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Why should we study the Bible?

What is our purpose?

What do we want for ourselves?

What do we want for our children?

 

Integrity - Honesty - Faith (are these character traits that describe us?)

Character is developed by walking with God.

What are Godly traits?

 

How do we get to know His character?

How do we know His will?

Know His Word.

 

When God makes a promise He keeps it.

 

Do we need God's help?

Pray for His help.

Acknowledge Him.

 

Equip yourself - know God's Word.

 

Why did God give us the Bible?

Because of His great love for us.

 

The Bible is an account of God's gracious provision of eternal life - to draw us to the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

So, why again should we study the Bible?

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"1 Happy are people of integrity, who follow the law of the LORD.

2 Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts.

3 They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.

4 You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.

5 Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your principles!

6 Then I will not be disgraced when I compare my life with your commands.

7 When I learn your righteous laws, I will thank you by living as I should!

8 I will obey your principles. Please don`t give up on me!

9 How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word and following its rules.

10 I have tried my best to find you““don`t let me wander from your commands.

11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

12 Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your principles.

13 I have recited aloud all the laws you have given us.

14 I have rejoiced in your decrees as much as in riches.

15 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.

16 I will delight in your principles and not forget your word.

17 Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word.

18 Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your law.

19 I am but a foreigner here on earth; I need the guidance of your commands. Don`t hide them from me!

20 I am overwhelmed continually with a desire for your laws.

21 You rebuke those cursed proud ones who wander from your commands.

22 Don`t let them scorn and insult me, for I have obeyed your decrees.

23 Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your principles.

24 Your decrees please me; they give me wise advice.

25 I lie in the dust, completely discouraged; revive me by your word.

26 I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your principles.

27 Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful miracles.

28 I weep with grief; encourage me by your word.

29 Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your law.

30 I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your laws.

31 I cling to your decrees. LORD, don`t let me be put to shame!

32 If you will help me, I will run to follow your commands.

33 Teach me, O LORD, to follow every one of your principles.

34 Give me understanding and I will obey your law; I will put it into practice with all my heart." (Ps 119:1-34 NLT)

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The Bible is an account of God's gracious provision of eternal life - to draw us to the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

So, why again should we study the Bible?

 

 

 

Why should we study the bible?

 

Tell me, what else in your life can give you such HOPE!

Man offers you nothing, he alone has no real Hope.

Your youth soon fades and your strength passes away,

Your children soon leave you and they go their own way.

All of your riches which you worked so hard for,

Will be taken away by doctors, lawyers and more.

No, just Hope in in the scriptures, and faith in our Lord,

Will bring you real life and life evermore.

 

EGK

 

"The HOPE which is laid up for you in heaven whereof ye heard before in the word of truth of the gospel; If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the gentiles; which is Christ in you, the Hope of glory" Col 1: 5

 

"In Hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began" Titus 1:2

 

EGK

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Why should we study the Bible?

 

 

 

2 Timothy 3

 

1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.

6They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. 8Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth”men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.

10You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11persecutions, sufferings”what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

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Fear drives us to do many things that are wrong.

 

God's plan will always be carried out.

 

Take your fears to God - allow Him to handle them.

 

Difficult circumstances do not prevent God's blessings.

 

Acting upon fear = frustration and failure.

 

Are we more concerned about upsetting other people or what God will think?

 

Ethics? What is the foundation of your code of ethics?

 

Do we look to God first, or to the wisdom of Man?

 

God gives each of us the free will to choose wether or not to believe in Him.

 

It is not enough to just believe that there is a God.

 

Do you fear God or do you fear man?

 

God works behind the scenes, even in difficult situations.

 

God is at work in the providential circumstances in life. The more we know Him, the more we will recognize this.

 

Are you willing to take the time to teach children (and teens, and adults..) about the Lord?

 

How do you prepare yourself to do this? Are you going to church? Are you studying the Bible?

 

Use all of your resources and opportunities and trust God.

 

It is not great faith that counts, but faith in THE great God.

 

We choose how we are going to act or react to adverse situations.

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Fear drives us to do many things that are wrong.

 

God's plan will always be carried out.

 

Take your fears to God - allow Him to handle them.

 

Difficult circumstances do not prevent God's blessings.

 

Acting upon fear = frustration and failure.

 

Are we more concerned about upsetting other people or what God will think?

 

Ethics? What is the foundation of your code of ethics?

 

Do we look to God first, or to the wisdom of Man?

 

God gives each of us the free will to choose wether or not to believe in Him.

 

It is not enough to just believe that there is a God.

 

Do you fear God or do you fear man?

 

God works behind the scenes, even in difficult situations.

 

God is at work in the providential circumstances in life. The more we know Him, the more we will recognize this.

 

Are you willing to take the time to teach children (and teens, and adults..) about the Lord?

 

How do you prepare yourself to do this? Are you going to church? Are you studying the Bible?

 

Use all of your resources and opportunities and trust God.

 

It is not great faith that counts, but faith in THE great God.

 

We choose how we are going to act or react to adverse situations.

 

 

Thanks for posting these Little Koshka!

 

Reading through these I see and feel a common theme; Not compromising in serving The Lord. To shed all fears and faith in man aside. To rise up to the fullest point of Faith and to make a stand for what one feels in the deepest part of the their heart; Where the Holy Spirit resides. A place where man has no authority to disrupt.

 

In my heart, in that area is a place that has written a prayer, that one day all the True Christians in molokanism will come out of the shadows and behind the walls of fear. Into a place where only the brightest Light Shines. A place where the Spirit can stand freely and stand face to face with the enemy and stare it down and Shine so bright steadfastly until the enemy loses all it's damaging power. For that false spirit to be exposed rebuked and led to crawl away on it's belly.

 

Many people are getting hurt and going further and further unto disillusionment and their painful cries are being heard but too many people of compromisation are not letting their hearts be known and the time has come for all to come unto the light and away from the false safety compromisation.

 

The time has to come soon when the power of comprimisation is torn away fully and replaced with the full Armor of God.

 

Ephisians 6:11-13

 

11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

 

 

 

 

Paul William Orloff

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More:

 

Blown opportunites = failure.

Missed opportunities , procrastination, regret.

 

If God is putting something on your heart, pray about it, do it.

 

Time here on Earth is short compared to eternity.

The greatest reward / fulfillment in this life is to be used by God.

 

No one is used by God without a cost.

Faith exacts a cost, but the cost leads to reward.

Christianity is costly.

There is a dislike or avoidance of Christians in some situations, because Christians make others uncomfortable.

 

Timing is important as action.

Are you praying about your actions?

Is it in God's time or our time?

Ask for God's wisdom, strenght, and timing.

 

Humility - Compassion - Obedience (are these character traits that describe us?)

 

We can do nothing, God can do everything.

 

God always hears the earnest prayers of people.

He is a God of compassion.

 

Are you being oppressed by someone or something?

Pray earnestly to Him.

 

No one has ever "earned" God's love.

 

Obey God. Follow God.

What choices do you need to make?

 

We all need to be on the right path with God.

 

Without Him, we are helpless and hopeless.

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Apart from God, we can do nothing.

John 15:5

5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

 

People are capable of terrible things if they go their own way instead of God's.

 

God is able to work, in spite of our faliures.

 

Man is inconsistent.

We can do something utterly right one moment, and something utterly wrong the next.

 

One failure does not necessarily disqualify us from future service to Him.

We are often destroyed by failure because we have too high an opinion of ourselves. We think we cannot fail. When we do, we are shaken to our roots and are sometimes ready to close the window coverings, draw unto ourselves, and quit. Have you ever been demoralized by some past failure? Have you said, "God cannot use me anymore, I have failed Him." That is what the devil would like you to think and will often suggest it to you even if you do not think of it yourself.

 

God is always working.

Perhaps he is preparing you for an important task.

 

Trust God.

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God has a bigger purpose for us when answering our prayers according to His will.

(If the answer is not to our liking, that is.)

 

Do not ignore the Word of God.

God will not give you anything that condradicts His Word.

 

He has specific plans for each of us.

It is not about us - it is about Him.

 

How much do you know about God?

Make a list of what you know - what are His attributes?

 

Obedience to God may mean increased difficulty to oneself and others.

 

You cannot expect reason from an evil person.

The evil itself confuses or corrupts them and their ability to reason.

 

Sometimes a situation may worsen before improving.

 

Spiritual Leadership -

 

1. Expect opposition and misunderstanding.

2. Tell it to God, seek His strength and wisdom.

3. Be bold before people, and broken before God.

4. Trust God's promises and obey Him even when everything or everybody seems to be against you.

 

God's assurance is available to those who will listen.

 

Focus on God, His power, His promise, and His purpose.

 

We are not perfect, but we are useable to the Lord.

 

God is fulfilling His promise, His plan, and His purpose, even if the situation seems impossible.

 

God is magnificently faithful!

 

God is in control!

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God has a bigger purpose for us when answering our prayers according to His will.

(If the answer is not to our liking, that is.)

 

Do not ignore the Word of God.

God will not give you anything that condradicts His Word.

 

He has specific plans for each of us.

It is not about us - it is about Him.

 

How much do you know about God?

Make a list of what you know - what are His attributes?

 

Obedience to God may mean increased difficulty to oneself and others.

 

You cannot expect reason from an evil person.

The evil itself confuses or corrupts them and their ability to reason.

 

Sometimes a situation may worsen before improving.

 

Spiritual Leadership -

 

1. Expect opposition and misunderstanding.

2. Tell it to God, seek His strength and wisdom.

3. Be bold before people, and broken before God.

4. Trust God's promises and obey Him even when everything or everybody seems to be against you.

 

God's assurance is available to those who will listen.

 

Focus on God, His power, His promise, and His purpose.

 

We are not perfect, but we are useable to the Lord.

 

God is fulfilling His promise, His plan, and His purpose, even if the situation seems impossible.

 

God is magnificently faithful!

 

God is in control!

 

 

Amen!

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When we become Christians, most of us have an idea of what the Christian life involves.

In our technological age many of us expect things to work quickly, regularly, and with no accidents or setbacks.

That sets our expectations for Christianity.

We think the Christian life should be like driving a car.

We get in, we turn the key, step on the accelerator, and move forward.

So when spiritual setbacks come or when our first efforts for God do not produce the results we expect (which is often, perhaps even generally, the case) we become discouraged and wonder what has gone wrong.

 

This is what happened to Moses as a result of his first meeting with Pharaoh.

 

Have you encountered a difficult person or circumstance and begun to think that you must be out of God's will?

Learn from Moses the important truth that difficulties encountered in doing God's work are usually evidence that you are right where God wants you!

If you determine to obey God and follow Him, He will orchestrate circumstances to test the sincerity of your committment.

He will allow people to try to suppress and oppose you.

But He will also bring you itno a spacious plece where He will give you the very things He has caused you to desire.

 

Will you go on, even when things do not seem to go well? How will you trust God to bring you through the difficulties your are facing as you do His work?

 

More notes from my Bible:

Commentary (on Exodus 6:9-12)

When Moses gave God's message to the people, they were too discouraged to listen.

The Hebrews did not want to hear any more about God and His promises because the last time they listened to Moses, all they got was more work and greater suffering.

Sometimes a clear message from God is followed by a period when no change in the situation is apparent.

During that time, seeming setbacks may turn people away from wanting to hear more about God.

If you are a leader, do not give up.

Keep bringing people God's message as Moses did.

By focusing on God who must be obeyed rather than on the results to be achieved, good leaders see beyond temporary setbacks and reversals.

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More..

 

Every truth God teaches us will be tested to see if it has penetrated our hearts and changed our attitudes and behaviors.

If we truly believe what God says, it will show in our actions and choices.

 

God has a plan and a purpose for you and me.

 

Are you a person of faith?

Spiritual roots grow - we mature and grow in tests or times that are trying.

 

Pray for power equal to your tasks.

 

The will of God will not take you where His grace cannot sustain you.

 

Whe we do not take situations to the Lord, we will complain and place blame on someone else.

 

Remember you are serving God - not man. The people you are trying to help will sometimes turn against you.

 

Obedience = Blessings

Disobedience = Judgement

 

It is always darkest before the dawn.

 

God is in charge.

 

Don't go to people with your problems - go to Him.

 

When we ask God why - it implies that He is accountable to us.

 

Don't grumble - take it to Him humbly.

 

God is willing to feed us day by day, but we must be willing to gather and eat every day. (Manna = God's Word)

 

What is spiritual malnutrition?

 

Blatant disobedience - to test God is to willfully take a posture against Him - much like a 2 year old.

 

Bitter angry people do unreasonable things.

 

God will always stand with His obedient servants.

 

God calls some to act and some to pray. (ex: Moses & Joshua / Exodus)

God's victories are never won alone.

Every person has a part in it.

 

(BSF rocks!)

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Short and sweet:

 

Have you checked your attitude lately?

 

Where is your heart?

 

If you are purpose driven - are you doing things to glorify Him?

 

Obey out of gratitute and love for what He did for you.

 

"He made it. He gave it to us. It is His to use."

 

Do things to honor Him because you want to, with a willing heart - not because you have to (if you are doing the latter it is worthless, anyway).

 

When God presents you with an opportunity, your motivation should be pure and your heart should be filled with willingness to glorify Him.

 

Share your blessings.

 

Give what is of value to you.

 

:happy:

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What are the repercussions of bad leadership?

(Reference: Aaron's actions in Exodus 32:1-6 with the golden calf. When Aaron (who was left by Moses to be in a leadership position) agreed to go along with what the people wanted and angered God.) Because of the people's and Aaron's actions, what happened? See Exodus 32:25-28.

 

Leaders who do not make the right choices cause dire consequences to many.

 

The privilege of leadership brings with it responsibility and accountability.

 

Obedience to God will not always be easy, but will always be rewarded.

 

Only through Jesus Christ can you be reconciled.

 

You are personally responsible for your beliefs, acts, and sins. Only with exclusive belief in Jesus Christ will you be saved.

You cannot be responsible for or save anyone.

 

You are personally responsible for what you have knowledge of and what you do with that knowledge.

 

You need to read Gods promises & words to know them.

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List some characteristics that distinguish a person who knows God from those who do not.

 

What difference in your countenance and your conduct hace resulted from your time with the Lord?

 

2 Corinthians 3:7-18 (New International Version)

 

The Glory of the New Covenant

7Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was, 8will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? 9If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! 10For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. 11And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!

12Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. 14But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect[a] the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

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What does it mean to "know" God?

 

Sometimes the word "know" is used to mean "simple awareness" of a mere fact.

 

Another use of the word "know" is "knowing about" or knowledge by description. Knowing in a way of not being personally acquainted with.

 

There are unbelieving theologians who have this kind of knowledge of God. The can describe what He is like, using the Bible as their guide , but that does not mean that they know Him in a "saving way".

 

Another description of "know" is knowledge by experience.

The full meaning of "know" as the Bible uses it in reference to God is knowledge by which one is changed. Knowing God takes place in the context of Christian faithfulness, worship, and obedience, and devotion.

 

From J.I. Parker`s classic theological study "Knowing God":

"Knowing God involves first, listening to God`s word and receiving it as the Holy Spirit interprets it, in application to oneself; second, noting God`s nature and character, as His word and works reveal it; third, accepting His invitations, and doing what He commands; fourth, recognizing, and rejoicing in, the love that he has shown in thus approaching one and drawing one into this divine fellowship."

 

Commentary on A.W. Tozer`s "The Pursuit of God":

Tozer begins by lamenting over the shallow, empty forms of worship of many churches. True knowledge of God has been replaced by mechanical things like the church`s "program". Spiritual worship is at a low ebb. According to Tozer, "religion, so far as it is genuine, is in essence the response of created personalities to the Creating Personality, God".. Therefore if we would find God amid all the religious externals we must first determine to find Him, and then proceed in the way of simplicity¦ We must put away all effort to impress and come with the guileless candor of childhood."

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Are you going to accomplish the purpose that God has for you?

 

All Christians are to be a functioning part of His body.

 

Is the Lord Jesus Christ the focal point of your life?

What is the "order" of your life?

 

God is a God of order. God is not haphazard.

 

When we hang on to sin, it grieves the Holy Spirit.

 

When we wrong another believer, it is sin.

 

Hurting people is hurting God.

 

We must make restitution.

 

Give generously to the Lord.

Be organized about it.

 

Lamps must be focused to give light.

 

What is your call?

What does He want you to do?

 

God wants clean, committed people to serve Him.

Is there anything between you and God preventing you from serving Him?

 

Pray first, then act.

 

Put God at the center of your life.

Keep God at the center of your life.

 

If you lack wisdom, ask God for some.

 

God expects us to follow His guidance.

 

If you are living according to God's revealed will, you can expect His guidance, protection, and presence.

 

Is there something in yoru life that needs to be recognized as sin that needs to be addressed?

 

Be joyful in doing the jobs God gives you.

When you are doing the job that God gives you, no matter what it is, you will have energy for it, and you will love it.

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When we wrong another believer, it is sin.

 

Hurting people is hurting God.

 

We must make restitution.

 

So, Steadfast, do you still stand firm on your opinion that Maxcimists, atheists, Buddists, Hindus, and everyone else not born into a Christian family is not eligible to to repent, and receive Christ's gift of eternal salvation?
"and everyone else not born into a Christian family is not eligible to to repent, and receive Christ's gift of eternal salvation?" I never said anything about being born into a Christian family or not being eligable to repent.

 

 

But, 6 days earlier, this is what I did say, little koshka, you are misquoting me.

Yup! Excluded are atheists, Buddhists, Hindu and all New Israel (psssst, don't tell Mr. Walley, nobody home up stairs you know, what did God say about casting pearls?) Many are called, few are chosen....recognizing his Shepherds voice etc.
Based on this evidence, I think your apology would be appropriate. SF

 

 

When we wrong another believer, it is sin. Hurting people is hurting God. We must make restitution.
It's good to know you feel so strongly about hurting people, How long should I wait for your apology for twisting my words?

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More notes from my Bible Study Lecture.

95% of this stuff comes straight from the lecture - or in other words, I don't think this stuff up myself.

Note “ we are in the book of Numbers right now..

 

Stuff necked stubborn people usually revert back to old habits.

 

God hears our complaining - Complaining angers God - God wants us to learn from experience.

It is a serious thing to complain against God.

A complaining spirit reveals a lack of contentment.

Grumbling and complaining is a sin against God.

 

To willfully disobey God is to ask for judgment.

 

True faith is believing the word of God and acting on it.

 

The promises in God's Word are for those who are committed to Him.

 

Don't let boredom turn you from God's best.

 

What are you teaching your children to pursue?

 

Encourage others rather than discourage.

 

God is THE source for help.

 

The heart of every problem is a problem with the heart.

 

How do you feel about others` spiritual growth?

Jealousy among Christian workers is grievous to God and it hinders His work.

Envy of others` blessings is uncalled for.

Don`t act like self centered children.

 

Remember that how you treat others will come back on you “ if you shun another believer, be prepared to be shunned yourself.

 

Meekness “ one who bears wrongs without resistance.

Let God defend you “ ask Him for His help.

If someone comes along and opposes you “ smile and let it go.

God will vindicate His servants.

 

 

God loves you.

God has a purpose for you.

God will provide for you.

He will guide you and protect you.

Have total security in Him.

 

Believe God

Know God

Trust God

Follow God

Serve God

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More from last weeks lesson notes..

 

Be strong (to glorify the Lord)

Be humble (to glorify the Lord)

Be compassionate (to glorify the Lord)

 

The Lord remembers mercy.

 

God provides our daily bread.

 

Are you thankful?

How do you express your thanks to God?

 

Often we get frustrated by our hardships or hardships of others - are we praying about it?

Are we bold enough in going to Him in prayer in all situations or occasions?

 

It is a grave sin to speak against a true servant of God.

 

(from William M. Taylor)

Do not be surprised when attacts come, but rather prepare for them and determine to carry on humbly.

We cannot serve God and be unduly concerned for the opinions of those who do not love Him.

 

We can often handle attacks when they come from those who are avowed enemies of Christ.

But it is altogether different when they come from people who are close to us - colleagues, peers, or even members of our families.

 

The assaults of envy are always best met by a silent appeal to heaven.

 

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21). Instead of answering back, will you pray for those who are harsh to you?

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More from the lecture notes:

 

God holds us accountable to the knowledge of His Word and His Truth that we have.

 

 

Don't go in the opposite direction of God - there are consequences.

Are you choosing blessings or consequences?

 

Facing giants -

There is a giant called fear - fear is a lack of trust.

Doubting God = surrender to fear.

 

Eyes of faith = trusting in the power of God

 

Formidable situations are opportunities to trust God and to experience His power and faithfulness.

 

Unbelief sees the problems - faith sees His solutions.

 

Are you looking to your circumstances and your abilities,

or are you looking to God's strengths and abilities?

 

You cannot do your own thing and expect God's blessings.

His will is to make your life good.

 

Those who rebel against Him are denying His will.

 

Faithlessness is vicious - there is no mercy - there is no willingness to see His truth.

 

We have a choice - resentment and revenge -or-acting to bring God glory

Are you zealous for God's glory?

 

God will never turn anyone away who comes to Him and His Word.

 

Give God's Word back to God in your prayers - base your prayers on the Words of God.

 

Forgiveness is not a get out of jail free card or a reason to keep on sinning..

 

Not believing God's promises is rebellion and incurs God's wrath.

 

Faith is obedience to God.

Repentance is turning from our will to God's will.

Admitting to sin isn not the same as repenting.

 

Be accountable.

 

Faith is not presumptuous.

 

We can never do anything by faith that contradicts God's Word.

 

What giant is standing in the way of your obedience?

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Guest ex Molokan
More from the lecture notes:

 

God holds us accountable to the knowledge of His Word and His Truth that we have.

 

 

Don't go in the opposite direction of God - there are consequences.

Are you choosing blessings or consequences?

 

Facing giants -

There is a giant called fear - fear is a lack of trust.

Doubting God = surrender to fear.

 

Eyes of faith = trusting in the power of God

 

Formidable situations are opportunities to trust God and to experience His power and faithfulness.

 

Unbelief sees the problems - faith sees His solutions.

 

Are you looking to your circumstances and your abilities,

or are you looking to God's strengths and abilities?

 

You cannot do your own thing and expect God's blessings.

His will is to make your life good.

 

Those who rebel against Him are denying His will.

 

Faithlessness is vicious - there is no mercy - there is no willingness to see His truth.

 

We have a choice - resentment and revenge -or-acting to bring God glory

Are you zealous for God's glory?

 

God will never turn anyone away who comes to Him and His Word.

 

Give God's Word back to God in your prayers - base your prayers on the Words of God.

 

Forgiveness is not a get out of jail free card or a reason to keep on sinning..

 

Not believing God's promises is rebellion and incurs God's wrath.

 

Faith is obedience to God.

Repentance is turning from our will to God's will.

Admitting to sin isn not the same as repenting.

 

Be accountable.

 

Faith is not presumptuous.

 

We can never do anything by faith that contradicts God's Word.

 

What giant is standing in the way of your obedience?

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Guest ex Molokan

What giant is standing in the way of your obedience? PRIDE

 

I think we know that question for alot of Molokans...... not accepting Jesus as God and their belief in MAXSIM and his book.

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What giant is standing in the way of your obedience? PRIDE

 

I think we know that question for alot of Molokans...... not accepting Jesus as God and their belief in MAXSIM and his book.

 

My guess is that you mean that the answer to the question is, PRIDE is the reason for not accepting, Jesus as God and I do agree. I do also believe that FEAR of the unknown does also enter into the decision-making process. This fear for some is totally weird reason which keeps some to REALLY take close look into how one's self believes and also there is the enticing false picture that many Molokans get when they ONLY attend Molokan functions which are well attended. If they were to take closer look on any Resurrection Day (Sunday) by as easily as driving by and seeing the sparse number of cars in the parking lot, let alone the only 25-35 regular attendees with ALL those empty benches stacked in the corner gathering dust if they were to go inside, until the next time borsh is served and during tables the noise of conversations that at times is deafening, as a poor soul in the corner, apparently preaching Truth is seen, but definitely not heard. Sadly, this may be a good thing with all of Biblical ignorance among far too many of the speakers. Be honest now, if you believe that this is not true. If the speeches were truly inspirational by bringing conviction to the heart of some of the many attendees for their need of God's Blessings? Wouldn't others be quiet and desire to hear of God's Truths and then be anxious to return the following week to receive further inspiration?

 

Can this make any sense at all? Because, God's heart is indeed totally with the Molokan belief system as it stands today, since many Molokans being of the belief that they are "New Israel" and His only chosen on earth? As the S&L, clearly teaches.

 

Have a look here: New Israel ??

 

lastinline (where I certainly care)

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Pride is a terrible trait and is the opposite of humility

 

The inability to admit when you are wrong especially when facing overwhelming evidence that you are

 

I've been guilty of it and apparently have recently done it

 

Scripture is clear on how to deal with it

 

"23 "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,

24 "leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:23-24 NKJV)

 

This in conjunction with

 

"If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men." (Romans 12:18 NKJV)

 

This is not so with the religious person

 

It's their religion at all costs and do not confuse them with facts

 

There have been a few who have come to faith recently who needed to deal with error in religious beliefs

 

That is not a natural response and I believe the flesh is not wired naturally to admit fault

 

However, by Gods Spirit, this is possible

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Thanks for posting these Little Koshka!

 

Also, Seeking-Truth_1 great post! There are many accounts of when Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was on this earth that the religious zealots in His time acted in the same manner that we see today. They protect their religion, man-made traditions, impose strict rules, un-graceful, unforgiving...

 

This can be accounted that these people know of God, but don't KNOW GOD! Big difference.

 

Here is a cool one-liner I came across this week:

 

"Yes, God loves us all, but He favors "fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts!""

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What difference might it make in your life if you would learn to look to God first and trust Him, then look at the circumstances, rather than concentrating on your problems and forgetting to look to God at all?

 

(The insufficiency of human effort apart from God)

Jesus said, "Apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5)

Do you believe this? If we believe this, why do we try to do so much on our own without Jesus?

 

Unbelief, disobedience, rebellion and sin all result in a delay or avoidance of God`s blessings.

Unbelief angers God and delays our progress.

 

(We are studying Numbers right now “ Moses dealing with different personalities “ even family members..)

So, as part of the study we were asked to list some character traits of Korah (a leader “ also Moses` cousin). He was described as covetous, selfish, greedy, jealous, skeptical, impatient, fearful, prideful, disloyal, and entitled.

He was rebelling against Moses “ also rebelling against God.

God said in verse 16:11 “ It is against the Lord that you and all of your followers have banded together¦

 

We know what happened next in verses 15 “ 40¦

 

From the lecture:

 

What are you doing when you contradict God`s Word? “ You are contradicting God.

Taking part or parts of God`s truth and mixing it with our own reasoning is dangerous.

 

Only God can change a person`s heart.

 

The Lord Jesus Christ is our sole intercessor.

 

Religious “ arrogant “ defiant “ (Korah & followers) were wanting to serve God their way “ not His.

 

We must yield ourselves to God`s authority.

When we are right with God “ we submit to God.

 

When trouble comes “ do not just react. Pray “ and let God handle things.

 

Be God centered.

 

Those who do not take a stand against sin will also be judged.

 

God will not share His authority with anyone.

 

Be aware “ think about what you are seeing and hearing. Be discerning.

 

Only God can make a barren stick fruitful. (Numbers 17:8)

 

People who do not want to yield to the Word of God will find a reason not to.

 

What is distorting your walk with God?

 

The Lord Jesus Christ is the only authority over spiritual, emotional, or physical life.

Jesus is the only one who stands between life and death.

It says so in the Bible.

 

Quit rebelling against God “ yield to God.

 

So, what do you believe?

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Concentrating on our present challenges and responsibilities is the best way to prepare for what God has planned for our future.

Trust in Him.

 

God exists and has always existed, He is the one sure foundation of everything, and the person who is anchored in Him is eternally secure. Moreover, a person who trusts God has a safe dwelling place in Him.

 

We must learn to give God glory for all things.

Romans 11:36

"For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen!"

 

Do things to glorify Him.

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More..

 

God cares about our present faith in Him and is not stopped by our past failures.

He can turn past defeats into current or future victories.

 

We need to choose Jesus Christ - or be under the control of satan.

 

Do not spurn the grace of God.

 

Christ's gift of salvation is personal and individual. There is no other way.

Look to Him - believe in Him - live.

 

Salvation from the deadly bite of sin comes through only looking at the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Seeking God's guidance - trusting His promises - obeying His instructions is a sure pattern for victory.

 

Step out in faith in Him.

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More..

 

Man rushes around in the fury of human religions seeking a pallative for sin. They perform all sorts of rites, chastising the flesh, humbling the spirit. They undertake fasts and pilgrimages... The man who trusts religion instead of looking to Christ will be eternally lost.

 

Faith without content is no true faith at all.

 

The object of faith is Christ - faith rests upon knowledge, not upon pious ignorance.

 

From Charles Spurgeon - on how he was saved - as a boy listening to a layman preach: "Young man, you look miserable, and you will always be miserable - miserable in life, and miserable in death - if you do not obey my text. Young man, look to Jesus Christ. Look! Look! Look! You have nothin' to do but to look and live."

 

Take your fears or worries to God.

Fear or worry keeps you from thinking correctly.

Are you worrying or praying?

 

We are to love other believers - and put their needs before our own.

 

Proud and outrageous tempers are equal to a weak character.

 

Real repentance is not just a change of heart, but also a change of actions.

 

Do we know of truth (His Truth) but do nothing with it?

It is not enough just to know about it.

 

Turn from self centered living and live to glorify God.

 

Are you zealous for the Lord?

 

Even more..

 

Hebrews 12:3

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

 

God is able to use unlikely people to give His word to others.

He can certainly use you if you are a believer in Jesus Christ.

Are you willing to have Him use you?

If so, now is the time for you to get busy about telling others about Jesus and the Gospel.

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God will do what He says that He will do. See the Bible for the references you will need.

 

What are your children inheriting from you?

What spiritual foundation are you providing them with?

What characteristics are you displaying for them to emulate?

 

Keep your promises - be true to what you say you will do - live by your word!

We should be known for our integrity.

 

If Moses was not able to get away with sin, what makes you think that you can? (Remember that he was able to see the promised land, but not enter it.)

 

What are you doing as a Christian leader to prepare the next generation?

2 Timothy 2:1-3

1You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 3Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

 

(Are the young ones (and you) being fed properly so that they grow in the Lord? Or - is their (and your) growth being stunted?)

 

Leading someone to worship a false god is a deadly sin.

 

Give your all to Him - give your best to Him.

 

School prepares us for our future on Earth.

Church prepares us for our future in eternity.

 

Those who do not learn from past mistakes are likely to repeat them.

 

Are you choosing consequences or blessings?

 

Unbelief and disobedience have dire consequences.

 

Despite people's changing religious fancies, God does not change, the nature of our sin does not change, and neither does the way of salvation. The only way of salvation is by the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

 

1 Timothy 2:5-6

"For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ, who gave himself as a ransom for all men - the testimony given in its proper time"

 

Jesus said:

Matthew 11:38

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

 

John 6:37

Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.

 

(Interesting that Jesus said "all you" and "whoever", isn't it?)

 

 

 

 

What is the condition of your heart?

 

 

 

 

and, from Deuteronomy 1 -

Moses noted that it took 40 years to travel a distance that would normally take 11 days.....

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Deuteronomy 4

Obedience Commanded

1 Hear now, O Israel, the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. 2 Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you.

 

If you love God you will obey Him. If you obey Him, He will bless you.

 

The most important words are those that point people to God.

 

Hear and obey God.

Fear and obey God.

Love and obey God.

Respect and obey God.

 

Full enjoyment of life is based on obeying God's word.

 

Arrogance leads to pain and loss.

Your character is an open testamony to those around you.

 

Any revelation of God demands a response. Apply it to your life and obey Him.

 

Obey Him with your heart.

 

What is the condition of your heart?

 

Motives for obedience - what are yours?

 

Teach the truths of the God (from the Bible) to your children.

 

Do not compromise your beliefs as a Christian.

 

Do not become too comfortable or too busy to pray, to read His word (the Bible).

 

Dangers of pride - do not think that you have blessings because you are better or special.

 

If you have material or spiritual blessings it is because of God's grace - not because of who you are or who you are associated with.

 

Deliberate disobedience is a danger.

 

Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

 

To love God with all of your heart means to obey Him with all of your strength.

 

God's word stands on its own.

Test prophets - test the spirit - do not be misled by false prophets. Any prophet that is not 100% accurate 100% of the time is false. Prophets must no contradict the Bible. Do not try to "act" as a prophet - that goes against God.

 

Deuteronomy 18:19-22

19 If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account. 20 But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death."

 

21 You may say to yourselves, "How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD ?" 22 If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.

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Disobedience will result in disaster.

Repentance brings restoration.

 

God give us just so much time for repentance.

 

Do unto others..

 

You can't obey what you have never seen or heard. Open your Bible and see what God has to say to you.

When you know what God expects, there is no excuse for disobedience.

("But, I didn't know.." is not going to fly with Him..)

 

Do you know what God expects of you?

 

There are some things that are absolutely right.

There are some things that are absolutely wrong.

 

If we are to live our lives God's way, there are some things that do not fit that must be eliminated.

 

Blessings and peace are only ours if we do it God's way.

 

Saying amen is equal to saying that you agree.

 

The purpose of the law was not salvation.

The law shows us that we are sinners!

If you break one of God's commandments, you have broken them ALL.

If you are a sinner you will die eternally with out Jesus Christ.

 

Galatians 3:11 (New International Version)

11Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, "The righteous will live by faith."[a]

 

Obedience builds Godly character - our character is a testimony to those around us.

 

Actions speak louder than words.

How do you treat others?

Are you arrogant and hateful?

Are you humble and loving?

What is your attitude towards others?

In church - at home - at work - anywhere?

 

God does not promise material prosperity.

God cannot bless those who rebel against him.

 

An arrogant disobedient person may have abundant material blessings - but also be spiritually bankrupt or poor - how sad.

 

Obedience is a choice.

Seek the Lord from your heart.

 

What will it take to motivate you to obedience?

 

We are to declare the Good News of the Gospel with our mouths - so that people hear and understand.

 

What will God do to those who have stubbornly refused to hear Him?

 

Anxiety and dispair, weary eyes and a disparing heart are things that you will experience in disobedience to God.

 

Our attitudes in times of prosperity will determine our destiny in times of calamity.

 

How is your attitude?

How is your heart?

 

Deuteronomy 29:16 - 21

16 You yourselves know how we lived in Egypt and how we passed through the countries on the way here. 17 You saw among them their detestable images and idols of wood and stone, of silver and gold. 18 Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the LORD our God to go and worship the gods of those nations; make sure there is no root among you that produces such bitter poison.

 

19 When such a person hears the words of this oath, he invokes a blessing on himself and therefore thinks, "I will be safe, even though I persist in going my own way." This will bring disaster on the watered land as well as the dry. [a] 20 The LORD will never be willing to forgive him; his wrath and zeal will burn against that man. All the curses written in this book will fall upon him, and the LORD will blot out his name from under heaven. 21 The LORD will single him out from all the tribes of Israel for disaster, according to all the curses of the covenant written in this Book of the Law.

 

Knowing God's law and going against it?

How is your relationship with the Lord?

 

Faith in Him produces obedience to Him.

Love from our hearts produces obedience.

 

Persist in prayer.

Love.

Rebuke.

 

God blesses repentance.

 

We can choose to follow Him or to not follow Him.

If you are following Him - you cannot follow anyone else.

 

The choice is between eternal life or eternal death.

 

John 3:36 (New International Version)

36Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him."[a]

 

The choice is yours to make.

God gave us each a free will to choose.

 

When we are led by the Holy Spirit, we will do right.

When we are led by the flesh, we will fail.

 

Everything is clearly spelled out in Scripture (The Bible).

The Bible is God's great gift to us, and it is all we need in order to do effective evangelism, grow in grace, discern God's will, and develop a just and humane society.

 

Because we are so prone to forget, the book of Deuteronomy's second or reiterated law reminds us of our need to review constantly the demands of God's Word, and our obligation to know and obey His holy requirements. Like foolish sheep we are each inclined to go his or her own way. Most of our miseries result from going our own way.

 

He will bless you with means and ways to get through the challenges.

 

Consequences of past behaviors can be turned into tomorrow's blessings (with repentance and obedience).

 

Keep thinking...

 

 

 

 

 

 

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No religion has ever been greater than God.

 

God is unchanged and will not change.

A choice for God and His ways is necessary.

Upon that choice hangs your destiny.

 

What choices about God and His ways are you making today?

As a result, what does God's Word say about your destiny?

 

What is the character of God?

What is your perspective of God?

 

Where does God stand in your life?

Where do you Stand with God?

 

How good are you at trusting God?

When are you dependent on God?

 

Assure others of God's faithfulness.

 

God will equip us to carry out His commands.

 

We each have some God given work to do, and we are to never stop trying.

Don't stop trying, don't stop short. Be faithful, keep going, and the job will get done in His time.

 

Who should you be sharing Jesus Christ with?

 

Warnings in scripture are to promote obedience and closeness to the Lord.

 

Are you too comfortable and are you relying on anyone or anything other than God?

 

How are you reminding yourself to be greatful or show grattitude towards God?

 

Are you reacting or returning God's love with rebellion?

 

People sometimes need to become 100% hopeless or helpless before they turn to the Lord.

 

What are you going to do if you run out of time or an opportunity to repent?

 

You cannot know God or know what He expects of you without knowing His word.

 

 

Deuteronomy 30:19-20

19 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

 

Salvation is by grace through the work of Jesus Christ alone.

 

The choice is as important as that - living or dying - and it is as simple as that. To live is as simple as obeying God's commandments. To reject them is to perish eternally.

 

It does not make any difference where we might go or what we might do. If we do not obey God and keep His commandments, our lives will be one great, continuous, overwhelming, devastating curse.

 

We must not think that accepting the covenant will guarantee our future spiritual and physical safety so that it will not matter any more what we do or do not do. We must not say "I will be safe even though I persist in going my own way".

 

This has direct application to the way some Christians understand the doctrine of eternal security of perseverance. They treat it as if when one is saved, it no longer matters what they do. Acutally, it does matter. It matters imensely. Christians will suffer for disobedience, just as the Israelites did. Moreover, if they persist in disobedience and do not repent and turn back to God, what they are demonstrating is not the inexhaustable grace of God so much as the fact that they may not be Christians. To continue willfully in sin while claiming eternal security in Christ is a dangerous, perhaps even fatal, presumption.

 

The Bible is sufficient for all of our spiritual needs Therefore instead of trying to pry into things that are not revealed, we should occupy ourselves with learning, appropriating, and obeying the things that are.

 

The apostle Paul repudiates any effort to earn salvation by human works or righteousness citing Deut 30:12-14 when he is urging acceptance of the gospel of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Romans 10:1-4).

 

Deuteronomy 30:12-14

12 It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" 13 Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, "Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" 14 No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.

 

Romans 10:1-4

1Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. 2For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. 4Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.

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Why should we study the Bible?

What is our purpose?

What do we want for ourselves?

What do we want for our children?

 

Integrity - Honesty - Faith (are these character traits that describe us?)

Character is developed by walking with God.

What are Godly traits?

 

How do we get to know His character?

How do we know His will?

Know His Word.

 

When God makes a promise He keeps it.

 

Do we need God's help?

Pray for His help.

Acknowledge Him.

 

Equip yourself - know God's Word.

 

Why did God give us the Bible?

Because of His great love for us.

 

The Bible is an account of God's gracious provision of eternal life - to draw us to the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

So, why again should we study the Bible?

 

Things to think about!

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21st century molokanism doesn't require you to study the Bible

 

Even if they did, apart from His Son and His Spirit, it's just words on a page

 

It's a futile activity to gain more head knowledge without His Spirit to transform their life

 

In fact the more they know and the more they deny Him, the more they will be held to account

 

All many molokans are concerned with is "Just look the part":

 

Don't eat the pork, grow the beard, , fumble through your "prayers", show up "fairly regularly, raise your hands at the "right" time, jump a little higher and all will be "well"

 

At least until that day they stand before the Lord without excuses

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Blown opportunites = failure.

Missed opportunities , procrastination, regret.

 

If God is putting something on your heart, pray about it, do it.

 

Time here on Earth is short compared to eternity.

The greatest reward / fulfillment in this life is to be used by God.

 

Timing is important as action.

Are you praying about your actions?

Is it in God's time or our time?

Ask for God's wisdom, strenght, and timing.

 

Humility - Compassion - Obedience (are these character traits that describe us?)

 

We can do nothing, God can do everything.

 

God always hears the earnest prayers of people.

He is a God of compassion.

 

Obey God. Follow God.

 

What choices do you need to make?

 

We all need to be on the right path with God.

 

Without Him, we are helpless and hopeless.

 

 

Equip yourself - know God's Word.

 

Why did God give us the Bible?

Because of His great love for us.

 

The Bible is an account of God's gracious provision of eternal life - to draw us to the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

So, why again should we study the Bible?

 

Things to think about!

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Are you willing to be taught?

 

There are 66 books in the Bible written by 40 men.

ALL books are consistent telling one story. There are no contradictions.

 

Recognize the complete truth.

 

Collect knowledge found within the Bible (God's Word and God's Word only).

Apply this truth and knowledge to your life.

 

What did Jesus Christ do for us? Ask yourself this question every day.

 

Who is Jesus Christ?

 

What do people see in your life that shows them that you are a Christian?

 

What are your priorities?

 

What is your state of mind regarding the implications of the book of John?

 

Nothing can live with out proper "light".

Without this "light" everyone will die.

 

Darkness does not understand this light, it will never overcome it.

Intellectual or moral darkness lacks the ability to understand the light.

 

Every person has enough light to be accountable.

You have a responsibility.

 

If you truly love someone, bear witness to the Truth.

 

We are to make the most of each opportunity to witness.

When was the last time you told someone the Good News?

 

What are you planting? How is that fruit going to turn out?

 

You can "know about" Jesus Christ, and still not "know" Him.

 

How many miracles have been delayed or lost to us because of a delay in obedience?

 

What is it that you are afraid of risking?

Reputation? Acceptance? Think.

 

Pray. Step back. Give Him the authority.

 

Are our religious ceremonies focused on Him, or are they for the comfort and enjoyment (or glorification) for those of us in attendance?

 

Israel was supposed to reveal God to everyone - not just themselves.

 

Jesus will not tolerate sin in that which is rightfully His (The Church and ourselves).

 

What is damaging you (God's temple)?

 

Do you believe? Romans 10:9

9That 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.

 

We need to plead for the Lord's help, not demand it.

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John 5:36-47

 

36"I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me. 37And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, 38nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. 39You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life[/b]. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 40yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

 

41"I do not accept praise from men, 42but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. 43I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?

 

45"But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. 46If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. 47But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?"

 

Deuteronomy 32:39

 

39 "See now that I myself am He!

There is no god besides me.

I put to death and I bring to life,

I have wounded and I will heal,

and no one can deliver out of my hand.

 

Things to think about.. :mellow:

 

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Do you want to learn more about God?

Youu need to be where God's Word is taught!

 

To honor a person is to respect a person/

To honor God is to have a deep reverence and awe for/in Him.

 

The moment a person believes/trusts Jesus Christ is the same moment that person is no longer spiritually dead, that person has eternal life, that person will no longer be eternally condemned. Until that person believes, they are condemned.

 

A person living in the darkness will listen to the God's word until it makes them uncomfortable.

 

"Knowing" Scripture does not guarantee us eternal life...

 

Ceremonies, laws, more laws, and discipline does not equal salvation.

 

Moses wrote about Jesus Christ in the Old Testament. He fulfills everything foretold about him in the Old Testament.

 

The purpose of Scripture is to convict our hearts.

 

The whole Bible is one Gospel, it is consistent, constant, and correct.

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We are saved by the Grace of God.

 

How important is is to obey God's Word?

 

Do you test what the teacher is saying against Scripture?

 

What is a false teacher?

 

Assurance of salvation begins with right thinking about God and right thinking about sin.

 

Propitiation is for EVERYONE who believes in Him, not just a chosen few.

 

What is your pattern? What is your example?

A genuine test of your Christianity is how you treat (love) other believers.

 

Anything in our life that dulls our love of spiritual things or makes it easy to sin must be put away.

 

Do you want to be like God, or do you want to be God in your own life?

 

Test the spirit.

Test what is being taught.

Test what is being taucht against Scripture.

 

How badly does sin bother you?

 

Test doctrine against Scripture!

What is doctrine?

 

How can you distinguish false teachers?

 

We will trust people - teachers, friends, others more than we trust His Word, the Bible.

Who or what do you trust or believe?

 

What is the depth of your spiritual life?

What (or who) is it based upon?

 

If you listen to a falsehood long enough you start to believe it and become blinded by it.

 

more later..

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"The prophecy of Christ is the true testament of Spirit and truth"

 

My Spirit tells me that the Jesus that is being taught here is false.

Your Spirit tells you that the Jesus not taught here is false.

 

My Spirit tells me that the Jesus that is being taught here is false.

Your Spirit tells you that the Jesus not taught here is false.

 

My Spirit tells me that the Jesus that is being taught here is false.

Your Spirit tells you that the Jesus not taught here is false.

 

My Spirit tells me that the Jesus that is being taught here is false.

Your Spirit tells you that the Jesus not taught here is false.

 

My Spirit tells me that the Jesus that is being taught here is false.

Your Spirit tells you that the Jesus not taught here is false.

 

Do you get my point? This can be never ending all you have to do is press the right (wrong) button.

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NAD

 

Where is the evidence of your Jesus?

Where is the outreach to His people?

Where is the compassion for the "ne-nash"

Where is the teaching of His Word?

 

You are fooling yourself

 

Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. James 2:26

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"The prophecy of Christ is the true testament of Spirit and truth"

 

My Spirit tells me that the Jesus that is being taught here is false.

Your Spirit tells you that the Jesus not taught here is false.

 

My Spirit tells me that the Jesus that is being taught here is false.

Your Spirit tells you that the Jesus not taught here is false.

 

My Spirit tells me that the Jesus that is being taught here is false.

Your Spirit tells you that the Jesus not taught here is false.

 

My Spirit tells me that the Jesus that is being taught here is false.

Your Spirit tells you that the Jesus not taught here is false.

 

My Spirit tells me that the Jesus that is being taught here is false.

Your Spirit tells you that the Jesus not taught here is false.

 

Do you get my point? This can be never ending all you have to do is press the right (wrong) button.

 

Hi NAD,

I am not quite sure if I get your point?

What are you trying to say?

 

Have you had a chance to read any of the entries in this thread "things to think about"?

If you have, what are your thoughts?

 

Thanks!

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"The prophecy of Christ is the true testament of Spirit and truth"

 

My Spirit tells me that the Jesus that is being taught here is false.

Your Spirit tells you that the Jesus not taught here is false.

 

My Spirit tells me that the Jesus that is being taught here is false.

Your Spirit tells you that the Jesus not taught here is false.

 

My Spirit tells me that the Jesus that is being taught here is false.

Your Spirit tells you that the Jesus not taught here is false.

 

My Spirit tells me that the Jesus that is being taught here is false.

Your Spirit tells you that the Jesus not taught here is false.

 

My Spirit tells me that the Jesus that is being taught here is false.

Your Spirit tells you that the Jesus not taught here is false.

 

Do you get my point? This can be never ending all you have to do is press the right (wrong) button.

 

Hi NAD,

I am not quite sure if I get your point?

What are you trying to say?

 

Have you had a chance to read any of the entries in this thread "things to think about"?

If you have, what are your thoughts?

 

Thanks!

 

 

Steve posted this in "what are watching" (I'm not sure how to bring them up in quote bubbles, so cut and paste, this will have to do for now)

 

Titus 3:4 "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."

 

It's up to Him!

"MIGHT"

 

The Jesus I understand is the one that came to judge and separate not put every one in one big pile.

In the 1700's, in Russia, when everyone that left the orthodox, why didn't they all stay in one big group?

Why where the virgins separated? Didn' they want the same thing?

 

"If you believe this you're going to get there." "If you don't believe this you're not going to get there."

Two sentences that say the same thing.

 

(Collective)If you think by going into the world and saving people is your calling, that is your choice don't drag others into it.

If they are called they will come and join you of their own accord. (end)

 

BY HIS mercy we are put on the right hand side of him. How much can we do to earn this?

We have no power to get there ourselves, all we can do is HOPE that how we have lived and conducted ourselves,

IS enough for Him to put us there.

 

I can imagine at judgement Him saying-

"I put you here and you went there"

"I gave you this to do, and you did that"

"I separated and you joined"

"I gave you prophets and leaders and you did not listen to My instructions"

And so on!

 

Are we so sure of ourselves that we are willing to climb out of the basket that HE put us in

and get into another?

What would he say/ask?

What would be our answer?

 

God gave us free wills but the Spirit guides our thoughts.

Some are guided by the true Spirit, others by the other one (MGR 1:4).

And both say they're doing Gods work.

So again-

 

"My Spirit tells me that the Jesus that is being taught here is false.

Your Spirit tells you that the Jesus not taught here is false."

 

Get my point now?

 

NAD.

 

 

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Very contradicting statement.

 

In one line NAD says:

 

BY HIS mercy we are put on the right hand side of him. How much can we do to earn this?

We have no power to get there ourselves,

 

 

Then NAD goes onto a works based salvation.

 

 

 

all we can do is HOPE that how we have lived and conducted ourselves,

IS enough for Him to put us there.

 

 

 

So, you are hoping you lived a good enough life and went to plenty of malenias, put $5 with your right hand, tried to learn russian, only helped molokans, learned some songs, ctixee, stayed in your "basket"....

 

Well our "works".... are not going to be enough.

 

People have showed you in the Bible and you keep saying it's false. Yet, you say you believe the Bible is the Word of God.

 

NAD, the traditions of men have put people into a basket.

 

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Colossians 1:

 

12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

 

13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

 

14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

 

15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

 

16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

 

17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

 

18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

 

19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

 

20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

 

21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

 

23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

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Amen Sister!

 

We are saved by the Grace of God.

 

How important is is to obey God's Word?

 

Do you test what the teacher is saying against Scripture?

 

What is a false teacher?

 

Assurance of salvation begins with right thinking about God and right thinking about sin.

 

Propitiation is for EVERYONE who believes in Him, not just a chosen few.

 

What is your pattern? What is your example?

A genuine test of your Christianity is how you treat (love) other believers.

 

Anything in our life that dulls our love of spiritual things or makes it easy to sin must be put away.

 

Do you want to be like God, or do you want to be God in your own life?

 

Test the spirit.

Test what is being taught.

Test what is being taucht against Scripture.

 

How badly does sin bother you?

 

Test doctrine against Scripture!

What is doctrine?

 

How can you distinguish false teachers?

 

We will trust people - teachers, friends, others more than we trust His Word, the Bible.

Who or what do you trust or believe?

 

What is the depth of your spiritual life?

What (or who) is it based upon?

 

If you listen to a falsehood long enough you start to believe it and become blinded by it.

 

more later..

 

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Nad,

 

Read Titus 3:4-7 in Russian or another translation as you are missing the message to Titus.

"Might" does not mean, "Maybe" or we hope so etc.. The way it's used in full meaning is a "for sure" it's a promise. Hope, does not mean "I hope so." that would be scary as we would be stuck in a work based life trying to please God, hoping that He might save us. Read all if 1John. All 5 chapters. To the believer, who "knows" Christ, sees the word "know" about 30 times or so. Christians KNOW that are secured and sealed with the promise of eternity. Read 1John3 and then the last part of 1John5. The last three statements are of reassurance. This letter was written from John the Disciple who Christ "loved the most", the writer of The Gospel of John. There are no hope so's or maybe's etc.. Many Molokans live with that fear. That's why they still practice Catholic ways such as Infant Baptism (Xtini), and praying for the dead (All saints day). There is something missing? The middle part. Where is, grace and our sinful nature and our filthy rags and the Blood of Christ? We don't need a "Book-end" Religion with un-used books in the middle? We needthe Bible only- It;s ALL in there! Why pominkee if infants are allready in Book of life? Why pominkee one year later? What if God wants another one?? What if the pominkee is two days shy of a year? See the predicament?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Saints

The stuff in the spirit and life talks about a purgatory-So do Catholics. The Holy Bible, speaks not of such a place. If you can find these things in there. PLEASE share with us? Don't just do stuff cause man tells you to. God doesn't add things as time goes along. Jesus said "It is finished." Macxim decided to over-ride God and add a bunch of other stuff. He added to the book of Revelation. NOT A GOOD THING!!!!!! He did some things that God would not allow. He changed God into a god and himself into a god that call our God. NOT A GOOD THING!!!!Why is Bible not enough? If you don't want to take anything said on here. Please, read the Bible for yourself. Why does that scare Many Molokans? I think I saw a post where you mentioned that you have studied to spirit and life for many many years? How did you not see the wrong in there. It takes very little time to see that its of the Devil. If one beleives that to be true-Then The Mormans are MORE True, because the share their gospel.

If someone only studies the real things it's easy and natural to pick out false. If someone studies only false, what's real and true becomes false to that person. Don't listen to anyone anywhere. Pray and read for yourself.

 

Jesus gave us "leaders."??? Where does He promise that? The Holy Spirit is what He sent to each and every believer.

 

If he put me in a Molokan church that does not follow Christ, I am supposed to stay? If I go to another and they do the same, I leave and He will be mad? Where does Jesus say, He "put" us in a Religion? Where do you get this stuff? Where does it say in the molokan book that I should go and what should I do there?

 

Jesus knows His flock and we know His voice. One cannot have two Shepard's and follow two voices.

 

Jesus is my Saviour, leader, friend, Hero, everything. I Love Him!!!

 

BUT, if I was lost and following a man, it would be Apostle Paul in a second over Maxcim. Then I would pick John because I think he lived the longest. BUT, Paul warns against this and Maxcim writes for it? I choose to take the word of Paul as they are from God and I only heed to God's Words that are fully in the 66 books of the Bible. The same Words that are in the Russian Bible, but I use the one in the language that God built into me as he created me; English. If He wanted me to think and speak in Russian he would of created me as a Russian in Russia, and that I would accept, BUT I was born in Downey California, USA...They Speak English there

 

Paul

 

"The prophecy of Christ is the true testament of Spirit and truth"

 

My Spirit tells me that the Jesus that is being taught here is false.

Your Spirit tells you that the Jesus not taught here is false.

 

My Spirit tells me that the Jesus that is being taught here is false.

Your Spirit tells you that the Jesus not taught here is false.

 

My Spirit tells me that the Jesus that is being taught here is false.

Your Spirit tells you that the Jesus not taught here is false.

 

My Spirit tells me that the Jesus that is being taught here is false.

Your Spirit tells you that the Jesus not taught here is false.

 

My Spirit tells me that the Jesus that is being taught here is false.

Your Spirit tells you that the Jesus not taught here is false.

 

Do you get my point? This can be never ending all you have to do is press the right (wrong) button.

 

Hi NAD,

I am not quite sure if I get your point?

What are you trying to say?

 

Have you had a chance to read any of the entries in this thread "things to think about"?

If you have, what are your thoughts?

 

Thanks!

 

 

Steve posted this in "what are watching" (I'm not sure how to bring them up in quote bubbles, so cut and paste, this will have to do for now)

 

Titus 3:4 "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."

 

It's up to Him!

"MIGHT"

 

The Jesus I understand is the one that came to judge and separate not put every one in one big pile.

In the 1700's, in Russia, when everyone that left the orthodox, why didn't they all stay in one big group?

Why where the virgins separated? Didn' they want the same thing?

 

"If you believe this you're going to get there." "If you don't believe this you're not going to get there."

Two sentences that say the same thing.

 

(Collective)If you think by going into the world and saving people is your calling, that is your choice don't drag others into it.

If they are called they will come and join you of their own accord. (end)

 

BY HIS mercy we are put on the right hand side of him. How much can we do to earn this?

We have no power to get there ourselves, all we can do is HOPE that how we have lived and conducted ourselves,

IS enough for Him to put us there.

 

I can imagine at judgement Him saying-

"I put you here and you went there"

"I gave you this to do, and you did that"

"I separated and you joined"

"I gave you prophets and leaders and you did not listen to My instructions"

And so on!

 

Are we so sure of ourselves that we are willing to climb out of the basket that HE put us in

and get into another?

What would he say/ask?

What would be our answer?

 

God gave us free wills but the Spirit guides our thoughts.

Some are guided by the true Spirit, others by the other one (MGR 1:4).

And both say they're doing Gods work.

So again-

 

"My Spirit tells me that the Jesus that is being taught here is false.

Your Spirit tells you that the Jesus not taught here is false."

 

Get my point now?

 

NAD.

 

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Steve posted this in "what are watching" (I'm not sure how to bring them up in quote bubbles, so cut and paste, this will have to do for now)

 

Titus 3:4 "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."

 

It's up to Him!

"MIGHT"

 

The Jesus I understand is the one that came to judge and separate not put every one in one big pile.

In the 1700's, in Russia, when everyone that left the orthodox, why didn't they all stay in one big group?

Why where the virgins separated? Didn' they want the same thing?

 

"If you believe this you're going to get there." "If you don't believe this you're not going to get there."

Two sentences that say the same thing.

 

(Collective)If you think by going into the world and saving people is your calling, that is your choice don't drag others into it.

If they are called they will come and join you of their own accord. (end)

 

BY HIS mercy we are put on the right hand side of him. How much can we do to earn this?

We have no power to get there ourselves, all we can do is HOPE that how we have lived and conducted ourselves,

IS enough for Him to put us there.

 

I can imagine at judgement Him saying-

"I put you here and you went there"

"I gave you this to do, and you did that"

"I separated and you joined"

"I gave you prophets and leaders and you did not listen to My instructions"

And so on!

 

Are we so sure of ourselves that we are willing to climb out of the basket that HE put us in

and get into another?

What would he say/ask?

What would be our answer?

 

God gave us free wills but the Spirit guides our thoughts.

Some are guided by the true Spirit, others by the other one (MGR 1:4).

And both say they're doing Gods work.

So again-

 

"My Spirit tells me that the Jesus that is being taught here is false.

Your Spirit tells you that the Jesus not taught here is false."

 

Get my point now?

 

NAD.

Hi NAD,

We (and I say this as we as in everyone - you, me, anyone we know or don't know) can not "earn" Salvation.

We can not sit around and hope that the way we live and conduct ourselves is enough.

There are many people who live and conduct themselves well, probably beyond what I or you or others we know.

They may look great on the outside doing all the right things, but if they (or you, or I) are missing that one thing, guess what?

It doesn't add up to anything.

That person who appears all shiny and nice and well presented (who does all the right things) will end up in the very same place as those who are malicious, cruel, and corrupt if their salvation is not based soley on Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ only.

 

You want a leader and instructions?

See: Jesus Christ for a rock solid foundation and leadership

See: The Bible for instructions

Everything is right there in black and white - nothing more nothing less needed. Ever.

 

What basket?

Who is telling you or anyone else to climb out of a basket?

 

I asked a general question to anyone (not just you) based on a scenaro.

 

The question was if you had to choose between the Bible and the Spirit and Life for survival, which one book would you pick?

 

Your travel itinerary states that you can bring a limited list of necessities including a compass, a first aid kit, some limited provisions, and one survival book.

 

You have only have two books available.

One book is the Bible.

The other book is the Spirit and Life.

 

Remember, you can only bring one book with you - there is no way you can take both.

Which book would you choose and why?

 

The book you choose will be an absolute indication of your final destination.

 

You (and anyone else) need the right book to survive - especially in that basket.

 

So, which book did you choose?

 

I'll tell you the one I have chosen - The Bible.

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What are your motives when you pray?

For the Lord's will?

For His glory?

 

Is your conduct a reflection of your relationship with Jesus Christ?

 

If you are following Jesus Christ, why use someone else's guidebook or map?????

 

 

 

 

James 2:1-19

1My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. 2Suppose a man comes into your meeting **wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 3If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," 4have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

5Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?

 

8If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself,"[a] you are doing right. 9But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder."[c] If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.

12Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!

14What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

18But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds."

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

 

and

 

19You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

 

 

References to James 2:19

Deuteronomy 6:4

4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.

 

**this story need not be limited to a rich man wearing a gold ring and fine clothes and a poor man in shabby clothes, it does apply to other timelines, it even applies to today and now..

 

more later!

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More from the lecture notes..

 

Take bitterness with another person to the Lord.

You CAN NOT be forgiven until you forgive.

 

What (sin) is standing between you and the Lord?

 

Believers are to be one with God and one with one another.

 

Do you have the full measure of Christ's joy in your life?

Do you have joy? What gives you the greatest joy?

 

Are you at peace?

Is it a deep inner joy?

 

A Christian's firt joy is a fulfilled relationship with Jesus Christ.

 

In spite of difficult circumstances, there is a joy.

When you are cooperating with God, there is a joy in seeing your spiritual growth and progress.

 

When Christianity is practiced in truth, it will have a powerful effect on culture.

 

Evil is permeable and real. The pollution of evil is real.

 

We as Christians can and will be exposed to evil, but we do not have to succumb to it.

 

Set yourself apart for God's work.

 

Sanctified - confidence to do the Lord's work (to glorify Him and Him only).

 

Our witness is hindered when we harbor bitterness.

 

True glory is serving Him in humility.

Are you in unity with God and other believers?

 

 

- more -

 

Are you in danger of compromise?

What is your weakness when it comes to compromise?

 

What are your priorities?

Eternal salvation / security or present day conveniences and comforts?

 

Are you trusting God with all the challenges you face?

 

Compromise sometimes slips into a secondary issue, therefore we ignore the fact that there is a growing spiritual problem.

 

Attending a church and "going through the motions", but not doing it to please or glorify God with a pure heart. Is it an outward display of following Christ?

 

John 18:37

37"You are a king, then!" said Pilate.

Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."

Who are you listening to? Jesus Christ or someone else?

 

When you aren't interested in the truth, it won't be forced on you.

 

Do you know what your church teaches?

What is your church doctrine?

What is your church statement of faith?

How does it compare with Scripture (The Bible)?

Are you indifferent?

Are you aware? Do you want to know?

 

Who do you go to with important issues?

 

If we refuse to respond to truth, we will not be given any more truth.

 

Matthew 13:11-17

10The disciples came to him and asked, "Why do you speak to the people in parables?"

 

11He replied, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 13This is why I speak to them in parables:

"Though seeing, they do not see;

though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:

" 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding;

you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.

15For this people's heart has become calloused;

they hardly hear with their ears,

and they have closed their eyes.

Otherwise they might see with their eyes,

hear with their ears,

understand with their hearts

and turn, and I would heal them.'[a] 16But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

 

Some will have an interest in God, until sin has been pointed out and it becomes too uncomfortable.

 

God stops speaking to us at the point of unconfessed sin. A choice of a continued pattern of sin, a choice of disobedience.

 

Confess, repent, and become right with God, be restored.

 

Some people become defensive, beligerent, and critical when they are confronted (and uncomfortable) with God's Truth.

 

Are you choosing status and friendship over God?

Is there something or someone you are choosing over God?

 

A Christian CAN NOT satisfy both God and man (people).

Choose to stand only with God, don't compromise.

 

Compromise is a slippery slope. It doesn't work.

 

(Next question is not from the lecture notes, but I thought it was both relevant and appropriate.)

 

You have only have two books available.

One book is the Bible.

The other book is the Spirit and Life.

 

Remember, you can only bring one book with you - there is no way you can take both.

Which book would you choose and why?

 

The book you choose will be an absolute indication of your final destination.

 

You (and anyone else) need the right book to survive - especially in that basket.

 

So, which book did you choose?

 

I still think that is a valid question.

Why can't anyone answer that?

Why is it so difficult?

Maybe you should pray about this one.

 

 

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'little koshka' date='Sep 16 2008, 08:47 PM' post='15728'

Why should we study the Bible?

What is our purpose?

What do we want for ourselves?

What do we want for our children?

 

Someone with a desire to receive a whole lot of insight into the need study the HOLY SCRIPTURES here:

 

Psalms 1:

1 Blessed is the man

Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,

Nor stands in the path of sinners,

Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,

And in His law he meditates day and night. NKJV

 

Now, continue in English with the rest of the Psalm and know how to be Blessed!

 

Псалом 1:

1 Блажен муж, который не ходит на совет нечестивых и не стоит на пути грешных и не сидит в собрании развратителей,

2 но в законе Господа воля его, и о законе Его размышляет он день и ночь!

3 И будет он как дерево, посаженное при потоках вод, которое приносит плод свой во время свое, и лист которого не вянет; и во всем, что он ни делает, успеет

4 Не так--нечестивые; но они--как прах, возметаемый ветром.

5 Потому не устоят нечестивые на суде, и грешники--в собрании праведных.

6 Ибо знает Господь путь праведных, а путь нечестивых погибнет.

 

lastinline (& enjoying the Blessing that only come from HIM & HIM alone)

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1 Corinthians 13

The Greatest Gift

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned,[a] but have not love, it profits me nothing.

4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

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Isaiah 2:22

 

Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils.

Of what account is he?

 

Psalm 146:3-4

3Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save.

4When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;on that very day their plans come to nothing.

 

Note "but a breath in his nostrils" refers to mankind's morality. People are very limited when compared to God. They can be unreliable, selfish, and shortsighted. Yet we trust our lives and futures more readily to mortal human beings than to the all knowing God. Beware of people who want you to trust them instead of God. Remember that only God is completely reliable. He is perfect and loves us with an enduring love (Psalm 100:5)

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From the lecture:

 

Turn away from sin or face what is coming your way.

 

Prophecy - a warning of what's to come.

 

Isaiah was a man who lived true to the vision, was consistent in delivering God's message, he was an uncompromised man who displayed integrity, longevity, and compassion.

 

Look to God for Him to reveal Himself, quit trying to do things yourself, ask God for help.

 

Ask yourself, what kind of influence am I? What are your convictions? Where do those convictions come from?

 

Conviction makes us sensitive to sin, do not become desensitized to sin.

 

God will reveal more of Himself to you through prayer and study.

 

A consistent lifestyle combined with uncompromising conditions can profoundly have an influence on a culture (or better yet, your family and friends).

 

What kind of influence do you have on the people around you? Does your influence lead them to God, or allow them to continue feeling good about the way things are?

 

Judah was slipping into moral decay and worship was becoming mechanical with no understanding of God, and worship was not from the hearts of obedience. The unguarded proseperity lead to self reliance and an abandonment of faith in God.

 

Pray for yourself, pray for your community. Jesus Christ is more important than politics.

 

Prosperity is fleeting. God is eternal.

 

Why study this Old Testament book?

 

True prophets only deliver messages of truth, sometimes even unpopular messages instead of being spin doctors delivering what the people want to hear.

Judge a prophet's gifts by how many prophecies come to pass.

 

The Word of God (the Bible) is both reliable and eternal with a message of hope.

 

 

From the BSF Notes - Lesson 1

 

page 3 / 4

 

E. "God was seriously calling for repentance and a change in hearts and lives of all men and women everywhere. However, nothing seemed to shake the self-reliance of the people in Israel or Judah or in the nations around them."

 

III. "Isaiah, speaking for God, warned that they would also be judged for their own ungodly ways brutality, idolatry, and arrogance.

IV. "What clung to the souls of the prophet's (Isaiah) listeners more than anything else was their callousness, smugness, and air of carpe diem" continued "He could denounce their lies, falshoods, oppressions of the poor and needy, or whatever else he wanted, but nothing was going to shake their self-confidence or their way of life. They believed that evil would not overtake them and cheerfully responded to any and all preaching to the contrary (Amos 9:10). In fact, the more God called either Israel or Judah, the more they went away from them (Hosea 11:2). There was no contrition, no compunctuation, no regret; only pride, conceit, and complacency (Isaiah 32:9-10). These people did not even realise that they were sick. The were going to die because of lack of knowledge; they have no regard for the deedws of the Lord, no respect for the work of His hands (5:12-13)."

 

page 5

(Regarding Isaiah)"This is very important, because what we believe about God determines what we believe about ourselves, our world, our purposes, and our lives. What we believe determines how we behave. "

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We may look good on the outside and go through the motions, but God knows the condition of each and every one of our hearts.

 

God is grieved with man's (our) sin - it has an impact and causes wreckage.

 

Good "things" can become idols, too - an example of this is if a person sets out to do a good thing, but does it to win favor in the eyes of man instead of God.

 

Sin has consequences.

 

Rebellion angers God - how are you rebelling against God?

 

God is weary and burdened by meaningless worship and prayer. Do it the right way and quit just going through the motions!

 

Religion WILL NOT be an acceptable substitute for the purity of heart.

 

God hates meaningless - thoughtless - heartless worship.

 

Organized religion

What is taking place in our hearts? Are we just going through the motions? Are we fully engaged in song or sermon?

 

Are we honoring God in our in our celebrations? What about our service?

 

God disciplines his children for the purpose of restoration.

 

Who can we help even though they cannot reciprocate? How can we encourage those who need encouragement?

 

Willingness and obedience in heart = blessings

Resistance and rebellion = consequences

 

Submit to God or receive the consequences.

Don't become dross - don't become diluted.

 

Stop looking out for number one.

 

What is your rebellion? What are you doing to grieve God?

 

Prophecies are warnings (or opportunities) from God for us to change our ways.

 

What is your motive to study God's Word?

 

(more..)

 

Are you streaming to church to be taught the Word of God? Are you taking others with you?

What is in the way? What is being thrown at you to prevent you from going?

 

Are you enjoying what you are being taught in church?

 

What is an idol?

An idol is anything you exalt in your heart as a substitute for God, or to disobey God.

 

When people willfully sin and rebel against God, He will remove His hand and let them go forward on that distructive path.

 

Idolatry - eastern philosophies, religions, incorporate paganism - seeking wisdom from the dead

Pride - worship of self - a common idol

 

An idol can be an organization, a person, an activity, a tradition.

Self absortion - absorbed in me instead of God, also being mired in self pity, low self esteem, full of self. Security in stability in self and others full of pride.

 

Humility - is finding confidence and stability in God instead of yourself. Confidence needs to be founded in God.

 

Where do you get your guidance from?

 

The Lord alone will be exalted.

We try to exalt ourselves, and the Lord will humble us.

 

Self pride = self degradation

 

Stop putting your trust in man.

 

What needs to be removed from our lives? What do you need to deal with? How are you going to do it?

What has eternal worth?

 

How is God's Word impacting your life?

 

 

 

 

 

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More..

 

 

Isaiah was an exceptionally talented individual.

Song and poetry is (today) and was very important back in the day.

Talking about the song of the vineyard in Isaiah

 

Interesting how song / music has a way of finding its way into a person's mind or memory. Even if the message of the song is of a Godly nature or not.

 

We are helpless without God.

Focus becomes on ourselves - self sufficiency

Why wait for a catastrophy to need God?

Humility and trust in God are of the utmost importance - give God the credit for all accomplishments and blessings

 

Interesting -

There was a serious gap between God's expectations and what fruit was being beared (referring to Israel and Judah)

God delivered His people from danger and led them to a prosperous land

The people became arrogant and self sufficient

They did not lead others to God, did not lead others to God's house

There was no fruit producing justice or righteousness

They disregarded His grace and His love

He was going to reciprocate

 

----------------------------------------------

(Paraphrased from notes page 2 - 4 Lesson 4)

Six woes Isaiah 5:8-23

A. Covetous Monopoly 5:8-10

B. Self Indulgence 5:11-17

C. Daring Presumption and Defiance of God 5:18-19

D. Subverting Moral Principals

E. Pride and Self-Complacency 5:21

F. Perversion of Justice 5:22-23

-----------------------------------------------

 

What does your life look like to God?

God expects His people to live by the standards of His Word (not someone else's)

Do you know what God expects of you?

 

Are you interested in blessings more than you are in obeying God?

 

Regular church attendance just because or outward forms of religion are empty to God.

 

Are you living for yourself? If so, you are living for nothing. Everything you will do is futile.

 

God is the provider of everything. Continued disregard for Him will result in consequences.

God does keep His word.

 

Arrogant disbelief - blatant disregard of God's ethical requirements.

What does God think?

What people think is immaterial.

Disregard God's laws and standards and there will be no laws or standards.

God's laws cannot be altered.

 

What are you doing to be sucked into what is acceptable to man or the world?

What are you doing to protect your children from that?

 

God gave us these standards for our own benefit.

 

God's judgement will come to those who ignore Him.

He said it. He meant it. It will happen.

 

Where do you stand in God's eyes right now?

How many more warnings does a person need?

Apart from the Lord, you can do nothing.

 

 

 

 

 

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God gave us these standards for our own benefit.

 

God's judgement will come to those who ignore Him.

He said it. He meant it. It will happen.

 

Where do you stand in God's eyes right now?

How many more warnings does a person need?

Apart from the Lord, you can do nothing.

Yes, a very compelling warning to comprehend and heed! Thank You

 

lastinline

 

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God gave us these standards for our own benefit.

 

God's judgement will come to those who ignore Him.

He said it. He meant it. It will happen.

 

Where do you stand in God's eyes right now?

How many more warnings does a person need?

Apart from the Lord, you can do nothing.

Yes, a very compelling warning to comprehend and heed! Thank You

 

lastinline

 

I agree - and my thanks to the Lord from where the warnings are coming from - His Word - and also to the person who presents the lecture each week. :happy:

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There is no person or no thing that can compare to God.

He is the ONLY one who is perfect.

 

God is holy.

The opposite of holy is common.

God's standard of holy is absolute purity.

 

How do the people around you influence you?

How do you influence them?

 

Humble yourself before God.

 

You can not be cleansed by works.

 

How do you pray?

Do you praise Him?

 

Who or what is the king of your life?

 

Before we give God's message to others, we must first heed that message ourselves and apply it to our own life.

 

How do you confirm God's calling to you?

With: scripture? circumstances? peace?

 

Do not sit back and do nothing.

If God is calling you to do something for Him, do it!

 

What did Isaiah do?

 

When we resist God, we will not receive His truth.

 

Isaiah faced stubborn and hard hearted people.

 

A true message is a hard message to give.

Our job as servants are to speak God's truth, faithfully and with obedience.

The rest is up to God.

 

Will you trust in Him to provide you with what you need to carry out what He wants you to do?

 

 

More..

 

Are you trying the patience of God?

 

What does Immanuel mean?

 

Who or what do you have faith in?

 

Trust in God, trust in His Word, stand firm.

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