Newsletter 159 September 27, 2009
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WE ARE ALL DISCIPLES
That is, we are all students, learners that we might strengthen our faith. The time is coming, and in fact now is that we are going to be tested. A brother recently passed along the caution that he along with others had been teaching a class in a prison for the past eight years with no problems at all. But on their latest visit a number of men came and politely asked to join the group. However, as soon as they started to pray, this entire group began to take over and to disrupt their study. They were determined to get the class removed and the believers scattered. Satan wants to destroy faith in God. In this case, replace Him with Allah. Faith comes of hearing and obeying the Word of God. Jesus is Lord. We may be much nearer the events of Revelation 13:16, Revelation 14:11 than we ever anticipated. We need to discipline ourselves as never before.
Leaders - (verse 11)
Apostles - For three years, Jesus trained the twelve, we know as apostles. They were to bring into being, his church, and spread the Gospel throughout their lives, recording all that we need to know. They were blessed with the gift to perform miracles, proof of God’s blessing, since they could not, as we do, refer to chapter and verse of the Bible. All of them with the exception of John, died as martyrs for their faith. John, whom Jesus loved, died as an old man. His life had been a life of persecution, but not martyrdom. When the Word was available, this gift as no longer needed. The Word was proof enough.
Prophets - While the written word was being established, God spoke through prophets. In a sense, He still does today. The faithful steward passes on the word from pulpit or tree. I feel blessed to have preached in the same places that Livingstone preached, even under the same tree.
Evangelist - And evangelist, and we are all to be this, spreads the word “as we go.”
Pastors and teachers - This is the work of the elder, a man “able to teach,” and to shepherd the flock of the church, ever watchful of the wayward sheep who is prone to stray.
Ephesians 4:11-16 (King James Version)
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some,
WHY? (verse 2)
To bring to perfection of the saints, and build up the Body, the church.
TO MAKE FIRM (verse 14)
pastors and teachers; (Ephesians 4:, Acts 13:1, 1 Corinthians 12:28, Acts 21:8, Acts 13:1)
12 For the perfecting of the saints, (holy ones) for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (2 Corinthians 13:9, 1 Corinthians 12:27, Ephesians 1:23)
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge (true knowledge) of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure (literally, of the fullness) of the stature of the fullness of Christ: (Ephesians 4:3, Ephesians 4:5, John 6:69, Ephesians 1:17, Philippians 3:10, 1 Corinthians 14:20, Colossians 1:28, Hebrews 5:14, John 1:16, Ephesians 1:23)
14 That we henceforth be (no longer be) no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (1 Corinthians 14:20, James 1:6, Jude 12, 1 Corinthians 3:19, 2 Corinthians 4:2, 2 Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 6:11)
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (Ephesians 1:4, Ephesians 2:21, Ephesians 1:22)
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (Romans 12:4, Galatians 2:19, Ephesians 1:4)
HOW? (verse 15)
Speak “the truth in love.”
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2009
SEPTEMBER
27th. Sunday – Micah 1, 2, Ephesians 4:17-32, Psalm 113
28th. Monday – Micah 3,4,5, Ephesians 5:1-16, Psalm 114
29th. Tuesday – Micah 6,7, Ephesians 5:17-33, Proverbs 23:28-35
30th. Wednesday – Nahum 1,2,3, Ephesians 6, Psalm 115:1-9
1st. Thursday – Jeremiah 1,2, Philippians 1: 1-14, Psalm 115:10-18
2nd. Friday – Jeremiah 3,4, Philippians 1:15-30, Psalm 116:1-11
3rd. Saturday – Jeremiah 5,6, Philippians 2:1-13, Proverbs 24:1-12
_________
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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving oneanother , even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Ephesians 4:32
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Back To School Rules...
And then it wasn't. And just like that it was the first day of school after summer vacation.
The kids had all arrived in the high school sophomore English class, and were chatting away, making new friends. THEN…In walked a very stern looking English teacher and a hush fell over the room as the kids scurried to their seats.
The stern teacher silently panned his gaze across all the kids.
After about a minute or so, he spoke: "From the outset, I want you all to know that there are two words that are absolutely unacceptable in this classroom.
You cannot use them as you recite, or in any of your papers, tests, or homework. Using these words even once, will get you a failing grade for that quarter.
The first one is "gross".
And the other one is "cool".
Are there any questions?"
After a few moments of silence, this gawky teen at the back of the room raises his hand, and the teacher calls upon him.
In a pubescent croaking voice, the kid asks...
"So, what are they?"
Friday, September 25, 2009
LOST FROM THE FAITH
Newsletter 158 September 20, 2009
www://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
(Use Google Search)
=======================================================
All my life, I have found my way by looking at landmarks, streets, trees, buildings, or other fairly stable things. This makes it very difficult for me to tell someone else how to find a certain destination, or even for me to find my way back there after a few years. My ”landmarks” may have been removed or changed. A few months ago, we moved to the apartment where we now live. The complex is composed of four four-storied inter-leading buildings around an enclosed garden. Because each floor and all the passage ways are almost identical, I still occasionally find myself going the opposite direction from my planned destination or using an exit to find the car only to discover that the car is nowhere in sight.
Paul in writing to the churches of Galatia, the letter is meant to be shared, realized that some of them were in danger of wandering from the faith. They had listened to false teachers, and forgotten the truths of the Gospel. They were not keeping in mind the foundation facts that he and others had taught them. Listen to what he says.
Galatians 1:6-10 (King James Version)
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: (2 Corinthians 11:4, Galatians 1:7, Galatians 1:11, Galatians 2:2, Galatians 2:7, Galatians 5:14, 1 Timothy 1:3)
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (Acts 15:24, Galatians 5:10)
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (2 Corinthians 11:14, Romans 9:3)
9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. (Acts 18:23, Romans 16:17, Romans 9:3)
10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:33, 1 Thessalonians 2:4, Romans 1:1, Philippians 1:1)
After Paul had converted them, fanatical false teachers had come to the churches and had taught them that they could not be Christians unless they had first become Jews, then accepted Christ and that they must reverence and worship angels. These were converts who came directly from Gentile paganism to become Christians. They knew nothing of these strange doctrines and were confused and in danger of wandering from the faith. We learn from these verses.
First, Paul is shocked that they, so soon, had listened to teachers who taught a new and different gospel that is not taught in the Bible. We should not be surprised at this for this is the same method used to establish religious cults yet today. A cult is formed when men establish a church that puts more emphasis on a man’s teaching than on God’s Word. Such groups gather around a man or woman and listen to them instead of studying the word of God. Because he would encounter such teachers, Paul, in another text cautions Timothy, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
Paul is saying, avoid such teachers, even if you know that they are angels. A third of the angels of heaven followed Satan and became fallen angels. We know them as “demons” and their destination, along with Satan, and those who have been deceived by them, is to be cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 12:7-8, Revelation 12:9, Revelation 20:10)
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2009
SEPTEMBER
21st. Sunday – Isaiah 51, 52, 53, Galatians 5, Proverbs 23:10-18
22nd. Monday – Isaiah 54, 55, 56, Galatians 6, Psalm 109:16-31
23rd. Tuesday – Isaiah 57, 58, 59, Ephesians 1, Psalm 110
24th. Wednesday – Isaiah 60, 61, 62, Ephesians 2, Psalm 111
25th. Thursday – Isaiah 63, 64, Ephesians 3, Proverbs 23:19-37
26th. Friday – Isaiah 65, 66, Ephesians 4:1-16, Psalm 112
27th. Saturday – Micah 1, 2, Ephesians 4:17-32, Psalm 1 13
_________
GOOGLE LINKS TO OUR BLOG SITES
(Use Google Search)
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
http://47yearsinafrica.blogstream.com
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PRAISE THE LORD!
We now have 591 blog pages
representing 70 languages
____________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
Galatians 2:27
____________
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ecards@dayspring.com
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=======================================================
All my life, I have found my way by looking at landmarks, streets, trees, buildings, or other fairly stable things. This makes it very difficult for me to tell someone else how to find a certain destination, or even for me to find my way back there after a few years. My ”landmarks” may have been removed or changed. A few months ago, we moved to the apartment where we now live. The complex is composed of four four-storied inter-leading buildings around an enclosed garden. Because each floor and all the passage ways are almost identical, I still occasionally find myself going the opposite direction from my planned destination or using an exit to find the car only to discover that the car is nowhere in sight.
Paul in writing to the churches of Galatia, the letter is meant to be shared, realized that some of them were in danger of wandering from the faith. They had listened to false teachers, and forgotten the truths of the Gospel. They were not keeping in mind the foundation facts that he and others had taught them. Listen to what he says.
Galatians 1:6-10 (King James Version)
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: (2 Corinthians 11:4, Galatians 1:7, Galatians 1:11, Galatians 2:2, Galatians 2:7, Galatians 5:14, 1 Timothy 1:3)
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (Acts 15:24, Galatians 5:10)
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (2 Corinthians 11:14, Romans 9:3)
9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. (Acts 18:23, Romans 16:17, Romans 9:3)
10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:33, 1 Thessalonians 2:4, Romans 1:1, Philippians 1:1)
After Paul had converted them, fanatical false teachers had come to the churches and had taught them that they could not be Christians unless they had first become Jews, then accepted Christ and that they must reverence and worship angels. These were converts who came directly from Gentile paganism to become Christians. They knew nothing of these strange doctrines and were confused and in danger of wandering from the faith. We learn from these verses.
First, Paul is shocked that they, so soon, had listened to teachers who taught a new and different gospel that is not taught in the Bible. We should not be surprised at this for this is the same method used to establish religious cults yet today. A cult is formed when men establish a church that puts more emphasis on a man’s teaching than on God’s Word. Such groups gather around a man or woman and listen to them instead of studying the word of God. Because he would encounter such teachers, Paul, in another text cautions Timothy, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
Paul is saying, avoid such teachers, even if you know that they are angels. A third of the angels of heaven followed Satan and became fallen angels. We know them as “demons” and their destination, along with Satan, and those who have been deceived by them, is to be cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 12:7-8, Revelation 12:9, Revelation 20:10)
__________
READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2009
SEPTEMBER
21st. Sunday – Isaiah 51, 52, 53, Galatians 5, Proverbs 23:10-18
22nd. Monday – Isaiah 54, 55, 56, Galatians 6, Psalm 109:16-31
23rd. Tuesday – Isaiah 57, 58, 59, Ephesians 1, Psalm 110
24th. Wednesday – Isaiah 60, 61, 62, Ephesians 2, Psalm 111
25th. Thursday – Isaiah 63, 64, Ephesians 3, Proverbs 23:19-37
26th. Friday – Isaiah 65, 66, Ephesians 4:1-16, Psalm 112
27th. Saturday – Micah 1, 2, Ephesians 4:17-32, Psalm 1 13
_________
GOOGLE LINKS TO OUR BLOG SITES
(Use Google Search)
http://searchingthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
http://47yearsinafrica.blogspot.com
http://scripturegems.blogspot.com
http://salvationtracts.blogspot.com
http://searchthescriptureswithbob.blogspot.com
http://bookletbiblestudies.blogspot.com
http://phyllistheauthor.blogspot.com
http://47yearsinafrica.blogstream.com
____________
PRAISE THE LORD!
We now have 591 blog pages
representing 70 languages
____________
THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
Galatians 2:27
____________
SEND FREE CHRISTIAN GREETINGS FROM:
ecards@dayspring.com
3-movies@dayspring.com
____________
JOIN OUR MAILING LISTmailto:bob2search@yahoo.com
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