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Post by Cindy on Oct 19, 2022 11:54:03 GMT -5
I never seen that high man I haven't been on rapture ready until recently I am not on forum it pretty crazy how high it is on rapture index Yeah, it's really high now. If I recall correctly, it's been at this number since October 17th. It doesn't surprise me that it's high, I think I'm more surprised we aren't already gone. But I keep reminding myself of what God's Word says about it: “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:8–9)
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Post by Cindy on Oct 19, 2022 11:43:43 GMT -5
Wow, it's been a long time since I used that graphic! I originally made it for rapture ready, before I started my own board. That would have been around 2001!
Yesterday was my Tuesday Bible study with my neighbor. She's learning fast too! We finished the book of John yesterday, and changed our plans for what to do next. I was going to do a survey of the Old Testament for her, as she really needs some background, but felt I should ask her if there's anything else she'd like to do. She wants to do a study on the End Times. I should have known! It seems like every person and every group I've done a Bible Study with, always wants to learn what God says about the End Times. The very first time I led a study about that was back in 1997 or 98. It's been so long ago now that I can't even remember for sure. But that first one I did was with a group of people that I worked with. I think we had 5 people that time. The Lord's shown me so much more since than, that it's amazing to me!
Sorry I was late posting today. I've been here for quite awhile, but was trying to get all my smilies and graphics in a better order. Well, I'd better go check on the Bible studies and see what else is up!
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Post by Cindy on Oct 18, 2022 10:10:13 GMT -5
By Dave Hubley
There is currently a very high level of prophetic excitement.
Not misplaced excitement.
Not irrational excitement.
Not “pie in the sky by and by” excitement.
But real, rational, “Prophetic Scripture-Becoming-Reality” excitement.
The convergence of prophesied events/conditions/circumstances is breathtaking.
While we have to remember that the Rapture will happen in the Lord’s perfect timing and make a sober assessment of what we see in the myriad signs breaking out all throughout creation, it is exciting to witness them all at once as they currently seem to be.
When believers gather together for Bible studies now, more often than not, the conversation turns to a “Look Up, For Your Redemption Draws Near” kind of excitement.
A Crown of Righteousness excitement and a Blessed Hope excitement!
Best of all, I’m not exaggerating, and I don’t need to, at least in my circles, and certainly not on sober, serious and Biblically-based, prophecy-based websites.
At the same time, it must be said, there is a heightened sense of sadness for the people who will simply not be willing to bow the knee to the only One who can save them.
The signs that the Lord Jesus plainly stated will occur at “the time of the end” are currently on full and open display, and we must pray without ceasing for the lost and for those who are searching.
And we must witness at every opportunity.
“There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves. Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:25-28).
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains” (Matthew 24:6-8).
In only the last week, there have been numerous weather anomalies, severe earthquakes (many now in 6.0 or higher category), hurricanes/typhoons, and other indicators that these prophesied conditions would become the “new normal.” They are increasing just as birth pangs immediately precede the birth itself.
Economic conditions are on an undeniable fast track to disaster, and this is caused and being exacerbated with intent to destroy any trace of independence and freedom.
Although it is undeniably occurring worldwide, America appears to be the primary target at this point in time, even from within.
Everyday necessities will soon be out of the reach of all but the wealthy. Many people who imagine themselves to be wealthy (and therefore secure) will soon be hit with a hard dose of reality.
“In that day men will cast away to the moles and bats their idols of silver and gold—the idols they made to worship. They will flee to caverns in the rocks and crevices in the cliffs, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth. Put no more trust in man, who has only the breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?” (Isaiah 2:20-22)
The human condition has also become untenable in terms of its ongoing degradation and downward spiral. These and other passages contained in God’s Word, and provided to all who will listen, testify to the reality of the present day.
*(Romans 1:18-32); (2 Peter 3:3-7); (2 Timothy 3:1-5). Read them for yourself and decide how real these activities are and how rampant they now are.
*If you do not have a Bible but desire to confirm the accuracy of the above scripture passages as they apply to the present day, they can be accessed on [Bible Hub.com] or by opening the Word of God for yourself.
Bibles are still readily available, but this, too, is a condition that will eventually change (Amos 8:11).
If you do have a Bible but have forgotten about it, perhaps it is time to dust it off and become familiar with the revealed Word of God. It could save your eternal soul.
If in reading these realities, you feel convicted and do not know what to do, there is a special message for you at the end of this article.
Interestingly, many secular websites and news media are (oftentimes) inadvertently joining in the conversation via their speculation. In the process of reporting(?), they are confirming the Truth of that which the Word of God has warned about from Genesis to the hard realities of the book of Revelation.
God’s Inerrant Word is coming to vibrant and sobering everyday life.
Many people you come into contact with during normal(?) everyday activities are wondering, “what on earth is going on?”
You can’t miss it!
And in this is our opportunity to witness to them that the real question is, “what in the heavens is going on!”
But, my brothers and sisters, put on the full Armor of God and be willing to endure “the looks” that you may receive in the process of fulfilling our responsibilities to the Lord.
One short sentence from our Lord Jesus, “Well done my good and faithful servant,” will be worth truckloads of blank or hostile stares, open skepticism, and miles and miles of negative responses.
For those of us who witness these things, they are familiar “looks” indeed, but the evidence of our message is mounting and has now reached the point where it must be willfully ignored, brushed aside, or openly denied.
This is no longer so easy to do in 2022 when the sense by so many people everywhere is that “something is up.”
Best of all, these present circumstances are opening doors for the Holy Spirit to convict and convince the unsaved who might otherwise be unwilling to hear with their ears and see with their eyes what those eyes and ears are plainly showing them.
It appears that the much longed-for Blessed Hope may be very soon indeed.
“looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).
In the ancient and last book in the Old Testament, the book of Malachi, the Nature and Spirit of God are evidenced.
“Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who esteem His name. ‘They will be Mine,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘on the day that I prepare My own possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.’ So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him” (Malachi 3:16-18).
This book was written to the Hebrews to call their attention to the fact that God remembers those who fear and revere Him and that He would act at His appointed time, and they would be His.
Written by that same Spirit of the Sovereign Lord, who knew that the next intervention in human existence by Him would involve the first coming of His Son, Jesus The Messiah.
That He would shift His focus to the church built upon the Solid Foundation of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, and it would be comprised of a people who love Him, fear Him with a Godly fear, esteem Him, and are called by His Blessed Name: Christians.
We do not set dates, but we do watch the seasons and prepare ourselves.
“And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:37)
The special message I promised you:
For anyone who may read this article and has not trusted in Jesus Christ and therefore has no hope or peace in your life:
You can have hope. You can have the peace that Jesus has promised to all who have made Him their Lord and Savior. The peace that passes understanding.
It requires that you come before God on His terms.
And, what are His terms according to His Word?
Genuine repentance (turning to God instead of continuing to reject or ignore Him). Confession of sins (that you are a sinner and acknowledge that to God). That you understand that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). To acknowledge to God that you are unable to pay that debt. Belief that Jesus Christ paid your death sentence for you on the cross. To believe that Jesus is the Way, the only Way, that God has established by which humans may be saved from the consequences of their sin and rebellion. God has made it absolutely clear that there is no one who comes before Him, under His terms, that will be refused.
No one: no race, no color, no country of origin, regardless of any previous belief system: no one. No matter what your past sins have been, God can and WILL forgive you because He says He will. Salvation is available to everyone without any exceptions. If you put all your trust for salvation in Jesus, and Him only, you can follow that prayer up by simply saying, “Thank you, Father God, for hearing my prayer and saving me,” because we can trust Him to keep His Word. He always has. He always will.
John 5:24: “Truly, Truly, I say to you that he who hears My words and believes the One who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned. He has crossed from death to life.”
There are no answers and there is no hope in the world by governments, organizations, politics or politicians. There are only lies and deception. But you can have the Truth and the peace you seek.
The answers are in the Word of God—The Bible. If you ask God with all your heart, He will hear you. “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
Posted with permissionwww.raptureready.com/2022/10/05/a-very-high-level-of-prophetic-excitement-by-dave-hubley/
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Post by Cindy on Oct 18, 2022 10:03:49 GMT -5
I just checked to see what the Rapture Index was at. It's at a high of 188 now. It's only been one point higher than that once, so having it be this high is significant.
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Post by Cindy on Oct 18, 2022 9:42:39 GMT -5
Here in New Hampshire 50 is quite literally t-shirt weather. Right now it's 53. In fact, I even see people wearing shorts when it's 55 or higher. It seems like the older people feel the cold sooner than the other people though. I say that mainly because it seems like I feel the cold sooner than I used to now that I'm getting closer to 70 years old.
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Post by Cindy on Oct 17, 2022 10:59:48 GMT -5
I love hearing that you're studying the Bible Kelly! And Ezekiel 38 and 39 are pretty amazing! I keep waiting to see if that war is going to happen before the rapture or not. It will be awesome to see you in person when we're all joining our Jesus in the air! If you'd like to see a Bible study about something, just let me know and I'll do my best to do one for you. Or we could do it together or do it with Barbara too!
Here's the newest article. They must have posted it quite late yesterday because I checked again just before I had to shut off my computer after noon. fresh-hope.com/thread/7488/last-chance
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Post by Cindy on Oct 17, 2022 10:47:39 GMT -5
By Daymond Duck, Published on: October 16, 2022
On Oct. 3, 2022, Franklin Graham wrote, “To say that much is at stake (in the Nov. 8, 2022, election) is a gross understatement. It isn’t just control of Congress; it may be our last chance to stop the immoral and ungodly policies that have brought our great nation to the moral brink of disaster.”
He asked, “What happens to a nation that continues in its wicked ways with no repentance?”
He responded, “Israel and Judah both went into captivity and exile.”
Two days later, on Oct. 5, 2022, it was reported that Tony Perkins said in an interview with Decision Magazine that we are not only in “a battle for the soul of the nation, but it’s a battle for the children of our nation—their souls.”
Perkins added, our government is locking “children into a path that leads to destruction.”
We are hearing that the Nov. election may be the most important election of our lives, and that may be true, especially for the future and eternal destiny of our children, grandchildren, etc.
(Note: Some officials and prophecy teachers believe the Democrats will create a crisis to change the voting rules or call off the election if they think they are going to lose.)
(Note: On Oct. 6, 2022, it was reported that a study by the Public Interest Legal Foundation found that 13.3 million voters in New York do not have documents to prove their identity.)
Here are more articles about “immoral and ungodly policies” in our nation and signs that the end of the age is near.
One, concerning deceit: on Oct. 5, 2022, it was reported that Pres. Trump wanted to fill America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) in 2020 with U.S.-produced oil that cost $24 per barrel.
According to the report, Sen. Chuck Schumer defeated Trump’s proposal and boasted that he and the Democrats had blocked Trump’s “bailout for big oil.”
Pres. Biden has sold a lot of America’s SPR to try to stop the rise of gasoline prices before the mid-term elections.
It is now being reported that Pres. Biden recently tried to secretly keep OPEC+ from cutting their oil production by offering to buy up to 200 million barrels of OPEC+ oil at a cost of $80 per barrel to refill America’s SPR.
Have you got that?
Democrats blocked Trump from buying oil for $24 per barrel from U.S. oil companies, but Biden offered to buy oil from OPEC+ for $80 per barrel from foreigners.
America badly needs leaders that put American jobs and taxpayers first.
(Note: Biden has not only sold a lot of America’s SPR, but he has also given so many of America’s weapons to Ukraine, and the U.S. military now says our supply of weapons is at dangerously low levels. If we get into a major war, it is beginning to look like America won’t have enough oil, troops, or weapons.)
(Note: On Oct. 11, 2022, a former 4-term Democrat Congresswoman and former Democrat candidate for Pres. of the U.S., Tulsi Gabbard, announced that she is leaving the Democrat party. Gabbard said, “I believe in a government that is of the people, by the people, and for the people. Unfortunately, today’s Democratic Party does not. Instead, it stands for a government that is of, by, and for the powerful elite.”)
Two, concerning wickedness and corruption in the U.S. Dept. of Justice (DOJ): under the Biden administration, more than 100 pro-life pregnancy centers and churches have been vandalized, there have been hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage, and video cameras have recorded some of them, but not even one person has been arrested.
On the other hand, about 15 vehicles carrying 25-30 FBI agents with drawn guns recently showed up at a pro-life speaker’s home at 7:05 in the morning to arrest him for a one-year-old incident that has already been tried and thrown out of court.
It now appears that some criminals (those that damage pro-life facilities — for example, arsonists and looters with Antifa and Black Lives Matter) — are immune from FBI arrest, but innocent people are being arrested and hauled away by FBI agents if someone in our government opposes their politics, their position on abortion, or whatever.
Three, concerning wickedness and corruption in the DOJ: according to a DOJ document that a whistleblower gave to Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee titled “Retirements and Resignations During Unwelcome Sexual Conduct Adjudications,” more than 660 FBI employees, including 45 top-level officials, resigned before they could receive a disciplinary letter.
According to the Report, on Oct. 6, 2022, the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Chuck Grassley, sent a letter to U.S. Attorney Gen. Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray requesting information on what they are doing to address the situation.
Four, concerning corruption in the White House:
- Federal agents have been investigating, lying, and covering up for Hunter Biden since 2018.
- On Oct. 7, 2022, it was reported that they may now be getting ready to charge him with lying and tax evasion.
It is impossible to predict what the government will do, but there is speculation that Hunter will receive a slap on the wrist (a small fine), his dad will pardon his crimes, and then the DOJ will say they have to go after former Pres. Donald Trump and his children to be fair to both parties.
Time will tell, but there is something rotten in Washington when Hillary and Hunter are untouchable, but people that want to Make America Great Again are hauled away from home by the FBI.
Five, concerning deceit and corruption: on Oct. 9, 2022, it was reported that two states (Missouri and Louisiana) and several individuals have filed a lawsuit against 67 officials and agencies (against Pres. Biden; individuals in the FBI, the FDA, HHS; against Dr. Anthony Fauci, Facebook, Google, Twitter, and others) for violating the First Amendment rights of citizens.
Among other things, the lawsuit claims these 67 officials and agencies possibly communicated with each other to censor citizens on:
- Covid-19 information.
- The Hunter Biden laptop information.
- Election security, integrity, outcomes, and/or public confidence in election outcomes.
The states and individuals are backing up their lawsuit with e-mails obtained through the discovery process.
(Note: On Oct. 10, 2022, it was reported that the two FBI agents that contacted Facebook before the 2020 election and recommended the censorship of the Hunter Biden laptop story donated money to the Democrats.)
Six, concerning deceit and corruption: on Oct. 10, 2022, a Pfizer executive told the European Parliament the company never tested its Covid-19 vaccine to see if it would prevent the transmission of the virus.
Millions of citizens were forced to get vaccinated to protect others from Covid-19, and we now know that the claim of protection was a fabricated lie.
Seven, concerning deceit and corruption in the FBI and the Democrat National Committee: on Oct. 11, 2022, it was reported that an FBI supervisor (Brian Auten) admitted that the FBI offered $1 million to ex-British intelligence agent Christopher Steele for proof that his allegations in the famous Steele Dossier against former Pres. Trump and his 2016 campaign were true, but Steele said he could not prove the allegations.
According to Auten (who was under oath in the trial of a Russian that was involved), the FBI used the unproven information in court to get a warrant to spy on Trump campaign aid Carter Page.
Auten also testified that the Steele Dossier was commissioned by a firm called Fusion GPS that was being paid with money funneled through a law firm (Perkins Coie) by the Hillary Clinton Campaign and the Democratic National Committee.
If I understand this correctly, Hillary and the Democrats paid people to create the so-called “Russian Collusion” story to try to defeat Trump in 2016, the FBI offered $1 million for proof that the “Russian Collusion” story was true (and there was no proof), but the FBI still used the unproven information to get illegal court warrants (perhaps 4) to spy on Trump campaign aids.
There is more: the FBI then put the Russian that apparently made up the lie on the government payroll and paid him for 4 years during the Trump administration, and when the Hunter Biden laptop story broke, the FBI put Auten in charge of the cover-up.
Trump should have been exonerated but wasn’t; people’s lives were ruined, millions of taxpayer dollars were spent investigating Trump, and some Democrats want Hillary to run for president again.
Eight, concerning perilous times: Russian Pres. Putin recently said he will use every weapon (including nuclear weapons) at his disposal to win the war with Ukraine.
- On Oct. 4, 2022, it was reported that Ukraine is sending potassium iodine pills to evacuation centers for public distribution in case Russia follows through on the use of nuclear weapons.
- On Oct. 5, 2022, Poland announced that it has asked the U.S. to station nuclear weapons on its territory (note: U.S. officials denied that they have received the request).
- On Oct. 5, 2022, the Biden administration announced plans to buy $390 million dollars’ worth of Nplate, a drug used to treat radiation sickness (note: this drug can cause deadly side effects).
- On Oct. 6, 2022, Pres. Biden said the risk of a nuclear Armageddon is at the highest level since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.
As far as I know, there are no Scriptures about the use of nuclear weapons before the Tribulation Period, but there are verses that seem to indicate that nuclear weapons will be used during the Tribulation Period (Zech. 14:12; Rev. 6:14).
Some or all this talk about using nuclear weapons may be propaganda, but tensions are rising, threatening to use nuclear weapons should not be taken lightly, and officials need to look for ways to calm the situation.
Nine, concerning the tracking of all buying and selling: on Oct. 5, 2022, the Canadian government admitted that it has signed a $105.3 million contract with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to create a digital ID system for travelers.
It has also been reported that they want every Canadian in a national ID System.
Ten, concerning the tracking of all buying and selling: on Oct. 7, 2022, it was reported that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged $1.27 billion to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals with the understanding that $200 million will be spent on creating a global ID system with a data-sharing system, and databases.
The goal is to get everyone on earth into a single global database by 2030 with information on what they do, say, write, buy, sell, etc., that can be used to control them.
This sounds very much like the prophesied Mark of the Beast system that will bring an end to freedom on earth (and the Rapture is a minimum of 3 ½ years before that).
Eleven, concerning offending people: on Oct. 3, 2022, the famous Hal Lindsey pointed out that Jesus was talking about signs of His Second Coming when He said, “then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another” (Matt. 24:10).
According to Lindsey, “There has never been a time when more people were more offended over more things than right now” (things real and imagined, words spoken and unspoken, political affiliation, etc.).
As usual, he is right on target.
Twelve, theft is one of six sins that the Book of Revelation says unbelievers will not repent of during the Tribulation Period (Rev. 9:20-21).
On Sept. 28, 2022, it was reported that the District Attorney in El Dorado County, Cal., said shoplifting is out of control in the state.
Thirteen, on Oct. 8, 2022, it was reported that Tyson Foods announced that it will move its corporate headquarters from Chicago, Il, to Arkansas because of crime.
Approximately 1,100 employees will be impacted.
Fourteen, concerning the Temple: on Oct. 7, 2022, a District Court Judge in Jerusalem ruled that banning Jews from the Temple Mount is a serious violation of Jewish freedom of movement.
The Judge also ruled that banning Jewish prayer on the Temple Mount is illegal.
Fifteen, concerning Temple worship: on Oct. 12, 2022, Jewish priests and Levites dressed in priestly clothes performed the water libation service (pouring out of water: Jesus poured out His soul on the cross to give us living water; salvation, eternal life, the Holy Spirit).
They started at the Temple Dung Gate, played musical instruments, blew trumpets, beat drums, sang, and danced their way to the Pool of Siloam at the base of Mount Moriah.
They filled a golden flask with water, took it back up to an altar that had been set up near the Wailing Wall, and poured out the living water (pure running water).
They are ready to resume the service at the Temple as soon as it is rebuilt.
Sixteen, concerning famine, pestilence, and war: on Oct. 10, 2022, a veteran of the U.S. Army Special Forces said:
- 26 major fertilizer plants in Europe have closed or are on the verge of closing.
- The fertilizer shortage will lead to famine.
- Famine is one side of a triangle of death (famine, pestilence, and war).
- One side of the triangle always leads to the other two sides.
- Many nations have been importing fertilizer from Europe, so the lack of fertilizer in Europe will lead to a lack of fertilizer in other nations.
Seventeen, concerning world government: on Oct. 12, 2022, it was reported that an investigation by a news outlet in Hungary called Index found that the U.S. Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), investment banks, prominent academic institutions, the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), George Soros, and other globalist groups are giving money to candidates that will push the globalist agenda all over the world.
Finally, are you Rapture Ready?
If you want to be rapture ready and go to heaven, you must be born again (John 3:3). God loves you, and if you have not done so, sincerely admit that you are a sinner; believe that Jesus is the virgin-born, sinless Son of God who died for the sins of the world, was buried, and raised from the dead; ask Him to forgive your sins, cleanse you, come into your heart and be your Saviour; then tell someone that you have done this.
Posted with permissionwww.raptureready.com/2022/10/16/may-be-our-last-chance-by-daymond-duck/
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Post by Cindy on Oct 16, 2022 12:18:19 GMT -5
yeah, that's true in the states too!
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Post by Cindy on Oct 16, 2022 12:17:21 GMT -5
Hope you all had a great time worshipping the Lord today, and that you got to hear a great sermon from God's Word today! We have such a wonderful God. It's so sad to think that many people turn away from such a loving God and instead turn to Satan who is a liar and actually hates them and wants them to rot in hell. Then there's all the people who think they're serving themselves, but that's an illusion as they are actually serving Satan too. If only everyone could see how much better life is when you give your life up and live for Jesus instead of yourself. It's not easy to do though. I'm always curious about the people who say that being a Christian is easy and wonder why they say that. Paul didn't think it was easy! Nor did the other apostles. Yes, Jesus enables us to obey Him, but we have to first make it our will to do so. Every day we have to wake up and remind ourselves that we aren't living for ourself, but for Jesus. In fact, I need to remind myself of that constantly through out the day, because otherwise my flesh will take over and I'll sin. Like this whole mask and vaccinations thing. If we're living for Jesus, that means we are going to act and speak out of an attitude of sacrificial love for the other person(s). It means the same thing no matter what our situation is.
oops! I thought I'd posted this, but guess I forgot to. Sorry about that!
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Post by Cindy on Oct 16, 2022 11:10:30 GMT -5
Do it in whatever way is easiest for you hon.
DAY THREE AND DAY FOUR
As you have probably observed, Christ, rejoice/joy, mind/attitude and their synonyms are used throughout Philippians. (A synonym is a word that has the same meaning as another word within a particular context.) Therefore, these are key words for this book.
Discovering key words is vital to your understanding of the meaning of a text. Like keys, key words “unlock” what a passage of Scripture is about. Observing key words and phrases is important because they help identify the author’s repeated emphasis and how he accomplishes his purpose for writing.
It will be helpful to make a Key Word Bookmark for Philippians. You might use the one on the back of your Precept book which has suggestions for marking frequently used words such as “Christ.” Write Christ, joy/rejoice, and mind/attitude on the blank side and mark each of these the way you want to mark them on your Observation Worksheets. You’ll add other key words as you continue to study.
1. Read Philippians and mark the key words Christ and rejoice/joy, along with their synonyms and pronouns.
2. Read Philippians again and mark mind/attitude.
3. On the page “Key Words in Philippians” at the end of this lesson, list what Paul says about rejoice/joy and what he says about mind/attitude. As you make your lists, be sure to note what is said regarding these key words in relation to Christ.
4. Record these key words on the “Philippians at a Glance” chart.
By the way, have you ever heard someone say, “The joy of the Lord is my strength”? Did you wonder what he or she was talking about? By the end of this study of Philippians you will not only know the answer but we pray you’ll be saying it yourself.
5. Did you notice any other key words (with their synonyms) repeated in all four chapters? If you noticed any key repeated words and their synonyms, record these below. Then read Philippians and mark the other key words you observed.
6. Read through Philippians to see what the author talks about the most. Pay attention to the key words you’ve marked.
7. In Philippians the key words Christ and rejoice are the main subjects or themes of the book. The theme of a book is the main subject(s) or topic(s) in the book.
a. Use words from the text to summarize the main themes of Christ and rejoice/joy. You might look at your list on these key words to see any possibilities. Consider the following:
1) The theme should be based on an objective evaluation of what the author emphasizes through repetition, not just a subjective leaning toward what ministered the most to you.
2) You do not have to “come up” with the theme. It should always be based on repetition in the book and its context.
b. Record the theme of Philippians in the appropriate location at the top of your “Philippians at a Glance” chart. When you have completed your chart, you will have a wonderful visual tool that will give you the main content of Philippians on one concise chart.
THE AUTHOR AND RECIPIENTS OF PHILIPPIANS
Author
Recipients
KEY WORDS IN PHILIPPIANS
PHILIPPIANS AT A GLANCE
Book Theme:
Author:
Date:
Purpose:
Historical Setting:
Chapter Theme: 1 2 3 4
Precept Ministries International, Philippians: How to Have Joy, 1st edition, Precept Upon Precept
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Post by Cindy on Oct 16, 2022 10:58:48 GMT -5
That wouldn't surprise me either Kelly. No new article yet....
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Post by Cindy on Oct 14, 2022 10:06:45 GMT -5
Just popping in to say Hi Kelly! I have to get going to do the shopping and to take my son shopping as well. I'll plan on dropping in here tomorrow to see how you're doing!
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Post by Cindy on Oct 12, 2022 7:39:57 GMT -5
Good! I hope you slept better last night and are feeling better today!
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Post by Cindy on Oct 11, 2022 11:04:46 GMT -5
I'm just glad you're enjoying your bedspread Kelly. Thanks for the info about the TV show. I'll tell Bruce and he can look for it tonight.
The colors here are just breath taking this year! But do the sudden and early change over to cold temps, I suspect we won't enjoy it much longer. But it's sure great while it lasts. Whenever I look out the window, or when we drive somewhere, I look at the colors and think that the the world the Lord made has put on their best colors in praise to Him!
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Post by Cindy on Oct 11, 2022 10:58:06 GMT -5
I'm sorry you're feeling so bad hon.
It amazes me that you have so many wearing masks. When we go grocery shopping or in any store, we might see a few people wearing a mask, but they're few and far between. And yes, we too occasionally will see someone outside with a mask on too. It just goes to show you how much fear the government projected to people because of covid. We talked about it recently because my daughter was exposed yet again. She was saying she would test the kids. I asked her why she'd do that and she couldn't think of any answer. So I asked her if she tested them for the flu or anything else that might be going around. Of course she said no; so I then asked again, why she would test them for covid? Then I told her if I got sick, I wasn't going to get tested by anyone, nor was I going to buy a home test. I'd simply take care of myself till I was better, the same way I do no matter what I catch from other people. If I get so sick from covid or anything else that I need think I need to be hospitalized then and only then would I go to the hospital. I also reminded her that everyone is exposed to covid and any number of other things every time they go into a large store like Walmart, yet that never bothered anyone before now. So why should it bother us now? God is still on His throne and He can handle covid too. She relayed everything I said to the kids and they all decided they didn't need to take a test after all. Oh and they all come over yesterday to visit! That's always a good time!
I guess I'm surprised by so many wearing masks where you are because you've said you're in a small town like we are, and both of us only have a bit over 5000 people in our towns.
Ok, if you want to do the study, I'll just keep checking and will add more when I see you're feeling better.
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Post by Cindy on Oct 11, 2022 10:45:19 GMT -5
BTW I got my ballot through the mail Cindy this weekend do you know we have propostion that gurantee women to abortion to all way to NINE MONTHS I am serious I saw it in there it called Prop 2 BOY Gavin really going for it Lord have mercy! That's very bad! Be prepared for some really bad things to happen in California because of that, and especially if it becomes law! When the person or people who head a nation and/or a state sin, God not only disciplines them, but also the population. You can see this in 2 Sam 21, and 2 Sam 24:1–25.
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Post by Cindy on Oct 10, 2022 11:33:20 GMT -5
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Post by Cindy on Oct 10, 2022 11:32:39 GMT -5
“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16)
I figured we'd better start a new chat thread for now as the last one is getting pretty long!
I couldn't believe today was a holiday! I had so much I had to do and can't do any of it because everything is closed! Oh well. The kids are coming over soon, so I'll just enjoy them!
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Post by Cindy on Oct 10, 2022 11:22:51 GMT -5
While Christians are thrilled with the way the fight against abortion is going, I'm afraid that it won't be long before abortion will be back and even worse then before. Satan isn't going to give that up easily, that's for sure.
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Post by Cindy on Oct 10, 2022 11:19:56 GMT -5
Yes, I think we were there for 2 hours.....he was really really good! And for the singing....just one man with a guitar
But ( alert this IS a joke) Leonard and I were joking with each other and said:
the comfy padded chairs were what tipped the scales.... They were really nice :)
This is a much smaller church ( maybe 200-300 members)
Pastor John's sermons are about 1/2 and hour This pastor's sermon was about an hour and 1/2. And it was really good!
I am still congested ( I took a big slug of allergy cough whatever syrup before church)
So people would not think I have covid We still have about 10-20 percent of the people who still wear masks ( even in their cars driving alone, and on walks, in the stores etc.)
But I slept better last night....not perfect, but better
Tomorrow I will read ch. 4 of Philippians
I'm assuming you mean the pastor from the church that's teaching Rick Warren's stuff now, right? Because almost all of John MacArthur's sermons are between one and one and a half hours long.
You're kidding! People are still wearing masks? That shocks me. Even here whenever I see someone wearing a mask, I'm shocked. I'd say 99% of the people here don't wear one. The only place where anyone has to still wear a mask is the hospital. And as far as I'm concerned even that is ridiculous. (most of the doctors and nurses seem to think it's ridiculous too!)
So you don't want to do this study then? Why don't you come up with one you'd like to do?
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Post by Cindy on Oct 9, 2022 11:10:41 GMT -5
By Daymond Duck, Published on: October 9, 2022
In one of my past articles, I wrote that I believe America is in a spiritual war because we have thrown God:
- Out of many of our schools.
- Out of many of our courts.
- Out of most of our government.
- Out of most of our homes.
- Out of most of our churches.
- We have soaked our land in the blood of aborted babies.
- Our government has been buying and selling the body parts of aborted babies.
- We have elected people to lead us that say they are Christians, but they vote for abortion, promote the gay agenda, appoint godless judges, refuse to punish criminals, sell their vote to large campaign contributors, and they ignore what is best for ordinary citizens.
- We have openly blasphemed God in books, movies, TV, and the media (and we have come to regard this blasphemy as ‘normal’).
I decided to repeat this on Sept. 30, 2022, when an evil and immoral world leader, Russian Pres. Putin announced that Russia was annexing four areas of Ukraine.
Putin called the West a fallen civilization because the West has:
- Embraced Satanism (we support the coming godless world government).
- Forced drug addiction (we have opened our border to drug traffickers).
- Gender ambiguity (we don’t know how many genders there are, and some don’t know what a woman is).
- Organized hunts of people as if they’re animals (very little is done to combat shootings in cities, schools, etc.).
Sadly, Putin is right.
Here are some recent events that appear to indicate that the Rapture is close.
One, concerning the rise of godlessness and the decline of America: on Sept. 15, 2022, Cal. Gov. Newsome launched a billboard campaign in several states that misused Scriptures to support abortion.
On Sept. 29, 2022, a famous Cal. pastor, John MacArthur, responded to Newsome in an open letter saying:
- “You revealed to the entire nation how thoroughly rebellious against God you are when you sponsored billboards across America promoting the slaughter of children, whom He creates in the womb (Psalm 139:13-16; Isaiah 45:9-12).”
- “You further compounded the wickedness of that murderous campaign with a reprehensible act of gross blasphemy, quoting the very words of Jesus from Mark 12:31 as if you could somehow twist His meaning and arrogate His name in favor of butchering unborn infants.”
- The “diabolical effect” of your worldview can be seen in “California’s epidemics of crime, homelessness, sexual perversions (like homosexuality and transgenderism), and other malignant expressions of human misery that stem directly from corrupt public policy.”
- “You will stand in the presence of the Holy God who created you, who is your Judge, and He will demand that you give an account for how you have flouted His authority in your governing, and how you have twisted His own Holy Word to rationalize it. As you look over the precipice of eternity, what will your answer be?”
MacArthur ended his open letter to Newsome by saying MacArthur’s church and many Christians are praying for him and urging him to fully repent.
Two, concerning the impact of godlessness on America: on Sept. 30, 2022, it was reported that America’s weapons stockpiles are “dangerously low” because our government has used a “presidential drawdown” 20 times since Aug. 2021 to send military equipment to Ukraine.
According to the report, Dept. of Defense officials have indicated that our low inventory “would be considered problematic during wartime.”
Many citizens have family in the military, and all of us are counting on our military to defend our nation, but they can’t do it without weapons.
We need to understand that our strategic oil reserve and our weapons inventory are very low at a time when wars and rumors of war are common.
Three, on Sept. 26-29, at least 4 very large underwater leaks (perhaps caused by explosions) were detected on the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 Pipelines.
Several world leaders said the leaks appear to be sabotage, but no one offered proof.
One prophecy teacher said only 2 nations (Russia and the U.S.) have the ability to blow up a pipeline in water as deep as the Baltic Sea, where the presumed explosions occurred.
If the pipelines were sabotaged, it is unclear who did it, but many officials believe the U.S. is the most likely suspect (and Tucker Carlson believes U.S. Sec. of State Tony Blinken has admitted that the U.S. did it).
Some refer to these statements by U.S. officials:
- S. Sen. Ron Johnson (Dec. 2021), “I certainly hope the Senate Foreign Relations Committee would take up legislation to go beyond suspending it (the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline), but to ending it permanently.”
- S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, Victoria Nuland (Jan. 2022), “If Russia invades Ukraine, one way or another, Nord Stream 2 will not move forward.”
- S. Pres. Joe Biden (Feb. 2022), “If Russia invades (Ukraine), that means tanks or troops crossing the border of Ukraine again, then there will be no longer a Nord Stream 2. We will bring it to an end.”
- It will take many months, if ever, to repair the pipelines, and their being out of service is costing Russia a fortune.
Four, concerning the return of Jews to the Promised Land: on Sept. 23, 2022, it was reported that Russia’s calling up 300,000 reserve troops to fight the war in Ukraine has caused a surge in requests by Jews wanting to immigrate to Israel.
Because of the war, the EU has placed sanctions on Russia, and only 2 airlines are still flying out of Russia.
It is unclear how the Jews will get out, but Israel is preparing for a large wave of immigrants.
Five, concerning the division of Israel: on Sept. 21, 2022, Pres. Biden endorsed the Two-State Solution in a speech at the UN.
On Sept. 22, 2022, Interim Israeli Prime Min. Lapid endorsed it at the UN, and Pres. Biden spoke out in agreement with Lapid’s statement.
On Sept. 28, 2022 (exactly one week later), a very large and powerful hurricane named Ian took the lives of many and heaped great damage on Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and other parts of the U.S.
It seems normal for a natural disaster to strike the U.S. when America’s leaders publicly express support for the division of Israel.
Six, concerning pandemics and food shortages: on Sept. 30, 2022, it was reported that a virus has killed about 100,000 cows and buffaloes in India, and it has sickened more than 2 million more that will die if left untreated.
The disease is contagious, it is spreading to other countries, and it causes sick animals to give less milk.
Seven, concerning an increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters: at the time of this writing, the death toll from Hurricane Ian was 105 (101 in Fla.; 4 elsewhere), thousands of people had to be rescued; 2.6 million people were briefly without electricity (down to 440,000 on Oct. 2), some areas got more than 31 inches of rain, only about one-third of the people have flood insurance, and some have lost everything.
Eight, concerning perilous times: Russian Pres. Putin said he will use every weapon (including nuclear weapons) at his disposal to win the war with Ukraine.
On Oct. 4, 2022, it was reported that Ukraine is sending potassium iodine pills to evacuation centers for public distribution in case Russia follows through on the use of nuclear weapons.
Nine, concerning hyperinflation and a global economic collapse: on Oct. 4, 2022, America’s gross national debt topped 31 trillion dollars for the first time in history.
The U.S. Federal Reserve keeps increasing interest rates to try to slow the increase in inflation, but higher interest rates are causing America’s national debt to keep soaring.
Biden could help by slowing his spending, but that is not likely to happen.
(More: On Oct. 4, 2022, OPEC announced plans to cut oil production by two million barrels per day. Biden tried to stop this, but Biden’s effort to give Iran billions (perhaps a trillion dollars) to sign a worthless nuclear weapons agreement has angered the Arabs who want Iran’s nuclear weapons program stopped. Biden is ignoring Arab desires on the Iranian nuclear weapons issue, so they are ignoring him on the oil production issue. Biden has almost emptied America’s strategic oil reserves, so we will likely see the price of gasoline and everything else soaring again. It is sad to contemplate, but Biden may be deliberately trying to collapse the U.S. economy to justify a global currency. He has deliberately destroyed America’s oil independence and refuses to change that policy. Millions of poor and middle-income Americans are struggling to pay their bills, but Biden doesn’t seem to care.)
Finally, are you Rapture Ready?
If you want to be rapture ready and go to heaven, you must be born again (John 3:3). God loves you, and if you have not done so, sincerely admit that you are a sinner; believe that Jesus is the virgin-born, sinless Son of God who died for the sins of the world, was buried, and raised from the dead; ask Him to forgive your sins, cleanse you, come into your heart and be your Saviour; then tell someone that you have done this.
Posted with permissionwww.raptureready.com/2022/10/09/a-fallen-civilization-by-daymond-duck/
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Post by Cindy on Oct 9, 2022 10:53:37 GMT -5
So use the quote button right? And will it just keep getting longer and longer?
Oh well, I will try again But tomorrow or Monday
I am not feeling great and we are trying a new church tomorrow, only it starts earlier and I am congested and achy.
( Don't worry about it. If it's easier for you to do it the way you did the first one, go ahead and do it that way. Better to do that than to wind up stressing out about it.
It may be I will just have to read it and do it on paper at my house, if I can't seem to follow directions.
But first, I will give it the good old college try again, probably Monday....
This new church seems like.... maybe the sermon is sort of like an hour or even an hour and 1/2
But that might include the singing?
I guess we will find out tomorrow assuming I am not too sick
Devon stayed home two days in a row he had a bad cold, and I 'think' maybe I am fighting that same bug.
But I was kind of busy today we went shopping etc. Just like MacArthur's sermons. I've found most really good expository pastors tend to have sermons that last at least an hour or longer. I hope you're enjoying it!
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Post by Cindy on Oct 8, 2022 11:24:43 GMT -5
It was cold for us too! It actually got down in the 30's last night!
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Post by Cindy on Oct 8, 2022 11:22:37 GMT -5
Well with me I still tick off with my aunt for visting my father without vaccine shot for Covid putting his health wise I try get over anger I am not happy with her That one thing I need work boy I was throwing some Deadliest catch f-bomb on her I sincerely hope you'll let your anger go and trust God instead, because we're told that when we hang on to our anger it changes to bitterness and that makes us captive to sin and Satan. In other words we become slaves to sin all over again. You see, the anger is a sin, as is cussing and not trusting God and thinking that we can manipulate things to come out the way we want them to instead of realizing that God is in control of everything. The other sins involved are probably bitterness and resentment, self sufficiency, and self realization (our claim to live our life the way we want to instead of God's way.) Please know that the reason I'm able to share this with you is because I too have been down this road and the Lord had to correct me. So now I try to help others so they don't wind up having to be disciplined by the Lord. “because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.”” (Hebrews 12:6) It's a lot easier for us to confess our sins and ask for His help to obey Him and do better then to wind up being disciplined by Him.
I'll share some scriptures about all this for you at the end. I hope you don't mind me doing this. I felt like you were feeling badly about this and I just want to help you. I hope I didn't misunderstand.
Jesus wants us to be free from all of that. What makes being saved so wonderful is that He doesn't just gives us commands like the Old Testament did, but instead, He also gives us the ability to obey His commands. That's why, as we grow in our faith, we sin less and less. Of course we will always sin some until we're in Heaven, but we become more and more like Jesus the more we grow in our faith. And the only way we can grow in our faith and become more like Him is to read His Word daily and talk to Him about it. That's how God renews our minds and hearts and transforms us. So please read the scriptures, for there's life in God's Word! Hopefully too, they will give you a place to start your own Bible study.
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
“For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”” (Acts 8:23)
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” (Hebrews 12:14–15)
“But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” (Colossians 3:8–10)
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2)
“Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” (Ephesians 5:4)
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:” (Philippians 2:3–5)
“Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” (James 3:5–6)
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.” (James 3:9–10)
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:13–16)
“Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:5–7)
I pray this helps you!
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Post by Cindy on Oct 8, 2022 10:30:03 GMT -5
DAY TWO
Today we’ll continue to look at Philippians as a whole. Our study will still be focused on the people mentioned in the book because the people are easy to see.
1. Read all of Philippians and mark on your Observation Worksheets every mention of the recipients with orange. The recipients are the people who received this letter. Be sure to mark all of the pronouns for the recipients, such as you, your, yourselves, who, whom, and any synonyms, like brethren and beloved.
PHILIPPIANS 2 Observation Worksheet
Chapter Theme
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,
2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.
8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;
13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing;
15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,
16 holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.
17 But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.
18 You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.
19 But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition.
20 For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.
21 For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus.
22 But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father.
23 Therefore I hope to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me;
24 and I trust in the Lord that I myself also will be coming shortly.
25 But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need;
26 because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.
27 For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow.
28 Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you.
29 Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard;
30 because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.
2. As you did yesterday for the author, list the facts (not instructions) you observe about the Philippians on the chart “The Author and Recipients of Philippians.”
THE AUTHOR AND RECIPIENTS OF PHILIPPIANS
Author
Recipients
KEY WORDS IN PHILIPPIANS
PHILIPPIANS AT A GLANCE
Book Theme:
Author:
Date:
Purpose:
Historical Setting:
Chapter Theme:
1
2
3
4
3. Did you observe anything about the Philippians relating to the historical setting (the times in which this letter was written) that needs to be added to that section of your “Philippians at a Glance” chart? If so, add it.
By marking the text and answering some 5 Ws and H (who, what, when, where, why, how) kinds of questions about the author and the recipients, you have been able to discover certain facts about the historical setting of this book.
Do you realize what has just happened? So many times people think the only way to understand the historical setting of a book is to read commentaries, but they aren’t aware that careful observation of the text can reveal this to you.
What a blessing this is for people who speak other languages who do not have commentaries in their language or easy access to them if they do exist.
4. What did the recipients do that might have prompted Paul to write this letter to them? Write your answer below.
How are you doing, dear friend? If this is your first Precept course, you may be panting at the pace and the work, but don’t be discouraged. You are laying such a critical foundation, one that you’ll be proud of in the right sense of the word. If you persevere, you’ll find yourself building a mansion of joy that you can dwell in no matter what your circumstances, and it will be more than worth the discipline you have exercised. So press on, valiant one.
Precept Ministries International, Philippians: How to Have Joy,
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Post by Cindy on Oct 8, 2022 10:17:14 GMT -5
Barbara, look at the very first sentence that I posted in the opening post, in dark green.
The study gives you the NASB text to use, and the space to write your answers. Plus by doing it that way, you won't miss anything. I'll start a new post for the next lesson so you can quote it (by clicking on the quote button and then once it opens so you can post a reply, click preview at the bottom left if you don't use that view automatically.)
Once you have quoted my post to do the study, from then on, I will quote your study so you can simply add to it and not have to keep repeating the same thing. But that means for day two you'll have to include the answers to day one on the chart as well for this to work right.
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Post by Cindy on Oct 6, 2022 10:23:36 GMT -5
I wouldn't believe that Kelly would stop posting news unless the rapture had happened!
Well I'm running late again today. Mainly because I slept away most of the day yesterday! So now I have two days of chores to get done. And I have to have them done early so we can go to Gracie's soccer game.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful day today with the Lord!
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Post by Cindy on Oct 6, 2022 10:17:40 GMT -5
Quote my post so you can do the study the way it's written.
Philippians—a wellspring of spiritual truths that has brought countless believers new joy and peace in their daily walk. You will find Philippians a beautiful and a profitable book. It contains many principles of life that will literally transform your attitude toward people and circumstances as you become a doer of those things which you are about to learn in the next nine weeks.
You need to discipline yourself to study daily rather than cramming all your study into one sitting. To understand God’s truth there must be meditation and prayer. Joshua 1:8 says that we should meditate on God’s Word night and day so that we may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then we will make our way prosperous, and then we will have success. You may get right answers in one “cramming” session, but in all probability, you will miss many precious jewels of insight that come only through prayerful meditation.
DAY ONE
Inductive Bible study begins with the Bible itself. It is finding out what the Bible says. However, all the good study habits and methods in the world will mean very little to the student of God’s Word apart from the revelation of the Holy Spirit. John 14:26; John 16:13; and 1 Corinthians 2:6–16 teach us that it is the work of the indwelling Spirit to reveal and to guide us into all truth. So always begin with prayer, Beloved, asking God to guide you into His truth (John 16:13).
1. The purpose of this first lesson is to discover the context of the book of Philippians. This lesson lays the foundation for all the other lessons. Since context rules interpretation and Scripture must always be interpreted in light of its context, the first step in your study of a letter (epistle) is to begin with the Overview (the view of the entire book) to discover the context.
Since Philippians is a letter, the place to begin your study is with the author because he is the first person mentioned in this book. Therefore, the first step in our study will be to identify what the book tells you about the author. Then as you evaluate these facts, you will begin to see the context of Philippians unfold right before your eyes. It’s exciting and you are going to be awed by what you see.
2. Now let’s begin. Read Philippians and mark in blue each mention of the author’s name and the pronouns that refer specifically to him, such as I, me, my.
You can use the Observation Worksheets, located in the Appendix, for assignments. These Observation Worksheets are just what they say—worksheets. They contain the text of Philippians from the New American Standard Bible printed double-spaced. We encourage you to use these and then transfer the most important things to your Bible.
PHILIPPIANS 1 Observation Worksheet
Chapter Theme:
Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
4 always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all,
5 in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.
6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
7 For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me.
8 For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment,
10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ;
11 having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
12 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,
13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else,
14 and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.
15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will;
16 the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel;
17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment.
18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will rejoice,
19 for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose.
23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better;
24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.
25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith,
26 so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.
27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
28 in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God.
29 For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
30 experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
3. Now look at the places where you marked Paul in the text, and make a list of what Philippians says about him. Use the chart “The Author and Recipients of Philippians” at the end of this lesson to note what each chapter says about him. List only information about the author, not any instructions or commands. Do this before going on to number 4.
4. Although Philippians 1:1 opens with “Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints …,” did you observe from the rest of the letter that the author was only one of them: Paul? If this is not clear, read Philippians 2:19 and remember that singular pronouns are used throughout the book.
5. On the chart entitled “Philippians at a Glance,” located at the end of the lesson, note anything you observe about the times in which this book is written. This helps you understand the historical setting of the book of Philippians.
PHILIPPIANS AT A GLANCE
Book Theme:
Author:
Date:
Purpose:
Historical Setting:
Chapter Theme:
1
2
3
4
As you continue to observe Philippians, you will glean more information that will help you complete this At a Glance chart.
Have you ever felt like you were in a prison of sorts, dear friend? Remember, not all prisons have bars and locked doors. Or maybe you have actually been in prison. When you look at Paul, who was in a very real prison, what does he exemplify? Do you think Paul’s attitude was unique, or do you think it’s possible for any believer to have this attitude no matter his or her prison? Can God work this attitude in all of us? Do you think Philippians tells us how? Think about it as you study this “freeing” letter.
Precept Ministries International, Philippians: How to Have Joy, 1st edition, Precept Upon Precept (Chattanooga, TN: Precept Ministries International, 2014),
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Post by Cindy on Oct 6, 2022 9:34:08 GMT -5
Faith triumphs over death. Commentator Matthew Henry said, “Though the grace of faith is of universal use throughout the Christian’s life, yet it is especially so when we come to die. Faith has its great work to do at the very last, to help believers to finish well, to die to the Lord so as to honor Him, by patience, hope and joy so as to leave a witness behind them of the truth of God’s Word and the excellency of His ways.” God is honored when His people die triumphantly. When we’ve lived a life to His glory, and have joyfully left the world behind to enter into His presence for all eternity, He is pleased, for “precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones” (Ps. 116:15).
Many believers who have dreaded facing death have experienced a special measure of God’s grace that made their final hours the sweetest and most precious of their lives. Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph are examples of men who faced death with great faith and confidence. Each “died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth” (Heb. 11:13). They hadn’t seen all God’s promises fulfilled, but by faith they passed them on to their children. These men didn’t have perfect faith. Joseph was exemplary, but Isaac and Jacob often vacillated in their walk with God. Yet, each ended his life triumphantly. That’s the reward of all who trust God and cling to His promises. Like every believer before you, you haven’t seen the fulfillment of all God’s promises. But certainly you’ve seen far more than Isaac, Jacob, or Joseph did. How much more, then, should you trust God and encourage those who follow you to do the same! Drawing Near—
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Post by Cindy on Oct 3, 2022 11:30:17 GMT -5
I loved getting to see all the different castles in Europe when we were there.
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