Blessing and Cursing

Blessing and Cursing #42425 Sun May 10, 2009 11:55 AM
Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 199 Go Purdue! So guess at it alre... E_F_Grant OP Addict
OP E_F_Grant Addict Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 199 Go Purdue! So guess at it alre...	I was going to try to delve into this topic myself, but after a while became convinced that it is one of those things for which it would be best to get help from better minds. My premise (which is correctible) is that the Christian actions of blessing and cursing are way more than just well or ill-wishing. There is spiritual substance in them, and becuase of that, it would be well to have some in depth teaching on just what blessing and cursing really is. I'm thinking that if we knew what God wishes us to know about these two things, we might use our words more fearfully. What I'm looking for is answers to the questions: 1. What is a good Biblical definition of blessing and cursing? 2. What are their purposes? Should we see them as spiritual tools, and if so, what does God mean to accomplish through them? 3. What are the circumstances in which blessings and cursings are best used? 4. Who may bless/curse? Are these for anyone, or should we leave them to those in charge of the people of God? 5. Should we be using these more, if we knew how to do them correctly? 6. How are they are part of the life of the CHurch? I'm open to book titles and articles which address these subjects. Thanks! Stand Fast, Craigellachie!

Re: Blessing and Cursing E_F_Grant #42429 Mon May 11, 2009 7:24 AM
Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 710 . William Addict
William Addict Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 710 .	I’m not a better mind. But perhaps here is a crumb. Quote 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. James 9-12 I would pause over the Apostle's words, of the wonderful circumstance which he takes notice of, and which, more or less, the people of GOD too fully know, and feel; that those members of ours, which under grace, are used for glorifying the LORD, in praising him, are also made the instruments of sin. With the tongue bless we GOD even the FATHER. And, though a truly regenerated child of GOD is restrained from using the tongue to curse; yet, too often; perhaps, the tongue is used in angry words. Hence, Reader! every child of GOD hath an evidence in himself, when regenerated by the HOLY GHOST, of a double principle within him; grace, and corruption. Indeed, what higher proof can a child of GOD need, than his own heart? . . . Robert Hawker Quote v. 9. The human tongue is the instrument that is used in praising God for all his mercies in Christ, both in prayer and singing hymns. The tongue is used to thank God before meals, to speak of his glorious attributes and to join with other believers in worshipping the Lord. The human tongue is also the instrument that is used to curse, criticize, slander and speak harshly and hurtfully to men and women who were made by God in his own image. v. 10. Some, by the grace of God, use their tongues to bless God! Some, whose tongues are untamed by grace, use their tongues to curse others and speak unkindly. Unfortunately, there are those who try to do both! With the same tongue they bless God, talk religion and profess holiness, while they also curse, criticize and speak evil of one another. ‘This, my brethren, is a contradiction.’ Not only is it wicked and sinful, but it is unnatural, unbecoming and unworthy of the Christian name. vv. 11, 12. These illustrations are given to show how ridiculous and absurd it is to think that a man may truly praise God and with the same tongue lie, curse and blaspheme. It cannot be done, any more than a fountain can yield both fresh and bitter water at the same time, or a fig tree can bear olives. THE WORKS OF HENRY MAHAN Volume 3

Link Copied to Clipboard

The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Blessing and Cursing