tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44383967983118400042012-05-22T22:00:42.385-06:00What is the doctrine of Christ?Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02976542515638748016noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438396798311840004.post-71222958811063981192012-05-22T22:00:00.002-06:002012-05-22T22:00:42.392-06:00The church of Christ<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Romans 16:16<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">The churches of Christ salute you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Did Christ send his 12 Apostles out to teach 12 different doctrines?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Did he tell Matthew to teach the Luthren Doctrine or ask Peter to start the Catholic Church?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Is it possible he commanded John to preach the faith only doctrine?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Of course this sounds ridiculous of course Christ only taught one doctrine, that of Christianity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mark 16:14<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">15<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">16<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">17<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">18<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">19<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">20<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Take note of how he said “preach the gospel”, singular, not the gospels or your gospel and then he goes on to specify what he wanted them to preach to the whole world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Salvation, he that believes and is baptized shall be saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>After the Lord was ascended they then did as he commanded and went out into all nations and preached salvation as taught by Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And hence the new testament Church was begun, the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">church</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Christ</st1:placename></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">The church that Christ came to earth to suffered and died for, is the new testament church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Was Martin Luther or John Smyth born of a virgin or crucified to save man from their sins?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Then why would we name the church after such men rather than the one that died for it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;">Matthew 16:</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;">13<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">14<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">15<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">16<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">17<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">18<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">19<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">We see that the church was established here on earth, by the son of God, our savior coming to earth willing to die on the cross to be resurrected so that men could have their sins forgiven and be apart of the body of Christ .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He told Peter that he was going to build a church that even Satan and hell could not have power over, an institution that would last forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">From this time of establishing his church and promising his disciples that nothing would come between it, why would some man come along and think he needed to restore or start it a new?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Any religion that would call its name after some man is assuming that Christ’s church failed and that it would take some mortal man to restart it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>We have the blue print of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">church</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Christ</st1:placename></st1:place> found in the words of God in the bible, and do not need some man to rewrite or reinvent the way they think the church should be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Just by going to the scriptures we are able to follow Christ and save men as the Apostles did during the beginning of the church.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;">Acts 2:</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;">40<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">41<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">42<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">43<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">44<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And all that believed were together, and had all things common;<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">45<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">46<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">47<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here we have the first example of those Christ’s apostles going out and preaching salvation by baptism, adding to the church such as should be saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Take note that people were being added to the church generations before Charles Taz Russell or Mary Baker Eddy were even born.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Those who are saved are added the church as set up by God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It is not something that men gather together and decide if someone should be allowed in their religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It was those that obeyed God in getting their sins forgiven in the waters of baptism that were added to the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">church</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Christ</st1:placename></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Take note that in verse 47 it says “the church”, not churches or denominations, because there was only one church that a person could be apart of and have their sins forgiven by God and have the hope of eternal salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Take these next two scriptures together…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;">Eph 1:</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;">22<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">23<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">AND<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;">Eph. 4:</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;">4<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">5<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>One Lord, one faith, one baptism,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">6<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">The church, being the body of Christ, who is over it, specifying that there is only one as there is only one God and one baptism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>So if there is only one body or one church then what we to do with the thousands that exist today?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">It’s like the saying of if you want to hide a tree you plant it in a forest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>In order for Satan to hide the vessel that would take our sins away and give us a hope of heaven, he would just simply surround it by that which would look and seem similar to the real thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>So today you have all these religions claiming the name of Christ and claiming that they are teaching salvation under the name of Christian, but not teaching the way Christ taught for man to be forgiven of his sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">You have religions teaching belief or faith only without works, and saying that baptism is not necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>They can be teaching everything 99% correct, but if salvation is not taught correctly then sin is not forgiven and you are not added to the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">church</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Christ</st1:placename></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;">Matthew 7:</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;">21<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">22<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just because you profess and call on the name of God does not mean you are of Christ or doing his will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It must be done his way and not in a way that man has seen fit to serve him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He that calls on the name of God must be doing his will and following his commandments in order to be recognized as a child of God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02976542515638748016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438396798311840004.post-65032295411701287612012-05-22T22:00:00.001-06:002012-05-22T22:00:18.082-06:00Conscience<br /><h1 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Conscience</span></h1><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Knowing right from wrong…</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">To follow the conscience is making the choice of good over evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>This is what separates us from the beast, in that we make choices and know why we make those choices.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><em><span style="color: blue;">Acts 23:1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.</span></em></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Every choice that Paul made was made with the knowledge that he did what he thought was right, every choice he made, he believed to be right and good.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><em><span style="color: blue;">Acts 24: 16<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.</span></em></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">It’s an exercise to follow your conscience, something that must be done diligently if I am going to see results within myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>You cannot just talk of following your conscience, yet do nothing when it comes to time for you to make a choice of good and evil.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i><span style="color: blue;">2 Cor. 4:1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i><span style="color: blue;">2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i><span style="color: blue;">3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i><span style="color: blue;">4<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>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.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Entrusting ourselves to every man, in teaching him and showing him what a good conscience is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>For Satan has blinded the hearts of man so that they no longer have a conscience that works as it should.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i><span style="color: blue;">1 Tim. 1: 18<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i><span style="color: blue;">19<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i><span style="color: blue;">1 Tim 4: 4:1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i><span style="color: blue;">2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02976542515638748016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438396798311840004.post-52585872913209247962012-01-31T21:20:00.000-07:002012-01-31T21:20:14.429-07:00Brotherly Love<h1 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><em><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Romans 12: 10<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></em></span></h1><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: blue;">Be kindly affectioned one to another with </span></i><b><i><u><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">brotherly love</span></u></i></b><i><span style="color: blue;">; in honour preferring one another;<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Doing my part, and looking after my own soul is the best way that I am going to be useful and caring to my brethren.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Really caring for the things of the church and for my brethren will begin in caring for my own self and house first.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">“No country is stronger than its homes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>No home can be what it ought to be when God is ignored and his word is not studied.”</span></em></strong></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">The love of my own soul must first be there and then the love for my home and brethren will be automatic, something that will be natural.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoBodyText2" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><em><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">1 Thess. 4: 9<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.</span></em></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Those that you share a common bond with and like interest, are those that you most likely get along with and are able to share with, when that bond is broke it is because of some out side thing that make breaks up those like interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>IE differences in opinion such as pc or mac, Ford or Chevy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Opinions and expressing them strongly is what will break that bond of brotherly love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>As long as God is leading the way in my life and discussions then things will be alright with me and my brethren.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoBodyText2" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><em><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Heb 12: 12:1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,</span></em></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wherefore see that I also am compassed about with so great a cloud of brethren as well, what great people all picked of God and yet I would allow petty things get between us?</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lay aside those things when they first enter the mind, so that I will not be weighed down them in my race to the finish line.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Looking to Jesus who is the author and finisher of my faith, only he is going to be able to help me see who I really am and how to change me into what I need to become.</span></div>Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02976542515638748016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438396798311840004.post-39490569650465621722012-01-24T20:36:00.002-07:002012-01-24T20:36:56.666-07:00Being Merciful<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 5pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Being Merciful</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 5pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Showing care and concern.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 Tim. 1: 16<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-size: large;">17<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-size: large;">18<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 5pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Because he showed mercy to Paul, Paul in return asked that God give him mercy.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 5pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">He treated Paul as a brother and treated him with all respect despite the things that were going on with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Despite the fact that this was Paul, and Apostle of the church, I believe that this man was by nature merciful and would have given the same care to any Christian that would come into his care.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 5pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Does my mercy apply equally to all my brethren and children?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Am I quicker to extend my mercy to one individual over another?</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-size: large;">Rom. 11: 29<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-size: large;">30<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-size: large;">31<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 5pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">God is happy to give us his grace and is merciful in giving us salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I must in turn have the mind of God in passing this gift in showing mercy to those around me that are affected by my example and words.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jonah 4: 4:1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-size: large;">2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-size: large;">3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.</span></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 5pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is what it means to be merciful…</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 5pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(1)<span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span>Slow to anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>(2) Great kindness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>(3) Forgiving.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Jonah saw that this was the mind of God, but because of his anger, he was not willing to show the same mind and have mercy on the people of Nineveh.</span></span>Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02976542515638748016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438396798311840004.post-1289838651976399582012-01-07T17:57:00.002-07:002012-01-07T17:57:50.332-07:00Authority of the Church<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Authority of the Church<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Church is not a person or collection of people that decide what rules need to be followed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The church is much greater than what a man can ever be.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; line-height: 115%;">If I live my Christianity for men and the praise of men, then I will look at it as a man made institution </span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; line-height: 115%;">instead of something Holy that was created by God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>To challenge or not believe what the church is about is to challenge God and his righteousness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">When I challenge the churches authority, it is because I have doubts or unbelief in what God has called me to do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; line-height: 150%;">Acts 20:</span></b><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; line-height: 150%; mso-text-raise: 2.5pt; position: relative; top: -2.5pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-text-raise: 2.5pt; position: relative; top: -2.5pt;">27</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;For I have not shunned to declare unto you <u>all the counsel of God</u>. </span></b><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-text-raise: 2.5pt; position: relative; top: -2.5pt;">28</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;<u>Take heed therefore unto yourselves</u>, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/" name="31415x24"></a><u>church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.</u> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-text-raise: 2.5pt; position: relative; top: -2.5pt;">29</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;For I know this, that after my departing <u>shall grievous wolves enter</u> in among you, not sparing the flock. </span></b><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-text-raise: 2.5pt; position: relative; top: -2.5pt;">30</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;<u>Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.</u> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-text-raise: 2.5pt; position: relative; top: -2.5pt;">31</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;<u>Therefore watch</u>, and <u>remember</u>, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">The counsel of God is available to me through the Church</span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Take heed to myself… How do I measure up to the counsel of God? <span style="color: red;">Are my doubts and thoughts these grievous wolves</span> that he talks about that I need to warning against?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">The church was purchased with the blood of Christ</span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">, and it is my responsibly to be watchful and take to heart the warnings and not be one that would be full of unbelief and be drawn away from the faith.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">1 Cor. 11:</span></b><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; line-height: 150%; mso-text-raise: 2.5pt; position: relative; top: -2.5pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-text-raise: 2.5pt; position: relative; top: -2.5pt;">17</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;Now in this that I declare <i>unto you</i> I praise <i>you</i> not, <u>that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.</u> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-text-raise: 2.5pt; position: relative; top: -2.5pt;">18</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;For first of all, when ye come together in the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/" name="32487x11"></a>church, I hear that <u>there be divisions among you</u>; and I partly believe it. </span></b><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Verdana&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-text-raise: 2.5pt; position: relative; top: -2.5pt;">19</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Do I come together for the worse</span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">, because when I hear the things that are taught by the church I <span style="color: red;">doubt them or grudge them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><span style="font-size: large;">Am I divisive in the things that are church teachings?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><span style="color: red;">Am I divided and a heretic within my heart?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">I must <span style="color: red;">approach the things of the church with a soft heart</span>, having a hard heart no matter whether I am right or wrong will get me nowhere.</span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02976542515638748016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438396798311840004.post-60108901724824060032011-12-31T19:32:00.002-07:002011-12-31T19:32:30.763-07:00Attitude is what makes a person.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Attitude is what makes a person.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">My make up and how I present myself is something that must be looked at and compared to that of Christ if I am going to find myself pleasing to God.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">World way of thinking is that we are born a certain way and therefore must accept ourselves as who we are for what we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">They adapt and do not change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The world believes that if my tendency is to be brutally straight forward with someone with out any kind of tact, then everyone else needs to get on board with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>If my tendency is to not want to offend even if it means lying, then that is ok as well.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">They make excuses for themselves saying that this is just the way they are and were born with this kind of personality….</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">God calls me to change who I am and become Christ like.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">John 1: 12<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">We are given the power to become one of Gods people, change who we are as sinful man and become a righteous man before God.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Heb 2: 6<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I am not all that I think that I am, my purpose is not be successful in this world and live life to the extreme, but it is to give God pleasure by my willingness in my service to him.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Rev. 4: 11<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">2 Cor. 5: 17<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">My old way of thinking of whom and what I am about are washed away and now have become new in Christ and in his way of thinking and doing.</div>Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02976542515638748016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438396798311840004.post-44455668915067345872011-12-26T20:20:00.001-07:002011-12-26T20:20:44.556-07:00Able Men<div align="LEFT"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Able Men </span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span></i></span><br /><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: large;">Exodus 18: 21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: <br /></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: large;">This is what it takes to be an able person before God, those that fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness. <br /><br />This is what I must do in order to succeed in Christianity; everyone should want to become an able person that God can use to share his wisdom through. To succeed, I must have the drive it takes to be an able person of God and take these things seriously. <br /><br />An able person is someone that is able to make judgements that are solid, and are confident that they are right. <br /></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: large;">Num. 13: 30 And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. <br /><br />31 But the men that went up with him said, we be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. <br /></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: large;">Caleb was an able man before the Lord, solid and confident in what he knew was right; he was able to be positive, because he knew God was on his side. <br /><br />So long as I am converted and convicted in what I am about, doing Gods will and should be easy and a must, there is no option to be doing anything else. <br /><br />We are able in that which we believe and give our attention to. If we give our heart mind and soul to the things of this life, then we will become very able worldly people, and if we give our life to those things of God, then we will become very able Godly people. <br /><br />We need to become someone who knows where they stand with God, someone who is not a hypocrite or two faced. <br /><br />James 1: 5 if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. <br /><br />6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. <br /><br />7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. <br /><br />8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. <br /><br />I can not become an able person through my own ways and ideas of what an able person is, I must look into Gods word and find the steps of how I should be. When I find the way I must act upon it and do it. <br /><br />I can’t ask God in my prayer to help me and to forgive me and just go about doing as I have always done. I must be single minded and give my life completely over to doing the will of God in everything I do. <br /><br />Am I that someone who follows their conscience and is continually educating it through study and prayer? <br /></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: large;">2 Tim. 2: 15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. <br /></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: large;">Study to become someone who is able to rightly divide the word of truth, someone who is able to make judgments that are good and right. If I am not studying then I will always be second guessing my decisions and never able to know if what I am doing is right without asking about everything. <br /><br />An able person is someone who fears God, is of truth and hating covetousness, and if you were to take one of these things out of the equation, you would then become disabled in the service to God. <br /><br />It’s like someone who loses an arm or leg; they are no longer able to perform their normal functions as when they were whole. They become physically disabled and are not able to perform as they once did, because there is something missing that is necessary to the way they go about their daily life. <br /><br />When I lose something that is necessary to the way I serve God, I also lose the ability to carry on and do that which I need to do to serve God in a way that he wants me to serve him. <br /><br />Fearing God. <br /></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: large;">Prov. 1: 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. <br /></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: large;">The first thing we must have before we can fear him who created us and has our very life in his hand is to believe that he exists. I can not just believe that God is real, and choose not to believe all there is to him. <br /><br />Many people want to believe in God, but refuse to believe in his word. I can not take parts of the scriptures and dogmatically follow them, while leaving other parts of it undone. <br /><br />Through study and truly believing in his words, I will find that I can not but fear this great and merciful God. <br /><br />Once I begin to fear God and realize that in order to be successful in my Christianity I must fear God and do what I need to do in order to conform to his way, then when I go to him in prayer and ask for help or forgiveness it will be something that I will take to heart and want to change and please God. <br /></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: large;">Ecc. 12: 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. <br /></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: large;">There is nothing else that I need to do, as long as I am keeping this scripture then I will be a person who is able and righteous before God. <br /><br />This is all God wants of me, is to be his disciple, someone who is willing to walk in his ways willingly. <br /><br />Men of Truth <br /><br />Truth and honesty is also required to be people an able person, someone who is not deceitful with nothing to hide. <br /><br />An honest person who is right before God has a peace and freedom that is necessary in serving God. I have to know who I am and able to be honest with myself so that I can see myself as God sees me. <br /></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: large;">Acts 6: 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. <br /><br />3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. <br /></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: large;">Seven men who were considered able in their Christianity because of their honesty and way of life. Men that could be counted on and trusted in dealing with the business of the Church, because they took care of their own business and soul first. <br /></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: large;">Romans 13: 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. <br /><br />14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. <br /></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: large;">The honest man lives a life that he is not ashamed of or wants to hide. Walking honestly, living what I am preaching, if I say that I am living a Godly life, yet my thoughts and desires are that of lust and of the flesh, then my life is not an honest one. <br /><br />Am I so quick to share with the world all their sins, yet am I either committing or thinking the same sinful thoughts. To walk honestly is to put on Christ and deny the flesh. To be able men who are honest, is to be someone who is living Christianity without hypocrisy. <br /><br />Hating Covetousness <br /><br />Coveting something that will give gratification to this flesh, and fulfill the lust of flesh is what covetousness is. <br /><br />By putting these things up over God, they become an idol to me. Coveting riches, the opposite sex or it could just be "my free time", what ever it is for me I must hate the fact that it is something that is taking away from my service to God. <br /></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: large;">1 Kings 11: 2 Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. <br /><br />3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. <br /><br />4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. <br /></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: large;">Covetousness will consume your heart and take it away from serving God as it did Solomon, which is why God is concerned about us taking to heart the things of this world, because it will consume us and take away our heart and ability to be able men before God. <br /></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: large;">Luke 12: 15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. <br /></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: large;">Take heed and beware… A mans life is not what he owns, but whether he is an able man for the Lord this is what a man’s life consist of. In the end, who is going to receive the greater reward, the striving Christian, or Bill Gates? When I die am I going to covet all the wealth of this world, or is it going to be the seal of the holy ghost? <br /></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: large;">Eph 5: 5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; <br /><br />2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. <br /><br />3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; <br /></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let these not be once named among you, but be followers of God. Be able men, not following after those that will make you disabled.</span> </span></span>Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02976542515638748016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438396798311840004.post-2476525316339164322011-12-24T19:00:00.001-07:002011-12-24T19:00:59.716-07:00My Egypt<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our “<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s”, putting off the old man.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is what we are about as Christians, in pursuit of transforming this old man into someone that God will want with him in heaven when my time on this earth comes.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eph. 4:20-24<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">20<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>But ye have not so learned Christ;<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">21<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">22<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">23<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">24<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">As we study and listen to the word of God this is what we are doing, learning Christ, because the truth is in him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Put off this old way of life, which is corrupt according to our lust.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Put on the new man and be renewed in spirit of your mind.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is so contrary to the way our flesh works, we have to work to keep the old man away, and the new man intact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><u>If we work at it and get rid of the old man completely</u> then he will not give us anymore problems, but the fact that we <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">leave little pieces of him is what causes problems.</b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">This is what happened to the children of Israel, they wanted to be free from the way of bondage, but kept parts of Egypt and that old way of life and it was that which corrupted and deceived them and eventually kept them out of the promise land.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Psalms 78: 12<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">13<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters to stand as an heap.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">14<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">15<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">16<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Things are so good, God <u>has given us salvation, answers to our marriages and raising kids, so we are able to rejoice in these things and see that God is working in our life and is good toward us.</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Until something comes along that is discouraging or troubling or my lust wants to be fulfilled, then I look at God as too hard not doing enough for me, so I begin to murmur against him.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">17<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">18<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">19<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">20<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people?<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">21<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Therefore the LORD heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>;<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">22<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation:<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">When we turn to our lust and continue to do things our way, it’s because we don’t trust in God or in his salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Heb 10:26<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">27<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">This does not have to be a huge sin or grievous thing, it could be just being somewhere or looking at things I shouldn’t be, because of corrupt speech, or not following my conscience.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">23<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">24<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">25 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Man did eat angels' food: he sent them meat to the full.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">26<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He caused an east wind to blow in the heaven: and by his power he brought in the south wind.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">27<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He rained flesh also upon them as dust, and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea:<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">28<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And he let it fall in the midst of their camp, round about their habitations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">29<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>So they did eat, and were well filled: for he gave them their own desire;<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">30<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>They were not estranged from their lust. But while their meat was yet in their mouths,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">31<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen men of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">32<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">How long lasting is the fear of God stay with me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Is it enough to get an immediate reaction and then the next day or so, I am back to being my old self.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">33<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Therefore their days did he consume in vanity, and their years in trouble.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">34<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and inquired early after God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">35<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">36<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">37<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Because their hearts were still in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Egypt</st1:country-region>, <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">what is my <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Egypt</st1:country-region></st1:place>?</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><u>What we remember of our past is always better than what it really was.</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">(Not having so many responsibilities, having more money, more education, family, more time, not such a ridged schedule)</b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">41<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">42<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">They remembered not God because all they were remembering was <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region> and how good they supposedly had there.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ex 14:10<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">11<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region>, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region>?<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">12<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Is not this the word that we did tell thee in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region>, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">13<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will show to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">14<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fear of the unknown will cause us to look back, the flesh likes control and comfort, and I may be comfortable in my position, so I am afraid and won’t take the next step.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>We have those that are there to help us see the <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">“salvation of the lord”</span>, and to show how the “Lord will fight for us”.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">If Moses had let them try to go back to serve the Egyptians, more than likely they all would have been killed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Going back to our <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region> is certain death.</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ex. 16: 2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And the whole congregation of the children of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region> murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">4<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">They make it sound like they had it so easy as if they were the ones who had the slaves who waited on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">When you look at what you had and dwell on what you think was something that was better, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">these “<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s” become some warped kind of illusion.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>They are something that is not real, but <u>built up imaginations that come from your lust.</u> </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 Cor. 10: 3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">4<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">5<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">This is what these thoughts of lust and desires of the old man are, imaginations that exalt itself above God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Instead I need to bring all thoughts in control of the gospel and obedience of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Letting go of my <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s will be the only way I can grow and move on in my pursuit of heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Heb 6:1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And this will we do, if God permit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">4<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">5<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">6<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let us go on to perfection, grow up unto God a people that have left the old man behind to take up the cross of Christ.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Not those that are being hindered by our Egypt’s, who are willing to give up the cross of Christ to crucify him afresh and put him to an open shame and at the same time condemning our own selves.</span></div>Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02976542515638748016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438396798311840004.post-30250305935495564362011-12-17T22:33:00.001-07:002011-12-17T22:33:43.029-07:00Our Salvation<span style="font-size: large;">Salvation</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Matthew 1: 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Jesus came to earth, born into flesh to become a human sacrifice, shed his blood so that we could be saved from our sins.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">To be saved or rescued from a fate that we could not save ourselves from or deserve to be saved from.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Romans 6: 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Sin causes death, but we have a savior who has given us salvation so that we no longer have to keep those sins on our soul.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">We have salvation, which is simply being able to live righteously with God, and receive eternal life through Jesus Christ</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Acts 2: 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Baptized and had our past sins washed away and am added to the Church, those that should be saved. Only the beginning, our salvation must continue and be worked on each and everyday.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Those that are baptized are not saved, they are only those that should be saved.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">So if I am not “once saved always saved”, then what do I need to do to ensure that I receive salvation when my time on this earth is up?</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Phil 2: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Belief in my salvation is most important, faith that what I am doing in the service of Christ and God is going to be pleasing to them. If I have faith and understanding of my salvation then the working it out will come so much easier for me.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Doing all things for the pleasure of God.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;Walking the Christian life, living each moment as a servant of God.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Rev 4: 8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">We are created to give God pleasure and it is what he expects to receive from us as his creation, so in order to receive salvation we must in turn give God what he wants from us.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Neither resting day nor night in our service to God and in our worship to him.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Cannot talk as though I want to be Christian and go through the motions, copying the actions of Christians and actually be living a life of someone who is not interested in Salvation, someone who may at times want salvation, but rather live a life that caters to the flesh.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Understanding and knowing the salvation of God and his will toward us his children.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1 Cor 2: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This salvation and forgiveness of sins are only a few things that we can see and understand of Gods kindness and mercy that he has shown towards us his people.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">That which God is preparing for us is something that is even beyond our comprehension and understanding, something so great and wonderful, it makes you wonder how you can ever go against his salvation and want anything to do with this life or this flesh.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Exodus 14: 11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will show to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The will of God and the direction that he would have me go can be at times very fearful, but I must learn to trust and look to the salvation of God which he will show to us and will give us understanding if we are patient and willing to see it.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The Lord shall fight for you. Be willing to put your trust in God, trust that his salvation will come and that in the end it is something that will be worth my work and labor.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;2 Peter 3:10-18</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Give thought past today.. the Moment, understand that all these will be dissolved and what kind of person you ought to be.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Holiness, in Godliness, without spot, blameless.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">BEWARE!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Of being led away with the error of the wicked and fall… My thoughts and desires are going to be that “error of the wicked” the fact that my flesh cries and by me not stopping it and listening to it I will fall and will reject salvation</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">How many times can I fall, before God’s mercy is no longer there for me?</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Heb. 2:1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Giving the most earnest heed to those things which we have heard, those things which we know to be good, and those things in which we have studied. If they are not given heed to, they will slip and they will be forgotten.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">By letting these things slip and giving heed to the things of salvation we begin to neglect this great thing that has been given to us by God, and how shall we escape from hell if we do not treasure this gift that has been given to us?</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Titus 2: 11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">It is by the grace of God that salvation is available to all men.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The hope of salvation is going to make us aware of the importance of denying ungodliness (all corruption from this world), worldly lust, which is so apart of this world and what we see in our daily life.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Living soberly, righteously and godly in this present world… Not only while I am at Church or in the presence of my brethren.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">How am I going to be a peculiar person if when I go out amongst the world I act as they do and when I am with the brethren I act as they do… Am I not only being someone who just fits in, there is nothing peculiar about a hypocrite.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Doesn’t salvation make you zealous of good works, those that are truly thankful of salvation is going to be someone who is zealous and excited about the works of God and the saving of their soul and others.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Ps 119: 155 Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">166 LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">174 I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Salvation is far from the wicked, why? Because they seek not Gods law.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The reason he can hope in salvation is because he has done the commandments of God, and delighted in Gods word which is our user’s guide on how to be saved.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Understanding what Gods wants from me, what am suppose to be doing? Always keeping in mind that my actions and thoughts are pleasing to God. When I go out and am as one of the world and am not mindful of what a Christian ought to be doing at all times, then I am seeking salvation?</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Rev. 12: 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Now is come salvation… With salvation is strength, kingdom of God and power of Christ.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">They loved not their lives unto death. Because they knew that there was something much greater, the spiritual realm where there is no death, but where there is good and evil, and those that choose salvation will live in peace forever and those that refuse salvation will live forever in torments.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Matthew 10: 22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.</span>Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02976542515638748016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438396798311840004.post-20241262458555048472011-12-12T20:47:00.002-07:002011-12-12T20:47:51.771-07:00Our “Egypt’s”, putting off the old man.<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is what we are about as Christians, in pursuit of transforming this old man into someone that God will want with him in heaven when my time on this earth comes.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eph. 4:20-24<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">20<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>But ye have not so learned Christ;<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">21<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">22<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">23<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">24<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">As we study and listen to the word of God this is what we are doing, learning Christ, because the truth is in him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Put off this old way of life, which is corrupt according to our lust.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Put on the new man and be renewed in spirit of your mind.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is so contrary to the way our flesh works, we have to work to keep the old man away, and the new man intact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><u>If we work at it and get rid of the old man completely</u> then he will not give us anymore problems, but the fact that we <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">leave little pieces of him is what causes problems.</b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">This is what happened to the children of Israel, they wanted to be free from the way of bondage, but kept parts of Egypt and that old way of life and it was that which corrupted and deceived them and eventually kept them out of the promise land.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Psalms 78: 12<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">13<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters to stand as an heap.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">14<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">15<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">16<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Things are so good, God <u>has given us salvation, answers to our marriages and raising kids, so we are able to rejoice in these things and see that God is working in our life and is good toward us.</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Until something comes along that is discouraging or troubling or my lust wants to be fulfilled, then I look at God as too hard not doing enough for me, so I begin to murmur against him.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">17<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">18<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">19<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">20<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people?<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">21<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Therefore the LORD heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>;<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">22<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation:<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">When we turn to our lust and continue to do things our way, it’s because we don’t trust in God or in his salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Heb 10:26<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">27<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">This does not have to be a huge sin or grievous thing, it could be just being somewhere or looking at things I shouldn’t be, because of corrupt speech, or not following my conscience.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">23<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">24<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">25 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Man did eat angels' food: he sent them meat to the full.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">26<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He caused an east wind to blow in the heaven: and by his power he brought in the south wind.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">27<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He rained flesh also upon them as dust, and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea:<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">28<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And he let it fall in the midst of their camp, round about their habitations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">29<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>So they did eat, and were well filled: for he gave them their own desire;<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">30<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>They were not estranged from their lust. But while their meat was yet in their mouths,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">31<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen men of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">32<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">How long lasting is the fear of God stay with me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Is it enough to get an immediate reaction and then the next day or so, I am back to being my old self.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">33<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Therefore their days did he consume in vanity, and their years in trouble.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">34<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and inquired early after God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">35<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">36<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">37<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Because their hearts were still in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Egypt</st1:country-region>, <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">what is my <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Egypt</st1:country-region></st1:place>?</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><u>What we remember of our past is always better than what it really was.</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">(Not having so many responsibilities, having more money, more education, family, more time, not such a ridged schedule)</b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">41<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">42<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">They remembered not God because all they were remembering was <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region> and how good they supposedly had there.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ex 14:10<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">11<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region>, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region>?<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">12<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Is not this the word that we did tell thee in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region>, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">13<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will show to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">14<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fear of the unknown will cause us to look back, the flesh likes control and comfort, and I may be comfortable in my position, so I am afraid and won’t take the next step.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>We have those that are there to help us see the <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">“salvation of the lord”</span>, and to show how the “Lord will fight for us”.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">If Moses had let them try to go back to serve the Egyptians, more than likely they all would have been killed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Going back to our <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region> is certain death.</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ex. 16: 2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And the whole congregation of the children of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region> murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">4<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">They make it sound like they had it so easy as if they were the ones who had the slaves who waited on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">When you look at what you had and dwell on what you think was something that was better, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">these “<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s” become some warped kind of illusion.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>They are something that is not real, but <u>built up imaginations that come from your lust.</u> </span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 Cor. 10: 3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">4<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">5<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">This is what these thoughts of lust and desires of the old man are, imaginations that exalt itself above God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Instead I need to bring all thoughts in control of the gospel and obedience of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></u></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Letting go of my <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s will be the only way I can grow and move on in my pursuit of heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Heb 6:1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And this will we do, if God permit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">4<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">5<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">6<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let us go on to perfection, grow up unto God a people that have left the old man behind to take up the cross of Christ.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Not those that are being hindered by our Egypt’s, who are willing to give up the cross of Christ to crucify him afresh and put him to an open shame and at the same time condemning our own selves.</span></div>Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02976542515638748016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438396798311840004.post-29148448037554114072011-12-10T21:11:00.001-07:002011-12-10T21:23:34.876-07:00Christians and War<div align="LEFT"></div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">As nation would rise against nation we see that since the beginning men have been at war with each other, fighting and killing for a cause that they believe is truly justified. Men are then killing and in so doing sealing the eternal fate of those that die. This thought alone is something then that would make the consideration of whether Christians have a place in carnal warfare a very serious one. I believe that this consideration will come down to one line of thinking, and it is this that I would like to address and see what Gods mind is and what he has spoken for Christians to do today. </span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> What are the reasons that men kill, destroy and create a great amount of pain and grief? Why do men not only take the lives of other men, but the lives of women and children as well? We read of the destruction of Jerusalem and shudder at what happened and the atrocity of what went on during that massacre, can we not look at any war whether past or present and see that these are the things that go on during war time? All for what? To expand a Countries border, in taking advantage of a weaker nation? We would agree I am sure that this would not be a justifiable reason for a Christian to call to arms and fight, so we can rule that one out. We can draw a conclusion that any war that is fought with the desire to gain lands wealth and power is one that a Christian would denounce. <br />We will consider the possibility of whether a Christian should go to war to protect the innocent or to prevent heinous crimes against race from those that would try to commit acts of genocide. We will look at the war with Iraq and compare this to the topic we are discussing. Here you have a man in charge and a leader of the people of Iraq who is a tyrant and a murderer is doing to the Serbs like what Hitler did the Jews in World War II, but on a smaller scale. He is torturing and killing off these peoples and burying them in mass graves, because they are trying to flee his tyranny. You have this ethnic cleansing going on and at the same time you have all this wealth from a country rich in oil reserves, yet the citizens living horrible poverty and literally starving to death. On top of it all you <br />have a man that would treat his own people in this manner, threatening to have the capabilities to put together a nuclear bomb, so now the threat is there for all the other nations as well. After seeing all this I would have to ask again if it is our responsibility to protect these people from their own ruler and also protect the world from this possible threat. Something that needs to be remembered in all this… A country rich in oil reserves. Is it possible that the motive behind all this is wealth and real estate? We will stay focused on the point of whether a Christian can got to war under the ideal of "protecting the innocent". <br />The bulk of what is to be said will center around the topic or phrase "In God we trust", a phrase or group of words that is our countries motto and one we find on money. In every purchase we make we indirectly use this phrase on a daily routine. Does a country that spends unfathomable amounts of money to build up weapons and military personal and seemingly willing to use them to sort out other countries problems and injustices, really follow this phrase "in God we trust"? I have faith and know that if God wants something stopped that he has the power and the ability to stop it. I believe the scripture when it says in Hebrews 10: 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. We find this speaking of men taking out punishment on those that were doing things contrary to the law of Moses, but then we see that this was changed. It saying that now this type of thing did not belong to men to decide who should die or be punished, but that God would judge. When it is we take into our hand to decide that this person, such as Suddam should be punished as the evil he is we are saying that God is not doing his job and that we need to do it for him. <br />Let us consider the verse in Romans 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, <br />and bring glad tidings of good things! We see an exclamation being made here of how beautiful and good those are that preach peace. We will all say amen to that, knowing that peace is the preferred method, but we still say war must be declared as a last resort. I say that we leave this "last resort" to God and trust in him to deal with what may happen. Are we going to say that God cannot soften a hard heart? What may seem to us a impossible situation, could be a test of faith or perhaps God showing us that he still does work with us today, but unless we have the trust and patience and stop taking matters into our own hands we will never get to see God perform his miracles. You look at James Garfield who because of his involvement with the Civil War and politics deemed that is life was "bloodied" so that he could no longer serve in pulpit or as a preacher, why I would ask if this is for such a good cause in helping "the weak" do men always fill soiled and bothered? No, mans soul and mind was not design to kill and murder another person, no matter what the situation is the one that kills another is always left with scars. Again this is not the way that God designed us nor is it something that he wants, what he would have us do is to trust in him and lean not to our own understanding. <br />As we fight Iraq and the Alqaida with little support from anyone else people are beginning to question why these people resist and that the United States with all their technological advanced war fare have not gained control of the situation. We can liken it like the times of the Kings of Israel and when they went out against the judgment of God. <br />The very essence and nature of Christianity and all that was taught of Christ goes against what war is and stands for. <br />It was never meant for Christians to kill and take vengeance on those vile and wicked men who take advantage of those weaker and vulnerable victims. The Christian is someone who is more concerned about saving the soul of those killers as well as the victims. How are Christians to save souls if they are taking the lives before they have a chance to redeem them? <br />James 4:1 From whence come wars and fighting‟s among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? <br />A question is asked, followed by an answer. The basis is that from lust war is derived, because in the nature of Christianity all situations and conflict can be resolved in a peaceful manner. That said those who are not of God will resolve their conflicts in a manner that is based off their feelings and lust, but those that walk in light of God, followers of Christ, would stay away from a situation that is based on lust. <br />Never do you find an example in the history of Christianity where the people of God ever took up arms to fight. If there was ever a reason to do so, it would have been in early days of the Church when brethren were being slaughtered and tortured because of their belief and faith in God and Christ. What better reason than to go to war than for the sake of brethren lives and to preserve Christianity? It was not God‟s will. His vengeance is so much greater than what a sword or a gun can afflict someone, the fact that he has power over the soul as well as the body, make him a God to fear. Matthew 10:28 Fear not him which can kill the body, but fear him who has power over body and soul. Man has limited power over us, and God is showing us that this soul of ours holds much more importance than our body and it is the soul we should be concerned about. This body is so limited in the time that it has here on earth, while the soul is something that is going to live on for <br />eternity. Christians are in the business of saving souls, war does the complete opposite, it destroys and seals the fate of those men who are killed. <br />Romans 14: 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. This scripture sums up the mind that we are to have in Christianity, following and pursuing that which makes peace. Does flying over a city and dropping hundreds of tons of exploding bombs, killing numerous of people classify as someone who is pursuing peace? Does going into a city and shooting someone‟s father, son, or husband and hence sealing the fate of their soul and causing untold grief to those who loved this individual, constitute as following peace? <br />Faith… <br />Seeing that what is being talked about are those that profess a faith in God and in the salvation of his son, it would not be out of line to explore the point of faith. It is accepted that by God‟s word he was able to create the world and all things therein. Christians have faith in the fact God is in control of all things especially toward those his children. And when God says to take no thought of this life, but to concern ourselves in our service to him, then why is that the worry of being able to take up arms and defend ourselves is something we lack faith in. Is not knowing that God is there to provide protection enough for us? This shouldn‟t be a lesson on whether a Christian can go to war or not, but it should be a lesson in having faith and trust in God. This should be a lesson on believing in God and trusting that he knows what is best for us and trusting in his promises. <br />America is a nation that is professed as a "Christian Nation", all its currency has inscribed on it "In God We Trust", but in God it does not trust. What it does trust in is its leaders and military power. It only trusts in that which it can see and hear. To "Trust in God", is <br />to put complete faith in him and know that no matter what may seem like a desperate and troubling situation, God will be there for me as long as I am right before him. <br />Luke 18: 7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Will he find those that "trust in God" who believe in the promise that God will avenge his own elect. When a government decides to act out vengeance against another nation, are they not then taking it upon themselves the place of God? Because the leaders and governments have no faith in God, they are on their own in what they believe needs to be done. This is why as Christians we should not participate in the arm services under the leadership of man. Governments of this world react without God and for reasons that are not honest and without integrity. These wars come to no good and create only pain and suffering. Because of the Christians lack of faith and understanding in God will they take up arms and go to war with the ungodly. <br />Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. This chapter on faith is excellent in seeing how things work out for those that trust in God, even in situations that may appear impossible. It is stated here in Hebrews that there is something much greater than what we see here on earth. Through just the words of God all things in the earth were created, every piece of land and all its resources were created by just a word. This land and all that which it produces is what man have been fighting over since the beginning, because their faith is only in what this world contains. Christians understanding and faith go beyond what is in contained in this earth, and are able to comprehend that something far greater and richer than all the land, gold or oil of this earth awaits them. Faith is what makes the Christian not concern themselves about the things of this world and concentrate on obtaining heaven. They trust <br />in God when he promised that the truly great reward is waiting in heaven and that what this world has to offer in our few short years is nothing compared to what we can have in heaven. <br />Violence… <br />Is there ever a time where violence is right or deemed a necessary course to take? It will be found and proven that violence acted out by man, is something that God does not want. God is the sole executer of punishment and vengeance, being the creator of all things, he has that right. Men are not given the ability neither do they have the judgment to make such lasting decisions, such as taking another mans life. What is meant by men not having the ability is that their mind and conscience is not made to inflict death on another human. We are made to cherish life, to want to live, and to go and take that from another person is not natural. How many stories are there where men go to war only to come home mentally deranged, caused by all the travesty and vile things that were witnessed on the battle field. <br />Luke 3: 14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. <br />Some would contend that this is saying for the soldier not to do any violence to an innocent person, but to do their job in defending their government. <br />Quotes from Warriors and Scholars… <br />(Napoleon) War is the trade of barbarians. <br />(Colonel Gadke) War is the father of other wars. <br />(Nechar) War suspends every idea of justice and humanity. <br />(Adolph Richter) War is an awful misfortune even for the victor. <br />(Sir John Sinclair) The profession of a soldier is a damnable profession. <br />(J. Novicow) War is one of the principle causes of the degradation of the human race. <br />(Robert Hall) War is nothing less than a temporary repeal of the principles of virtues. <br />(Sidney Smith) God is forgotten in war; every principle of Christianity is trampled upon. <br />(Bishop Fraiser) War is not the triumph of righteousness. It is the triumph of brute force. <br />(A soldier) I cannot bear to go into the presence of God so angry as I always become in battle. <br />(Walter Walsh) Its destructive effect upon the moral character of the nation that wages it is war‟s final condemnation. <br />(Henry Richards) Reason is for us, for war is an outrage upon reason. Justice is for us, for war tramples justice under foot. <br />(Wellington) War is a most detestable thing. If you had seen but one day of war, you would pray God you might not see another. <br />(Thomas Jefferson) I stand in awe at the mighty conflict to which two great nations are advancing, and recoil with horror at the ferociousness of man. Will nations never devise a more rational umpire of differences than force? Wonderful has been the progress of human improvement in other respects. Let us then hope that we shall at length be sensible that war is an instrument entirely inefficient toward redressing wrongs and multiples instead of indemnifying losses. Were we to go to war for redress of wrongs that we have suffered, we should only plunge deeper into loss and disqualify ourselves for half a century more for attaining the same end. <br />(H. Leo Boles) Christianity is constructive, while war is destructive; Christianity is elevating, war is debasing; Christianity is purifying, war is corrupting; Christianity blesses, war curses; Christianity calls for the best and the noblest that is in man, war degrades and depraves man; Christianity makes men moral, war makes him immoral; Christianity cultivates kindness and gentleness in men, war makes them hard and ferocious; <br />Christianity makes men a blessing unto each other, war makes them a curse; Christianity saves, war damns; Christianity gives life, war destroys life ; Christianity leads men to God and heaven, war leads them to destruction. <br />(Alexander Campbell) War is not nor was it ever a process of justice. It never was a test of truth, a criterion of right. The precepts of Christianity positively inhibit war, by showing that „wars and fighting come from men‟s lusts‟ and evil passions and by commanding Christians to „follow peace with all men.‟ <br />(U. Wright, Gospel Advocate, 1868) And that while Christ has taught us that we must necessarily be subjects of Caesar even unto death, we have never learned from Christ that we are to be soldiers for Caesar, even in the remotest degree, in war or peace, to fight for him in bloody combat. <br />(Merie Weiss) Christians do not need bombs, ships nor the weapons of men to protect and succor them, but they need a deep, abiding faith in God. Helping the world to slaughter mankind will not insure their lives nor protect them from harm. Only God can do this. Their strength, their safety, and their hope of life eternal are in the mighty arm of the Lord. To kill and destroy means eternal death to all who are engaged in it and of those who want to kill and destroy. "For the Son of man is not come to destroy men‟s lives but to save them."-Luke 9:26. Christ left all Christians with the responsibility to teach and promulgate the gospel that the souls of men might be saved. To kill our fellowman is to deprive them from ever hearing the gospel. So killing and destroying man defeats the great purpose of God for the salvation of the world. No Christian if he values his soul can be a party to anything that works against the sublime design of God which is to save the world through the preaching of the gospel. </span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"></span>Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02976542515638748016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438396798311840004.post-32305820722571774622011-12-07T21:50:00.000-07:002011-12-07T21:50:26.654-07:00Evolution<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">The THEROY of Evolution…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">To debate whether the earth and life came into existence through a big bang or by a God is something that when is examined and studied is something that should not even be debatable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It will be shown that evolution so called is a science fiction idea created and thought up of those that rebel against the fact that they are under a higher, intelligent being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It will be shown that evolution has no scientific backing or proof and to be taught as a fact or even possible fact is wrong and detrimental to our educational system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The fact that we have a society that rejects their very maker and would rather believe in a lie, shows what a decadent and reverse world we live in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">So long as people can deny the existence of a God, they are free to live and do what they want with their life, without worry of any consequences for that they do or think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>What an easy life it would be not to have to worry about what I do and to not have to answer to anyone for what I might say, think or do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>But what a life of chaos it would be if everyone did what he or she wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Everything in the universe has an order to it, a rhyme and a reason behind it; there is a precise science and math behind all the workings of nature on earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Yet it is said that this all came from a chaotic bang.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>To say that order came from chaos is absurd and ignorant, and in order for scientist to explain this it takes volumes of books that contain only conjectures, fiction and wild imaginations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the beginning of time mankind has always been in awe and wonderment of this world and all things pertaining to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>All it takes is a walk out side or a simple drive to the mountains or ocean to know that we live in a truly amazing place full of things that are beyond what man can make or invent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The natural course of man is to question and wonder where it all came from, and to pursue answers concerning creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>In an essay by Frank Craw, titled “The Ultimate Deception”, he shows how evolution can not be scientific fact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Here are some of the examples he portrays.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">There is a complete and systematic lack of transitional life-forms (i.e., "missing links") between the various kinds of life in the fossil record. This would not be the case if the theory of evolution was a valid hypothesis. Sometimes evolutionists have tried to make a case that this or that newly-discovered fossil was a "missing link," but all such attempts have ended in failure. No missing links have ever been discovered among the voluminous number of fossils found so far.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></li><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">The fossil record also shows a sudden, inexplicable appearance of a wide variety of both simple and complex life-forms. However, if evolution were true, there would only be a very gradual increase in both the numbers and complexity of such organisms.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></li><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Evolutionists can not explain how life could spontaneously generate from non-life, nor can they duplicate such a feat despite their impressive scientific knowledge and sophisticated laboratory equipment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></li><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Evolutionists can not explain how and why there is something in the universe rather than absolute nothingness, and not even they really believe that something could spontaneously generate from nothing. By “absolute nothingness,” I mean the complete absence of both energy and matter; a completely pure vacuum that is totally devoid of anything. Obviously the evolutionist faces an insurmountable challenge to his theory in this regard.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></li><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of the most basic, fundamental laws of science, the Second Law of Thermodynamics, states that things in nature always tend to dissolve and breakdown with the passage of time, not grow more complex which would be the case if evolution were true.<br /><br />Obviously this law of science is most devastating to the theory of evolution, and desperate arguments which postulate that <b>developing</b> cells and organisms could have used the energy of the sun to overcome this tendency towards breakdown are absolutely <b>irrelevant</b>. Developing cells and organisms simply would <b>not</b> have had the ability to capture and utilize such energy in the manner that fully-developed organisms can.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></li><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Evolutionists postulate that life began eons ago in a primordial soup of organic chemicals involving an extremely complex process that culminated in the creation of a living cell. The only problem is that oxygen would have destroyed the would-be cell in its early stages of development. So evolutionists have also postulated that the earth's atmosphere once upon a time contained only methane, ammonia, and water vapor — but no free oxygen.<br /><br />Unfortunately, for the evolutionist, recent scientific discoveries have proven conclusively that no such atmosphere ever existed. (See, e.g., "Oxygen in the Precambrian Atmosphere" by Harry Clemmey and Nick Badham in the March 1982 issue of GEOLOGY.) In other words, evolution could not have even started.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></li><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Over the years there have been a number of frauds and blunders perpetrated in an attempt to deceive the general public into believing there are "missing links" to be found in the fossil record. These frauds and blunders have included:<br />* Eoanthropus dawsoni, popularly know as the "Piltdown Man"<br />* Arachaeopteryx, sometimes called the "Piltdown Chicken<br />* "The Orgueil Fall"<br />* Hesperopithecus haroldcookii, meaning "Western ape-man"<br />* Pithecanthropus erectus, meaning "erect ape-man"<br />* Australopithicines, meaning "Southern Apes."<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></li><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></ul><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">How sad it is that even with all these errors our public school system, a place where our children go to learn, is teaching evolution as fact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It is not taught as something that is possible or might have happened, but as absolute fact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>In as early as third grade science class, kids are rushing home to let their parents know that they came from monkeys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It is said that religion and faith have no place in our schools, so we can not teach that God created all things in the manner and time frame he so deemed as fitting, yet a unproven uneducated theory is allow to be taught as absolute fact?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Perhaps we should be more concerned about education reform, than how old rocks are or exactly how they got here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02976542515638748016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438396798311840004.post-8769002309725075282011-12-06T19:31:00.001-07:002011-12-06T19:31:32.014-07:00The church of Christ<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Romans 16:16<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">The churches of Christ salute you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Did Christ send his 12 Apostles out to teach 12 different doctrines?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Did he tell Matthew to teach the Luthren Doctrine or ask Peter to start the Catholic Church?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Is it possible he commanded John to preach the faith only doctrine?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Of course this sounds ridiculous of course Christ only taught one doctrine, that of Christianity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mark 16:14<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">15<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">16<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">17<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">18<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">19<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">20<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Take note of how he said “preach the gospel”, singular, not the gospels or your gospel and then he goes on to specify what he wanted them to preach to the whole world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Salvation, he that believes and is baptized shall be saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>After the Lord was ascended they then did as he commanded and went out into all nations and preached salvation as taught by Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And hence the new testament Church was begun, the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">church</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Christ</st1:placename></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">The church that Christ came to earth to suffered and died for, is the new testament church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Was Martin Luther or John Smyth born of a virgin or crucified to save man from their sins?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Then why would we name the church after such men rather than the one that died for it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;">Matthew 16:</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;">13<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">14<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">15<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">16<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">17<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">18<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">19<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">We see that the church was established here on earth, by the son of God, our savior coming to earth willing to die on the cross to be resurrected so that men could have their sins forgiven and be apart of the body of Christ .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He told Peter that he was going to build a church that even Satan and hell could not have power over, an institution that would last forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">From this time of establishing his church and promising his disciples that nothing would come between it, why would some man come along and think he needed to restore or start it a new?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Any religion that would call its name after some man is assuming that Christ’s church failed and that it would take some mortal man to restart it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>We have the blue print of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">church</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Christ</st1:placename></st1:place> found in the words of God in the bible, and do not need some man to rewrite or reinvent the way they think the church should be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Just by going to the scriptures we are able to follow Christ and save men as the Apostles did during the beginning of the church.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;">Acts 2:</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;">40<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">41<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">42<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">43<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">44<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And all that believed were together, and had all things common;<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">45<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">46<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">47<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here we have the first example of those Christ’s apostles going out and preaching salvation by baptism, adding to the church such as should be saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Take note that people were being added to the church generations before Charles Taz Russell or Mary Baker Eddy were even born.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Those who are saved are added the church as set up by God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It is not something that men gather together and decide if someone should be allowed in their religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It was those that obeyed God in getting their sins forgiven in the waters of baptism that were added to the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">church</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Christ</st1:placename></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Take note that in verse 47 it says “the church”, not churches or denominations, because there was only one church that a person could be apart of and have their sins forgiven by God and have the hope of eternal salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Take these next two scriptures together…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;">Eph 1:</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;">22<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">23<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">AND<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;">Eph. 4:</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;">4<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">5<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>One Lord, one faith, one baptism,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">6<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">The church, being the body of Christ, who is over it, specifying that there is only one as there is only one God and one baptism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>So if there is only one body or one church then what we to do with the thousands that exist today?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">It’s like the saying of if you want to hide a tree you plant it in a forest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>In order for Satan to hide the vessel that would take our sins away and give us a hope of heaven, he would just simply surround it by that which would look and seem similar to the real thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>So today you have all these religions claiming the name of Christ and claiming that they are teaching salvation under the name of Christian, but not teaching the way Christ taught for man to be forgiven of his sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">You have religions teaching belief or faith only without works, and saying that baptism is not necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>They can be teaching everything 99% correct, but if salvation is not taught correctly then sin is not forgiven and you are not added to the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">church</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Christ</st1:placename></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;">Matthew 7:</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;">21<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">22<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just because you profess and call on the name of God does not mean you are of Christ or doing his will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It must be done his way and not in a way that man has seen fit to serve him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He that calls on the name of God must be doing his will and following his commandments in order to be recognized as a child of God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02976542515638748016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438396798311840004.post-45338894721110551972011-12-05T19:07:00.000-07:002011-12-05T19:07:26.685-07:00Plan of Salvation<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;"><span style="color: red; font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"><span style="font-size: large;">What must we do to be saved?</span></span></h1><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Plan of Salvation </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoBlockText" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Salvation is a word that is used to describe what a person needs to do in order to have their sins forgiven, so their soul might be saved when their time on earth is over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It is important to look into the bible to understand the correct way to receive salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>There are so many religions and people saying what people must do in order to receive forgiveness of sin that it has caused confusion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>There is only one correct way to receive salvation and that way is taught in the bible, and if we should be united on one thing, it should be on how to get our sins forgiven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Salvation is the single most important thing that a person will do, so I believe that God would not make it a complicated process, but something that all people would be able to understand and follow. </span><span style="color: windowtext;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let us start from the scriptures at the beginning to get a complete understanding on the subject of salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>We go to the birth of Christ and see what is said about why he came to earth and what his mission would be. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Matthew 1: 21<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.</span></i><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>We need to be saved from our sins, because it is our sins that separate us from God. (<i><span style="color: blue;">John 9:31</span></i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Now we know that God heareth not sinners…</span></i>)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>What needs to be addressed then is how do we get our sins taken away, so that we may be saved?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>What did Christ do for us so that we may have forgiveness of sins?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"><span style="font-size: large;">Christ died and shed his blood on Calvary and gave to us his blood, by which the forgiveness of sins is found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><i><span style="color: blue;">1 John 1: 7<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.</span></i> Where do we find the blood of Christ today?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Let’s look at the people that killed Jesus and later on wanted forgiveness for the evil they had done. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">At first he preps them saying in </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Acts 2: 21<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;">He links the fact that calling and acknowledging the name of the Lord is the beginning of salvation, he then goes on to prick them more with the knowledge that they killed the very one they were suppose to call on.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Acts 2: 36<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>37<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>38<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">These people had sin on their soul and wanted to have it taken away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Only the blood of Christ is able to take away sin, so what do we see Peter telling them to do in order to have remission of sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He told them to repent and be baptized, and in so doing they would be forgiven for what they had done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>So we would have to conclude that the blood or forgiveness of sin is in being baptized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">1 John 5</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">8<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.</span></i><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>These three elements are received in baptism, the Holy <u>Spirit</u>, <u>water</u> the washing of sins and the <u>blood</u> of Christ which gives us forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Some will say that baptism "only" will not save you, and I will agree because there is more to salvation than just baptism, BUT baptism is a necessary part of salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Here are some scriptures that mention what we must do to have salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">1 Peter 3: 21</span></u><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><i><span style="color: blue;">The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Acts 2: 21</span></u><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><i><span style="color: blue;">And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.</span></i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Acts 16: 30</span></u><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><i><span style="color: blue;">And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">31<i><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.</span></i></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Eph. 2: 8</span></u><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><i><span style="color: blue;">For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. </span></i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Romans 8: 24</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></i>25<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Titus 3: 5</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Romans 10:9</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></i>10<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></i>11<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></i>12 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></span></i>13<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"><span style="font-size: large;">We have repentance, baptism, calling on the name of the Lord, believing, and grace, where it says we must have in order to be saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Although this is not a complete list, it does show that it takes more than just one action to have forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>All these things need to be done in order to received salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I think that we would agree on this list of things, but for some reason people want to leave baptism out, but it is plain that this is one of the requirements of salvation, just as much as grace or calling on the name of the Lord.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let's now focus on baptism, many people at this point will say that they agree and think exactly like what I have been saying, but let's pin it down.&nbsp; What I see that is taught in the scriptures is that unless we have been baptized we do NOT have salvation and if Christ would come back prior to us being baptized we would be condemned.&nbsp; At this point I draw a difference with other people, because what is taught almost in all religions is that you are saved before baptism, and that you should be baptized to show your conversion to the Lord.&nbsp; Never in any scripture is it mentioned or implied that we need to be baptized for some outward sign of a inward dedication, ever.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"><span style="font-size: large;">What you do have is:&nbsp; <i><span style="color: blue;">Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.</span></i>&nbsp; We are baptized into the death of Christ so that we may be raised up unto a new life.&nbsp; In the death of Christ, his blood was shed so that we may have forgiveness, and in this verse it says that we are buried with Christ in baptism so that when we come out of the waters (raised) we would start our new life in him.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span><u><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Mark 16:15</span></u><i><span style="color: blue;"> And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. </span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">16<i><span style="color: blue;"> He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.</span></i></span>&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Matthew 28:</span> </u><u><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">19</span></u><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Luke 24:</span> </u><u><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">47</span></u><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.</span></i><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"><span style="font-size: large;">He that believeth <u>and is</u> baptized shall be saved.&nbsp; This is the message that Christ would have his disciples spread, telling them what men must do to have forgiveness of sin.&nbsp; Note: this scripture does not say "he that believeth is saved and then should get baptized", no it says that he who believes and he that is baptized shall be saved.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"><span style="font-size: large;">Five<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Steps to Salvation:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list -.25in; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Hear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>(Romans 10:13-17)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list -.25in; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>(John 3:14-16)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list -.25in; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Repent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>(Acts 2:38)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list -.25in; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Confess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>(Matthew 10:32, Romans 10:10)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list -.25in; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><span style="font-family: &quot;Book Antiqua&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;">Be Baptized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>(Acts 2:38, Col. 2:12-, Eph. 4:4-5)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div>Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02976542515638748016noreply@blogger.com0