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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #9086 is a reply to message #9080] |
Sat, 06 October 2012 16:08   |
 james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
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"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virture, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:6-8
“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 #9104 is a reply to message #9086] |
Thu, 25 October 2012 19:38 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
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"Who also has made us able ministers of the new covenant; not of the leter, but of the spirit; for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life." II Corinthians 3:6
“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 #9106 is a reply to message #9104] |
Mon, 05 November 2012 22:19 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
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I hope these scriptures encourage others as much as they do me, if or when we sin the Light of God will expose the sin (darkness) if we'll humble ourselves and seek to walk in His Light. His Love continues to amaze me daily, He Loves us, brothers and sisters, and how humbling is it to know that The God of All, will restore us unto fellowship with Him when we return unto Him with our whole hearts. I encourage anyone reading to examine themselves to see if they be in the Light, and if you discover an area of darkness in your life, then SEEK after The Light with you entire being. He is full of Grace and Mercy, not willing that any should perish...WHAT LOVE! Thank You, Father...Thank You, Jesus. Praise His Holy Name forever more.
"This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.
If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us." I John 1:5-10
"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
And He is the propitation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." I John 2:1-2
“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 #9133 is a reply to message #9106] |
Sun, 11 November 2012 15:18 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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The Daily Exercise of Christianity...
Exercise is something that I think is important, especially as we grow older. Recently I haven't been able to follow my usual routine due to a physical trial and it didn't take long to notice the deteriation of the conditioning of my muscles and endurance. The Lord is helping me in learning what it means to walk in the Spirit and nor fullfil the lusts of the flesh, how to willing submit my flesh to the cross daily. We're instructed throughout The Word of God to continualy and daily do certain things in order to grow stronger as Christians and overcome the adversary.
I was reading this morning in II Corinthians 7:1 where Paul writes: "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." I see a couple of important keys to growing in Christ here, one is that the responsibility is upon the individual(us/we/I) to cleanse/depart/overcome/die to ALL filthiness of the flesh...AND...spirit. And secondly to be 'perfecting' holiness. I believe, without doing an indepth study of the word that 'perfecting' means an onging, daily practice(exercise of) learning holiness. Putting off the old man and putting on the new man made after the image of Christ Jesus.
The point of this encouragement is that while bodily physical exercise may only profit a 'little', spiritual exercise is vital to our development in our Christian walk. And it's a daily exercise of impleminting into our lives what Jesus has provided(through these PROMISES) such as the whole armour of God, faith, empowering by The Holy Spirit, the gifts and fruit of The Spirit(which must be developed and matured through exercise and experience).
Hope this blesses those reading as much as it has me in grasping it. Yes it is simple and not so deep, yet it is needful to understand and 'get' into our hearts if this is an area that we're growing in.
Just want to say hi to Sue, Ron, Mark, Dick and Muriel...though we may not hear from you brothers and sisters as often as we'd like I wanted you to know that I daily think of ya'll and pray for you.
Love in Christ,
james
“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 #9134 is a reply to message #9133] |
Tue, 13 November 2012 16:53 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." 1 John 5:4
“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 #9183 is a reply to message #9134] |
Tue, 27 November 2012 14:57 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Are You A Sheep?...John 10
Do you?
Hear His voice...v3
Follow Him...v4
Know His voice...v4
A stranger will they not follow...v5
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:" John 10:27
"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10
“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 #9192 is a reply to message #9183] |
Thu, 06 December 2012 14:20 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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God's Will...
"And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:40
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." I Thess. 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 #9203 is a reply to message #9192] |
Mon, 17 December 2012 14:40 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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He's coming! Every day is important. while we're patiently waiting we're to make sure our hearts are stablished, grounded in The Word, walking in fellowship with Him...24/7
"Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of The Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of The Lord draweth nigh." James 5:7-8
“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 #9218 is a reply to message #9203] |
Mon, 31 December 2012 15:36 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Encouragement from Isaiah...
"Hearken unto Me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek The LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged."
"Hearken unto Me, My people; and give ear unto Me, O My nation: for a law shall proceed from Me, and I will make My judgment to rest for a light of the people."
"Hearken unto Me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is My law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings."
"Therefore the redeemed of The LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and mourning shall flee away."
Isaiah 51:1,4,7,11
“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 #9222 is a reply to message #9218] |
Tue, 01 January 2013 15:07 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Exhortation from Isaiah...
"Seek ye The LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near."
"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto The LORD,
and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon."
Isaiah 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 #9251 is a reply to message #9222] |
Fri, 11 January 2013 16:23 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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The Importance of Humility...
God throughout scripture points out the importance of humility; in fact He states that without a humble heart we can't be in fellowship with Him.
"For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."Isaiah 57:15
"...Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."James 4:6
"By humility and the fear of The LORD are riches, and honor, and life."Proverbs 22:4
“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 #9264 is a reply to message #9251] |
Wed, 16 January 2013 17:06 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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More on humility...
"Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:
But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD."
Jeremiah 9:23-24
“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 #9306 is a reply to message #9264] |
Sat, 26 January 2013 14:46 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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In reading through Jeremiah, we see a man of God(a true prophet) who endured much grief and sorrow to obey The Lord. He became so exasperated with Israel and Judah that he cursed the day he was born. He even determined that he wouldn't mention the name of The Lord or speak in His name again.(That's a true prophet of God coming to a place where he wanted to give up, to die, to just escape the shame and ridicule of the rebellious children of God, Israel.)
BUT....he couldn't!
"Then I said, I will not make mention of Him, nor speak any more in His name. But His Word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forebearing, and I could not stay." Jeremiah 20:9
The message of encouragement here? Don't let anything discourage you from obedience to what God has called you to; a relationship that even though within yourself you grow weary and faint, become exasperated at times, want to chunk it all and curse the day you put your hand to the plow, don't. Allow The Word of God to rise up within as a burning consuming fire. If you're called to be a watchman upon the wall, warning of coming dangers, then get on the wall and warn. If you're called to encourage the Body of Christ, then open your mouth and encourage; if you're called to be a prophet, then speak forth The Words of The Lord. Don't rob the sheep of what God has for them through you by falling prey to self-pity or self-centeredness.
We need Body ministry today like never before, the time is short, pray/interceed, share, encourage, exhort, warn, edify one another, walk in love...speak The Word, follow the leading of The Holy Spirit.
I John 4:7-8
“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 #9315 is a reply to message #9309] |
Thu, 31 January 2013 14:55 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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JESUS, Our Hope...
"But what saith it? The Word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Rom.10:8-10
"For we are saved by HOPE: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it." Rom. 8:24-25
“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 #9334 is a reply to message #9315] |
Sat, 09 February 2013 20:33 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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More encouragement to have HOPE...
"But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more." Ps.71:14
"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope , through the power of the Holy Ghost." Rom.15:13
Hope in Jesus brings light even on the darkest of days.
“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 #9336 is a reply to message #9334] |
Tue, 12 February 2013 14:25 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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God's Faithfulness...Our HOPE...
In reading through Jeremiah and now Lamentations we see a nation (Israel/Judah) who was going through God's judgment (captivity into Babylon) for their rebellion/disobedience. In Lamentations Jeremiah is crying out from a place of misery, pain, and sorrow; it is a reminder and warning to all who will listen. Yet in the midst of the anguish and humility, Jeremiah ENCOURAGES himself by reminding himself of the HOPE he has in God.
"This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.
The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I HOPE in Him.
The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him.
It is good that a man should both HOPE and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord."Lamentations 3:21-26
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have HOPE." Romans 15:4
This is our inheritance, God's Word; forever settled in heaven, just as valid today as when Jeremiah was living. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever...HOPE YE IN THE LORD
[Updated on: Wed, 13 February 2013 14:26]
“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 #9339 is a reply to message #9336] |
Mon, 18 February 2013 15:38 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Offenses...
As Christians we are to follow the pattern Jesus set by His life and the instructions He gave as to how we deal with one another. The promises are given unto those who OVERCOME, not to those who turn back having been offended by either The Word of God (obedience) or by the actions of others. I would encourage anyone reading this to determine within their hearts to submit to The Cross DAILY, if we're on the Cross (what's a cross for? Dying!) Dead to 'self' Christians aren't offended by others words or actions, they've crucified the flesh(pride, self-centeredness, the desire to always 'be right'). It's a daily choice, both dying to self and chosing to LOVE one another. I Corinthians 13...Tells us: Though I DO all these wonderful things(sacrifice my body, give to the poor, have great faith, have all knowledge, can quote scripture, ect.), without LOVE...it profits me nothing.
Remember the little song from I John 4:7-8? Beloved, let us LOVE one another...
"Great peace have they which love Thy law: and nothing shall offend them."Psalms 119:165
“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 #9348 is a reply to message #9345] |
Tue, 26 February 2013 15:27 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Even Paul needed encouragement and comfort...
Reading in the second Epistle written unto the Corinthian assembly (II Corinthians 7:4-13), Paul tells how tribulation was all around him: trouble on every side, without were fightings and within were fears.(Yes, he DID say that there were fears within.)But verse 6 says this..."Nevertheless GOD, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus." And the following verse show how he was encouraged and comforted even moreso when finding out from Titus just how much he was loved by the Corinthian believers. Both he and Titus were refreshed in spirit due to their love of God and Paul as well. They displayed this love through obedience in following Paul's instructions to disipline the member who was living in sin (I Corinthians 5); Paul seemed concerned and heavy of heart for having to write unto them such a stern letter. But after getting the report from Titus of their obedience and love shown through their actions, he was encouraged and comforted.
There's none of us who have chosen to follow Jesus that doesn't need encouragement and comfort from time to time...we can find it by communion with God, study of Scripture; but also we are to get it from one another, praying for each other, sharing and edifying, showing love and kindness by our actions. Jesus lay down His life for us...so are we to do as well for the brethren.
[Updated on: Tue, 26 February 2013 20:11]
“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 #9372 is a reply to message #9348] |
Mon, 11 March 2013 14:46 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Feeling down, discouraged, depressed? Take heart in God's Word, draw strenght from His promises, give Him praise and thanks, worship Him.
"The righteous cry, and The LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but The LORD delivereth him out of them all."Psalms 34:17-19
"O come, let us sing unto The LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms.
For The LORD is a great God, and a great King, above all gods.
O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before The LORD our maker."Psalms 95:1-3&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 #9373 is a reply to message #9372] |
Wed, 13 March 2013 16:56 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD...
"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
"But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."Rom. 5:8
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us,
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace are ye saved;)"
Eph.2:4-5
"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." I John 4:9-10
"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."Rom.8:38-39
Next time Satan tries to defeat, steal your joy, or comes with condemning accusations...resist him with The Words of God (it is written/the sword) and he must flee. And wrap your heart around scriptures that tell us just how much JESUS/GOD loves us, meditate upon them and STAND on God's promises.
“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 #9385 is a reply to message #9376] |
Wed, 20 March 2013 18:39 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Tell us...
The disciples came to Jesus privately and said to Him, "Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world." Matt.24:3
Jesus went on to tell them (as recorded in the 24th and 25th chapters of Matthew) of the many signs that would unfold as the end came. The verse that I'm sharing on today is Matt.24:12.
"And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."
There are numerous directions one could go with a 'message' from this passage, but I want to stress the obvious admonition, iniquity abounding and allowing our love to wax cold. We're practically surrounded by iniquity, it's on display and glorified in books, movies, TV, internet, news programs, and in the conversations and actions of many of the people we encounter daily. Do we become desensitized by what we're exposed to? (not willingly, but just by living life.) Does our hearts grow indifferent? Maybe take on the 'foxhole' mentality...hunker down and worry about only our own survival? Get caught up in what has become the norm? (Maybe using language as the world uses, being disrespectful to others, speaking against those we are commanded to pray for)
Just a few things that I see around me that could effect my own walk with Jesus and my LOVE. Taking heed is a full time job, Satan would love nothing better than to entice a long time follower of Christ to lose their grip on the plough handle and fall right when the end is almost in sight.
May we never get to a place where sin/iniquity doesn't vex our hearts, may we gird up our minds and hope unto the end for GRACE...I Peter 1:13-16
shared in love
“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 #9397 is a reply to message #9385] |
Mon, 25 March 2013 21:51 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Sin, Transgression, Iniquity...
I read and hear so many people say "sin is sin", and have said it myself, but is it really? Yes, we all have sinned and all need/needed to be forgiven and cleansed by The Blood of Jesus(Rom.3:23), but does The Word of God distinguish between sin, transgressions, and iniquity?
First let's look at the definitions of each word:
SIN, a missing of the mark (noun); to miss the mark (verb); An act of disobedience to divine law. Sin is a positive act in which a known divine law is violated. (1 John 3:4)
TRANSGRESSION, rebellion; a going aside; an overstepping; a breach of law (noun); to go beyond, to go aside (verb); violation of law. A willful deviation from, and therefore rebellion against, the path of godly living.(Eph. 2:1)
INIQUITY, perverseness, lawlessness, unrighteousness, law breaking. Iniquity signifies not merely that which is wrong, but the tendency to do wrong. They are second nature sins, which drive people to repeatedly, continually commit sin.(Ezekiel 28:15&18)
Scriptures that include all three: Daniel 9:24...Exodus 34:7...Lev. 16:21
There is a progression of sin that leads to death(without repentance)... James 1:13-15 shows this, the lust/enticement starts(is conceived) in the mind because the temptation isn't resisted, the thought turns to disobedience(rebellion/sin), and when the sin/transgression moves beyond the mind/thoughts into actions (iniquity/perverseness) and this leads to death apart from the reversal through Jesus Christ's shed Blood unto life eternal.
Bottom line? We all needed ALL our sins/transgressions/iniquities removed, we needed forgiveness (Heb. 8:12), we needed pardoning (Ps. 25:11), we needed our sins blotted out (Ps.51:1).
Sins, transgressions, iniquities...Thanks be to God for His Mercy and Grace demonstrated through Jesus Christ our Lord...They're ALL wiped away, forgotten, removed as far as the east is from the west...Praise Jesus!
“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 #9414 is a reply to message #9397] |
Fri, 29 March 2013 18:56 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"...but such as I have give I thee..."
Every time I read this verse (Acts 3:6) I'm stirred in my heart. Peter didn't have any money to give the man, that's not to imply he was always broke, nor that he didn't prosper...but I'd imagine that in those early days of The Church with all the excitment of the power of God being poured out on them daily, he, Andrew, James, and John didn't spend a lot of time out fishing.
But he did have something to give the lame man, the love of God displayed through the power and name of JESUS CHRIST. Peter was no longer the man he was before, he had the annointing of The Holy Spirit, The Power of God to both heal the sick as well as to proclaim the Gospel with power. No longer was he the same man who sank into the sea due to a lack of faith; no longer was he the cowardly man who denied knowing Jesus three times. No, Peter was a new man, he was doing what Jesus had told him to do, feeding the sheep.
What stirs in my spirit when I read this account of the healing of the lame man at the gate of the temple is this: what am I doing about what has been given me? Rather that focus on what I don't seem to have, at this time...(gift of healing, silver and gold, ect) what about what I do have to offer to any man who would ask me of the hope that lieth within me? I have The Love of God shed abroad in my heart(I can show love, mercy, kindness); I have God's Word in my heart(I can share and encourage others with it); I have hope where so many has none (I can share my testimony of God's Grace unto me that's also available to anyone who will believe).
We have been given much, are we giving it out as it was given unto us for? Are we 'hoarders' selfishly caring only of ourselves?
The question was raised on another thread concerning why 'we' (those influenced and taught by FA/HEF) aren't out opening the eyes of the blind and doing great exploits...there could be many reasons, but one that comes to my mind is this, what am I doing with ...such as I have... Luke 16:10 Shows us that a steward must learn to be faithful with little before given stewardship over much.
“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 #9432 is a reply to message #9415] |
Thu, 04 April 2013 15:43 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Praise HIS Holy Name...
"I will bless The LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth." Ps.34:1
"It is a good thing to give thanks unto The LORD, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O most High."Ps.92:1
"Who is like unto Thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like Thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?"Exodus 15:11
"...and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come."Rev.4:8
“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 #9439 is a reply to message #9432] |
Tue, 09 April 2013 17:08 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"Nevertheless WE, according to HIS promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of HIM in peace, without spot, and blameless."II Peter3:13-14
“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 #9460 is a reply to message #9439] |
Fri, 12 April 2013 17:23 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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The Fallacy of Philosophy...
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." Col.2:8
Definitions of philosophy:
"love and pursuit of wisdom by intellectual means."
"principles of human knowledge."
"a search of a general understanding of values and reality by chiefly speculative rather than observational means."
So what's the harm in seeking wisdom and understanding, one may ask, doesn't God tell us to in Proverbs? Yes He does, from Him, by His Spirit, through His Word...Not by our own intellectual reasoning. Man's philosophy has resulted in humanistic reasoning that is contrary to The Word of God. Through philosophy and not having The Word as the standard of righteousness, man has strayed from God to the point that he is no longer able to discern good from evil, right from wrong.
Philosophy has sowed seeds of doubt and unbelief concerning the validity of The Bible in the hearts and minds of many people. It's opened the door to the belief in evolution; the 'right' to abortion; the justification of sexual immorality; it has resulted in children being raised without any moral compass...and so much more.
I'd would venture to say that many people have indeed been spoiled through philosophy. So the warning to BEWARE has fallen on deaf ears, even to those in the 'church' to whom it was written. God help us to keep the right standard before us at all times, His WORD.
"...When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of The LORD shall lift up a standard against him." Isaiah 59:19
“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 #9473 is a reply to message #9460] |
Thu, 18 April 2013 12:43 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifer of him which believeth in Jesus.
Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." Romans 3:20-28
“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 #9489 is a reply to message #9473] |
Sat, 27 April 2013 15:13 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:1-2
I would like to share some of what The Lord has been showing me from Romans concerning salvation, grace, mercy, renewing of my mind,taking up my cross daily, and being a living sacrifice unto God. For several months I've been going over and over several books of the NT that really deal with these subjects, and The Lord has been deepening my understanding and opening my eyes more and more to the wonderful truth of His great Love for man.
In chapters 9-11 Paul reveals the plan of redemption for the Jews and Gentiles. God's sovereign Mercy and Grace and plan of salvation are shown and plainly explained. Mercy is mentioned 10 times(by my count) in chapters 9-11 and Paul explains how we are "vessels of mercy" on whom God chose to bestow the grace and favor of salvation. We deserved judgment because of our sins, Yet GOD, chose to have mercy and saved us by giving Jesus Christ to pay the penalty of death we deserved. Bringing us to chapter 12 of Romans.
First I want to give some word definitions from 'Vines Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words'...
Therefore: Therefore is "there for" the purpose of connecting what immediately preceedes it with what follows.
Sacrifice: The act offering, or "that which is offered".
Conform: "to fashion or shape one thing like another." "to give the same figure or appearance as..."
Transform: "to change into another form". "The obligation being to undergo a complete change which, under the power of God, will find expression in character and conduct...inward change."
So after reading (hearing) and understanding(believing & receiving) the awesome news[Gospel] of the Mercy and Grace given (not earned) us, we come to chapter 12.
"Therefore"...Because of what He has done, not in order to obtain our salvation by works we perform, we should present our bodies (whole selves) a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God...which IS our reasonable service. Let's examine the word "reasonable", it implies rational, logical; makes perfect sense. So in knowing what God's mercy has done for us, it only stand to reason for us to live our lives wholly holy for Him who has bestowed upon us this wonderful mercy and grace.
How do we do that? By not being conformed to this world, but being transformed by the renewing of our minds by the working of The Holy Spirit as His Word changes how we think, act, and live our daily lives. We establish in our hearts, by His grace, His Word as the Standard by which we measure everything. Not contemporary, humanistic reasoning; not by the way the post-modern society we live in defines righteousness and morality. Not drawn in (conformed) to that which appeases the flesh and "feels good", but as living sacrifices...offering up unto God daily, our complete will to know and do His...which is to love and obey Him...
“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 #9495 is a reply to message #9491] |
Sun, 28 April 2013 18:38 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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| william wrote on Sat, 27 April 2013 12:04 |
Our religion (in the good sense) is a religion of GRACE and our ethic, or what we do, is GRATITUDE.
In other words, we ARE saved by grace and what we do from that point is an expression of gratitude for that grace.
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Amen!
Today I was lead to I Peter 1 and "low and behold" (I hope that is an acceptable expression, my mother and grandmother used to use it often) I find a very similar message, just a different writer, Peter. He starts by addressing the letter to the scattered christians(I can relate...)building them up and reminding them of their(our) election, God's mercy, their hope in Jesus, their inheritance, the faith given them/us, the value of trials, and how blessed they/we are in that the prophets longed for the day of salvation.
Then there's another word used that ties what has been said with what needs to be done... Wherefore: which means "on account of" or "on account of this" or "because of this".
"Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
But as He which hath called you is Holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am Holy."I Peter 1:13-16
He goes on to tell us how privileged we are to be able to go direct unto God The Father in prayer, and what our additude should be, knowing the price that was paid for by The precious Blood of Jesus. Also we're reminded to love one another, then Peter calls to the readers rememberance the power of God's Word which lives and abides forever.
The Bible does not teach works salvation...That is a man made doctrine and sought by so many due to lack of understanding of who God is and what Jesus did, who we are and how hopeless we are apart from His saving Grace. Because of salvation we start to bear fruit, good fruit, and do 'works' of righteousness. It doesn't work when man tries to do it his way, earning salvation by works...that would mean that Jesus came, suffered, died, and rose again for nothing...and we KNOW that's completely false.
Yes, it's graditude and a privilege to take up our cross daily and follow Him, to see His work in our lives as The Holy Spirit transforms us into the image of Christ, yes, to even be holy as He is Holy. But all this only comes 'after' salvation, because of salvation; not to gain salvation...there isn't enough 'works' that any man can do to earn salvation...it's a FREE gift to ALL who will believe and receive Jesus Christ as LORD and Saviour.
Hallelujah!
“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 #9496 is a reply to message #9495] |
Thu, 02 May 2013 13:11 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." II Cronicles 7:14
Today has been declared National Day of Prayer; we know of the desperate needs of this nation, the wickedness going on all around us. We also know The Word of The Lord says judgment begins at the house of The Lord. The above call for repentance is unto my people who are called by 'My Name', that's us, Christians.
It begins with us...
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/05/02/on-national-day-pr ayer-america-needs-prayer-like-never-before/
"That's why the only hope is not merely a return to conservative values; it is a return to the biblical truth that we find only in the pages of scripture." ~Greg Laurie
[Updated on: Thu, 02 May 2013 15:48]
“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 #9503 is a reply to message #9489] |
Tue, 07 May 2013 15:14 |
james
Messages: 2138
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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I've been thinking more on Romans 12:1-2, especially concerning being a living sacrifice and the transforming of our minds. I believe scripture teaches that transformation is an ongoing or continuing process. I was looking at different translations and found several used the word changed instead of transformed. The 1599 Geneva Bible uses changed...
"I Beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye give up your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable serving of God.
And fashion not yourselves like unto this world, but be ye changed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God is." 1599 Geneva Bible
Some spiritual things happen instantly, such as forgiveness and our salvation; others take more time, such as the fruits of the spirit and gifts; others are a life long process, like the transformation of our minds and becoming like Jesus, as well as the daily offering of ourselves as living sacrifices(taking up our crosses daily and following Him). Each day as we seek The Lord and yeild to the teaching of The Holy Spirit, we are renewed/transformed more and more in our minds. It is a continuing process...
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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