Trying a Church Visit Once Again
Well Sunday before last I was encouraged to go to a church by someone who was of the belief this church would be interesting to me. I had mentioned how I was displeased with the segregated churches in MS. When you enter a church of African Americans all you will see of the majority is African Americans. The same goes for the white churches in my community.
So I was told this church was different, I would find a mix of people attending here, and as for the dogma it did not matter as long as it was in the Bible.
So Michelle and I proceeded to this Church on the Rock, The people seemed nice and the minister was young but seemed experienced, there was live Christian Rock music which was different.
I was in hopes of getting some good Bible verses, and Biblical references on said chapters and verse.
The Minister chose 2 Corinthians 10:12, I looked it up and waited for his translation.
To my surprise he spoke on this verse, not from Scriptures reference but about Facebook and Twitter and the use people have for it. In relation to something he called er's and est's, people who though better of themselves as in wiser than, morally better than most. If you look to Facebook you see people displaying their wealth, material possessions, and ability to live better and vacation more.
In the end he said be happy with what you have love your family, do not focus on the betterment of your personal living in houses, cars and owning more material possessions.
"Quite" frankly! I was at a loss on the translation of the verse, 2 Cor. 10:12, I read it as Paul was upset with members of the church for their miss-judgement of who they really are. Comparing their moral structure with in themselves and those whom they companioned with in church groups. Believing themselves to be more than they actually were.
He left out the final verse 18.
God’s Rule of Measure
10:12 * For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that † commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. * 2 Cor. 5:12? † commend.
Here Paul is chastising the people for commending themselves, believing themselves to be more faithful and or perfect. By measuring themselves worth, of or on themselves and or the group they companion with. In other words they felt they were morally perfect judged by themselves and the ones they kept as company.
com•mend ( kəˈmɛnd ) v.t.
1. to present or mention as worthy of confidence, attention, kindness, etc.; recommend: to commend one friend to another. 2. to entrust; deliver with confidence; consign. 3. to cite with approval or special praise: to commend a soldier for bravery. [1350–1400; Middle English < Latin commendāre
com•mend′a•ble, adj.
com•mend′a•bly, adv.
2 Cor. 5:12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.
10:18 For * not he that commendeth himself is approved, but x whom the Lord commendeth.
* Prov. 27:2. x. Rom. 2:29; [1 Cor. 4:5].
Prov. 27:2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
Rom. 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
1 Cor. 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
Sincerely,
Rev. Joseph Esquivel (A)