From Mark Copeland... An Exhortation To Walk In Holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8)

               "THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS"

              An Exhortation To Walk In Holiness (4:1-8)

INTRODUCTION

1. As we saw in our previous study, Paul concluded his "apostolic
   reflections" with a prayer...
   a. In which he expressed his desire for his brethren - 1Th 3:11-12
   b. In particular, that their hearts be established blameless in
      holiness - 1Th 3:13

2. In the second half of this epistle, Paul gives "apostolic
   instructions"...
   a. In other words, exhortations, commands, urgings, etc.
   b. All designed to help answer his own prayer!
      1) That they increase and abound in love
      2) That they be blameless in holiness at the coming of the Lord

[His first "apostolic instruction" could be called "An Exhortation To
Walk In Holiness".  It begins with a general exhortation on how we
ought to walk and please God...]

I. ABOUNDING MORE AND MORE (1-2)

   A. NOTE THE FORCEFULNESS OF THIS EXHORTATION...
      1. Paul "urges" and "exhorts" them
      2. He reminds them this is:
         a. What they received from him on how they "ought to walk" and 
            "to please God"
         b. In keeping with "commandments" given to them
      3. Twice he appeals to the name of Jesus (which adds to the force 
         of his appeal)
         a. Urging and exhorting "in the Lord Jesus"
         b. Commandments given "through the Lord Jesus"
      4. These "instructions" are not suggestions; they carry the force 
         of commands necessary to keep in order to please God!
         a. Which Jesus expected His apostles to teach - Mt 28:20
         b. Which Paul certainly stressed - 1Co 7:19

   B. A COMMAND FOR INCREASING SERVICE...
      1. They should "abound more and more"
         a. As he prayed earlier - 1Th 3:12
         b. As he will urge them again later - 1Th 4:10
      2. This aspect of Christian living is taught throughout the
         Scriptures
         a. By Jesus in His parables
            1) The Talents - cf. Mt 25:14-30
            2) The Vine and The Branches - cf. Jn 15:1-2
         b. By Peter in defining what it means to grow in the knowledge 
            of Christ - cf. 2Pe 1:5-8
         c. By Paul in his writing to other Christians
            1) The Corinthians - 1Co 15:58
            2) The Philippians - Php 1:9; 3:13-14

[The Christian "walk" or life is to be one where we abound more and
more, never resting on our laurels, always pressing on to increasing
levels of service.  This is especially true when it comes to living
morally pure lives...]

II. SANCTIFICATION THROUGH ABSTINENCE (3-8)

   A. GOD'S WILL IS OUR SANCTIFICATION...
      1. The words "sanctification" and "holiness" come from the same 
         Greek word meaning to be "set apart"
         a. Through the Word of God, we are to be "sanctified" - Jn 17:17
         b. With the aid of the Spirit, we can be "sanctified" - 1Co 6:11
      2. Sanctification is an on-going process...
         a. It began at our conversion - 1Co 6:11; Ep 5:26
         b. It continues throughout our Christian life - He 2:11; 10:14
         c. It will be completed at the coming of Christ - 1Th 5:23

   B. SANCTIFICATION INVOLVES ABSTINENCE...
      1. Abstaining from "sexual immorality"
         a. The Greek word (porneia) is commonly translated 
            "fornication"
         b. It is a "general word for unlawful and immoral sexual 
            intercourse and relationships" (Barclay)
            1) Thus it includes pre-marital sex, extra-marital sex 
               (adultery), homosexuality
            2) I.e., any sexual activity outside a lawful, marital 
               relationship between husband and wife
      2. Possessing one's own vessel (body, or wife) in sanctification 
         and honor
         a. Not in passion of lust, like those who do not know God 
            - cf. Ep 4:17-19
         b. Something we should know how to do - in case one doesn't,
            it involves:
            1) Being transformed by the renewing of the mind - Ro 12:
               1-2
            2) Not making provision for fulfilling the lusts of the 
               flesh - Ro 13:13-14
      3. So we will not be take advantage of and defraud our brother
         a. I.e., commit adultery (perhaps the highest form of fraud
            - cf. Pr 6:30-35)   
         b. Which is what happens when we do not possess our bodies in
            sanctification and honor

   C. WHY SANCTIFICATION (ESP. ABSTINENCE) IS NECESSARY...
      1. It is God's will - 1Th 4:3
      2. God will avenge those who defraud their brethren - 1Th 4:6; 
         cf. He 13:4
      3. God has called us to holiness, not (moral) uncleanness - 1Th 4:7
      4. Otherwise we reject God, who has given us His Holy Spirit 
         - 1Th 4:8
         a. Given to us when we became His sons - Ga 4:6
         b. Our bodies are to be temples for the Holy Spirit - 1Co 6:18-20
         -- Dare we grieve the Spirit by defiling His temple?

CONCLUSION

1. To be blameless in holiness at the Lord's coming requires we walk in
   holiness now...
   a. Abounding more and more in our service to God
   b. Abstaining from sexual immorality by possessing our bodies in
      sanctification and honor

2. Through the grace of God, such holy living is possible...
   a. We have the blood of Christ to forgive us of the guilt of sin
   b. We have the help of the Spirit to free us from the power of sin
   -- But we must do our part, thus the need for "An Exhortation To 
      Walk In Holiness"

In view of our morally lax society, this is a much needed exhortation!
God has not called us to (sexual) uncleanness, but in holiness (1 Th
4:7).  Are we living in a way becoming of our calling?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Gary.... The PJ sandwich and the filters we use...

I have been on weight-watchers for a year and a half now, and so far it has been a success; 103 pounds lost as of last Monday nights weigh-in.  Bananas are now a staple, but peanut butter, bread and jelly are not.  Now, there is a peanut butter substitute for sale on Amazon called PB2 and at only a small fraction of the fat of normal peanut butter, I recommend it highly.  I have not found a good substitute for jelly- so you are on your own with this problem.  As far as the bread goes- well sandwich rounds have far lower points than a hot dog bun.  Overall, I would not eat the one in the picture- but, it does look tasty, though.  Why did I put a peanut butter sandwich on the blog?  Racism.  I actually saw something on the net that said the traditional PJ sandwich was racist. Would someone actually get a life!!!  Not everything in this world is about racism.  Don't like traditional PJ sandwiches (for whatever reason).  Try this one instead!!!  White bread offend you, try a whole wheat bun.  But, its about a sandwich- nothing else!!!  This reminded me of a passage from the book of Titus and it is worth the few seconds it takes to read it!!!

Titus, Chapter 1

15 To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. 

If you think about something long enough, then soon everything relates to it.  It is as if your mind has a filter and the only things that can be considered must go through that filter without exception.  Just pick a topic from this short list....  Race, religion, politics, family, friends, alcohol, drugs, sex and probably a thousand other things.  This particular passage from Titus came to mind because many people are so engrossed in sin that they can think of nothing else.  Don't like the highlighted word sin- well, go back to the list and substitute one of the others.  The point is- everything has a place and sometimes a sandwich is just a sandwich!!!  "Food" for thought on this clear and cold thanksgiving day!!!

From Ben Fronczek... Are You An Alien?

Are You An Alien?

Are You an Alien?  1 Peter 2:11                                                    

I have to admit, I like Sci-fi programs. I liked those old space programs like Star Trek, Star gate, the movie ET, Lost in Space, even the old program, My  Favorite Martian. And even though I’m not so sure there are extra-terrestrial beings out there, I can’t help but believe how important first contact would be with alien beings, not to mention how we may interact over a period of time .  If there are others who live out there, I wonder how they would perceive us as species and what we would think about them and their customs and practices.

But what about how we interact with other cultures on our own planet; with other nations? I could never picture myself being a foreign exchange student when I was younger. The mere though if it scared me to death. Why, because even then I realized it came with such a huge responsibility.

If I were to go to another country and act like a jerk, those people who may not know any other Americans may think we are all alike. In this sense I believe every American who travels abroad whether they are a foreign exchange student, a businessman, or even a tourist are ambassadors of our country to some degree.

So far in our study of 1 Peter we have seen a number of labels that Peter has placed upon us as Christians. So far he said that: – “God’s elect”. He also said

- We are like living stoned, and collectively we are being built up into a Spiritual Temple.

- He also told us that we are a holy priesthood with the privilege of being able to offer up spiritual sacrifices to glorify our Lord.

– He even said that we are a chosen people, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.

And here now in 1 Peter 2:11, Peter calls us aliens, foreigners, or strangers depending on what translation you are reading. As Peter has already indicated in this letter, this world is not our home, but while we live and take temporary residence here we are God’s representatives, His ambassadors and so in this lesson we are going to look the suggestions Peter gives us on how to conduct our self as such.

#1. To begin with Peter starts off by saying in 2:11  

“Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.” NAS

The NLT put it this way,  

“Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.”

If we go to another county and carry on like a self indulgent ignoramus who can’t control themselves, what kind of image will those people have in their minds when they think of Americans. Likewise Christians should live as wholesome as possible. If a person calls themselves a Christian but carries on like a drunk, a drug addict, a sexual pervert, a glutton, or can’t control them self in some other ways, they only make a mockery of the name ‘Christian,’ and what it should represent. People should know that we are Christians by the way we act, without even saying that we are Christians. This leads to Peter’s next suggestion.

#2 Next he says,   

“Conduct yourself with honor” 

The NLT says it this way,  

“Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors.” The NAS says, “Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles,”

Acting like everyone else just isn’t good enough. He indicates that we should behave in an excellent manner. The NKJV says that we should live lives which are honorable. This suggests that people take note of your behavior in a positive way. We are talking about going the second mile here when it comes to our conduct.

Why live like this? Because in the rest of this verse Peter said that even if…

“they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your good deeds and glorify God”

People aren’t as blind and ignorant as we sometimes think.  If you’ve made a claim of being a Christian, people are watching you whether they themselves believe in Christ or not. And many times the only time we hear from them is when they throw up our own hypocrisy in our face. ‘And you said you are a Christian; huh. I can’t believe you did that or said that!’

#3. Peters next suggestion is big one and it effects almost every part of our life as we interact with others; and that is to have a submissive spirit.

He starts out in verse 13 by saying,  

“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men.”  

I don’t believe that he is saying we should be a coward, wimpy, or weak in any way.  I believe it is the same thing that Jesus taught on the Sermon on the Mt. where He talked about being poor in spirit (or humble) and being meek. Being meek is not about being weak, but rather it is power under control. Having a submissive nature is where a person makes a choice to be humble and gentle just like Jesus did when He chose not to exercise all His power. Yes whether we recognize it or not we hold a special position in this world as God’s children, and co-heirs with Christ, but we are to submit.  

Peter then expands on this thought in the following verses.

a. First of he said to every human authority. He writes,  

“¹³ Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, ¹⁴ or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. ¹⁵ For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. ¹⁶ Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.”

It is God’s will that we obey individuals with authority over our land; at least as long as what they command isn’t in conflict with what God Himself has commanded or ordained. You may not like Obama, income tax or the 65 mph speed limit, but God expects us as faithful Christians to obey the governing individuals and laws of the land better than any other citizen.

b. Next Peter goes on to tell slaves to obey their masters. The NLT puts it this way,  

“¹⁸ You who are slaves must accept the authority of your masters with all respect.Do what they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. ¹⁹ For God is pleased with you when you do what you know is right and patiently endure unfair treatment.”

Often preachers apply this to our work place; that we should submit to our employer and be good workers even if he is not a good boss. I believe that’s a fair teaching, because the issue at hand is not so much who we are working for but rather it’s about our willingness to submit and do a good job. We Christ’s ambassadors and represent Him. If you are a Christian and you are horrible employee it brings no glory to Jesus, nor the church.

c. Peter then moves from those governing us, to those we work for, to the home. In chapter 3, Peter writes, 

“Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, ² when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. ³ Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. ⁴ Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”          

Starting in vs. 7 Peter also writes,  

“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”

A lot of times you hear individuals use this text to show that wives should have a submissive spirit, and this text does indicate that . But in vs. 7, it also shows that  

“in the same way”, husbands should also have a submissive spirit. 

And if we don’t, and if we think more of ourselves than we should and try dominate and push other family members around, Peters lets us know that such behavior will even hinder our prayers.

Never underestimate the value and power of a humble, gentle spirit.  

Peter tells wives that their family members including their husbands can be won over to Christ without even a word but rather by their behavior.  I also believe this can happen in the work place and many other situations as well.

At the very least your behavior should not take away from your Christian testimony. 

We are Christ’s ambassadors and we are told how we are to live as aliens, and His ambassadors. Many times we wonder why we have not been more effective as we try to witness to others.  Maybe the people we are trying to witness to hear our ‘Christian’ words but then we see how we act, and how we talk about others, and hear how we complain and belly ache all the time, or see how we live contrary what they think God would expect us as Christians and just shake their heads and walk away..

Peters concluding comment in the subject in 3:8:  

“Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. ⁹ Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”

Don’t ever forget who you are and who you represent in this world.

I can’t help but admire the woman we know as Mother Teresa. If any woman lived a humble, submissive, loving life it was her, especially as she served the dying in India. I would like to close by sharing a few quote she made.

- “If you are discouraged it is a sign of pride, because it shows you trust in your own powers.       

- “One of the greatest diseases is to be nobody to anybody.”                                                  – “I am not sure exactly what heaven will be like, but I know that when we die and it comes time for God to judge us, he will not ask, ‘How many good things have you done in your life?’ rather he will ask, ‘How much love did you put into what you did?”    

- “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”                                                                                                                           

- “Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.”

For more lessons click on the following link: http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?page_id=566

From Jim McGuiggan... Can we find God by unaided reason?

Can we find God by unaided reason?

I don’t believe humans can uncover the will of God by unaided reason and by reflecting on the creation. I don’t believe the will of God is written in our DNA (though I don’t know how environment affects the genes of a developing human or the infant child). I think God revealed foundational moral and relational truths to us from the beginning and that he added to those through prophets, priests and leaders. I think too that he enables us to use those foundational truths and additional materials in daily living and experience so that we can develop other moral truths from them. (The biblical Wisdom literature—Proverbs, for example—shows that God teaches generations through prior generations.) I believe that God has acted in self-disclosure in history through pivotal events and people and covenants he established.

I believe David knew the heavens declare the glory of God because he was taught it that rather than deducing it by unaided reason. And the God whose glory he spoke of was not some Aristotelian conclusion—it was the God of Israel so we shouldn't generalise Psalm 19.

I don’t believe Romans 1:18-32 is talking about truths deduced by unaided reason but about truth God revealed and was illustrated in the creation. No one came up with all the moral truths of Romans 1:18-32 by making rational deductions without special revelation.

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Mark Copeland... Paul's Prayer For The Thessalonians (3:11-13)

               "THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS"

             Paul's Prayer For The Thessalonians (3:11-13)

INTRODUCTION

1. The first section of this epistle contain "apostolic reflections" in
   which Paul...
   a. Praised their wonderful reception of the gospel - 1Th 1:1-10
   b. Reviewed the nature of his ministry among them - 1Th 2:1-16
   c. Expressed his love and concern for their spiritual condition 
      - 1Th 2:17-3:10

2. This section ends with a prayer in their behalf - 1Th 3:11-13
   a. A common practice of Paul in his epistles - cf. Php 1:9-11; Col 1:
      9-12
   b. In which Paul expresses his desires regarding his brethren

3. In considering such prayers, I find it beneficial to remember that
   Paul wrote by inspiration...
   a. So he is not just expressing his own desires, but those of God's
      as well!
   b. In most cases, these prayers are just applicable to us today as
      they were for them!

[As we examine this prayer more closely, then, consider how elements of
"Paul's Prayer For The Thessalonians" might also be God's desire for us
today.  We first notice that Paul's prayer was that the Father and
Jesus might...]

I. DIRECT HIS WAY TO THEM (11)
  
   A. PAUL'S DESIRE TO SEE THEM...
      1. He had expressed this desire earlier - 1Th 2:17
      2. He had been hindered by Satan - 1Th 2:18

   B. PAUL'S PRAYER TO SEE THEM...
      1. Requesting aid from both the Father and Jesus
         a. Note the distinction between the Father and the Son - cf. 
            also 2Jn 9
         b. This implies the Trinity, the distinction between the 
            Persons of the Godhead
         c. Suggesting both joint and separate actions of the Father 
            and Son
      2. Implying belief in the providence of God
         a. That God could overcome the hindrance of Satan's efforts 
            - cf. 1Pe 5:8-10
         b. That God could provide safe travel if it be in accordance 
            to His will - cf. Ro 1:10

   C. GOD'S DESIRE FOR US...
      1. That we remember God's will in our prayers - 1Jn 5:14
      2. That we remember God's will in our planning - Jm 4:13-15

[As Paul desired to see his beloved brethren, so we should desire to
see our loved ones.  But in our planning and prayers to see them, let's
not forget the will of God!  Now consider how Paul prayed that the Lord
might...]

II. MAKE THEM INCREASE AND ABOUND (12)

   A. THROUGH THE WORKING OF GOD...
      1. Our spiritual growth involves the working of God - cf. Php 1:6
      2. He works in conjunction with our own efforts - cf. Php 2:12-13
      -- So let us pray as though it depends upon God, but work as 
         though it depends upon us!

   B. TO INCREASE AND ABOUND...
      1. Our spiritual growth is to be never-ending, always increasing 
         - cf. 2Pe 1:5-8; 3:18
      2. Our physical may grow old and slow down, but our inner man can 
         be renewed every day! - cf. 2Co 4:16
      -- Like the sun rising to reach its zenith, so our spiritual 
         growth should be marked by increasing and abundant progress! 
         - cf. Pr 4:18

   C. IN LOVE TO ONE ANOTHER AND TO ALL...
      1. Especially increasing and abounding in love
         a. Something the Thessalonians already possessed - 1Th 1:3
         b. Something the Thessalonians didn't really need to be told 
            - 1Th 4:9-10
         -- Yet we can never say that we cannot grow more - cf. Php 3:
            13-17
      2. Love not just for one another, i.e., our brethren, but for all
         men!
         a. It is easy to love our brethren
         b. But it is loving our enemies that we become like God! 
            - cf. Lk 6:32-35
      -- It is certainly God's desire for all His children to abound in
         love, and this should be the focus of many prayers - cf. Php 1:9

[And finally, we note in "Paul's Prayer For The Thessalonians" that the
Lord might...]

III. ESTABLISH THEIR HEARTS

   A. BLAMELESS IN HOLINESS...
      1. To be blameless is very reason Jesus gave Himself for us - Ep 5:25-27
      2. Without holiness, we will not see the Lord - He 12:14
      -- While Jesus makes it possible through His blood, we must 
         cooperate as well - cf. 2Co 7:1

   B. BEFORE GOD AT THE COMING OF JESUS...
      1. Here is the "where" and "when" we must be blameless in 
         holiness
         a. Where - before God at the Judgment!
         b. When - when Jesus comes with all His saints (lit., holy 
            ones)!
      2. Note the following about the Lord's coming...
         a. This is the third time in three chapters that Paul refers 
            to this event - cf. 1Th 1:10; 2:19; 3:13
         b. While "saints" (holy ones) could refer to angels 

           (cf. Mt 25:31),   it may also include the redeemed (cf. 1Th 4:14)

CONCLUSION

1. From "Paul's Prayer For The Thessalonians", we have seen that it is
   appropriate...
   a. To seek God's providential guidance when we desire to see our 
      loved ones
   b. To pray for one another's spiritual growth and the Lord's 
      blessing

2. If we desire to see each other...
   a. In this life from time to time
   b. Increasing and abounding in love 
   c. Blameless in holiness in the presence of God at Christ's coming
   ...the "Paul's Prayer For The Thessalonians" is the sort of prayer
      that we should diligently offer for one another!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Gary... Use the right key to solve the formula

I saw this on facebook this morning and after a few seconds, understood it.  Frankly, I was a little disappointed in myself for not getting it instantaneously, but- it is what it is!!!  To infinity and beyond; forever!!!!   In a world that wants everything NOW, this is a strange concept.  But, the truth is- there really is a FOREVER!!!!  And these verses give insight into its reality...

Revelation, Chapter 20

 7  And after the thousand years, Satan will be released from his prison,  8 and he will come out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to the war; the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.  9 They went up over the breadth of the earth, and surrounded the camp of the saints, and the beloved city. Fire came down out of heaven from God, and devoured them.  10 The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulphur, where the beast and the false prophet are also. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever. 

Revelation, Chapter 22

 1 He showed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb,  2 in the middle of its street. On this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruits, yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.  3 There will be no curse any more. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants serve him.  4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no night, and they need no lamp light; for the Lord God will illuminate them. They will reign forever and ever. 

 

John, Chapter 14

1  “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me.   2  In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you.   3  If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also.   4  Where I go, you know, and you know the way.” 

  5  Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 

  6  Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.

In summary, both the bad and the good will eventually reap the consequences of their decision whether or not to follow God.  How?  Jesus said it--- “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.

Following Jesus is the key for the formula at the top!!!  Why would anyone want to do something else??? 

From Gary... The match, the fire and the pain

Fire; both useful and dangerous at the same time.  This close-up picture of a match made me think of the the Greek god, Promethus and a recent Science-Fiction movie by the same name.  I also wondered how matches work, so I did a little research on the net...

Prometheus

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

This article is about the Greek mythological figure. 

 

 

  Prometheus depicted in a sculpture by Nicolas-Sébastien Adam, 1762 (Louvre)

In Greek mythology, Prometheus (Greek: Προμηθεύς, pronounced [promɛːtʰeús]) is a Titan, culture hero, and trickster figure who is credited with the creation of man from clay, and who defies the gods and gives fire to humanity (theft of fire), an act that enabled progress and civilization. Prometheus is known for his intelligence and as a champion of mankind.^[1]

The punishment of Prometheus as a consequence of the theft is a major theme of his mythology, and is a popular subject of both ancient and modern art. Zeus, king of the Olympian gods, sentenced the Titan to eternal torment for his transgression. The immortal Prometheus was bound to a rock, where each day an eagle, the emblem of Zeus, was sent to feed on his liver, which would then grow back to be eaten again the next day. (In ancient Greece, the liver was thought to be the seat of human emotions.)^[2] In some stories, Prometheus is freed at last by the hero Heracles (Hercules).

How does a match work?

(Lansing State Journal, Sept. 25 1997)

---

Although you may not know it, striking a match starts a chemical reaction. There are two types of matches: safety matches and "strike anywhere" matches. A safety match can only light when someone strikes it against the striking surface on the side of the match box. A "strike anywhere" match can be lit by striking the match on anything solid. A "striking surface" is made of sand, powdered glass, and a chemical called "red phosphorus". The head of a safety match is made of sulfur, glass powder, and an oxidizing agent. An oxidizing agent is a chemical that takes electrons from another chemical. When a chemical loses electrons we say it has been oxidized. An oxidizing agent is necessary to keep a flame lit. Oxygen gas is a common oxidizing agent. A simple test for oxygen is to hold a red hot (no flame) piece of wood in a tube of gas that might be oxygen. In oxygen things will burn much faster than in air, and the wood will burst into flame.

When a match is struck on the striking surface of its box, the friction caused by the glass powder rubbing together produces enough heat to turn a very small amount of the red phosphorus into white phosphorus, which catches fire in air. This small amount of heat is enough to start a chemical reaction that uses the oxidizing agent to produce oxygen gas. The heat and oxygen gas then cause the sulfur to burst into flame, which then catches the wood of the match to catch on fire.

A "strike anywhere" match works in a similar way, but instead of phosphorus being on a striking surface, it is added to the head of the match. You can tell the difference between the two types of matches by looking at the colors of the match heads. A safety head is only one color, but a "strike anywhere" match is two colors: one for the phosphorus, and one for the oxidizing agent.

 However it gets started, fire can be dangerous, even fatal.  Jesus talks about fire and so it is worthy of consideration.  Please read the two passages listed below...

 

Matthew, Chapter 5

21  “You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder;’ and ‘Whoever shall murder shall be in danger of the judgment.’   22  But I tell you, that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause  shall be in danger of the judgment; and whoever shall say to his brother, ‘Raca!  ’ shall be in danger of the council; and whoever shall say, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.

Matthew, Chapter 13

47  “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a dragnet, that was cast into the sea, and gathered some fish of every kind,   48  which, when it was filled, they drew up on the beach. They sat down, and gathered the good into containers, but the bad they threw away.   49  So will it be in the end of the world. The angels will come and separate the wicked from among the righteous,   50  and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.”

 If you ever have been burnt- you will remember it!!!  I remember once instance from my childhood that will be burned into my memory forever.  My father was putting in a toilet at our house and ordered me to hold a pair of vice-grips that supported a fitting he was soddering.  I was sternly warned that under no circumstances was I to let go- and coming from him, that warning had better be heeded!!!  So, as he began the process, a piece of sodder fell onto the back of my right hand.  The pain was enhanced by the putrid smell of burning flesh and left a scar that remained there for several decades.  So, when Jesus speaks of Gehenna and judgment, I listen- because I remember how painful it was to be burned!!!  Everything in life has consequences and it is really not my place to tell anyone how to live their life.  However, if you classify yourself as wicked, you are in for something that I wouldn't wish on anyone- the fire of Gehenna (Hell, in some Bible versions).  Do everything and anything you can think of to avoid this!!!  As I understand it, turning from sin, obeying the Gospel and being faithful will get you to heaven.  I pray that I will be there and hope to see you there as well; the alternative is unthinkable!!!