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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #9505 is a reply to message #9503] |
Thu, 16 May 2013 16:08   |
 james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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God, throughtout His Word tells us to love Him and to love one another; it's never a sugestion, it's a commandment. Commandments that aren't only found in the OT, and comandments that aren't done away with due to a new covenant. Being under 'grace' doesn't give anyone a free pass on obedience to this commandment. Jesus, John, and Paul, all stress the importance of love, first to God and also to one another.
This is written as a reminder and an encouragement to us all to press in to both 'will' and 'to do' of that which we're instructed to do, love one another.
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye LOVE one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:34-35
commandment: "an injunction, charge, precept"; "to enjoin upon, to charge with."
love: "Love can be known only from actions it prompts." God's love is seen in the gift of His Son.(I John 4:9~ John 3:16)
"Love describes the additude of God toward the human race, generally, and to such as believe on Jesus Christ, and His will to His children concerning their additude one toward another."
"God's love is not due to the excellency of it's objects, or worthiness.(Romans 5:8) It is an exercise of Divine Will, a deliberate choice, made without assignable cause save that which lies in the nature of God Himself."(Deuteronomy 7:7-8)
Having God's love as our example,(giving and forgiving, non-arbitrary, not based on the merit of the recipient.) and being commanded by Jesus to have this "love/actions" one for another, let us do so. (John 14:21 John 15:12 Rom. 15:2 Gal.6:10)
“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 #9507 is a reply to message #9505] |
Fri, 24 May 2013 17:14 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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I came across this poem the other day and it blessed me...(Please don't let the word Jehovah being used instead of Yahweh distract from the meaning of the words)
" In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His Name by which He will be call: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." Jeremiah 23:6[which is translated by some as JEHOVAH TSIDKENU in Hebrew]
" I once was a stranger to Grace and to God,
I knew not my danger, and felt not my load,
Though friends spoke in rapture of Christ on the tree,
Jehovah Tsidkenu was nothing to me.
I oft read with pleasure to soothe or engage,
Isaiah's wild measure and John's simple page;
But e'en when they pictured the blood-sprinkled tree,
Jehovah Tsidkenu seemed nothing to me.
Like tears from the daughters of Zion that roll,
I wept when the waters went over His soul,
Yet thought not that my sins had nailed to the tree
Jehovah Tsidkenu-'t was nothing to me.
When free grace awoke me by light from on high,
Then legal fear shook me; I trembled to die;
No refuge, no safety in self could I see,-
Jehovah Tsidkenu my Savior must be.
My terrors all vanished before the sweet name,
My guilty fear banished, with boldness I came
To drink at the Fountain, life-giving and free:
Jehovah Tsidkenu is all things to me.
Jehovah Tsidkenu! my tresure and boast;
Jehovah Tsidkenu! I ne'er can be lost:
In thee shall I conquer by flood and by field,
My cable, my anchor, my breastplate and shield!
Even treading the valley, the shadow of death!
This "watchword" shall rally my faltering breath;
For while from life's fever my God sets me free,
"Jehovah Tsidkenu!" my death-song shall be."
~Robert M. McCheyne (1813-1843)
“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 #9536 is a reply to message #9507] |
Tue, 04 June 2013 15:29 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"THE NEVER-FAILING GOD..."
"...For He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5
"What line does my thought take? Does it turn to what God says or to what I fear? Am I learning to say not what God says, but to say something after I have heard what He says? "He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."
"I will in no wise fail thee"___not for all my sin and selfishness and stubbornness and waywardness. Have I really let God say to me that He will never fail me? If I have listened to this say-so of God's, then let me listen again.
"Neither will I in any wise forsake thee." Sometimes it is not difficulty that makes me think God will forsake me, but drudgery. There is no Hill Difficulty to climb, no vision given, nothing wonderful or beautiful, just the commonplace day in and day out___can I hear God's say-so in these things?
We have the idea that God is going to do some exceptional thing, that He is preparing and fitting us for some extraordinary thing by and by, but as we go on in grace we find that God is glorifying Himself here and now, in the present minute. If we have God's say-so behind us, the most amazing strength comes, and we learn to sing in the ordinary days and ways."
~taken from the June 4th entry of the daily devotional book, "My Utmost For His Highest", by Oswald Chambers
[Updated on: Fri, 07 June 2013 13:45]
“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 #9540 is a reply to message #9536] |
Wed, 05 June 2013 23:30 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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" By Him [Jesus] therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually,
that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His [Jesus] name." Hebrews 13:15
“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 #9554 is a reply to message #9540] |
Mon, 10 June 2013 17:16 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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BIBICAL EXAMPLE OF FAITH...
In John 4 we find an interesting and revealing example of faith; the nobleman who came to Jesus in Cana of Galilee concerning his son who was sick unto death. According to John the only miracle Jesus has done in His ministry, at this point, was turning the water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana. Yet this nobleman came to Jesus seeking healing for his son. Notice he didn't go to the doctors, he came unto Jesus.
"Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.
The nobleman saith unto Him, Sir, come down ere my child die.
Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. "John 4:48-50
Later in verse 53 we see that after the man returned home and found that his son had been healed the hour Jesus had told him, he believed along with his whole house. Now we see that he 'believed ' Jesus' Word concerning the healing(also keep in mind that Jesus hadn't been crucified to redeem man unto God yet..."by His stripes ye were healed", so the man didn't have this promise to place in faith in. No, he just had the Word of Jesus that his son liveth and by 'believing' He who made that promise, he received that which he asked; which led to his and his family's salvation.[Or was that really what happened?]
It seems to me that there were two 'faith/believing' going on here; first Jesus said that unless the man see signs and wonders he wouldn't believe[unto salvation?], yet when Jesus told him that his son liveth...he believed Him and went on his way.
So was it the man's faith that healed his son, or Jesus' spoken Word? I believe it was Jesus...in order to encourage the man and his family to 'believe ' unto salvation, based upon the miracle Jesus had done. Jesus knew that was the only way the man would believe who He was, The Messiah.
“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 #9555 is a reply to message #9554] |
Tue, 11 June 2013 13:28 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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ANOTHER BIBLICAL EXAMPLE OF FAITH...
In Matthew 8 we find the account of the centurion who came to Jesus seeking healing for his servant who had palsy and was tormented. Jesus offered to come to his house and heal the servant; but the centurion felt unworthy for Jesus to even enter under his roof. Yet he believed that Jesus had the power to just speak the word and he would be healed. This prompted Jesus to say:
"...Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." Matt. 8:10
"And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour." Matt. 8:13
So here we find an example of where faith was present in the life and heart of a man without the display of signs and wonders(though it's possible he had witnessed them at an eariler time). Jesus marvelled at the man's understanding of authority and belief that Jesus could and would heal the servant without even having to be there in person.
The centurion obviously was persuaded/convienced/assured that Jesus had the power to speak a Word and healing would occur.
Two examples, both Jesus used to teach and encourage his followers [us] in faith. Which lesson do you think he'd like to see displayed in us? Waiting until we've seen signs and wonders to believe and be converted; or receiving His Words spoken as promises we can totally rely upon?
In both cases we know that the faith to believe was a gift from God, not for either of them to boast of[or us].
“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 #9566 is a reply to message #9555] |
Mon, 17 June 2013 12:37 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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This old hymn came to mind this morning as I was praising and thanking God for His Love and Mercy...Is He not worthy of our praise ALL THE DAY LONG? Doesn't knowing Him as Lord and Saviour give us assurance? What a story, Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave Himself for us...Let's share that story so that others may have that blessed assurance in Him. Amen?
Blessed Assurance
"Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, What a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His Blood.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Saviour all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Saviour all the day long."
“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 #9596 is a reply to message #9566] |
Sun, 23 June 2013 14:14 |
Mark L
Messages: 856
Registered: October 2006
Location: Canada |
Senior Member |
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Did you know we are going to the glory and splendor of New Jerusalem? Of course you do. I was just thinking about it. Actually the song was going through my head.
The entrance requirements of course is the salvation experience and a walk with the Lord.
You can read
"Meanderings on Scripture by Mark
https://mlederman.substack.com/
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #9597 is a reply to message #9596] |
Sun, 23 June 2013 17:59 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Yes sir! The New Jerusalem, now that's going to be something. There's a song about the New Jerusalem but I can't think of it right now. But this one does rise up in my spirit...
What a Day That Will Be...
"What a day that will be
When my Jesus I shall see
And I look upon his face
The One who saved me by his Grace
When He takes me by the hand
And leads me through the promised land
What a day, glorious day that will be."
"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. Rev. 21:1-5
“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 #9601 is a reply to message #9600] |
Wed, 26 June 2013 13:28 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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ENCOURAGEMENT FROM GOD'S WORD...
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but GOD is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."1 Corinthians 10:13
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."James 1:2-5
“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 #9603 is a reply to message #9601] |
Sun, 30 June 2013 18:35 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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CONTENDING, DEFENDING, OR PRETENDING?
"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." Jude 1:3
The question I'm asking myself is this, am I (you can examine your own hearts) really contending for the faith that has been delivered unto me? Am I defending the faith, or am I just pretending? Another question that comes to my mind is this, does "The Faith Message"(the true Biblical message of faith taught from cover to cover in God's Word) need 'defending' by me or anyone else?
I conclude that while I/we should earnestly contend (as encouraged to do in God's Word, which by the way, doesn't mean to be contentious), and not allow Satan to steal what I've received, The Word of God doesn't need my defense. It has stood true since God spoke It, and will continue in It's power to save, deliver, and heal forever. The faith that has been delivered unto me has resulted in me being delivered from death unto life, from darkness into light, from a life dominated by sin and rebellion into the righteousness of Christ, from hopelesssness unto assurance. The One who gave Himself for me has given me a heart to believe and trust in Him.
I'm gratiful for "The Faith Message", I'm gratiful for the messenger who delivered it unto me, but I'm most gratiful for knowing Him, Jesus, whom the message is about, and His Love and Mercy. And to argue/defend that message with anyone who refuses to receive it only makes me feel as though I'm just pretending.
Share it, present it as instructed? Absolutely. But argue and debate word definitions without understanding that the letter killeth without The Holy Spirit to open eyes and hearts to what God is communicating to His people? No, I don't see any positive fruit coming from that.
“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 #9604 is a reply to message #9603] |
Tue, 02 July 2013 12:34 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness." Zechariah 13:1
There Is a Fountain
There is a fountain filled with blood,
Drawn from Immanuel's veins,
And sinners plunged beneath that flood,
Lose all their guilty stains.
The dying thief rejoiced to see
That fountain in his day;
And there have I, though vile as he,
Washed all my sins away.
Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious Blood
Shall never lose its pow'r,
Til all the ransomed church of God
Are safe, to sin no more.
E'er since by faith I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme,
And shall be til I die.
When this poor, lisping, stamm'ring tongue
Lies silent in the grave,
Then in a nobler, sweeter song,
I'll sing Thy pow'r to save.
~William Cowper~ 1772
“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 #9605 is a reply to message #9604] |
Wed, 03 July 2013 01:29 |
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GWB
Messages: 708
Registered: March 2008
Location: Louisville, Ky area |
Senior Member |
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There was a young man who continually condemned himself for a particular sin that he had committed years ago.
At his church, there was an elderly woman who claimed to have dreams, visions, and to even hear from God audibly.
The young man was leary, and approached the woman. "If you hear from God, ask Him what the sin was that I committed long ago."
At the next church meeting, the young man asked the woman if she had heard from God and what was the sin.
She replied, "Yes, I asked Him. He said that He did not remember."
Shalom,
GWB
"Be still and know that I am God."
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #9609 is a reply to message #9608] |
Fri, 05 July 2013 12:42 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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A Song of Trust in The LORD's Protection...
"In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; we have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.
Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.
Trust ye in The LORD for ever: for in The LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:" Isaiah 26:1-4
“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 #9611 is a reply to message #9609] |
Sun, 07 July 2013 18:20 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Influencing the World, or Being Influenced by the World...
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and GLORIFY your FATHER which is in heaven."Matthew 5:16
A light is used to 'show the way' or 'light the way'. "The Way", is the way of Jesus; love, holiness, kindness, mercy, doing acts of goodness, and helping others. Good works performed with the additude of loving one another is what Jesus did and expects of His followers. Him in us is our light; doing unto others as we'd have done unto us is contrary to the ways of this world. If all of us who are followers of Jesus would be more diligent in our commitment to be DOERS of The Word and not just hearers or readers, we would start seeing our world change...for the better, godly influence.
The purpose of shinning our light and doing good works? To draw men unto God, that they too will love Him and glorify Him. Jesus came as a servant and we are called to have the same mindset, esteeming others above ourselves.
Figuring out the problems of this world isn't that hard; being part of the solution requires a lot more than "Monday morning quarterbacking". This message was for me, but if it speaks to your heart then I'm sure The Lord won't object if you start applying it in your lives.
“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 #9613 is a reply to message #9611] |
Sun, 07 July 2013 20:10 |
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william
Messages: 1464
Registered: January 2006 |
Senior Member
Administrator |
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Yes, for me too!
The other day it dawned on me that much can be discerned about a person by finding out how they view other people.
Here is an example: Let's say that you are sitting on a park bench observing people. Over to your right you see a couple making-out on a blanket. Across the way you see a poorly dressed wrinkled old man chugging wine from a bottle. Over to the left you see a pimp all blinged-up with a girl on each arm and standing by a very fancy car.
Now all of us have the ability to quickly size-up people; here is what I see -- a couple of fornicators, a bum, and some pride-filled lovers-of-pleasure.
As I sit there, smug in my self-righteousness, I can thank God I'm not like them.
Or...
I can mourn this display of fallen humanity and think about all of the hopelessness that these lives represent BECAUSE they don't know Jesus.
The first thought gives me all of the self-satisfaction that categorized the pharisee in the parable of the Pharisee and Publican:
Luk 18:10-14 KJV - Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
This perspective will never motivate me to do anything. I'll continue to just sit and judge.
But the second perspective has the ability to motivate me to action... having pity and compassion helps us to move beyond the attitude that says "good riddance! you people will just continue to reap what you sow and eventually will end up in hell," to actually DOING something.
The reason for the messed up state of humanity is their lack of knowledge about God. Knowledge that I've been granted, in a small measure, to know. Knowledge that can deliver and set free!
So if my perspective on fallen humanity is one of compassion then it becomes my duty to help those people... not condemn them, which is, if I understand it, the point of your message.
Blessings,
William
I want to believe!
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #9614 is a reply to message #9613] |
Mon, 08 July 2013 00:32 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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| william wrote on Sun, 07 July 2013 15:10 |
So if my perspective on fallen humanity is one of compassion then it becomes my duty to help those people... not condemn them, which is, if I understand it, the point of your message.
Blessings,
William
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YEP!
That is the point, God's love/light flowing through us. We should be compelled to 'good works'/deeds of kindness, to ALL men, not just our brothers and sisters in Christ. I'm ashamed to say that too often I've reflected the additude of the judging pharisee rather than loving servant of God.
Just today I heard a pastor bring up the quote we've all heard but seem to so easily forget...We as Christians should "Preach the gospel always, and if necessary, use words."
“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 #9627 is a reply to message #9611] |
Sun, 21 July 2013 19:02 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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| james wrote on Sun, 07 July 2013 13:20 |
Influencing the World, or Being Influenced by the World...
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and GLORIFY your FATHER which is in heaven."Matthew 5:16
A light is used to 'show the way' or 'light the way'. "The Way", is the way of Jesus; love, holiness, kindness, mercy, doing acts of goodness, and helping others. Good works performed with the additude of loving one another is what Jesus did and expects of His followers. Him in us is our light; doing unto others as we'd have done unto us is contrary to the ways of this world. If all of us who are followers of Jesus would be more diligent in our commitment to be DOERS of The Word and not just hearers or readers, we would start seeing our world change...for the better, godly influence.
The purpose of shinning our light and doing good works? To draw men unto God, that they too will love Him and glorify Him. Jesus came as a servant and we are called to have the same mindset, esteeming others above ourselves.
Figuring out the problems of this world isn't that hard; being part of the solution requires a lot more than "Monday morning quarterbacking". This message was for me, but if it speaks to your heart then I'm sure The Lord won't object if you start applying it in your lives.
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"People don't care what you KNOW...
until they KNOW that you CARE."
I've heard it said more than once in reference to drawing people into the 'church', "what you use to draw them in with, you'll have to continue to use in order to keep them." Usually refered to in a negative context such as puppet shows, feel-good cotton candy messages, christian rock concerts for the youth, ect...BUT, if people are draw to 'The Church' by experiencing the Love of Christ through the loving/caring actions of believers without strings attached, then the odds of winning them to Jesus and making disciples of them increase tremendously.
We all know the scriptures on loving one another (I John 4:7-8) and loving God but we're also told to love our enemies. So if we're to love God, each other, and our enemies; that about covers everyone, right?
The point? Before we start pounding people with doctrine and 'deeper truths', maybe we could offer them what they obviously need; food, gas, cut their grass, wash their car, buy them some clothes, give them a hug and ask if there's anything we can do for them, pray for them...
Again this word is for me; I'm being led back to the basics of Christianity because the inventory of fruit I've produced seems so poor in relation to the time and tools I've been given for the job. Maybe [I/we/some of us?] have omitted an intergral component...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 #9628 is a reply to message #9627] |
Mon, 22 July 2013 10:38 |
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Gary
Messages: 1025
Registered: August 2008
Location: Indiana |
Senior Member |
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James,
A lot of what you are saying has some truth here. But I have been going back through the gospels and I intend to reread them again to see what is Jesus saying to us His disciples.
I have noticed in the Book of Luke, Jesus was invited on a number of occasions into different Pharisees homes on the Sabbath, and they had their scribe and lawyer friends present at these meals.
In quite a few places Jesus who is the guest in their homes knowing their thoughts would come right out and call them hypocrites, vipers, and other names. Then shared some truth in a parable denouncing their practices.
Can you imagine going into someones home for a meal in todays economy and calling them a brood of vipers, hypocrites, etc..
Jesus who is Love and our example as such, did not mince words as the Gospels show.
What I am saying is it depends on the circumstance your involved in. The world is trying to silence Christianity when it comes to mentioning anything about sin or truth, the next step will be just don't mention the Bible at all but have Love and we will follow.
Love is bringing them the harsh reality that hey your going to hell if you do not repent of your sin. As watchman on the towers of life we "will not be easily" accepted by today's crowd if we follow the Bible and will be seen as outcasts of society if we keep telling everyone what this Book called the Bible is saying.
Truth is these last days will not be received by the world because they love their sin and hate that which is good. Even in many churches they will turn their ears from the truth.
I guess this is the other side of the coin. Are we concerned about their souls or hurting someone's feelings out there? The truth is, the world does not hold back why then should the Christian hold back. God told Jeremiah not to fear their faces and what they might think about us.
Jesus at these gatherings is coming right to the point and not beating around the bush. The world wants Christianity to become a humanistic group that remains silent.
Gary
[Updated on: Mon, 22 July 2013 10:45]
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #9631 is a reply to message #9627] |
Mon, 22 July 2013 19:36 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Again this word is for me; I'm being led back to the basics of Christianity because the inventory of fruit I've produced seems so poor in relation to the time and tools I've been given for the job. Maybe [I/we/some of us?] have omitted an intergral component...LOVE.
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 Love you guys, like I said, it was for me. Don't worry too much about me slobbering on people...[BIG grin]
Hopefully, The Holy Spirit will give wisdom and discernment concerning how to apply what He is showing. And should it be that my actions reflect any political party's values (or lack thereof), it would only be coincidence cause I do not associate myself with either; I'm seeking to reflect Jesus Christ in more than just words.
*afterthought: Don't be too hard on me, I'm already walking on eggshells, I'm afraid I've gotten into Tom's doghouse and he might ask me to relinquish the 'star' he awarded me earlier. 
[Updated on: Mon, 22 July 2013 19:43]
“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 #9671 is a reply to message #9632] |
Sat, 17 August 2013 10:57 |
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Gary
Messages: 1025
Registered: August 2008
Location: Indiana |
Senior Member |
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Matthew 13:24-43 NKJV Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. 26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. 27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.
36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.”
37 He answered and said to them: “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. 39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. 40 Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, 42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!
This is very interesting, Its those who "practice" lawlessness.
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #9672 is a reply to message #9671] |
Sat, 17 August 2013 12:12 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"This is very interesting, Its those who "practice" lawlessness."
1 John 3:4 NKJV"Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness."
1 John 3:4 ESV"Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness."
From this scripture we see that sin is lawlessness, so since we know we all have sinned the question we should ask is, what does the word "practice " mean? Opps! Looks like another word study...
practice: Webster dictionary defines practice as "actively engaged in a specified way of life." So according to this definition practicing lawlessness means, actively engaged in sinning as a way of life.
It's the heart God is looking at; does a man, born again, when he sins (misses the mark), come before The Father seeking mercy with a repentant heart (1 John 2:1-2) with Jesus as our advocate, or continue to commit the sin due to fleshly lusts or a hardened heart? I think that's the difference between 'practicing lawlessness/sin' and 'missing the mark' from time to time. A lifestyle vs occasionally; a heart that grieves over sin vs a heart that winks at and excuses sin.
[Updated on: Sat, 17 August 2013 16:40]
“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 #9678 is a reply to message #9673] |
Sun, 18 August 2013 21:36 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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Jeremiah's Statement of Faith...
"Ah LORD GOD! behold, Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by Thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for Thee:"Jeremiah 32:17
“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 #9683 is a reply to message #9681] |
Thu, 22 August 2013 12:21 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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It's a shame and disgrace what goes on in the name of 'religion' and the way the Gospel is twisted and distorted, both in the pulpits as well as through the media.
"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the Gospel of Christ.
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." Gal. 1:6-9
There's another sad story developing here in Birmingham, Alabama that centers around the young man (google Matt Pitt, the basement) who started 'The Basement' movement here about 10 years ago. He has been arrested for the second time for impersonating an officer of the law. Last year he was given a two year probation and now he was arrested the other day for doing it again. His probation has been revoked and he must serve his original one year sentence plus what ever comes from this recent charge. My heart grieves for those kids who looked up to him and was under his influence.
While I am thankful that false ministers and ministries are exposed, hopefully opening the eyes of those being deceived and following them, still it's sad to see. This man is only 30 years old himself, and has been thrust into the national lime-light at such an early age and told how wonderful he is...hopefully he can aee the error of his ways and repent and come unto 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 #9684 is a reply to message #9683] |
Fri, 23 August 2013 05:36 |
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Gary
Messages: 1025
Registered: August 2008
Location: Indiana |
Senior Member |
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I watched the interview with Matt Pitt and this scripture comes to mind:
1 Timothy 3:5-7
5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
I think with anything we are seeing a distortion of the abundant life message. The new prosperity gospel is not what Jesus was preaching to His disciples.
The abundant life is a life in Christ, serving and following the Son of God.
I don't believe God is against us having material things but it is when the deceitfulness of riches start to choke out the Word of God. Then comes the cares of this life.
Jesus said, A man who has forsaken all will receive lands and houses a hundredfold in this life, with persecutions.
At what point does material things start crowding out the Word?
On the one hand we have to realize we do have a lot of toys in this country. Many distractions, that easily crowd out our time with God. The message of the gospels is not "how to get rich quick scheme".
Sometimes I wondered if we were not crossing over into this thinking with all the talk of Cadillac faith, abundant living, etc. etc.. Obtaining material things became the goals of many. What does it matter if you have a Cadillac versus an old Ford truck they both get you to your destination.
I don't see Paul believing for the newest Chariot to get him to Rome quicker so he could spread the gospel. He didn't even believe for a ship to get across the sea to minister either. Sounds like Paul was preaching a little different message here.
This new message seems to be the gospel (prosperity), that everyone is preaching these days.
With anything its the matter of attitude and where are a man's affections.
I better quit here before I hit the wrong button and erase this.
Gary
[Updated on: Fri, 23 August 2013 05:47]
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #9685 is a reply to message #9684] |
Fri, 23 August 2013 12:33 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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My understanding of Biblical prosperity has changed through the years as has the desire for possessions. I remember a lot of people in the 'faith camp' claiming various material items such as Lincoln's and Cadillac's. I 'think' I recall it being said that if you claimed [by faith] a '82 car and got a '81 that is wasn't faith.
Maybe when Jesus told us to take no thought for tomorrow and to seek first His Kingdom [Matthew 6:25-34]some didn't take it literally. If He said He'd provide, and He did, then our focus should be on eternal things and leave it up to Him when to manifest our daily needs. He promised to do it if we'd trust and obey...as I've gotten this into my heart and put it into practice(not to imply I'm perfected or without ever having any worries) I have NEVER missed a meal or failed to have my material needs met, I own very little compared to most Americans(house or land) yet I KNOW what I have is priceless. A fire can't destroy it, a tornado can't blow it away, no man can steal it, and it'll never rust and decay, no depreciation or bankruptcy is possible...I have a Saviour, Jesus Christ; a Father, The Almighty God; and The Holy Spirit within me that loves me and has delivered me from death, fear, and corruption unto Life eternal with Him...Praise His Holy Name, Thank You, Jesus.
[Updated on: Fri, 23 August 2013 16:20]
“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 #9687 is a reply to message #9685] |
Sat, 24 August 2013 00:54 |
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Gary
Messages: 1025
Registered: August 2008
Location: Indiana |
Senior Member |
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| james wrote on Fri, 23 August 2013 07:33 |
My understanding of Biblical prosperity has changed through the years as has the desire for possessions.
If He said He'd provide, and He did, then our focus should be on eternal things and leave it up to Him when to manifest our daily needs. He promised to do it if we'd trust and obey.
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I have wrestled with this in my own life.
While I know God said He would bless us, I realize its not about things. What was that teaching, A man could have ten cents to his name and still be covetous.
We are blessed with faithful Abraham, I can see were people put all the scriptures together and come up with this mindset, that leads to the prosperity gospel.
Remember the old song, "the things of the earth grow strangely dim". I think the more you grow in the Lord material items just become a means to an end, or at least the reality of it all finally sinks in.
If you think about it we can take nothing with us, who wants to have all this rusted, corroded junk anyway, when you have heaven where moth and rust cannot enter.
Gary
[Updated on: Sat, 24 August 2013 10:20]
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| Re: Bulletin Board [message #9689 is a reply to message #9688] |
Sat, 24 August 2013 12:03 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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| Alanbook wrote on Sat, 24 August 2013 05:49 |
James from what you shared on your view of Biblical prosperity changing I agree but we must also recognize that Jesus said He would give us lands and houses, if we forsake all and follow Him. God said He would prosper us as our souls prosper.
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Yes, Mark 10:29-30 does say that, and I've certainly no problem with people owning homes and property, I started to include that statement in the above post but didn't. But I have wondered before if the interpretation we've come to is correct. I know it's used a bunch by the 'prosperity gospel' preachers. I've also wondered just how many people are 'believing God' for the promised persecutions that come along with the restoration of those things forsaken for Jesus and the Gospel. Something to think upon and pray about...imo
“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 #9702 is a reply to message #9689] |
Thu, 29 August 2013 11:38 |
james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL |
Senior Member |
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"Sing unto The LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day His salvation.
Declare His glory among the heathen, His marvellous works among all nations.
For great is The LORD, and greatly to be praised: He also is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the people are idols: but The LORD made the heavens.
Glory and honor are in His presence; strength and gladness are in His place.
Give unto The LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto The LORD glory and strength.
Give unto The LORD the glory due unto His name: bring an offering, and come before Him, worship The LORD in the beauty of holiness.
Fear before Him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved.
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say amonf the nations, The LORD reigneth.
Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein.
Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of The LORD, because He cometh to judge the earth.
O give thanks unto The LORD, for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever." I Chronicles 16:23-34
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”
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