Romans 14:1 Accept anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about doubtful issues. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, but one who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 One who eats must not look down on one who does not eat; and one who does not eat must not criticize one who does, because God has accepted him. 4 Who are you to criticize another’s servant? Before his own Lord he stands or falls. And stand he will! For the Lord is able to make him stand. 5 One person considers one day to be above another day. Someone else considers every day to be the same. Each one must be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 Whoever observes the day, observes it to the Lord. Whoever eats, eats to the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; and whoever does not eat, it is to the Lord that he does not eat, yet he thanks God. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8 If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 Christ died and came to life for this: that He might rule over both the dead and the living. 10 But you, why do you criticize your brother? Or you, why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it is written: As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to Me, and every tongue will give praise to God. 12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. 13 Therefore, let us no longer criticize one another, but instead decide not to put a stumbling block or pitfall in your brother’s way. 14 (I know and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. Still, to someone who considers a thing to be unclean, to that one it is unclean.) 15 For if your brother is hurt by what you eat, you are no longer walking according to love. By what you eat, do not destroy that one for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore, do not let your good be slandered, 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever serves the Messiah in this way is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then, we must pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another. 20 Do not tear down God’s work because of food. Everything is clean, but it is wrong for a man to cause stumbling by what he eats. 21 It is a noble thing not to eat meat, or drink wine, or do anything that makes your brother stumble. 22 Do you have faith? Keep it to yourself before God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23 But whoever doubts stands condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith, and everything that is not from faith is sin.

Jim, we’ve had our disagreements and even agreed on some but I’m sorry to read that you are leaving.  I understand though… I had to step away for awhile too.  I hope you come back and at least read some times.  Keep in touch.

BeHim.

[Romans 14:1 Accept anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about doubtful issues. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, but one who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 One who eats must not look down on one who does not eat; and one who does not eat must not criticize one who does,]

What translation/version is this???

Jim, I am sad to see you go too.  Your input on this blog has been wise and helpful to me. Your reason for leaving the blog is also wise.  But still, I will miss your posts.

Bernie,

I think you’re assessment of Jakes is pretty much on-target. I love what the Life Application Commentary says about that verse, btw. “Materialism and the pursuit of power, independence, and security are probably the biggest obstacles to spiritual development.”

I have to stop agreeing with you, man. I’m wrecking my reputation… and probably yours, too…

(just kidding)

;-D

BeHim,

LOL! But if I agree with you on THAT, what do I do NOW?

btw, I agree with you sometimes… often in fact!

Jason,

WOW! What a SHOCK! I think I might take some time and read one of his books, at least to be better informed. Although it shouldn’t be a surprise, although he doesn’t talk explicitly about the Faith, much of what I’ve heard him say is VERY compatible with a Christian Worldview. I suspect that he’s got issues I’d disagree with strongly, but I’m willing to give him a chance. THANKS for that link. We needed it!