Peace, Love, & Understanding

[Odë:hgöd]

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• 1Tim 5:17-18 . .The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of
double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the
scripture says: "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain" and "The
laborer is worthy of his hire."

The Greek word for "elder" is presbuteros (pres-boo'-ter-os). It corresponds to
aldermen; which Webster's defines as: members of a legislative body. In other
words; elders enact and enforce the proprietary rules and bylaws that govern
everybody in a local church; including its pastor. In some churches those rules and
bylaws are called a covenant; which new members are required to accept. The
aldermen are also responsible for settling disputes between church members (1Cor
6:1-5) so that they correspond to "the church" that Christ spoke of at Matt 18:15
18.

Aldermen aren't peculiar to Christianity. Councils pre-existed amongst Moses'
people prior to Moses' commission (Ex 3:16). Anon, seventy of Israel's elders were
established by God as a supreme council (Num 11:16-17). One's failure to
cooperate with their church's aldermen is grounds for removing their name from
the role. (Matt 18:15-18)

Since Christian aldermen sometimes wear more than one hat as preachers and
teachers; then it's very possible in a large church for them to have time for nothing
else, like for instance holding down a job. For that reason, their constituents should
try and compensate them with a decent standard of living. I mean, after all, if their
service to a local church is invaluable, then by all means the congregation should
do whatever it takes to keep them on staff where they can devote all of their time
and energy towards governing (that is; if you feel your church is a worthwhile
endeavor).

Let's say for example, that one of your church's aldermen is a retiree trying to
survive on Social Security and a diminished 401K. He'll be a lot more effective
towards your church's good if the congregation, whatever its size, pitches in to help
him make ends meet; and the outside world surely won't blame your church for
doing so unless of course they're as callous towards the needs of a senior citizen as
the heels of a hobnailed jackboot.

But beware that the congregation doesn't overcompensate its aldermen to the point
where they can afford to drive a Cadillac Escalade, wear a Rolex, and own an
expensive home in an up-scale district. That will really make Christianity look bad,
and actually work against Christ's best interests.
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[Odë:hgöd]

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• 2Tim 2:14 . . Command them in God's name to stop quarrelling over trifles.

I take it that it's okay to discuss trifles, but not okay to get into food fights over
them.

In a Sean Connery movie titled "The Name Of The Rose" church dignitaries
assembled a meeting of the minds to reach a resolution on a theological question
which was: Did the Christ own the clothes that he wore or not?

Well, needless to say, the discussion turned into bickering wherein nothing was
resolved. Tempers flared, shouting ensued, feelings were hurt, and people were
alienated over the issue-- a rather meaningless issue; which is precisely what it
means to fiddle while Rome burns down around you.

Christians are often embroiled in arguments over things that in the grand scheme
of things have almost zero importance while all around them are weightier matters
begging their attention.

It's interesting that Paul didn't want Timothy's flock instructed to avoid quarrelling
over trifles, rather, to stop. I can't help but wonder how many Christians think to
seek absolution for the sin of quarrelling over trifles when they go to God in prayer.
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[Odë:hgöd]

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• 2Tim 2:24a . . The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome

NOTE: The Greek word translated bond-servant means slave; ether voluntary or
involuntary. Bond servants are different than captive slaves. A bond servant is
typically someone who's entered into a service agreement without compensation;
usually to satisfy a debt.

Although the choice to translate the Greek to indicate a bond servant was probably
done so arbitrarily, it fits the Christian concept of one's allegiance to Christ.

As regards quarrelling:

Sometimes it's best to follow Han Solo's advice and "let the Wookie win one". In
other words; when one is wise; two are happy. Be the wise one and pick your fights
carefully. Don't expend your energies on hot button topics; they'll just lead to
anger, frustration, demeaning comments, and flaming remarks.

Especially avoid getting into discussions with obtuse individuals driven by a rather
annoying propensity to challenge everything you say simply because they thrive on
perpetual debating that never gets to the bottom of anything.

Another thing: Do we really have to be right all the time? People are entitled to a
second opinion so let them have one. It's good diplomacy; which can be defined as
skill in handling affairs without arousing hostility, i.e. tact.
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[pinacled]

Being that there are many testimonial verses expounding upon peace, love, and understandind.

A value in fellowship and conversation would be best to navigated toward a goal of charity of bread first.

Blessings Always

 

[pinacled]

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• 2Tim 2:24a . . The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome

NOTE: The Greek word translated bond-servant means slave; ether voluntary or
involuntary. Bond servants are different than captive slaves. A bond servant is
typically someone who's entered into a service agreement without compensation;
usually to satisfy a debt.

Although the choice to translate the Greek to indicate a bond servant was probably
done so arbitrarily, it fits the Christian concept of one's allegiance to Christ.

As regards quarrelling:

Sometimes it's best to follow Han Solo's advice and "let the Wookie win one". In
other words; when one is wise; two are happy. Be the wise one and pick your fights
carefully. Don't expend your energies on hot button topics; they'll just lead to
anger, frustration, demeaning comments, and flaming remarks.

Especially avoid getting into discussions with obtuse individuals driven by a rather
annoying propensity to challenge everything you say simply because they thrive on
perpetual debating that never gets to the bottom of anything.

Another thing: Do we really have to be right all the time? People are entitled to a
second opinion so let them have one. It's good diplomacy; which can be defined as
skill in handling affairs without arousing hostility, i.e. tact.
_

There are many instructions within Torah that speak of love and the Temple.

Firstly is a number of gates and sacrifices that reward the incorruptible of the body of mashiach Y'shuah

Secondly there is an intrance to the inner court where souls bond with The Lord of Host and enter an honorable bond of peace.

Understanding is fulfilled in the spirit of lovingkindness woven in charity within the inner court known as the mishkan.

Blessings Always

 

[pinacled]

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• 2Tim 2:24a . . The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome

NOTE: The Greek word translated bond-servant means slave; ether voluntary or
involuntary. Bond servants are different than captive slaves. A bond servant is
typically someone who's entered into a service agreement without compensation;
usually to satisfy a debt.

Although the choice to translate the Greek to indicate a bond servant was probably
done so arbitrarily, it fits the Christian concept of one's allegiance to Christ.

As regards quarrelling:

Sometimes it's best to follow Han Solo's advice and "let the Wookie win one". In
other words; when one is wise; two are happy. Be the wise one and pick your fights
carefully. Don't expend your energies on hot button topics; they'll just lead to
anger, frustration, demeaning comments, and flaming remarks.

Especially avoid getting into discussions with obtuse individuals driven by a rather
annoying propensity to challenge everything you say simply because they thrive on
perpetual debating that never gets to the bottom of anything.

Another thing: Do we really have to be right all the time? People are entitled to a
second opinion so let them have one. It's good diplomacy; which can be defined as
skill in handling affairs without arousing hostility, i.e. tact.
_

Diplomacy is only fruitful when a council agrees to a truth in part.
Being impartial is important during discussions between peacekeepers.

And the scales of justice point to peace amongst nations who desire to serve The Lord.

Blessed be The Holy One

 

[pinacled]

And the order of, "peace:; love; and understanding is from an order/ structure that is far from Torah.

In fact it is a tare sowed by the enemy known as elvis costell.

A song writter bent on strife.

When a person writes a song or poem.
Scrutiny in testing is tantamount.

Blessings Always to those who, " test the spirits".

 

[pinacled]

I suggest taking heart and study the meaning of a seasoned offering..

When a salt solution is applied to water it soothes many a fish and coral that depend on nutrients with comfort

When water evaporates salt remains.

Dust/salt.....?


First court of respect has a number of named gates.



Blessings Always

 

[Odë:hgöd]

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• 2Tim 2:24b-26 . . The Lord's servant must . . be kind to all, apt to teach, patient
when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps
God may grant them a change of heart leading to the knowledge of the truth, and
they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the Devil, having been
held captive by him to do his will.

The all in "be kind to all" really should be taken to mean all in Christian
congregations rather than all in the world. The reason being, according to Eph
4:11-16, Christ doesn't dispense his servants for the world's benefit, rather, for his
body's benefit.

For the above reason; Sunday school teachers need to treat the people in church
who oppose them with the same sympathy and consideration as they would
patients in a mental hospital who lack the faculties to know what they're doing
and/or to think for themselves; hence the instructions to be kind, gentle, and
patient because according to the last words in that passage, those folks are
entangled in a bit of paranormal activity not easily overcome.
_

 

[Odë:hgöd]

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• Titus 2:2 . . Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in
love, in perseverance.

The Greek word for "older men" is presbutes (pres-boo'-tace) which means: an old
man. Presbutes is different than presbuteros, which refers to church officers; e.g.
deacons (1Tim 5:17).

I used to get my watches serviced by an aging repairman at a local mall until the
day finally came when I could no longer tolerate his manners. He was around
seventy-five years old, cantankerous as can be, and perpetually cross. I often felt
like asking him if he ever gave any thought to his future. You know, heaven is a
place of peace. A hateful man like that repairman would not only never fit in there,
but it wouldn't be fair to the others to permit him in their world.

"Cantankerous" can be defined as: habitually ill-humored, irritable, disagreeable,
bearish, cankered, cranky, cross-grained, dour, morose, sour; crabby, cross,
crusty, huffy, petulant, prickly, snappish; dyspeptic, ill-conditioned, thin-skinned,
complaining, and ill-natured.

A Christian man in old age really ought to be a sweet, mellow guy: a pal and a big
brother for the younger ones rather than somebody they'd prefer do the world a
favor by stepping in front of a bus.
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[Odë:hgöd]

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• Titus 3:2 . . malign no one, be non-contentious, gentle, showing every
consideration for all men.

The Greek word for "malign" is blasphemeo (blas-fay-meh'-o) which means: to
vilify, defined by Webster's as: to lower in estimation or importance, and/or to utter
abusive statements against. In other words; blasphemeo is talking about tearing
people down and changing people's impression of them; mostly for the worse.
There's a lot of that goes on in the world of politics.

It probably goes without saying that the kind of vilification were talking about here
is mean-spirited and unwarranted. For example; is it tearing a Ponzi scheme mogul
like Bernie Madoff down to say that he's a louse of marginal integrity who can't be
trusted with other people's money? No; the man has been proven to be exactly
that.

"non-contentious" refers to peaceable; i.e. not ready to fight at the drop of a hat.

"gentle" actually means mild, i.e. temperate: exercising self restraint; viz:
controlling one's impulses.

"showing every consideration" is simply making an effort to avoid hurting people's
feelings for no good reason. This no doubt includes common courtesy along with
keeping a civil tongue in one's head.
_

 

[pinacled]

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• Titus 3:2 . . malign no one, be non-contentious, gentle, showing every
consideration for all men.

The Greek word for "malign" is blasphemeo (blas-fay-meh'-o) which means: to
vilify, defined by Webster's as: to lower in estimation or importance, and/or to utter
abusive statements against. In other words; blasphemeo is talking about tearing
people down and changing people's impression of them; mostly for the worse.
There's a lot of that goes on in the world of politics.

It probably goes without saying that the kind of vilification were talking about here
is mean-spirited and unwarranted. For example; is it tearing a Ponzi scheme mogul
like Bernie Madoff down to say that he's a louse of marginal integrity who can't be
trusted with other people's money? No; the man has been proven to be exactly
that.

"non-contentious" refers to peaceable; i.e. not ready to fight at the drop of a hat.

"gentle" actually means mild, i.e. temperate: exercising self restraint; viz:
controlling one's impulses.

"showing every consideration" is simply making an effort to avoid hurting people's
feelings for no good reason. This no doubt includes common courtesy along with
keeping a civil tongue in one's head.
_

A bridled tongue reminds me of a sword well within its scabbard

 

[Odë:hgöd]

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• Philemon 1:1-25

In the little communiqué to his friend Philemon, Paul went to bat for a runaway
slave named Onesimus. By all rights, Philemon could legally, under Roman law, put
Onesimus to death; but as Onesimus' fellow believer, and his sibling around the
table in God's home, Philemon was duty-bound to a higher calling.

Onesimus ran away prior to his conversion to Christianity. When he converted, and
became Philemon's fellow believer, the nature of their association took on a whole
other dimension; viz: every one of the commands that I've posted up till now, in
regards to believers associating with one another, came into play at the moment of
Onesimus' conversion.

He and Philemon would never again relate to one another the same as before
Onesimus' conversion. Where once Onesimus and Philemon were merely fellow
men; in Christ they became siblings, and both will one day sit side by side, shoulder
to shoulder as equals around the table in God's home.

"For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him
forever; not now as a slave, but above a slave, a brother beloved, specially to me,
but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in The Lord?" (Philem 1:15
16)

Onesimus no doubt became a real asset as a conscientious Christian because it
wouldn't be necessary for Philemon to ever again beat an honest day's work out of
him.

"All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full
respect, so that God's name and our teaching may not be slandered. Those who
have believing masters are not to show less respect for them because they are
brothers. Instead, they are to serve them even better, because those who benefit
from their service are believers, and dear to them." (1Tim 6:1-2)
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[Odë:hgöd]

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• Heb 10:24 . . And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love
and good deeds.

Man is a species of life that is quite naturally, and comfortably, inclined to provoke
and annoy each other and bring out the worst in their fellow men. It is Christ's
expectations that his own make an effort to do just the opposite; viz: bring out the
best in each other.
_

 

[Odë:hgöd]

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• Heb 10:25 . . Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of
doing, but let us encourage one another

When my brother and I were growing up, we shared the same bedroom. Well, one
day our parents decided to separate us, so they moved my brother to another
room. When I asked them why; they said it was because we egg each other on. (I
guess it was okay for my parents to egg themselves on but not okay for us.)

Anyway, point being, the old strategy of divide and conquer still works even to this
day. It's much easier to be strong in a group of supportive friends and allies than it
is all alone when the only resources available are your own. It's still true that two
heads are better than one; plus, in a group, the right kind of peer pressure can
work to everyone's advantage.

For example, there was a time in America when it was mocked as hippy-ish to
prefer organic food. But lately, organic has become so popular that nobody feels
weird anymore when they shop for it. As a result, more and more folk are eating
healthier. Point being: it is much easier to be believe Christian beliefs, and practice
Christian virtues, when there's people around you doing the same.
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[Odë:hgöd]

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• Heb 12:14a . . Pursue peace with all men,

The Geek word for "peace" is eirene (i-ray'-nay) and means not only a lack of strife,
but also the presence of prosperity; which implies always seeking the good of
others rather than only your own.

People of peace are in an advantageous category.

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." (Matt
5:9)
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[Odë:hgöd]

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• Heb 12:15-17

In a nutshell; that passage speaks of culling unacceptable livestock from the herd
(so to speak).

When God came to the point where it was necessary to destroy much of the human
life that He brought into existence; He expressed regret for even creating human
life in the first place.

I would suggest following His example when complying with Heb 12:15-17. In other
words: do so with sympathy, with reluctance, and with regret. When a church goes
at this like a barracuda, they fail to obey Christ's law and become just as worthy of
excommunication as the souls they throw to the wolves.
_

 

[Odë:hgöd]

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• Heb 13:1 . . Let brotherly love continue.

The Greek word for "brotherly love" in that passage is philadelphia (fil-ad-el fee'
ah) which refers to fraternal affection. Philadelphia is different than the neighborly
love required by Matt 19:19 and Matt 22:37-40.

The Greek word for "love" in those passages is agapao (ag-ap-ah'-o) which doesn't
necessarily contain the element of affection; rather, it's an impersonal kind of love
exemplified in behaviors like courtesy, kindness, sympathy, civility, good will,
deference, and consideration. In other words, you don't have to be especially fond
of your neighbor in order to comply with Matt 19:19 and Matt 22:37-40. (cf. Matt
5:43-48)

Philadelphia love is difficult because it requires the involvement of one's affections,
viz: one's feelings rather than only their manners. A really good example is located
at John 16:27 where Jesus stated:

"The Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I
came from God."

For those of us who grew up deprived of love; that passage is nigh unto impossible
to believe that God is actually, and truly, fond of us in any way at all.

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be
called the sons of God" (1John 3:1)

The manner of love that a normal father feels for his own children is far more
sensitive, than the love he might feel for his neighbor's children. A normal father's
love for his own children is down in his gut, viz: his affections.

There's no fondness expressed in passages like John 3:16; which speaks of
benevolence but not necessarily fondness and affection. God cares for the world,
yes, but that doesn't mean that He likes the world. In point of fact, God quite
despises the world; it disgusts Him and He'd really like for the world to give Him
reason to improve His opinion.
_

 

[JPPT1974]

Yeah as really God cares for the world and us. But that we really as believers aren't of the world. Just living in it temporary. Until we go to heaven with Christ.

 

[Odë:hgöd]

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• Heb 13:2 . . Do not neglect to be hospitable with strangers; for by this some have
entertained angels without knowing it.

Artists generally depict angels as heavenly creatures with wings and/or aglow with
some sort of ethereal light. But the Greek word doesn't always indicate celestial
beings, rather, it refers to all manner of messengers, e.g. prophets (Matt 11:10),
delegates (Luke 7:24), fire (Heb 1:7), ecclesiastic authorities (Rev 1:20-3:14),
visions (Rev 22:16), and even acts of God like fire, wind, smoke, voices, and
earthquakes. (Acts 7:53)

Webster's defines "hospitable" as: given to generous and cordial reception of
guests, promising or suggesting generous and friendly welcome, offering a pleasant
or sustaining environment.

Inviting strangers into one's own home could easily result in the murder of your
entire family, along with the theft of your belongings. So, I'm thinking Heb 13:2 is
not saying that; rather, it's talking about congregational homes; viz: churches.

I think it's very important to make non members-- visitors --feel at home in your
church: make them feel welcome to return. Not only is that the neighborly thing to
do, but you just never know if that next stranger through the door was guided
there by providence, and selected by God for a special purpose.
_