John's Blog Online

Weight Update

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 16:46:00 GMT

Back in June, on the 25th, I started working out. I have done really well, up until two weeks ago when my schedule was interrupted, and I haven't gotten back into the daily YMCA routine like I really want. Maybe tomorrow. I think everyone says that, though. But I started out at 207 pounds and am now at 175. I was in 36 inch waist jeans, but am now in 32's. And those are not tight. I'm happy with the results and am just trying to get in better shape and tighten everything up. ha.

Went to the State Youth Minister's Conference Mon - Wed of this past week. Had a great time. Got to meet some awesome people.

Today is Thursday and I am studying for our college worship service tonight. It's 733. You can go to www.733college.com. It doesn't get updated often, but it's there.

Have a great day!

John

Getting into Shape

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 02:55:00 GMT

This past summer has really been a time of change in my life. I guess I just got tired of feeling old and tired, so I asked David, a student and friend of mine to help me out. So, on June 25, we started going to the YMCA. I weighed 207 or so pounds and was able to do about 10 push ups.

Well, about 5 weeks later, I've lost 20 pounds and can do 45 push ups at one time. I am really excited about the changes I've made this past month. I am down to a 33 or 34 waist in my jeans and am excited that I've been able to buy some new clothes.

I even started running on the treadmill. I never thought I would be able to because of my foot, but I ran a mile yesterday without stopping. Today, my legs really hurt and I stopped at about .85 of a mile, but I was still really pround of what I was able to do.

This working out stuff if even fun. I actually enjoy it. I started off with a goal to drop as much weight by July 27 as I could, but now, I'm just going to make it a part of my daily life and get on with the exercises.

I also have some others to thank for their encouragment and support. So, thanks bunches. I couldn't have done it with out your help.

John

As You Go...

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Mon, 07 May 2007 17:41:00 GMT

God has TRULY been working in my heart for our church to be even more active in missions; in Columbus, in our state, country, and now, the world. So, please read for the following things I have listed and pray for us according to each one.

Pray for:
   1. Pray for God to put a specific overseas location on our heart
   2. Pray for church leadership to unite behind this calling
   3. Pray for the church to have a heart for this mission
   4. Pray for the first ministry team to answer the call, whoever it may be
   5. Pray for the funds to be there to make this happen
   6. Pray the same thing for your church if you go somewhere other than FBC Columbus

Derek Webb in Concert

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 15:43:00 GMT

Derek Webb in Concert in Birmingham at the University Christian Fellowship house.
We had a great trip over and the concert was awesome.

Some MUCH BETTER pictures are on the way.

John

Ski Trip with College Students

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 05:25:00 GMT

This is a picture of the guys as we skied together on the first day. The girls were in ski school.

This is a picture of the town of Breckenridge from on top of one of the peaks.
Notice the incredible mountains on the other side!

Guy's Game Night

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 19:39:00 GMT

I apologize for the poor picture quality, but these pics came from my phone. I took these last night when about 16 guys came over for just a good time of food and video games. We had the PS2's from church and an X-Box 360 hooked up to my HD tv. That was totally awesome! We also used the projector to play on of the games on the wall. It was fun!

Claire makes a Profession of Faith in Jesus Christ

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 20:34:00 GMT

On Sunday evening, February 18, 2007, Claire, my seven year old daughter, came to me just before the evening church service started and said, "I want to go down there tonight". The "down there" was accompanied with a point to the alter. She meant she wanted to go down during the invitation at the end of the service. I asked her why she wanted to go down and she responded, "Because I'm a Christian."

As you can imagine, that was very exciting to hear, but I wanted to spend time with her and ask her questions to make sure she understood what she was saying.

After we got home and ready for bed, I asked Claire if we could discuss what she meant by saying, "I'm a Christian." She proceeded to tell me that she knew she had to believe in Jesus if she wanted to go to heaven when she died. She said she understood that she was a sinner and could not be saved on her own. She said she believed that Jesus was God's Son and that He died on the cross to save her from her sins and that He rose from the grave and would come back again for her one day.

Now, all of the above did not come out of her mouth all at one time. But through Melanie and I asking her what she meant and who Jesus was and what He did for her, those were the things that were covered. I was very careful to not put words into her mouth. I do not want her to have the testimony one day that she didn't understand who Jesus was and that she only went forward because someone wanted her to. We specifically told her that this was not something mommy and daddy were pushing her to do, but if she wanted to, she could?

I don't want to push her into this, but don't want to discourage her either. Please pray that this is something Claire is doing because the Holy Spirit is drawing her to Him.

On Mission?

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 19:02:00 GMT

What IF God opened the door for our church to go overseas on missions?

Would you go?

Nyia Page

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 05:05:00 GMT

I read some very disturbing headlines today.
All over the internet were reports of death.
Most likely, you are thinking about Anna Nicole Smith.
But the one that really rocked my world was the article about little Nyia Page.

Here is her picture.

The father of a young girl who died of exposure had knocked her unconscious because he was angry she wouldn't go to bed, then took her outside in freezing temperatures and left her there, police said before the man's arraignment Thursday.

Nyia Miangel Page, who was about to turn 2, was found dead Sunday on a wooded knoll about a 10 minute walk from the family's home. Tiny footprints in the snow suggested she had gotten up and wandered around before she died, police said. Her father, William Lorenzo Page, 23, of Braddock, was arrested on charges of criminal homicide, kidnapping, false reports and simple assault.

Page told police he woke up early Saturday and found the girl awake and playing near a mirror in the hallway, according to the criminal complaint. He said he got mad when the girl wouldn't go back to bed so he hit her so hard she hit her head and was unconscious, the complaint said. Page then took her outside wrapped in a blanket and left her, police said.

An autopsy determined Nyia died of hypothermia, but the Allegheny County Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide because investigators said it was unreasonable to assume the child got to the wooded location alone. Her small body was found about a 10-minute walk from her home, a trek that would have included climbing 17 snowy steps up to a wooded knoll.

A witness had seen Page enter his house Saturday morning from the direction where his daughter was found, police said. He was back out on the street about an hour later, saying he was looking for the girl and telling the witness, "Somebody took my daughter," according to a criminal complaint.

Nyia's mother told police she last saw the girl after Nyia tried to crawl into bed with her parents about 12:30 a.m. Saturday. The mother told police she put the youngster back into her own bed in an upstairs room. Police, emergency crews and bloodhounds searched in 20-degree temperatures for most of two days before finding the little girl's body. Page, who did not have an attorney in court Thursday morning, was jailed without bond.*

*Foxnews.com

Update

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 05:43:00 GMT

It's around 12 midnight. In a few hours, I will be heading south on 45 to go to Mobile, AL and spend a few days with my family. Then on Sunday, my brother Jeff, and the band he plays with will head to Miami, FL to board a cruise ship on Monday and cruise to Gand Turks Island and then return to Miami on Friday.

I am really looking forward to this time with Jeff. I do wish that Melanie could go with me, but she doesn't have the time available nor do we have someone who could keep the kids for that long.

I am also looking forward to meeting some of the other artists. I hope to have a conversation with David Crowder. That would be great!

I know everyone here will be fine and things will carry on as normal while I am gone. Things have a funny way of doing that.

It will be strange to be unable to check email or make a phone call whenever I desire. But, it will be interesting to be in that type of an environment. I do have my video iPod. I will have it going a lot of the time, I do suspect. Lots of good videos and new songs.

733, our college worship service, went great tonight! Jim Hamilton, my very good friend, and the College Minister at Fairview B.C. is speaking for me... 3 weeks in a row! I am so glad he was able to help like this. He has done a great job!

Hope all is well...

John

Incredible Words and Intense Music...

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 06:11:00 GMT

Asleep In The Night
Click Here for the MP3

Do you see, do you see,
All the people sinking down?
Don't you care, don't you care,
Are you gonna let them drown?
How can you be so numb,
Not to care if they come?
You close your eyes
And pretend the job's done.

Oh bless me Lord, bless me Lord,
You know it's all I ever hear.
No one aches, no one hurts,
No one even sheds one tear.
But He cries, He weeps, He bleeds,
And He cares for your needs.
And you just lay back
And keep soaking it in.

Oh can't you see it's such sin?
'Cause He brings people to your door
And you turn them away
As you smile and say,
"God bless you be at peace."
And all heaven just weeps
'Cause Jesus came to your door
You've left Him out on the streets

Open up, open up,
And give yourself away.
You see the need, you hear the cries,
So how can you delay?
God's calling, and you're the one,
But like Jonah, you run.
He's told you to speak,
But you keep holding it in.

Oh can't you see it's such a sin?
The world is sleeping in the dark,
That the church just can't fight,
'Cause it's asleep, in the light.
How can you be so dead
When you've been so well fed?
Jesus rose from the grave,
And you you can't even get out of bed!
Oh, Jesus rose from the dead,
Come on get out of your bed!

How can you be so numb,
Not to care if they come?
You close your eyes,
And pretend the job's done.
You close your eyes,
And pretend the job's done.
Don't close your eyes,
Don't pretend the job's done.

Come away, come away, come away,
With Me my love.
Come away, from this mess,
Come away, with Me my love.

By: Keith Green

Click Here for the MP3

The Calling

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 16:19:00 GMT

The Calling

I saw my Bible laying close beside me on the stand,

I leaned over, picked it up, and held it in my hand.

I pondered what it meant to me, as I stretched out on the bed,

I thought about the many verses, stuck inside my head.

I’ve studied this old book of mine, for many, many years,

And I remember how it helped me, through my many tears.

These Words of Life, I long for more, to know them as I do,

I pray the Lord would send someone, I’ll pray so hard for you.

“Lord, you know that I would go, and tell them if I could,

But I am much too busy, so I don’t believe I should.

I just don’t think, that Jesus called me to that type of thing,

So I’ll just sit here in my pew, and join in when they sing.

I’ll write a check to missions, and I’ll pray for those You call,
I'll give a box to Franklin, that I bought tham at the mall.

But when it comes to going, to all nations on the earth,

And telling them of Jesus, and of His noble birth,

Out of my box I do not go, for that I can not do,

Oh, surely there’ll be someone else, to tell them about You.

I hear about their countries, on the TV in my room,

They do not know of Jesus, and are only full of doom.

Oh please send one to tell them of Your love and of Your Son,

But I can’t go, I have my life, I’m surly not the one.”

Oh, I think it’s time to read, I’ll thumb through in God’s Word,

But what could I read, that I’ve never ever heard.

What a verse! I can’t believe His Spirit spoke to me,

I opened up and there it was, just staring up at me.

Matthew 28:19, I’ve read it all before,

But today was different, and I heard Him at the door.

“Go and makes Disciples,” is the verse I read today,

I believe the Lord is speaking to me, in some quiet way.

If I claim Him as my God, and serve Him from the heart,

I will answer when He calls, and I will do my part.

“Thank you, Lord, for speaking in that still and quiet voice,

Your call to selfless living, is a hard and narrow choice.

So many years I’ve served myself, and said I followed You,

But life was all about ME, and no service did I do.

But now I know that You have called me to a greater thing,

And I will look to Jesus and I will serve Him as my King.

I am not worthy of the grace that You have shown to me,

But since you have, I’ve made a choice, to live my life for Thee.”

By John Jones
Monday, December 11, 2006
12:35 AM

Comfortable: Tagged

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 14:39:00 GMT

The previous message, in the entry below, was a great challenge! This message is also great. Hope you will check it out. Read the summary below and then click on the link. Then click on Week Two.

"So many people wonder about the point of life. The philosophical question, “Why am I here?” is something that millions of people—Christ-followers and otherwise—long to answer. And we look everywhere for an answer. But in our search, we often miss what truly matters. Through Christ’s encounter with Zacchaeus, Ed Young shows us how to discover real meaning. And we see that the only way to really understand why we’re here is to get uncomfortable enough to say something, do something, and be something for those people far away from God. We are all going to spend forever somewhere—we’re tagged for eternity. And Christians must begin to see other people through that eternal perspective."

http://www.fellowshipchurch.com/currentseries

Comfortable: Lazy Boy

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 15:35:00 GMT

"Recliners are the quintessential symbols of comfort. They call to us and lure us to a life of relaxation and ease. And who wouldn’t want to be comfortable? After all, we live in an often uncomfortable world. But when it comes to the Christian life, comfort isn’t necessarily the goal. In fact, Jesus told his disciples to get out of their comfort zone and reach out to the world around them. He wanted them to get uncomfortable. In this message, “Lazy Boy,” Ed Young takes a unique look at being comfortable and challenges us to get out of the recliner and begin to reach out to the world around us."

Ed Young, Jr. is preaching a sermon series about being "Comfortable", but don't let the title fool you...

It's a great message! Here is the link. Click on WEEK ONE. http://www.fellowshipchurch.com/currentseries

Give your comments after you have listened to the entire thing.

John

Titus

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 03:40:00 GMT

After reading over this entry... I must say, it is not for the faint of heart.

Tonight, I read the book of Titus. This is another short but great book from Paul, the Apostle. I have been reading Paul's writings to Timothy, but wanted to just spend some time reading without the "Bible Study Blog on 2nd Timothy" being part of my reading.

Paul begins chapter three with this statement: "Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men."

Paul says "do whatever is good." WOW! You may think, "Yeah, so what. We always do what is 'good'." But what "good" is he talking about? And "how much" good are we supposed to do? In what part of our life is this "good" supposed to be?

Usually, if we are honest, we "do whatever is good" when it is convenient for us, when it will get us attention, or when we can't get around it. If we really thought about what it means to "do whatever is good", it would totally change how we see things, people, and our surroundings in general.

Paul closes chapter three, and his letter, with this thought: "Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives."

How are we to devote ourselves to doing what is good? How will providing for someone's daily necessities help us to live productive lives? What does God consider "living a productive life"? How will "doing whatever is good" and "providing for daily necessities" benefit us in sharing the gospel of Christ?

This is totally my opinion... and God is obviously working on me in this area... but I believe that if we were really concerned with spreading the Gospel of Jesus and living our life in a way that would benefit the Gospel, then the way we live life would change drastically! If we were truly burdened with leading people to Jesus, the way we live, act, speak, and think would look totally different that our current life of self indulgence. And be honest... We are all about us. It is a daily struggle to not focus on my three favorite people... me, myself, and I.

Share your thoughts/comments/complaints... Just put your name...

John

With the Family...

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 05:15:00 GMT

We arrived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast on Monday night. We left Asheville on Monday morning and drove straight through stopping off for lunch in Atlanta. We had lunch in a Thai restaurant and really enjoyed it. Melanie didn't care too much for the Indian restaurant in Asheville on Sunday afternoon though. While we were in Asheville, Melanie and I went to see the new James Bond movie. It was pretty awesome. Tonight, Jeff, my brother, and I went to see the new Denzel Washington movie. It was great! Very much "on the edge of your seat" stuff!

Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!

John

What God taught Me On Vacation...

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 05:45:00 GMT

This past weekend, Melanie and I were in Asheville, NC on a little vacation. Since it had been four years since we have taken off like this without the kids, we figured we better take time while we could.

While there, God taught me several things. I am going to share a few things with you if you don’t mind. As we walked around the area, we began to notice a definite presence of people living an "un-Godly" lifestyle. This is not the type of environment we are familiar with or comfortable with. As you can imagine, everywhere we went, this lifestyle being lived out in front of me caught my eye. It was very hard not to notice what was going on.

What God taught me on vacation:

1. Everyone needs God. Now, I haven't been called to move to the mountains and lead a ministry to this group of people, but what I did learn is this: No matter who we are; no matter where we are; no matter what our sin is… we all need God. I sat on a bench waiting for Melanie and a young man walked by and said, “Hello.” As I returned the greeting, I looked down the street and noticed a storefront sign that read, “Divine Connection.” I do not know what was in the store, but God used it to speak to me. People everywhere are looking for a “divine connection”. The question for me was this: “John, what are YOU doing to connect people with Jesus who do not already know Him?” And I continued to think.

2. Don’t live a sheltered life! The second thing I learned was that as Christians, we often shelter ourselves from the world and what is really out there. I walked into a “Christian” coffee shop while on vacation. It was a great place! Christian music, Christian books, Christian coffee! Well, not quite… but you get my point. Oh yeah… they had one more thing… A Christian!… There was a girl in the corner on her laptop drinking her coffee. But she was the only one in the store, besides the employee. Then a little while later, I walked into the other coffee shop a few blocks down. When I walked in, I heard secular music, saw people chatting, people on laptops, people in line, people drinking coffee. The place was packed! I asked myself, “Why are there so many people in this coffee shop and only one person in the “Christian” coffee shop?” The coffee was similar, both environments were cozy. I think there is a very basic answer. The Christian coffee shop was exclusive. If someone walked in and was NOT a Christian, right away, they would feel uncomfortable. My question was this: “How were the owners and employees of the Christian coffee shop going to witness and share their faith with nonbelievers if they would never come into their shop?” I think we, as Christians, are very guilty of hanging out in the “Christians Only” clubs and we will NEVER be an effective witness because we don’t know anyone who isn’t a Christian OR we think they are SO horrible because of their sin, that we don’t want to be around them.

I have a confession to make. I am a sinner. If a young man had not taken time of out his busy schedule one day to ask me, “John, are you a Christian?”, where would I be today? Do you remember who shared Jesus with you? Now, go and do likewise. Remember: 1. Everyone needs God! 2. Don’t live a sheltered life away from nonbelievers!

Sunday...

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 00:24:00 GMT

Here are some photos we took today, after church.

First... I broke my toe... just wanted to start off on the "right foot". haha

This is the view from the church we attended this morning.
This church's website: Click Here

This is a statue of Diana... NOT the princess.

This was an incredible sight! Just to see a house THAT big,
and to know that it all belonged to one man!

Incredible design features!

Imagine this for your back yard!
The biltmore was originally on 125,000 acres.
Now, it's down so just a few. 8,000 to be exact!

Many statues like this line the gardens.

What an incredible place!
I think I will build one. haha

I hope you have enjoyed our little recap.

John

Friday...

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 06:06:00 GMT

What a DAY! We got up around 9:30 AM and our first outing was to the top of the mountain at the Ridgecrest Conference center. Then we headed to a small town called Black Mountain. It's a very neat place. The entire downtown is very walkable and has some awesome shops. It has one coffee house on one end and another on the other end. That worked out great for me because no matter where we were, coffee was never far off. I am uploading some photos for you.

Pic taken on the platform at the top...

Same place, wider shot.

This was from the top of the mountain in Ridgecrest.

This was the sign next to the lookout platform at the top.

Melanie under a beautiful tree on one of the main streets in Black Mountain.

Coffee Shop # 1.

An inside look at Coffee Shop # 1.

Steet Pic and Mountain...

Steet Pic and Mountain...

Steet Pic and Mountain...

Track and Mountain...

Track and Mountain... the other direction.

Train pic for Corbin... He LOVES Trains.

Montreat College, just down the road.

Same building, but up close.

The chapel at Montreat... a suprise awaits inside.

Ready to go in?

Guess what this is from...

Up close...

The Veranda, a GREAT place. We ate lunch there.

Inside Coffee shop # 2. This was actually a Christian bookstore and coffee shop.
Not very many people were there... But at the other coffee shop... Tons of people.
Very interesting. I began thinking... Which one would you go to in order to meet Non-Christians?
Think on that one for a while.

In the woods by a brook.

Well, it's NOT GQ, but...

The hard part was finding a way to prop up the camera, set the timer, and RUN into position.

WOW! What a Day!

Now, it's almost 2:00 AM NC time.
Time for bed!

More tomorrow!

John

Thursday Night...

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 03:18:00 GMT

Thursday Night in Asheville:
We went to Carrabba's. It was incredible! They also own Outback Steak House, so, you KNOW it's good!

The two menu selections for tonight were:

Melanie had the PRM and I had the CM.

ALSO... I had a side order of scallops. But check out how they are fixed, minus the shrimp...

Then, of course... a stop at one of the three downtown coffee shops, "World Coffee".
Tonight's origin coffee was Sumatra.

Now... what should we do tomorrow?

John

We are in Ridgecrest, NC

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 22:18:00 GMT

Melanie and I got up this morning at 4:30 AM and were able to leave the house at 5:10 AM, on our way to Ridgecrest, NC. We drove through Birmingham and of course, had to go to Starbucks. We ate lunch in Chattanooga, then drove on through Knoxville, and finally passed through Ashville, ending up here at the Ridgecrest Conference Center, in Ridgecrest, NC. We are just getting unpacked and will rest a bit before heading out to grab a bite to eat somewhere in Asheville.

I am so glad that my mom and Bill are at my house with the kids. They are so wonderful for doing that for us.

Hope everyone is well... all 2 of you who read this. haha.

Here is a picture I took with my phone. The mountains are awesome!

Later,

John

When is the last time you told "Your Story"?

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 07:10:00 GMT

This is part of a quote from the NAMB website: "In the post modern mindset of today "the story" is proving to be the most effective communication tool." Christians must "tell their story of how they entered their personal relationship with Jesus Christ and how others can do it too." When was the last time you shared your story of how you met Jesus with someone? Leave a comment... - John

New Beginnings

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 00:24:00 GMT

Greetings,

Well, I discovered that I can use the blog feature that is from the internet company that provides me with internet hosting for my site instead of going through BLOGGER. I have really enjoyed using blogger, but it's time for a change!

THIS WEEK is a short week for me. Melanie and I leave THURSDAY morning to go on a vacation without the kids! We are going to Ridgecrest, NC for 5 days/4 nights of just plain fun! We plan on just enjoying being with each other!

This blog will start as soon as I get my main "johnandmelanie.net" site reconfigured!

Let me know what you think about this new format! The only thing I already know that I don't like is the advertising banner at the top. If anything is posted that is in bad taste, please let me know. Try the comment function and let me know how it compares to BLOGGER.

ALSO... you can subscribe to it. I like that function also!

Be safe!

John

Book Study... 1 Timothy 6 (NIV)

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 02:09:00 GMT

This is the last chapter of 1 Timothy. We will continue with 2 Timothy in a few days. - John

1 Timothy 6 (NIV)

1All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God's name and our teaching may not be slandered. 2Those who have believing masters are not to show less respect for them because they are brothers. Instead, they are to serve them even better, because those who benefit from their service are believers, and dear to them. These are the things you are to teach and urge on them.

3If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

11But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.

17Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

20Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, 21which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith. Grace be with you.

Book Study... 1 Timothy 5 (NIV)

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 19:13:00 GMT

This chapter will most likely lead to some interesting comments. I hope that we will think about helping others in their walk with Christ as we begin to make our comments. Let's look at what we can learn from this text and see what God is saying to us. And don't forget, a good rule to always remember is to let scripture interpret scripture.

There is so much in this chapter that you may want to make several posts and address topics separately.

Prayerfully,

John

1 Timothy 5 (NIV)

1Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
3Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 4But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. 5The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. 6But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7Give the people these instructions, too, so that no one may be open to blame. 8If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
9No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, 10and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.
11As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. 12Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. 13Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to. 14So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. 15Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.
16If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.
17The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages." 19Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning.
21I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.
22Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
23Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
24The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. 25In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden.

Book Study... 1 Timothy 4 (NIV)

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 19:08:00 GMT

Ok. I know that chaper 3 was a difficult, thus, not much discussion.
I hope you will take part in this post.

1 Timothy 4 (NIV)

1The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
6If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
9This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance 10(and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.
11Command and teach these things. 12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
15Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Book Study... 1 Timothy 3 (NIV)

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 16:58:00 GMT

Thanks for the discussion. This chapter should prove to be interesting.

1 Timothy 3

1Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.
8Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
11In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
12A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
14Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:

He appeared in a body,
was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.

Book Study... 1 Timothy 2:8-15 (NIV)

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 15:17:00 GMT

We had a great time of discussion regarding this text on Thursday night during 733.
Please join the discussion with your comments and questions.

1 Timothy 2:8-15
8I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
9I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.
11A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. 13For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

Comments are welcome...

Book Study... 1 Timothy 2:1-7 (NIV)

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 14:20:00 GMT

2 Timothy Chapter 2 verses 1 - 7

1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. 7And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.

Please give your comments and ask questions. You may also want to check last week's entry for comments add after you added yours. There were 15 comments in all.

Book Study... 1 Timothy 1:12-20 (NIV)

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 17:20:00 GMT

Thanks for your comments from the first entry. Here is the remaining text from 1 Timothy chapter 1.

1 Timothy 1:12-20
12I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 13Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
18Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, 19holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. 20Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

Just click on the COMMENTS link and share your thoughts or questions. Remember to keep building on the previous text and keep the entire book in context. - John

Book Study... 1 Timothy 1:1-11 (NIV)

john@johnandmelanie.net (John Jones) — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 13:35:00 GMT

I have decided to host a Blog Bible Study. You hear how people read a book as a member of a book club and then get together to discuss it... so, why can't we do the same thing?

I have chosen 1 Timothy. We will have a section at a time. Please read it, pray about it, read it again, and then post your comments and questions. Just keep it clean and positive.

1 Timothy 1:1-11

1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, 2To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Warning Against False Teachers of the Law 3As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer 4nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work—which is by faith. 5The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. 7They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm. 8We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. 9We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.