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| T O P I C R E V I E W | | AXEMAN2415 | Posted - 02 Oct 2007 : 17:04:28
Jesus Joshua 24:15 Newsletter - October 2007
www.jesusjoshua2415.com
The Band:
Bobby Shepherd: Drums
Steve Pettit: Lead Vocals
Jay Woody: Bass
Will Rauser: Guitars
The Crew:
Mark Bussell: Webmaster, Computer Tech
Jim Bishop: Promotion, PR
Tammy Woody: Video Production, Wardrobe
Juli Rauser: Booking
George Sparks: Roadie
Editor's Lead
Treating Your Body Right
Wow! Is it already October?!? 0nly 4 months left in 2007 (well, if you count all of October). At any rate, the Holidays are right around the corner, and that means lots of fellowship, lots of celebration, and lots of food! And, of course, food is my favorite subject! And, as we all know, many of us can overdo it during the Holidays, and if we're not careful, we will pay the price!
But this article is not really about food. I wish to use food as a parable for something that I think is a very important to understand. I wish to point to what I think is a deep spiritual truth, in my opinion. Maybe many of you will not agree with my thesis here, but I think we all should ponder the thought process.
A few weeks ago, I was reading an article in "Shape" magazine (don't ask why I was reading a chick mag, it's a long story). On the cover of the magazine, there was a picture of Sheryl Crow, in a modest swimsuit. That alone caught my attention, partially because Crow is a lovely woman. Anyway, despite my opposition to much of her politics and beliefs, I do think she is a talented artist. So, I decided to read the article about Ms. Crow.
Important to the story (and it was very interesting) was the fact that Sheryl Crow had suffered from breast cancer. Whatever spiritual or ideological differences I may share with people, anyone who suffers from cancer has my sympathy and compassion. What was of particular interest in the article was how they compared Ms. Crow's current cover story with a cover story she did the previous year. The article begins:
quote:
When Sheryl Crow appeared on Shape's cover in January 2006, her life seemed just about perfect. She was engaged to world champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, she had a new album out, and she was in the best shape of her life.Or so she thought. A mere four weeks later, her entire world collapsed. First, there was the public split with Lance, then almost immediately afterward, a diagnosis of breast cancer. Like many women who've had cancer, Sheryl spent a lot of time examining her life and searching for the answers she needed to get healthy again
Now, there's a bunch of stuff that I could glean from that, and maybe I will at a later time, but I would like to use this to set up something Ms. Crow said later in the article. She was commenting on her change in eating habits:
quote:
Eat to live, not live to eat
Sheryl's other weapon against cancer is a healthy diet. Once she was diagnosed, she hired a nutritionist to help her change her eating habits. She went from indulging in breakfast burritos with sausage and cheese to eating high-fiber cereal with fresh blueberries. She's also cut out most meat and refined carbs like pasta in favor of fish and brightly colored fruits and vegetables rich in cancer-fighting antioxidants.
Now, for the most important point of the article, for me:
quote:
As for those Big Macs she told us last year that she loved, she now says,"I can't remember the last time I ate fast food. It's funny how you lose the desire for that stuff once you start treating your body right."
Did you catch that? For all that I may disagree with Ms. Crow on, I think she absolutely nailed it on the head. And though I am sure that there was no spiritual component to her statement, I think there is a very important spiritual truth to be applied.
The "parable" (if you will allow me) here is about a lifestyle change that comes with being Born Again. I cannot count how many times I have heard comments from some folks who have come to the New Life in Jesus Christ, and yet are still bound in the behaviors and attitudes of the old life. I realize that some things are much harder to deal with than others, and some situations just do not immediately disappear once you come to the saving knowledge of Christ. The truth is, if you commit a murder before you were born again, and you are sentenced to prison for 30 years, chances are that after you're born again, you will still have to serve your sentence. The Bible tells us that what we sow in the flesh, we will reap in the flesh.
But I am not speaking about things that we cannot alter or change. I am speaking about the things that we can. I believe that once we come to Christ, there are things that we must change to live well. Romans 12:1-2 says:
quote:
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
With all of that being said, I would like to point to one small, yet large, thing. Notice what Ms. Crow says, "It's funny how you lose the desire for that stuff once you start treating your body right.".
The Apostle Paul made a point to state that our spiritual act of worship was our bodies as "living sacrifices." Now, Paul wasn't merely speaking of nutrition. Paul was speaking about behaviors and actions. Many times in Scripture, the Apostle Paul (as well as other inspired authors) mentioned the correlation between behaviors and spiritual health. Ravi Zacharias makes this point, in his book, "The Real Face Of Atheism":
quote:
"So pivotal is the nature of morality to life itself that the Bible equates life with moral uprightness and death with the absence of moral sensitivity."
He is absolutely right. Now, before anybody blasts me for a "works salvation" theology, I am not demanding that we Christians should place burdens upon those who are having a difficult time shedding the attitudes of the old man. I do not believe that God has His finger over His beloved children, awaiting their inevitable failures. However, I think it is an extremely frivolous excuse to say, "Well, it's all under the Blood, by the Grace of God, so no matter what I do, it doesn't matter to God..." I am sorry, but it does matter to God. God would not have inspired His authors to mention it if behaviors and attitudes didn't matter to Him.
I think that as we begin to walk in the direction of righteousness, and we begin to shed the patterns of the old life (much like Ms. Crow's shedding the Big Macs), we begin to realize how the desire for that old lifestyle begins to diminish. Once you start treating your spiritual "body" right, the desire to fall into the old ways becomes marginalized. I am not suggesting that we're perfect. I am not suggesting that we'll never fall again. I am not suggesting that we are better than another person. I am not suggesting that God loves you any less. But I am suggesting that we are being perfected.
And, I am suggesting that there are things that we must cut out of our lives and leave behind, once we come to Christ. Allow me to quote some Scriptures that support this:
Ephesians 4:17
quote:
So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.
Ephesians 4:22-24
quote:
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:25
quote:
Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood, and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
Ephesians 4:28
quote:
He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
Ephesians 4:29
quote:
Do not let unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for
building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:31-32
quote:
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
I know I only pulled from Ephesians, but that is a pretty concise lesson in lifestyle change. Folks, if you will notice, all of those things Paul listed are personal choices -
choices made by our will. They are willful lifestyle alterations. Notice the terms Paul uses: "Put off your old self...", "put off falsehood...", "Speak truthfully...", "Steal no longer...", "Do not let...", "Get rid of..."
Some of you may argue, "Well, I can't do it on my own!" Well, you're right. It is the Spirit of God that enables us to operate in obedience. But you have to submit to the leading of the Spirit.You have to choose to obey the Spirit. Paul writes in Galatians chapter 5, verse 22:
quote:
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Like Ms. Crow said, with different words, our bodies operate as they were designed when you change your lifestyle. Likewise, our spiritual "bodies" operate as God designed them, when we submit to the Spirit;
Galatians 5:22-24
quote:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Jesus Christ have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
I submit to you that, as Ms. Crow succinctly illustrated, you would be amazed at how you lose the desire "for that stuff" when you start treating your "body" right.
News and Events
- There is currently no gigs scheduled for the rest of the year, but that can change at any time.
- For those who may not be aware of it, Will preaches at his little cottage church, called Hope Fellowship. Those messages are put into .mp3 format on the Hope Fellowship webite. You may access those sermons at www.hopefellowship-nc.org
Question for the band
Question for Will:
quote:
"How do you approach songwriting in Jesus Joshua?"
Will (Guitar): Well, the short answer is, I don't. Unfortunately, that does not tell the whole story. I have written numerous riffs for the band. But, to be quite honest, my songwriting skills are not up to the standards we have set up for this band. I can write riffs till the cows come home, but writing riffs and writing songs are two distinctly different things. Besides, cheesy as this might sound, we really don't write the songs, God does. We are never without an abundance of ideas. But, when it is time for us to write material, usually Bobby (drums) already has the material developed. This includes arrangements, lyrics, and parts.
When it is my turn to put my mark on the material, Bob and I sit down and work together on the guitar parts. Bob doesn't play guitar, so he uses me as his "pen". I can write guitar parts, but I prefer to submit to the writer, and often Bob will "sing" the part to me, and I translate those ideas onto the fretboard. It has always been my pet peeve that we guitar players tend to write where we're most comfortable. In other words, we write our parts based only what we can do on our instrument. We guitar players tend to fall into lazy patterns, or what is physically comfortable for us to execute. Bobby doesn't know squat about the fiddles. So when he writes, he is not bound by my technical obstacles. When he suggests a part, I may have to practice it to get it under my fingers, but I am generally able to learn it as he intends it. That gives me pleasure and satisfaction beyond compare, because I am forced to play something that I wouldn't ordinarily think of. That makes me grow as a musician, and as a guitar player. Think about it; I might play something simple, but the part calls for something that doesn't fall under my hand. That's something new. I refuse to tell Bobby that I will not do something. I may have to work on it to get over the technical hurdle, but I will eventually get it down. That's called practice!
I know that this is a long winded answer, but I think it is important to give context. Jesus Joshua 24:15 doesn't operate like any other band. I don't think we could have the longevity we do (13 years together) if we operated like everybody else. I am not saying that the way other bands work is wrong, just different. I could be a selfish and arrogant guitar player and demand to get my stuff in the band. But, I think I am a big boy, and I have been given so much opportunity to be blessed through this ministry.I think you have to recognize where the anointing falls. Besides, it isn't about me anyway. And I get to play all of the guitar I want. I think our material is great, and I wouldn't want to change a thing.
Guitar Points from Will
Something that I have noticed with modern metal guitar playing is the use a single string in rhythm playing. While I don't have a problem with that (I certainly do it), rhythm playing is so much more than chunking on a single string. As I have showed in previous columns, there are many devices for playing interesting rhythms. Sometimes, playing a tight rhythm has to do with what you don't play. Sometimes laying out, and letting the drums and bass drive the song, is better for the groove than chunking all the way through.
In the song "You're Wrong", from Jesus Joshua 24:15's album "Once And For All", we basically play an E pedal tone. I chunk on an E5 power chord throughout the first verse, while the bass guitar and the drum loop pedal an E note. Example:
Ex.1
E5 (Palm-mute through out) x=stop the strings
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & a
E|-------x-----x-----x----|-x-----x-----x----------x-|
B|-------x-----x-----x----|-x-----x-----x----------x-|
G|-------x-----x-----x----|-x-----x-----x----------x-|
D|-2--2--x--2--x--2--x--2-|-x--2--x--2--x--2--2--2-x-|
A|-2--2--x--2--x--2--x--2-|-x--2--x--2--x--2--2--2-x-|
E|-0--0--x--0--x--0--x--0-|-x--0--x--0--x--0--0--0-x-|
The above rhythm pattern is an approximation of what I play. My rhythm parallels what Bob plays on his China cymbal, muting the strings for chunk, and stopping the strings for the "spaces".
However, to add a little variation, in the second verse I play open E5 power chords at the 7th position, and using open strings, allowing them to ring.
Ex.2
E5 (7th position) Let chords ring out until the stops.
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & (repeat)
E|-0-----x-----0--0--0--x-|---------|
B|-0-----x-----0--0--0--x-|---------|
G|-9-----x-----9--9--9--x-|---------|
D|-9-----x-----9--9--9--x-|---------|
A|-7-----x-----7--7--7--x-|---------|
E|-0-----x-----0--0--0--x-|---------|
The point is, while I am essentially playing the same chords in both verses, I am arranging the voices and parts to create a variation. Nothing is taken from the essential groove of the song. The bass, loop, and drums drive the groove along, while I color the part and allow the vocals to "breathe". This helps further the motion of the song. To me, variations on a theme help build interest in a song.
Now, sometimes just hanging on a riff is golden, and it isn't "wrong" to repeat a riff, but not all riffs are meant to remain static. It is largely personal taste, but I think we can all recognize when we're being bored by a song.
Other ways to generate more interesting rhythms is to go from, say, a low string fast riff, to replacing it with a counter-riff with the using the same notes. Or, like in Pantera's "Cowboys From Hell" or Van Halen's "Mean Street", you could play the exact same riff in the intro, but move it an octave higher for the verses. Or you could play solid chords for the first verse, and then for the second verse change to single-note arpeggios that match the original chords:
Ex.3
E7#9 E5 D5 E5 Same chord progression, single noted
E|-----------------------------|----------------------------------|
B|-----8-----------------------|----------------------10-------12-|
G|-----7-----9-----7-----9-----|-----------7-------11--------12---|
D|-----6-----9-----7-----9-----|-----6---9---9-/12---------12-----|
A|-----7-----7-----5-----7-----|---7---7--------------------------|
E|-0-0---0-0---0-0---0-0-------|-0-----------------------0--------|
I just made that part up, but it describes the idea perfectly. There's no rule that says you have to play the chords in a block-type manner.
The point of all of this is to help you understand that you do not have to always chunk on the low strings to make a part "heavy". There are other instruments in the band. Try some variations of your own. You might find that approaching a part differently might help bring that mediocre riff to life, and thus help make the song better.
Lead Techniques from Will
Picking, part 2
Last month I introduced you to some ways to synchronize your hands by learning how to approach your picking technique. Now, let's take some of those ideas and apply them to scales.
First, let's examine a scale pattern. Since we're are referring to standard tuning, we shall start in the keys of E Major and E minor. Since the Guitar starts with "E" being the lowest note, in standard tuning, it only makes sense to start there. Bear in mind, that we're just focusing on shapes and patterns, not actual musical applications.
Musically, E Major is spelled out;
E F# G#A B C# D# E
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1
And, E minor is spelled
E F# G A B C D E
1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 1
Now, we will just use E Major for right now. The E major scale lays out on the fretboard like this (in the first position):
Ex.1
E F# G# A B C# D# E F# G# A B C# D# E F# G# A
E|----------------------------------------------2--4--5-|
B|-------------------------------------2--4--5----------|
G|----------------------------1--2--4-------------------|
D|-------------------1--2--4----------------------------|
A|----------0--2--4-------------------------------------|
E|-0--2--4----------------------------------------------|
Notice how this pattern lays out in a nice, symmetrical 3-note-per-string shape? Bear in mind, this is only one way to play the scale. In all actuality, the scale itself just repeats each time you hit the Root, or "1" (E), so this is just one way to learn the pattern. Now, if we were to practice our picking techniques, we have several technical hurdles we must overcome. Let's look at how we can apply our picking techniques to this pattern.
Ex.2 Alternate picking
v ^ v ^ v ^ v ^ v ^ v ^ v ^ v ^ v ^
E|----------------------------------------------2--4--5-|
B|-------------------------------------2--4--5----------|
G|----------------------------1--2--4-------------------|
D|-------------------1--2--4----------------------------|
A|----------0--2--4-------------------------------------|
E|-0--2--4----------------------------------------------|
In exercise, strict alternate picking (down, up) is followed throughout the pattern. Even when crossing strings (going from one string to the next), the picking remains alternate.
This discipline is difficult to master, but well worth your time. Start slow (very slow!) and use a metronome. Start at 50 beats-per-minute. When you can play the pattern perfectly (going up-then back down), notch up the metronome one click. Eventually, this will become second nature.
Now let's look at other ways to pick this pattern;
Ex.3 Economy picking
|----| |----| |----| |----| |----|
v ^ v v ^ v v ^ v v ^ v v ^ v v ^ v
E|----------------------------------------------2--4--5-|
B|-------------------------------------2--4--5----------|
G|----------------------------1--2--4-------------------|
D|-------------------1--2--4----------------------------|
A|----------0--2--4-------------------------------------|
E|-0--2--4----------------------------------------------|
|----| |----| |----| |----| |----|
^ v ^ ^ v ^ ^ v ^ ^ v ^ ^ v ^ ^ v ^
E|-5--4--2----------------------------------------------|
B|----------5--4--2-------------------------------------|
G|-------------------4--2--1----------------------------|
D|----------------------------4--2--1-------------------|
A|-------------------------------------4--2--0----------|
E|----------------------------------------------4--2--0-|
Now, in example 3 we have alternate picking, until we come to a string cross. Then we continue with the same pick-stroke as we hit the next string (Down, up, Down, DOWN, up, down...). Personally, I favor this technique, because it allows me to continue my pick-hand motion as I go up or down the scale. I find it faster to play scales this way, BUT, sometimes there are technical hurdles that this creates when you aren't playing 3-notes-per-string scales. We shall look at this problem next month.
A Final Thought
quote:
"To try to explain truth to him who loves it not is but to give him more plentiful material for misinterpretation."---George MacDonald
I could leave it at that, but I just cannot. I have had personal experience with those with whom George MacDonald describes in his quote. We seem to have an awful lot of folks out there who claim to seek truth, but oh how they hate it when they hear it. And thus, they choose to reject truth, distort it, malign it, mock it, and rename it. To me, there's no such thing as "My truth" and "Your truth", only "THE truth". While we may have differing opinions on issues, and we may be very sincere in what we believe about those issues, if those opinions are not based on truth, then those opinions can only be based in falsehood. I am willing to defer to someone's opinion that differs from mine, if that opinion has a basis for truth. I am going to go into some deep water, here.
I believe that the abortion issue is not a Right-Left issue. I believe it is a Right-and-Wrong issue. It isn't simply a political position, a Republican vs. Democrat subject. I believe the Republicans (well, most of them) are on the Right side of this issue, and thus they have my support, because I believe that abortion is simply wrong. If the Republicans change their position on this, I would probably change my support for them. Like it or not, that's the way the game is played. Only it is not a game.
I have heard commentary from those who wish to remain "open-minded", saying that both sides of this issue have a legitimate point. Maybe so. But ultimately the truth of the issue cannot be ignored. I cannot help but wonder what the underlying motivation is for a person who supports abortion. Or any other issue with which the current culture war is raging.
You see, to me truth is truth and falsehood is not. To me, to say that there are two equally legitimate sides to an argument is to reduce the truth to perception. I do not agree. Whether we like it or not, truth has a way of getting in our way. G.K. Chesterton wrote:
quote:
"Truth, of course, must be stranger than fiction, for we have made fiction to suit ourselves."
The inconvenience of truth is that we cannot make it fit our political, theological, and social ideologies. Bill O'Reiley said;
quote:
“Truth is the casualty of ideology”
And although sometimes I think even he sits on the fence when it comes to certain important social and spiritual issues, I am afraid that he is right. Folks, truth is not what we fashion. I believe we can frame our ideologies with truth, but we cannot frame the truth with our ideologies. For if we do, then we are simply being false.
| | 16 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) | | Shredhead | Posted - 15 Oct 2007 : 07:03:45
quote:
I think I'll just bury my head in the sand.......LALALALALA!
Man ! better start digging , that'd be one BIG hole lol .
quote:
but that too avoids the more practical - and less held - discussion.
How do we deal with the temptations around us? Do we bury our heads in the sand? do we stick our fingers in our ears and hum really loudly?
I love it when the rubber meets the road .
When Jesus taught us how to pray , He mentions that we , ask not to be led into temptation .
He also says to " flee temptation " .
However , as Will & CB point out , with which I agree ,feeding the Spirit & starving the flesh , is probably what enables us to do the above .
Someone once said , " an army marches on it's stomach " . Our Spiritual walk is much the same , what we feed , is what drives us . We can't win this battle if we live on McDees .
The question I have though is this , is it absolute ? Does everything either feed the flesh , or the Spirit ? , or are there neutral "foods" ? or is that " sitting on the fence " ? If something is bad for me , is it bad for you ? We're all tempted by different things , but as Paul says , " all things we're created good , but not all things are good for you " . Is there a " line in the sand " , between flesh & Spirit ?
Sheryl's ok , but Rickie rocks !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIKbOpac1VE
Hey Will , make sure you're listening at 04:22 lol . | | Captain Blasto | Posted - 11 Oct 2007 : 20:34:24
It seems that to crucify one's self daily is an act of the will or "Flesh" , more than one of the flesh... the flesh ALWAYS desires to be pleased... the "Flesh" attitude or appetite is able to be put into subjection through renewal of the mind and experiential exposure to the Holy Spirit as an act of willfil submission... Our free will is our ability to rebel or obey and we do not lose that ability upon salvation... however contrition and humility are not compatible with selfishness and greed. Our inability to break free of some things could be a symptom of a deficiency in our ability to realize through our faith that we are (in fact) delivered. Faith "works" are not equal to flesh "works".
2Tm:2:19: Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
2Tm:2:20: But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
2Tm:2:21: If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
We are less useful or effective to the Kingdom and good works when we retain facets of dishonor, never-the-less our degree of usefulness while not the determining factor in our ultimate residency (lest that residency be determined by OUR obedience (flesh works) and not through His imputed and our exercised (faith works) making the chastisement of the Galatians for naught) these things will all be weighed...
Ga:1:6: I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Ga:1:7: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Ga:1:8: But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Ga:1:9: As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Ga:1:10: For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Ga:1:11: But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
Ga:1:12: For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Ga:3:1: O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
Ga:3:2: This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Ga:3:3: Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Ga:3:4: Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
Ga:3:5: He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Ga:3:6: Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
Ga:3:7: Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
Ga:3:8: And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
Ga:3:9: So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
Ga:3:10: For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
Ga:3:11: But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Ga:3:12: And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
Ga:3:13: Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Ga:3:14: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Ga:3:15: Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
Ga:3:16: Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
Ga:3:17: And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
Ga:3:18: For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
Ga:3:19: Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
Ga:3:20: Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
Ga:3:21: Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
Ga:3:22: But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
Ga:3:23: But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
Ga:3:24: Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Ga:3:25: But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Ga:3:26: For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Ga:3:27: For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Ga:3:28: 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.
Ga:3:29: And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
As a progressive walk
1Co:9:27: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
2Co:9:13: Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
Heb:12:3: For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Heb:12:4: Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
Heb:12:5: 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:
Heb:12:6: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Heb:12:7: If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
Heb:12:8: But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
Heb:12:9: 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?
Heb:12:10: 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.
Heb:12:11: 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.
Heb:12:12: Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
Heb:12:13: And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
Heb:12:14: Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Heb:12:15: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
Heb:12:16: Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
Heb:12:17: For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
Chastisement comes to those sons who deseve chastisement...
2Co:10:3: For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
2Co:10:4: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
2Co:10:5: Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
2Co:10:6: And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
2Co:10:7: Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
| | AXEMAN2415 | Posted - 11 Oct 2007 : 17:59:48
I think I'll just bury my head in the sand.......LALALALALA! | | AnonJr | Posted - 11 Oct 2007 : 07:01:09
There is another component of this that seems to always get lost in the shuffle as it were. We all seem to agree that regardless of the mechanics of how we are tempted, we are all continually tempted. We could argue about the extent of "tempted" a person can be (which probably depends on where someone is in their walk), but that too avoids the more practical - and less held - discussion.
How do we deal with the temptations around us? Do we bury our heads in the sand? do we stick our fingers in our ears and hum really loudly?
I ask because I believe that how we deal with temptation is an important component in our walk. When I worked as a lifeguard at a Christian summer camp, there were some groups who wouldn't let the boys and the girls swim together "so they wouldn't be tempted". Personally, I think that all this did was avoid the issue and leave a group of young people that much less prepared to deal with the realities of of living in a fallen world. Instead of taking the opportunity to work with them in a (relatively) controlled environment, and giving them the tools they need cope with the temptations the world will throw at them, they instead said (in actions more so that words) "Just bury your heads as temptation is an irresistible force." Not quite the lesson I think needed to be learned...
Now please don't misunderstand - I am not saying that we should seek out temptation like some Greek Mythological Hero trying to find a monster to contend with. I am saying that it seems quite inevitable that temptation will come our way and the tempter seems to know what pulls at our flesh the most. How do we deal with it when it comes? Is there a single answer? (I know - God - I was looking for something a little more specific  ) Or is this a "it depends on the manner of temptation" type question? | | Shredhead | Posted - 11 Oct 2007 : 05:35:20
Yep , thanks Will , & as I've said , I agree 100% .
But I think Paul was referring to the flesh , not the Flesh , as he's the one who wrote in Romans 5-8 , that the Flesh HAS BEEN crucified , past tense . | | AXEMAN2415 | Posted - 10 Oct 2007 : 17:52:45
Even the Apostle Paul noted that while the spirit was willing, the flesh was weak. Then Paul makes note that if we sow to pleasethe Spirit (in other words, obey), which produces righteousness, then we will not gratify the flesh. (Galatians 6:7-8) Paul also indicates this in Romans 8:12-14 | | Captain Blasto | Posted - 09 Oct 2007 : 22:00:42
Ahhhh.... To crucify one's(self) daily or to not crucify one's(self) daily.... THAT is the question...... I would say that you are correct... it IS a choice... The "what" to which you refer is really a kind of ellusive domino effect kinda thing... first (the spirit) is made free which foundationalizes ? (is that a word?) the "new" creature... connecting said spirit to God via His Holy Spirit... the "mind", "emotions" and "will" <<< (not the stinky one!) are set free (and probably in that order) in direct proportion to the renewing of the mind through feeding on The Word which in turn should give our spirit the tools that it needs to keep the body (old stanky!)in subjection. I think ? | | Shredhead | Posted - 09 Oct 2007 : 02:49:27
quote:
Hah! I kill me too...lol
I thought I could smell something lol .
quote:
I guess that you could say that the Flesh or (sin nature) resides more in the "soul" realm (mind, will and emotions) than the body although the body with it's sensory capacity and ability to be stimulated is certainly an accomplice or at least an instigator or aggrivating factor. Hunger does not necessitate gluttony but it certainly fuels it.
I feel compelled to ask . Doesn't the Sin nature/old man { no , not William LOL , I kill me also } reside in the grave , as it HAS been crucified with Christ , thereby making any sin we find ourselves in , a choice ? So the flesh we fight today , is literal ? Otherwise , "what" is set free from Sins power ? | | AXEMAN2415 | Posted - 07 Oct 2007 : 13:01:38
quote:
I guess that you could say that the Flesh or (sin nature) resides more in the "soul" realm (mind, will and emotions) than the body although the body with it's sensory capacity and ability to be stimulated is certainly an accomplice or at least an instigator or aggrivating factor. Hunger does not necessitate gluttony but it certainly fuels it.
A most excellent point, Captain. You've gotten to the heart of it....lol! Hah! I kill me too...lol | | Captain Blasto | Posted - 07 Oct 2007 : 12:47:58
I guess that you could say that the Flesh or (sin nature) resides more in the "soul" realm (mind, will and emotions) than the body although the body with it's sensory capacity and ability to be stimulated is certainly an accomplice or at least an instigator or aggrivating factor. Hunger does not necessitate gluttony but it certainly fuels it. | | Shredhead | Posted - 07 Oct 2007 : 01:28:14
So , sin doesn't lose it's attraction to the flesh , but if the Spirit is fed , it's strengthened , to bring the flesh into submission ?
Also , I've often struggled with understanding the flesh & the Flesh .Just so we're clear , the flesh is the human body , in a physical sense . The Flesh , is the old man , that was crucified with Christ ? | | Captain Blasto | Posted - 05 Oct 2007 : 22:47:42
I think I understand what you guys are saying... but could you "flesh" it out a little?
.... I Kill Me....
You might even say I'm mortified... | | AXEMAN2415 | Posted - 05 Oct 2007 : 18:29:03
quote:
If the flesh is starved out , what does Sin attack/tempt ?
Good question, Shred, but stop and think: By that logic, how, then, could Jesus have been tempted at all? The Scripture clearly states that Jesus was sent into the desert, by the Spirit, to be tempted of the devil. Since Jesus was perfect and sinless, in every sense of the term, how then could He be tempted? | | Shredhead | Posted - 05 Oct 2007 : 03:39:16
quote:
I am not sure if we will be, but that really isn't my point. As you feed the spirit, it will starve out the flesh.
Hmm , maybe I misunderstand your point . I would've thought the two to be instrinsically related .
If the flesh is starved out , what does Sin attack/tempt ?
Could it be , that Ms Crow found something of greater worth than a Big Mac ? That it's this , "pearl of great price " that motivates her ?
Much the same as our Christian walk ?
Not that Sin loses it's appeal , but we've found a better way ? Something eternal , worth more than the temporal ? Isn't this our Hope ?
........ gee , that's a lot of ?'s lol . | | AXEMAN2415 | Posted - 04 Oct 2007 : 19:00:27
quote:
quote:I submit to you that, as Ms. Crow succinctly illustrated, you would be amazed at how you lose the desire "for that stuff" when you start treating your "body" right.
I agree 100 % , although , will we ever { in this lifetime } be free of Sins' attraction ?
I am not sure if we will be, but that really isn't my point. As you feed the spirit, it will starve out the flesh. | | Shredhead | Posted - 04 Oct 2007 : 03:55:23
Greetings from Gods' country , He sends His regards lol .
Firstly , let's address the most important issues .
quote:
A few weeks ago, I was reading an article in "Shape" magazine (don't ask why I was reading a chick mag, it's a long story).
You might want to look into this site Will lol.
http://mancans.com/dont_say_we_didnt_warn.html
quote:
I submit to you that, as Ms. Crow succinctly illustrated, you would be amazed at how you lose the desire "for that stuff" when you start treating your "body" right.
I agree 100 % , although , will we ever { in this lifetime } be free of Sins' attraction ?
quote:
And thus, they choose to reject truth, distort it, malign it, mock it, and rename it.
Nature of the beast really . There's probably a little Dorian Grey in all of us .
quote:
Folks, truth is not what we fashion. I believe we can frame our ideologies with truth, but we cannot frame the truth with our ideologies. For if we do, then we are simply being false.
Well said my "girlie" Brother . |
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