CONVERSATIONS

CONVERSATIONS

Monday, April 10, 2017

Romans [MKJV] 12:1-3  I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove by you what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to me, to every one who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think. But set your mind to be right-minded, even as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Dear fellow travelers,

  Once again I return to the topic of authentic worship unconfined by place, particular days, or attitude.

  KJV 1611 “conversation” had different meaning then it commonly does today. Using Strong’s I found 20 matches in 20 verses:

Psa 37:14; 50:23  The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. … Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.

2Co_1:12  For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

Gal_1:13  For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

Eph_2:3; 4:22  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. … That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

Php_1:27; 3:20  Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; … For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

1Ti_4:12  Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Heb_13:5, 7  Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. … Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

Jas_3:13  Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

1Pe_1:15, 18; 2:12; 3:1, 2, 16  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as sliver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. … Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. … Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

2Pe_2:7; 3:11  And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

  As we can see from the above list, it is a Biblical theme, especially so for Peter. But what were God’s scribes emphasizing? That we should talk to people in manner pleasing to God? Indeed so, but the old meaning of the word is much more comprehensive. Examining the OT Hebrew and NT Greek I see that as God’s John 1:12 children and as Philippians 3:20 citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven we are to authentically manifest a lifestyle, including talking to others, that is pleasing to God.

  For me this is deliberate walk and word. Yesterday in particular I quickly left after morning place and day congregating and went to the Omaha Home Show in the hope of engaging conversations, listening and learning at several levels, and possibly having fun. All was accomplished, hopefully in a manner pleasing to my Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit within.

  Four encounters in particular impressed me. Two of approximately 30 minutes, one about 15, another about 5, all early on sharing openly their sorrows, joys, and present service; two of the young men crediting their nearby wives for influencing them by word and lifestyle. The first 3 exchanged contact info with me.

  Be aware that such conversation may not end with heartfelt “Thank for contributing to my life.” Two of them want to examine the old retired guy in consideration as their Biblical resource/research person.

  Still walking,

EBB4