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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11688 is a reply to message #11687] |
Fri, 31 July 2015 10:08   |
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 Gary
Messages: 1025
Registered: August 2008
Location: Indiana |
Senior Member |
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No, dear brother in Christ, I wasn't 'mad' when I was reflecting on the post you wrote about 'thinking we understood what something The Word was saying'; I was just bringing up how easily people (me, in the past) have been, and are influenced by those who are their teachers or peers and the attitudes it leads to, actually more than just attitudes, bondage and legalism while being filled with pride and hypocrisy.
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Hi James,
Sorry it took so long to get back here, but we have had one person after another stop in after work and they stay late.
I understand what your saying now and thanks for all the kind words.
What started out as a good thing ended up in a mess (in the church), if you know what I mean. Sometimes I think though that the Lord allowed it for a reason as we all learn or can learn from the past. I do think though that no matter what happened it did show what was in our hearts in a good sense.
For one thing there was so much zeal and love for the things of God that we would of done anything for Jesus because we honestly believed that is what He wanted for us. I hope you can understand here what I am saying about it all.
When Christians have the fire of God, His love, and a little zeal it becomes a powerful witness in the world. Controlling all of that in the right direction is the problem, because men get in the way of the Spirit and they try to take over at the wheel if you know what I mean. Its easy to misunderstand what God is wanting.
I know how you love to read and if you get a chance (if you haven't already), read Schaff's church history. Eight large volumes but a very interesting set of books and they hold your interest. From the time of the reformation, it seems that every time someone started a work it always ended in some church institutionalizing it and making it their denomination. I went through those books wanting to see what happened after the dark ages and how it all came to what we see today. How did we get so many denominations and even a group like ours fail by the wayside and followed in the same path.
One problem is, that men lose sight of what the Lord is wanting and they try to do it their way. I agree with you 100% concerning out meeting but I also see the same pattern in about every church in the land across America. Its just that there is different degrees some are not as drastic and noticeable as others.
Even the New Testament church had its set of problems, Paul had to rebuke Peter, and we see Paul constantly dealing with issues in the different churches. It appears like were all little children that constantly need monitored or a least admonished in this life. Were very limited as men because of the fall of man into sin in the garden. Then there's the issue that there are spirit beings on the other side who constantly want to destroy us if they could.
Just thinking here, but if I could have it to do all over, I would probably do it again, (if I knew what I know now), but hopefully be a little wiser in my own situation recognizing my own carnality and learning what it really means to walk in the Spirit. I think also it shows how men are like sheep and will follow whomever if they feel confident in what a shepherd is telling them.
We definitely had some issues but I think were better off for it if we learn from what happened. The thing about living in the Western part of the world, we truly don't know the hardships that other Christians go through in foreign lands. We live in a land of plenty which God in His providence has allowed us to enjoy.
I guess I'm saying that, anything I had to go through I don't regret it or feel like I was overly abused. But I realize we just have to pick up the pieces and learn from it all. There's no perfect church out there, we just had a different set of problems. I can't say that I regret going through it and its hard to forget all the good times in the Lord that took place.
Got to go, Lord Bless you day and thanks again for what you shared it did bless me and helped as well.
Gary
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11689 is a reply to message #11688] |
Fri, 31 July 2015 11:42 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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| Gary wrote on Fri, 31 July 2015 05:08 |
Just thinking here, but if I could have it to do all over, I would probably do it again, (if I knew what I know now), but hopefully be a little wiser in my own situation recognizing my own carnality and learning what it really means to walk in the Spirit. I think also it shows how men are like sheep and will follow whomever if they feel confident in what a shepherd is telling them.
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This seems to be something all men come to realize, but alas, we can't go back...only forward, hopefully learning from the past and being diligent not to repeat the failures. But even in saying that, I can't count the times I've repeated the failure to do even the seemingly simple instructions to love God with ALL my heart and my neighbor as myself...not to mention the constant reminder in The Word to "take heed" and "don't forget"...again, Praise God for His Grace.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11700 is a reply to message #11689] |
Sun, 09 August 2015 17:48 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Just a Reminder...
"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the Law of The LORD, and in His Law doth he meditate day and night.
And he shall be be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brineth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doth shall prosper." Psalms 1:1-3
So often with the wisdom and guidance of men we are presented with what "not to do", rules and regulations; but God, in His Word gives us instruction on what "to do" that will bring positive results. Delight in God's Word and meditate on it continually...Yes, He also tells us what not to do, but that's because He wants us to walk in His blessings and fellowship with Him and He knows that trusting in mans counsel and hanging with ungodly people and becoming comfortable with the world and it's ways leads away from Him and His will for us. His wisdom is given through His Word and with that Word dwelling inside us we will be planted in Him, deep and unmovable, bringing forth fruit unto His glory.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11701 is a reply to message #11700] |
Mon, 10 August 2015 09:24 |
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Gary
Messages: 1025
Registered: August 2008
Location: Indiana |
Senior Member |
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| james wrote on Sun, 09 August 2015 13:48 |
Just a Reminder...
"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the Law of The LORD, and in His Law doth he meditate day and night.
And he shall be be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brineth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doth shall prosper." Psalms 1:1-3
So often with the wisdom and guidance of men we are presented with what "not to do", rules and regulations; but God, in His Word gives us instruction on what "to do" that will bring positive results. Delight in God's Word and meditate on it continually...Yes, He also tells us what not to do, but that's because He wants us to walk in His blessings and fellowship with Him and He knows that trusting in mans counsel and hanging with ungodly people and becoming comfortable with the world and it's ways leads away from Him and His will for us. His wisdom is given through His Word and with that Word dwelling inside us we will be planted in Him, deep and unmovable, bringing forth fruit unto His glory.
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I think 95% of the time men are quoting, what we can call "God's Rules", the problem is when they try to give their interpretation and "addition" to what God is saying. For instance modesty of dress becomes no pants on women, no red high heels, no stripes on your tennis shoes, and the list goes on.
There's not a church in the country that is not guilty of this in some way. Even if things are not dealt with from a pulpit, rules are present and become governed by an unspoken type of peer pressure that everyone follows. I don't think having some guidelines is all completely bad because it helps some people to stay on the straight and narrow. Take that in the right context not trying to say someone is to indorse a dress code or whatever.
But with that said, God does set up standards in the Word, that believers should pay attention to, but its every ones additions to the standard that becomes the problem.
The Pharisees took the scriptures concerning "resting on the Sabbath" and created a whole set of rules that God did not initiate. I think its very easy to do even with the guidelines set forth in the NT.
Somethings are okay in themselves to do, but are they expedient to what the Spirit of God is wanting for us is the question. I think there is a Deeper place in the Spirit of God that every individual needs to strive for, its dealing with our flesh, the devil and this old world, that presents a hindrance.
Maybe this is why were told to work out "our own salvation", with "fear and trembling".
Gary
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11713 is a reply to message #11701] |
Tue, 25 August 2015 12:52 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Jesus, Our Hope...
"...Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' Blood and Righteousness..."
"Behold, the eye of The LORD is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy.
To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
Our soul waiteth for The LORD; He is our help and our shield.
For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name.
Let Thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in Thee."Psalms 33:18-22
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11716 is a reply to message #11713] |
Mon, 31 August 2015 13:08 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"Let all those that seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee: let such as love Thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified." Psalms 40:16
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11731 is a reply to message #11716] |
Tue, 08 September 2015 13:43 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you, and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh.
That they may walk in my statues, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God."Ezekiel 11:19-20
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11737 is a reply to message #11731] |
Thu, 10 September 2015 13:13 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Lately I've been extra aware of the mercies of God and His lovingkindness. I can meditate on this verse found in Psalms for a long time as The Holy Spirit reveals just how loving and kind and full of mercy God is...it is such a wonderful revelation to KNOW by experience what the sacrifice made by Jesus means in restoring lost sinner to our Father.
"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions."Psalms 51:1
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11778 is a reply to message #11737] |
Tue, 29 September 2015 21:06 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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The Awesome News of God's Love...
God loves us, unconditionally and eternally because He IS love.
"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."1 John 4:8
He loves us to the extent that while we weren't even born He offered up His Son Jesus as an atonement of OUR sins.
"But God commendeth His love toward US, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."Romans 5:8
Think it through, WE are the ones who sinned and broke the relationship/fellowship with God, turned our backs upon Him and rejected His great Love....yet,
He is the one who willing paid the price(death) for our sins in order to restore the relationship...Why? Because of His LOVE.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."John 3:16
If He had given us a list of 1,000 things we must do in order to receive eternal life, that would still be an awesome thing in comparison to eternal death in the fires of Hell(of course we now know that that would be 'earning salvation through works' and voiding His GRACE; plus we would have failed anyway)...yet, He offers us life instead of death(which we KNOW we deserve) for free, just believe in Jesus as Lord and Saviour. What an awesome God, what LOVE, what Mercy, what Grace.
[Updated on: Tue, 29 September 2015 21:09]
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11786 is a reply to message #11778] |
Fri, 02 October 2015 16:32 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.
All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.
For thou art great, and doest wondrous things; thou art God alone.
Teach me thy way, O LORD, I will walk in thy truth; unite my heart to fear thy name.
I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore."
Psalms 86:8-12
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11807 is a reply to message #11786] |
Wed, 07 October 2015 13:56 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD, Praise ye the LORD."
Psalms 150:1-6
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11822 is a reply to message #11807] |
Thu, 22 October 2015 11:49 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."
Psalms 46:10
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11828 is a reply to message #11822] |
Wed, 28 October 2015 13:19 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"For ever, O LORD, Thy Word is settled in heaven."
Psalms 119:89
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11831 is a reply to message #11828] |
Fri, 30 October 2015 18:50 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"Thy Word is true from the beginning; and every one of Thy righteous judgments endureth for ever."
Psalms 119:160
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11844 is a reply to message #11831] |
Wed, 04 November 2015 18:25 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Jesus said:
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Ghost.
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."
Matthew 28:19-20
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11850 is a reply to message #11844] |
Thu, 05 November 2015 16:10 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"O magnify The LORD with me, and let us exalt His Name together."
Psalms 34:3
magnify: 1. make something appear larger than it is
2. extol; glorify
We can't make God appear larger than He is, we can't even comprehend the fullness of Him, we can learn of His attributes and character and witness His mercy and grace. So for Christians, magnifying God means to extol or glorify Him. How is this done? I think The Bible shows us how, by praise and worship; by our thoughts, words, and actions. Not only do we magnify The Lord because He tells us to but because by magnifying Him our attention is removed from 'us'(self).
Anything that we encounter in life (sickness, disease, rejection, personal loss, persecution) gets bigger the more we focus on it. That's not to say it isn't real, it is, but by magnifying it, it becomes bigger and often seems hopeless. If we're walking in The Spirit and keeping our minds stayed upon The Lord and His Word, glorifying and exalting Him (magnify) our circumstances often will change as our attitude changes. It's hard to focus on two things at once, so if we're focused on God we're not focused on self and there in His presence with hearts of praise and worship, gratitude and humility, that we experience and witness His Glory.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11897 is a reply to message #11850] |
Fri, 27 November 2015 13:27 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with Him, we shall also live with Him.
If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He also will deny us.
If we believe not, yet He abideth faithful: He cannot deny Himself.
Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before The Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.
But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness."
II Timothy 2:11-16
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11899 is a reply to message #11897] |
Sun, 29 November 2015 19:46 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Life Lesson for Followers of Christ...
"And He said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness; for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he posesseth."
Luke 12:15
Contrary to the false prosperity doctrine taught today, Jesus did not teach it, nor does scripture back it up as is claimed by teachers who twist and take out of context to feed their greed.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11902 is a reply to message #11899] |
Mon, 30 November 2015 16:49 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth The LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God."
Micah 6:8
[Updated on: Mon, 30 November 2015 16:50]
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11920 is a reply to message #11902] |
Wed, 16 December 2015 18:48 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Mary, Did You Know...
Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.
Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know
That your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?
Mary, did you know
Ooh oh oh
The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.
Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
That your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know
That your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I am.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11924 is a reply to message #11920] |
Fri, 18 December 2015 14:16 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Jesus, the hope of mankind...
"But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name."
John 1:12
"For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved."
John 3:17
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11935 is a reply to message #11924] |
Fri, 25 December 2015 16:59 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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I've always found the record(story) of David and how God's mercy and grace restored him after he had failed(sinned) extremely encouraging. But in the NT Peter's life is also a wonderful encouragement. From a crude fisherman who was a bit rash with his words and denied His Lord and Savior, to a mighty man of God filled with power from on High and great boldness. Jesus, in Luke 22:32, prayed for him and told him that after he was converted to strengthen his brethren. As we can see from reading in Acts and the two books he wrote(I&II Peter), he definitely was a great strength and source of encouragement to fellow believers, even until the present time.
I can only imagine his thoughts later in life as he reflected upon his younger years and the three years he was taught of The Lord Jesus. Imagine the anguish he experienced(and possible condemnation) after denying that he even knew Jesus, not once but three times. Yet when The promise of The Father came (Holy Ghost) upon him he was a totally new man in Christ. He was converted and became the instrument to bring conversion to many, many souls. He wrote much about the suffering for Christ in his first book, we don't hear much about that today. He speaks much about God's Holiness and that we're to also be holy...we don't hear a lot about that today either.
I hope someday to tell both David and Peter how much their lives have encouraged me...after I've spent about a billion years thanking God for His great plan of salvation and restoration, and thanking Jesus for the sacrifice He paid so I could come to know God and behold His Glory....forever.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11945 is a reply to message #11935] |
Sun, 03 January 2016 18:11 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Prayer for all believers...
Ephesians 1:17-23
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11964 is a reply to message #11945] |
Thu, 14 January 2016 19:21 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:6-8
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11978 is a reply to message #11964] |
Tue, 09 February 2016 17:11 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"Behold, what manner of love The Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.
Any every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure." I John 3:1-3
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #11986 is a reply to message #11978] |
Sat, 20 February 2016 14:56 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Encouragement keys from God's Word:
Most Christians (especially FA people) quote Psalms 91 regularly. It's a great chapter with wonderful promises, but there are things required of the believer in order to receive of these promises. We must dwell in the secret place V1; and we must make The Lord our habitation V9; and we must set our love upon Him V14. This isn't a quick formula for blessings, this is instructions for living life as a follower of Christ.
I'm encouraging anyone reading (especially myself) to not grow slack concerning His promises, the finish line is drawing nearer and The Lord is seeking those who will endure until the end. I've found out from experience that I can only endure life's trials and tribulations by doing the above and trusting in Him. In Christ I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, He is our Rock and in Him alone can we stand.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #12017 is a reply to message #11986] |
Thu, 17 March 2016 14:12 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
Trust in The Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Delight thyself also in The Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Commit thy way unto The Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.
And He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
Rest in The Lord, and wait patiently for Him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass."
Psalms 37:1-7
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #12023 is a reply to message #12017] |
Tue, 22 March 2016 16:46 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;"
Psalms 46:1-2
I wonder if it would be taking scripture too far out of context to say that even if "so in so" became president we shouldn't fear; that God will continue to be our refuge and strength and a VERY present help in time of need. I don't think so, I believe regardless who is in power (and we know that it's really God who is 'in power') we can confidently place our trust in Him. Pray for the situation we find ourselves in? Yes. Worry or fear about it? No.
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #12024 is a reply to message #12023] |
Sun, 27 March 2016 16:03 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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The Greatest Gift Ever...
The fifteenth chapter of the Epistle to the Corinthians is a summary of The Gospel and Paul stresses the importance of The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead; every hope we as Christians have is based on this being true. Paul speaks of the consequences if it isn't true, but then he declares it to be true and explains.
I heard a minister make this statement, "you can not out give God", this is a true statement though often today it's used in the context of the false prosperity message to get people to give more to their ministry. But the truth revealed unto us of what God did to reconcile lost sinners unto Himself can not be compared to anything we could ever do as repayment or to equal His gift. Martin Luther described the transaction of Grace in this way calling it the great exchange; God taking our sins and placing the punishment on Jesus, then taking His righteousness and imputing it unto us. Unearned, undeserved, unattainable without His gift, JESUS as sacrifice for us. We went from absolutely without hope to victorious with eternal life with Him, all at His initiative.
The foolishness of rabbits and eggs aside, Christ suffered, died, and is Risen, He is alive, and in Him our hope is assured.
"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." I Corinthians 15:57
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #12025 is a reply to message #12024] |
Tue, 29 March 2016 19:35 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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God's Love and Grace...
"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority..."
Titus 2:11-15
"But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of The Holy Ghost;
Which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."
Titus 3:4-7
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #12026 is a reply to message #12025] |
Tue, 05 April 2016 15:56 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believeth thou this?"
John 11:25-26
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #12027 is a reply to message #12026] |
Thu, 21 April 2016 12:47 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Food for thought...
Stephen, in addressing those accusing him of coming against their traditional religion,<Acts chapter7> (remember they said he said Jesus would destroy the temple) was trying to make them see how their religious traditions (sacrifices, laws, rituals) hadn't really changed their hearts at all and all through Israel's history they had not been able to keep the law. Yet they refused to hear the prophets God sent throughout their existence and they refused the deliverer God sent in His Son Jesus Christ. Religion and religious works make people feel deserving and self reliant, not needing God's Grace. Israel couldn't let go of their temple worship and rituals and embrace Jesus and the sacrifice at Calvary as sufficient for their salvation. They wanted to continue in the same old same old ways of their forefathers.
This attitude and refusal to accept the Grace of God in Jesus' sacrifice as sufficient and complete apart from works and religious traditions still exist in the hearts of man and the religious system of today.
Jesus said that the only way to The Father is through Him, The Way, The Truth, and The Life. The CROSS was enough...
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #12028 is a reply to message #12027] |
Mon, 25 April 2016 12:11 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"I will bless The LORD at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth..."
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #12029 is a reply to message #12028] |
Tue, 26 April 2016 16:14 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"Rejoice in The LORD alway, and again I say, Rejoice. Phil. 4:4
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #12031 is a reply to message #12029] |
Wed, 27 April 2016 19:48 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Concerned with getting older? Start focusing on God's Word, let it renew our minds...
"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.
As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
II Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #12032 is a reply to message #12031] |
Thu, 28 April 2016 12:31 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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God's Will for us today...and every day.
"In every thing give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
I Thessalonians 5:18
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #12036 is a reply to message #12032] |
Tue, 03 May 2016 13:25 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"Trust in The LORD with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #12042 is a reply to message #12036] |
Mon, 09 May 2016 21:00 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Biblical Warning and Reminder...
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth; and shall be turned unto fables."
II Timothy 4:3-4
We know that that time has came, never more evident than in our generation. Millions have heaped upon themselves teachers who will tell them what they want to hear, refusing to heed sound doctrine. We must be more tolerant of others views; we must embrace into the church the lifestyles of sexual immorality. (cohabitation without marriage, same sex marriage, fornication and divorces without scriptural grounds) Don't offend anyone by speaking the truth from the pulpit; feed the human spirit of greed by promising prosperity from God through 'seed sowing' into the ministries of these false prosperity gospel teachers. Suffering doesn't happen to those walking by faith, if you're suffering it's the devil and you've got sin in your life.
And on and on it goes, build bigger buildings; buy more TV satellites; give more money; get more members; don't offend; don't rock the boat; tell them what they want to hear...make them feel good, water it down, explain it away, lie, deceive, scratch their ears...
From such turn away...
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #12049 is a reply to message #12042] |
Sun, 15 May 2016 18:23 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Life Lessons for Christians...
Paul wrote this in Philippians chapter four and verse eleven: "Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."
Was Paul always this way? no, he had to be taught by The Lord. But once he learned this valuable lesson he discovered peace and contentment in Christ, regardless of circumstances.
The writer of the Christian hymn "It Is Well With My Soul", seems to have learned this lesson as well. He writes, ..."whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul."
I don't think a follower of Jesus will ever find true peace and joy in Him until we've learned(come to understand) that there is no peace apart from Him. And when we have Him, we have everything. It doesn't seem to happen over night, and often we let this world and it's treasures momentarily distract us, but He will teach us what the true treasures are if we set our hearts upon Him and seek Him and His peace, desiring His presence and learning once we have that we can never lack for anything...because in Him, Jesus Christ,we have everything that has importance.
So a word of encouragement, seek Him while he may be found. Is. 55:6-7
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #12051 is a reply to message #12049] |
Tue, 24 May 2016 13:27 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"All nations whom Thou hast made shall come and worship Thee, O LORD, and shall glorify Thy Name.
For Thou art great, and doest wondrous things: Thou art God alone."
Psalms 86:9-10
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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