A brain teaser exercise for you……Pre-Study: Stepping Heavenward:

What sayeth the Word of God to this? tole legge…..

“Always add, always walk, always proceed; neither stand still, nor go back, nor deviate; he that standeth still proceedeth not; he goeth back that continueth not; he deviateth that revolteth; he goeth better that creepeth in his way than he that moveth out of his way.” _St. Augustine

1. Always add:
2Pe 1:5-8 But also in this very thing, bringing in all diligence, filling out your faith with virtue, and with virtue, knowledge; and with knowledge self-control, and with self-control, patience, and with patience, godliness, and with godliness, brotherly kindness, and with brotherly kindness, love. For if these things are in you and abound, they make you to be neither idle nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2Pe 1:5-11 -

In these words the apostle comes to the chief thing intended in this epistle - to excite and engage them to advance in grace and holiness, they having already obtained precious faith, and been made partakers of the divine nature. This is a very good beginning, but it is not to be rested in, as if we were already perfect. The apostle had prayed that grace and peace might be multiplied to them, and now he exhorts them to press forward for the obtaining of more grace. We should, as we have opportunity, exhort those we pray for, and excite them to the use of all proper means to obtain what we desire God to bestow upon them; and those who will make any progress in religion must be very diligent and industrious in their endeavours. Without giving all diligence, there is no gaining any ground in the work of holiness; those who are slothful in the business of religion will make nothing of it; we must strive if we will enter in at the strait gate, Luk_13:24. Matthew Henry

2. Always walk:
Deu 5:32-33 And you shall be careful to do as Jehovah your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. You shall walk in all the ways which Jehovah your God has commanded you so that you may live and that good may be to you, and you may make your days longer in the land which you shall possess. Psa 1:1 Blessed is the man who has not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, and has not stood in the way of sinners, and has not sat in the seat of the scornful. 3Jo 1:4 I have no greater joy than these things, to hear that my children walk in the truth. 1Jo 2:6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk even as He walked. 1Jo 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. Col 2:6 Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, Col 1:10 that you might walk worthy of the Lord to all pleasing, being fruitful in every work and increasing in the knowledge of God, Eph 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given Himself for us as an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor. Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Rom 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father; even so we also should walk in newness of life.

3. Always proceed:
Phi 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Phi 1:25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all, for your advancement and joy of faith, Col 1:23 if indeed you continue in the faith grounded and settled, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard and which was proclaimed in all the creation under Heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister, Col 4:2 Continue in prayer and watch in it with thanksgiving, 1Ti 4:16 Hold on to yourself and to the doctrine; continue in them, for doing this you shall both save yourself and those who hear you. 2Ti 3:14 But continue in the things that you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 2Ti 3:15 and that from a babe you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

4. Neither stand still:
2Pe 3:18 But grow in grace and in knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 1Pe 2:2 desire the sincere milk of the Word, as newborn babes, so that you may grow by it; Eph 4:15 But that you, speaking the truth in love, may in all things grow up to Him who is the Head, even Christ; Rom 12:11 As to diligence, not slothful, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; Phi 1:25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all, for your advancement and joy of faith, Col 1:23 if indeed you continue in the faith grounded and settled, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard and which was proclaimed in all the creation under Heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister, Col 4:2 Continue in prayer and watch in it with thanksgiving, 1Ti 4:16 Hold on to yourself and to the doctrine; continue in them, for doing this you shall both save yourself and those who hear you. 2Ti 3:14 But continue in the things that you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 2Ti 3:15 and that from a babe you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

• 7. He that standeth still proceedeth not:

5. Nor go back:
Psa 80:18 So we will not go back from You; make us live, and we will call on Your name. Gal 4:9 But now, knowing God, but rather are known by God, how do you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements to which you again desire to slave anew? Heb 10:38 Now, “the Just shall live by faith. But if he draws back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Act 7:39 to whom our fathers would not be obedient, but thrust him away and turned back again to Egypt in their hearts, Joh 6:66 From this time many of His disciples went back into the things behind, and walked no more with Him. Luk 9:62 And Jesus said to him, No one, having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

• 8. He that goeth back that continueth not:

6. Nor deviate:
Gal 4:9 But now, knowing God, but rather are known by God, how do you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements to which you again desire to slave anew? Deu 5:32 And you shall be careful to do as Jehovah your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. Rev 3:16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

• 7. He that standeth still proceedeth not:

9. He that deviateth that revoleth:
Isa 1:5 Why should you be stricken any more? You will revolt more and more; the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. Isa 59:13 in transgressing and lying against Jehovah, and going away from our God, talking cruelty and revolt, conceiving and speaking from the heart words of falsehood.

10. He goeth better that creepeth in his way: 11. Than he that moveth out of his way:
Jam 1:19 Therefore, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. Pro 25:15 In being slow to anger a ruler is won over, and a soft tongue breaks the bone. Pro 16:32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit is better than he who takes a city. Pro 14:29 He who is slow to wrath is of great understanding, but he who is hasty of spirit exalts folly. Ecc 7:8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning of it; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Rom 12:11 As to diligence, not slothful, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; Rom 12:12 rejoicing in hope, patient in affliction, steadfastly continuing in prayer, Heb 12:1 Therefore since we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”

And so, dear ones….

2Th 3:13 But you, brothers [sisters], do not be weary in well doing.

Isa 40:28 Have you not known? Have you not heard, that the everlasting God, Jehovah, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not grow weak nor weary? There is no searching of His understanding.

Now that this has you thinking….what else could we say about it?

Announcement: REFORMED WOMEN BIBLE/BOOK STUDY

REFORMED WOMEN BIBLE/BOOK STUDY
Commencement Date: November 21, 2005
Place: Reformed Women at Yahoogroups: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/reformedwomen/
Book/Bible Study: “Stepping Heavenward” by Elizabeth Prentiss

“Discover the warmth and wisdom of a story that has captured the hearts of thousands. A nineteenth century Christian woman speaks through the ages in this timeless classic written in journal style.” _Publisher

“This book is a treasure of both godly and womanly candor and humility, yet revealing a deep heart’s desire to know God. We desparately need such intimate accounts when the word commitment is so little understood and practiced. I recommend it to any woman who wants to walk with God….” _Elizabeth Elliot

* * * * * * * * *
“Always add, always walk, always proceed; neither stand still, nor go back, nor deviate; he that standeth still proceedeth not; he goeth back that continueth not; he deviateth that revolteth; he goeth better that creepeth in his way than he that moveth out of his way.”
_St. Augustine

Questions ? Ask.

New and Refurbished Stationery site

Friends, I did not mean to forget including you in my mailing recently regarding the new (and refurbished) stationery and wallpaper sites. Both the stationeries and wallpaper are Scripture-oriented so that we can carry that message with us as we correspond or work on our computers. A great way to memorize Scripture too. The sites are up and running with lots of goodies to come including a new music and streaming media site (For my former design/music students, you will just love it!). For those of you that use Outlook Express as your mail client, you will love the new easy-to-use format. Have a looksee. I am always open to comment (8o))) and of course, suggestions.
http://www.joypals.com/classystationery/

Enjoy….

SDG, joany

Discernment and Teaching Women

Friends, last week we had an excellent discussion and critque on RW regarding mixture in women’s bible/book studies. I have removed author and names to share publically my comments. The following is an excerpt, albeit long. Our dear late brother, Dr. Boice, echos his infamous “think and act biblically” whenever we teach so it is good for us to be reminded of these things periodically so we don’t “fall” into error in what we read and teach other women.

“What can I say further than “what a joy” to hear and read likeminded biblical sisters expose and discuss the errors of the teaching in Arminian-man-centered-man-glorifying-fluffy-psychobabble-usurping-type books we see on our so-called “Christian” bookshelves/bookstores today. Many have no regard for the truth of God’s Word as being central and the only truth to be applied to daily life and for growth in godliness. Most of the books/studies today are man-centered, man-glorifying books that tickle the hearts, minds and ears of women and usurp God’s Word and sound doctrinal practical application to the lives of the readers. As I have said many times over these seven years, God has blessed us with wonderful godly sound doctrinal women and men teachers that we need not partake of anything from “the other side.”

And, as I always say, “you are what you read” (especially in spiritual matters) and that reading “fluff” (unsound, false, erroneous, man-centered, psychoheresy to which there is no profit) “doctrinal error” and “psychobabble” will go into your hearts and minds and become part of who you are and how you think about God and how He would have you to live. Thus, under no circumstances should you be reading/teaching anything that is not biblically doctrinal and “sound” in teaching. As one of our sisters said, “you don’t have to drink the poison” to know. We know without reading by just who they are affiliated with, whether or not they are “Reformed” in doctrine, who their supporters, churches, and associations are. It is simple. If they are not Reformed in theology, they are in error. This is what the Reformation was all about. God’s mercy in delivering His church from Pelagian/Arminian doctrinal error that was “all about man” and little about God and His attributes and grace. When God has opened your eyes to truth and delivered you in mercy from error to go back to the “weak and beggarly elements” and “milk” rather than praise Him for His mercy to you is sin and disobedience. He has given you truth and taught you so that you can show your faithfulness by using those materials for which He has delivered to you to share — sound glorifying books and studies. Reading and studying man-centered books is a sure way for you to become “entangled” in error yourself and will you not be “burned” by it? This is what we mean when we say there is “mixture” — the Bible with false doctrine, error and touchy feely fluff rather than the true meat of the Word. No, we do not partake of anything that we have discerned to be in error and God will surely give us the wisdom through His Word, His church, His overseers and sound biblical teachers to “flee” from anything that remotely has error or is man-centered. We do not believe the “lie” that because it “contains” Scripture or good practical stories, points, etc. that it benefits. A lie is a lie no matter what and false application or erroneous teaching will only have a negative effect on the believer and as Scripture states, will show itself in “every evil work” by glorifying the Devil himself rather than glorifying the God of the Bible. Don’t be fooled as Scripture says, whatever a man (woman) sows he will reap.

“But let him who is taught in the Word share with the one teaching in all good things. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, that he also will reap. For he sowing to his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh. But he sowing to the Spirit will reap life everlasting from the Spirit.” Galatians 6:6-8

We want to reap glory to Christ and for His beloved bride, our sisters, to love and serve Him more and to be biblical, godly women of the Book for the benefit of His church, the body of Christ, both locally and universally, and for the good of our husbands, families and neighbors. As we say in computer talk, “garbage in and garbage out.” We don’t want any garbage going in (we have enough already of our own selfish me-thinking attitudes) so we should fill ourselves with praiseworthy teaching of Him - Soli Deo Gloria!

Are there perfect Reformed books without error or perfect? No, because man/woman is fallible but we have the infallible Word of the Living God who leads us to truth and God has been merciful in giving us “good teachers” and “good doctrine” so that we are without excuse and so that we can grow in grace and in the knowledge of Him. Thus, it is incumbent upon us as “Reformed” and doctrinally sound believers to read, study and share the most biblical books and studies we can find and no other.”

“But you speak the things which become sound doctrine: aged men to be temperate, sensible, discreet, sound in faith, in love, in patience. Let the aged women likewise be in reverent behavior, not slanderers, not enslaved by much wine, teachers of good; that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, subject to their own husbands, that the Word of God may not be blasphemed.” Tit 2:1-5

SDG, joany
Excerpt, 10-30-05