01/27/21 THE REASON FOR THE RHYME

01/27/21 THE REASON FOR THE RHYME

BECAUSE IT IS BIBLICAL
Just so folks understand why I address certain issues (though I don't name certain individuals), here is one passage from Paul's writings to Timothy.
2 Timothy 4:14-18
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Paul was not concerned with protecting his own image as much as:
1- Paul wanted to maintain the integrity of the message and ministry. If Paul was maligned, then his message would be rejected. Remember, the Bible directs believers to live in such a way that they do not bring reproach on the gospel and leaders are expected to live up to godly standards. This is for personal holiness and for the purpose of not being a stumbling block to others.
2- Paul wanted to warn his readers about the dangers of those who were enemies of the cross, so that his readers would not be led astray or caught in the same traps.
3- Paul was also instructing his readers concerning the proper way to deal with blasphemers, accusers of the brethren and false witnesses.
4- Paul's hope that his attackers would repent was also part of his motivation.
5- Paul's letters to the churches would also be instructive and redemptive by showing believers the dark world of drifting away from Christian graces.

I have posted many different scenarios, from the Scripture, from observed relationships and from personal awareness of local church upheaval.

I don't post because of rancor, vindictiveness, gossip. I post because I am dealing with principles rather than personalities. I post for the same five reasons I mentioned earlier. I have watched families and ministries undermined and sometimes destroyed because of people (hateful or deceived) spreading lies about someone. In fact, when others attack me, my family, my church, I don't seek personal justice or public humiliation of my attacker, though I am concerned about personal testimony and public ministry being distorted. Families and society suffer because of blasphemers.

Whenever I read or hear about Christian leaders in oppressed countries being scandalized by their government, I realize that it is probably a character assassination through the media, to kill their ministry and stir resistance to the gospel more than it is meant to simply vilify a private citizen.

With the emboldened rise of Communism in the USA we can expect more of this kind of attack and character assassination against believers and their churches.