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Chandra Cooley
Chandra Cooley's blog
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Well....
4 stars|3 comments|November 17, 2008|377 reads
 
I sure do miss MyChurch. :] Life has been one big crazy trial for me this past year or so. I'm so thankful that things feel like they are starting to get better! Anywho... thought I'd post a little teaching to get back in my blogging stride. :D

Drinking and Drunkeness

In my opinion, too many people, especially young people like myself are drinking alcohol and hurting others or hurting themselves by ending up in situations they would normally avoid. As a Christian, when my friends want to go out drinking on the weekends, I always decline. Some of these friends are Christians as well, and always want to argue that because of Ephesians 5:18 that as long as they do not get drunk, it is okay if they drink.

"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 NIV"

This actually made sense to me in a small way at first, even though I knew that the unGodly behavior that resulted from people drinking could not be okay. So, I decided to study the scriptures a little more in depth on the subject. I read the parable about the servant in Luke 12.

"But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk. Luke 12:45 NIV"

In this part of the parable, it talks about the servant misbehaving while his master is away. The word that we translated here as "get drunk" comes from the Greek word "methusko," which is the act of drinking "methu", which is mulled or fermented wine or "methe", which is "strong drink". It is just the physical act of drinking the drink, not the state of drunkeness, which would be the Greek word "methuo". When read in this context, it implies to me that a faithful servant would not be drinking at all, regardless if he or she ended up feeling drunk.

After learning this, then going to take another look at Ephesians 5:18, you might see that "get drunk" here (also from the Greek word "methusko") would be better translated as "drink wine which will make you drunk."

1 Thessalonians 5:7 also further supports the argument that a Christian should avoid drinking alcohol. It tells us that people who do bad things do them in the darkness and those who do good do them in the light. The example of something done in the darkness in the verse is getting drunk, and has also been translated from "methusko."

"For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 1 Thessalonians 5:7 NIV"

I know that some Christians disagree with this, but I would probably just ask them the same question I ask the young people I know who like to go out and party. Do you honestly feel like once you start drinking you behave in a way that is glorifying or pleasing to God in any way? No one has given me a straight yes yet, nor has anyone had an answer when I followed up their response of "no" with "so, why do you drink?"

Give it some thought and prayer if you disagree. :]] God bless.
 

What do you believe?
star it|1 comments|December 11, 2007|1165 reads
 

In a theology class I took awhile ago, I had an assignment to make a list of ten things I believe. It was kind of interesting to see what ten things I would choose and hearing other people's ten choices, so I thought it would be a fun assignment for the MyChurch family. :D It can be anything at all, even if it is completely random or stange, as long as you can honestly say that it is your belief. Here were mine:

1. I believe in the one true God.

2. I believe that He was merciful enough to send His Son as a living sacrifice.

3. I believe that His Son, Jesus Christ, died on a cross for our sins and because of this, no one goes to the Father but through Him.

4. I believe some women belittle themselves, and then turn around and comlain that they are not treated as an equal, which reflects badly on women in general.

5. I believe that it is our duty to make sure every person has the opportunity to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior world wide.

6. I believe that hard work does not always pay, but you should always work hard regardless. 

7. I believe that God's intention for me and my life in particular is that I should serve as a missionary to other nations.

8. I believe that marriage is sacred and has become too casual in our society.

9. I believe that all people are equal and should be treated equally.

10. I believe that television has successfully made me less intelligent. :)

 
 

Breaking down the Bible...
3 stars|6 comments|December 11, 2007|2700 reads
 

Random Bible breakdown.:)

Terminology

1. The word bible means book.

2. The words The Bible distinguish the Word of God.

3:16 Every scripture inspired of God `is' also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. 3:17 That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.

Characteristics

Divisions

1. Old Testament (39 books)

a. Law (5 books. Genesis-Deuteronomy)

b. History (12 books. Joshua-Esther)

c. Poetry (5 books. Job-Song of Solomon)

d. Major Prophets (12 books. Isaiah-Daniel)

e. Minor Prophets (12 books. Hosea-Malachi)

2. New Testament (27 books)

a. Gospels (4 books. Matthew-John)

b. History (1 book. Acts)

c. Epistles (21 books. Romans-Jude)

d. Prophecy (1 book. Revelation)

5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished.

Authorship

1. Holy Spirit.

2. Approx. 40 men.

3. Over 1500 years.

1:21 For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.

Canonicity

1. The Selection

a. The Counsel of Carthage in 397 AD listed all of the canonical books of the bible. (Which may have been determined by Ezra.)

b. The New Testament books had to have the following criteria to be included:

- Apostolicity. (Written or supported by an Apostle.)

- Content. (Had to be spiritual in nature.)

- Universality. (Widely accepted among believers.)

- Inspiration.

c. The dead sea scrolls authenticated many of the selected books.

2. Books Omitted

a. God superimposed His will.

b. Some omitted books, like The Idol Bel and the Dragon, can be found in the Apocrypha.

Revelation

Facts about revelation:

1. God is able to reveal.

2. God chose to reveal.

Revelation came through...

1. Nature

1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hinder the truth in unrighteousness; 1:19 because that which is known of God is manifest in them; for God manifested it unto them. 1:20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, `even' his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse:

2. Providential Dealings

8:28 And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, `even' to them that are called according to `his' purpose.

3. Preservation of the Universe

1:2 hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in `his' Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the world;

4. Miracles

19:37 And as he was now drawing nigh, `even' at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works which they had seen;

5. Direct Communication

6:28 And it came to pass on the day when Jehovah spake unto Moses in the land of Egypt,

6. Jesus

1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
1:14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth.

7. The Bible

5:9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for the witness of God is this, that he hath borne witness concerning his Son.

Inspiration

...is God's superintending of human authors so that, using their own individual personalities, they composed and recorded, without error, it's revelation to man in the words of the original writings.

1. False views

a. Natural Theory (Inspiration in the sense that a poet or writer is naturally inspired.)

b. Dictation Theory (God coldy and word for word dictated the bible.)

c. Illumination Theory (Inspiration from intense religious perception.)

2. Biblical View

Both divine and human elements are present.

a. God breathed...

b. All scripture is equally inspired.

3. Inspiration is proven internally.

a. The bible claims it.

1:21 For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.

b. Jesus claimed it.


22:29 But Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. 22:30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as angels in heaven. 22:31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, 22:32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not `the God' of the dead, but of the living.

c. Writers claimed it.

1:7 But Jehovah said unto me, Say not, I am a child; for to whomsoever I shall send thee thou shalt go, and whatsoever I shall command thee thou shalt speak.

4. Inspiration is proven externally

a. It's a literary masterpiece.

b. It is historically and scientifically correct.

c. It is without contradiction.

d. It is indestructible.

e. It is transforming in it's power.

f. It is prophetic.

g. It is inexhaustible.

5. Translations?

Because...

a. We do not possess the original manuscripts.

But...

b. Changes from the original are minimal.

c. We have revised versions, not a revised bible.

d. Dead Sea Scrolss present bible to be authentic.

e. God is able to preserve.

Purpose and Theme of The Bible

1. Glorify God

a. Angels and Creation

b. Salvation

c. Israel

2. Redemption through Jesus

a. Prophesied in Eden

b. Promised to Abraham

c. Typified by the exodus from Egypt

d. Fulfilled in Jesus

e. Appled to believers

General Divisions

1. Time Periods

Divisions related to humanity on Earth.

a. Adam to Abraham- Gentiles

b. Abraham to Christ- Gentiles and Hebrews (Jews)

c. Christ(birth) to Christ(death)- Gentiles, Jews, and Christians

d. Christ(second coming) to Christ- Gentiles and Jews

2. Dispensations

a. Innocence (creation to fal)

b. Conscience (fall to flood)

c. Human Government (flood to Abraham)

d. Promise (Abraham to law)

e. Law (Law to death of Christ)

f. Grace (Death of Christ to Rapture)

g. Kingdom Rule (Rapture to New Heaven and Earth)

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Wow this was LONG! It is a huge book though. :) This is just a little advertisement at the end of my blog, but everyone should visit my profile and listen to the song. It is by my brother and I am trying to encourage him to keep the same positive spiritual message in all his music and the negative messages out. He doesn't have MyChurch, so if you want to leave him some encouragement you can either send me a message here and I will relay it or if you have a myspace account you can leave a comment on his myspace.

 

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With love,

Cj

 

Satan prowls like a roaring lion...
3 stars|4 comments|November 16, 2007|1437 reads
 

and oh my is he ever seeking whom he may devour!

He comes as:

The man who is an expert at perverting scripture.

The Atheist YouTube superstar who posed as a Christian to infiltrate GodTube.

The Atheist group who is working as hard to confuse souls as we work to show them Truth.

The distibutors of anti-God merchandise.

The Wiki that "even welcomes theists if they behave..."

The man who preaches the holiness of the number 666.

The man who claims he is Christ and has millions of followers.

The religion that praises killing God's people.

And so much more...

Be wary and stay in the Word!

Love, Cj :)

 

Thanks for your prayers!!!
4 stars|7 comments|October 25, 2007|1275 reads
 
 Just wanted to update everyone about how things are going for me right now because some people have been asking. Alot of you know that I was going through some trials in the past few months, but God once again has showed me that He is the Provisional King by blessing me again. I am no longer homeless! I have my own apartment now and am very happy here. The rest of my family has found places to live as well, which gives me great comfort to know everyone is safe. My mother is not having a flare up right now, meaning that she isn't in as much pain as usual so her medicines are able to keep her comfortable. She seems to be doing very well. Things are definitely better. Praise God. :)
66:20 Blessed be God, Who hath not turned away my prayer, Nor his loving kindness from me.

 
 
 
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