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Chaplains Corner A place to discuss religion, personal problems, or to request advise from someone who will listen and provide moral support. |
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04-10-2006, 04:23 AM | #1 |
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Join Date: Mar 2006
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Papers & Letters from Prison.
Here's something I posted "somewhere else" & thought it might find a place in the Sky Pilot section.
Papers & Letters from Prison. Seems to be somewhat of a Christian tradition. Paul wrote a fair chunk of the New Testament from prison & Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a great theologian who was imprisoned by the nazis & executed only days before the end of WW2 wrote much to encourage the believers from behind bars. Neither of these blokes were ones to muck around, they shot straight. Hmmmm, perhaps that's why they were in the can. I admire how Paul, when he was brought out of custody to face Felix he didnt flinch but gave him the good oil. Acts 24:25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. What outstanding subjects & what incredible boldness from Paulconsidering Felix was related by marriage to the same Herod who has imprisoned John the Baptist for confronting him with the same principles. Ultimately, this cost John his life. Generally speaking people dont want to hear about these things. However defaulting on these issues results in eternal damnation so they are, without doubt, some of the most important topics of conversation & instruction one can ever engage in. Relative to Righteousness, consider: 1 Cor 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 1 Cor 6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Cor 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Paul, by the unction of the Holy Ghost nails many unrighteous acts but also gives great hope in vs 11 where he says "and such WERE some of you". How wonderful it is that the power of all sin can be broken through faith in the Blood of Jesus. Paul continues to list acts of unrighteousness in Galatians 5. Again he points out that people cannot live this way and expect God Almighty to over look it. Damnation is their future unless they correct their ways. Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Gal 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Gal 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. You might ask "but what of the grace of God, surely He is merciful?" Yes, indeed He is, but He is also a God of righteousness and warns against the abuse of His grace. Heb 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, Heb 10:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. This is a chilling Scripture for the abusers of God's grace and consider a lifestyle of righteousness as simply an option. Little wonder that Paul commenced 1 Cor 6:9 with the words "Do not be deceived!" Paul encouraged his faithful son in the Lord with these words: 2 Tim 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Tim 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Again, righteousness is a focus of Paul's charge to Timothy. He is called to reprove, correct & instruct. Sadly, in modern "people friendly" churches this is not the message. Often, minister's who have been entrusted with the same calling as Timothy prefer to entertain, approve and tickle the ears of those who listen. Many times this is because they are afraid of offending their hearers, losing their members and violating the modern curse of political correctness. If Paul, when brought out of custody, to face the governor of the day, spoke boldly on righteousness, temperance & the judgement to come at the risk of his life, how much more should we? Part 2 of Nineteen11's papers & letters from prison to follow. |
04-10-2006, 05:13 AM | #2 |
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Colorado, Western Slope
Posts: 16,229
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:thumbup1 :thumbup1 :thumbup1
And a fine Letter it is too! Very well said indeed! I saved it from the "other place" and I'm waiting with interest to read part 2! Regards, |
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