“MINISTRY AI AND I” BIBLE CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH AND BEING CONTENTIOUS,MORE

“MINISTRY AI AND I

” BIBLE CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

AND BEING CONTENTIOUS, MORE

” I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,²With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; ³Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.⁴There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;‘ St Paul Ephesians 4:1-4 KJV

“Be ye kind to one another, forgiving one another as Christ. has forgiven you”Apostle Paul Ephesians 4:32 KJV

MANY HOT CHRISTIAN SUBJECTS (nuances of similar SEEMING Church words, terms)

CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH VS BEING CONTENTIOUS

Taveau Asks:

What does it mean to be “contentious” rather than to Jude “contend for the faith”

Chat GPT AI replies:

Being contentious refers to being argumentative, combative, or inclined to provoke disputes and conflicts. A contentious person often seeks to argue or fight, sometimes without constructive purpose, and may engage in conflicts out of personal pride, self-interest, or an unwillingness to listen or cooperate. This attitude can create division and strife, rather than fostering unity and mutual understanding.

On the other hand, contending for the faith (as described in Jude 1:3) involves defending the truth of the Christian faith with diligence and commitment, but in a manner that is rooted in love, respect, and the desire to protect the integrity of the gospel. It means standing firm in one’s beliefs, particularly when the faith is under threat or when false teachings arise, but doing so with a spirit of grace, humility, and a focus on promoting truth rather than conflict.

In short:

Contentious behavior is characterized by unproductive, often aggressive arguments.
Contending for the faith is a noble, purposeful effort to uphold and defend Christian doctrine, often requiring wisdom and patience.

Dr Taveau requests that AI expound upon this more fully:

Chat GPT AI addresses:

Contending for the faith, as mentioned in Jude 1:3 (KJV), speaks to the active, earnest defense of the Christian faith. It implies striving for the preservation and propagation of the truth, with diligence and honor, based on the gospel.

Jude 1:3 (KJV)

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

To contend for the faith is to stand firm in what is right, without compromise. This is done through righteous confrontation in a spirit of love, humility, and truth, never with selfish ambition or pride. Contention, however, is the act of engaging in strife, causing unnecessary division and conflict, typically born of selfishness or pride.

Proverbs 13:10 (KJV)

“Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.”

Contention, according to this verse, arises from pride, whereas wisdom is found in humility. A contentious spirit does not promote peace but rather seeks to stir up discord and division. When contention is present in the body of Christ, it disrupts the unity that Christ died to create, and this should be addressed promptly.

Romans 16:17 (KJV)

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”

Here, Paul warns the church about those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the true doctrine. Contentious behavior often arises from false teachings or personal ambition to create division in the body. The command is to avoid such individuals, recognizing that their influence is harmful to the unity of the Church.

Apostle Taveau asks Chat GPT AI

Please address 2 timothy 3:16-17 Paul’s “reproving, correcting” when teaching, leading, as opposed to Christians being “accusing, complaining, critical and fault finding, adversarial, etc”

And please Bible examples for all mentioned today where /if possible

Chat GPT AI replies:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says:

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (NIV)

This passage shows that Scripture is intended to teach, rebuke, correct, and train. The difference between reproving/correcting (as encouraged in the Bible) and accusing, complaining, criticizing, fault-finding, and being adversarial lies in the spirit behind the action and its purpose.

1. Reproving and Correcting (Biblical Examples)

Reproof and correction are intended to bring someone back to the truth, done with the goal of restoration, reconciliation, and growth in righteousness. These actions are part of God’s redemptive plan and reflect His love for the individual and the church.Example:
- Galatians 6:1: “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
  Here, Paul encourages gentle restoration, a key example of biblical correction. The intent is to restore, not to tear down.
- Matthew 18:15-17: “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
  Jesus outlines a step-by-step process of correction aimed at restoring the person. The focus is not on public shaming but on private reconciliation and resolution.

2. Accusing, Complaining, Critical, Fault-Finding, and Adversarial

These attitudes are typically driven by negative motives such as pride, bitterness, or a desire to harm someone’s reputation. Such actions are not constructive and often lead to division, strife, and resentment. They don’t aim to restore or correct but to criticize, belittle, or tear down.Examples of Negative Behaviors:
- James 4:11-12: “Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it… There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?”
  Here, James condemns slander and judgmental attitudes, warning against speaking negatively about others in ways that go beyond correction and become adversarial or fault-finding.
- Proverbs 6:16-19: “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
  This passage highlights behaviors that God detests, particularly stirring up conflict. The focus here is on malicious attitudes that divide and hurt, not on loving correction or teaching.

3. The Spirit Behind Reproof vs. Accusation

The spirit of reproof and correction seeks to build up and restore, motivated by love and the desire for the well-being of the individual. It is marked by humility, gentleness, and a desire for reconciliation. It is done in private and one-on-one (Matthew 18:15-17), with the goal of winning the person back.
The spirit of accusation and criticism seeks to tear down, driven by a spirit of pride, anger, or self-righteousness. It points out faults without offering a solution or path for restoration. This behavior tends to create division and does not seek reconciliation.Example of Jesus’ Rebuke vs. Accusation:
- Matthew 23:1-36: In this passage, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. His rebuke is aimed at calling them to repentance, but it is harsh because their actions were not genuine or aimed at restoration.
- John 8:1-11: When the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus, He did not accuse her. Instead, He asked those without sin to cast the first stone. Jesus’ action was not an accusation but an opportunity for self-reflection and restoration, showing mercy to the woman while confronting sin.

4. Reproving/Correcting with Love and the Goal of Restoration

Ephesians 4:15: “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
Speaking the truth in love involves correction but in a loving and constructive way. The goal is not to win an argument but to help the person grow in righteousness and maturity.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
Love is at the core of true correction. Without love, correction can easily become criticism and fault-finding, rather than a genuine effort to help others grow.

Conclusion

Reproving and correcting are biblically encouraged actions, but they should always be done in the spirit of love, aiming to restore and help others grow in righteousness. They are not about making others feel bad or pointing out faults for the sake of criticism.

On the other hand, accusing, complaining, criticizing, and fault-finding come from a negative, divisive spirit, and are condemned in Scripture. These behaviors usually do not seek to restore but to tear down, and can harm relationships within the body of Christ. True Christian correction seeks restoration, not destruction.

Taveau says, Please expound some more:

Chat Replies:
The Many Differences between Holy Bible “Reproof and Correction”, Biblical Practices vs. Accusations

The Bible makes clear distinctions between reproof and correction (biblical restoration) versus accusations, complaining, criticism, and fault-finding. Reproof and correction are done with the goal of restoration, in love and with gentleness, while accusations, complaints, and criticism often arise from a spirit of judgment or division.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

Here, the purpose of scripture is to provide reproof and correction, with the ultimate goal of maturity in Christ. Reproof is the gentle conviction of sin, whereas correction involves setting someone back on the right path. This is a process designed for the restoration of individuals, not for tearing them down.

In contrast, accusations are often destructive and based on an assumption of guilt without the biblical model of confrontation. Complaints and criticism that are done in an adversarial spirit may seek to tear down or embarrass someone, rather than guide them back to righteousness.

Matthew 18:15-17 (KJV)

“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.”

Matthew 18 lays out the proper biblical method for confronting sin and restoring relationships. This process is done privately and gently, seeking reconciliation, with reproof and correction aimed at restoration, not condemnation.

“”The greatest of these is love” Sir Paul to the many GIFTED yet accusing, biased, divisive and human carnal Corinthians

To know the love of Christ which passes knowledge and be filled with the fullness of God” Paul Ephesians 3:19

Taveau asks Address Christian “Relationship” Specifics “humility, respecter of persons”

“Humility in the Body of Christ: Paul’s Teachings

Chat GPT AI Answers:

Ephesians 4:1-3 (KJV)

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

The apostle Paul exhorts believers to walk worthy of their calling, emphasizing lowliness, meekness, and longsuffering. These virtues stand in direct contrast to a contentious spirit or any form of pride. Humility is the foundation of unity within the body, and this is especially important when addressing issues like contention, division, or accusations.

Philippians 2:3-4 (KJV)

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

In Philippians 2, Paul calls for a selfless attitude in which believers esteem others better than themselves. This is the very essence of humility and contrasts sharply with the spirit of contention, which often arises from a desire to elevate oneself over others.

The Respecter of Persons Spirit in the Body of Christ

The “respecter of persons” spirit refers to favoritism or partiality, where people are treated differently based on their social status, wealth, position, or appearance. This attitude is fundamentally opposed to the biblical standard of equality in Christ.

James 2:1-9 (KJV)

“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?”

James condemns the respecter of persons spirit, warning that it leads to partiality and unjust treatment of others. The true faith of our Lord Jesus Christ does not favor the wealthy or powerful over the poor and marginalized. The Kingdom of God is not based on earthly status but on faith and righteousness in Christ

Confronting a “Jezebel” Spirit

A “Jezebel” spirit refers to a controlling, domineering influence in the Church, often characterized by manipulation, intimidation, and the undermining of leadership. It can manifest in both men and women and often seeks to control through fear and deception. Jesus’ letters to the churches in Revelation 2 address the danger of this spirit in the Church.

Revelation 2:20-23 (KJV)

“Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.”

Jesus rebukes the Church for allowing the Jezebel spirit to operate among them. The spirit leads others into sin, deception, and division. The biblical response is to rebuke and remove this spirit from the community, offering repentance as the only way to avoid judgment.

Taveau asks Chat GPT AI to address:

Bias, Misogyny, and Social Inequality

Chat responds:

Believers are called to confront bias, injustice, and inequality with the love and humility of Christ. This involves speaking the truth in love and standing against systems of injustice that perpetuate division or harm. Leadership in the Church must be characterized by servanthood, treating all individuals with equal dignity and value, regardless of their gender, race, or social standing.

Ephesians 5:21 (KJV)

“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”

In the Body of Christ, we are called to mutual submission, creating an environment where everyone

Taveau Asks
What is a Pharisee from any old, former, prior “move of God” and a new perspective. I want you to address The Pharisees, Sadducees, Judiazers (any other ) that targeted Jesus, Paul, and /or the First Church

Chat GPA AI answers:

The term Pharisee, as well as other groups like the Sadducees and the Judaizers, were prominent in the context of the First Century Jewish religious environment, particularly in the times of Jesus and Paul. These groups are often contrasted with the teachings of Jesus and the early church because of their rigid legalism, traditions, and focus on outward righteousness, which, at times, became a hindrance to genuine spiritual growth. Here’s a breakdown of the Pharisees, Sadducees, Judaizers, and other related groups in both historical and contemporary perspectives.

1. The Pharisees in Jesus’ Time (First Century)

The Pharisees were a Jewish religious group that emphasized strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the oral traditions (known as the Talmud). They believed in the resurrection of the dead, angels, and spirits, and sought to live out the Mosaic law in every detail. However, their focus on external obedience sometimes overshadowed the heart and spirit of the law, leading to self-righteousness and legalism.

Key Characteristics of the Pharisees:

Legalistic focus on the outward observance of the Law.
Emphasized the tradition of the elders over the written Word of God.
Pride in their own righteousness and often judged others harshly (Matthew 23:4-7).
Hypocrisy, as they would burden others with heavy laws without helping them (Matthew 23:23-24).
They opposed Jesus because He challenged their legalistic system and called them to a deeper, more sincere relationship with God (Matthew 23:25-28).

Jesus’ Critique of the Pharisees:

Jesus denounced the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, saying they focused on outward appearances but neglected the inner heart (Matthew 23:25-28).
He confronted their pride and self-righteousness (Luke 18:9-14).
Jesus warned of the dangers of a false sense of security based on external behavior alone (Matthew 5:20).

Modern Perspective:
In modern movements, a Pharisaical spirit can manifest when individuals or groups focus on outward performance or legalistic standards while neglecting inner transformation. This can happen when churches or religious organizations become more concerned with rules and rituals than with grace, love, and the true spirit of the Gospel.

2. The Sadducees

The Sadducees were another prominent Jewish sect, though they had differing beliefs from the Pharisees. They were typically wealthy, aristocratic and held positions of power within the temple system. They believed in a strict interpretation of the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) but rejected other oral traditions and the spiritual beliefs about the resurrection of the dead, angels, or spirits that the Pharisees adhered to.

Key Characteristics of the Sadducees:

Rejected the resurrection of the dead, which was a major point of contention between them and the Pharisees (Acts 23:8).
Emphasized the written law and denied the oral traditions held by the Pharisees.
They were generally more politically aligned with the ruling powers of the time, including the Romans.
They opposed Jesus due to His challenge to their religious system, especially concerning the resurrection and His claim of being the Messiah.

Jesus’ Critique of the Sadducees:

Jesus rebuked the Sadducees for their misunderstanding of the Scriptures, particularly concerning the resurrection (Matthew 22:29-32).
He pointed out their lack of understanding of the power of God and the scriptures (Mark 12:18-27).

Modern Perspective:
A Sadducean spirit today might be found in individuals or churches that focus solely on the literal aspects of Scripture, rejecting the spiritual truths of the resurrection or divine power. This spirit can also manifest in churches that align too closely with secular power or political systems, placing more emphasis on worldly success than on the gospel message of Jesus.

3. The Judaizers

The Judaizers were a group of Jewish Christians who believed that Gentile Christians had to adopt Jewish customs and be circumcised in order to truly be saved. They insisted that following the Law of Moses, including circumcision, was necessary for salvation, which contradicted the gospel of grace that Paul preached.

Key Characteristics of the Judaizers:

They wanted to add works of the law (circumcision, dietary laws) to the gospel of grace (Acts 15:1).
They believed that Gentile converts to Christianity must become Jews first.
Their teachings were a form of legalism, emphasizing rules over relationship.
Paul opposed them vehemently, asserting that salvation comes by faith alone and not by works (Galatians 1:6-9).

Paul’s Response to the Judaizers:

Paul strongly rebuked the Judaizers for distorting the gospel (Galatians 1:6-9).
He taught that justification is by faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the law (Galatians 2:16-21).
Paul emphasized that Christian liberty meant freedom from the law (Galatians 5:1-6).

Modern Perspective:
A Judaizing spirit today can appear in groups that try to impose legalistic rules on Christians, often around things like dietary laws, Sabbath observance, or other Old Testament customs. This can lead to a focus on outward observance rather than a genuine relationship with Christ and the freedom that comes from grace.

4. Other Groups that Targeted Jesus and the Early Church

The Zealots:

The Zealots were a revolutionary Jewish group that sought to overthrow Roman rule and restore the Kingdom of Israel by force. While they didn’t directly oppose Jesus’ teachings, they were politically motivated, and some may have seen Jesus as too passive in His approach to Roman oppression (though Jesus’ kingdom was not of this world—John 18:36).

The Herodians:

The Herodians were a political group that supported the Herodian dynasty and were often aligned with the Roman authorities. They were hostile toward Jesus, as His message threatened the existing political power structure (Mark 3:6).

5. Modern Relevance:

In contemporary movements, these ancient groups can be seen as metaphors for various legalistic or political systems within Christianity:

Pharisaical spirits can show up in churches that overly emphasize rules, traditions, and outward performance, focusing more on looking righteous than being righteous.
Sadducean spirits manifest in those who may reject supernatural aspects of the faith, such as the power of the Holy Spirit or the resurrection of the dead, and lean toward a rationalistic, secular Christianity.
Judaizers might appear in groups that impose Old Testament customs or rituals as essential for salvation, pushing for outward conformity at the expense of true gospel freedom.

Ultimately, both Jesus and Paul sought to challenge these systems, pointing to grace, faith, and a genuine heart relationship with God as the foundation for Christian life, not external conformity or religious power structures. The church is called to live in freedom, love, and truth, and to avoid becoming entangled in legalistic or political systems that focus more on appearances than on true transformation by the Spirit.

Sometimes tomorrow. But how can we AGREE (AND NOT ENDORSE OR COMPROMISE OUR FAITH,) when/ if IF WE’VE GOT THE TRUE HOLY TRUTH or if WE do not LIKE their Theology? Energy? Race” Apostolic ministry authority or if it’s a female, atypical “type of office apostle, teaching minister (like this And office apostle Paul’s Galatians 1:1-2 “not sent out by any one person or a famous known or local area pastor’s, apostle’s group”

To be continued.

TO SUPPORT: