Seven Eros Giants

SEVEN EROS GIANTS.

 

These were first made known to me by Bob Mumford in his teaching called The Agape Road. In this teaching he points out the difference between the two Greek words [Agape] and [Eros] which are both translated into English by using the same word "love". But their actual meaning is nearly opposite from each other, this is a common problem with translations. Thank God for having His Word written in Hebrew and Greek which are both very accurate languages? Agape is used for God in (1 John 4:8), and is often referred to as "God's kind of love". On the other hand Eros is never used in the NT because it comes from Greek mythology and has a "sensual" or sometimes even a "sexual" context. The English word "erotic" comes from the same root. So Bob says that where Agape is a word that means "Giving" as in (John 3:16), the word Eros is a word that means "taking", as in a case of "rape" or a situation of "incest" in a family. That is why I say they are opposite in meaning, although we often use expressions like I "love" my "cat" my "car" and "God" or "pizza" and use the same word love. How crazy the English Language can be!!

 

Bob lists the seven things he called the Eros Giants, 1/ Look Good. 2/ Feel Good, 3/ Be right, 4/ Stay in control, 5/ Hidden agenda, 6/ Personal advantage, 7/ Remain undisturbed. Consider these 7 things carefully, and see how often we use one or more than one in our daily relationships with friends and family members, especially with our "spouses". No wonder that so many marriages end in "divorce"! If we expect to improve relationships we must give close attention to these "giants", that we all incorporate into our regular activities whether we realize it or not. Even once I heard about them and see what Bob means by their danger to relationships, I still have a hard time to wean myself off from using them.

 

But in reality this is simply a part of learning to "walk in the Spirit" as the apostle Paul exhorts us to do in (Gal 5:16-21) and in several other of his letters like Colossians or Ephesians. Actually there is much more involved in being a follower of Jesus than most of us were ever told. After many years of following Him I realize how much simple disciplining that I missed, because it was never offered as part of the programs of the churches I attended I guess, or else I slept through them!! How about you?

Sincerely submitted.

Dave Jamer                                16/11/12                                                                       

 

Saint or Sinner

SAINT OR SINNER

We know from reading (2 Cor 5:17) that anyone who is "in Christ" is a new creation, and we know from (John 3:3) that this happens when a person is "born again" by the Spirit of God. By this act on our part of confessing our sinful condition and receiving Jesus Christ as our personal Savior from sin, we become "saints". Paul wrote several letters to groups of believers gathered together to form churches. He always extended his greeting to the "saints", or holy people, who resided in that city. In other words the believers, or followers of Jesus, were called saints. Because over the years the church has set certain people apart, and called then saints, usually long after they are dead, we have been confused about the true meaning of this term. We often hear well meaning believers refer to themselves as just a "sinner saved by grace", but this is not correct. If they are indeed saved, they are no longer a sinner, but a saint. Their true identity has been changed and their position before God can never be reversed. If and when a believer sins after being saved, they don't revert back to a sinner, they are merely a saint who has sinned. God has made provision for restoring such a one back into fellowship with Him. (1 John 1:9)

In the natural world around us we see beautiful butterflies, that were once ugly worms before they were supernaturally changed. Now a butterfly can land in a mud puddle and get wet and dirty, but they never revert back to a worm because of this mistake. As soon as they dry off they can fly again as usual. Neither does a saint revert back to a sinner because they fall into some form of sinful behavior after they are saved. By following the provision of God in His Word, they can be cleansed and restored. There has been much confusion in the church over this issue of a Christian sinning. Some say they are lost again, while others have maintained that they are eternally secure. I believe if we separate membership in God's family, from our position in His Kingdom, we have the answer to this debate. In other words our sinful behavior does not affect our position in the family of God, but it may affect our place in His Kingdom. In (1 Peter 1:3-4) we read about a "precious inheritance" which is being reserved in heaven for us! I believe this is our part in the Kingdom of God. A careful reading of (1 Cor 6:9-11), (Gal 5:19-21), and (Eph 5:3-5) will clearly show that this type of sinful behavior listed in these passages will affect a believer's place in the Eternal Kingdom. We enter God's family by means of the new birth, which is a gift of God's grace, but we are transferred into the Kingdom,(Col 1:13). If we are transferred in, we can be legislated out if necessary! Check these scriptures out for yourself. (Acts 17:11)

Sincerely submitted

Dave Jamer                                          24/04/12   

Jamer                                                   24/04/12

A Call To Comfort Others

A CALL TO COMFORT OTHERS

 

When we read (2 Cor 1:3-11) we see the Apostle Paul offering some good advice on how to express comfort and encouragement to anyone going through a time of loss. When we know someone who has recently endured the loss of a loved one through death, or some other tragedy, this is a good passage to turn to. Bible scholar W. E. Vine, who wrote "Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words", says the Greek word that is translated as "comfort" in this passage means "A calling to one's side". Paul uses this word several times in this passage, for example in verse 7 we read "We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us". So in other words when we take time to share in another person's suffering, we can also share in the comfort we both will receive from God, as Paul expresses it so well in verse 4. "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us".

 

I recently read a line someone had written, "God comforts us so that we can comfort others". And this is certainly a true statement that we find repeated often in scripture, because our God is defined by the Apostle John in his first letter (1 John 4:8) as [Agape] the Greek word for "love". Actually there are two Greek words that are both translated into English as love. They are [Agape] and [Eros] and have a completely different meaning, [Agape] is the word used for God, but [Eros] is used for sensual or erotic love, the word that the world uses to express love. Sometimes the word used to express the true meaning of Eros is taken from it and is "erotic". It is much used today in our sinful society, and shows the weakness of English as a language compared to either Hebrew or Greek.

 

Our God wants to comfort us in any trouble we might find ourselves in at times, because He loves us with His unending unconditional Agape love. And this is the kind of love and concern for others that He gives us once we become part of His Eternal family when we place our faith and trust in His Son Jesus Christ. When anyone who does this is "born again" as Jesus told Nicodemus he must be in (John 3:1-8). At that moment Father God adopts them into His family, and they become citizens of heaven, and a member of the "the Holy city, the New Jerusalem" that John saw coming down from heaven to earth as recorded in (Rev 21:1-4), our eternal home!!

Sincerely submitted.

Dave Jamer                                                                              26/05/14

A Challenge

A CHALLENGE

I would like to issue a challenge to those believers in Jesus who have been taught that the return of Jesus to earth to receive His Church/Bride could happen at "any moment". This is a very popular belief that is known as the Pretribulation Rapture Theory, which had its roots back in 1832, when what has been often referred to as the "secret rapture" teaching began. This teaching was made popular by John Darby a popular Bible teacher, and later when Dr C.I.Scofield brought out his popular reference Bible in the early 1900's which declared that all of history could be divided into seven dispensations, then when the secret rapture teaching was combined with Dr Scofield's dispensational teaching, apparently the Pretribulation Rapture doctrine was born. So with that brief background, which can be checked out in church history records, here is my challenge. I hereby challenge you to check out three scripture passages, and study them carefully without depending on your preconceived ideas about when the timing of the rapture might be.

1/ (Matt 24:1-36) these were words spoken by Jesus to His disciples, in which He answered two questions they had put to Him. Pay special attention to "time words" like "then", "Immediately after" etc. which helps to follow the sequence. Remember these are the reported words of Jesus, which are definitely true!

2/ (2 Thess 2:1-17) these are words written by the apostle Paul to this church he had planted several years earlier. And like all scripture it is inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Tim 3:16). Notice how clearly he declares that Jesus can't return until after the "man of lawlessness" (the antichrist) makes his appearance!

3/ (Rev 13:1-10) these words are part of the description of the "antichrist" who will arise at some future date, given by Jesus to John in a vision. Notice some of the expressions he uses about this man being given "authority" to do the things he will do to God's "holy people", often referred to as "saints", or the "Elect". Who gives him this authority? We know from Jesus' statement recorded in (Matt 28:18) "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth". Could it be that Jesus will give him this authority in order to purify His Church, to make her ready for the rapture? This is the conclusion I have come to after many years of studying these and many other scriptures. What conclusion have you come to?

Sincerely submitted

Dave Jamer                                               25/04/12                                                                                         

A Cornerstone

A CORNERSTONE

 

A common practice in past centuries when constructing a public building like a city hall or library was to have a special stone carved from a permanent type of stone like marble or granite, to build in at the most prominent corner of the building. It was meant to be seen by all who visited that building. There was always a special celebration for the "cornerstone laying ceremony", involving city and political officials. There was always a special metal box containing items of interest of the day that they wanted preserved as a memorial that was built in the wall behind the cornerstone. In Paul's second letter to Timothy in (2 Tim 2:19) we read in the NLT "But God's truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription 'the Lord knows those who are His', and 'All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil'". As you know a cornerstone has two sides exposed so it can be seen from both directions as long as the building stands! I consider that this simple statement by Paul should be given close attention by all followers of Jesus in our 21^st century. We know that "God's Truth" is a person, His only begotten Son Jesus, made clear by the apostle John in

(John 14:6), a scripture that we should all be aware of.

 

The critical question for us as followers of Jesus is simply how well are we showing forth to the world these two qualities that Paul mentions here? This is probably more important for men to consider, because they are often more exposed to the world in their daily activities than their wives. But these two things mentioned by Paul are equally critical for all to consider. So we must search our hearts continually, to make sure that every little closet or drawer that we all seem to have, where we place little odds and ends that we keep because we might find a use for them in the future, is not concealing articles that are not "pleasing to the Father"! I trust I am not the only guy who has these places, that he doesn't want his wife to clean up, because then he can never find things when he needs them! Right? Well it just might be that some things stored there that you are guarding from your wife's tendency to want to keep everything "in order", just might be items the Father is not pleased with either! We were all given the gift of the Holy Spirit when we received Jesus as Lord and Savior; He will help us in these areas if we ask Him to, according to His Word!!

Sincerely submitted.

Dave  Jamer                                                                                                                         23/01/12

 

 

Wisdom Seekers

WISDOM SEEKERS

 

This was the title of an article in ODB today May 22, 2015 by Joe Stowell that caught my attention. He used (Prov 3:1-18) for his main thoughts,

and university students who are just graduating this time of the year with a head full of knowledge, but not the wisdom to put it to use. In (Prov 3:5-6) we read "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path   to take". NLT The key to success in life will be in wisely applying everything you have learned, in scripture this is called "wisdom", and we are told to seek after it. We read in verse 18 of Proverbs 3 "Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; (notice the female pronoun) happy are those who hold her tightly". It is interesting to note that wisdom as a noun in scripture is always referred to as a female, that is not meant to imply that the female gender is more important than the male gender, actually when women and men accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior they become one person spiritually "in Christ" (2Cor 5:17).

 

But scripture does have a lot to say about wisdom, for example read from (Rev 5:12) where John records hearing millions of angels "And they sang in a mighty chorus worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing". Then from Paul's letter to the Colossians we read (Col 1:15-20) about

"Christ is Supreme" in the NLT version, and in (Col 3:16-17) "Let the message about Christ, in all its riches, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving through Him to God the Father". There are lots more good passages about wisdom in the NT, but notice they are all about Jesus in one way or another. Jesus is the only begotten Son of Almighty God, who left heaven's splendor to become the only sinless

"God/Man" who was qualified to become "The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world", (John 1:29). Whenever we think of "wisdom", realize it is all possible for any of us as followers of Jesus because of what He did for us on the Cross of Calvary long ago. If you have not yet received Him as Lord and Savior I would suggest that you read (Eph 2:1-10) and follow the Apostle Paul's clear advice on how to be "born again" and become part of God's family!!

Sincerely submitted.

Dave Jamer                                                                            22/05/15

The Divine Inspiration of The Bible

THE DIVINE INSPIRATION OF THE BIBLE

 

We refer to the Bible as "God's word", which indeed it is because it was inspired, or "in breathed" by the Creator Himself! In (2 Tim 3:16-17) we read "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work". It's no wonder that Satan has attempted to destroy the Bible throughout history, by various means! Our Bible does not merely "contain" the word of God, but it "is" the very word of God, in its sum as well as in its parts. This scripture as well as others attest to the fact that God chose certain human authors to actually write the various books that make up our Bible, but He gave them the words to use. This process is referred to as the "plenary verbal inspiration" of the scriptures, meaning every word is inspired by the Holy Spirit of God. For this reason, we who name the name of Christ can place our faith in every word the Bible contains in the way of instructions toward living a life pleasing to our Creator. I often refer to the Bible as "The Creators Manual", comparable to the manual we receive with a new automobile or major appliance. The purpose of these manuals supplied by the manufacturer is to give you, the new owner, instructions as to the proper care of their product in order to obtain "optimum performance" from your new possession. Who should know better than the manufacturer how to care for their product? In like manner God has provided very specific instructions on how we are to live our lives, and relate to Him, as well as others. Other scriptures that directly relate to this subject are (1 Cor 2:9-13), and (2 Peter 1:20-21). Because of the prevailing influence of "secular humanism", and "situational ethics" on our present 21^st century society, it's absolutely necessary that we have a source of defining some "absolutes" in order to set some boundaries for our life. The common philosophy of "if it feels good do it" will never keep you as a follower of Jesus in our day! The only sources of "absolutes" we can live by are found in God's word. Jesus stated clearly in (John 14:6) "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me". Jesus is "absolute truth", we need look no further through any modern philosophies that might present themselves as being able to guide you to some other source of "higher learning". Jesus is fully presented as our only Savior, Redeemer, and soon returning King, in the pages of our Bible, which is the unique and only inspired "word of God". So let us "read" and "heed" what God has given us in His Word!

Sincerely submitted.

Dave Jamer                                                                                                                        8/10/11