Looking Beyond Ourselves
Sometimes we are just too near-sighted. We never look further than ourselves. To be a Christian one must look beyond themselves. Let’s take a look at Paul and learn how he looked beyond.
Bible Sounds
Of course we are not talking about physical sounds but the Bible does talk about certain “sounds.” Let’s notice them…
One Thing
We are admonished several times in scripture to pay attention “one thing.” That means it must be important. Let’s look at a few…
Fill It Up
We are scarce about saying those words at the gas pump these days but spiritually we should be “filling” our lives up with some things. Let’s notice them…
I Have Nothing to Say About Modesty…
The subject of modesty is certainly a touchy one with some people. And by “touchy”, I mean “they will scratch your eyes out if you don’t shut up about it”.
I, like most people, also have opinions on this issue. It is not my goal to state those opinions in this blog, though. No, I think I would rather present a biblical viewpoint.
However, there are so many different translations/paraphrases of the Bible that I decided I would be fair and try to present as many as possible, so that I don’t misquote God’s Word.
So here goes:
[By the way, if you don’t know/love/appreciate/understand my sense of humor, please stop reading right here. Thanks. Just looking out for ya. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.]
I Timothy 2:9-10 says…
English Standard Version – “likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness – with good works.”
King James Version – “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
1Ti 2:10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.”
New Century Version – “Also, women should wear proper clothes that show respect and self-control, not using braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes. Instead, they should do good deeds, which is right for women who say they worship God.”
New International Version – “I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”
The Message – “And I want women to get in there with the men in humility before God, not primping before a mirror or chasing the latest fashions but doing something beautiful for God and becoming beautiful doing it.”
New Exemption Version – “likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self control, unless they’re at the beach with their friends and a bunch of other nearly-naked people, in which case, please feel free to prance around wearing almost nothing. This verse doesn’t apply to those situations. In fact, this verse really doesn’t apply to you at all. You are exempt. Why? Because you are special. Because your parents will let you do these things, which makes these things right. After all, your permissive parents are going to trump God on Judgment Day anyway (see 2 Exceptions 3:43). Because God’s Word doesn’t apply to people who have worked out really hard and given up Twinkies for 6 months and want to show off their hotness to others. Because you should be able to have as much fun as you want to have without some old-fashioned, bikini-hatin’, fun-destroying, life-ruining Christian meddling in your business. Proceed to party.”
Facebook Standard Version – “And since the men have such a problem looking at your bodies anyway, how ’bout helping them out a little bit and stop posting pictures of yourself in what amounts to nothing more than colored underwear. Do something productive with your facebook account…and with your camera.”
New American Fathers’ Version – “And how in the world can you let your little girl run around with less clothes on than it would take to blow your nose with [which you should be quieter about, by the way; everyone in the building looks at you when you do that; it is a scientifically-proven fact that more nose hair=more volume]? Don’t you care that other guys (even older, grown MEN) are looking at her in ways that only her future husband should? Believe me, Dad, you’re going to have to make the final decision on this one because you are the only one who really understands this. Man up and do the right thing. By the way, Dad, if you want to avoid this altogether, take them to the mountains. When they hit that freezing Colorado air, they’ll bundle up.”
Brass Tacks Version – “Put some clothes on! [deep sigh]”
Maybe this will clear things up a little bit.
Jeremy Pate
Longwinded Shortcomings
What Do You Expect?
Even though we are not fortune tellers (and should not even try to be) we do at times expect some things. For example we expect to get paid once we have fulfilled our obligation with our occupation. Are there things that we should expect concerning heaven? Let’s see…
Jesus’ Resurrection = Our Hope
During this time of year many are focused on Christ’s resurrection. Even though this “holiday” is not Biblical (i.e not a once a year observance but a weekly observance) it is a time to know that there is great hope because of His resurrection. Let look at what hope we have…
“Back to the Basics” of SALVATION
Here is another lesson in our “Back to the Bible” Series. Many today need to go back and take another look at this topic. The Bible is very direct on this matter but some have been misguided. Let’s notice what the Bible says about salvation.
“Back to the Basics” of the BIBLE
The basics that one needs to know can start simply at the Bible. It has weathered the test of time and it is still on top. We need to “listen” to God as he speaks to us today. Let’s look at a few things concerning His book.
GTW-to Study Like the Bereans
Last week I introduced a theme I am using for this year. It is Going Out of Your Way (GTW). Today I want to focus on how we should be going out of our way to study like the Bereans. Open your Bibles to Acts 17:10-12 and join me as we study God’s word.
The Jackson Church Blog 