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Bible Questions and Spiritual Discussion
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What kind of people are we?
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How can the body of Christ be in truth harmony and peace?
Is there really peace to be found within most churches today?
Consider the Scripture Jeremiah 6:14
we find a lot of superficial lip service, I agree with Larry and his desire for the people of God to do more for one another.
Consider the Scripture Colossians 3:15-16
15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
what does it say?
You must realize, It is not just a job of your pastor or those taking the lead in the church to minister to everyone!
Consider the fact that God is no respecter of persons.
Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Niv
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Kj
what does that say?, Not what does that say to you but what does that say?
Obey greatest of all the command love your God with your whole heart, and love your neighbor as you love yourself. This is what we all should be striving to do, being you're right mind. Realize you were not chosen because of your special qualities gifts. What does the Bible say ”God so loved the world that he gave his only son whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life” notice he doesn't say everyone with special skill gets to be on my team first. And the rest of you can join to but I want these people to be first, because I was planning on winning! We all have the peace of Christ, what are we using it for? What does it say that John 14:27 it's not the same as the world's imitation it has substance. Consider 1 John 3:17 do not let your heart be troubled do not be afraid. Don't you realize love casts out fear! Are you starting to understand it's the job every spirit filled believer in Christ to upbuild strengthen and help people within the body who are in need. What does 1 John 3:17 tells us?
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
1 John 3:17 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?
Are you starting to see how serious this is? Consider James chapter 2 verse 14 to 17 what does it actually say? What are you prepared to do? Does your faith prompt you to do what is right? Prayer was not designed as a way for us to advocate our responsibilities to other people. Prayer was designed for the things we cannot do. Especially the things that are beyond our power and ability to achieve. Read James chapter 2 verse 14 to 17 what does it say?
James 2:14-17 14What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?15If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food,16and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?17Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.
(Other Scriptures to consider Matthew 25:35, Proverbs 19:11, Ephesians 4:2) don't be so quick to take offense and don't be afraid of offending your brothers and sisters in Christ. Yes I said why? Because of
Matthew 6:14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Believe me that works in our favor, we need all forgiveness we get! You want to see your pastor have joy, you want to see your church prosper and be filled. Help one another, don't be afraid of doing the things you do well to help out those within the congregation no matter who they are. Because we all very well know faith without works is dead. Your faith and love should prompt you to do many things for your neighbor and your brothers and sisters in Christ if in fact they are your brothers and sisters. In not just name only I would encourage you to read James chapter 2 verses 18 through 26 it is my desire that everyone here today would experience the fruit of the spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Mgainst such things there is no law.
18But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”19You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.20But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?21Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar?22You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected;23and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called the friend of God.24You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.25In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?26For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
Do you realize the byproduct of true righteousness is true peace? (Consider the following Scriptures: James 3:18, Isaiah 32:17, Hosea 10:12) Feel free to use this if you wish, if it helps sincerely chad
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Chad 03/27/2013 23:30 |
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TRWord
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03/31/2013 22:44 |
When Jesus spoke of the children of the world many of us who call ourselves Christians believe that He couldn’t possibly be referring to us. We attend Church every Sunday, so He must be referring to those persons who spend their Sundays at the ball park.
Like many of my generation during my mid twenties I dumped Christianity and went seeking spirituality elsewhere.
I knew persons who were church going Christians well before I was born and yet they were sad totally defeated human beings.
This would not do, not for me.
But after running to and fro for a while, I realized that I had come to my conclusion based on the state of Christianity today and not on the people of the Book of Acts.
My eyes were opened when I was shown the difference between being religious and being spiritual.
The religious have no expectations other than being saved from hell. They are, for the most part, of the world and they serve God only for fear of hell.
But Jesus said: We cannot serve God and mammon.
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matt. 6:24
The true believer is willing to give up the world and take Jesus at His word.
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Matt. 6:25
You have to realize that there are two types of church goers the religious and the spiritual...... then choose your side.
In the book of Ecclesiastes the Preacher Solomon tells us that all earthly endeavors are vanities of vanities; futile.
Power and prestige, popularity and pleasure they are all vanities of vanities.
Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun? Ecclesiastes 1:2-3
Seeking “the way to life” is man’s only worthwhile purpose. And Jesus has made it clear that “strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
If your desire is to be one of that few, then as Paul said:
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 2 Cor. 6:17-18
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