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Post by John on Jan 21, 2019 13:14:58 GMT -5
Thanks Candance. I completely agree.
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Post by Abby-Joy on Jan 21, 2019 13:31:57 GMT -5
Yep! So do I (agree with what Candance has written).
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Post by frienduff on Jan 21, 2019 13:35:19 GMT -5
I am not sure how you would crucify the good? A person must be willing to consider that some things they perceived within themselves as good are not good by God's standards, but that isn't he same as crucifying the good. I don't think that to simply be aware you are doing the right thing in certain areas and continuing to do that gives you any reason to boast in self, given all the areas we all fall short. Doing the right thing because the Bible says to do something to me is to take up your cross and follow Jesus, as he told us the way we should walk in scripture.
Let’s revisit what Paul told Phillipi: For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 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 what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 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 — Philippians 3:3-9He didn’t use “flesh” here in terms of sinful deeds. He was talking about humanistic methods of being good. Consider my scenario about a new convert who comes to Jesus with effective social skills. Here’s how most new Christians handle it: Thank You for saving me, Jesus. Now that I’m in your camp, check out these amazing social skills I learned from human psychology tactics. What an asset they will be to Your kingdom! Why, I’m practically doing You a favor! No, no, I don’t need the Holy Spirit to transform me here, I got this. Here’s how the NT tells us to handle it: Lord, I come to You as a little child who doesn’t presume to have anything You need. I want to be completely conformed to Your ways and completely dependent on the Holy Spirit prompting. Lord, You see that I have these social skills I’ve been using to influence people. Let this not be an idol in my life. Let me not use it a crutch in place of Your instruction. Lord, I lay this at Your feet, and I begin with a clean slate. If there be any usefulness in these skills, I ask YOU to tell me the parts that are worth keeping, and YOU to use these skills as a tool under Holy Spirit prompting. Those are very different approaches. This dangerous idea that law-abiding Jews enter the church as ready-made spiritual adults is a direct reflection of this. Yes, we strive to obey Him and do good works — but we don’t rely on the world to give us good behavioral skills which we then trot into the church. It doesn’t work that way. When you first said it , I KNEW and seen this very scripture . when butero asked the very same scrip came again to my mind . I was getting ready to answer this , BUT YOU DONE DID . THIS IS RIGHT .
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Post by frienduff on Jan 21, 2019 13:37:50 GMT -5
I assume we all know what time it is , YES ITS LORD PRAISING TIME . IT IS . Flat out cant think of onereason not too PRAISE THE LORD . and if I were to count all the reasons we should praise Him, I don't think all the books could contain it . IT IS LORD PRAISING TIME .
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Post by frienduff on Jan 21, 2019 13:39:27 GMT -5
Butero is tearing through the posts like a man on fire . WELL, ITS TIME TO ONLY INCREASE our pointing the LORD and sound doctrine . YES , I did say increase , and praises too . prayer too . Put the hands up and rejoice n the LORD .
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Post by frienduff on Jan 21, 2019 13:41:45 GMT -5
I almost envison it like butero on fire and he keeps running through white gas . BUT ITS HIGH TIME WE ALL just increase in exhorting and contending for the true faith . Cause we sure wont be exhorted by much of what I see n churches and the world aint taking no time off to try and rid GOD out of it . SO WE GONNA MOUNT UP with wings like eagles and proclaim JESUS and HIS SOUND DOCTRINE to all that has breath . The lambs feast only on truth
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PG4Him
Senior Member
Essay Moderator
Posts: 3,570
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Post by PG4Him on Jan 21, 2019 13:49:12 GMT -5
One more thing and then I’m done. Have another look at John 3. If you think you can enter the body of Christ as a ready-made adult with no “born again” experience, you’re not understanding what it means to be born again.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. — John 3:3-7
Good moral values “born of the flesh” are still flesh. They don’t feed your spirit person. Ministries born of the flesh are forever dependent on fleshly techniques. Praying in the flesh will forever pray amiss. Prophesying in the flesh will forever prophesy presumptuosly. Giving alms before men will forever earn an empty popularity reward. That which is flesh will always be flesh.
How can an adult be born again? How indeed.
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Post by discipler777 on Jan 22, 2019 1:49:52 GMT -5
The fundamental question is whether a strong moral compass you are taught through human/social means is of any benefit in God’s eyes. Regardless of whether it will give you everlasting life, does it make you a better person here and now? Is a toxic baby Christian inferior to a well-adusted unbeliever? . It is true that God is impartial and no Respecter of persons(ROMANS.2:5-10), ie in general, God will bless everyone who does good and shuns evil(deeds/works) with a good and long life on earth, ie Jews, Gentiles, atheists, Muslims, Buddhists, etc. Conversely, God will curse everyone who does evil, including Christians(1COR.5:5 & 11:30, 1JOHN.5:16-17). Eternal life after death on earth is a completely different matter. ie salvation from hell is based solely on faith in Jesus Christ.
A good and law-abiding atheist will usually gain a good and long life on earth but will still end up in hell after his/her death, ie according to the Word of God. But the word of atheists believe that they will just die and disintegrate back into atoms and molecules or dust. OTOH, according to Scripture, a repentant sinner/evildoer/Law-breaker who dies young may still be saved from hell by believing in Jesus Christ, eg the young Jewish robber who was crucified next to Jesus at LUKE.23:43.
Similarly, a repentant Gentile alcoholic or drug-addict who comes to faith in Jesus Christ will still be saved from hell even though he/she usually suffers a not-so-good and short life on earth. As per ACTS.15:19-29, they should not be compelled by other judgmental Christians to be alcohol/drug-free(= the dangers of horrible withdrawal symptoms or Delirium Tremens). This is the same as Gentile Christians being permitted by God to remain uncircumcised and eat non-kosher foods. This does not discount miraculous healing of addiction by God/Jesus.
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