Saturday, October 31, 2015

Chinese professor punishes tardy students by making them write 56-stroke character 1,000 times

PHOTO: Professor Wang Sijun's unusual punishment of making students pen a horribly complicated Chinese character 1,000 times.
Photo: Internet screengrab
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivxfbpAfwutQu0XwNFTmDhsxyezxs2Xni_KjfnIjMMQSbuZ1LsNTKn_xCRqY4tiw6W9bKUN0ecUBxCHP3d8ZPzE231wIKHtyHep-NFuP0BA77shJxu_9Dn5ZP8QkKVrbnv3sdYtwSHyk/s1600/biangcover.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/w848/public/original_images/Oct2015/biangcover.jpg?itok=nte2s_nN
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/chinese-professor-punishes-tardy-students-making-them-write-56-stroke-character-1000-times



You would not want to be late for Mr Wang Sijun's class.

To discipline frequent latecomers, the professor who teaches at the Chengdu College of University of Electronic Science and Technology in China's Sichuan province came up with the unusual punishment of making them pen a horribly complicated Chinese character 1,000 times.

The character, pronounced "biang", is made up of at least 56 (58, see following picture) strokes and has its origins in a noodle dish popular in the north-western province of Shaanxi.



Biáng, the most complex chinese characters, is made up of at least 58 strokes and has its origins in a noodle dish popular in the north-western province of Shaanxi. The character is not found in modern dictionaries or even in the Kangxi dictionary.
PHOTO: Biáng, the most complex chinese characters, is made up of at least 58 strokes and has its origins in a noodle dish popular in the north-western province of Shaanxi. The character is not found in modern dictionaries or even in the Kangxi dictionary.
The character is composed of (speak; 7 strokes) in the middle flanked by (tiny; 2×3 strokes) on both sides. Below it, (horse; 10 strokes) is similarly flanked by (grow; 2×8 strokes). This central block itself is surrounded by (moon; 4 strokes) to the left, (heart; 4 strokes) below, (knife; 2 strokes) on the right, and (eight; 2 strokes) above. These in turn are surrounded by a second layer of characters, namely (roof; 3 strokes) on the top and (walk; 4 strokes) curving around the left and bottom.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biangbiang_noodles
Photo Source: Internet screengrabs 

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mk7oMQJMgpnwUXKrmrE_5xiKK-UOBc2GmmXs46kRDAbpVjyR4Og5vcBwtRKKQcTo2yrkqec3WAjaZF5_5_xBEmYpic4aT7XSrxQWLmRwytBxWYh_xjrU3yo-BNF6mTELb9MnOHhPfFY/s1600/biang1.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/w641/public/original_images/Oct2015/biang1.jpg?itok=IA1iyXAj
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/chinese-professor-punishes-tardy-students-making-them-write-56-stroke-character-1000-times



Known as biang biang noodles and typically eaten by commoners, it gained nationwide fame in February 2014 when China President Xi Jinping was spotted tucking into a bowl during a visit his hometown of Xi'an, Shaanxi's capital city.

According to local media, Mr Wang was inspired by the noodles after a trip to Shaanxi earlier this month.

The penalty has been meted out to two students thus far - with interesting results.

The first, a female student surnamed Cheng, said it was too tiring to continue after writing it 200 times. She asked for a different punishment and promised Mr Wang she would never be late for class again.



The first, a female student surnamed Cheng, said it was too tiring to continue after writing it 200 times. She asked for a different punishment and promised Mr Wang she would never be late for class again.
PHOTO: The first, a female student surnamed Cheng, said it was too tiring to continue after writing it 200 times.
She asked for a different punishment and promised Mr Wang she would never be late for class again.
Photo Source: Internet screengrabs
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozX4FysfHEGa_xlp_Zqi5QHsnO_RZOgbqsRah6xSdbRbsglHcYjLOaT63ddjRQ8k4yaP5Y-r40pSxMzhnKtmU2KnVU-tZkZmLYTFUUdJYNWv7SGXDqSgtZ3fcItWzLP9mb7H8K9bxp8w/s1600/biang2.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/w641/public/original_images/Oct2015/biang2.jpg?itok=XIkk2ZTK
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/chinese-professor-punishes-tardy-students-making-them-write-56-stroke-character-1000-times



Instead of even attempting to write the character, the second student, Zhou Feng offered to draw one hundred terracotta warriors instead, a task he took two hours to complete.



The second student, Zhou Feng offered to draw one hundred terracotta warriors instead, a task he took two hours to complete.
PHOTO: The second student, Zhou Feng offered to draw one hundred terracotta warriors instead, a task he took two hours to complete.
Photo Source: Internet screengrabs
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvYBmjk39KFw1lddmypTXXU9tHYbIKIX2itF9roRm5NodPx7tT8WanhEaWf2ECgmoTKPOrnSvS_LH-5E6eIU7GvhDa8o5GBX-6Fy5ax6F130QVsy_hnm7FDjWJ9OSzg5zdEwVZQ9jxlU/s1600/biang3.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/w641/public/original_images/Oct2015/biang3.jpg?itok=m5eZaPld
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/chinese-professor-punishes-tardy-students-making-them-write-56-stroke-character-1000-times



Mr Wang's novel punishment has since gone viral, with netizens on micro-blogging platform Weibo sharing the character and praising him for being creative.

In March, another Chinese character took the spotlight. Pronounced "duang", it was formed using a combination of actor Jackie Chan's name.


By Lee Min Kok, The Straits Times, Saturday, 31 October 2015
This article was first published on 30 October 2015.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.


Here are other complex characters: 
 
Another complex characters: The kanji character has 84 strokes, and means: Appearance of a dragon in flight
PHOTO: Another complex characters: The kanji character has 84 strokes, and means: Appearance of a dragon in flight
Taito, daito, or otodo,
Taito 1.svg, is a kokuji "kanji character invented in Japan" written with 84 strokes, and thus the most graphically difficult CJK (Chinese, Japanese, and Korean languages) character—collectively referring to Chinese characters and derivatives used in the written Chinese, Japanese, and Korean languages. This rare and complex character graphically combines the 36-stroke tai (with tripled "cloud") meaning "cloudy" above the 48-stroke (tripled "dragon") "appearance of a dragon in flight".
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taito_%28kanji%29
Photo Source: Internet screengrabs
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlhGKxh4OM3loWWntL061VEgur8bC0-nUGcTAV76E-JLsKObE84DM_YmDjd5Wg81b8CQTjil_3O59-kJ_SfDnlwzqFwgRI00AerzHH6ADKttHut3eZtV3iWdwdxwk9bJV90MOfARLPTE/s1600/biang10.jpg
http://news.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/w641/public/original_images/Oct2015/biang10.jpg?itok=IKb97TBI
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/chinese-professor-punishes-tardy-students-making-them-write-56-stroke-character-1000-times



Zhé, Zhé.svg/𪚥 (U+2A6A5), has 64 strokes, and it means: Verbose (talkative)
PHOTO: 瑞恩 Ruì ēn, in a different punishment
Life is like a show and a show is like a replay of life. Isn't everyone's life like a show? Who doesn't fight and struggle between work? Who is not affected by the various stages in life and vicissitudes (changes) of life? The seemingly splendid life everybody leads in fact hides a life of loneliness. Friends may be many but buddies are few. Everyone has his life story. How one's story should end lies in one's hands...
Posted by mp3you.eu

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASzOVSAfF_1ApJbMzNhRFU1sWqf9X8rSebEO8wNLw5tqzy9Y_znWm3cprlEuV_11XecyeXi3eDH9kIB5hPZ8rfwLgTpxpejgbESLaEqhoqbkCWHKKNnPqJb0Z6nBX_195n16oUW1_4V8/s1600/sddefault-1.jpg
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MySxL5yGBeY/sddefault.jpg
http://www.mp3you.eu/m/v.php?id=MySxL5yGBeY




Reference

[1] CJK Unified Ideographs Extension A, Range U+3400..U+4DBF, (6592 code points), From Wikipedia, the free ncyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CJK_Unified_Ideographs_Extension_A

[2] List of CJK Unified Ideographs, part 1 of 4, Range 4E00–62FF, From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_CJK_Unified_Ideographs,_part_1_of_4

[3] List of CJK Unified Ideographs, part 2 of 4, Range 6300–77FF, From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_CJK_Unified_Ideographs,_part_2_of_4

[4] List of CJK Unified Ideographs, part 3 of 4, Range 7800–8CFF, From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_CJK_Unified_Ideographs,_part_3_of_4

[5] List of CJK Unified Ideographs, part 4 of 4, Range 8D00–9FFF, From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_CJK_Unified_Ideographs,_part_4_of_4

[6] List of CJK Unified Ideographs Extension B (Part 7 of 7), Range 29100–2A6DF, From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_CJK_Unified_Ideographs_Extension_B_%28Part_7_of_7%29

[7] Chinese characters, From Wikipedia, the free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_characters#Rare_and_complex_characters

Friday, October 30, 2015

Reflection - Relationship with Jesus Christ

Source (book): "Faithful to the end", Question 4, Page 80.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


God gave Man the choice to be with him in heaven for all eternity.That choice is made by having a relationship with Jesus Christ.

PHOTO: God gave Man the choice to be with him in heaven for all eternity.That choice is made by having a relationship with Jesus Christ.
There are those who confess Christ and those who deny him. If you have denied him, you may yet confess him, but if you have confessed him, you cannot deny him – at least not to the point where he would deny you.
If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself (2 Timothy 2:13).

Posted by Download Free Pictures.com
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http://www.downloadfreepictures.com/jesus-christ-with-children/



Reflect on Paul's trustworthy saying in 2 Timothy 2:11-13. What are the implications for yourself? Write down some statements that would reflect your personal convictions about God and His character and how He relates with you. Share your statements with others.


Reflect on Paul's trustworthy saying in 2 Timothy 2:11-13. [1]
The grace of God is further illustrated in the "trustworthy saying" Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:11-13. This is a series of four statements (a quatrain -  four lines, especially one having alternate rhymes), probably taken from an early Christian hymn [11].

The first sentence: "If we died with him, we will also live with him" [1]
The first sentence: "If we died with him, we will also live with him", deals with our conversion and baptismal experience (Romans 6:8) when we die to the self and entrust ourselves to Christ in whom we find new life. For Paul, this would have taken on an added significance as he prepared to die for Christ and looked forward to spending eternity with the Lord.


Die to the self and entrust ourselves to Christ in whom we find new life (baptism)

PHOTO: Die to the self and entrust ourselves to Christ in whom we find new life (baptism)
 "If we died with him, we will also live with him".
Painting by Yongsung Kim, The Hand of God, "Calling"
Posted by Catholic, spirituality

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFCSurP-YonMVlIvnnNPcCj0VP8XJ_eylRfW-M2v7agbbULGr0P8kfiUF1Iu8DvNnV9I4gKH0cUw58kChQSwwl5DBB5iJVxk8bXEerE-nq3VpaDat80oi1bOoQoBoyBQbDYss0mveJX0/s1600/8e9231933abde8552faf3851009b2fd4-1.jpg
https://melaniejeanjuneau.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/8e9231933abde8552faf3851009b2fd4-1.jpg?w=716&h=932&crop=1
https://melaniejeanjuneau.wordpress.com/2014/08/01/learning-to-have-fun-again-in-7-quick-takes/



The second statement: "If we endure, we will also reign with him." [1]
The second statement deals with the need to persevere through the inevitable suffering that comes upon believers: "If we endure, we will also reign with him." Paul had repeatedly urged Timothy to endure suffering and remain faithful to the Lord. Now, he himself looked forward to the glorious experience of reigning with his Lord. [1]


Endure suffering and remain faithful to the Lord

PHOTO: Endure suffering and remain faithful to the Lord
"If we endure, we will also reign with him."
Posted by Sthe, Photo taken on 03 July 2013
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgE9nQrKP6ASiy3KmF0Y4Z-9hy0xA4f4HMXFZI9X2vk_4Q6lwushwKIm3yYd1_a8jhEVayNszepYdM6ctg923TpwZe-s2iAYkq27LcQeiDK6l3yAcHXwO524rcV7YBlUcd939rRfTSyo/s1600/9201890402_c0bfe964ea_c.jpg
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5492/9201890402_c0bfe964ea_c.jpg
https://www.flickr.com/photos/29653141@N05/9201890402



The third statement: "If we disown him, he will also disown us." [1]
The third phrase sounds a warning to believers who do not endure and persevere. It states: "If we disown him, he will also disown us." Timothy would have been reminded of similar words said by the Lord himself - "But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven" (Matthew 10:33). It would be the most terrible experience if, on that day, the Lord disowns us by declaring "I never knew you" (Matthew 7:23) or "I don't know you" (Luke 13:25; Matthew 25:12).



If we disown him, he will also disown us

PHOTO: "If we disown him, he will also disown us"
The Lord himself said - "But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven" (Matthew 10:33). If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us (2 Timothy 2:12).
Posted by fatherofloveandmercy on 10 March 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqih9ClbbUfAhJU8aMniTf-WpyqqWBLQzy8EJNLhOIFwD7J2LG7cmI3AJ22Givlf-PJBzJ1vLCqMv0U8E59sKmC33mR5WYdZ4KRAt7jLjZSII5KSf5giDkSgHZOfx_QUOXoKjwHxbLQA/s1600/one_nation_under_god1.jpg
https://fatherofloveandmercy.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/one_nation_under_god1.jpg
https://fatherofloveandmercy.wordpress.com/2015/03/10/the-holy-bible-will-become-almost-impossible-to-find/



The final statement: "If we are faithless he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself." [1]
The final statement id the most difficult to interpret. "If we are faithless he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself." If one become apostate (renounces a religious), what would God do to him? Some interpret "he will remain faithful" as God would be true to His righteous character and justly punish those who become faithless. Other suggest that the fourth line, while it does sound a warning, actually ends on an encouraging note. Though we may be faithless, God's grace would overcome our unfaithfulness, when "our reliability, our stickability, our resolve, our determination to remain 'faithful' in the sense of 'loyal' - will waver and wobble from time to time" [12]. Even so, this must "never be taken as an escape clause for apostasy (the abandonment or renunciation of a religious)" [13]. Or as New Testament Scholar Gordon Fee suggests, God's "overall faithfulness to his gracious gift of eschatological (The department of theological science concerned with 'the four last things: death, judgment, heaven and hell') salvation for his people is not negated by the unfaithfulessness of some . . . Some have prove faithless, but God's saving faithfulness has not been diminished thereby." [14]



If we are faithless he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown (deny) himself.

PHOTO: "If we are faithless he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown (deny) himself." (2 Timothy 2:13)
Though we may be faithless, God's grace would overcome our unfaithfulness. We will waver and wobble from time to time [12]. God loves you whether you like it or not. This must "never be taken as an escape clause for apostasy (the abandonment or renunciation of a religious)" [13].
Posted by Daily Devotionals on 14 December 2012
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http://bocsupportnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/admin/2726/14/god.jpg
http://bocsupportnetwork.com/advantage-2-gods-faithfulness-romans-33-4/


These truths warn (that unfaithfulness will be punished), encourage (we will not be able to thwart God's larger plan), and inspire (by God's purposes and plans)[1]
Paul's "trustworthy saying" points to the faithfulness of Christ, that He will fulfill His promises, Faithfulness and suffering for him in this life will be rewarded in the next. Unfaithfulness will be punished, but will not be able to thwart His larger plan. For Paul, these must have been comforting truths as he felt his chain and the cold damp floor, and as he thought about those who fled and those who were threatening the church with false teachings. As he remembered Christ and His purposes and plans, his heart would found rest. He wanted these truths to likewise warn, encourage, and inspire Timothy to persevere and remain faithful to the gospel of Jesus.



These truths warn (that unfaithfulness will be punished), encourage (we will not be able to thwart God's larger plan), and inspire (by God's purposes and plans)

PHOTO: These truths warn (that unfaithfulness will be punished), encourage (we will not be able to thwart God's larger plan), and inspire (by God's purposes and plans)[1]
Posted by Lucia Yamila Partain on Wednesday, 29 July 2015 at 12:03 PM
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujA8WOajgkn9yjBuX3B0MmOfvBfOUomlOHezsVScP-whobFG05JwBLKEN1iyUdvLsLMLGdypJ3Dv5WTPKJUZGNm5dlmG9KA8_fUyLdckk2eFijdFq9ALTcv52K8XacIr_hO3ryN6oDag/s1600/adamandevefamily.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCeNDiE4zDbILwU0QIALT5PenxyDbZj-2C1taw3D_Qszb6hKyuHpxXlxUMSRvvGSC6cMA6LiGrdpb3wtlnVTHBYAJdHKUnV5juTP2DsMGKdlaQt8UMKWEdNb9zu4bXFiEQFpHQMMzUDWHu/s1600/adamandevefamily.jpg
http://www.luciasblog.com/2015/07/homosexuality-part-two-biblical-ethic.html



To guard the gospel (truth) entrusted and to pass it on to others by Mentoring - so we need to know this truth [1]
Paul urged Timothy to guard the gospel that had been entrusted to him. He was to pass it on to others by nurturing and disciplining them. He was to mentor them as he was mentored by Paul. For this he needed to be strong and resilient, totally committed to Jesus, self-disciplined and diligent in his work. Paul wanted to make sure that the gospel was in safe and committed hands that were willing to suffer for the sake of Christ. We, too, are called to show forth these attitudes as we serve Christ. And we need to ask ourselves whether we are building up the lives of other people in the church. Mentoring is not only reserved for the elite or the old. Everyone can mentor a younger person. There should be a series of mentoring relationships from one age group to another, from the oldest member in church to the children. In this way, the church will remain true and strong, and the gospel would bear much fruit through its ministry.


Entrusted and entrusting the gospelPHOTO: To guard the gospel (truth) entrusted and to pass it on to others by Mentoring - so we need to know this truth [1]
There is a whole series of entrusting going on here. It is like the passing of the Olympic torch from person to person till the last point, and requires effective and faithful mentoring.
Posted by Paul Chappell on 24 October 2011, Trusted with the Gospel
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiy8MXJoYP5PMTUx2YHAPSiR8YEmlZpkdtY5swj6EHp6xy8KMtK_PuA7ZvTFJIMk-0LRX9vvCFeB5q9p3oaQAI08ukahOIxLOvdMJ1AiWuWxTH-_Uv7KIucwCw33Yq300jIDxe-LHNlPo/s1600/stewarding-the-gospel.jpg
http://www.paulchappell.com/wp-content/uploads/Stewarding-the-Gospel.jpg
http://www.paulchappell.com/tag/missions/page/5/


 
What are the implications for yourself? Write down some statements that would reflect your personal convictions about God and His character and how He relates with you. Share your statements with others.
 
What If I Deny Jesus? (
2 Timothy 2:11-13) [2]

There are those who confess Christ and those who deny him.
PHOTO: There are those who confess Christ and those who deny him. If you have denied him, you may yet confess him, but if you have confessed him, you cannot deny him – at least not to the point where he would deny you.
Picture posted by Jon Bloom, President, Desiring God Foundation on Friday, 14 August 2015

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAS_akiJ-JI4yj4RE2cM3eQUR9PVDv-sqRNBbJODeI9cSrg6tgzPdaIEllv0RRHuDXpG3lBz2IE5bqpKvpM2s-iPJWf_u7zBK20xzPyvic4PZiTFLrtbw0xs-nxwAk7SCas7OxdTa86Ow/s1600/12737-woman+praying.800w.tn.jpg
http://media.salemwebnetwork.com/cms/BST/12737-woman%20praying.800w.tn.jpg
http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/explore-the-bible/11677108.html



Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” (
2 Timothy 2:11-13)

This is a trustworthy saying that comes in two parts and both parts are trustworthy for the simple reason that Jesus is trustworthy, even when you’re not.


Destined to reign in life
The first part of the trustworthy saying begins like this: “If we died with him.” The Christian life begins at death.

This is what makes the gospel unique. Every man made religion preaches self-denial and dying to self, but the gospel simply declares, “You died.

But more than that, we died, so that Christ might live through us. It’s an if-then statement. If A, then B. “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).

But wait,” says Paul. “There’s more. This trustworthy saying comes with bonus features. We don’t merely live, we also endure and reign.” This new life we have in Christ is a new kind of life characterized by supernatural endurance and reigning in all things.



The trustworthy saying comes with bonus features.

PHOTO: The trustworthy saying comes with bonus features. We don’t merely live, "we also endure and reign.
This new life we have in Christ is a new kind of life characterized by supernatural endurance and reigning in all things.
Picture posted by Peter on Thursday, 10 October 2013

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17qXWyefTjLqSRfhgHhe-6B86XRDZusyKSv1amMJSZvxelcILLhzoq2N4ogx-B7ZsiXBFacyOa4Eh0PJtNbF1t2cJYMU5w9BLDIeJnUI-eEEgqYNuwR9vgXOSmcY13nZlntyG4NSU_Vk/s1600/Heaven.jpg
http://biblexcursion.com/download/file.php?id=1526 - (Heaven.jpg)
http://biblexcursion.com/viewtopic.php?t=1083



If Paul had said, “Work hard and endure and maybe you will get to reign,” that would be nothing special or trustworthy. That’s how the world works. But it’s not how the kingdom works.

2 Timothy 2:12 follows right after 2 Timothy 2:11. Paul is describing the life we have in union with the One who already overcame, already endured, and who now reigns. “This life we have in Christ is an enduring and reigning life,” says Paul. “It’s like nothing on earth.



The New Earth

PHOTO: The New Earth
This life we have in Christ is an enduring and reigning life,” says Paul. “It’s like nothing on earth.” You will live with Christ not just in heaven, but here and now. You will endure here. You will reign in life here. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves your full acceptance. The abundant life Christ promised is experienced by those who know and trust him now.
Posted by Lexi Amberson on 7 December 2013

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPByYjT8_Ruw_ACmeTjsJlUgdglxxWCoLHVBQptkI_Pvo_4x5JdvHxl37q4UxDql5yX0SgLOikx1AMKn0NW6lmGGdNzoxJWPLDGkrxFCTA13DbczGGFOn2bQYBAPm6NM34KO_k9O2JWFo/s1600/the-new-earth.jpg
https://americangallery.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/the-new-earth.jpg
https://americangallery.wordpress.com/category/zingaro-charles/



Do you see? In the first part of the trustworthy saying, Paul is giving us a three-part punchline. “You know you died with Christ, right?” Yes, Paul, I know. “Well do you also know that you will live with Christ?” Sure, Paul, in heaven. “No, not just in heaven, but here and now. You will endure here. You will reign in life here. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves your full acceptance.” Oh, I didn’t know that Paul. That’s really good news!

Many Christians are looking forward to a future life with Christ but they are not ruling and reigning with him here and now. They don’t know they can. They’ve been told life is one big test and maybe, if they are careful, they’ll get a crown at the end. But the abundant life Christ promised is experienced by those who know and trust him now.


What if I disown Jesus?
This brings us to the second part of the passage: “If we disown him, he will also disown us.” The King James says, “If we deny him, he will deny us” (v.12) which is a better translation since it’s the same word Jesus uses in Matthew 10:33.

An insecure believer worries, What if I deny Jesus in a moment of weakness? But Paul is not talking about this.

He is not talking about Christians at all, but those who reject Christ and will one day reap the consequences of their choice. There’s no grace for the faithless because the faithless will not receive it. If you don’t believe God is good to you, you will have difficulty experiencing his goodness.



An insecure believer worries, What if I deny Jesus in a moment of weakness? Our unfaithfulness (or sin) is not greater than his faithfulness (or grace).

PHOTO: An insecure believer worries, What if I deny Jesus in a moment of weakness? Our unfaithfulness (or sin) is not greater than his faithfulness (or grace). Those who confess Christ cannot deny him – at least not to the point where he would deny you.
Posted by Lexi Amberson on 7 December 2013
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Do you see? There are those who confess Christ and those who deny him. If you have denied him, you may yet confess him, but if you have confessed him, you cannot deny him – at least not to the point where he would deny you.

If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself (
2 Timothy 2:13).


 If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. (2 Timothy 2:13)

PHOTO: If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. (2 Timothy 2:13)
Peter plays great defense and I didn’t know Jesus is left handed. - Paul Eilers on 23 July 2014 at 2:53 am
Jesus has all the right moves. He let Peter block that one. - Paul Ellis 23 July 2014 at 7:43 am
Posted by Paul Ellis on 23 July 2014
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http://escapetoreality.org/2014/07/23/what-if-i-deny-jesus-2-timothy-2v12/



This verse has been used by some to sow fear into the hearts of the saints. “If you are not constant in your faith every single day, if you disown Jesus just one time, God will punish you!” It’s as if the preceding verses weren’t even there. It’s as if your unfaithfulness (or sin) was greater than his faithfulness (or grace). Hear that slap? That’s the Apostle Paul doing a face-palm! (Jesus is so good! And he never uses fear to draw us to himself. - Paul Ellis on 28 July 2014 at 1:33 pm)

To recap, Paul says if we die with Christ, we will live, endure, and reign with him. Each follows the other and this is a trustworthy saying.

Will Jesus deny me?
So why does Paul start talking about disowning and denying in the second part of the passage? He does it to reinforce his point which is that Christ is trustworthy. Here’s the punchline: since Christ cannot disown himself, Christ cannot disown you! Not ever. You are one with the Lord. His future is your future and his future is very good!

Keep reminding them of these things… (2 Timothy 2:14)

Dead religion says you have to perform and endure to be saved, but the gospel of grace says we stand on Christ alone. He is our rock, and our sure foundation. We stand on his promises, not ours.



Judas’ Betrayal and Peter’s Denial

PHOTO: Judas’ Betrayal and Peter’s Denial
Two of Jesus’ closest friends both hurt Jesus by unloving acts.  What did they do?  Was it on purpose?  I wonder why they did?  What did they do after they hurt Jesus?  How did they feel?  Have you ever done something that hurt Jesus?  What was it?  How did you feel?  How does Jesus respond – does he stop loving us, does he forgive, do we get another chance?  Why?
Pray and thank Jesus for forgiving us when we hurt Him on purpose and on accident.
Posted by worshipwonderandtheword on 1 April 2015
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https://dexterumc.wordpress.com/2015/04/01/lenten-family-devotion-for-april-2/



Do you see? The unbeliever falls on account of his faithlessness, but we stand on account of Christ’s faithfulness. Even if you have a bad day, or a moment of faithlessness, he remains utterly faithful, for he cannot disown himself. This is a trustworthy saying!

We who have acknowledged Christ before others cannot unacknowledge him. We who have died with Christ cannot un-die. We who have been born again cannot be unborn. If you were to deny him, as Peter did three times, Jesus won’t disown you, for he cannot disown himself. [2]



We who have acknowledged Christ before others cannot unacknowledge him.

PHOTO: We who have acknowledged Christ before others cannot unacknowledge him. We who have died with Christ cannot un-die. We who have been born again cannot be unborn. If you were to deny him, as Peter did three times, Jesus won’t disown you, for he cannot disown himself. [2]
Posted by imgarcade.com

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How sad is it that people keep trying to come up with some fatal sin that Jesus did not die for! :( Pride is the root of much wickedness done in the name of God, holiness and purity. - momzilla76 on 24 July 2014 at 6:20 am



A cartoon of a man sweating and trembling, holding a sign that says ‘Sin!’. The man is standing in the shadow of the cross, with an arrow showing that from “God’s View,” the man is hidden, because the man is standing behind the cross.

PHOTO: A cartoon of a man sweating and trembling, holding a sign that says ‘Sin!’. The man is standing in the shadow of the cross, with an arrow showing that from “God’s View,the man is hidden, because the man is standing behind the cross. That cartoon is true of every believer for every moment of his life as a believer, even in his moments of greatest sanctification.
How sad is it that people keep trying to come up with some fatal sin that Jesus did not die for!
Posted by Bryan Cross on 14 August 2012 at 11:35 am
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http://www.calledtocommunion.com/2012/08/imputation-and-paradigms-a-reply-to-nicholas-batzig/



Grace is scandalous because Jesus brought great honour to His Father when He came to save unfaithful, unholy and impure men who lived habitually in sinJennie on 24 July 2014 at 8:56 am 



Galatians 2:21

PHOTO: Galatians 2:21
"I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing! "
Grace is scandalous because Jesus brought great honour to His Father when He came to save unfaithful, unholy and impure men who lived habitually in sin…
Posted by cornstalker.com
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2 Timothy 2:13 is talking about God being faithful to us because we are of the body of Christ and grafted into Him. God is faithful to the covenant that we are under because He is upholding it when we are not.

A bible times covenant is not like a modern day contract. A modern day contract is dissolved when one party fails to uphold their part of the bargain. However covenants in biblical times were quite different. When one party was not doing their part the other person with stay faithful and uphold both parts until the other person resumes their part.  - Colleen G on 30 July 2014 at 1:42 am



10 Things GOD wants you to remember:

PHOTO: 10 Things GOD wants you to remember:
Posted by Cate Catie on 4 April 2014
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https://plus.google.com/117186986328893577641/posts



Ephesians 3:20

PHOTO: Ephesians 3:20
There is strength within the sorrow, There is beauty in our tears
You meet us in our mourning, With a love that casts out fear
You are working in our waiting, Sanctifying us
When beyond our understanding, You're teaching us to trust

Your plans are still to prosper, You have not forgotten us
You're with us in the fire and the flood
Faithful forever, Perfect in love
You are sovereign over us

You are wisdom unimagined, Who could understand your ways
Reigning high above the heavens, Reaching down in endless grace
You're the Lifter of the lowly, Compassionate and kind
You surround and You uphold me, Your promises are my delight

Even what the enemy means for evil
You turn it for our good, You turn it for our good and for your glory
Even in the valley You are faithful
You're working for our good, You're working for our good and for Your glory
Posted by Morgan Cooper on Sunday, 26 April 2015 at 6:06 PM
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http://coopersadopt.blogspot.sg/


Reflection - Relationship with Jesus Christ
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012



Reference

[1] From "Faithful to the end" A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, Copyright © 2014 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-1-62707-241-0, PART TWO: USEFUL TO CHRIST, Chapter 5 "Our Attitude to Ministry" (2 Timothy 2:1-13), Page 77 - 80.

[2] What If I Deny Jesus? (2 Timothy 2:11–13), posted by Paul Ellis on 23 July 2014, http://escapetoreality.org/2014/07/23/what-if-i-deny-jesus-2-timothy-2v12/, Adapted from The Gospel in Twenty Questions (Author: Paul Ellis), pp.185-6.
 
[11] Fee, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, 245.

[12] Wright, The Pastoral Letters,104.

[13] Mounce, Pass It On, 1 and 2 Timothy, 124.

[14] Fee, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, 251.



NIV, New International Version, Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
 

2 Timothy 2:14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+2%3A14&version=NIV

Ephesians 3:20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+3%3A20&version=NIV

Galatians 2:20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gal.+2%3A20&version=NIV

Galatians 2:21 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+2%3A21&version=NIV

Matthew 7:23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A23&version=NIV

Matthew 10:33 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10%3A33&version=NIV

Matthew 25:12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25%3A12&version=NIV

Luke 13:25 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+13%3A25&version=NIV

Romans 6:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+6%3A8&version=NIV