Am I Applying the Greatest Knowledge?

Most of us have heard that knowledge is power, and ultimately we must apply this knowledge. Most of us have heard this enough times that we can repeat in our sleep.


I have previously written and spoken about the comparison of Potential and Kinetic Energy with Potential and Kinetic Knowledge. Both contain power, however kinetic (released or moving energy) produces results. Water behind a dam equates to potential energy while, released water equates to kinetic energy. Released water may produce electricity, move soil, run a mill, drive an old steam engine or a plethora of other possibilities.
Do you and I efficiently apply our knowledge? Prudence suggests you apply / live your most valuable knowledge, always. How do you rate your accumulated knowledge? You probably rank the most valuable knowledge as that which will make you the most money or provide the greatest enhancement to your life.


My greatest, most powerful, most valuable knowledge resides in the Lord Jesus Christ as my savior because of His death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. The knowledge includes the relationship with the other members the Godhead trinity, the Father and the Holy Spirit. This knowledge and relationship includes knowledge of the God's inerrant Word of the Bible—the Holy Scriptures.


If you or I value any of our other knowledge greater than the knowledge of God the Father, Son (the Lord Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit; then we place greater value in the other knowledge than in God and eternal life. Does anything in all of creation exceed God?


Knowing—believing—God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit is the greatest knowledge anywhere in creation, anytime in eternity. Consequently, we should always apply our greatest knowledge; this knowledge includes prayer, worship, praise, studying and internalizing greater depth of God's word and living it every millisecond, always.


Please join me in craving the greatest knowledge, the knowledge of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. I invite you to apply this most powerful knowledge in all of eternity, every moment of your life.


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ in the living your knowledge of Him!
Rick E. Meyer
www.rickEmeyer.com




 

Praising God….

Today, one of my professors—while lecturing on the book of Psalm—told of the personal, powerful impact and blessings received from spending time praising God for who God is in the mornings while at White Rock Lake in Dallas.

Timeless, Biblical Wisdom....!


This professor describes, among other blessings, receiving powerful insight into a project. This insight and wisdom transformed the project from respectable to amazing. The Holy Spirit's intercession results in amazing achievements.


Last summer I faced a challenge. Regardless of the amount of time and angles I pondered and prayed, no solution appeared. I then responded to the Holy Spirit's command to visualize the desired achievement of the challenge and to respond as if I the results were already received. I have used this technique to some degree in running, including back in the early-mid 1980s.


Last summer, as I visualized in response the Holy Spirit and seeing the result achieved, I began praising, singing and dancing—good thing that I live alone. J After several weeks of praising, singing and dancing, the Lord assured me that I would receive the desired result on August 15^th. Logic defied this revelation until the moment I received an anonymous phone call on August 14^th informing me that they were providing the promised results. I also emphatically praised God for who He is—the God of all creation, the one for whom every knee will bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11)


The power of praising God is incalculable and beyond human comprehension. Because in praising God our souls express love, adoration and appreciation for whom God is to the best of our understanding. The word praise appears two-hundred-and-ninety-two times in the New American Standard Bible (NASB). The definitions range from meaning to praise, to glorify, to bless (bless = to remember), song of praise, to agree, to confess, hallelujah, thanksgiving, admire, to exclaim and various combinations of these words.


Praising God opens our heart, mind, and soul to God: Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. This enhances our ability to hear and respond to the Holy Spirit's voice (virtually always non-audible) in our lives. Additionally, God loves to receive praise from us, His children—His creation. The first commandment informs us that He is a jealous God and that we are to have no other gods in our life—only Him the true God. Jesus sums up the law and the prophets in Matthew 22:35-37 in instructing us to love the God with all of our heart, mind and soul.


Jesus also describes how to receive everything in your life that God wants in your life, according to God's timing, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you (Matthew 6:33).
Consider re-reading this sentence to grasp the supremacy of God's wisdom in this passage at least ten times per day for the next thirty days. Praise God for His intervention of providing our needs and desires according to His wisdom—remember to ask and praise Him for placing His desires on your heart.


We praise, adore, glorify, remember, confess and exclaim to and about our greatest love, that which we seek first in our lives.


Begin your day with praising God for who God is.


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ—in Praise, Singing and Adoration!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com

Faith in Action vs. Inaction

Do you receive hunches—intuitive suggestions—to encourage or compliment someone? Are you hesitant to act because of the risk of how they will receive the message, even though you intend for good?


Perhaps you receive hunches to pursue illogical dreams and goals. (This articles intent lacks demarcating dreams vs. goals) Does your Christian Spiritual mentor challenge you to act beyond your comfort zone? Yet you question obedience because of the necessity of leaving your comfort zone despite the action directly correlating with a portion of your God-given dream or vision (Habakkuk).


Hall of Fame Coach Bill Congleton use to frequently quip, "You don't find gold without digging." Digging for gold requires releasing both your right hand and left hand from that which is familiar and comfortable to grab your shovel and dig for the gold mines of greatness planted by God, found when acting on faith in and of God (Rick E. Meyer, 2003 District 24 Toastmasters International contest speech).


Ultimately, our hesitation arises from our concern of what others will think of us, along with whether we act in obedience to God. Knowing our full identity resides in our being created by God in His image and only His opinion of us that matters, we freely release the concerns of others. Consider that if we please God, all in communion with the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit will also view your action favorably to the extent of their concern and involvement of your activity on their life. If we please God, then those who oppose us in pleasing God resultantly oppose God—at least in this specific moment and action.


Frequently I have hunches—intuitive suggestions—to encourage or compliment someone: Listen and Respond to Christ's Voice.


Despite receiving hundreds, perhaps thousands, of positive feedback for past hunches / intuitive actions, I continue having moments of hesitating on future compliments, encouragements and pursuing dreams. Each time requires stepping out on Faith, faith in properly hearing and responding to God's voice. How about you, do you struggle with these same challenges?


Remember the spiritual warfare constantly surrounding those striving to serve Christ (Ephesians 6:10-18). Christ's enemies passionately, and fully seek to defeat all obedience to Christ. The methods abound including messages of doubt regarding self-worth, effectiveness, the "reality" of you God given dream. The enemy, sometimes demons, sometimes our own minds, attempts to convince you and I to give-up on our dreams, give-up on encouraging others, to give-up on acting in obedience to Christ's commands.


When you emotionally let go of that which is familiar and comfortable to you, grabbing the phone, keyboard or coffee to compliment, encourage someone or pursue your God inspired dreams, you are most likely serving Christ himself through others whom you impact (Matthew 25:31-46).


Succinctly summarized: In matters of compliments, encouragement and dreams, I prefer Faith in Action over Inaction!


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ in Faith!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com

Doctrinal Statement: Ecclesiology and Sanctification

A DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION OF ECCELESIOLOGY AND SANCTIFICATION

By: Ben Lowery, Claude Williams, Katherine Bailey, Rick E. Meyer, Rodney Knudsen, Sarah Yopp

Dallas Theological Seminary

Fall 2012

 

EDIFICATION
We believe edification is an essential mark of the church, to teach, equip, and build up believers in their faith. This is done through fellowship, hearing the preached Word, observing the Lord's Supper, discipleship, prayer, confession and service. Members of the church make up one body, with Christ as the head, and are edified by corporately sharing their differing Spiritual gifts, growing together in unity and maturity.

 

EVANGELISM and EXALTATION

The prudent unified local and universal church pursues the commission of making disciples of all nations. The church recognizes individual and corporal relationships developed from representing Christ's image, provides evangelism's foundation.

    The church repetitively proclaims the salvific good news of Jesus' death and resurrection to unbelievers. The church will appropriately defend, and clarify the gospel. Abiding in the Vine of Christ produces the fruit of love and spiritual nutrition to share with, and attract all the world-— neighbors, city, state, nation, and globe. The church acknowledges the evangelist lacks control of evangelism's results.

The chief end of a man is to praise God. Therefore, the chief end of the church must also be to exalt and praise God in a similar manner. The church's worship should focus on the glory and majesty of our Creator and Redeemer, the triune God in all things and through all things.

The term worship is sometimes applied to all Christians' life, that everything we do should be an act of worship and to glorify God. We worship God with joy, with confession of Jesus Christ as Lord, confession of sins, the reading of God's word, through music and song and with Thanksgiving, all to the glory of God and his will. 
    

ORDER
 A primary component of the proper ordering of the church is the Biblically established offices of the church. These include: Elders (Pastors and Overseers being included in this category), Deacons, and possibly Deaconesses. Historically there has been a plurality of elders with one functioning as the head Elder/ Pastor. The elders are responsible for the care of their local church, and they seek to develop the believers in it for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:12). Deacons and Deaconesses assist the elders of the church in ministry tasks, serving as the servants of the church. While there is some flexibility in how a church is organized and lead, a church without these functional offices cannot claim to be Biblically based in its leadership structure. As an essential corollary "church leaders imply church members." How else will the leaders be able to distinguish whom they are to lead?

 

ORDINANCES
We believe that there are two ordinances, or sacraments, mandated in scripture. These sacraments are to be administered by ordained ministers of the Church. The first sacrament, baptism, is the sign, seal, and symbol marking entrance into the church for a disciple; it accompanies the forgiveness of sins; and it is a prerequisite for participation in the second sacrament. The second sacrament, the Lord's Supper, is the means of ongoing covenant renewal for the baptized disciple and is rightly observed corporately and ideally observed weekly.


ORTHODOXY
We believe that in order for a gathering of people to be considered a church, among other things, the body must be comprised of people who hold to basic orthodox beliefs and practice them as a corporate group. These orthodox beliefs being the triune God as creator and redeemer, the fall and resulting depravity, the person and work of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, the inspiration and authority of the scriptures, redeemed humanity incorporated into Christ and the restoration of humanity and creation. Acknowledging that in any church there will be a small minority that does not belong to Christ the standard of orthodoxy applies to the true body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 16 & Argument Summary

Collection for God's People 16:1-4

Agabus predicted a great famine under Claudius Caesar.
Consequently, prudence suggests the Corinthian church now collect funds each Sabbath for future financial provision of ministry, and to assist those in Jerusalem. Paul's advice to the Corinthians resembles the leadership principle of Joseph in preparing for Egypt's famine—plan ahead by consistently saving a little for future use. Each person's contribution hinged upon their income and asset availability. This certainly assisted in defining the expectation for each person, as they pondered their giving to avoid guilt of giving too much or too little. Because of the prevailing selfishness in the Corinthian church, which most likely resulted in criticizing others, Paul most likely provided this guide to head off interpersonal attacks from within the church.

Personal Requests 16:5-18

Paul explains his plans for another visit to the Corinth, going through Macedonia. He adds that may spend the winter in Corinth, ministering to them the Corinthian church. The voyage will commence after Pentecost, because great ministry needs and opportunities opened in Ephesus accompanied with opposition. Paul's writing this to the Corinthian church functions in telling them his plans, however he also teaches them about his approach to ministry—"take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves", and understand opposition often accompanies opportunity.


Martin Luther once said that wherever one builds a church, the devil builds a chapel next door. Paul requests the Corinthian church to protect Timothy if he visits them. Timothy, like Paul, conducts the Lord's work. He then tells of Paul encouraging Apollos' visit of Corinth, instead of Apollos' desire. In other words, forget your jealousy and envy because none of us arrive seeking self-gain. Other visitors include Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus. Paul requests they receive a warm greeting in Corinth because these guys encourage Paul. Selflessness remains an ongoing message to the church in Corinth.

Final Greetings 16:19-24

Paul concludes his letter extending greetings from Priscella and Aquilla. They followed Paul from Corinth to Ephesus where they stayed while he returned to Jerusalem completing his second missionary journey. Paul includes the greetings of "all the brethren." He encourages they exchange a holy kiss, contrasting with the command to "accurse" any who fail to love the Lord. Paul concludes the letter with a final assurance of his authorship, thus removing doubt of an imposter, and his love for them in Christ. This love includes the discipline of those rejecting Christ's love, which equates to them being an enemy of God. Paul's passionate conclusion summarizes his passion for Christ, and their relationship with Christ. This conclusion to the Corinthian church serves to communicate why Paul repudiates their sinfulness displayed in selfishness, sexual immorality, and clinging to secular philosophies such as denying the raising of the dead. His concern, correction and discipline originate from Christ's love through Paul to the Corinthians.

Summary

    Paul sternly, yet lovingly, addresses the division outlined in letters from Chloe's household and Apollos. He immediately provides his authorship authority as an apostle of Christ by the will of God. Paul amplifies the church's sanctification, and the need to perpetually mature in Christ. He provides a descriptive outline discussing the root cause of division and false doctrines. He then answers their questions as evidenced by the Greek phrase, peri de which translates now concerning in English. Paul emphasizes fleeing temptations of immorality, and the necessity to strengthen the weaker brother, as well as to avoid offending them when possible. He instructs the prudence of humility, and seeking God's wisdom.


The significance of the bodily resurrection of Christ and believers also earned reiteration throughout the letter. In chapter thirteen, Paul defines the root of overcoming every challenge in the church. When man's heart serves as a conduit for God's love, man seeks wisdom from the Spirit of God. He possesses previously incomprehensible desire to live, speak and interact with others to draw them to and strengthen their relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul concludes expressing his love for the Corinthian church.


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com



(Acts 11:28)
² (Genesis 41)
³ (Hall of Fame Coach Bill Congleton)
⁴ (Luther n.d.)
^{5 (Coffman 1984, 282)}

1 Corinthians 15 -- Resurrection

Christ's Resurrection 15:1-11

The Sadducees—and others—doubted Christ's Resurrection, enhanced by the provoking of those opposing Christ. Paul addresses this by bluntly stating the gospel he preaches saves, except if "you believed in vain." The fact of Christ's death for our sins, burial, and resurrection on the third day all correlated with the Scriptures. Paul continues with the historical fact and verification of Jesus appearing to Peter, then to the twelve, followed by showing himself to over five-hundred—many of whom remain alive.

 

This latter part certainly enhances historical proof, as these remain available for personal questioning and verification of seeing the Risen Christ. Paul's chronological description of events continues with telling about Christ meeting James, along with the other apostles. Lastly, the resurrected and ascended Christ appeared to Paul—this inadvertently supports Paul's authority in the letter's salutation. Paul's diligent, historical recollection of Christ's fulfillment of Scripture and specify the witnesses—many of whom remained alive—substantiates this occurrence.

Resurrection of the Dead 15:12-34

Paul challenges the Corinthians who deny the historical, verifiable, resurrection of Christ and the eventual resurrection of the dead. He continues the foundation of his argument in stating the truth of the gospel, his witness, and his message demand Christ's resurrection, and the raising of the dead. Some of the Corinthian church members believed the resurrection of Christ, yet denied the resurrection of the dead as they clung to the beliefs of the Greek philosophers. Paul bluntly nullifies any faith, salvation, and witness of Christ denying the resurrection, or the raising of the dead.

 

Christ's resurrection, the raising of the dead, and forgiveness of sins are codependent. Paul continues explaining the necessity of Christ's death and resurrection. Effectively, Paul teaches a math or physics lesson—yes, God created math and physics—a denominator cancels its numerator of equal value, and a Law of Physics states that for every action, there is an opposite and equal reaction. Christ's death and resurrection cancel out man's fall through Adam. Christ's death and resurrection provide the opposite and equal reactions to man's fall in Eden.

 

Paul describes the order of the resurrection, and the ultimate end, to help this church understand how and where they fit in to the big picture. Additionally, coherently detailing the plan increases believability. The necessity of this discussion continues with those who follow the previously mentioned Greek philosophy denouncing the raising of the dead. "Christ the first fruits" compares the whole crop's sanctification by the crop's first fruits, so Christ's death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins sanctifies all who believe in Him. Paul continues emphasizing to the Corinthians the significance of grasping, understanding, believing the death and resurrection of Christ and the dead.

 

Jesus Christ will gather those in the church, including raising the dead. He will then hand these over to God the Father. Scholars dispute the specific time intervals demarcating the end events. Some believing in seemingly instantaneous end of the world, others with a more literal Biblical interpretation envision greater amounts of elapsing time such as a millennium. Paul fails to specify in this passage, yet prudence suggests the Corinthian church ponder and believe the clarified specifics. When Paul speaks of death, some Corinthians viewed this as the destruction of the human body, rather than the correct understanding of Christ reigning victorious over death. Consequently, Paul continues clarifying false views and beliefs.

 

Paul's argument continues against those denying the Resurrection. Some scholars believe "baptized for the dead" represents some Corinthians receiving baptism for those dying without receiving baptism. Paul argues that eternal salvation resides in the Christ's resurrection. He then addresses the issue of Corinthian church members associating with fellow members who endorse immoral lives and false doctrine. Paul warns of evil's effective infectious plague nature, using a proverb of Menander, "Bad company corrupts good morals". He further commands they halt sinning.

 

One cause of continual sin arises from spiritual drowsiness, thus he instructs them to wake-up. Runners sometimes fall asleep during a race, consciousness and open eyes remain while they go through the motions of running. They remain in the race, and the casual observers continue viewing them as competitors. However, they allow the emotional fatigue from the race to remove their focus and concentration. While asleep, they fail to drive forward striving to win the prize. Moreover, competitors easily pass the runner without his responding. This results in mediocrity at best. Paul commands the Corinthian believers to wake-up in their race of the Christian life. Avoid going through the motions of believers, rather engage in the challenging relationship with Jesus Christ, pushing toward the incorruptible prize in chapter nine. Otherwise, the evil—immoral—world will easily overtake the drowsy Corinthian church members.

Resurrection of the Body 15:35-58

Paul discusses the distinctive nature of creation's flesh, this certainly debunks any argument in Corinth about fish, animals and man having the same flesh type. This supports the order of creation, as he describes the creative formation of man from dust. Man's nature of dust precedes his spiritual nature. Many Greek and Roman pagans believed in the immorality of the soul, though disembodied, absent Christ or any knowledge of Christ. Paul previously addressed this in a different format. Now he approaches Corinthians' false doctrine from yet a different perspective to illuminate scriptures proper understanding.

 

Paul's explanation continues in sharing that in the end—at Christ's return, every believer will receive a glorified body, with which they will live eternally with God. He further defines the immediate benefits of this truth and understanding. Because of eternal life, death has lost its sting. The removal of death's sting, applies to both believers who physically die, as well as the loved ones of dying believers. Those who have lost loved ones quickly understand the power of the latter, while the meaning lacks clarity for those whom have yet to experience this grief. The Corinthian church's membership certainly contained believers in both groups. Paul ultimately encourages them to remain hopeful because of Christ's death, resurrection, and their ensuing new life and new glorified body at the end—when the last trumpet sounds.

 

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer

See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

www.rickEmeyer.com

 

(Pringle n.d., Vol. II, 6)

² (Boa, et al. 1997, 1267)

³ (Acts 17:32)

⁴ (D. S. Toussaint 2012, Class Notes)

⁵ (Ex. 16, 19)

⁶ (Lowery 1983, 544)

⁷ (Radmacher, Allen and House 1999, 1487)

⁸ (Genesis 1:26)

⁹ (Getz 2011, 1590)

 

Bibliography at the end of Intro and Chapt. 1

Image and Person Summation

An excerpt from a class summation paper Fall 2012 @ Dallas Theological Seminary.

Introduction

I have written and rewritten this paper several times in an attempt to adequately convey how this course has and will affect my life and my ministry. Each edition yields another sense of inadequacy. The lectures and material amplify the necessity of showing you, DTS, and all those with whom I associate the impact through my ministry of eye to eye, ear to ear, heart to heart dialogue. This includes focusing first on those with whom I communicate. The world needs to hear the message of creation, image, identity and person (Gen. 1:26-27; Ps. 8, 139; Rom. 1), along with the other discussed topics. Prudently conveying the message of their significance mandates commencing with deeply caring about them, their family, career, prizes, awards, hurts, and concerns (Mt. 22:37-39). Effectiveness hinges upon knowing, living and communicating the Word of God, along with familiarity of writings by, about and interests of those with whom I minister. I recently began using flash cards to aid scripture retention and recall.

 

The passionate, errant beliefs of non-believers illustrate their inner-desire for meaning, fulfillment and happiness. Sin, depravity and demons—directly and indirectly—cause and influence filling these needs with false doctrine. False doctrine includes science without God, lust, uncontrolled hormones, greed, envy, and jealousy (Rom. 1:20-32; Gal. 5:19-21). My ministry through relationships, keynotes and seminars, focuses on leading people to the only one whom fulfills these voids—the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. The keynotes and seminars guide attendees towards the Bible, strong relationships, relying on Christ, and finding and engaging with a biblical mentor.

 

Succinctly stated, this course illustrates the need for deeply studying for the sake of relationships and deep teaching in the appropriate method for each situation. Know the Word, and personalize the ministry approach.

Creation—Image—Person

    Genetics—creation—determines value. Caldwell-Wagner Angus of Harlan, Kansas owned a bull in the 1970s and early 1980s that placed first or second in major cattle shows at Reno, Denver, and Louisville, along with many others in between. Sam and Gyra Wagner's son, John, and I were good friends from kindergarten through high school. Cattlemen across North America revered Colossal's genetics, some paid thousands of dollars for only Colossal's semen, giving them the ability to have calves effectively created by Colossal. While visiting a Nebraska crop-consulting client in the early 1990s—ten years after Colossal's death—he showed me the genetics of a bull he considered purchasing. This bull's listed sires—creators—included Colossal. A bull's creating sire greatly affects real and perceived value.

 

The 1984 World Champion Quarter Horse standing with the trophy and ribbon in Kansas City's American Royal Arena, hung on the office wall of another Nebraska crop-consulting client in the 1990s. A descendant of that horse sold for $100,000, because of its bloodline—creator—from a world champion. Horsemen highly value genetics created by World Champion horses.

 

Seed corn prices and genetics in the seed, vary greatly based on the parent company. Sometimes a parent company and one of its subsidiaries each sell seed with the same genetics. The seed from the parent company sells for a two-three fold price increase because of the perceived creator of that seed. The creating genetics of bulls, horses, and seed corn reflects their real and perceived value.

 

Breaker box with generic paint @ $900, conversely the same breaker box from Caterpillar with their paint and brand @ $2,500. Both boxes contained the same quality of electronic component, yet the brand—the image—increased the value nearly 300 percent. The difference resided in the manufacture's paint color and sticker.

 

Does knowing our Creator and having His mark—the indwelling Holy Spirit—affect man's real and perceived value? Absolutely! Knowing God—the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit—as our Creator and God of the universe affects every aspect of our lives (Gen. 1:26-28; Ps. 8:3-6; Hebr. 2:5-9). This significantly impacts our relationships, work ethic, tangible and intangible morality, love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and even our sense of humor. God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created Him; male and female He created them (Gen.1:27). Wow!!! This passage alone sufficiently causes eternal awe when reality partially permeates one's conscience, psyche and soul.

 

Combining this with the order of creation revealed in Psalm 8:3-6, the proverbial top blows out of the universe. He made us; He made us in His image, His likeness! He created us to rule over His entire earthly business! I ponder these messages while typing this paper in utter awe and humility towards God. Who am I to serve Him? Who am I to rule over anything, much less assist in running His business called Planet Earth (Hebrews 11:3; Job 38; Is. 40:28)? If a bull, horse or seed corn exponentially increases in value based on their creator, how valuable are we, am I, created with the genetics of the God of the universe?

 

This causes reflection to when as a child on the farm my dad let me drive the tractor by myself and feed the cattle and hogs by myself, he trusted me with a portion of his business. I, like most farm boys, became utterly excited at the responsibility entrusted by my father. Dad checked on me from time to time and provided loving discipline when I erred despite knowing better. Consequences existed for my success and failure, often based upon whether my failures resided in ignorance or laziness. He also assured the proper completion of every necessary task regardless of my efforts. Dad's sovereignty of his farm business provides a microcosm of God's sovereignty of His business of all creation.

 

Unfortunately, Hawkings, Gould, Solomon, most academics and others like them fail to capture, or acknowledge their Godly genetics. They ignore these powerful truths of whose image they represent, choosing to believe they exist from randomness, in the image of randomness. In denying their creation by and in the image of God, they effectively equate themselves to someone who burns the pedigree papers of a bull calf descending from Colossal, or a colt from the World Champion Quarter horse. Except the pedigree papers distinguishing humanity as God's infinitely exceed those of man ruled creation.

 

Dear readers, do you recognize your value because of who created you? Amazement astounds those pondering the power and untapped power of neuroscience and genetics. Every discussion of neuroscience must begin the designer and creator of neuroscience genetics. Only in focusing on the originator do we begin to scratch the surface of appreciation of our mind-body relationship. God designed and created us for relationship with Him.

 

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer

See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

www.rickEmeyer.com

^{1 & 2} (Burns 2012)

1 Corinthians 14 – Prophecy, Tongues and Church Instruction

1 Corinthians 14

Prophecy and Tongues:

1 Cor. 14:1-19
Pursue originates from the Greek word (dioko) which can be translated as hasten, run or run after; or follow, hunt or chase after with intensity. This passage amplifies running after love while seeking to prophesy to edify the church, ranking prophecy at the top of the gifts. Paul persistently instructs the Corinthian church to leave selfishness and immorality behind to fully give themselves to the work of Christ. The greater emphasis falls on edifying the church, instead of prophesying. As illustrated in chapter twelve, each gift represents a member of the body.


When the church needs edifying, then prophesying represents that member or that tool for completion. Paul wishing all "spoke in tongues" might be compared to him wishing all were celibate like him.⁵⁰ In other words, a suggestion rather than a command. His suggestion includes the accompaniment of interpretation of the various languages spoken during the "speaking in tongues"; otherwise tongues simply become meaningless sounds. The Corinthians must empty themselves over concern of an activity's effect on them and their appearance or reputation, instead chase after those things God instructs to elevate the church, in this specific case—prophecy.

Instruction for the Church: 

1 Cor. 14:20-39
The scripture weighs another aspect of tongues, Paul recalls Isaiah speaking a prophecy against Israel because Israel rejected God and His message from prophets. Isaiah's prophecy included that another message from a foreign tongue would later come to the Israelites representing God rejecting them. Gentiles would temporarily replace Israel in serving God. Consequently, Paul emphasizes that tongues, in this respect, were for unbelievers. Paul then points out that if an unbeliever hears you speaking in tongues, and no one can explain the meaning, they will question your mental stability. Paul likely reflected on how some considered the disciples drunk when initialing speaking in tongues at Pentecost.


It appears the early church worship service lacked predetermined organization—evidently one can have church without a bulletin with a printed order of service. Spontaneity ordered the day!⁵⁴ Paul, speaking to the congregation as "brothers", included men and women in this salutation. Congregants openly shared a hymn or advice, most likely related to an Old Testament passage. Paul recommended only two to three speak in tongues—allowed amongst believers—or prophecy per church service. Their message mandated prudence. A few were assigned to diligently discern whether the message originated from God.


Certainly the clarity of the message proved paramount, as confusion contradicts God. Effective and permitted prophecy proved advantageous for everyone. As many previous times, Paul reminds them that each component of worship keep its crosshairs on Christ and the church, instead of self-glorification. Opinions about the contextual meaning of Paul's message regarding women's involvement in the church vary. Some believe the literal interpretation applies to all women, all the time. Others believe women's exclusion only applied to the Corinthians, yet some fairly view that women have the right to speak-up and teach women and children, yet not teach men. Considering the sexual immorality in the Corinthian church, regardless of whether women utter a word or teach someone, they should certainly avoid any appearance or actions that may risk tempting or seducing anyone other than their husband.


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com



(Radmacher, Allen and House 1999, 1482)
² (MacAurthur 1984, 371)
³ (Pringle n.d., 435)
⁴ (Pringle n.d., 434)
⁵ (Lowery 1983, 539-540)
⁶ (1 Cor. 14:20-22)
⁷ (Acts 2:13)
⁸ (Coffman 1984, 390)
⁹ (D. S. Toussaint 2012, Class Notes)

 

God, like good Parents, ….YOU!

Growing-up on the farm along the banks of the North Fork of the Solomon River near Gaylord, Kansas, my parents were interested in every aspect of my life and my sister's life. They delighted in hearing our joys, and equally desired us sharing our hurts. The interest remained consistent regardless of topics.


They rejoiced with me over the first sparrow, pheasant and deer that I shot while hunting. They celebrated the first fish that I caught—a bull head—the sports championships and the wonderful friends gained along the way. Mom was concerned about every sliver and cut that I received while working, exploring or playing outside. She noticed cuts that I remained completely oblivious to their existence. The removal of stickers often hurt, yet remained necessary.


As an early teenage cleaning out the hog barn with a shovel one July day in which the temperature exceeded one-hundred degrees, Mom brought a big glass full of chocolate malt to me. I was exceedingly joyful! Other times I was excited when Dad stopped to help me on a project with the hogs or my traps along the river. Seemingly, everyone I knew while growing-up had parents who possessed intimate interest in their every thought and activity.


My parents and other parents were hurt if their child withheld something from them. Often times as children, we try to justify withholding things from our parents.


As great and wonderful of parents that I and my friends and relatives possessed, God—the Heavenly Father—contains infinitely greater wisdom, love and concern for His children.


God, like good parents, wants complete involvement and sharing of every aspect of your life. He deliver gifts even more refreshing than huge chocolate malts during a scorching hot July day. Fully submit to God's love, mercy, grace, sovereignty and provision.


Would you question a parent who only cared about portions of their child's life? God's love, care, and concern far exceed the best parents in the history of the world. Share everything with Him. Trust Him completely. Thank Him for the malts along the way, as well as tending to your scrapes, scratches and stickers. He—like a loving mother—sees those which we remain oblivious to their existence.


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickemeyer.com

1 Corinthians 13 -- Love

Love 13:1-13

Love provides the only foundation for which to place and use God's gifts. Once again Paul hits this heavily because of selfishness, pride and pontification among Corinthian church members in errantly misusing the gift of tongues for self-exhortation. When we consider the greatest two commandments where we are commanded to love God and love our fellow man, we rightly consider love seeks symbiosis in Christ.


Whether the Corinthians speak in tongues, have the gift of prophecy, remove mountains or any other amazing feats, all is worthless absent one's cross hairs set on Christ. Love, through patience, kindness, humility, and endurance points self and others to Christ. God is love (1 Jn. 4:8)! Effectively, Paul states that unless you seek to draw others to Christ, deepening their relationship and your relationship with Christ, you're wasting your time and effort. He explains that infants act like infants, while mature adults depart from infant behavior to act like adults.


This equivocates for the Christian church as they mature in Christ. His analogy of a dim mirror paints the picture of limited understanding. A key to maturing exists in recognizing that the mirror is dim, while seeking the Windex and light of the Spirit's wisdom. Paul concludes by acknowledging the power of faith, hope and love—with love exceeding the former two.


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com



(Getz 2011, 1564)
² (Radmacher, Allen and House 1999, 1481)
³ (Mt. 22:37-39)

 

Dirty Laundry and Emptiness

Wow! Dirty Laundry seemingly filled this property; perhaps you could check in but never check out. Should I take it easy while pondering if I saw a Dead Head sticker on a Cadillac? No, I did not look back as those days are probably gone forever.


This past week I accepted an invitation from friends to watch scenes from an episode of Dallas filmed in their home.


My friends told of their neighbor building and rebuilding a mansion in Dallas for the last twenty-five to thirty years. The former Eagles and music solo star Don Henley evidently lacks contentment with his home, unable to attain the perfection he seeks.


As I shake my head in disbelief in hearing of discontentment of his built homes, torn down homes and rebuilt homes, I ponder what areas in my life do I seek impossible perfection? Do you and I tear down and continually attempt to rebuild our self-image, self-worth, self-acceptance, or appearance? Do we have mansions in these areas, envied by the world, yet view our self attributes, God given gifts and talents as imperfect rubbish?


In reality, all the earth contains corruption because of sin entering into the world through Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:15-16). Anything, tangible or intangible, we build on our own for our own purposes will continually fail to provide internal contentment.


How do you and I find contentment? How do you and I enjoy our various mansions? Submit your life, your dreams, desires and achievements to God in Christ Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. Understand that only what we truly submit to Christ will bring complete internal contentment in our lives. Only in Christ will we enjoy our life's mansions. Without Christ, and the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit which he sends to all who believe in Him for eternal life, your life and my life will remain empty regardless of how valuable our blessings appear to the world.


There are no magic words to receive this contentment. Rather fully acknowledging in your heart and mind that Jesus Christ died, rose from the dead to cancel your sins—each of your mistakes—so that you may have eternal life. Eternal life begins with believing in Jesus on earth, including a relationship with God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. The true, all knowing, all powerful God of Creation. Admit to God that His wisdom exceeds your wisdom, and any person's wisdom. Ask Him to reveal how He continually acts in your life. His actions do not make life easy, rather provide internal peace in all circumstances.


Confess and seek to understand that He is in control of the universe. Resist the temptation of questioning His motives or doubt His wisdom in permitting bad things to occur. Rather seek His wisdom to learn any lesson that He desires you to learn individually and corporately as organizations, communities, and nation. Thank the Lord, praise his name above all names continually. Engage in constant, audible and non-audible, conversation with Him.


When you and I only care what the Lord God, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit think of us we will freely and openly love others. Loving others exists in desiring Christ's best for them. Additionally, you and I will recognize the beauty in everything, finding contentment in all that God blesses us with.


Go ahead, hand all of your dirty laundry to Christ through his death and resurrection on the cross for your sins and all who believe. When you check-in as a believer and engage in a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ you will never want to check-out. Your internal peace will forever take it easy, as your heart, mind and soul joyfully strive with diligent, persistent effort in serving God. Once you see and recognize the significance of the Cross, you will have no desire to look back because the days of emptiness and discontentment are truly gone forever.


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com








 

1 Corinthians 12 – Spiritual Gifts and The Body

Spiritual Gifts 12:1-11

The Holy Spirit is the only spiritual influence capable of enabling anyone to say, "Jesus is Lord." The influence of the Holy Spirit prevents one from confessing, "Jesus is accursed." Naturally people can utter confessions and rejections on their own accord absent spiritual submission. Paul commences with his desire for the Corinthians' cognizance of spiritual gifts. He also reinforces that when they were pagans they were led astray by evil spirits. Paul addresses this issue because of the grievance caused from the leading astray as unbelievers.


Evil gifts caused some to deplore Christ. Consequently, Paul corrects significant miss-understandings. Concurrently, many in the church ignored the Holy Spirit's gifts. Ignoring gifts of the Holy Spirit causes the Corinthians to miss amazing, powerful relationship tools from God for interacting with Him and the world. It's comparative to having a pick-up stuck in the mud, yet refusing to acknowledge and engage the four-wheel drive. Paul encourages the Corinthians to recognize, receive and thrive with the gifts of the Spirit. Conversely, other Corinthians misused their spiritual gifts, seeking self-gain. This equates to using the four-wheel drive pick-up in the previous analogy to drive on and damage other peoples' property for self-enjoyment.

The Body 12:12-31

Paul now compares the Holy Spirit's gifts to a body. Just as one person's composition consists of many parts, or many parts comprise one body, so does the one Triune body of God supply many gifts. Prudence understands that the spiritual gifts, like body parts, are interdependent of one another. The analogy continues with each person in the body of Christ intertwining with others. While each part possesses different functions, an optimal body relies on each part. Paul concludes with listing the order of appointments in the church, emphasizing their symbiotic relationship.


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com



(Radmacher, Allen and House 1999, 1477)
² (D. S. Toussaint 2012, Class Notes)
³ (Coffman 1984, 191)
⁴ (Getz 2011, 1564)