18 "And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him."
Genesis 2:21-24 "And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
Genesis 3:16 "Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee."
Genesis 3:19 "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."
The roles of men and women in marriage and in society were established by God Almighty, not by humans. Efforts by liberal feminists to overthrow these principles is a rejection of God and His declarations and plans for us.
1 Peter 3:6-7 "Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."
Let us observe the plan of God with humility and submission to His will.Whether women or men, let us obediently fullfil the role God has assigned us. Let us do well what He has set before us, without complaint and without malice. "The two shall be one flesh"--let us be as one!
God bless all!
Love, in Christ,
Bernie
By Bernie Parsons - Jan 12, 2001
For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 1 Timothy 2:13 KJV
Hello, Family & Friends,
Worldly people have always tried to stand the word of God on its head, declaring God's ways to be outdated, unfair, or as originating from domineering men.
Isaiah 5:20 "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"
In our time a major perversion of the will of God is reversal of the designated roles for men and women in our society. We are not content to recognize that our Maker had a plan for all of humankind, both male and female. Otherwise, He would have made only one version of human being, and there would be no concept of male and female. But He did make both sexes, and assigned roles and responsibilities to each.
1 Corinthians 11:1-16 "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.
Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God."
Some try to use the previous writing of the Apostle Paul to the church at Corinth as a discussion of the fashion of the times. They then toss it out as irrelevant. To do so is to ignore the context, which is one of the "chain of authority" as designated by God Himself. God is head of Christ, Christ is head of man, and man is head of woman in God's chain of command. Women who rankle and rebel at this concept are not rejecting the dominance of males, as they purport, but are rather rejecting the leadership of God. A man has no authority to require of the woman that which does not first originate from God. As the Lord told Samuel when the Israelites demanded an earthly king,
1 Samuel 8:7 "And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them."
1 Timothy 2:8-14 "I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression."
Men are to be holy, good leaders, nourishing and cherishing their wives. Wives are to be supportive, and yes, submissive, and are to reverence their husbands. As a team--remember, the two shall be one--they can accomplish the work of the Lord efficiently and satisfactorily.
God bless all!
Love, in Christ,
Bernie
By Bernie Parsons - Jan 15, 2001
Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 1 Timothy 2:11 KJV
Hello, Family & Friends,
Who is smarter than God?
God has told us how things are to work, but we humans constantly question the wisdom and relevance of what God declares to be true. We reject as outdated and irrelevant what God inspired the Apostles to write through His Holy Spirit. This is especially true when it comes to the roles of women in church, family, and society.
The scriptures tell us that women are to be subject to men, and to learn in silence and in a spirit of subjection, or submissiveness. Modern women reject this Biblical doctrine and set about to live life as they please. They call the Apostle Paul a woman-hater, and condemn the Bible as a conspiracy of male domination.
1 Timothy 2:9-12 "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence."
Apostle Paul did not tell Timothy that women can teach as long as the men give permission, or as long as she is not teaching men, or any of the other perversions of these scriptures. He is plainly stating that in the scheme of things according to the plan of God, the women are to be submissive and are to learn in silence. This is borne out by what Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, as well.
1 Corinthians 14:33-36 "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?"
There is a plan of God at work here. We can simply follow His plan and watch it work perfectly, or can tinker with it in an effort to "make it better".
Isaiah 40:13-14 "Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him? With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding?"
Which one of us is smarter than God?
God bless all!
Love, in Christ,
Bernie
By Bernie Parsons - Jan 16, 2001
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: Acts 2:17 KJV
Hello, Family & Friends,
Because God has instructed women to be subject to their husbands, and to remain silent in the church assemblies--not teaching and not questioning while there--does that relegate women to an unimportant and inactive role in the church? Not at all! Outside of the assembled body of Christ, women are to be extremely active in the Lord's work.
Romans 16:1-4 "I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles."
Especially noteworthy is Priscilla, who helped her husband privately teach Apollos.
Acts 18:26 "And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly."
Acts 21:8-9 "And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy."
Some have argued that Philip's daughters preached in the church assemblies. First of all, the Bible says nothing of the kind. Additionally, it is possible to prophesy outside the assembly, as indicated by the verses that followed those above, wherein Agabus came to Philip's house to prophesy about Paul's future troubles. Furthermore, God would not declare that women must be silent in the assemblies, then assign them the task of speaking there.
Acts 2:16-18 "But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:"
Acts 16:13-15 "And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us."
These are just a few of the instances of women active in the gospel of Christ and in the early church. Those who say that women have no role in teaching and carrying out the gospel are mistaken. What we must do is study the scriptures to discover the role of women in the church. They are not to teach or speak out in the assembly, even to ask questions, but they are to be active in the Lord's work.
God bless all!
Love, in Christ,
Bernie
By Bernie Parsons - Jan 17, 2001
And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, Luke 8:1-2 KJV
Hello, Family & Friends,
Contrary to the popular opinion among many conservative Christian men, women are not second class citizens, nor personal property, nor do they always operate quietly out of sight. According to Luke, a certain group of women followed Jesus in His travels, and helped support the evangelistic entourage.
Luke 8:1-3 "And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance."
When the early church needed support and prayers, the women were among them.
Acts 1:13-14 "And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren."
Besides privately teaching others the gospel (not in the church assembly), supporting those who are preaching the gospel, and praying with the saints, women also have important roles in the home--the elderly women are to teach the younger women how to live godly lives.
Titus 2:3 "The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."
Anyone who minimizes the role of women in the church detracts from God's important plan for His people, and undermines the effectiveness of godly women in the church and in the home.
God bless all!
Love, in Christ,
Bernie
By Bernie Parsons - Jan 18, 2001
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28 KJV
Hello, Family & Friends,
Folks have sometimes quoted the scripture from Galatians 3:28 to argue that in the eyes of God there is no sex. They use this to argue everything from women preaching in the assembly, to homosexuality, to merging the roles of husband and wife, and of father and mother. This is a perversion of that scripture, and worse, a perversion of the will of God.
Galatians 3:27-29 "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."
Taken in context, it is obvious that this scripture is not trying to erase the roles of men and women in family, church, and society. Rather, this reading points out that salvation is for anyone, whether Jew or Gentile, servant or freeman, man or woman. Baptism washes away the sins equally, regardless of gender, social status, or culture. Compare to:
Colossians 3:9-11 "Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all."
Rather than negating the differences between men and women, the Son of God reiterates that there are two sexes, and that God made both.
Matthew 19:4 "And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?"
Genesis 2:21-24 "And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
Genesis 3:16 "Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;"
You might argue that both sinned, and that makes them the same in the eyes of God. It makes them both guilty, and both received a curse, but the curse differed and the roles were established.
1 Timothy 2:12-14 "But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression."
Let's do it God's way--He's smarter than any of us!
God bless all!
Love, in Christ,
Bernie
By Bernie Parsons - Jan 19, 2001
Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 11:11 KJV
Hello, Family & Friends,
Though discharging very different roles under God's plan for the world, men and women are to work together to do the will of God. Lest one group feel more important than the other, the Apostle Paul points out that the existence of one depends upon the survival of the other.
1 Corinthians 11:8-9 "For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man."
1 Corinthians 11:11-12 "Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God."
Everything is according to God's plan, including the roles assigned to males and females. None of the work is less important than any other. In fact, although God established early on that Eve was to submit to Adam, her husband, and that assignment of roles continues until today, there is a larger picture. Let's look past the trees and view the forest!
Colossians 3:18 "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord."
Ephesians 5:22-24 "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing."
But submission occurs in other ways, as well. We are all to submit one to another, out of love and respect.
1 Peter 5:5.-7 "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
Philippians 2:3-4 "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."
Galatians 5:13 "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another."
1 Corinthians 15:28 "And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all."
John 13:13-15 "Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."
After all is said and done, this is what it is all about--not superiority of one sex over the other, not even "equality of the sexes", as some would argue--but submission to the will of Almighty God.
God bless all!
Love, in Christ,
Bernie
By Bernie Parsons - Jan 22, 2001
Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. 1 Peter 3:7 KJV
Hello, Family & Friends,
It amazes me that those who criticize the Apostle Paul as a "woman-hater" aren't even familiar with what he writes about marriage. In Ephesians chapter 5 he gives a clear description of the marriage relationship, and it is one of love. He compares the interaction between a woman and her husband in the same was the church responds to Christ.
Ephesians 5:22-33 "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband."
Paul also dealt with marriage in his letter to Christians at Corinth. Again, he expresses how that husbands and wives are to love, respect, and satisfy one another. He acknowledges that husbands and wives both give thought to how they may meet the needs and desires of their spouse.
1 Corinthians 7:2-5 "Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency."
1 Corinthians 7:10-12 "And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife. But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away."
1 Corinthians 7:33-34 "But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband."
The Apostle Peter concurs that women are to be subject to husbands, but that husbands are to show great honor and respect to the wives.
1 Peter 3:5-7 "For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."
Marriage is truly an adventure in discovering one another, meeting each other's needs, and working together as a family. The plan is God's, the joyous duty is ours.
God bless all!
Love, in Christ,
Bernie
By Bernie Parsons - Jan 23, 2001
And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Mark 10:13-14 KJV
Hello, Family & Friends,
We should not neglect to teach our children, even the littlest ones, about God and His ways. Have you considered reading the Bible to your wee-borns, for surely they can hear--that is why they learn to talk. Some medical folks have even said that the unborn children in their mother's wombs can hear voices. Mothers and fathers can began teaching their children, even in the womb.
Mark 10:13-16 "And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them."
This teaching pays off later, when children have difficult decisions to make, are receiving peer pressure, or are being incorrectly taught in the public schools. Then, as young adults, the word of God continues to guide them in choosing spouses, careers, and other life-choices.
2 Timothy 1:5 "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also."
2 Timothy 3:14-15 "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."
God should permeate our very life in every aspect, and we not only should live the life in front of our children, but also teach them the actual precepts that guide us in our daily lives.
Deuteronomy 11:18-20 "Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates:"
Ephesians 6:4 "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
God bless all!
Love, in Christ,
Bernie
By Bernie Parsons - Jan 24, 2001
They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. Matthew 22:21 KJV
Hello, Family & Friends,
There are those Christians who argue that we should not have to pay taxes. However, according to the word of God, we are to pay taxes. Fortunately, we live in a democracy that allows us to pick leaders who determine how much to raise in taxes and how that money is spent. This gives us a voice in the tax matters. Many in other countries have no say in tax matters. Regardless of the type of government, taxes are a necessary thing in order to maintain infrastructure and services.
Matthew 22:17-21 "Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's."
Romans 13:6-7 "For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour."
Jesus was falsely accused of encouraging people not to pay taxes, but He taught otherwise. After all, He asks, who does the money belong to? Who issued it, put their image on it, and circulated it? They have the right to ask for it back in the form of taxes.
Luke 23:1-2 "And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King."
Matthew 17:24-27 "And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee."
The next time you are tempted not to pay your taxes--especially income taxes, which many try to evade--remember the words of our Lord, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's." In the meantime, since we do live in a democracy, if you are concerned about high or unfair taxes, contact your senators and representatives, and let them know how you feel. Come next election, pick the people who best represent your views. In the meantime, render the appropriate things to the appropriate authorities.
Romans 12:1 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."
God bless all!
Love, in Christ,
Bernie
By Bernie Parsons - Jan 26, 2001
Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Ephesians 6:5 KJV
Hello, Family & Friends,
There has been discussion over the years as to whether slavery is permissible in the eyes of God. I have examined some scriptures that deal with the subject of servants. People ended up in servitude through different circumstances. Sometimes servants resulted from military victories, when the losing side was forced into service. Some folks worked for hire over a set period of time or until a debt was paid off. Some who worked for hire were given seed and flocks to start their own livelihood. Others were sold into slavery for one reason or another--again, perhaps to pay off debts, or sometimes after having been kidnapped.
Ephesians 6:5-9 "Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him."
Colossians 3:22-4:1 "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven."
1 Timothy 6:1-3 " Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;"
1 Corinthians 7:20-24 "Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God."
What the Bible teaches is that we all are to be good servants. Remember, that in the eyes of God, we are free when we freely yield to God's will. That same freewill commitment places one in servitude to God. So the free become servants, and the servants become free. A servant is not to serve a master because he is a master, but is to serve him by showing the freedom that God gives even to the indentured or the slave. Whether servant or free, we are to serve God above all others.
I see this as translating to the modern work world, where employees are servants to their employers, the masters. We should do a good job, because we live to the Lord. Our goal is not to make a man or a company's stockholders rich, but to show the light of God in every aspect of our lives. As we show courtesy, respect, loyalty, fairness, honesty, and other attributes of Christians in the workplace, we do the work of God
God bless all!
Love, in Christ,
Bernie
By Bernie Parsons - Jan 29, 2001
Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. Colossians 4:1 KJV
Hello, Family & Friends,
When contemplating the idea of slavery, we need to examine our own intentions, as well as God's directives to us. Who can, in good conscience, love the idea of one human being "owning" another? God's plan has been to elevate the human race, not beat it down. That is why that our Lord Jesus had this to say about God's laws:
Matthew 22:36-39 "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. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
While the following excerpt deals with spiritual leadership, it reveals how God expects us to approach our fellow man:
Matthew 23:10-10 "Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."
By serving each other we can elevate each other. If we are concerned about the well-being of others, then the whole world improves. Not only that, but we have a world full of people caring about us, and looking to make our own lives better.
Luke 22:25-26 "And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve."
A true benefactor is not a person who exercises control over you, but someone who serves you!
Philippians 2:3-4 "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."
Galatians 6:2 "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
Matthew 23:10 "Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ."
God bless all!
Love, in Christ,
Bernie
Touch Not, Taste Not, Handle Not
By Bernie Parsons - Jan 30, 2001
Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Colossians 2:20-22 KJV
Hello, Family & Friends,
An incomplete study of God's word is worse than no study at all. I have heard preachers in the past say, "The Bible says, 'Touch not, taste not, handle not'", after which they launched into an all-out assault on things that shouldn't be touched, tasted, or handled. Unfortunately, people who believe this have not properly studied the context of the quoted scripture. What the Apostle Paul said was that these are the commandments and doctrines of men!
Matthew 15:7-9 "Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."
An important precept in the Bible is that we must take our all-consuming thoughts off this planet and our roles upon it in order to focus clearly upon heaven and our eternal souls. The Law of Moses failed, not because it was a bad law, but because those who kept that law did so only so far as the flesh was concerned. They treated it as a law to govern the fleshly life, and not the spirit.
Romans 7:9-12 "For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good."
Romans 7:14 "For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin."
Romans 8:3-4 "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
Christians fail for the same reason. We try to see how we can make the Bible, the church, and the Lord fit our chosen lifestyles here on the planet instead of studying the Bible as the word of the Almighty God, our Creator and Judge. As we make our way through what we call life, let us remember that the soul has the prospect for eternal life--and that is where we must remain focused!
God bless all!
Love, in Christ,
Bernie
By Bernie Parsons - Jan 31, 2001
For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Romans 14:2 KJV
Hello, Family & Friends,
I frequently run into "religious" people who insist that God has commanded that we be vegetarians. While acknowledging the importance of fruits, vegetables, and nuts in the diet, there is no scripture anywhere that commands us to be vegetarians. To the contrary, there are numerous scriptures that speak of eating meat. Romans chapter 14 deals with this in depth, and should be read by anyone wondering if it is acceptable to God if we eat meat.
Romans 14:2 "For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him."
1 Timothy 4:1-3 "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth."
Not only is the abstinence from meat not a commandment from God, it is actually a lie believed by those who have been seduced by a false spirit. In fact, under the law of Moses, the Israelites were commanded by God to eat meat!
Exodus 12:5-9 "Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof."
Acts 10:11-15 "And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common."
1 Corinthians 8:8 "But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse."
Romans 14:17 "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men."
Colossians 2:20-22 "Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?"
Let's not get carried away with teachings of men!
God bless all!
Love, in Christ,
Bernie
