Watch Your Mouth!

2 Timothy 2:16-17

        Paul states in 2 Timothy 2:16-17 that those who practice "worldly" and "empty" chatter basically cause infections within the body of Christ. He states that it will spread like "gangrene." This happens because this kind of talk leads to further ungodliness. Gangrene is a very disgusting and debilitating infection that is not to be handled lightly whether it is in the physical body or, as Paul is suggesting, in the spiritual body of Christ.
        One of the worst types of gangrene is "gas" gangrene. This form of gangrene is so interesting because it thrives and grows when there is a lack of oxygen to the skin cells. Healthy tissue is full of oxygen, so this rarely happens. When this does happen this gangrene releases gas and poisons into the body, causing rapid death. Some of the tissues in a wound have already died so the infection attacks these dead cells and begins there; this occurs most in "crush" injuries. Injuries when a body part has been crushed and loss of blood flow occurs, causing lack of oxygen to the tissue.
       Paul names two people who had gone astray from the truth and who were practicing such ungodliness. These two had been spreading worldly chatter in regards to the doctrine of resurrection and other issues. Paul warns us of practicing this or even associating with those do like wise. Paul didn't just use gangrene to illustrate that it was bad, but to reveal a truth about those who are participators of this kind of talk. These people like gangrene attack the "weak" parts of the body of Christ, those who have been hurt, "crushed," in spirit.
       This worldly and empty chatter is talk that is literally pointless (βέβηλος), and lacks significant content (κενοφωνία). It is interesting to note that gangrene can happen any where in the body, but the most common places are the appendages such as the hands, feet, arms and legs. Wouldn't the devil just love to prevent the body of Christ from extending a hand and arm to the broken? Even prevent the spreading of the gospel and carrying the good news to the community? If there are no hands and feet there is no effectiveness!
       Paul is giving a warning here first, to those who are tempted to take part in such disease filled, corrupt conversations, secondly to the instigators. When the infection sets in a doctor does a few things, anti-biotic for slowing the infection down then surgery to remove the spreading of the infection. Be warned that God, the great physician, will amputate those who are infectious to the body! He will remove the infection and treat those who have been infected by the ungodliness.
       It is rare that this type of infection occurs. It’s also rare that it occurs in the Church, but once it does it spreads and may happen for years, maybe even spreading to a region. This life killing tactic of the devil seems to spread not just in churches but in communities. It is rare, but it sticks around. If you find yourself being influenced by such worldly and empty chatter, Paul says to avoid it! Do not give it any more room to take root! A physician will put the victim into a hyperbaric chamber, which pumps oxygen into a sealed environment to get life back into the cells. So you should get yourself in the word of God, pumping yourself full of truth and life.

The Christian and the Computer

Sanctification

2 Thessalonians 2:13

But we should always give thanks to God for you, ^bbrethren beloved by the Lord, because ^cGod has 

chosen you ¹from the beginning ^dfor salvation ^2ethrough sanctification ³by the Spirit and faith in the truth.

Romans 6:19-23

1 Corinthians 1:30

Hebrews 12:4

Understanding the Term

“The Greek term for sanctify, hagiazō, means to “set apart” for God’s special use, or “to make distinct from what is common.” Hence, sanctification is to be made like God who is distinct from all else and therefore holy. The Greek word for “sanctify” refers to a process which is perfect in principle, though not yet attainable.” (Holman Key Treasury of Bible Words)

Sanctification is much like the technology industry, what it is today is better than it was yesterday but not as good as it will be tomorrow. Computers, cell phones, flat screen tv’s, video game systems and more. All are looking to be better in every way possible. Cell phones have evolved into something that only years ago people were simply dreaming of. The military has the best of the best in technology whether it be ruggedized, extremely fast, or state of the art imagery. As it is with technology so it ought to be with the follower of Jesus Christ. 

We should be in a constant forward state of change, looking at yesterday and appreciating the upgrade or transformation we have undergone. Then looking ahead at tomorrow, seeking Christ and allowing Him to upgrade what He deems necessary - whether it be character, thinking, our mouths, hearts, maybe perception of His word and people. If you are who you were five or ten years ago maybe even five months ago its time to turn up the heat. Time to take a trip to the cross! If it is the cross that we tell sinners to look to, they had better find us there when they do. We will never become too “mature” to move on from the cross. The cross and Christ is our manufacture and the resurrection is our manufactures guarantee.  

Smooth Sailing

 Matthew 8:18-27 (Hover over reference to view passage or click reference for biblia.com)       

        As the disciples were in the midst of the storm their hearts attitude was if they could bale out or turn back some how they would have. Right there in the midst of the storm they should have just held on for the ride knowing that if Jesus asked them to sail out to sea they could be assured that he would not lead them to their imminent death. He wasn’t about to lead them to failure or destruction or loss. If he calls us he is faithful to carry us through! 

        The Disciples accepted, maybe with ignorance or more gently “blind faith”, the command of Jesus to depart to the other side of the sea. Then when circumstances and situations that seem to pose a threat to the desired goal and destination in light of what Christ asked of them, they became fearful. They worried, thinking that it would be better to go back and maintain life with Christ over here, rather than face losing it all at the cost of obedience! “Ah, Lord I know you said.....and I started to but things just are not going like they are supposed to.......” “Oh you of little faith” SHOULD NOT BE INTERPRETED as “why have you lost your faith? or where has your faith Gone?” but when Jesus addresses them like this he is speaking to their lack of seeing the whole picture. They had faith in his power and teaching, even in his command. In fact they demonstrated their faith even by waking Jesus up and asking him for help saying “save us!” They had enough faith that Jesus could take them out of the storm but not enough that he could carry them through it! 

        Being a disciple of Christ is in no way a call to comfortability, Jesus never promised “smooth sailing.” Jesus said go to the other side of the sea, and he went with them. But they wanted to give up when they felt threatened, not thinking about the fact that Jesus told them to do this and why would Jesus lead them to their death. They didn’t trust that Jesus would keep them safe in the middle of the storm, simply because they didn’t give any thought to it, or if they did they didn’t have enough faith to believe him to carry them through! 

        So instead they took the easy way out, requested that the storm be calmed. We learn so much from this passage of scripture but what would the disciples have learned if they held on and rode it out? held on to the command and call of Christ in the midst of the storm? would they not have gotten to the other side? Sure if he calls us he is faithful to carry us through. 

        I encourage those of you who are facing what seems to be a trial or some situation that seems as though something went wrong, to hold on to Christ! The testing of your faith produces perseverance (Romans 5:3-4; James 1:2-3). Don’t take the easy road but pray and ask God for his grace to hold on through the trial. He called you and he will carry you through! 

Pastor Billy

The Gospel

The Gospel is a bloody redemption. Its the only way, because Jesus Christ was the only one willing and able to get his hands dirty for the sake of mankind. Matthew 27:28-31