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A Brother's Love - 2/8/2010 3:18:21 PM
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AdamsEve
Posts: 594
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How long did Cain brood over the fact that his sacrifice had been rejected by God, while Abel’s had been accepted, how long before his evil desire, his envy, to be conceived and bring the sin of murder to fruition, we are not told . God did not prevent the murder, and dealt generously with the murderer,
“ Where is Abel your brother? ” ( Gen. 4: 9 ).
As the question implied ignorance on God’s part, Cain may have wondered to what extent the Almighty is omniscient, and his answer was in line with this — “ I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? ”
This question continually recurs, not only among the members of the world, but also among the brethren of God’s family, those consecrated or dedicated to Him, as disciples of Jesus.
To what extent is one his brother’s keeper? How far does our responsibility go?
Let us look first at God’s family, our Lord Jesus’ family. Its members are declared to be bound or held one to another by the cords of love ( 2 Cor. 5: 14 ), so that, if one member suffers, all the members suffer
with him, and, if one member be honored, all the members are honored. ( 1 Cor. 12: 12-27 ), declares that even the humblest ones were necessary. As for our natural bodies we bestow the greater honor upon some, and seek to hide the appearance of members which are least attractive and pleasing, so we need to cover them with the garment of love more than others.
The new commandment which our Lord gave to His disciples was, “That you love one another, as I have loved you ” ( John 15: 12 ). The Lord indicates that we are to have a like obligation toward all of the household of faith, as He did, and to rejoice in the privilege to lay down our lives for the brethren, serving them with our intellect, time, and energy at the cost of our own ease and comfort ( 1 John 3: 16 )
In the time of distress how far do we take “ our brothers “ do we help by going, do we give of our resources, do we pray for their salvation?
We come up with many reasons not to help, but are they legitimate? Are they the Lord would approve of? Are the reasons just excuses?
Yesterday; I seen a bumper sticker “ It’s all about me “ no; I don’t know the reason the person had it on their car but the statement speaks volumes in itself.
I pray the Christian family does not take that attitude, it should be “ it’s all about you “ That is what Jesus said when He went to the Cross; ( “ it is all about you “ ).
AdamsEve
John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
_____________________________
1Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Word of God
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Valentine's Love - 2/13/2010 10:36:35 AM
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AdamsEve
Posts: 594
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We are in the " Love Season ".
Of course we are speaking of spouses, friends, and people that are very close to us, and this is a special time for that.
How do we do throughout the rest of the year?
How do we do with people who are not as close to us?
Just what is the meaning of love according to God's Word?
Love One Another . . . O’boy what a mouthful!
There are three kinds of love between mankind, (phileoœ or philos) which is friendship love and (agape) love which is God’s love and the love Jesus showed to the Father for us; also there is (Eros) sensual love which is not used in the N.T.
I just love that, man I really love grandma’s old-fashioned bake beans (you know the gas they pass) yet that is the same word we use for the love of a spouse, parent or child.
Love is a coined word, like the dollar; it has been devalued.
Jesus said...
John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Luke 10:27
He answered: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
This is one of the hardest things we are commanded to do; to love your brother/neighbor.
1John 4:16
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
God gives us love through the Holy Spirit and we are suppose to give this same love to others.
As far as humans go we generally have a hard time of it.
1John 4:20
If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
1John 3:14
We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death.
To whom do we do this...
1John 4:21
And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
Luke 10:29
But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
So; just who is my brother / neighbor?
Luke 10:30-35
One was a priest, a Levite, and a Samaritan, the Samaritan loved his brother/neighbor and did what was necessary to help.
In that context anyone, anywhere is our brother / neighbor.
You mean to say I need to love someone like Hitler, Saddam Hussein, why? Even our government leaders at any level steal us blind and are for sale any day of the week.
Romans 13:1
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Luke 6:27-28
“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
We are to love everyone but hate the deeds and evil they do.
We are all sinners saved only by the Grace of God.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.
1John 1:8-9
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
If we acknowledge any sins we commit we have forgiveness.
Luke 11:1
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
Luke 11:4
Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”
Jesus told the disciples in their prayers to ask for forgiveness of their sins, yes; we all sin but we must confess, by confessing we are agreeing with God that what we did is against His Holy Nature, what He deems a sin; we also agree.
1John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Yes; even though we love we still sin against our brother / neighbor and also God.
That is about love; but what else is there about “one another”?
The next segment we will look at just what does this word “love” mean.
With the love of Christ Jesus,
AdamsEve
_____________________________
1Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Word of God
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RE: Valentine's Love - 2/14/2010 12:21:12 PM
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AdamsEve
Posts: 594
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This is being posted in-between the last post and the finish of it in the next post — sorry!
1 John 4:19
We love because he first loved us.
Love is “ blind ”, and marriage is the “ eye opener. ”
Should we assume that taking our spouse “ for granted “ and allowing the relationship to “ plateau “ is normal?
“ Valentine “ — the object of one’s affection.
Prov. 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
Pride will ruin our “ relationship “
Pride — vanity, self-importance, hubris, conceit, conceitedness, self-love, self-adulation, self-admiration, narcissism, egotism, superciliousness, haughtiness, snobbery, snobbishness;
“ Pride “ — a haughty attitude shown by somebody who believes, often unjustifiably, that he or she is better than others.
Before we can “ love “ like God, we must understand His love for us.
God’s love means that God “ eternally “ gives of Himself to “ others. “
1 Cor 13.4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love seeks to “ make “ happy rather than to “ be “ happy.
Happy Valentine’s Day
_____________________________
1Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Word of God
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RE: Valentine's Love #2 - 2/18/2010 12:50:48 PM
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AdamsEve
Posts: 594
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The continued from post #2
Once upon a time...
Titus 3:3
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
John 5:44
How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?
(to be glorified, honored) which leads to pride in ones self
Man weights the deeds, but God weights the intentions.
John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
agape - active love not just words but deeds of love
Love does not keep a ledger of the sins and failures of others.
Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
devoted - loving dearly
The measure of our devotion is the measure of our sacriface.
honor - respect, specialness
Honor is not made in a crisis; it is onlt exhibited.
Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
in harmony with - tranquillity, in agreement.
Harmony rule the day when Christ rules the mind.
do not be proud - high, mighty, arrogant.
You cn’t glorify6 self and Christ at the same time.
conceited - excessively high opinion of oneself
conceit is the devil’s college.
Romans 13:8
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
debt - to owe, be in debt, be obligated.
The debt we owe God is payable to man.
Romans 14:13
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.
judgment - pass judgment on, condemn
A man should give a lot of thought to a sudden decision.
Romans 15:7
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
accept - to partake, to welcome
To touch the heart of another, use your heart.
Romans 15:14
I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another.
instruct - to warn, admonish
To instruct is to learn twice.
1Corinthians 1:10
I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.
agree - to settle on by common consent.
An agreement is a deal which neither party needs to put it in writing.
2Corinthians 13:12
Greet one another with a holy kiss.
greet - to give greetings
All brothers and sisters send their greetings
Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
serve - to serve (as a slave)
Want the best? give your best.
Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
humble - modesty
Humility is the triumph of the mind over flattery.
gentle - meekness
The meek trust in the name of the LORD.
patient - forbearance, internal and external control
Patience is waiting without worrying.
bearing - to put up with, endure
Enduring in the grace of the knowledge of Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
kind - easy, good, loving, benevolent
The way we treat our neighbor is the way we treat God.
compassionate - tenderhearted
Compassion offers whatever is necessary to heal the hurt of others.
forgiving - to give grace, cancel (a debt)
Forgive your enemy before they are dead.
Ephesians 5:19
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,
speak - talk
Speak and sing the truth in Christ.
Ephesians 5:21
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
submit - subordinate, be subject to
The one who comes from above is above all.
The next segment we will look at more of what this word “love” means.
With the love of Christ Jesus,
AdamsEve
_____________________________
1Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Word of God
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RE: Valentine's Love #3 - 2/22/2010 12:17:39 PM
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AdamsEve
Posts: 594
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This finishes the Love Posting.
Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
bear - to put up with, endure
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have.
forgive - cancel
It is far better to forgive and forget than to resent and remember.
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
teach - provide information in a manner intended to produce understanding
Giving instructions through the Holy Spirit
admonish - to warn
Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him
1Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
encourage - exhort, urge.
build each other up - develop another person’s life through acts and words of love and encouragement.
Hebrews 3:13
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
encourage - exhort, urge.
deceitfulness - deception.
Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
spur - encouraging movement toward goal.
Hebrews 10:25
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
encourage - exhort, urge.
James 4:11
Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.
slander - accuse
1Peter 1:22
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.
sincere love - genuine, without hypocrisy, lacking pretense.
love one another deeply - earnestly.
1Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
harmony - like-minded.
sympathetic - compassion, friendliness, and sensitivity to others' emotions.
compassionate - tenderhearted.
humble - modesty.
1Peter 4:9
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
hospitality - generous and cordial reception of guests
1Peter 5:5
Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
submissive - be subject to
1John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
fellowship - emphasizing what is common between them
1John 3:23
And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.
love - the active love his people are to have for God, each other, and even enemies
Why do we do this.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
1John 4:18-19
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.
After doing this message the Lord has shown me how far short I am.
Romans 3:22-24 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Amen...Lord Jesus come.
AdamsEve
We use the word " Love " very freely but are we using it in the right content, do we really mean it?
Each one of us " yes; including me " needs to think about the word " Love "
John 15:9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
John 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
When someone asked Jesus how much He loved him, He spread out His arms and died.
_____________________________
1Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Word of God
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RE: Valentine's Love #3 - 2/25/2010 10:17:27 AM
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AdamsEve
Posts: 594
Joined: 2/29/2008
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This post most likely should have been the first post to let the readers know the context of the word " brother " and the way I am using it.
Through out these post I will be using the word “ brother “; below is the Bibical / Spiritual meaning for the word and I will be using it in this context.
Someone spiritually akin.
Matthew 12:50
For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
Inclusive term for all mankind
Matthew 18:35
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”
We speak of loving our brother / neighbor but is it easy? Do we make it the way of life? Do we leave our prejedices get in the way or even worldly things?
There is many times I fall short and have to keep my mind on God to bring me back in line with Scripture.
Being a Christian is not easy if you try to live it by the Word.
God did not make it easy or else anyone could do it but He wants a special breed of people, people who will follow, obey and love Him. People who have faith to believe and trust Him.
Jesus said...
Matthew 11:30
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
When we believe and trust in Jesus then we are yoked with Him we do not have to walk the world alone, He will be at our side and the burden is light as He took all the law and made it into one.
1John 3:11
This is the message you heard from the beginning:
We should love one another.
This makes us a family of brothers in the Lord and these post will be in line with the “ love your brother “
AdamsEve
_____________________________
1Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Word of God
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RE: Family Love - 3/2/2010 2:05:06 PM
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AdamsEve
Posts: 594
Joined: 2/29/2008
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A little while ago I was talking to a group of Christians about all the bad products being imported into this country ( it's bad enough that we do it to ourselves ).
One in the group said I’m not worried.
I asked; why do you go on missions trips, their reply was “ to help people and try to bring someone to Christ. “
I asked would you not spread the information on health problems that you know about to someone else? Would you not try to save someone physically to be able to have a chance to save them spiritually?
The group just looked at me with mouth open, not knowing what to say.
Are you willing to inform someone of health problems (life saving ) that might effect them? What they do with the information is; of course; up to them but you with love and compassion for them informed them.
About a year ago when the media first broke the news about lead in kids toys; a mother was interviewed about it and her reply was ( I’m not worried about it ); it is her child chewing on the lead toy and could be affected by it, not her. So; her ( I’m not worried about it ) could be interpreted as ( I don’t care ).
If there is not love of her children how can there be love of her brother?
1 John 4:8
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
AdamsEve
< Message edited by AdamsEve -- 3/2/2010 2:13:09 PM >
_____________________________
1Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Word of God
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RE: Family Love - 3/9/2010 9:50:04 AM
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AdamsEve
Posts: 594
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Do You Have Zeal For The Church?
That is where our brothers and sisters in Christ meet.
John 2:17
His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”
Jesus had a passion for His Father’s House. What about you? Do you have a passion for our Father’s House.
How many Christians are there? Each one can come up with an excuse for not coming to church on the Lord’s Day, that is a lot of excuses. Yes; some are legitimate but the majority are not.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
1 Peter 2:5
You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
We are His temple not only individually but corporately.
His corporate temple, we as a church exist for three reasons.
1 For worshiping, praising and glorifying the Lord.
Colossians 1:16
For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.
The church exists for the Lord’s pleasure.
Revelation 4:11
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
2 The church exists to build, enlighten and inform the saints. To bring them to maturity in Christ.
Ephesians 4:12-13
To prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
By seeing Jesus throughout Scriptures.
3 For evangelism. Why? Healthy sheep just naturally reproduce. If sheep are fed and tended properly; they increase.
Acts 6:7
So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly.
The Word increased; the number multiplied. Evangelism is the result of having greater knowledge and understanding of Scripture.
We should be zealous for the church and the work of Christ.
The more you fall in love with the church; the more the excuses will be lost.
We are not an island unto ourselves we are a family and we need to support the church family as you do your own family.
Hebrews 10:25
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
If you have zeal for the church you also have zeal for the church family.
Hope you make it to church next week to fellowship with others.
AdamsEve
_____________________________
1Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Word of God
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Jesus the Example - 3/16/2010 10:00:58 AM
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AdamsEve
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Jesus the Example — Baptism and Temptation (Mark 1:4-13)
In the midst of John’s faithful ministry, the Messiah came to set an example. The sinless One, who had no reason to repent, who didn’t need forgiveness, came and humbled himself into the hands and arms of the humble servant of God and into the waters of the Jordan River.
After Jesus’ baptism, his heavenly Father gave spoken approval of his Son and what he had just done.
Every son (and daughter) desperately needs to hear his father say, “You are my son/daughter, whom I love. With you I am very pleased.” What an encouragement and joy those words bring.
The sky split open and the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus knew very well, descended upon him. Was this God giving his Son a hug or pat on the back? Was he saying, “Son, it’s time to go to work”?
Jesus’ first challenge was to do battle with Satan. Mark mentions the wild animals. Matthew and Luke do not. Jesus was in a dangerous place. Sometimes we are too. But the fiercest, most deadly animal in that wilderness was that “lion who seeks to devour,” that “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” the “dragon” himself.
If the Son of God had to face temptations of all descriptions, so shall we. But just as the angels ministered to his needs, the Holy Spirit will minister to ours.
Temptations are a fact of life. Satan will chip away at our foundation hoping to topple us. He is relentless. But if we follow Jesus’ example as found in Matthew and Luke’s accounts and learn and use the Word of God, Satan can and will be defeated.
We must follow Jesus’ pattern in fighting Satan. We must follow John’s pattern in being faithful to our calling and clear in our message. Then we can help our brothers; dissatisfied with what they have and what Satan offers. We have something so very much better. Let’s not give up in accomplishing our calling. God’s Word will prevail. Love your brother and try to save them spiritually.
AdamsEve
_____________________________
1Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Word of God
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What do Brothers in the Lord think/speak? - 3/23/2010 10:19:22 AM
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AdamsEve
Posts: 594
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1Kings 8:27
“But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!
Psalms 11:4
The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them.
God is to big to be contained any where.
Colossians 1:17
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
When we do, think and speak things we should not be partners with, we need to remember God is there, He hears, sees and know what we do, we can not hid anything from God.
What ever we do God is there but the most important thing is that He knows our hearts, to many times we say “ white “ but our hearts are saying “ black “; He knows.
1Kings 8:39
...then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive and act; deal with each man according to all he does, since you know his heart (for you alone know the hearts of all men).
When we are corrected for what we do, we know God is doing it for our own good.
God’s justice is according to righteousness, there in no such thing as justice according to unrighteousness. The justice of God is always expressed from His Holy Character.
My prayer is that we all think before we do.
AdamsEve
_____________________________
1Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Word of God
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Impatience - 3/30/2010 3:03:15 PM
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AdamsEve
Posts: 594
Joined: 2/29/2008
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Impatience
Psalms 141:1
O LORD, I call to you; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to you.
How many times are we in a hurry? We want right now and to many times God answers in My time, I know what is best for you.
1Samuel 13:8-14
He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul’s men began to scatter. So he said, “Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.” And Saul offered up the burnt offering. Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him. “What have you done?” asked Samuel. Saul replied, “When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Micmash, I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the LORD’s favor.’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.” “You acted foolishly,” Samuel said. “You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD’s command.”
When we are in a hurry; I for one can louse things up and it seems God is saying why did you not wait for me?
My problem seems to be that how long do I wait? Until it happens or maybe I realize I did not want it in the first place.
Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Prayer is the source of courage in the time of impatience.
AdamsEve
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1Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Word of God
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Good Morning - 4/6/2010 2:55:52 PM
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AdamsEve
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Good Morning
Psalms 30:5
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
This was written in celebration of his palace in Jerusalem.
David sometimes running, hiding, triumphing, failing and making big mistakes.
After all he was through he knew that God’s love always overcomes His anger.
God is slow to anger but that does not mean He never gets angry. Those who exceeded God’s patience were punished.
Years after writing Psalms 30 David felt the anger of God after committing adultery with Bathsheba. The baby died in infancy, it broke David’s heart.
God’s anger was for a moment and gave David another child, a son named Solomon, who was in our Lord’s lineage.
Receiving God’s punishments brings the “dark night” and as God allows you to see spiritually you can see a “good morning”
The sun of God’s love always shines again, with the hope and healing that brings joy.
2Chronicles 6:19
Yet give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy, O LORD my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence.
Repentance can bring peace.
Numbers 6:26
the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’
Brothers and sisters we all have a bad day now and then and in those bad time we slip / fall short in what we say or do and if we do not take care of it the day generally continues to be bad. The saying; the sooner the better REALLY applies here. Repentance can bring peace.
AdamsEve
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1Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Word of God
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RE: Good Morning - 4/13/2010 3:42:22 PM
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AdamsEve
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Matter of Trust
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
God gave King Saul very clear instructions but he had a habit of doing things his own way.
Saul refused to obey God, he had his own ideas the way things should be done.
God turned his back on Saul, gave the kingship to David and later Saul was killed.
What happens when we turn our back on God? Does He turn His back on us? Does he kill us” What happens?
Each one could tell you a different story, we are punished in some way, we lose connection with and to God. Our joy is gone, no peace, not saying what kind of troubles or heartaches that come our way.
Can we prevent everything bad from happening to us? No; we live in a fallen world and what happens in the world can effect us in some way but when we bring it on our selves we suffer more so.
We can still have joy, faith and an assurance that we are not alone.
Matthew 28:20
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Putting your trust and faith in the Lord, will give you the strength to get through the trials you face.
Psalms 143:10
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
Fellowship with the Lord is your priority and fellowship with your brother is second. “ L O V E “
AdamsEve
_____________________________
1Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Word of God
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Condemned Already? - 4/20/2010 3:21:12 PM
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AdamsEve
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Condemned Already?
Many people try to force the unpleasant thoughts of death from their mind by assuring themselves, "There's lots of time to think about dying." But God says,
Prov. 27:1
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
The daily news regularly reports sudden deaths--an auto accident--a faulty bridge--an explosion--a plane crash, etc. Tomorrow your name could be listed among the day's victims!
Many fear death but it is what comes after death that should be feared. God's Word says...
Heb. 9:27
Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,
When you stand before the Divine Judge, what will His verdict be?
You need not wait until then to find out. Jesus said...
John 3:18
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
This is the state of all mankind, because...
Rom. 5:12
Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned—
So, unless you have placed your trust in Jesus Christ, you are under sentence of eternal punishment right now! But a pardon is offered you...
John 8:36
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Take these steps now:
Admit you are a sinner...
Rom. 3:23
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Repent in prayer with true sorrow for your sinfulness...
Is. 55:7
Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
Believe God's Word that Jesus Christ is your only Hope and Savior...
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Accept His pardon for your sin...
Rom. 10:9-10 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
AdamsEve
Brothers and sisters if you already know and have done this, please let others know to save their soul.
_____________________________
1Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Word of God
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RE: Condemned Already? - 4/27/2010 3:47:51 PM
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AdamsEve
Posts: 594
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Can You Get Real?
Exodus 33:18
Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
Moses is leading a whole nation into a land they don’t know.
The people are faithless, complainers, trouble makers and now into idolatry.
Moses smashes the two tablets that God wrote the Ten Commandants on.
Moses is tired, disgusted, angry and ready to quit.
After coming to his senses he goes to God and complains to God, do I have to continue this? I need help, guidance and I know You said You would be with me and the Israelites, but I need more I need to see You, a sign “ show me Your glory. “
No one could look on God and live so God told him; I will pass by with my back to you.
Moses acted rash by asking God to see Him.
God does not always give you what you ask for but He will give you what you need.
Yes; you can get real and ask God, pour out your heart to Him, He will hear you and answer you but you may not always like the answer. We will get the best from God, He knows what is best for us.
When you feel down and out, like you are getting no where, like everything is coming to an end.
Call on God and ask him to show you the way.
Brothers and sisters; pour out your heart, hide nothing; He already knows.
God honored Moses honesty.
AdamsEve
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1Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Word of God
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RE: Condemned Already? - 5/4/2010 10:41:16 AM
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AdamsEve
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Baptism and Temptation (Mark 1:4-13)
In the midst of John’s faithful ministry, the Messiah came to set an example. The sinless One, who had no reason to repent, who didn’t need forgiveness, came and humbled himself into the hands and arms of God and into the waters of the Jordan River.
After Jesus’ baptism, his heavenly Father gave spoken approval of his Son and what he had just done.
Every son (and daughter) desperately needs to hear his father say, “You are my son/daughter, whom I love. With you I am very pleased.” What an encouragement and joy those words bring.
The sky split open and the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus knew very well, descended upon him. Was this God giving his Son a hug or pat on the back? Was he saying, “Son, it’s time to go to work”?
Jesus’ first challenge was to do battle with Satan. Mark mentions the wild animals. Matthew and Luke do not. Jesus was in a dangerous place. Sometimes we are too. But the fiercest, most deadly animal in that wilderness was that “lion who seeks to devour,” that “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” the “dragon” himself.
If the Son of God had to face temptations of all descriptions, so shall we. But just as the angels ministered to his needs, the Holy Spirit will minister to ours.
Temptations are a fact of life. Satan will chip away at our foundation hoping to topple us. He is relentless. But if we follow Jesus’ example as found in Matthew and Luke’s accounts and learn and use the Word of God, Satan can and will be defeated.
We must follow Jesus’ pattern in fighting Satan. We must follow John’s pattern in being faithful to our calling and clear in our message. We have something so much better. Let’s not give up in our calling. God’s Word is our guide.
Brothers and sisters in this life we struggle but we can always call on God for help, He is there and He will answer.
Read the words of the song... “ Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. ”
Even sing the song if no one is listening, with my voice that is what I do.
AdamsEve
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1Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Word of God
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RE: Condemned Already? - 5/11/2010 4:34:05 PM
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AdamsEve
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CALLED
God always takes the initiative in calling, electing, and wooing believers to Himself ( v 12; John 6:44,65; 15:16; Eph. 1:4-5,11 ). The term “calling” is used in several theological senses:
A. Sinners are called to salvation by the grace of God through the finished work of Christ ( Rom. 1:6-7, which is theologically similar to 1 Cor. 1:1-2 and 2 Tim. 1:9; 2 Pet. 1:10 ).
B. Sinners call on the name of the Lord to be saved ( Acts 2:21; 22:16; Rom. 10:9-13 ). This statement is a Jewish worship idiom.
C. Believers are called to live Christlike lives ( 1 Cor. 1:26; 7:20; Eph. 4:1; Phil. 3:14; 2 Thess. 1:11; 2 Tim. 1:9 ).
D. Believers are called to ministry tasks ( Acts 13:2; 1 Cor. 12:4-7; Eph. 4:1 ).
If God has called you, it matters not the reason, what does matter is that you answer that call.
God called me ( D ) and at that point I asked why, I just got done doing what I was called to do again.
I answered that call and in doing so I was blessed beyond compare.
Please; when you are called — answer.
AdamsEve
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1Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Word of God
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RE: God Welcomes - 5/18/2010 3:04:28 PM
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AdamsEve
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God Welcomes Gentiles (Acts 10:1-48)
We have all witnessed many examples of the behaviors and attitudes Paul lists in Galatians 5:19-21. They surround us daily, unfortunately even on Sundays. However, verse 22 begins with one of the big “buts” of Scripture. It contrasts a previous life with the potential and promise of a life lived under a different authority. It is a life lived through the power of the Spirit. Paul follows with a reminder for those of us who claim Christ, that we have put to death those things that are evident in a sinful nature. But an additional response is called for. It is a response that has become increasingly difficult in the personalized culture we find ourselves in. It is a call of concern for others. It is a call to participate in the community of faith. Once we are saved, we have only begun our journey.
In chapter 6 the issues are living a spiritual life and the destructiveness of comparing ourselves to others. Both are crucial points in a healthy community of faith. Here Paul shares the delicate balance between empowering and enabling. There is our need for a sense of compassion and action in verses 1 and 2 followed by a warning to watch out on our own account. Perhaps his warning comes to those who might become impressed with their own ability compared to those poor unfortunate souls who fall short. We live intertwined lives. We have a responsibility to each other to alleviate burdens, although never at the cost of being able to carry our own. The call for pure motives is plain, and so is the warning of the dangers of comparison. The harvest is at stake here.
It’s amazing, whether I sit with my latte or with the emblems of Communion, in our ability and even insistence on living on separate islands, all the while surrounded by the ocean of potential relationships.
We join together at leisure and at worship with smiles pasted to our faces and “don’t go there” attitudes. We can be quite alone on the journey surrounded by many traveling the same path. Then as now, Paul calls us to live different because we are different. We are not spectators. We are kinship people in an interactive world, empowered by the Spirit to impact those we come in contact with every day.
Brothers and Sisters get to know each other, you might find out you have been missing something.
AdamsEve
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1Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Word of God
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RE: God Welcomes - 5/25/2010 10:22:38 AM
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AdamsEve
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Miracles (Mark 2:1-12)
There is more to Jesus’ miracles than his particular actions: He was on a journey ordained by God. As Jesus defined it...
Luke 4:18-19
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Jesus’ purpose was not to attract followers with a good show but to transform lives because of who he was. Any freedom given, healing performed, and release from oppression was for the specific purpose of revealing what God is about or, at least, as foundation to a teaching point and the proclamation of the good news.
Not everyone understood this purpose, and often Jesus needed to restate the deeper point or step back to allow the depth of the event to sink in.
We see this in two related passages...
Mark 3:1-6
Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.
Jesus confronts the stubborn and closed hearts of the people before healing the man’s hand. In contrast, feeding the people with a few loaves and fishes was meant to overwhelm the crowd to gain access to their hearts by opening their eyes first (Mark 8:1-10).
Mark 8:1-10
During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.” His disciples answered, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?” “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied. He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and they did so. They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven baskets of broken pieces that were left over. About four thousand men were present. And having sent them away, he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha.
Expectation
Regardless of the approach, notice that people expected God to perform miracles. Quite possibly, we have lost that "awe factor" and expectation in our faith since we live on this side of the Enlightenment and explain away miracles as natural events, coincidences, or uniquely uncommon situations ("luck" or "fate"). In doing so, we miss the "awe" miracles were intended to produce; "awe" not as amazement as much as a deeper reverence for the power of God. What tragedy and loss we experience when we fail to appreciate how creatively God works to reveal his care and love. Often, we don’t even expect it.
Today when ordinary lives encounter an extraordinary God, we tend to focus on the particulars of the moment rather than the One causing the miracle. When an authentic miracle is obvious, we tend to miss the blessing of the moment in an attempt to understand the details. God may well be in the moment but missed by our desire to find out "how" or "why" it was accomplished.
Word From God
I believe in miracles today. There is too much evidence to dismiss God’s miraculous activity as confined only to biblical times. It isn’t a surprise that Jesus spoke directly to the sin of the lame man in Mark 2, and I would expect God to speak in the same way today.
The problem is not that God doesn’t display his power and message in miracles today; it is our apathy to his activity and our unwillingness to be changed by it.
AdamsEve
We need to open our eyes and see what God is doing daily in our lives and the lives of others.
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1Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Word of God
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RE: Forgiveness - 6/1/2010 3:10:53 PM
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AdamsEve
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True Forgiveness Receiving and Giving Forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35)
Some translations give Jesus’ answer as “77” and others as “70 times 7,” because the Greek can be taken either way. Jesus was not telling Peter he could stop forgiving the 78th or 491st time someone wronged him. He was saying that keeping track of the number of times you “forgive” someone is not truly forgiving him at all. True forgiveness is releasing the malice, resentment, and desire to retaliate that can dominate your heart when you feel you have been wronged.
The story Jesus tells to illustrate what it means to forgive begins with a subtle reminder that God is fully aware of the debt that each of us owes Him. A day of reckoning awaits each of us when we must account for our actions during this life...
Romans 14:11-12
It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.’” So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Ten thousand talents was more money than anyone could ever imagine having. The law provided that a man and his family could be sold as slaves by a creditor in order to obtain the money that was owed (2 Kings 4:1; Leviticus 25:39-46). Whether it was equivalent to a few million dollars or a hundred million, the point is that it was so large that it could not possibly be repaid even through a lifetime of slavery or by any other means.
The servant falls to his knees and asks for what he feels is the most he could possibly hope for—more time to pay the debt. Imagine his overwhelming amazement as he received not a loan extension—but a complete forgiveness of the entire debt!
God can do more than we can possibly imagine...
Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
This story does not give mention of the price that had to be paid in order for the servant’s debt to be written off . . . but let no one not forget...
2Corinthians 5:21
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
AdamsEve
Brothers and Sisters don't hold grudges, it will do more harm to you than it is worth.
I know they hurt your feelings, etc but think of God sending His Son to heal our feelings.
Don't hold a grudge.
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1Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Word of God
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Grace or Deed? - 6/8/2010 3:02:34 PM
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AdamsEve
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Meeting Human Needs (Matthew 25:31-46)
Grace or Deed?
For many Christians, this parable from Jesus (sorting out the sheep from the goats according to how they love) is troubling. “We live under grace,” some would say, “so what’s this about the King categorizing us according to our deeds?
Is our theology formed by our traditions, and philosophy, or the actual words of Jesus? Jesus teaches that how we live and love makes a difference in our eternal “inheritance.” Those who do not love properly “will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Jesus says, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.” We all want to know who will get the inheritance. Each of us will be put into one of two groups—sheep (the righteous), or goats (those on the left). No politics here. Those who want to inherit the kingdom had better learn how to treat every person the same way they would treat the King. The King is watching. The righteous cannot ignore certain people and expect to fool the King. That teaching from Jesus was extremely upsetting to some in his original audience.
We are being commanded to meet human needs—to give food and drink, invite people over, give away clothing, help the sick, visit prisoners. The disturbing part about this is that we cannot be selective. Jesus personify all those in need, down to “the least.”
This teaching should shock us.
Kennon Callahan comments...
“There is nothing in the text that suggests ‘for I was hungry, and you bought a piece of land, I was thirsty and you hired a pastor, I was a stranger, and you held a committee meeting, I was naked and you sought out an architect, I was sick and you raised money, I was in prison and you built a building.’ . . . By the time the land is bought, the minister hired, the members acquired, and the buildings built, amnesia has set in and we have forgotten why we did all of this in the first place.” Our committee meetings had better relate somehow to meeting needs of people—or else we are goats.
In our individual lives, opportunities come our way all the time to love “the least.”
AdamsEve
We do not count or keep record, then it would be law and not from the heart, we see a need, we supply that need or at least help to.
How long do we need to help others? Are you still alive?
There are so much Scripture in the Bible that tells us what we need to do and how to treat others, they can not be missed and we need to take them seriously.
These needs can be in any form, it needs to be of help to someone OTHER than ourselves.
AdamsEve
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1Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Word of God
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RE: Learning to Listen - 6/15/2010 2:57:24 PM
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AdamsEve
Posts: 594
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Learning to Listen
(Matthew 13:1-23)
Dad called me to come in for supper. I heard him, but I was playing outside. Then he appeared at the door and asked, “ Son, didn’t you hear me calling you for supper? ” I said, “ Yeah, I heard you Dad, but I wasn’t listening. ” It was only a matter of seconds till I learned there is a difference between hearing and listening.
Jesus understood that and carefully chose his speech for those who would listen. Jesus did not invent parables, he magnified and transformed them by the way he used them. His word pictures were understandable, if you were listening.
The unassuming, story about dirt and seed would reveal powerful spiritual meaning for those who would listen.
The listeners got it. The stubborn missed it and would reject both the message and messenger.
The image Jesus depicted in this story was not complicated. It was about God’s Word ( seed ) and people who needed that Word ( soil ).
The seed was good. The topsoil ( mankind was made from dust of the ground. )
The application is this: People reproduce the Word of God in direct relation to the kind of soil they are.
“ Along the path ” ( vv 4 and 19 )
Jesus described this soil as unable and unready to receive the seed because it was so hard. Good seed simply lay there, until birds came and ate them. Jesus explained that this personal soil did not understand his words and so the devil took the words away.
This uncultivated soil was not capable of growing the seed, and it was snatched away. The devil doesn’t care what he uses as long as he can prevent an understanding of truth.
Sometimes this enemy uses what others are doing in the group you join . . . talking, playing, making noise, etc., so that you will neither hear nor understand Jesus’ words.
“ On rocky places ” ( vv 5 and 20 )
This soil is shallow, but like grass growing in cracks of a sidewalk, the seed grows quickly. Unlike grass, it withers because it has not developed a root.
When life is like this, the seed is received with joy and enthusiasm but without more than shallow emotion. The expectation is that once the word enters, problems should be eliminated. Confusion results when the first problem or trouble comes, because the emotion is also changed.
How many young Christians have dropped away from fellowship when the first trouble came? They falsely conclude: “ If that is how God treats us, we don’t want to have anything to do with him. ”
“ Fell among the thorns ” ( vv 7 and 22 )
The good earth is contaminated with weed seeds. Jesus identified the weeds that choke out the effective growth of his Word. The weeds are: “worries of this life . . . deceitfulness of wealth.” Luke’s Gospel adds “pleasures ” ( Luke 8:14 ).
The very things that will contaminate the production of a bountiful crop are the cares we have about things. The deceit of wealth, which chokes out the good seed, includes personal vanity, pride, ambition, power, and quest for status. Even friends say we ought to have “fun.”
" On good soil " (v 8 and 23 )
Fertile, soil produces more than what was planted. For the listener. God’s Word has the powerful potential to produce a harvest if that word is allowed to take root and grow.
Now comes the difficult application. Lack of faith, unbelief, or spiritual growth cannot be blamed on the speaker unless he or she fails to deliver God’s good seed ( his Word ).
The responsibility for hearing and listening rests on the listener not the speaker.
How can this listening be improved? Begin by praying for the speaker and for your own listening.
Prepare yourself to listen by expecting to be inspired and challenged.
Then, review your notes and read Scriptures, allow God’s good “ seed ” to grow.
The result could be a bountiful harvest of God’s Word multiplying in your life so that you never say...
“ I heard you Father, but I wasn’t listening. ”
AdamsEve
Dear brothers and sisters let us hear our Heavenly Father when He speaks to us.
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1Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Word of God
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RE: Learning to Listen - 6/22/2010 2:29:03 PM
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AdamsEve
Posts: 594
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Pride
Me, myself and I — the greatest army in the world.
We; so many times think we are the greatest and break our arm patting ourselves on the back.
Only to find out later you blew it.
Matthew 23:12
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Mark 9:35
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
Mark 12:38-40
As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely.”
Luke 1:51
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
Romans 12:3
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you
Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
1 Corinthians 10:12
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!
2Corinthians 11:29-30
Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. .
Galatians 6:3-5
If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.
James 4:5-7
Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:10
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Jude 1:13
They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.
Brothers and sisters give the Lord the credit, glory and thanks, for all things.
The Lord can make or break you and in either case give thinks. He is doing things in your life to bring you closer to Him, so give thanks.
Pride; is unbecoming for a Christian.
AdamsEve
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1Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Word of God
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RE: Learning to Listen - 6/29/2010 2:24:11 PM
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AdamsEve
Posts: 594
Joined: 2/29/2008
Status: offline
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A Call To Fellowship
Acts 2:42
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Today, many churches place great importance to being true to the Word of God, observing the Lord's Supper, and zealous in prayer
These things are certainly important, but what of "fellowship"?
fellowship...
community of interest, activity, feeling, or experience, the state of being a fellow or associate, a company of equals or friends, the quality or state of being comradely.
Do we understand this part of the Lord's church?
Are we practicing it in a way consistent with the example of the early church?
THE PROBLEM OF SELF-CENTEREDNESS...
Often manifested in a local congregation.
What if an outsider came to make a careful analysis of the church's life in reference to fellowship?
Sort out the interaction among its members.
How we relate to one another when we assemble for worship.
How we interact with each other away from our assemblies
Our group faithfulness.
Our willingness to support each other in time of need.
The amount of time we spend in the company of others in the church
Learn how well those who sit by each other Sunday after Sunday really know each other
Several years ago, some churches allowed themselves to be analyzed in this way; here is what was discovered:
The great majority of members knew a very few of the people
Those who gathered for worship were mostly an unknown group of worshipers
They were not a real community of worshipers prepared to bear one another's burdens
They expressed little interest in becoming more involved in each other's lives
They came to worship only for the sake of their own spiritual life and personal salvation!
The bottom line was the churches that were analyzed consisted of members who were "self-centered", There was very little fellowship of any sort was taking place!
I am not suggesting that the same condition exists in all churches. For the most part, I think it does not.
As we grow in number, the potential is there for losing the kind of fellowship we should experience.
If it does exist we need to ward off the kind of "self-centeredness" which can destroy the spiritual fellowship God would have us experience in the church.
REASONS FOR "SELF-CENTEREDNESS"...
Most of us lived through the "Me Decade"
A rapid rise of crime against others - rape, theft, assault, murder, increased use of drugs and alcohol. "Looking Out For #1." An emphasis on consumerism and materialistic gain.
Then a decade followed the "Greed Decade"
Cultural trends produced many self-centered people in a highly mobile society, families move in, and others move away. Many live distances from the place of worship and from each other.
These facts do not prevent us from having proper fellowship, they just make it easier to become isolated.
Technology designed to bring us closer together, can easily keep us apart, phones, email, etc., we can not develop any meaningful relationships.
AdamsEve
Part 2 will follow with some Scripture that can help us to live a more involved life in “ fellowship .“
_____________________________
1Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Word of God
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RE: Learning to Listen - 7/6/2010 4:00:21 PM
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AdamsEve
Posts: 594
Joined: 2/29/2008
Status: offline
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FELLOWSHIP FREE FROM SELF-CENTEREDNESS...
1 Peter 4:9
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
We are to be hospitable to one another.
1 Corinthians 12:26
If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
We are to have a care for one another.
James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
We are to pray for one another.
James 5:19-20
My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
We are to restore one another.
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
We are to teach and admonish one another.
Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
6. We are to serve one another in love.
THIS TRUTH WAS LIVED OUT IN THE EARLY CHURCH.
Acts 2:42-46
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
By the church in Jerusalem.
Acts 11:27-30
During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
By the church in Antioch.
2 Corinthians 8:1-5
And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.
By the churches in Macedonia.
Romans 15:26
For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.
By the churches in Achaia.
THIS FELLOWSHIP IS THE RESULT OF THE TEACHING OF CHRIST...
Mark 12:28-34
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
The kingdom consists of those who love both God and their brothers.
2 Corinthians 5:20
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
With God.
We enjoy a "vertical" relationship.
Ephesians 2:14-16
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
With fellow Christians.
We enjoy a "horizontal" relationship.
HELPFUL HINTS...
A fellowship is to be enjoyed by those in the church.
Spiritual activities designed to nurture fellowship in the body of Christ
There is a danger of allowing "self-centeredness" to disrupt fellowship.
Learn the names of EVERY member (make use of the church directory!)
Pray for those with special needs, mentioning them by name in your private prayers.
AdamsEve
Brothers and sisters it should be more enjoyable to fellowship with other brothers and sisters than it is with the world.
Next post will be the conclusion.
_____________________________
1Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.
Word of God
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