Results 161 - 180 of 221
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Results from: Answers On or After: Thu 12/31/70 Author: Wild Olive Shoot Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
161 | people too blind to see good, (where)? | 2 Cor 4:4 | Wild Olive Shoot | 155888 | ||
L1952F, Maybe this will help. 2 Corinthians 4:3-5 3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus' sake. The Gospel has been rejected by many because of their blindness. WOS |
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162 | what it is to be born again? | 2 Cor 5:17 | Wild Olive Shoot | 161402 | ||
Dear Lirika, Please read John 3:1-21. To be born again means to be born from above. It is an act of God in which eternal life is given to the person who believes. See also: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 John 2:29; 3:9; 4:7; 5:1-4, 18. When you are saved or born again, you are spiritually renewed and are a child of God. "What it is that is required: to be born again; that is, First, We must live a new life. Birth is the beginning of life; to be born again is to begin anew, as those that have hitherto lived either much amiss or to little purpose. We must not think to patch up the old building, but begin from the foundation. Secondly, We must have a new nature, new principles, new affections, new aims. We must be born ano¯then, which signifies both denuo - again, and desuper - from above. 1. We must be born anew; so the word is taken, Gal_4:9, and ab initio - from the beginning, Luk_1:3. By our first birth we are corrupt, shapen in sin and iniquity; we must therefore undergo a second birth; our souls must be fashioned and enlivened anew. 2. We must be born from above, so the word is used by the evangelist, Joh_3:31; Joh_19:11, and I take this to be especially intended here, not excluding the other; for to be born from above supposes being born again. But this new birth has its rise from heaven (Joh_1:13) and its tendency to heaven: it is to be born to a divine and heavenly life, a life of communion with God and the upper world, and, in order to this, it is to partake of a divine nature and bear the image of the heavenly."-- Matthew Henry "The author of this blessed change, and who it is that works it. To be born again is to be born of the Spirit, Joh_3:5-8. The change is not wrought by any wisdom or power of our own, but by the power and influence of the blessed Spirit of grace. It is the sanctification of the Spirit (1Pe_1:2) and renewing of the Holy Ghost, Tit_3:5. The word he works by is his inspiration, and the heart to be wrought on he has access to. The nature of this change, and what that is which is wrought; it is spirit, Joh_3:6. Those that are regenerated are made spiritual, and refined from the dross and dregs of sensuality. The dictates and interests of the rational and immortal soul have retrieved the dominion they ought to have over the flesh. The Pharisees placed their religion in external purity and external performances; and it would be a mighty change indeed with them, no less than a new birth, to become spiritual."-- Matthew Henry WOS |
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163 | what it is to be born again? | 2 Cor 5:17 | Wild Olive Shoot | 161613 | ||
Lirika, In searching through forum posts, I found these three that I think can help you as well. If you would type the following ID numbers (individually) into the search box, I think you will find them very informative. 150753 151466 142232 WOS |
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164 | sin Psalm119:9-11 | 2 Cor 7:1 | Wild Olive Shoot | 169825 | ||
“the word of God is a most powerful antidote against sin, when it has a place in the heart; not only the precepts of it forbid sin, but the promises of it influence and engage to purity of heart and life, and to the perfecting of holiness in the fear of the Lord; and all the doctrines of grace in it effectually teach the saints to deny all sin and worldly lusts, and to live a holy life and conversation;” – John Gill 2Co 7:1 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. 2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: It shows us our sin and leads one away from sin by the grace of God. Most importantly, it shows us Christ and how to cleanse ourselves of sin by the blood He shed for us. WOS |
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165 | 2 cor 9:7 | 2 Cor 9:7 | Wild Olive Shoot | 191878 | ||
Dear hunt8873, Matthew Henry wrote regarding 2 Corinthians 9:7: “Due deliberation, as to this matter of our own circumstances, and those of the persons we are about to relieve, will be very helpful to direct us how liberal we should be in our contributions for charitable uses.” – Matthew Henry If your heart is not in it, and the giving is anything less than cheerful and voluntary, I would suppose that it would offend God. Pertaining to the verses you asked about, I think you may be referring to Malachi. Malachi 3:8-12: 8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. 9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. 11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. 12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts. Staying with Mr. Henry, he writes: “It is fit that we should venture first, for his reward is with him, but his work is before him; we must first do the work which is our part, and then try him and trust him for the reward. Elijah put the widow of Zarephath into this method when he said (1Ki_17:13), “Make me a little cake first, and then prove me whether there shall not be enough afterwards for thee and thy son.” That which discourages people from the expenses of charity is the weakness of their faith concerning the gains and advantages of charity; they cannot think that they shall get by it. But it is a reasonable demand that God here makes: “Prove me now; is any thing to be got by charity? Come and see;” Nothing venture, nothing win. Trust upon honour, “And you shall find,” [1.] “That, whereas the heavens have been shut up, and there has been no rain, now God will open to you the windows of heaven, for in his hand the key of the clouds is, and you shall have seasonable rain.” – Matthew Henry It was the law that required the tithes and offerings for numerous implied and suggested reasons and this was not being upheld for very numerous and presumptuous reasons. John Calvin said” "liberality is estimated by God, not so much from the sum, as from the disposition." What you give should be from your heart, and be willing to do so and gladly. There is no law requiring it. What God has given you, Himself, in His Son and His Spirit, should have you wanting to eagerly and cheerfully give. So do so as you can. I heard it said that the benefits of giving actually outweigh the sacrifice of giving. But I think you can add to that, only if the giving is from the heart and not out of compulsion. Stand in His Grace, WOS |
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166 | Biblical meaning of gossip | 2 Cor 12:20 | Wild Olive Shoot | 218524 | ||
Dear 561joshua01, 2 Corinthians 12:20: For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish--that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. I lean towards "slanderous whispering". Strong has the word for gossip, psithurismos, "From a derivative of psithos (a whisper; by implication a slander; probably akin to pseudomai); whispering, that is, secret detraction: - whispering. pseudomai: Middle voice of an apparently primary verb; to utter an untruth or attempt to deceive by falsehood: - falsely, lie. Hope this helped. Stand in His grace, WOS |
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167 | What does Galatians 1:1-2 mean | Galatians | Wild Olive Shoot | 149135 | ||
Galatians 1:1Paul,an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead), 2and all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: Paul, in writing this letter to the churches of Galatia, was addressing the letter in Greek fashion. Beginning with a formal salutation, the writer’s name, the recipient’s name and a greeting. In this he addresses himself with the title of Apostle. Those who had the unique authority from Christ to be His representative and the founders of the church used this title. Judaizing teachers were corrupting the Galatians by insisting Paul was teaching the “new” religion improperly. They claimed his commission as an Apostle was deputed or subordinate to the others, and that although Paul spoke to them against the doctrine of circumcision, he had indeed, given into it at other times in other places. Their claim was that he was subordinate to the other Apostles who were commissioned by Christ directly, when Christ walked with them. Paul was pointing out that his authority as an Apostle was indeed from Christ and not from any human agency. He points out that the risen Lord had directly commissioned Paul. Although Paul had not seen Christ in His humility, he had seen Christ and been commissioned in His resurrection power. Therefore Paul was an Apostle equal to the others and those who challenged his words were in reality challenging the words of our Lord. When speaking of all the brethren that were with him, he was revealing that he was not alone in his doctrine and those who were with him and traveling with him shared the same. People such as, Gaius and Aristarchus from Acts 19:29 and Sopater, Secundus, Timothy and Tychicus from Acts 20:4. Although those with him were not joint authors with him while writing, they did send their greetings and sentiments. Paul began the Epistle in this manner because he was soon to be defending his teaching due to the Galatians quick fall from the Gospel Paul had taught them when the Judaizers were infiltrating and denouncing Paul’s teachings. What Paul had taught the Galatians was not something that man made up. He received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. The Judaizers were preaching a perverted gospel and Paul would be attempting to bring them back to the truth. The first two versus of Galatians Chapter 1 really shows Paul’s authority and where it actually comes from as well as those he knows to be men of the true Gospel who were with him. WOS |
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168 | The deference | Gal 3:9 | Wild Olive Shoot | 154614 | ||
J. Vernon McGee has the following notes referencing Acts 2:1-4. This may help you. v. 1 — Pentecost took place 50 days after the Feast of Firstfruits (see author’s book, Learning Through Leviticus, Vol. 2, on Leviticus 23:15-22). “Fully come” means that this was the fulfillment of the meaning and purpose for which it was given. As the Feast of Passover depicts the death of Christ and the Feast of Firstfruits depicts the resurrection of Christ, the Feast of Pentecost depicts the beginning and origin of the church. (Five minutes before the Day of Pentecost there was no church; five minutes after the Day of Pentecost there was the church.) What Bethlehem was to the birth of Christ, Pentecost and Jerusalem were to the coming of the Holy Spirit. He began to baptize believers, which means He placed them in the body of Christ — identifying them with Christ as His body on earth (see 1 Corinthians 12:12, 13). v. 2 — It was not a wind but there was a sound “like a” wind. “Rushing mighty wind” means that it had the sound of a tornado so that all of Jerusalem evidently heard it. The sound of a tornado has been likened to that of a thousand freight trains. It was an appeal to the ear gate. v. 3 — “As of fire” means that it was not fire but looked like fire, appealing to the eye gate. This was not the baptism of fire, which is judgment yet to come, but the baptism of the Holy Spirit. v. 4 — “All filled with the Holy Spirit” indicates that all the other ministries of the Holy Spirit to believers in this age had already been performed, as they occur in this order: 1. Regenerating (John 3:5); 2. Indwelling (Romans 8:9); 3. Sealing (Ephesians 4:30); 4. Baptizing (Acts 1:5; 1 Corinthians 12:12, 13). The experience of Pentecost came from the filling of the Spirit — not the baptizing of the Spirit. The baptizing ministry of the Holy Spirit placed them in the church, the new body that came into existence here for the first time. See the rest at: http://www.thruthebible.org WOS |
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169 | Wasn't Jesus crucified on the cross? | Gal 3:13 | Wild Olive Shoot | 212193 | ||
Dear mlara, Welcome to the forum. The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus died on a cross. Matthew 27:32 Matthew 27:40 John 19:17 John 19:19 Philippians 2:8 Colossians 1:20 Colossians 2:14 Those are a few of the verses. From what I can gather, tree signifies cross as it is taught and is taken to mean that He became a curse for us as the reference to the tree is taken from Deuteronomy 21:22 and 23. Somebody please correct me if I've misstated. Stand in His grace, WOS |
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170 | God grant repentance? | Gal 3:23 | Wild Olive Shoot | 187465 | ||
Some additional commentary you may find interesting. “If God, peradventure, will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. Observe, (1.) Repentance is God's gift. (2.) It is a gift with a peradventure in the case of those who oppose themselves; and therefore, though we are not to despair of the grace of God, yet we must take heed of presuming upon it. To the acknowledging of the truth. (3.) The same God who gives us the discovery of the truth does by his grace bring us to the acknowledging of it, otherwise our hearts would continue in rebellion against it, for we are to confess with our mouths as well as to believe with our hearts, Rom_10:9, Rom_10:10. And thus sinners recover themselves out of the snare of the devil;” – Matthew Henry on 2 Timothy 2:25 “If God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth: repentance here designs a repentance of errors in principle, a change of mind upon conviction, and such as issues in a free and ingenuous confession, and acknowledgment of the truth before opposed; and such a repentance is the gift of God: it is he that opens the eyes of the understanding, and works conviction in the mind, and leads into all truth, as it is in Jesus; and induces men to repent of their errors, confess their mistakes, and own the truth; even as repentance of evil practices is not owing to the power of men, nor to the bare influence of means, but to the efficacious grace of God, it being a grant from him.” – John Gill on 2 Timothy 2:25 “for to give repentance to Israel; to the Israel whom God has chosen for himself, and Christ has redeemed by his blood, and whom the Spirit calls by his graee: these being sinners, as well as others, stand in need of repentance; and whereas this is not in any man's power, but is the free gift of God's grace; for though he should give men time and space to repent, and afford them the means of it, yet if he does not give them grace to repent, they never will, such is the hardness of man's heart; Christ is appointed to give this grace to the chosen ones, which he does by sending his Spirit to convince of sin, and to take away the stony heart, and give an heart of flesh:” - John Gill on Acts 5:31 Stand in His grace, WOS |
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171 | Retribution? | Gal 6:7 | Wild Olive Shoot | 201696 | ||
Dear Jeff, See my post 201693 which was addressed to Val. I was informed I should redirect. So I’ll do such. Sorry Val. Stand in His grace, WOS |
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172 | why did God put the devil on earth ? | Eph 1:11 | Wild Olive Shoot | 154459 | ||
If God did not allow for evil, would we serve God out of obligation only, since there would be no choice? If it were that evil and suffering were not permitted by God, could we truly understand what is good and how good it is? Even with the evil and suffering that God allows His children to undergo, it is evident that ultimately, God is glorified or is my perspective bent on this? Example: John 9 1As He passed by, He saw a man blind from birth. 2And His disciples asked Him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?" 3Jesus answered, "It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him. God does permit us to suffer in this manner? Responding to buckman but would appreciate input from BradK and Doc as well. WOS |
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173 | Verses 11-15 of Isaiah | Eph 1:12 | Wild Olive Shoot | 193569 | ||
I think so much of what we see today as “worship service” has allot of emptiness to it, especially that which is broadcast across our air waves. It seems so much is meant to stir the pot rather than the heart. Not trying to be cynical but we can carry out all of the so called worship we can muster, if it is simply for show, if it is not from the heart and true to God, there is no benefit to us. It was a long, long time that I recited The Lord’s Prayer as part of going through the motions because I felt it was an appropriate method of involving myself in prayer and that’s what I was taught. It was an awaking the first time I began to understand just how those words were real and instructive and not meant to be a mere “chant”, but so much more. On the other hand, an up note, I do believe there are many services out there, many churches, many peoples, who do truly worship from the heart. 1Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. “Be it ever in your remembrance, that to keep strictly in the path of your Saviour’s command is better than any outward form of religion; and to hearken to his precept with an attentive ear is better than to bring the fat of rams, or any other precious thing to lay upon his altar. If you are failing to keep the least of Christ’s commands to his disciples, I pray you be disobedient no longer. All the pretensions you make of attachment to your Master, and all the devout actions which you may perform, are no recompense for disobedience. “To obey,” even in the slightest and smallest thing, “is better than sacrifice,” however pompous. Talk not of Gregorian chants, sumptuous robes, incense, and banners; the first thing which God requires of his child is obedience; and though you should give your body to be burned, and all your goods to feed the poor, yet if you do not hearken to the Lord’s precepts, all your formalities shall profit you nothing. It is a blessed thing to be teachable as a little child, but it is a much more blessed thing when one has been taught the lesson, to carry it out to the letter. How many adorn their temples and decorate their priests, but refuse to obey the word of the Lord! My soul, come not thou into their secret.” – C. H. Spurgeon He desires our hearts and our obedience and so often, so many of us fall short. Stand in His grace, WOS |
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174 | How did Peter recognize who Jesus was? | Eph 1:17 | Wild Olive Shoot | 218398 | ||
Dear Humility, This is a question that I myself have pondered and honestly struggled with for quite some time. I found Matthew Henry's commentary in Matthew 16 to be helpful in understanding. I'll paste it below and pray it helps you as it did me. The very thing that had me is the fact that saving faith, saving grace is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8). We know Christ because He has been revealed to us, not because we searched, but because it was willed. As it is now, I would tend to believe it was back then and always. Matthew 16:1- 4: 1 And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered them, "When it is evening, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.' 3 And in the morning, 'It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. 4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah." So he left them and departed. "The demand was of a sign from heaven; this they desired him to show them; pretending they were very willing to be satisfied and convinced, when really they were far from being so, but sought excuses from an obstinate infidelity. That which they pretended to desire was, Some other sign than what they had yet had. They had great plenty of signs; every miracle Christ wrought was a sign, for no man could do what he did unless God were with him. But this will not serve, they must have a sign of their own choosing; they despised those signs which relieved the necessity of the sick and sorrowful, and insisted upon some sign which gratify the curiosity of the proud. It is fit that the proofs of divine revelation should be chosen by the wisdom of God, not by the follies and fancies of men. The evidence that is given is sufficient to satisfy an unprejudiced understanding, but was not intended to please a vain humour. Ant it is an instance of the deceitfulness of the heart, to think that we should be wrought upon by the means and advantages which we have not, while we slight those which we have. If we hear not Moses and the prophets, neither would we be wrought upon though one rose from the dead." - Matthew Henry Matthew 16:13 - 17: 13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" 14 And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. "1. The Christian religion is a revealed religion, has its rise in heaven; it is a religion from above, given by inspiration of God, not the learning of philosophers, nor the politics of statesmen. 2. Saving faith is the gift of God, and, wherever it is, is wrought by him, as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for his sake, and upon the score of his mediation, Phi_1:29. Therefore thou art blessed, because my Father has revealed it to thee. Note, The revealing of Christ to us and in us is a distinguishing token of God's good will, and a firm foundation of true happiness; and blessed are they that are thus highly favoured." - Matthew Henry Ephesians 1:16 - 23: 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. Stand in His grace, WOS |
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175 | what does it mean to be alive in Christ? | Eph 2:5 | Wild Olive Shoot | 171450 | ||
Ephesians 2:5, 6: 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: “He hath quickened us together with Christ. Our spiritual life results from our union with Christ; it is in him that we live: Because I live, you shall live also. 2. We who were buried are raised up, Eph_2:6. What remains yet to be done is here spoken of as though it were already past, though indeed we are raised up in virtue of our union with him whom God hath raised from the dead. When he raised Christ from the dead, he did in effect raise up all believers together with him, he being their common head; and when he placed him at his right hand in heavenly places, he advanced and glorified them in and with him, their raised and exalted head and forerunner.” – Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible WOS |
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176 | Eph 2:5-9 | Eph 2:8 | Wild Olive Shoot | 171452 | ||
Ephesians 2:8,9: 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. Salvation by grace through faith is a gift of God. No “works” we perform can in effect grant us our salvation. It is by God’s grace we are saved. WOS |
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177 | where in bible doesit say baptism saves | Eph 2:8 | Wild Olive Shoot | 201953 | ||
Dear belovedofgod, It doesn’t as far as I know, but baptism is still a command of our Lord that we are expected to adhere to. Ephesians 2:8-10: 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 1John 2:1-6: 1 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: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. Stand in His grace, WOS |
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178 | Who or what is gods true church | Eph 2:22 | Wild Olive Shoot | 201510 | ||
Dear fireandice, Easton’s Bible Dictionay defines it in part as such: “The church invisible “consists of the whole number of the elect that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one under Christ, the head thereof.” This is a pure society, the church in which Christ dwells. It is the body of Christ. it is called “invisible” because the greater part of those who constitute it are already in heaven or are yet unborn, and also because its members still on earth cannot certainly be distinguished. The qualifications of membership in it are internal and are hidden. It is unseen except by Him who “searches the heart.” “The Lord knoweth them that are his” (2Ti_2:19). The church to which the attributes, prerogatives, and promises appertaining to Christ's kingdom belong, is a spiritual body consisting of all true believers, i.e., the church invisible.” – Easton’s Bible Dictionary The true church is simply the visible who are those around the world who profess the true religion, and the invisible which is all of God’s elect that are under Christ, the Head. 2Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. Ephesians 2:19-22: 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Stand in His grace, WOS |
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179 | What is a prisoner of the Lord? | Eph 4:1 | Wild Olive Shoot | 149126 | ||
Paul was in prison in Rome when writing this Epistle. He was imprisoned for the Lord's cause, something that he was not ashamed of. What we see as being shameful and disgraceful, to be imprisoned, Paul considered the highest honor since he was imprisoned for God Himself, or for speaking the truths of God. Paul previously mentioned in Ephesians 3:1 that he was a prisoner of Christ. He was a prisoner because he was suffering for Christ’s sake and Christ’s cause. In that he placed the greatest honor, as should we. Keep in mind, while Paul considered his self a prisoner of Christ the Lord, remaining His faithful servant, Christ still cared for and protected him. Paul lived for Christ and Christ owned him. Therefore, Paul was a prisoner in Christ. But nonetheless, a prisoner for us, because it was his bringing God’s word to us for which he was imprisoned. WOS |
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180 | Imortant Question Of Life Situation | Eph 4:3 | Wild Olive Shoot | 189871 | ||
ddethdan, I hope the following is helpful. Faith in Christ is the key. Our love of Him and of others is able to smash the barriers we have put in place by our arrogance and tradition throughout history. Walk worthy of the calling my friend. Personally, I know Baptist’s who have a true love for their savior as well as Pentecostal’s. Wherever you may end up, remember this, focus on the Word of God, there you’ll find the truth. Ephesians 4:1-7: 1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. “Observe, Christians ought to accommodate themselves to the gospel by which they are called, and to the glory to which they are called; both are their vocation. We are called Christians; we must answer that name, and live like Christians. We are called to God's kingdom and glory; that kingdom and glory therefore we must mind, and walk as becomes the heirs of them.” – Matthew Henry “This unity of the Spirit is caused by a similarity of nature. Find a drop of water glittering in the rainbow, leaping in the waterfall, rippling in the rivulet, lying silent in the stagnant pool or dashing in spray against the vessel’s side—that water claims kinship with every drop of water the wide world over because it is the same in its elements. And even so there is a unity of the Spirit which we cannot imitate which consists in our being begotten again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” – C. H. Spurgeon “A Church that would keep the unity of the Spirit, again, must not consider itself to be so infallible that not to belong to its membership is sin. What right has any one Church to set itself up as the standard, so that those who do not join it are necessarily Dissenters? It is true my Episcopal brother is a Dissenter—he dissents from me! It is true he is a Nonconformist, for he does not conform to me—I would not, however, call him by such names lest I should arrogate to my own Church to be the one true church and so should break the unity of the Spirit.” – C. H. Spurgeon “Let us meet on equal ground! Let us lay aside all pretences to superiority! Let us really aid and not oppress each other! Let us mingle in prayer. Let us unite in confession of sin. Let us join heartily in reforming our errors and a true Evangelical Alliance will cover our land! If any church will take the Bible as its standard and in the power of the Spirit of God preach the name of Jesus, there are thousands of us who will rejoice to give the right hand of fellowship with a hearty greeting to all such!” – C. H. Spurgeon Spurgeon quotes taken from TRUE UNITY PROMOTED and can be read at the following: http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols10-12/chs607.pdf Stand in His grace, WOS |
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