God Bless you Molly. Thankfully the Lord Jesus always has a Word in season to him (or her!) that is weary! How healing that Word is! God Bless you all.
Molly is no longer with us. She deleted her membership.
Joined: Apr 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 357 Location: Good ol' NC!
Re: Are You Weary? « Result #3 Today at 3:35pm »
God Bless you Molly. Thankfully the Lord Jesus always has a Word in season to him (or her!) that is weary! How healing that Word is! God Bless you all.
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Eph. 2:8
Joined: May 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 19,188 Location: "Seated in heavenly places"
Re: Romans 14 « Result #4 Today at 11:20am »
Treating Each Other As Worthy (Because He Is) – Romans 14:10 Glen Caneel
(Romans 14:10) “But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.”
In the movie The Godfather Part 2, the lead character Michael Corleone (played by Al Pacino) is betrayed by his older brother Fredo. At one point in the story after Michael discovered this ultimate act of disloyalty, he tells Fredo, “Fredo, you’re nothing to me now. You’re not a brother, you’re not a friend. I don’t want to know you or what you do.” The word “nought” carries with it this kind of meaning. Nought is translated from the Greek word exoutheneō and is defined by Strong as “contemptible, despise, least esteemed.” Thayer’s definition is similar by stating, “to make of no account, despise utterly.”
In his great prophecy of the crucifixion of Christ, Isaiah wrote in chapter 53 verse 3, “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.”
In prophesying about His own death, in Mark 9:12 the Lord Jesus Christ said, “And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.”
Finally, we see the fulfillment of these prophecies in Luke 23:11, “And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.”
Satan’s answer, religion’s answer, and the world’s answer for dealing with offenses is to carry out judgment by esteeming the offender worthless and treating them as such. But just like Michael Corleone, I’ve heard people say the same thing about their own family or other Christians – “You are nothing to me” when they deem the offense great and the offender as a big NOTHING. Patience and mercy have been exhausted. There seems to be an unseen ledger in the minds of many people where the relative worth of an individual is measured by whether they contribute to the “bottom line.” As long as someone is able to provide, they are worthy. But when someone is looked upon as more of a liability than an asset, they are cut off. When someone can no longer contribute something to this running total of self-worth, the offended esteems the offender as worthless – they are “set at nought.”
Praise God that His patience and mercy are never exhausted. Even though the world set the Son of God at nought, God never esteems us less than worthy of His love. There is nothing we can contribute to the self-worth of God yet He paid the ultimate price to bring us into relationship with Him. It never even entered into the mind of God to set us at nought. He has never said and will never say, “You are nothing to me.” This would deny His own love, mercy and grace demonstrated by the cross. When we look at each other in the Body of Christ, do we esteem worth of people by what we deem worthy or by who God says they are and the price He was willing to pay for them? Do we look at another in contempt because they don’t contribute to our own sense of self-worth or meet the demands of our personal ledger? Do we measure people by their knowledge or by their identity? We are worthy because He is worthy. We are esteemed because He is esteemed. We are valued because He is valued. God looks at us in Christ Jesus and He says, “You are worth everything to Me.” Look across denominational lines and doctrinal barriers through the vision of Almighty God and see the true value God places on all those in Christ.
Renewed Thought – God never measures our worth by what we understand, where we go to church, or what we call ourselves. Our value is totally and completely tied to the identity of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our total worth has already been demonstrated by a blood-stained cross and an empty tomb.
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Re: Who is the Bride of Christ? « Result #7 Today at 8:57am »
We have discussed this topic in a couple other threads in the past, but it's good to rethink these things. I have personally changed my view on it over the years. I used to agree with Stam, but after I learned the differences between Israel and the body, I believe that we are not a bride.
I don't see how Galatians 4:26 has anything to do with being a bride. Even if we live in the New Jerusalem how does that make us a bride? I don't get that. We do get to enjoy many of Israel's blessings but I think Sadler has given more than enough scriptural proofs that being a bride is not one of them.
Re: Who is the Bride of Christ? « Result #8 Today at 8:10am »
I chimed in with a couple of thoughts:
I think both Pastors make good points and as it isn't a Salvation issue it's not one of contention for me. I agree with Pastor Kurth on several things including this: "While it is important to see dispensational distinctions between us and Israel, it is important to be willing to observe the connections we have with Israel also."
I'll mention just a few things that make me tend to agree with Pastor Sadler on this. He says, "In our quest to rightly divide the Word of truth certain "words" and "phrases" are identified with the Prophetic program while others are associated with the Mystery. Interestingly, the "Bride of Christ" is an unscriptural phrase that is foreign to both programs of God. It is merely a theological expression that originated in the futile mind of man to describe those who will be present at the marriage of the Lamb preceding the kingdom (Rev. 19:7-9). The exact phrase used in prophecy is only found in the Apocalypse where one of the seven angels said to John: "Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife" (Rev. 21:9).
Though we need to be aware of our connections with Israel here is a passage that I think is directed to Israel in a personal sense. If you continue through that chapter you'll find that though there are general references to "the foundation", "the nations", "the Lamb's book of Life", etc...the personal references are all to Israel and not the Body. vs 12-"...twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:" vs 14-"And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." vs 22-"And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it." vs 24-"and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it."
Another point is that as Pastor Sadler said there is no "Bride of Christ" in Scripture. The "marriage of the Lamb" refers to those saved under the kingdom gospel as he referenced in Revelation 19:7. Are there Gentiles saved under that program? Yes, just as there were before Paul brought us the risen Christ's message of Grace but the point is not whether or not Gentile's can be "the bride of Christ", rather regardless of whether one is Jew or Gentile the program they were saved under determines the eternal role we play with Christ. There are several other things to look at but I think the Body of Christ will be witnesses at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Those saved under the kingdom gospel are "the Chosen" or "the Bride". Those saved under the gospel of Grace are "the Body" or those who will attend the marriage of the Bride to the Lamb. I know I sure want to be in that audience.
There is more to study here and good points to consider on both sides of this discussion.
Re: Who is the Bride of Christ? « Result #9 Today at 8:08am »
The person who asked the question asked Pastor Kurth what he thinks. Here is Pastor Kurth's response:
Me too....however, it simply astonishes me the grace between grace believers...as Pastor Kurth believes totally different. When I read his article, I find I believe this too....so....I am trying to study about this more, or table it for awhile and see if the Lord brings full clarity to me. See what you think...
Pastor Kurth said, "Here is a short version of my thoughts on the Bride, a letter I send out when asked about this subject: Grace pastors disagree about the Bride. Our founder, Pastor C.R.Stam, taught that the Bride was made up of the saved of all ages, including the Body of Christ. Our current president, Pastor Paul Sadler, believes the Bride is limited to redeemed Israel. But he graciously allows me to teach what I believe about this, and I agree with Pastor Stam.
The only place the Bible tells us who or what the Bride is in Revelation 21:2,9,10:
"And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
"...Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
"And he...shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem..."
Thus the only time we are told what the Bride is, it is identified as New Jerusalem.
Some dispensationalists believe that this means that the Bride can only be made up of Jews, because of their association with the old Jerusalem. However, Paul says to members of the Body of Christ,
"...Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all" (Gal.4:26).
Paul speaks here in contrast to "Jerusalem which is now" (v.25), speaking rather in Verse 26 of the New Jerusalem, which was then--and still is--"above" us, having not yet descended as we read in Revelation 21. And Paul says that the New Jerusalem is "the mother of us all."
This should be compared to Romans 4:16, where Paul says that Abraham is "the father of us all." He means that believing Jews and Gentiles of all ages who come to God as Abraham did (by faith) can claim Abraham as their spiritual father.
But in my mind this also means then that the saved of all ages can call New Jerusalem their spiritual mother, and that we are part of the Bride of Christ. Paul says that you and I are "married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead" (Romans 7:4), and he is speaking of Christ. Of course, in Christ we have now what Israel has to wait for.
It is interesting in this connection that in Psalm 132:13,14, God says that He will live in Jerusalem "for ever". If you and I are going to ever live with the Lord, as we are promised in I Thessalonians 4:17, then we are going to have to live in New Jerusalem.
The imagery that Paul uses in Ephesians 5:31,32 and II Corinthians 11:2 only serves to confirm my conviction that we are part of the Bride of Christ.
Some grace pastors teach that New Jerusalem is not our eternal abode, but if this be so, then there is no description given in the Bible of our eternal abode, and this is an oversight that I don't think God would make. Rather, I think that the reason Paul doesn't describe our eternal abode is because there is no need for it. It is already described in Revelation, and other parts of the Bible. Just like Paul doesn't say much about the doctrine of hell--never even uses the word--because it is interdispensational, and is fully described in other parts of the Bible.
Just because the New Jerusalem is mentioned in Revelation, we mustn't assume that it can't have anything to do with the Body of Christ, for a couple of reasons. First, because Paul also mentions it in Galatians 4. But also, consider this:
Revelation 5:13 speaks of "every creature which is in heaven..." The Book of Revelation is describing the Tribulation period. During the Tribulation period, the Body of Christ will be in heaven, i.e., will be one of those "every creature"s which are in heaven. And so when Revelation 5:13 says that "every creature which is in heaven...heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne," that include us, for we will dwell in heaven at that time. If it doesn't include us, then Revelation 5:13 is not telling the truth.
My point is that while we weren't the people that John had in mind when he wrote Revelation 5:13, we are part of the people that God had in mind when he wrote it. And in the same way, while John had Israel in mind when he spoke about the New Jerusalem, I believe that God had us in mind as well when John wrote about the New Jerusalem.
While it is true that originally the Bride was a Jewish concept, I believe that we as members of the Body of Christ are incorporated into the Bride, much as we are incorporated into other things that were originally Jewish, such as salvation (John 4:22), and the "kingdom" (Colossians 1:13). The New Testament was also made "with the house of Israel" (Jeremiah 31:31), but we are also later incorporated into this (IICorinthians 3:6) through the ministry of the Apostle Paul. Likewise the Lord's Supper was originally Jewish in nature, as the Lord gave it to the 12 apostles, but Paul incorporated us into this observance in ICorinthians 11:23ff.
Pastor Stam (who also taught that we are a part of the Bride) often said that while we see many distinctions between the Body of Christ and Israel, we mustn't ignore the connections. If we believe that members of the Body of Christ will ever be able to have fellowship with kingdom saints like Abraham and David, we have to believe that we will be together with them sometime in eternity future. If so, when and where might that happen? I believe it will happen when God gathers us all together in Christ (Ephesians 1:10). Paul doesn't say where we will all be gathered together, but I believe that it will be in the New Jerusalem, which is "the mother of us all" (Galatians 4:26).
It is interesting that Revelation 21:16 describes New Jeusalem as 1322 miles square, and 1322 miles TALL. That means that while it is established on the earth, it will jut out into the heavens. That means that from within New Jerusalem, Israel can rule the nations on earth, the Body of Christ can "judge angels" (ICor.6:3) in the heavens, and yet the Body and the Jews can have fellowship with one another within New Jerusalem.
None of this should be thought strange . We now partake of many of the things that originally pertained to Israel.
For instance, Romans 9:4 speaks of "Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption", and yet Paul says that we now partake of the adoption (Romans 8:15;23; Gal.4:5; Eph.1:5).
Romans 9:4 also speaks of "Israelites; to whom pertaineth...the glory", and yet Paul uses the word "glory" 94 times.
Romans 9:4 also speaks of "Israelites; to whom pertaineth...the service of God", yet Paul says that serving God is now "our reasonable service" (Romans 12:2).
The "seed of Abraham" originally included only Jews, but Paul says that in Christ we too have been included in Abraham's seed (Gal.3:14-16).
As you can see, it is not good to assume that just because something pertains to Israel, that it cannot pertain to the Body of Christ. The Bride, the New Jerusalem, is just another one of the things that originally pertained to Israel, that Paul says we are now a part of.
While it is important to see dispensational distinctions between us and Israel, it is important to be willing to observe the connections we have with Israel also. And being part of the Bride is part of those connections.
In closing, I won't be disappointed if you don't agree, but it is the only way the Bible makes sense to me. Pastor
Re: Who is the Bride of Christ? « Result #10 Today at 8:06am »
In response to the above question I posted an article by Pastor Sadler that, at this point, I'm in agreement with.
The Bride of ChristBy Paul M. Sadler
As we plow through mountains of correspondence here at the Berean Bible Society, there is often a recurring theme. Of late, many have been inquiring as to whether or not the Body of Christ is the Bride of Christ. We have always taken this to be the leading of the Holy Spirit since these letters come from different parts of the country, indeed, the world. If the ministry has taught us one thing, it is this: Birds of a feather flock together! In other words, if one has a question of this sort others are normally standing in the shadows pondering the same thing.
Although the Bride of Christ falls under the classification of a "secondary issue" the very nature of the subject has a profound effect on how certain passages are interpreted. Through the years, Pastor Stam and I have been in about 85 percent agreement when it comes to rightly dividing the Word of truth. However, one area that we have never seen eye to eye on is the issue under consideration. Brother Stam believes that the Body of Christ is numbered with the company of believers commonly known as the Bride of Christ. We have had a number of spirited discussions on the matter, all of which ended in the old "Mexican standoff." There were times as we left the room together, he would chuckle and exclaim, "Paul, some day you will see the light!"
Mindful of whom I was discussing these eternal issues with, I have weighed the evidence very carefully under the microscope of Paul's gospel. After bringing everything into focus, I am more convinced than ever that the Body of Christ is not the Bride, the Lamb's wife. To me it seems terribly inconsistent to make distinction after distinction between Israel and the Church and then turn around and say that they are one in the same, that is, the Bride of Christ. Of course, some teach that the "Body" is the Bride, not Israel, but this is simply not supported by the facts. One thing is clear in this discussion: the opinions of men are inconsequential in view of the eternal question, "What saith the Scriptures?"
WORDS AND PHRASES In our quest to rightly divide the Word of truth certain "words" and "phrases" are identified with the Prophetic program while others are associated with the Mystery. Interestingly, the "Bride of Christ" is an unscriptural phrase that is foreign to both programs of God. It is merely a theological expression that originated in the futile mind of man to describe those who will be present at the marriage of the Lamb preceding the kingdom (Rev. 19:7-9). The exact phrase used in prophecy is only found in the Apocalypse where one of the seven angels said to John: "Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife" (Rev. 21:9).
The terms "bride," "Lamb," and "wife" (in relation to the marriage of the Lamb) are woven throughout the pages of prophecy. For example: "He that hath the bride is the bridegroom" (John 3:29 cf. Jer. 2:32). "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29 cf. Isa. 53:7). "...for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready" (Rev. 19:7 cf. Isa. 54:4-7).
One will search in vain to find any of this terminology in St. Paul's epistles. In fact, Paul frequently makes reference to Christ as Savior, Lord and Head, but he never speaks of Him as the Lamb of God and for good reason. In prophecy, God had graciously imparted the sacrificial system which foreshadowed the once-for-all sacrifice. Thus, Christ was the sinless, spotless Lamb of God who satisfied the righteous demands of the law. He was consistently portrayed as the innocent victim-a lamb being led to the slaughter (Lev. 4:32-35; Isa. 53:3-. With the introduction of a new dispensation, Christ is portrayed in a completely different light by the Apostle Paul. Today, He is the Lord of glory, the mighty victor who has conquered sin through His death and resurrection (I Cor. 2:8; 15:20-23).
THE BRIDE IN PROPHECY Who is the Bride of the Lamb? Thankfully, we do not have to rely upon our own human reasoning for an answer to this perplexing question. The Scriptures are explicitly clear that the "Bride" is Israel. When John the Baptist was asked why all men sought the Master and his ministry was fading in glory, he responded: "He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:29,30).
Working in reverse order, clearly the "friend of the bridegroom" is John the Baptist. John says that it was cause for rejoicing upon hearing the voice of the bridegroom. "...this my [John the Baptist's] joy therefore is fulfilled." The "bridegroom" is none other than Christ Himself. In the previous verse John stated that he was "...not the Christ, but that I am sent before Him" (vs. 28). He then confirms this by applying the illustration of the bridegroom. John was merely the forerunner to prepare the way for the Messiah. Hence, "He [Christ] must increase, but I [John] must decrease" (vs. 30).
Bearing in mind that the gospel according to John is a record of the earthly ministry of Christ, the "bride" is obviously Israel. John the Baptist plainly declares in this record:
"And I knew Him not: but that He should be made manifest to ISRAEL, therefore am I come baptizing with water" (John 1:31). Did not our Lord instruct His disciples to "Go not into the way of the Gentiles....But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of ISRAEL"? (Matt. 10:5,6). Did not our Lord say concerning Himself at that time: "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of ISRAEL"? (Matt. 15:24).
Moving farther along in the gospel according to Matthew, we have the parable of the ten virgins (Matt. 25:1-13). Here we learn that only believing Israel will participate in the actual marriage of the Lamb. You will recall that there were five wise virgins and five foolish. When the bridegroom delayed his coming the lamps of the unwise virgins ran out of oil as they slumbered. Therefore, the five foolish virgins, representative of the unsaved, were unprepared when the midnight cry came "Behold, the bridegroom cometh!" While they went to purchase oil, the Bridegroom came "...and they [five saved virgins] that were ready went in with him to the marriage" (vs. 10). In addition, this portion teaches us that the marriage will take place when our Lord returns in His glory at the close of the Great Tribulation (vs. 13).
The above is confirmed by the Apostle John in the Book of Revelation.
"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints" (Rev. 19:7,. Here in the context of the Second Coming of Christ, believing Israel is said to make herself ready. This is in keeping with the Prophetic program insofar as the kingdom saints did not have the assurance of their salvation. Consequently, they were instructed to overcome, seek and ye shall find, endure to the end, etc. (Matt. 6:33; 24:13; I John 4,5). Surely, this cannot be said of the Church, the Body of Christ. We are not only eternally secure, we have the assurance of it. As members of His Body we are accepted in the Beloved and therefore complete in Him (Eph. 1:6; Col. 2:10).
It should also be noted that John refers to Israel as the "wife" of the Lamb. Of course, this excludes the Body of Christ as participants in this ceremony inasmuch as Paul always addresses us in the masculine gender. Christ is our Head, not our groom. But in what sense is Israel the "wife" of the Lamb if she is to be united to the Messiah in the holy bonds of matrimony? The answer lies in the law of the betrothal (Deut. 22:23-25).
In days of old, when a man and woman came together before a rabbi, they were betrothed to one another. Similar to our present day engagement, the betrothal was a binding agreement wherein the parties were actually classified husband and wife. Upon completion of the ceremony, the couple returned to their respective homes for one year. This period was to give the husband an opportunity to prepare a home for his bride-to-be. It was also to ensure that the woman had been faithful, and was not with child. Of course, it was during this time that Mary was found with child before she and Joseph had come together in the intimacy of the marriage relationship (Matt. 1:18-25).
In this regard, Christ has returned to heaven to prepare a place for His bride in the kingdom. Since this aspect of the kingdom of heaven is brought to the earth, it will be like heaven on earth. As the tribulation period runs its course, Israel will be observed to determine who among them have been faithful to the commands of Christ contained in the kingdom gospel (John 14:1-3 cf. Luke 19:11-27).
It is imperative that we glean from all of these principal passages that the marriage of the Lamb will occur on the earth when Christ returns to set up His kingdom. Following the wedding, the Apostle John was instructed to write:
"Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb" (Rev. 19:9). These guests are undoubtedly the kingdom Gentiles who will be invited to enjoy the blessings of the coming Golden Age (Matt. 25:31-46; Luke 14:15-24).
THE BRIDE AND PAUL'S EPISTLES It is essential that the reader keep in mind that the Church, the Body of Christ was hid in God from ages and generations past. Thus with the advent of the administration of Grace a number of new metaphors are applied to the Church, such as: Body, stewards, ambassadors, etc. Some seem to think that Paul does, indeed, speak of us as the Bride of Christ in Ephesians 5. But they have failed to distinguish between Paul's usage of a metaphor and a simile. A well-respected theologian from the turn of the century writes:
"The confounding of the Church as the Bride in Ephesians 5, has resulted from not seeing the Figure of Speech used throughout the passage is that of Simile, and not Metaphor: `Metaphor' places one thing for another. It is representation. `Simile' is but resemblance. We must therefore not say when comparing one thing with another that that one thing is another. Observe the continued comparison between Christ and the Church of His Body, and the conduct of wives and husbands. Note the presence of simile in every instance, and the absence of metaphor."
"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, AS UNTO THE LORD" (vs. 22). "For the husband is the head of the wife, even AS CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH" (vs. 23).
"Husbands, love your wives even AS CHRIST ALSO LOVED THE CHURCH, and gave Himself for it" (vs. 25).
"For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even AS THE LORD THE CHURCH" (vs. 29).
So then, the apostle by using a simile instead of a metaphor is desiring to show the resemblance between the marriage relationship and Christ and His Church. Paul points to the love relationship to demonstrate that "as Christ loved the Church," husbands should love their wives. In like manner, wives are to emulate the Church by submitting to their own husbands. Nowhere in the portion under consideration does the apostle use the metaphor of a bride. In fact, just the opposite is true: "...and He is the Savior of the BODY" (vs. 23). "For we are members of His BODY, of His flesh, and of His bones" (vs. 30).
"For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you AS A CHASTE VIRGIN TO CHRIST" (II Cor. 11:2).
Insofar as the Corinthians had a propensity to live carelessly, the apostle again uses the marriage relationship to show the importance of living a godly life in Christ Jesus. Marriages are built on trust, fidelity, purity of heart and life. Paul was challenging the Corinthians to be faithful to the one who called them into His grace. We should add that since the apostle uses the pronoun "you" in this context it would seem to indicate that he was merely addressing this local assembly of believers, and not the whole Body of Christ. Paul had founded this assembly and naturally had a godly jealously over them as their spiritual father. Of course, we would do well to heed the apostle's admonition lest we too follow in the footsteps of the Corinthians.
It is our firm conviction that the Body of Christ is not the Bride, the Lamb's wife. We believe to teach otherwise is to bring a kingdom truth into the Body of Christ where it is not only unnatural, but a forced interpretation. May God in His grace give us a Berean spirit to study to see if these things are so. AMEN
Who is the Bride of Christ? « Result #11 Today at 8:04am »
Hi all,
I'm in a good discussion where this question came up.
"Who is the Bride of Christ?
What do you believe and why? Please tell me what you believeand using Scripture. Thanks...I am trying to study this out..."
That's a good question on many levels. I'm going to post answers that were given to the above question in a few posts so this post isn't so long. I look forward to reading what you guys/gals think about this. I know there's a lot to digest here so responses may take a while.
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Eph. 2:8
Joined: May 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 19,188 Location: "Seated in heavenly places"
11/27 OUR ONLY BOAST « Result #12 Today at 7:48am »
OUR ONLY BOAST by Cornelius R. Stam
"God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ..." (Gal. 6:14).
St. Paul was once a proud Pharisee, smug in his self-righteousness. In Philippians 3:5,6, he lists some of the things in which he took great pride:
"Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless."
But everything was changed since that day when the Lord appeared to him on the road to Damascus. Suddenly he had seen himself a lost, condemned sinner in the sight of a holy God and had tasted the matchless grace that could reach down from heaven and save even him. He knew now that he could not stand before God in himself, or "on his own two feet," as we say. His only safety before the bar of God was to take refuge in Christ, as he says in Verse 9: "And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith."
Now he knew, as we all should know, that he really had nothing to boast of as far as his own standing before God was concerned. For the rest of his life, however, he did constantly boast of one thing: the cross, where the Christ he had so bitterly persecuted had died for his sins that he (Paul) might be justified before God. All else of which Paul boasted was embraced in the cross of Christ. This too is really the only thing we have to boast of and the most godly saint will enthusiastically join Paul in saying:
"BUT GOD FORBID THAT I SHOULD GLORY, SAVE IN THE CROSS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, BY WHOM THE WORLD IS CRUCIFIED UNTO ME, AND I UNTO THE WORLD."
Re: Favorite basketball teams « Result #14 Yesterday at 3:04pm »
Houston Rockets! McGrady , and the big one: Yao Ming. Houston is one of the elite teams in the league,but it remains to be seen if they can succeed in the playoffs. They failed in the first round of the playoffs last season, should have beaten Utah, yet they did not.I was so disappointed.
Re: What did you say? « Result #15 Yesterday at 3:00pm »
all i can say that god's love is very powerful, he sacrifice his life to save us and he will never leave us..all we need is faith on him in everything we do..and give thanks to him always for all the blessings!
Re: Are You Weary? « Result #16 Yesterday at 2:57pm »
thanks for that! it really help me a lot in my life and from now on i will just read that verse and think of whats written on it whenever i gave problems and fears encountered!
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Eph. 2:8
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“In” Everything…Give Thanks « Result #17 Yesterday at 9:13am »
“In” Everything…Give Thanks Glen Caneel
(1 Thessalonians 5:18) “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
For a long time in my Christian life, this verse was more of a burden than a blessing. I believed this verse was a commandment to be thankful for everything that happened to me. If I had a tire blow out on a busy freeway, I was to be thankful for the shredded tire and the opportunity to risk my life putting on the new one. If I lost my job, I was to be thankful for the loss. If I came down with a deadly disease, I was to be thankful for the sickness. If someone close to me died, I was to be thankful for their departure. But one day something changed my thinking about this verse and revolutionized my life.
There is a difference between the word “In” and the word “For.” Many Christians, including myself, live as though this verse began with the word “For.” We get focused on the circumstances going on around us and try to be thankful for those circumstances. We get frustrated as hardships pile on us and we feel as though God is bringing these things on us to teach us a lesson on how to be thankful for anything that may happen. Many times the result is resentment and bitterness against God. After all, what kind of loving God would bring so much grief to His children? But praise the Lord He doesn’t tell us to be thankful “for” everything! The preposition “in” is primarily defined as “denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state).” This means God doesn’t want me to focus on my circumstances as a basis for my thankfulness. He wants me to be thankful through my circumstances! In spite of what life may throw my way, my thankfulness is based on something bigger than the problems and trials and hardships. When I hear the doctor say the dreaded “C” word, He is faithful to be there for me whatever the outcome. When I suffer the loss of someone that tears my heart to shreds, He is faithful to be there to bring me through the grief and every promise in His Word continues to be true. When I find myself in an economic situation that causes me to wonder how I will survive the week, He is faithful to comfort my heart and calm my fears. He is the focus, He is the center, He is the source of the solution in every situation. We learn to grow in grace by looking to God and God alone. This is what allows us to be thankful “in” everything.
As Americans celebrate Thanksgiving today as our forefathers did when they first came to this continent, many of us are hurting. Many lost their jobs. Some don’t have a home. Some are working through the devastation of a divorce. Some are far away in a land fighting for our freedom. Regardless of where we are or what has hurt us, God is faithful. He promises to be there for us whether we acknowledge we need Him or not. He is standing by for you in your situation ready to wrap you in His love and comfort your grieving heart.
This is the love that allowed Job to say, “blessed be the name of the LORD” after he lost everything including his children. (Job 1:21)
This is the love that allowed David to say, “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1)
This is the love that Paul experienced in the midst of a hurricane yet he sat down to eat and “gave thanks to God in the presence of them all.”
Use this opportunity of thanks giving to be a day of “thanks living.” Cry out in your heart to the Lord and praise Him for Who He is. Look for an opportunity to be a blessing to someone in need. This is the privilege of giving thanks “in” everything.
Renewed Thought – When we yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit, we see our inability to live this Christian life. We see the possibility of God living it through us. The Spirit-filled life in realization of His grace produces a life of thankfulness. (Ephesians 5:18-20)
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Eph. 2:8
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11/26 THE TRUTH « Result #18 Yesterday at 7:21am »
THE TRUTH by Cornelius R. Stam
The Bible is unique among books as Christ was among men, in that it is the only book that claims repeatedly and consistently to be the truth.
It begins with the majestic words: "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." It does not argue the case; it simply states it. The sacramental introduction to the prophecies is: "Thus saith the Lord," and a hundred fulfilled prophecies prove that the Bible is indeed the Word of God -- the truth.
Without apology it refers to:
The "manifestation of the truth" (IICor.4:2). The "knowledge of the truth" (IITim.3:7). Those who "have erred concerning the truth" (II Tim.2:18). Those who "resist the truth" (IITim.3:8). Those who "hold [hold down, suppress] the truth in unrighteousness" (Rom.1: 18). Those who "turn away their ears from the truth" (IITim.4:4). Those who "believe and know the truth" (ITim.4:3). Those who "acknowledge the truth" (Tit.1:1). Our Lord said to His Father: "Thy Word is truth" (John 17:17). Paul wrote to those who were saved when they "heard the word of truth, the gospel of [their] salvation" (Eph.1:13).
Where the truth is concerned God's Word is all we need, for:
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction in righteousness;
"That the man of God may be perfect [complete], THOROUGHLY FURNISHED unto all good works" (II Tim.3:16,17).
Łĭņďα ~Admin~ Justified by Faith member is offline
Eph. 2:8
Joined: May 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 19,188 Location: "Seated in heavenly places"
11/25 "THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY" « Result #19 on Nov 25, 2009, 6:20am »
"THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY" by Russell S. Miller
"For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth [hindereth] will [hinder], until he be taken out of the way.
"And then shall that wicked [one] be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming:
"Even him [anti-Christ], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders" (IIThes.2:7-9).
In this world-system "the mystery of iniquity" is connected with foreign intrigue, espionage, politics, and liberalism, but this short study shall focus upon the professing church with its modernism, ecumenicalism, and neo-evangelicalism. There is no principle, or cause, that these men will not sacrifice upon the altar of their global economy and one world religion. And this wickedness was already at work in Paul's day under the guise of different names, but nevertheless just as subtle:
"For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him" (IICor.11:4; see also verses 13-15).
Satan, of course, is responsible for all the confusion, wickedness, and lawlessness that is in this world. It is Satan who "hates" our "Liberty" in the Lord Jesus Christ and seeks only to "steal" and to "kill" and to "destroy" (John 8:44; IICor. 3:17; John 10:10). But the "love" of God was manifested in the cross of Calvary where "CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS" (ICor.15:3,4).
"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them" (IICor.4:3,4).
Nevertheless God has not given us "the spirit of fear" but rather He has commissioned us with "the mystery of godliness" today, and equipped us with the ability "to make all men see WHAT IS THE FELLOWSHIP OF THIS MYSTERY, which from the beginning of the world hath been HID IN GOD, who created all things by Jesus Christ" (Eph.3:9) until He takes us, His blood-bought Church, out of this sinful world. Such preaching, in the power of the Holy Spirit, will suppress "the mystery of iniquity" (Rom.1:16-18; IITim. 3:5) and further the cause of Christ in this world.
The commission, which God has given members of the Body of Christ -- Romans 16:25,26 -- has been ridiculed and slighted even by Christians for many long years now. It is about time they woke up to the stark and stern reality, that Paul's Gospel hinders the ministers of iniquity!
Łĭņďα ~Admin~ Justified by Faith member is offline
Eph. 2:8
Joined: May 2005 Gender: Female Posts: 19,188 Location: "Seated in heavenly places"
Re: THE CHURCH AT PENTECOST « Result #20 on Nov 24, 2009, 1:21pm »
I think the point is, that Gen. 1:1 can't be taken dispensationally. The destiny of a group of people who is at that time still a mystery cannot be what is in view there.
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