Let's Study The Holy Bible

Backbiting

by: Wayne Blank




The term "backbiting" refers to a form of slander that is made against someone, not to their face, but "behind their back." It's most often used for one of two reasons; the accuser lacks the moral courage (there will be no cowards in the Kingdom of God i.e. "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone," Revelation 21:8) to make their accusation directly to the one that they have found fault, or because their accusation is a lie that would be readily proved so by the accused person.

True Christians are not "backbiters" because true Christians are not liars ("Thou shalt not bear false witness"), and if they ever rightfully have a problem with a fellow Christian, Jesus Christ instructed how it was to be dealt with in an open and honest way:

    "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican." (Matthew 18:15-17)



The apostle Paul encountered and warned against the same thing as David did. Paul used the Greek word, pronounced kat-al-al-os, which means a defamer, which is here translated as "backbitings":

    "For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults" (2 Corinthians 12:20 )

Paul warned against "backbitings" in the true Church of God because it causes division and falling away if not repented of. The same Greek word, kat-al-al-os, that is used to describe the backbiting in the verse quote above is also used to refer to one of the bitter fruits of apostasy i.e. "as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind":

    "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them" (Romans 1:28-32)


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Backbiting

by: Wayne Blank




The term "backbiting" refers to a form of slander that is made against someone, not to their face, but "behind their back." It's most often used for one of two reasons; the accuser lacks the moral courage (there will be no cowards in the Kingdom of God i.e. "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone," Revelation 21:8) to make their accusation directly to the one that they have found fault, or because their accusation is a lie that would be readily proved so by the accused person.

True Christians are not "backbiters" because true Christians are not liars ("Thou shalt not bear false witness"), and if they ever rightfully have a problem with a fellow Christian, Jesus Christ instructed how it was to be dealt with in an open and honest way:

    "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican." (Matthew 18:15-17)



The apostle Paul encountered and warned against the same thing as David did. Paul used the Greek word, pronounced kat-al-al-os, which means a defamer, which is here translated as "backbitings":

    "For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults" (2 Corinthians 12:20 )

Paul warned against "backbitings" in the true Church of God because it causes division and falling away if not repented of. The same Greek word, kat-al-al-os, that is used to describe the backbiting in the verse quote above is also used to refer to one of the bitter fruits of apostasy i.e. "as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind":

    "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them" (Romans 1:28-32)

On backbiting. I have been in an unfortunate situation in the past where one friend was talking about another friend, where one person was spreading false witness against a man whom I regard as a friend. The friend that was receiving the ill treatment did not deserve such treatment.

We all know how much it can be displeasing to the spirit to know that one is being talked about in a negative way. Much more if those who talk ill about us or those whom you love are doing it behind your back. The put a facade of astute kindness, but behind their smiles, is the gnashing of teeth.

I have comforted friends who were the victims of such backbiting. And it truly hurt my heart to hear that all manner of false assumptions and lies were being hurled at them. I myself also have been the victim of backbiting; cruel jokes that were uttered for their own pleasure but at my own expense and the expense of my character. How did I address this matter? Through prayer.

In cases were people say ill things about you--it is better that we not stoop down to their level, rather, if you can--learn to forgive them and to look on. But do address it, civilly as possible.

In the end, it takes true character and spirit to look away at such incessant irritations. When we are irritated and hurt, we should close our eyes and remember that Christ Jesus our Lord was crucified on the cross and suffered the ultimate shame and hurt.


God Bless!

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Those Who Have Ears Ought To Hear


Have you ever taken part in a bible study group and come across a particular book, chapter, or verse that was unfavorable to your palate? That you disagreed with? I know I have from time to time. It is a result of our generation's own prejudices towards the Word of God.


Take for example the following verse:

"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. "
        – Proverbs 30:5-6


Comment:

Have you ever read a Scripture that made you very uncomfortable? This shouldn’t be surprising. Because the Bible is flawless and eternal, it will challenge each generation’s prejudices and blind spots. For all of our attempts to tame or adjust it, the Scripture is above every culture. So seek refuge in His word. Our discomfort doesn’t mean that the Scripture is not true, but the assumptions that are unique to our generation are being exposed in a light that is not of this earth.


http://www.thedailybibleverse.org/


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Why We Should Hear The Word Of God


The foundation for obedience begins with listening—with hearing the Word. Hearing is a protection against scarring or hardening
   -Hebrews 3: 7


Hearing is a protection against scarring and / or hardening. Scarring of the faith, hardening of the heart. It is apparent of the many antagonistic factors in the world that affect our Trust and Absolute Faith in God and in God's Word. By opening our heart and our mind to His Word, we are reminded of God's Love and of God's Plans for us in this life and in the life to come.



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Today I would like to focus on studying one aspect of Christian Virtue, and one that Our Lord Jesus Christ implemented actively--that is the act of Forgiveness. I stumbled on a verse in Mark Chapter 2 that made me think.


"Why does this man use such words?" they said; "He is blaspheming. Who can pardon sins but One--that is, God?"... Jesus asked them, "Which is easier?--to say to this paralytic, 'Your sins are pardoned,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your mat, and walk?' But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to pardon sins"--He turned to the paralytic, and said, "To you I say, 'Rise, take up your mat and go home."

   -Mark 2: 7-11


Sometimes, friends, the best thing to do is just to forgive and let go any past conflicts. Repay evil with good and repay offenses with good.

We are reminded this in Romans Chapter 12: 17-21 that says,

" Don't pay back a bad turn by a bad turn, to anyone. See that your public behavior is above criticism. As far as your responsibility goes, live at peace with everyone. Never take vengeance into your own hands, my dear friends: stand back and let God punish if he will. For it is written: "It is mine to avenge, I will repay," says the Lord. And it is also written: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Don't allow yourself to be overpowered by evil. Take the offensive--overpower evil with good!"




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That is indeed a definitive and powerful statement, "Don't allow yourself to be overpowered by evil; take the offensive-- overpower evil with good!"

In today's world this is quite interesting to hear considering the numerous instances of how people avenge murder with murder. For me, when i read this verse from Matthew, I am reminded of the transcendental message we receive from God through the Gospel. That is: focusing on --as much as possible-- on the teachings of Christ. Forgiveness is an integral part of the Gospel.

Now, admittingly, the world is antagonistic to Christ's teachings. There are instances in this world and in our lives that makes forgiveness almost next to impossible. However, I have come to realize that it is the power of the devil that instigates us to anger, hate, and malcontent. It is not of the Spirit of God for us to continue to hate and to maintain hostility. And in reflection, we know that Christ expects the best that we can give to Him. Forgiving those who -- we might view as antagonistic and hurtful to us. For it is written, "It is in forgiving that you are forgiven...." (Ephesians 4).

So , we must forgive. Forgive each other so that when we approach the altar of God in prayer, are forgiven also of our sins.

Blessings and Peace,
Lorenzo



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A reading of Psalm 91 , an afterword provided.


psalm91movie

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Do you believe that you, those who believe in the Resurrection on the Last Day, will be raised when Our Great God Jesus Christ comes again?

Do you believe....?

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Do you believe that you, those who believe in the Resurrection on the Last Day, will be raised when Our Great God Jesus Christ comes again?

Do you believe....?

Jesus tells us and promises us this:


The LORD Jesus Christ said,

And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.


    -John 6:39-40

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Brothers and Sisters,


Do you ever feel like life is too stressful at times? When everything is spiraling down, you feel like you're doing everything you can , however, you are getting nothing out of your hard work? I'm sure we all experience this feeling, surely, I do too.

We all hear of stories when people succumb to the stresses of life by taking their life. My beloved brothers and sisters, if we remember the pilgrim lives of Apostle Paul, Peter, Timothy, Luke, we see and hear that living and preaching the word is never an easy thing. Even the original church fathers were themselves tempted and faltered from time to time. Peter, the leader of the apostles, denied Christ 3 times before the rooster's call. Why even Apostle Paul went through challenges during his stay in Greece and in Rome. Despite these factors, the church fathers eventually kept the Word of God in Jesus Christ till the end. In fact, most of the Apostles endured a painful death while preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

They were truly convinced in this Truth. Convinced in the Divine Promise of the Resurrection of the Righteous on the Last Day.

Last night, as I was walking back from work, I walked past St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois. I happened to read the message on the Gate. The message , which said, "Here rest the faithful awaiting the blessed hope and glorious coming of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ," really touched me. Thousands of men and women are buried in St. Boniface Cemetery, which is a German-American cemetery. It is quite empowering and inspiring to know that these people trusted in the Christian message of Resurrection of the Righteous on the Last Day.

I was strengthened. Truly, there is a Resurrection of the Holy Dead, who wait until The Lord Jesus Christ will come again....










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We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6 that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant,[c] who is a faithful minister of Christ on our[d] behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

 9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,[e] 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[f] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

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thanks for that, bey! sigi, apil diri, inday!

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Brothers and Sisters,

Using the  Holy Bible as reference, what are the wages of sin?

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