Today, more points are shared on dating, the treatment of children in a church setting, and worship.
THE BATTLE AXE: Dating and Worship? (09/11/2014)—(5.) Adults may not claim to be justified by Christ every time they claim authority over, and presume upon young people. Children may appear at ease with smoking and other violations in the worship setting (e.g., gum chewing, inappropriate clothing, incorrect use of hats and head coverings), and may make no complaint. However, children too are able to spiritually recognize when their ability to discern the holy presence is being interfered with, and that their sense of proper order is being violated by the carelessness of others. What children possess that is so commendable before GOD is their willingness to accept correction, to acknowledge their mistakes, and make renewed efforts to learn and perform at a high level. In their special harmony with Christ, children are able to disregard differences that adults use to make arbitrary distinctions (e.g., age, gender, income, size). Children often dismiss the behavior of others as if what others may do is neutral (i.e., neither right nor wrong), does not matter, and has no consequences for themselves, either good or ill. For some children and many adults responding to the conduct of others is a matter of their own ignorance and lack of experience. They have not yet accepted, and begun to practice the duties for judgment and warning that are shared among all believers. For many others, however, reviewing the attitudes and behavior displayed around them will be a matter of their self-discipline (we say, home-training), innocence or purity as well as a matter of their victory over, and godly wisdom regarding the flesh.
(6.) The purpose of dating is judgment, rather than praise, thanksgiving, and worship. Where two Christians are being careful to examine each other in different situations with an eye to their “fit” as life companions through marriage, in addition to agreement on such elements as one another’s disposition, opinions on current issues, sense of humor, and handling of money, they also must determine their fit as prayer partners, and as those who will share their private devotions, sacred practices and studies of the Scriptures. During dating, just as a couple must discover whether they can continue to meet the challenges, obstacles and problems in life experience together, they must conclude whether they can help each other serve effectively in the projects and spiritual works of a mature believer. Putting aside the purpose of “fun”, a couple must have quality time together that allows the pattern of their shared beliefs and values to clearly emerge. See Psalms 121: 1-2, Proverbs 19: 14, Malachi 2: 12-14, Matthew 22: 1-17, Titus 1: 15-16, Galatians 3: 27-29 and Ephesians 5: 1-33, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. (Proverbs 18: 21-23, KJV)
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (7.) In holy matrimony, the two become one flesh by more than mere sexual joining. The two become one partner in perpetual relationship, and GOD is the other.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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