Bible Study log
Hatfield says 'We are gathered this evening to share the wisdom of your Word'
Branduin nods.
Hatfield says 'prepare our hearts and minds that we can understand what Branduin is preparing to teach us'
Mitch nods.
Clairee gives praise to The Creator.
Branduin smiles happily.
Hatfield says 'and bless Branduin as she presents it to us tonight.'
Branduin nods.
Mitch nods.
Clairee says 'Yes, Lord!'
Tyrael says 'yes Lord'
Hatfield says 'Father, I ask your blessings upon all who come here. Whether seeking truth, or just looking for a good mud to play on. And even those who come here seeking to act out, intent only on seeking attention'
Branduin nods.
Mitch nods.
Wargreymon nods.
Clairee says 'Thank you, Lord!'
Hatfield says 'We don't know your reasons, all we can do is listen for the still small sound of your voice in our hearts.'
Mitch nods.
Branduin nods in enthusiastic agreement with Hatfield.
Clairee softly says amen.
Hatfield says 'we ask all this in Jesus' precious and holy name'
Branduin smiles softly.
Hatfield softly says amen.
Branduin gives praise to The Creator.
Clairee boldly proclaims 'Amen!'
Branduin boldly proclaims 'Amen!'
Sweetie says 'amen'
Clairee beams a smile at Hatfield.
Branduin says 'thanks hatty'
Clairee nods at Hatfield.
Branduin says 'ok tonight i am back'
Clairee shows her approval by clapping her hands together.
Mitch cheers and sings... he is just BURSTING with joy!
Clairee grins mischievously.
Branduin says 'we had done part of james 2 before i left'
Hatfield says 'booyah'
Branduin says 'but let's review a bit'
Clairee raises an eyebrow at Hatfield's weird actions.
~Verse to Room from Branduin~
James 2:1-7
1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
Branduin says 'this is taking up where james left off at the end of ch 1'
Branduin says 'remindingus not to show partiality'
Branduin says 'esp in regard to money and finances or appearance'
Mitch says 'And gay clothing'
Mitch ducks, anticipating Branduin's reaction.
Branduin sighs in disappointment at the sight of Mitch.
Clairee coughs loudly in Mitch's general direction.
Tyrael lols at everyone. What in the world is a lol?
Branduin says 'yes well, in terms of bright vs tattered clothing ;)'
Branduin says 'and i like that last verse'
Tyrael says 'or walmart vs American Eagle'
Branduin says '2:7'
Branduin nods at Tyrael.
Branduin says 'or macy's or some other name brand label thing'
~Verse to Room from Hatfield~
James 2:7
Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
Clairee nods.
Branduin thanks Hatfield heartily.
Branduin says 'notice how he compares partiality in the way to blasphemy?'
Mitch sits down and thinks deeply.
Clairee nods.
Branduin says 'and in NIV it says slandering the name'
Branduin says 'he is talking about the rich'
Branduin says 'esp when they are haughty'
Branduin says 'and i just wonder how many of you caught the news yesterday?'
Branduin says 'there was an article relating to this'
Clairee says 'what particular news?'
Clairee says 'ah.'
Tyrael says 'the divine dollar?'
Branduin says 'atlanta mega church takes in over 69 million dollars'
Clairee gasps in astonishment.
Branduin says 'and is being investigated with 9 other ministries'
Branduin says 'by the SEC and IRS'
Branduin says 'and they are all names that you know'
Clairee says 'I yes, I heard about that on 700 Club.'
Branduin says 'Joyce Meyer, Ken and Gloria Copeland....Creflo Dollar'
Mitch nods.
Branduin nods.
Clairee says 'wondered why they werent investigating Pat Robertson too, But, be that as it may...'
Branduin says 'we have to be so careful'
Sweetie says 'I can taste those Quest Points now!'
Mitch pats Clairee on her head.
Branduin says 'well you know how the faith movement is about money'
Branduin says 'name it and claim it....it is our "Blessing" but it isn't getting it'
Branduin says 'it is what you do with it'
Clairee says 'Think its because the guy calling for the investigation was a Republican, bu I dunno.'
Branduin says 'and we all love to judge others'
Clairee nods.
Branduin nods.
Clairee says 'and I am Republican, so I can say that. heh'
Branduin says 'but i have problems with the church giving the pastor a Bently or a Rolls but not a van or SUV'
Clairee says 'sorry, didnt mean to get off point.'
Branduin shrugs helplessly.
Clairee nods in enthusiastic agreement with Branduin.
Branduin says 'but we just need to be mindful that the world is watching us'
Clairee nods.
Branduin says 'and how we use our resources'
Branduin says 'and also i must say that most of the ministries named not all but most have HUGE missions programs'
Clairee nods.
Branduin says 'and do not respect persons in their meetings'
Tyrael says 'its fine for the church to give the pastor his just due, but when the pastor is living in excess while the poor are starving in his community something is wrong'
Branduin says 'in terms of dress, etc'
Clairee nods.
Clairee nods in enthusiastic agreement with Tyrael.
Branduin says 'yes Ty, you have hit the nail on the head'
Branduin says 'but that is a digression'
Branduin says 'the point is DO NOT be a respector of persons in regard to how they are dressed etc'
Clairee nods.
Branduin says 'it is like that Todd Agnew song.....Jesus will be dressed modestly if he ever came back to earth to visit our churches'
Clairee agrees absolutely.
Branduin says 'ty and i talked about that some over fellowship the other night'
Branduin pats Tyrael on his head.
Branduin nods at Hatfield.
Hatfield says 'there's a country song also, "What if Jesus came back like that? On an old freight train in a hobo hat'
Branduin says 'next verse please'
Branduin nods.
Branduin says 'yeah exactly'
~Verse to Room from Hatfield~
James 2:8
If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
Branduin nods at Hatfield.
~Verse to Room from Hatfield~
James 2:9
But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
Branduin says 'the royal law of the Torah as well as the Gospel'
Branduin says 'James, being the Lord's brother knew his audience well'
Branduin says 'and he is repeating yet again that prejudice.......and that is what it is....is sin'
Tyrael says 'I really felt convicted lately'
Tyrael says 'can I share something branduin'
Branduin says 'we can expand that in these days to prejudice over all'
Branduin nods at Tyrael.
Tyrael says 'I had a classmate'
Tyrael says 'he was gay'
Branduin wraps her arms around Tyrael in a warm and loving embrace.
Tyrael says 'he died a few nights ago'
Clairee says 'oh dear.'
Tyrael says 'he was 23'
Hatfield comforts Tyrael.
Tyrael says 'not three weeks ago'
Clairee gives Tyrael a sisterly hug.
Tyrael says 'I thought of adding him to myspace and maybe even ministring to him'
Tyrael says 'but I didn't'
Branduin nods.
Clairee nods.
Tyrael says 'and now he is gone '
Hatfield says 'Bro, you couldn't know what was going to happen.'
Tyrael says 'but I felt the holy spirit telling me to add him'
Branduin nods.
Clairee agrees absolutely.
Branduin smiles softly at Tyrael, showing the love of Christ in her eyes.
Tyrael says 'and I ignored it, cause of predjucide'
Tyrael says 'I thought he wouldn't listen in the first place'
Tyrael nods.
Tyrael says 'so never ever pass up an oppurtunity'
Clairee says 'well, we learn through all things.amen?'
Branduin says 'and may i say that i talked to ty the other night about it too....'
Clairee nods.
Hatfield nods in enthusiastic agreement with Clairee.
Branduin says 'and it keeps coming clearer and clearer to me'
Clairee nods.
Branduin says 'that we don't just have to hit them over the head with the bible and what they are doing wrong.....and what the bible says about it to witness to them'
Clairee nods.
Branduin says 'sometimes we do just have to be WITH them and let them learn from us'
Branduin says 'our struggles as well as our victories'
Hatfield says 'if we simply witness by the example of our own lives'
Branduin hugs Tyrael.
Clairee nods.
Hatfield says 'I have a supervisor in the same situation at work'
Branduin says 'but ty, i still agree with hatty you had no way of knowing AND the Lord will use this to teach you'
Clairee nods at Branduin.
Tyrael says 'but if i had acted he might have responded'
Clairee says 'well, we cant go back.'
Tyrael says 'nod'
Clairee says 'only forward'
Hatfield says 'or maybe he wouldn't have. You can't know'
Branduin says 'and God is bigger than us....if he calls one person to do something and we don't, he is bigger than that....we aren't the only ones he calls to do so......so i'm sure all things work together for the goof'
Branduin says 'erm good'
Tyrael lols at everyone. What in the world is a lol?
Clairee nods in enthusiastic agreement with Branduin.
Branduin says 'it is so funny how we think it is all on us'
Branduin says 'and God is so much bigger than that'
Branduin says 'so ty don't you worry'
Clairee nods.
Branduin says 'you can only do what you do'
Branduin nods sagely.
Hatfield says 'Great big God
little tiny devil
I will sing my praise
to a great big God!'
Branduin says 'and the Lord can redeem the time.....we can't but He can'
Clairee says 'try as we might, we all have prejudices.'
Branduin nods at Clairee.
Branduin says 'oh yeah we do'
Branduin says 'and we need to be reminded of the ones we have'
Branduin says 'be aware of them and keep conscious'
Clairee says 'you'd think since Im disabled, that I wouldnt. But I catch myself all the time.'
Hatfield says 'Ty, thank YOU for reminding me to pray more for Greg'
Branduin says 'because Satan will try to use them'
Branduin must like Hatfield a great deal to beam at him so broadly!
Clairee nods at Hatfield.
Branduin says 'well it is a basic part of human nature'
Clairee agrees absolutely.
Branduin says 'but Jesus' nature was to eat with sinners and be with them right where they are'
Branduin says 'doesn't say that he condemned them.....'
Clairee nods.
Branduin says 'you think they would keep inviting him back if he did?'
Hatfield says 'he showed the adulteress that she was not the only one with a colored past'
Branduin says 'nah, he was just with them......and i am sure they were changed just by being in his presence'
Branduin nods at Hatfield.
Branduin says 'and the same is true with us'
Branduin says 'we are to have the holy spirit inside and be little Christs to everyone'
Branduin says 'not just those we agree with'
Branduin says 'they will be changed just by being with us'
Branduin says 'but it is a shaping it goes slowly but it happens'
Clairee nods.
Branduin says 'make sense?'
Clairee says 'Yes.'
Branduin smiles happily.
Branduin says 'ty you still here?'
Mitch peers intently at Tyrael.
Branduin says 'no condemnation brother'
Clairee smiles happily.
Branduin says 'none'
Mitch gives a delectable chocolate-chip cookie to Tyrael.
Branduin hugs Tyrael.
Branduin says 'still digressing but i tell ya'
Branduin says 'it comes more and more clear to me that we think that we are all that'
Clairee says 'we all have sinned and come short. doing and not doing what we should/shouldnt.'
Branduin says 'and if we don't do something that God's plan may be diverted or thwarted'
Branduin falls down laughing.
Branduin says 'well we aren't all that ;) there is always a plan B in God's world'
Clairee nods.
Hatfield says 'and C, D.... ZZZ'
Branduin says 'and we dont' have a clue....we just have to do our part ;)'
Branduin nods at Hatfield.
Clairee agrees absolutely.
Mitch nods.
Branduin says 'and part of doing our part is falling short ;)'
Branduin says 'he knows us ;)'
Hatfield says 'think the Maker of all things can figure out contingencies'
Branduin nods.
Clairee agrees absolutely.
Branduin says 'so Ty, dont you worry your little head about that.....you just talk to the Lord about what you feel that you didn't do and it will be fine'
Branduin nods sagely.
Clairee nods.
Branduin says 'will be fine as long as you learn something from it ;)'
Branduin smiles happily.
Branduin hugs Tyrael.
Branduin says 'ok hatty'
~Verse to Room from Hatfield~
James 2:10
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Branduin nods.
~Verse to Room from Hatfield~
James 2:11
For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
Branduin says 'yep the pharissees were so proud of what they did in terms of the Law that they missed the boat entiredly'
Branduin nods at Hatfield.
~Verse to Room from Hatfield~
James 2:12
So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
Branduin nods at Hatfield.
~Verse to Room from Hatfield~
James 2:13
For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
Branduin says 'Walk the walk as well as talk the talk'
Clairee nods.
Branduin says 'dont be all hot air'
Branduin says 'and the last bit of that: mercy rejoices against judgement'
Clairee grins mischievously at Hatfield.
Branduin says 'in our world that is ALWAYS true'
Branduin says 'NIV says mercy triumphs over judgement'
Branduin says 'so show mercy'
~Verse to Room from Branduin~
Micah 3:6
Therefore night shall be unto you, that ye shall not have a vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them.
OOPS! Branduin did it again!
~Verse to Room from Branduin~
Micah 6:8
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
Branduin says 'notice......do justly in yoru own life.....love mercy in dealings with others.....and walk HUMBLY with the Lord'
Mitch nods.
Clairee raises an eyebrow.
Clairee grins mischievously.
Branduin says 'if you do those you won't fall'
Branduin says 'but too often we love to judge ;)'
Branduin says 'and we love to talk'
Branduin nods at Hatfield.
Branduin babbles endlessly, won't she EVER shut up?
~Verse to Room from Hatfield~
James 2:14
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
Branduin hrms at Hatfield; she isn't too normal.
Branduin giggles.
Branduin nods at Clairee.
Clairee beams broadly at nothing in particular.
Branduin says 'we all are'
Clairee nods.
Hatfield nods sagely.
Branduin says 'but the point is not to thing more highly of ourselves than we do of others ;)'
Branduin says 'erm think'
Branduin grins mischievously.
Hatfield says 'well I know she doesn't do THAT'
Hatfield encompasses Clairee in an ENORMOUS bearhug!
Clairee beams a smile at Hatfield.
Branduin says 'can works alone save us?'
Hatfield says 'no'
Branduin says 'can faith alone?'
Clairee shakes her head no.
Clairee shakes her head no.
~Verse to Room from Hatfield~
James 2:15
If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
Hatfield loudly exclaims 'DOH!'
Hatfield says 'wrong verse!'
Branduin says 'go down to the altar at 5 and not do anything any more for anyone and you go to heaven???'
Hatfield scuffs his foot in the dirt, looking very sheepish.
Clairee shakes her head no.
Branduin nods at Hatfield.
Branduin pats Hatfield on his head.
Hatfield says 'faith without works are dead, but imho, works without faith are meaningless also'
Branduin says 'no it was the next one ;)'
Branduin says, 'ooOOooOOooOOoo.'
Branduin grins mischievously at Hatfield.
~Verse to Room from Hatfield~
James 2:15
If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
Clairee nods.
Branduin nods at Hatfield.
~Verse to Room from Hatfield~
James 2:16
And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
~Verse to Room from Branduin~
James 2:14-17
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Branduin says 'just like the good samaritain parable'
Branduin says 'we can't just pass by on the other side'
Branduin says 'or tell them to be blessed'
Branduin rolls her eyes, disgusted.
Mitch grins mischievously.
Branduin says 'we have to DO SOMETHING'
Mitch nods.
Branduin smiles happily.
Clairee says 'or seeing a vagrant and blessing them, but dont help em find food.'
Branduin nods at Clairee.
Tyrael says 'like when you know a person drives 83 miles a day to come t church, give em gas money'
Clairee nods in enthusiastic agreement with Tyrael.
Hatfield says 'that used to be US'
Branduin nods at Tyrael.
Clairee nods in enthusiastic agreement with Hatfield.
Branduin says 'yep or take them out to lunch'
Clairee says 'Yes Lord! Oh..:)'
Branduin says 'and it will come back......as long as you don't do it to get the reward but with a pure heart'
Tyrael says 'amen'
Clairee says 'it sure will!'
Tyrael says '"pure heart"'
Branduin says 'i know some folks at my old job'
Branduin says 'who would do things and just say "I needed that blessing I'm gonna get from that!"'
Hatfield says 'at that little book store you worked for? ;)'
Clairee says 'tithing is an example of that as well.'
Branduin says 'they did the works but the motive was wrong'
Branduin nods.
Tyrael says 'nod '
Tyrael says 'the youth pastor always wants to thank me'
Branduin says 'and it goes back to us keeping ourselves in line and in tune with the Spirit'
Tyrael says 'or tell teens I paid for them'
Branduin nods.
Clairee says 'we tithe out of love, not to get something back. But, He will bless us for it.'
Tyrael says 'I don't want anyone to know but God'
Branduin must like Tyrael a great deal to beam at him so broadly!
Branduin nods.
Clairee nods at Tyrael.
Branduin says 'yep i know what you mean ;)'
Hatfield says 'you need to find a way to give it without the youth pastor knowing ;)'
Clairee smiles happily.
Tyrael says 'well that is hard since its paying for youth events '
Clairee agrees absolutely.
Hatfield says 'give it to senior pastor and ask for confidenciality'
Branduin says 'ok this next part i will do in a chunk'
Tyrael nods.
~Verse to Room from Branduin~
James 2:18-24
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Branduin says 'about faith without works and vica versa'
~Verse to Room from Branduin~
James 2:25-26
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Branduin says 'and see how he even uses one like the woman at the well to show faithfulness AND works'
Branduin says 'they both have to go together'
Clairee nods.
Branduin says 'i reckon it is kinda like a battery'
Hatfield says '+ and - poles?'
Branduin says 'one end pos other end neg.....battery doesn't work with just one end plugged in'
Branduin nods.
Branduin smiles happily.
Branduin says 'ok questions?'
Hatfield says 'cause the charge has to go 'round'
Branduin nods.
Branduin says 'comments?'