Hello good sir.I am gratefull for your advice and directions.It has helped me to calm down and actually see where i'm going now.I have been consumed with my Bible study and thoughts on myself and my behaviour.It is a weight that i bear with a smile.Because i feel better it holds me accountable to myself and the Lord Jesus Christ i feel somewhat excited about this.You mentioned Biblical Hermenutics.A word i had never ever heard of.In saying that a bunch of videos from the Seventh Day Adventist Church just appeared in my Youtube feed.I listen and learn THANKYOU.To add to this i started to wonder if the Adventists were Users of the King James Bible.It follows that i was listening to an Adventist Women give a sermon and the first thing she said was i will just open my King James Bible and we will start.Question answered.Funny that!!.Saved me from asking the nice lady at an Adventist book shop where i had ordered a copy of Adventist Hermenutics for my reference.Might of embarresed my self and her.Again thank you very much.May God be with you.Michael.
GOD created the Universe, but He sat upon the circle of the Earth, yes, GOD created four heavens by His Word( Isaiah 51:16), i.e. the 1st, 2nd and 3rd heavens, and the heaven of the heavens, but He sat upon the circle of the Earth - Isaiah 40:22KJV also Nevi'im (Prophets) Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 40:22 - Hebrew Bible - :
22 It is He Who sits above the circle of the earth, and whose inhabitants are like grasshoppers, who stretches out the heaven like a curtain, and He spread them out like a tent to dwell in - Ephesians 1:3-8KJV: 3 Blessed be the GOD and Father of our Lord JESUS Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.
Now, in this current millennnium, two of the four heavens created by GOD through JESUS will be DISSOLVED(without JESUS was not any thing made that was made). In fact both heavens -the first and second heavens- will be BURNED with everlasting fire from now on- 2Peter 3:7 combined with Isaiah 33:14-15- , the Word is GOD- and the 3rd heaven will be established in this current millennium, that is the seventh and last millennium. And this 3rd heaven whose heavenly environment is described in Revelation 4 and 5 combined with Luke 20:35-36, among many other biblical references -come up hither-, the 3rd heaven, third heavenly spiritual place in Christ, the Kingdom of GOD- Revelation 11:15-18, it will last 1000 years. After this, I mean, ending this millennium, then will be established the heaven of the heavens for all Eternity - Revelation 20:7-15.Take a look.
Get ready
May our Lord GOD bless and keep us, and give us His protection
GOD had planned to make man in His image,but how,once He is Spirit,as whether He was alone?
GOD revealed this to Moses about 2500 years after Adam-Gen.1:26.How could man see an image of the Spirit?What is its image?It would be impossible to describe,unless it be materialized physically.This explains why Israel always was tempted by the Devil since the OT to make an image of GOD to worship,and they made even a golden calf.
According the Word,first GOD needed to show the IMAGE of He Himself,that's what GOD did,thus JESUS was born in the turn of the fourth to the fifth Day or fifth millennium,Aleluia!!! JESUS was no longer in the bosom of the Father,the Word.GOD sent JESUS about 4000 years after Adam,on GOD's clock it was midnight,so a new Day,the fifth Day was rising when JESUS was born. JESUS said: My Father works hitherto,and I work-Jo.5:17,actually still very recently JESUS still was in the bosom of the Word,i.e.GOD,but now He already was in person working together with GOD Father,at the age 30,then He revealed His Father was still working,although was still the beginning of the fifth Day.But Jesus knew what He was talking about,He said:I and my Father are One.
GOD-the Word-sent His only begotten,"He loved the world,He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish,but have everlasting life.GOD sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world;but that the world through Him might be saved.He that believeth on Him is not condemned:but he that believeth not is condemned already,because he hath not believed in the NAME of the only begotten Son of GOD,i.e.JESUS.And this is the condemnation,that light is come into the world(in the fourth GOD's Day- Genesis 1:16),and men loved darkness rather than light,because their deeds were evil"- John 3:16-19.
GOD Father could fulfill His promise to make man in His image,as He planned-Let US make man in our image,after our likeness:GOD calls those things which be not as though they were- Romans 4:17.
Melinda, I will pray for you and your family. How hard it must be to lose a child. I am sorryfor your loss. The Scriptures speak of God as "God of all comfort" so be assured that He will comfort you and your family and bless you with peace and will walk beside you in your sorrow.
It seems that you would like to see more discussion concerning soteriology (study of salvation) on this forum. Perhaps you can start a discussion on this. I am sure there are people on here who may have some questions or would like to read posts that address this important topic. There are many important topics concerning our faith and doctrines that can be spoken of here. Soteriology is one such topic. And the Scriptures, especially the NT speaks to a variety of topics, not just soteriology. So should we here. I can see that the topic of soteriology is one you want to see more discussion on here, so I hope you will begin posts on this topic so people can respond to you.
Our purpose in this life as believers is to give glory to God in how we live and what we say, how we spend our time, and how we respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Whether that be sharing the gospel with unbelievers, helping new believers to grow in their faith and knowledge of God, being supportive of those who request prayer by being an intercessor, contributing to the works of service needed in the body, or a wide number of other things the Holy Spirit desires for the church and for individuals.
I hope to remain open to whatever topics are brought up on this site. Some discussions I will enter into and others I will read and let the discussion continue among others without stepping in. But I usually pray over the topics brought up on here as I know that they speak to someone's need on here.
I hope you are doing well. I always am glad to read your posts. Thanks for sharing your concerns and I look forward to the discussions you will begin on soteriology.
No baby yet. Her due date is Friday, but she may go late unless the full moon on Thursday makes for busy maternity wards (as often happens). The redo on their room was completed today so they moved back into their room and next is putting in the baseboards and closet doors in the room across the hall for the baby's future needs.
in a few weeks the contractor will begin the kitchen demo which involves a gut job and taking out walls to open it up to the rest of the living area. So we are pretty much knee deep in this remodel. It will be so wonderful when complete. I've waited 30 years to do this (that is when we moved in here) so I feel very blessed to get this done in the way I have envisioned it to be done for so long.
I have raised beds at a local community garden that I grow vegetables in. I finally got the soil turned and weeded and planted. Wanted to get this done before baby arrives and I did it! My hands are really sore as I have arthritis in hands. This church also grows a big field of vegetables for the local food bank. Those of us who have raised beds help in the big garden with weeding, harvesting over the garden season. It is less than a mile from our house so it is very close and a good place for me to get away by myself and enjoy the growing all around.
At my house I grow flowers in pots. I converted most of my flowerbeds to gravel so the pots have a good place to grow and have the water drain. It is so easy to weed these pots! I have a big strawberry patch here at the house. Should have a good crop this year. It has taken a few years to build it up and fill with plants.
I will certainly pray for your daughter and others involved in this marriage troubles. How hard it must be for her.
I am so glad we have each other to support one another and pray for the needs we have. Thanks for such a cheerful post. It really touched my heart.
Hi GiGi: How is your daughter-in-law? Has she had the baby yet? If so, I'd love to hear the details.
My son, Joshua, the one who is my caretaker, and I have been enjoying a beautiful winter and spring here in Savannah Tennessee. Josh planted flowers around our little yard and we've put up 2 bird feeders, a birdbath, a hummingbird feeder and two bright red cardinal wind chimes. One is solar and lights up at night. It's like a cozy little garden. We live at the end of the complex on the bottom floor with a patio so in a way it's kind of secluded. The weather here is starting to get hot now but most of the winter ( except for one bad snow storm) was very mild and spring has been beautiful. We've had our patio door open almost the whole time up until about a week ago when it started to get to hot.
I do have a prayer request. My daughter is getting a divorce. Evidently her husband, who worked out of town a lot, hasn't been faithful to her. Even though she has always been a stay at home mom she is already working as the supervisor of the children's department at her church, a real blessing. Her children are all grown so that is no worry for her although she does have a daughter still with her with special needs. Please pray for her and her unsaved husband and 2 sons.
That is true Brother Ronald but finding having the truth doesn't necessarily eliminate pride.
To quarrel about a secondary topic and neglect what's most important is a show of pride.
You see we set Christ commission aside to do our own thing.
Winning a debate doesn't out weigh Winning souls.
Here's an example of what I noticed.
A person posted questions on their fear of coming to Christ. That message lingered for hours before there was an response while posts of several topics went on.
When one or two offered their help on the subject the thread was flooded but not many of those replies went to the lady posting.
Several sent their replies to the two that tried to help.
And there was a few contradictions on the thread and the lady never responded back.
As ambassadors for Christ We should be about his business.
So the truth in Eschatology doesn't save.
Israelology doesn't save.
Angelology doesn't save.
The study of the Diety of Christ doesn't save.
Ecclesiology. ( The study of the church ) doesn't even save.
You can have the truth in all these but that truth doesn't save!
A mature knowledge of those topics may require salvation being that it takes the teaching of the Holyspirit spirit to reveal such things while we grow but Salvation comes first chronologically and in importance.
Believing in and holding the truth in Christ work on the cross saves. Every area of Sanctification comes second Chronologically.
Soteriology is what's being neglected. There is no fascination in it.
I don't think it's any secret that there is a wide political divide among people in the United States. No matter where we stand politically.
it's important for us to remember that being American and being Christian are two different things.
As a believer, not only do you represent your own opinions, but you also represent the church and our Savior.
Does the Gospel have political implications? Absolutely. But as soon as our political convictions become more important than the humanity of the person we're speaking with (or speaking about), we are no longer able to interact in a way that reflects Christ.
5) The Distraction of Personalities.
For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
1 Corinthians 1:11-13.
Believers, it is our job to ensure that people in our midst don't love us more than they love their Savior. That they don't identify with us or our beliefs more than they identify with Jesus.
I love Paul's question in that 1 Corinthians.
( Is Christ divided?)
6) Pride and a fascination in a particular area of scripture.
We can be so fixed on a particular area of scripture or doctrine that we put it ahead of our great commission. Eschatology is probably the leading area in this.
We love to tell you when and how Jesus is coming back to destroy the world but neglect to give the listener the message of the Gospel.
These distractions and many more hinders us from being unprofitable in winning people to Christ.
Christianity is not just sharing and comparing our thoughts.
Everything we do should be for the purpose Christ died for and made you his Desciples.
Well said brother, when our understanding if different, if we are not willing to clear our mind and study in prayer for the truth we loose in pride. We are to be humble if not we will never find the truth.
A friend of ours in ministry likes to call this "rightolatry" - the idolatry of being right. Whew!
Paul communicates this when he tells Timothy, "Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels" ( 2 Tim. 2:23). How much should we have to do with controversies? Literally nothing. Stay out of them. Walk away. Exit the browser. Leave.
Let me just say this: There are times when we will disagree with people. And that's okay! It's okay to disagree without feeling like you have to break ties.
Jesus sums up Scripture with two commands: love God and love people. A lot of church leaders feel like they have a justifiable reason to separate from people within their church or outside their church because of differences. But does that typically reflect Jesus' command to love?
Let's strive not to be right in all the wrong ways.
3) The Distraction of Doctrine
Some of you just let out an audible gasp when you read this. If that was you, let's walk through this point together.
GOOD DOCTRINE IS ABSOLUTELY IMPORTANT.
So don't read this as me saying that what we believe doesn't matter.
But sometimes we get bogged down in the details outside of what's most important to our faith. Sometimes we start to identify more with the theological group we associate with than the One who saved us. Sometimes our denomination starts to take precedence over our faith.
And when that happens, we quickly work our way down the slope away from Jesus' prayer in John 17. That's when arguments start. That's when division takes its foothold. And that's when we waste our efforts arguing amongst each other, rather than wholly pursuing the mission Jesus laid out for us.
We all know the narrative in John 17. But let's revisit it.
John 17:11
"And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, THAT THEY MAY BE ONE, AS WE ARE.
This was the last thing on Jesus' mind before he went to the cross. He could have been praying about anything, but he chose to pray about unity.
What does that mean for us? It means we have to be willing to break down barriers that exist among us.
Because if we don't, here's what happens:
The separation becomes more important than the story. The conflict becomes more important than the command. And the division keeps us distracted from accomplishing anything that actually matters.
Before we jump to some specific sources of division, I want to also remind us of the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control ( Gal. 5:22-23). There's one thing that each of these things require: unified community.
The essence of the evidence of the Spirit working in our lives requires us to live in unity.
So let's get specific. Here are 6 of many distractions plaguing the Church today:
1) The Distraction of Preference
We all like things done a certain way. It's part of our nature.
We like the service to be in a particular order. We like the music to be a particular style (and as we all know, some people are very particular about the volume of that music). We like our schedules to look like they're supposed to. We like our community to feel a certain way.
It's okay for us to have preferences. But the moment HOW we do ministry becomes more important than WHY we do ministry, we're in big trouble.
Methods should never guide our ministry or our interactions with others. Mission should.
All Praises To The MOST HIGH YAH In HaMashiac! I just read a comment that said, "Mashiac said keep the Commandments not the Statutes." I guess that person never looked up the definition of Commandment, Laws, Statutes, Ordinances, Mandate, Decree, Dictum, Mitzvah, Order, Canon or Precepts. If that person was right in their understanding, then Mashiac would've quoted Exodus 20:3
"Thou shalt have no other gods before me." But Mashiac said Mark 12:29
"And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
" Mark 12:30
"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment."
Clearly this is a Law given by Moses in Deuteronomy 6:4
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
" Deuteronomy 6:5
"And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might."
If you believe that Mashiac only gave the 10 Commandments, what Commandment is Mark 12:29-30 cause He said its the first.
10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me:
9 Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?
John 10:30- I and my Father are One.
But,
no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him. Matthew 11:27
Luke 10:22 - no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal Him.
I am being charged with 4th degree assault for accidentally bumping my daughters arm and knocking her phone to the floor. We were not even arguing or fighting.. please pray this ridiculous charge will be dropped.
What matters and prevails is the Word of GOD, the Word is GOD, GOD Himself, self-executing, understand?
Gen.2:7-And the Lord GOD formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his NOSTRILS the breath of life...
Is.2:22-Cease ye from man,whose breath is in his NOSTRILS: for wherein is he to be accounted of?
Now,even now,from now on,in this seventh and last GOD's Day,the Lord's Day,or seventh and last millennium,multitudes and multitudes of living soul will be cast down into the hell's fire.What does the Word of GOD say?Even Isaiah prophesied saying:
Is.2:12&17-21->12 For the Day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low: 17-And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down,and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the Lord alone shall be exalted in this Day(the seventh and last Day).19 And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of His majesty, when He ariseth to shake terribly the earth. 21 To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of His majesty, when He ariseth to shake terribly the earth. 20 In this Day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship,to the moles and to the bats;
Re.6:15-17
15And the kings of the earth,and the great men,and the rich men,and the chief captains,and the mighty men,and every bondman,and every free man,hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
16And said to the mountains and rocks,Fall on us,and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne,and from the wrath of the Lamb:
17For the great day of his wrath is come;and who shall be able to stand?
Fear not them which kill the body,but are not able to kill the soul:fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell-Mat.10:28
Hi GiGi: I apologize. I thought I did want to continue with this discussion but I know, as you said, we'll never agree so what is the point of continuing. Despite our differences in what we believe I know our foundation is in Jesus. I know we both love Him dearly and when we see each other in our heavenly home there will be no division of thought there. We can just hug each other and be glad. God Bless :)
Day of the Lamb is different from that of God which primarily deals with judgment. Consequently the wrath of the Lamb is different from "the wrath of God upon the earth"(Re.16:1) which stirs up for a battle, "to the battle of that great day of God Almighty."(Re.16:14). There is also a supper, "Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God."(Re.19:17).
In short between the opening of the last two seals there shall cataclysmic changes taking place.(Re.6:14) The blessed are moved away so the earth is left open for the events leading to the great tribulation and the emergence of the beast.
Judgement is meted out "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." Thus according to their works and according to the book of life would indicate their souls also are judged which is tagged by 'in that day'. The wrath of God is upon the earth while those who live by the Law of the Spirit are spared. (There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
So we shall begin with this verse:"And the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day." Is.2:11. Thus Adam shall be called to account. "for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."(Ge.2:17). So shall all nations that vaunted themselves and who made mammon their god. For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty," We have a list: And upon all the cedars of Lebanon; upon all the oaks of Bashan and upon all the ships of Tarshish. Is.2:12-16
The opening of the sixth seals signals what is shakeable in heaven and on earth being tossed about. "And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out."
To finish up my post. Jesus was divine, being the eternal Word. This divine nature is united to the Father and the Spirit. It did not have physical characteristics as the human nature does. But in Jesus, the two natures co-exist. He is forever our mediator. he represents humanity to God as the perfect human and high priest; and He represents God to humanity in His eternal, perfect, divinity.
Jesus, being God and man forever, unites us to the Godhead and brings God to us which includes the indwelling of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in each believer ( Jn. 14:23; 15:4-5; 17:21)
The mystery of the incarnation is deep, but the Spirit does give us much understanding as we study the Scriptures, especially the life and sayings of Jesus in the Gospels. Hebrews is also a good book to read through as it speaks much to Jesus' role as our High priest, living sacrifice, and human brother, who is also our King, Saviour, Lord, and God whom we worship.
Have a good day. Momsage. I think of you often and continue to pray for you as I hope you pray for me, too.
It seems you wish to continue this conversation on this topic.
Every human being has a nature given to them by God that includes a physical body, bones, blood, all the organs and systems of our body, skin, a mind, soul, and spirit, intellect, emotions, and will. This nature is good because God created it. This is the human nature that Jesus had. The sinful nature is something Adam and Eve acquired through their fall into sin and every human being has this sinful nature, but not Jesus. He did not have any sinful nature, tendencies, nor desires to sin. His human body was not controlled by a sinful nature. However, He was tempted as we are, but passed the test and did not give into the outward temptation of the devil.
Jesus' human nature otherwise was as ours in our needs. He needed to sleep, eat, grow in wisdom, go through the natural changes from conception to birth, from infant to toddler to child to adolescent to adult maleness. It is not sinful to have these needs.
The Father prepared Jesus' body ( Heb. 10:5) and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jn. 1:14. His resurrection body was physical and had flesh and bone ( Lk. 24:39).
During the 40 days after His resurrection, He still had a human body and nature-He ate with the disciples, could be touched by them. However, His human nature was glorified so it had capacities that we do not have at this time-He could appear and disappear at will.
When Jesus ascended, He had the same human resurrection body He had all those 40 days. He was taken into heaven bodily. And the angels said that He will come again in the same manner as He ascended-in His body on the clouds.
So, Momsage, it seems that we have differing definitions of what a human nature is. I think the sin nature is an added nature to all humans except Jesus. But the human nature is the way our bodies are created according to God's will. Our human nature was made good by God's design. This is the nature Jesus has. ...cont.
The book carried blessings and condemnation which are rendered operational by the solemn action of breaking the seven seals. Compare this with yet another, which is a flying roll. "I see a flying roll; the length thereof is twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits./Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it."
In Re.10 we see the angel commanding the Apostle not to write what the seven thunders had uttered. Gospel of salvation has been preached. "Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not."(Re.10:4) As with Ezekiel he was to eat the little book. "And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey." For saints sanctified by the blood and are blessed it has no ill effects. "And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings."(10:9-11)
22 It is He Who sits above the circle of the earth, and whose inhabitants are like grasshoppers, who stretches out the heaven like a curtain, and He spread them out like a tent to dwell in - Ephesians 1:3-8KJV: 3 Blessed be the GOD and Father of our Lord JESUS Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.
Now, in this current millennnium, two of the four heavens created by GOD through JESUS will be DISSOLVED(without JESUS was not any thing made that was made). In fact both heavens -the first and second heavens- will be BURNED with everlasting fire from now on- 2Peter 3:7 combined with Isaiah 33:14-15- , the Word is GOD- and the 3rd heaven will be established in this current millennium, that is the seventh and last millennium. And this 3rd heaven whose heavenly environment is described in Revelation 4 and 5 combined with Luke 20:35-36, among many other biblical references -come up hither-, the 3rd heaven, third heavenly spiritual place in Christ, the Kingdom of GOD- Revelation 11:15-18, it will last 1000 years. After this, I mean, ending this millennium, then will be established the heaven of the heavens for all Eternity - Revelation 20:7-15.Take a look.
Get ready
May our Lord GOD bless and keep us, and give us His protection
Amen
GOD revealed this to Moses about 2500 years after Adam-Gen.1:26.How could man see an image of the Spirit?What is its image?It would be impossible to describe,unless it be materialized physically.This explains why Israel always was tempted by the Devil since the OT to make an image of GOD to worship,and they made even a golden calf.
According the Word,first GOD needed to show the IMAGE of He Himself,that's what GOD did,thus JESUS was born in the turn of the fourth to the fifth Day or fifth millennium,Aleluia!!! JESUS was no longer in the bosom of the Father,the Word.GOD sent JESUS about 4000 years after Adam,on GOD's clock it was midnight,so a new Day,the fifth Day was rising when JESUS was born. JESUS said: My Father works hitherto,and I work-Jo.5:17,actually still very recently JESUS still was in the bosom of the Word,i.e.GOD,but now He already was in person working together with GOD Father,at the age 30,then He revealed His Father was still working,although was still the beginning of the fifth Day.But Jesus knew what He was talking about,He said:I and my Father are One.
GOD-the Word-sent His only begotten,"He loved the world,He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish,but have everlasting life.GOD sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world;but that the world through Him might be saved.He that believeth on Him is not condemned:but he that believeth not is condemned already,because he hath not believed in the NAME of the only begotten Son of GOD,i.e.JESUS.And this is the condemnation,that light is come into the world(in the fourth GOD's Day- Genesis 1:16),and men loved darkness rather than light,because their deeds were evil"- John 3:16-19.
GOD Father could fulfill His promise to make man in His image,as He planned-Let US make man in our image,after our likeness:GOD calls those things which be not as though they were- Romans 4:17.
How is your husband doing from the surgery?
Is your infection clearing up? I will continue to pray for you.
I have prayed for your grandma.
I will pray for Roz that God will bring healing and restoration to her joints and body.
It seems that you would like to see more discussion concerning soteriology (study of salvation) on this forum. Perhaps you can start a discussion on this. I am sure there are people on here who may have some questions or would like to read posts that address this important topic. There are many important topics concerning our faith and doctrines that can be spoken of here. Soteriology is one such topic. And the Scriptures, especially the NT speaks to a variety of topics, not just soteriology. So should we here. I can see that the topic of soteriology is one you want to see more discussion on here, so I hope you will begin posts on this topic so people can respond to you.
Our purpose in this life as believers is to give glory to God in how we live and what we say, how we spend our time, and how we respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Whether that be sharing the gospel with unbelievers, helping new believers to grow in their faith and knowledge of God, being supportive of those who request prayer by being an intercessor, contributing to the works of service needed in the body, or a wide number of other things the Holy Spirit desires for the church and for individuals.
I hope to remain open to whatever topics are brought up on this site. Some discussions I will enter into and others I will read and let the discussion continue among others without stepping in. But I usually pray over the topics brought up on here as I know that they speak to someone's need on here.
I hope you are doing well. I always am glad to read your posts. Thanks for sharing your concerns and I look forward to the discussions you will begin on soteriology.
No baby yet. Her due date is Friday, but she may go late unless the full moon on Thursday makes for busy maternity wards (as often happens). The redo on their room was completed today so they moved back into their room and next is putting in the baseboards and closet doors in the room across the hall for the baby's future needs.
in a few weeks the contractor will begin the kitchen demo which involves a gut job and taking out walls to open it up to the rest of the living area. So we are pretty much knee deep in this remodel. It will be so wonderful when complete. I've waited 30 years to do this (that is when we moved in here) so I feel very blessed to get this done in the way I have envisioned it to be done for so long.
I have raised beds at a local community garden that I grow vegetables in. I finally got the soil turned and weeded and planted. Wanted to get this done before baby arrives and I did it! My hands are really sore as I have arthritis in hands. This church also grows a big field of vegetables for the local food bank. Those of us who have raised beds help in the big garden with weeding, harvesting over the garden season. It is less than a mile from our house so it is very close and a good place for me to get away by myself and enjoy the growing all around.
At my house I grow flowers in pots. I converted most of my flowerbeds to gravel so the pots have a good place to grow and have the water drain. It is so easy to weed these pots! I have a big strawberry patch here at the house. Should have a good crop this year. It has taken a few years to build it up and fill with plants.
I will certainly pray for your daughter and others involved in this marriage troubles. How hard it must be for her.
I am so glad we have each other to support one another and pray for the needs we have. Thanks for such a cheerful post. It really touched my heart.
My son, Joshua, the one who is my caretaker, and I have been enjoying a beautiful winter and spring here in Savannah Tennessee. Josh planted flowers around our little yard and we've put up 2 bird feeders, a birdbath, a hummingbird feeder and two bright red cardinal wind chimes. One is solar and lights up at night. It's like a cozy little garden. We live at the end of the complex on the bottom floor with a patio so in a way it's kind of secluded. The weather here is starting to get hot now but most of the winter ( except for one bad snow storm) was very mild and spring has been beautiful. We've had our patio door open almost the whole time up until about a week ago when it started to get to hot.
I do have a prayer request. My daughter is getting a divorce. Evidently her husband, who worked out of town a lot, hasn't been faithful to her. Even though she has always been a stay at home mom she is already working as the supervisor of the children's department at her church, a real blessing. Her children are all grown so that is no worry for her although she does have a daughter still with her with special needs. Please pray for her and her unsaved husband and 2 sons.
I hope to hear from you soon. Ann God Bless :)
To quarrel about a secondary topic and neglect what's most important is a show of pride.
You see we set Christ commission aside to do our own thing.
Winning a debate doesn't out weigh Winning souls.
Here's an example of what I noticed.
A person posted questions on their fear of coming to Christ. That message lingered for hours before there was an response while posts of several topics went on.
When one or two offered their help on the subject the thread was flooded but not many of those replies went to the lady posting.
Several sent their replies to the two that tried to help.
And there was a few contradictions on the thread and the lady never responded back.
As ambassadors for Christ We should be about his business.
So the truth in Eschatology doesn't save.
Israelology doesn't save.
Angelology doesn't save.
The study of the Diety of Christ doesn't save.
Ecclesiology. ( The study of the church ) doesn't even save.
You can have the truth in all these but that truth doesn't save!
A mature knowledge of those topics may require salvation being that it takes the teaching of the Holyspirit spirit to reveal such things while we grow but Salvation comes first chronologically and in importance.
Believing in and holding the truth in Christ work on the cross saves. Every area of Sanctification comes second Chronologically.
Soteriology is what's being neglected. There is no fascination in it.
We're distracted.
God bless.
Part 3.
4) The Distraction of Political Opinion
I don't think it's any secret that there is a wide political divide among people in the United States. No matter where we stand politically.
it's important for us to remember that being American and being Christian are two different things.
As a believer, not only do you represent your own opinions, but you also represent the church and our Savior.
Does the Gospel have political implications? Absolutely. But as soon as our political convictions become more important than the humanity of the person we're speaking with (or speaking about), we are no longer able to interact in a way that reflects Christ.
5) The Distraction of Personalities.
For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
1 Corinthians 1:11-13.
Believers, it is our job to ensure that people in our midst don't love us more than they love their Savior. That they don't identify with us or our beliefs more than they identify with Jesus.
I love Paul's question in that 1 Corinthians.
( Is Christ divided?)
6) Pride and a fascination in a particular area of scripture.
We can be so fixed on a particular area of scripture or doctrine that we put it ahead of our great commission. Eschatology is probably the leading area in this.
We love to tell you when and how Jesus is coming back to destroy the world but neglect to give the listener the message of the Gospel.
These distractions and many more hinders us from being unprofitable in winning people to Christ.
Christianity is not just sharing and comparing our thoughts.
Everything we do should be for the purpose Christ died for and made you his Desciples.
Blessings.
Well said brother, when our understanding if different, if we are not willing to clear our mind and study in prayer for the truth we loose in pride. We are to be humble if not we will never find the truth.
God bless,
RLW
Part 2.
2) The Distraction of Being Right
A friend of ours in ministry likes to call this "rightolatry" - the idolatry of being right. Whew!
Paul communicates this when he tells Timothy, "Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels" ( 2 Tim. 2:23). How much should we have to do with controversies? Literally nothing. Stay out of them. Walk away. Exit the browser. Leave.
Let me just say this: There are times when we will disagree with people. And that's okay! It's okay to disagree without feeling like you have to break ties.
Jesus sums up Scripture with two commands: love God and love people. A lot of church leaders feel like they have a justifiable reason to separate from people within their church or outside their church because of differences. But does that typically reflect Jesus' command to love?
Let's strive not to be right in all the wrong ways.
3) The Distraction of Doctrine
Some of you just let out an audible gasp when you read this. If that was you, let's walk through this point together.
GOOD DOCTRINE IS ABSOLUTELY IMPORTANT.
So don't read this as me saying that what we believe doesn't matter.
But sometimes we get bogged down in the details outside of what's most important to our faith. Sometimes we start to identify more with the theological group we associate with than the One who saved us. Sometimes our denomination starts to take precedence over our faith.
And when that happens, we quickly work our way down the slope away from Jesus' prayer in John 17. That's when arguments start. That's when division takes its foothold. And that's when we waste our efforts arguing amongst each other, rather than wholly pursuing the mission Jesus laid out for us.
See part 3.
Part 1
Remembering Jesus' Prayer for Unity
We all know the narrative in John 17. But let's revisit it.
John 17:11
"And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, THAT THEY MAY BE ONE, AS WE ARE.
This was the last thing on Jesus' mind before he went to the cross. He could have been praying about anything, but he chose to pray about unity.
What does that mean for us? It means we have to be willing to break down barriers that exist among us.
Because if we don't, here's what happens:
The separation becomes more important than the story. The conflict becomes more important than the command. And the division keeps us distracted from accomplishing anything that actually matters.
Before we jump to some specific sources of division, I want to also remind us of the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control ( Gal. 5:22-23). There's one thing that each of these things require: unified community.
The essence of the evidence of the Spirit working in our lives requires us to live in unity.
So let's get specific. Here are 6 of many distractions plaguing the Church today:
1) The Distraction of Preference
We all like things done a certain way. It's part of our nature.
We like the service to be in a particular order. We like the music to be a particular style (and as we all know, some people are very particular about the volume of that music). We like our schedules to look like they're supposed to. We like our community to feel a certain way.
It's okay for us to have preferences. But the moment HOW we do ministry becomes more important than WHY we do ministry, we're in big trouble.
Methods should never guide our ministry or our interactions with others. Mission should.
See part 2.
God bless,
RLW
"Thou shalt have no other gods before me." But Mashiac said Mark 12:29
"And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
" Mark 12:30
"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment."
Clearly this is a Law given by Moses in Deuteronomy 6:4
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
" Deuteronomy 6:5
"And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might."
If you believe that Mashiac only gave the 10 Commandments, what Commandment is Mark 12:29-30 cause He said its the first.
10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me:
9 Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?
John 10:30- I and my Father are One.
But,
no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him. Matthew 11:27
Luke 10:22 - no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal Him.
What matters and prevails is the Word of GOD, the Word is GOD, GOD Himself, self-executing, understand?
Gen.2:7-And the Lord GOD formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his NOSTRILS the breath of life...
Is.2:22-Cease ye from man,whose breath is in his NOSTRILS: for wherein is he to be accounted of?
Now,even now,from now on,in this seventh and last GOD's Day,the Lord's Day,or seventh and last millennium,multitudes and multitudes of living soul will be cast down into the hell's fire.What does the Word of GOD say?Even Isaiah prophesied saying:
Is.2:12&17-21->12 For the Day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low: 17-And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down,and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the Lord alone shall be exalted in this Day(the seventh and last Day).19 And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of His majesty, when He ariseth to shake terribly the earth. 21 To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of His majesty, when He ariseth to shake terribly the earth. 20 In this Day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship,to the moles and to the bats;
Re.6:15-17
15And the kings of the earth,and the great men,and the rich men,and the chief captains,and the mighty men,and every bondman,and every free man,hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
16And said to the mountains and rocks,Fall on us,and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne,and from the wrath of the Lamb:
17For the great day of his wrath is come;and who shall be able to stand?
Fear not them which kill the body,but are not able to kill the soul:fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell-Mat.10:28
Amen. Let s be at peace with each other.
Day of the Lamb is different from that of God which primarily deals with judgment. Consequently the wrath of the Lamb is different from "the wrath of God upon the earth"(Re.16:1) which stirs up for a battle, "to the battle of that great day of God Almighty."(Re.16:14). There is also a supper, "Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God."(Re.19:17).
In short between the opening of the last two seals there shall cataclysmic changes taking place.(Re.6:14) The blessed are moved away so the earth is left open for the events leading to the great tribulation and the emergence of the beast.
Judgement is meted out "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." Thus according to their works and according to the book of life would indicate their souls also are judged which is tagged by 'in that day'. The wrath of God is upon the earth while those who live by the Law of the Spirit are spared. (There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
So we shall begin with this verse:"And the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day." Is.2:11. Thus Adam shall be called to account. "for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."(Ge.2:17). So shall all nations that vaunted themselves and who made mammon their god. For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty," We have a list: And upon all the cedars of Lebanon; upon all the oaks of Bashan and upon all the ships of Tarshish. Is.2:12-16
The opening of the sixth seals signals what is shakeable in heaven and on earth being tossed about. "And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out."
To finish up my post. Jesus was divine, being the eternal Word. This divine nature is united to the Father and the Spirit. It did not have physical characteristics as the human nature does. But in Jesus, the two natures co-exist. He is forever our mediator. he represents humanity to God as the perfect human and high priest; and He represents God to humanity in His eternal, perfect, divinity.
Jesus, being God and man forever, unites us to the Godhead and brings God to us which includes the indwelling of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in each believer ( Jn. 14:23; 15:4-5; 17:21)
The mystery of the incarnation is deep, but the Spirit does give us much understanding as we study the Scriptures, especially the life and sayings of Jesus in the Gospels. Hebrews is also a good book to read through as it speaks much to Jesus' role as our High priest, living sacrifice, and human brother, who is also our King, Saviour, Lord, and God whom we worship.
Have a good day. Momsage. I think of you often and continue to pray for you as I hope you pray for me, too.
It seems you wish to continue this conversation on this topic.
Every human being has a nature given to them by God that includes a physical body, bones, blood, all the organs and systems of our body, skin, a mind, soul, and spirit, intellect, emotions, and will. This nature is good because God created it. This is the human nature that Jesus had. The sinful nature is something Adam and Eve acquired through their fall into sin and every human being has this sinful nature, but not Jesus. He did not have any sinful nature, tendencies, nor desires to sin. His human body was not controlled by a sinful nature. However, He was tempted as we are, but passed the test and did not give into the outward temptation of the devil.
Jesus' human nature otherwise was as ours in our needs. He needed to sleep, eat, grow in wisdom, go through the natural changes from conception to birth, from infant to toddler to child to adolescent to adult maleness. It is not sinful to have these needs.
The Father prepared Jesus' body ( Heb. 10:5) and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jn. 1:14. His resurrection body was physical and had flesh and bone ( Lk. 24:39).
During the 40 days after His resurrection, He still had a human body and nature-He ate with the disciples, could be touched by them. However, His human nature was glorified so it had capacities that we do not have at this time-He could appear and disappear at will.
When Jesus ascended, He had the same human resurrection body He had all those 40 days. He was taken into heaven bodily. And the angels said that He will come again in the same manner as He ascended-in His body on the clouds.
So, Momsage, it seems that we have differing definitions of what a human nature is. I think the sin nature is an added nature to all humans except Jesus. But the human nature is the way our bodies are created according to God's will. Our human nature was made good by God's design. This is the nature Jesus has. ...cont.
I will be praying for your son's recovery.
The book carried blessings and condemnation which are rendered operational by the solemn action of breaking the seven seals. Compare this with yet another, which is a flying roll. "I see a flying roll; the length thereof is twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits./Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it."
In Re.10 we see the angel commanding the Apostle not to write what the seven thunders had uttered. Gospel of salvation has been preached. "Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not."(Re.10:4) As with Ezekiel he was to eat the little book. "And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey." For saints sanctified by the blood and are blessed it has no ill effects. "And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings."(10:9-11)