Profanity

There are many Christians out there that still go around cussing and using profanity in anger and some even in typical conversation. There are many arguments over this topic such as, what's considered profanity?

Lets start with the basics.

All Christians either "do" or "should" know not to use the Lord's name in vain. Even some non-Christians know and believe this. What do I mean? I'll initialize.. (G.D.). That's as far as I'm willing to go there. Here's scripture.

Exodus 20:7 7 "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

The following verse, to me, means that a Christian should not use any type of profanity whatsoever.

Isaiah 32:6 6 For the fool speaks folly, his mind is busy with evil: He practices ungodliness and spreads error concerning the LORD; the hungry he leaves empty and from the thirsty he withholds water.

Okay. So what about words that are in the Bible? For example; Hell, damn, ass, fool, etc...

Hell is obviously a place (a terrible place at that). In the sense of speaking of a place, I think its fine to use. But one should never condemn someone verbally to this place. As Christians, we should not feel hate in hearts. However, even if you did, you could not hate anything/anyone strong enough to cast it into Hell. Therefore, we should never ever use this word in this manner.

Damn means: Sentence or condemnation to everlasting punishment in the future state; or the state of eternal torments. As I've stated earlier, one should never feel this way about anything/anyone, therefore never have a reason to even use this word period.

Ass is a word used to describe a donkey. If you're not seriously talking about a donkey, this word is inappropriate. Stick to proper words and for this word's sake... just say "donkey" so others won't get the wrong image of you.

Just remember Isaiah 32:6 from above.

Just a little extra something to think about below.

We are also instructed not to swear (I believe promises are different than swearing). Does this mean in court, we should not "swear?" Here's the verse:

James 5:12 12 Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.

Women Preach?

There is an ongoing debate about whether or not a woman should be allowed to preach to congregation. Most Christians that feel this way (usually baptists) believe this because of what it says in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 :

34 women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. 35 If they want to enquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.

Based on this scripture, it says that a woman should not speak period. So if you believed this at all, you should believe it fully. If you do not believe it fully, then you should not believe it at all. From my understanding, this scripture was written because women back in that time would disturb the message by arguing and debating over topics and embarrass the husband. Instead of all the women speaking at once and causing distraction, the rule was laid down that if a woman had a conflict or debate to discuss, she was supposed to discuss this with her husband and have him speak on their behalf, if he agreed with the debate. I dont think this literally meant that a woman is not supposed to speak in church or even preach... here's why:

In most verses where it speaks of man being a bishop or pastor, I believe this is referring to "anyone" or "mankind." For example, in 1 Timothy 2:3-4

3 This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."

This verse says that our "God and Savior, who wants all men to be saved..." Notice he didn't say women? Does this mean he does not want women to be saved? NO! Of course not. This is one of the situations where He uses "men" or "man" as "mankind." This kind of thing is said throughout the entire Bible.

I do not believe that God is ruling out women and being sexist here. God made men and women different physically but not spiritually. God spiritually looks at us all as equal. Lets look at scripture:

Joel 2:28 28 And afterwards, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.

Notice it says "and daughters." "Prophesy" according to the KJV dictionary means "In Scripture, to preach; to instruct in religious doctrines; to interpret or explain Scripture or religious subjects."

Acts 2:17 17'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

Again... "and daughters." Do you not believe these are the last days? How can you deny scripture?

There are more verses that say the same thing... more in Revelations. Some people tend to ignore the scripture stating that women can preach but then only half-way follow or believe in the whole "women should keep silent" scripture.

So, should women stay silent (the verse didn't clarify so this means... completely silent in the church) or should they be allowed to speak?

There are many women out there with GREAT knowledge of the Bible. What good is this knowledge if they cannot teach? What harm could come of preaching? Should they let people stray because they are supposed to keep silent? If no, then why are they allowed to preach to an unbeliever but not to a believer?

Leave me feedback!

Speaking In Tongues (Part 2)

Okay, I know I've already hit this topic. But I've recently come across more scripture to lead unbelievers of this type of thing to hear what scripture has to say. I'm not here to convince anyone one way or the other, but I only ask that you read scripture and base your theories from the Word itself.

The following verses definitely prove that there is, in fact, the ability to speak in tongues. However it does give rules and guidelines to doing so. There are times to speak it, and times to not speak it. Read further.

Lets start off with that fact that the Bible clearly tells us that there will be "gifts" given to certain people on the Earth. I'm not neccessarily talking about the "gift" to draw a pretty picture. I mean deeper "gifts."

1 Cor 12:4-11

When the scripture mentions "divers tongues" the word "divers" according to the KJV Dictionary means "different" or "various."

Now, digging deeper into the guidelines of speaking in tongues.

1 Cor 14:1-5

This verse tells us that speaking in tongues can be a wonderful thing as long as there is an interpreter that can interpret what is being said in order to "edify" the church. Edify (according to the KJV dictionary) means to "construct, build up or establish." If the tongues spoken is not interpreted then it was nothing but jibberish to others.

I think by reading this and comparing it to today... there are many people that may have the "gift" of speaking in tongues, but people are too prideful and embarrassed to try and interpret. The Bible clearly states that some people have the "gift" to interpret and that a powerful message can be delivered but in todays time, people are being held back from their "gifts" because others aren't following what they are supposed to do (like interpreting).

Moving on...

1 Cor 14:6-19

These verses state that it is pointless to speak in tongues if no one is there to interpret. My question is, how do you know if someone is there to interpret? Should someone who speaks in tongues bite their tongue because they are afraid no one there has the gift to interpret? Would the Holy Spirit even come into a place and cause tongues to be spoken if there wasn't someone there to interpret?

Moving on...

1 Cor 14:20-25

These verses state the scenario of an unbeliever that comes into the church and hears someone speaking in tongues. It states that if someone speaks in tongues and there is no interpreter, the unbeliever will think you're crazy people and leave. If it is interpreted, you can instantly make that person a believer on the spot and he'll spread the news. So, speaking in tongues is chancy from what it sounds like. This is why we must all do what we're lead to do. Because so many people through time have avoided their gifts... a gift such as speaking in tongues is dissolving as people bite their tongues because they are afraid someone like an interpreter will not follow through with their gift.

Moving on...

1 Cor 14:26-33

This states the rules. There can be 2 to 3 people speaking in tongues at once. No more should jump in. There is only supposed to be 1 interpreter allowed to speak at a time. If there are more than one interpreter present, then the first interpreter should finish before the next begins to speak. If someone is speaking in tongues and realizes there is no interpreter, they are supposed to stop and remain silent.

Finally...

1 Cor 14:34-40

Do not forbid speaking in tongues. Just speak it in a decent and orderly way.

Other Bible references for speaking in tongues (if you're interested):

1 Cor 12:8-11

1 Cor 12:28-30

Acts 2:3

Mark 16:17

Acts 2:4

Dig deeper. Answers are out there. Here's my final take on everything. I believe in speaking in tongues (as long as followed by the guidelines). What good is music if we cover our ears? What good is art if we close our eyes? In relation to today's topic... what good is speaking in tongues if there is no interpreter? Music can move and change us. Art in this sense, can move and change us. Speaking in tongues can move and change us. But all of these things are no good without its working counterpart.

Thoughts?