This shows us that anyone who knows of His guidelines, and defies, will have to meet the primary authority (God) alone. Once this is accomplished, he then can honorably submit to others God has put in authority to assist in accomplishing His will, particularly those who preach & teach the Gospel. If their authority defiles the guidelines in the stated Scriptures, they are to isolate themselves from the counsel of that authority if they are promoting an improper method of restitution that remains outside of the will of God.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drstephenphinney.substack.com/subscribe

When someone is trying to involve you in an offensive diatribe relating to someone else, the best thing to ask is: Why are you telling me this?
Pastoral counselors say that this is effective for a couple of reasons. First, the question immediately disrupts any self-serving motive from the gossiper. Second, the phrase forces them to face the fact that you’re probably none-too-happy about being involved.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drstephenphinney.substack.com/subscribe

Almost every time, the person initiating the gossip will be taken back by the question. Almost every time, they will not have a good excuse as to why they are including you in the conversation. Based upon their response it’s much easier to simply state: I don’t wish to be involved, or You should discuss this with him/her personally.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drstephenphinney.substack.com/subscribe

Do not associate with a gossip. He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, therefore do not associate with a gossip. (Pro 20:19) In a strange and “like-God” way, I realized that most saved and unsaved people have gossiped about one another – to such an extent that many victims have been destroyed – reputation wise. Even though that might have been the goal for some gossipers, the damage has been done.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drstephenphinney.substack.com/subscribe

The Hebrew word translated “gossip,” lashon ha-ra, in the Old Testament is defined as “one who reveals secrets, a familiar trader, one who goes about as a talebearer or scandal-monger.” A gossiper is a person who has privileged information about people and proceeds to reveal that information to those who have no business knowing it. In fact, studies show that gossipers typically gossip to those who gossip.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drstephenphinney.substack.com/subscribe

In eternity there are two great things: being indwelt by Christ and submitting to the authority of the indwelt One. In other words, to trust and obey. The Bible shows us that the definition of sin is falling short of the Laws of the Father (1 John 3:4). In Romans 2:12 the phrase “without the law” is the same as having no laws to submit oneself (lawless). To be lawless is to disregard the authority that put them in place (God), and to disregard the authority of God is disregarding the Throne of God.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drstephenphinney.substack.com/subscribe

To disobey is a matter of rejecting known laws, but to be lawless is a matter of rejecting the reality of existing laws. The Millennial age is one of lawlessness; ignoring the existence of the Holy and His Laws. At the same time, authority will have less and less place in the world – resulting in a reign of lawlessness.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drstephenphinney.substack.com/subscribe

Before Jonah realized the importance of authority, he wanted to eradicate (remove) the presence of the Lord the earth. But after he was forced to deal with the presence of the Lord in the belly of the fish, he realized that it was difficult to kick against the will and hand of God (His authority) with his feet (man’s energy). He was guided through ordained circumstances into the belly of his own flesh.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drstephenphinney.substack.com/subscribe

Before Jonah realized the importance of authority, he wanted to eradicate (remove) the presence of the Lord the earth. But after he was forced to deal with the presence of the Lord in the belly of the fish, he realized that it was difficult to kick against the will and hand of God (His authority) with his feet (man’s energy). He was guided through ordained circumstances into the belly of his own flesh.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drstephenphinney.substack.com/subscribe

Bible says that God upholds all things by the Word, which is of His authority (Heb. 1:3b). It does not say that God upholds all things by His power. POWER is what is released through authority to accomplish the “doing.” God’s authority represents God Himself; God’s POWER only represents God’s works.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drstephenphinney.substack.com/subscribe