fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383 
|
Post by fearnot on Oct 17, 2018 14:45:47 GMT -5
1. What does the phrase “our identity in Christ” mean?
If the statement, “My identity is in Christ,” is the answer, what is the question?
Having our identity in Christ means we have been forgiven and saved,
we now have a new identity and are in the family of God. We have new goals, new love, new behavior, new beliefs, and a new character.
I do not understand the 2nd question sorry.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cindy on Oct 18, 2018 9:50:19 GMT -5
By the way, I see Daniel is back!! He did PM me back, and thanked me but did not say if he was sick or what....but I am just happy he is back!!!
Oh about where did I get sin out of
"For he knows our frame;
he remembers that we are dust". Psalm 103:14
I guess it was because I was also thinking of the 2nd question"
"How is our sin a rebellion against God’s right to rule over us"?
... as I was writing about the first question,
and in my mind had sort of combined them
So having mixed them up or together...I was thinking that part of our "frame' was our weakness to sin.....
"For he knows our frame;
he remembers that we are dust". Psalm 103:14
You asked where are you getting the milk idea from these verses?
I was not thinking I had to stick only to the verses she gave, but rather I thought the question about contrasting the 2 different types of births was more general and could be drawn from more parts of scripture. I can see now that was not the case, but that is where I got off into a tangent on the milk issue.
And in fact, I was thinking more like babies ( baby Christian, and babies).....
rather than JUST the birth.....which is where I again got off on a tangent again ( 9 mts, and milk etc.).
arrggghh!
 I understand. It can be hard to stick to the questions asked at times, that's for sure! Although as I said, the part about milk was true...Why is it an important component of the spiritual life of Christian women to understand that:
• God made us.
How do these concepts help us understand that we were created at God’s good pleasure for His glory?
I think even Christian woman are sometimes so caught up in the world's standard of beauty, that they forget they were made by God and for a purpose
and instead spend vast amount of time and money on their hair, makeup, body, and clothing etc etc. trying to meet the world's standard of beauty, when 98 of all that time and effort should be on the Lord doing His purpose and for His glory.
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Oct 18, 2018 10:19:48 GMT -5
Yes I did know frame meant body....I just expanded it on my own to mean even more than physical frame, but a spiritual frame also. I need to read more carefully!!!
I pray you will be able to get done what you need to and not get sicker.
I am still struggling with a cold....it starts to clear up and then comes right back.
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Oct 18, 2018 11:48:28 GMT -5
Question 2.
These passages:
"12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God".
John 1:12-13
"He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,..." Ephesians 1:5
14 "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,..."
Romans 8:14-16
identify someone who is in Christ in what way?
God chose the metaphor of Father and children to describe and define His relationship with us. Describe the relationship between an ideal earthly father and his child. What are some of the character traits of the father?
Describe the dynamics of authority, obedience, protection, provision, and love in their relationship.
In what ways does God perfectly embody those character traits (attributes)?
In what ways do the dynamics of authority, obedience, protection, provision, and love play out in our relationship with God as Father and us as His children?
Answers
In Christ as adopted Children.
some of the ideal character traits of a father:
They put God first ( prayer, Bible study, worship, leading the family)
Provides
Protects
Trains up a child
Loving, kind, patient, gentle
humble
self-controlled
respectful
peaceful
reliable
sober
hard worker
Obeys authority
good example
faithful
good listener
merciful
Just
not arrogant, or boastful
self-sacrificing
leader
The father is the head of the house and is the main authority figure ( tho he shares it with the mother, he must make the final decisions in the end) ,
but he must always temper it with love ( and not be a bully or a dictator).
Children need to obey but he again aims to gain it with love.
At the same time, he is to provide for his family as well as be the protector.
God is the absolute ultimate authority who must be obeyed. He knows what is best for us and it is from a heart of love.
God provides us protection and provision again out of love.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cindy on Oct 19, 2018 10:55:24 GMT -5
Yes I did know frame meant body....I just expanded it on my own to mean even more than physical frame, but a spiritual frame also. I need to read more carefully!!!
I pray you will be able to get done what you need to and not get sicker.
I am still struggling with a cold....it starts to clear up and then comes right back.  I think my body is just reacting to all the stress, or maybe the weather changes....I have no idea really But I hope you're feeling better too.Question 2.
These passages:
"12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God".
John 1:12-13
"He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,..." Ephesians 1:5
14 "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,..."
Romans 8:14-16
identify someone who is in Christ in what way?
God chose the metaphor of Father and children to describe and define His relationship with us. Describe the relationship between an ideal earthly father and his child. What are some of the character traits of the father?
Describe the dynamics of authority, obedience, protection, provision, and love in their relationship.
In what ways does God perfectly embody those character traits (attributes)?
In what ways do the dynamics of authority, obedience, protection, provision, and love play out in our relationship with God as Father and us as His children?
Answers
In Christ as adopted Children.
some of the ideal character traits of a father:
They put God first ( prayer, Bible study, worship, leading the family)
Provides
Protects
Trains up a child
Loving, kind, patient, gentle
humble
self-controlled
respectful
peaceful
reliable
sober
hard worker
Obeys authority
good example
faithful
good listener
merciful
Just
not arrogant, or boastful
self-sacrificing
leader
The father is the head of the house and is the main authority figure ( tho he shares it with the mother, he must make the final decisions in the end) ,
but he must always temper it with love ( and not be a bully or a dictator).
Children need to obey but he again aims to gain it with love.
At the same time, he is to provide for his family as well as be the protector.
God is the absolute ultimate authority who must be obeyed. He knows what is best for us and it is from a heart of love.
God provides us protection and provision again out of love.
These verses identify someone who is in Christ in what way?
God chose the metaphor of Father and children to describe and define His relationship with us. Describe the relationship between an ideal earthly father and his child. What are some of the character traits of the father?
Describe the dynamics of authority, obedience, protection, provision, and love in their relationship.
In what ways does God perfectly embody those character traits (attributes)?
In what ways do the dynamics of authority, obedience, protection, provision, and love play out in our relationship with God as Father and us as His children?
In the future, and if you do any of these kinds of studies again, I think it would be helpful for you to write the first question, answer it, then write the next question and answer it, etc. instead of listing all the questions and then answering them all. The reason I say that is because you're not getting all you could be from the questions and not really answering them all. Instead you're more or less kind of lumping them all together and it really doesn't work that way. Remember, the object of the Bible study is to help you come to know the Lord better. So it would look like this:
(scriptures)
These verses identify someone who is in Christ in what way?
answer
God chose the metaphor of Father and children to describe and define His relationship with us. Describe the relationship between an ideal earthly father and his child. What are some of the character traits of the father?
answer
Describe the dynamics of authority, obedience, protection, provision, and love in their relationship.
answer
In what ways does God perfectly embody those character traits (attributes)?
answer
In what ways do the dynamics of authority, obedience, protection, provision, and love play out in our relationship with God as Father and us as His children?
answer
So when you get to the question, "Describe the dynamics of authority, obedience, protection, provision, and love in their relationship." Each of those characteristics could be broken down so that you could answer it first for authority - describing the dynamics of authority, then describing the dynamics of obedience, then the next and the next and so forth.
I also didn't really see an answer to: In what ways does God perfectly embody those character traits (attributes)? or even In what ways do the dynamics of authority, obedience, protection, provision, and love play out in our relationship with God as Father and us as His children? You just said: God is the absolute ultimate authority who must be obeyed. He knows what is best for us and it is from a heart of love. God provides us protection and provision again out of love. But that's a true but partial and short answer to a very deep question....meant to make you think, pray, and then write showing each of those characteristics and how they play our in our relationship with Him... Do you see what I mean? I should have warned you that her studies go deep intentionally... I hope I'm not discouraging you. I just want you to get all you can from the study. You certainly don't have to though if you don't want to or don't feel up to it.
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Oct 19, 2018 12:45:29 GMT -5
I am a little discourage but I know I need to read more carefully and pray, think more etc.
I am also glad you point it out tho....it is part of becoming more mature and have a deeper relationship with Jesus.
There is a part of it, that is because I haven't been feeling well....but 95% is exactly what you said.
I will keep plugging along but you please keep pointing out what I am missing....I was not exactly sure what was meant by, 'dynamics' in the question...
my brain or maybe my energy level or imagination ( not in the bad way of using that word, more like deep thinking), is duller due to stuffiness, coughing endlessly and super tired.
But prayerfully I am slowly getting better, if it does not relapse yet again. arrgghhh
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Oct 19, 2018 13:59:11 GMT -5
Question 3. Part of our identity in Christ is that being God’s children also makes us what, according to these passages?
Answer: Because we we have obtained an inheritance, we are heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ provided we suffer with him...
What does it mean to be an heir of God and a fellow heir with Christ?
Answer:
As God's children we have the right to receive the eternal inheritance and also because we also belong to Jesus.
What is our inheritance, and when will we receive it?
Answer:
In this world a heir receives as an heir, land, good, money, furniture, and all manner of valuables....
but as an heir of God we will receive Heaven as our home, to dwell in eternally,
There will be a river of life and a healing tree, a crown ( maybe for me, or maybe not)
and
what the Lord has prepared for us .
I Peter 1:4 says it is: "...imperishable, undefiled, and unfading"
and
1 Corinthians 2 :9 says it's even beyond what we can imagine:
But, as it is written,
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him"
But most important of all we will have God forever ( we will as I Corinthians 13:12 says
12 "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known".
We will receive it in full when we go to Heaven.
Is there any part of our inheritance that we are receiving now, in this life?
Answer:
Although it was said to Israel, I believe it is for all believers that Numbers 18:20 states:
" I am your portion and your inheritance ", we have the Holy Spirit as Ephesians 1: 14 says:
who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Oct 20, 2018 21:52:55 GMT -5
Questions 4. How do these passages characterize someone who is in Christ?
Answer:
obedient slaves of righteousness, slaves of God ( Christ).
Read this brief description of first century slavery to help you understand the cultural context in which these passages were written. People who are only familiar with American slavery of the 18th-19th century might think the phrase “slaves of Christ” sounds scary, or that Christ is harsh toward those who serve Him. How would you explain to those people what it means to be a slave of Christ?
Answer: I could not find the brief description of a 1st century ( that she posted???)
but I did find one in a search and it said in part:
"They (slaves) have no rights . They are not their own, however, a slave frequently becomes part of the family and a slave doesn’t have to worry where their next meal is coming from; they don’t have to worry about where they’ll sleep at night, and they don’t have to be worried about how much the rent is or the household bills. That’s because they are more than slaves…they are a part of the family. Such was the relationship between most of the slaves and the masters in the first century".
From: What Christians Want to Know
As a slave of Christ we don't do whatever we want, having given up our right to our selves, we deny ourselves:, "Not my will but thine".
We own nothing, we came into the world with nothing, and will die with nothing.
However we became a part of Christ's family with all the growing, blessings, promises, comforts, etc. that comes with that.
We are obedient to our one and only master, and are completely dependent on Him.
He is Lord, He is our ( my) Lord and King of Kings. He bought me with His blood, I (we) am His. However, He loves us, as family.
How is Christ the ideal Master? What are our obligations to Christ as His slaves, and the benefits of being His slave?
Answer: Jesus died for us (me), He shed His blood for us/me, He paid for all our/my sins, because He loved, and loves us/me.
My/our obligation is to have no one or anything above Him.
I am to obey, worship, love and know Him, and to have fellowship with Him, give Him all the glory.
He has provided eternal life with Him for ever in Heaven, where He has gone to provide a place for us/me.
He has provided, and protected me in this life, and I am being made into His image.
His yoke is easy and His burden light.
I/we have a glorious future in eternity.
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Oct 21, 2018 20:19:15 GMT -5
Question 5.
The Bible describes us, positionally and functionally, as children of God, co-heirs with Christ, and slaves of Christ. What are some other ways the Bible describes who we are in Christ? Cite the Scriptures you draw your answers from.
Answer:
Ambassadors
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ..."
2 Corinthians 5:20
Salt & light
"You are the salt of the earth.....“You are the light of the world."
Matthew 5:13&20
Temple of the Holy Spirit
1 Corinthians 6:19
conquerors:
"....we are more than conquerors through him who loved us".
Romans 8:28
Lambs
"lambs in the midst of wolves"
Luke 10:3
new creation
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation..."
2 Corinthians 5:17
Healed
"By his wounds you have been healed"
2 Peter 2:24
Chosen, priest, Holy nation, People of His own possession
" But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession...."
I Peter 2:9
Not condemned
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
Romans 8:1
Branch
" I am the vine; you are the branches."
John 15:5
slave (of righteousness)
"set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness"
Romans 6:18
Bought with a price
"for you were bought with a price"
1 Corinthians 6:19
Crucified
"I have been crucified with Christ"
Galatians 2:20
Justified by faith
Romans 5:1
the body of Christ
I Corinthians 12:27
have eternal life
John 3:16
Adopted
"He predestined us for adoption '
Ephesians 1:5
"we have the mind of Christ"
1 Corinthians: 2:16
|
|
|
|
Post by Cindy on Oct 22, 2018 10:23:32 GMT -5
I am a little discourage but I know I need to read more carefully and pray, think more etc.
I am also glad you point it out tho....it is part of becoming more mature and have a deeper relationship with Jesus.
There is a part of it, that is because I haven't been feeling well....but 95% is exactly what you said.
I will keep plugging along but you please keep pointing out what I am missing....I was not exactly sure what was meant by, 'dynamics' in the question...
my brain or maybe my energy level or imagination ( not in the bad way of using that word, more like deep thinking), is duller due to stuffiness, coughing endlessly and super tired.
But prayerfully I am slowly getting better, if it does not relapse yet again. arrgghhh
Question 3. Part of our identity in Christ is that being God’s children also makes us what, according to these passages?
Answer: Because we we have obtained an inheritance, we are heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ provided we suffer with him...
What does it mean to be an heir of God and a fellow heir with Christ?
Answer:
As God's children we have the right to receive the eternal inheritance and also because we also belong to Jesus.
What is our inheritance, and when will we receive it?
Answer:
In this world a heir receives as an heir, land, good, money, furniture, and all manner of valuables....
but as an heir of God we will receive Heaven as our home, to dwell in eternally,
There will be a river of life and a healing tree, a crown ( maybe for me, or maybe not)
and
what the Lord has prepared for us .
I Peter 1:4 says it is: "...imperishable, undefiled, and unfading"
and
1 Corinthians 2 :9 says it's even beyond what we can imagine:
But, as it is written,
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him"
But most important of all we will have God forever ( we will as I Corinthians 13:12 says
12 "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known".
We will receive it in full when we go to Heaven.
Is there any part of our inheritance that we are receiving now, in this life?
Answer:
Although it was said to Israel, I believe it is for all believers that Numbers 18:20 states:
" I am your portion and your inheritance ", we have the Holy Spirit as Ephesians 1: 14 says:
who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it
All the power and authority that Jesus had when He was here before is also ours to use right now. (Matthew 28:18–20, 2 Corinthians 10:8, Titus 2:15, Luke 10:19, Luke 24:49, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 4:20, 2 Corinthians 4:7, Ephesians 1:19–20)
Romans 5:1–11 Our justification is not simply a guarantee of heaven, as thrilling as that is, but it's also the source of tremendous blessings that we enjoy here & now. His 2nd purpose was to assure his readers that justification is a lasting thing. When God declared us righteous in Jesus Christ, He gave us 7 spiritual blessings that assure us that we can't be lost.
Peace with God (Romans 5:1).
Access to God (Romans 5:2a).
Glorious hope (Romans 5:2b).
Christian character ( Romans 5:3–4).
God’s love within (Romans 5:5–8).
Salvation from future wrath (Romans 5:9-10)
Reconciliation with God (Romans 5:11).
A “gift of grace”—a spiritual enablement whose source is the Spirit of God. (Romans 5:11)
Ephesians 3:14–21
When we receive gifts, they are called either gifts of grace (Ephesians 4:7) or gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4). When we receive grace, we receive the Spirit of grace (Hebrews 10:29). To receive grace is to receive the Spirit; to receive the Spirit is to be given the kingdom of the Spirit; to receive the kingdom of the Spirit is to receive everything imaginable under the reign of King Jesus, including: love, joy, adoption as God’s children, patience, gentleness, power to fight sin, goodness, self-control, fruitfulness, peace, the mind of God, freedom, faithfulness, no condemnation, truth, unity, power to serve others, presence of God, promise of future perfection, wisdom, and life.
Galatians 5:22–23 also lists some of the many things we receive now as part of our inheritance: love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; and all of those things will grow in us as we become more and more like Jesus in this life, and will finally be complete when we're in heaven.
And this scripture tells us another thing we receive right now:
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3) That's again telling us that there is absolutely nothing we could need here on this earth, that won't be supplied by our Father to enable us to live victoriously for Him. That doesn't mean that it will enable us to fulfill our selfish wants, but rather that when we live for Him, we will have all we need here to do so.
As MacArthur says: In His providential grace, God has already given believers total blessing (Ro 8:28; Col 2:10; Jas 1:17; 2Pe 1:3). “Spiritual” does not refer to immaterial blessings as opposed to material ones, but rather to the work of God, who is the divine & spiritual source of all blessings. in the heavenly places. Lit. “in the heavenlies.” This refers to the realm of God’s complete, heavenly domain, from which all His blessings come (v. 20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12). in Christ. God’s superabundant blessings belong only to believers who are His children, by faith in Christ, so that what He has is theirs—including His righteousness, resources, privilege, position, & power (Ro 8:16, 17).
Christianity isn’t simply a belief system—it’s a whole new identity. Every Christian shares a common supernatural union with Christ. Paul said, “The one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him” (1 Cor. 6:17). We are in Him, and He is in us. His life flows through us by His Spirit, who indwells us (Rom. 8:9). As a non-Christian, you were in bondage to evil, enslaved to the will of Satan, under divine wrath, spiritually dead, & without hope. But at the moment of your salvation a dramatic change took place. You became a new creation in Christ, alive in Him, enslaved to God, and a recipient of divine grace. When you came to Christ, you were “delivered from the domain of darkness, & transferred to the kingdom of [God’s] beloved Son” (Col. 1:13). You now possess His righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21) and share in His eternal inheritance (Rom. 8:16–17). All those blessings—and many more—are yours because you are in Christ. What a staggering reality! In a sense, what He is, you are. What He has, you have. Where He is, you are. When the Father sees you, He sees you in Christ and blesses you accordingly.
Of course He also now gives us each one or more gifts of the spirit, such as those listed in 1 Corinthians 12:7–11, Romans 12:6–8 and others elsewhere. This too is part of our inheritance.
1 Corinthians 6:2–3, Revelation 2:26, and Revelation 3:21 and Revelation 20:6, along with other scriptures tells us we will be given the authority to rule over the nations with Christ and sit with Him on His throne which will either begin when the tribulation is over, or I suppose it could begin when we get to heaven too... I'll have to study on that though. At this point I think we will reign over different things at different times....
Questions 4. How do these passages characterize someone who is in Christ?
Answer:
obedient slaves of righteousness, slaves of God ( Christ).
Read this brief description of first century slavery to help you understand the cultural context in which these passages were written. People who are only familiar with American slavery of the 18th-19th century might think the phrase “slaves of Christ” sounds scary, or that Christ is harsh toward those who serve Him. How would you explain to those people what it means to be a slave of Christ?
Answer: I could not find the brief description of a 1st century ( that she posted???)
but I did find one in a search and it said in part:
"They (slaves) have no rights . They are not their own, however, a slave frequently becomes part of the family and a slave doesn’t have to worry where their next meal is coming from; they don’t have to worry about where they’ll sleep at night, and they don’t have to be worried about how much the rent is or the household bills. That’s because they are more than slaves…they are a part of the family. Such was the relationship between most of the slaves and the masters in the first century".
From: What Christians Want to Know
As a slave of Christ we don't do whatever we want, having given up our right to our selves, we deny ourselves:, "Not my will but thine".
We own nothing, we came into the world with nothing, and will die with nothing.
However we became a part of Christ's family with all the growing, blessings, promises, comforts, etc. that comes with that.
We are obedient to our one and only master, and are completely dependent on Him.
He is Lord, He is our ( my) Lord and King of Kings. He bought me with His blood, I (we) am His. However, He loves us, as family.
How is Christ the ideal Master? What are our obligations to Christ as His slaves, and the benefits of being His slave?
Answer: Jesus died for us (me), He shed His blood for us/me, He paid for all our/my sins, because He loved, and loves us/me.
My/our obligation is to have no one or anything above Him.
I am to obey, worship, love and know Him, and to have fellowship with Him, give Him all the glory.
He has provided eternal life with Him for ever in Heaven, where He has gone to provide a place for us/me.
He has provided, and protected me in this life, and I am being made into His image.
His yoke is easy and His burden light.
I/we have a glorious future in eternity.
Question 5.
The Bible describes us, positionally and functionally, as children of God, co-heirs with Christ, and slaves of Christ. What are some other ways the Bible describes who we are in Christ? Cite the Scriptures you draw your answers from.
Answer:
Ambassadors
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ..."
2 Corinthians 5:20
Salt & light
"You are the salt of the earth.....“You are the light of the world."
Matthew 5:13&20
Temple of the Holy Spirit
1 Corinthians 6:19
conquerors:
"....we are more than conquerors through him who loved us".
Romans 8:28
Lambs
"lambs in the midst of wolves"
Luke 10:3
new creation
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation..."
2 Corinthians 5:17
Healed
"By his wounds you have been healed"
2 Peter 2:24
Chosen, priest, Holy nation, People of His own possession
" But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession...."
I Peter 2:9
Not condemned
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
Romans 8:1
Branch
" I am the vine; you are the branches."
John 15:5
slave (of righteousness)
"set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness"
Romans 6:18
Bought with a price
"for you were bought with a price"
1 Corinthians 6:19
Crucified
"I have been crucified with Christ"
Galatians 2:20
Justified by faith
Romans 5:1
the body of Christ
I Corinthians 12:27
have eternal life
John 3:16
Adopted
"He predestined us for adoption '
Ephesians 1:5
"we have the mind of Christ"
1 Corinthians: 2:16
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Oct 22, 2018 10:52:21 GMT -5
Question 6. What are some things women, even Christian women, find their identity in besides Christ?
Answer:
Physical beauty (looks), clothes,
money
men, husbands, relationships
children
family
home ( homemaking), food, gardening, furniture,
job
entertainment, movies, music, books, internet, media, video games,
self
good works and deeds
fun
car, boat
pets
How is it idolatry to find your identity in something besides Christ?
Answer:
Anything that takes first place in our hearts and displaces/replaces our love, interest, obedience, to Jesus has become an idol. We give our time, love, money, etc. to something other than Jesus.
How do you identify yourself?
Answer:
My identity has changed greatly and is still doing so.
I was totally self centered, but more and more, I am not my own,I belong to Jesus.
I used to be a 'victim' who needed to be pitied, pampered, etc.
Now I am a forgiven sinner saved by my Lord, master, Savior, God... Jesus
I used to be all about 'me'....now I am an ambassador for Jesus
I used to try to please myself, but now I want to do whatever my Lord wants.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cindy on Oct 22, 2018 10:54:05 GMT -5
Just out of curiosity I looked some things up:
PROMISES TO THE BELIEVER
1. Abundant life John 10:10
2. A crown of life Rev. 2:10
3. A heavenly home John 14:1–3
4. A new name Isa. 62:1–2
5. Answers to prayer 1 John 5:14
6. Assurance 2 Tim. 1:12
7. Cleansing John 15:3
8. Clothing Zech. 3:4
9. Comfort Isa. 51:3
10. Companionship John 15:15
11. Deliverance 2 Tim. 4:18
12. Divine sonship 1 John 3:1–2
13. Everlasting life John 3:16
14. Fellowship of Jesus Matt. 18:19
15. Fruitfulness John 15:4–5
16. Gifts of the Spirit 1 Cor. 12
17. Glory after death Matt. 13:43
18. God’s protecting care 1 Pet. 5:6–7
19. Growth Eph. 4:11–15
20. Guidance Isa. 42:16
21. Hope Heb. 6:18–19
22. Inheritance 1 Pet. 1:3–4
23. Joy Isa. 35:10
24. Knowledge Jer. 24:7
25. Liberty Rom. 8:2
26. Peace John 14:27
27. Power for service John 14:12
28. Renewal Titus 3:5
29. Rest Heb. 4:9, 11
30. Restoration
Isa. 57:18; 1 John 1:9
31. Resurrection Rom. 8:11
32. Rich rewards Matt. 10:42
33. Spiritual fullness John 6:35
34. Spiritual healing Hos. 6:1
35. Spiritual light John 12:46
36. Spiritual treasures Matt. 6:19–20
37. Strength Phil. 4:13
38. Temporal blessings Matt. 6:25–33
39. Understanding Ps. 119:104
40. Victory 1 John 5:4
41. Wisdom James 1:5
Willmington’s book of Bible lists
They who overcome in, shall:
Eat of the hidden manna.
Rev 2:17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” ’
Eat of the tree of life.
Rev 2:7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” ’
Be clothed in white raiment.
Rev 3:5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
Be pillars in the temple of God.
Rev 3:12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.
Sit with Christ on his throne.
Rev 3:21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
Have a white stone and, in it, a new name written.
Rev 2:17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” ’
Have power over the nations.
Rev 2:26 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations —
Have the name of God written upon them by Christ.
Rev 3:12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.
Have God as their God.
Rev 21:7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.
Have the morning star.
Rev 2:28 and I will give him the morning star.
Inherit all things.
Rev 21:7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.
Be confessed by Christ before God the Father.
Rev 3:5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
Be sons of God.
Rev 21:7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.
Not be hurt by the second death.
Rev 2:11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” ’
Not have their names blotted out of the Book of Life.
Rev 3:5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
Illustrated:
Is 9:5 For every warrior’s sandal from the noisy battle, And garments rolled in blood, Will be used for burning and fuel of fire.
Zech 10:5 They shall be like mighty men, Who tread down their enemies In the mire of the streets in the battle. They shall fight because the LORD is with them, And the riders on horses shall be put to shame.
The MacArthur topical Bible
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Oct 22, 2018 12:14:14 GMT -5
Question 6. What are some things women, even Christian women, find their identity in besides Christ?
Answer:
Physical beauty (looks), clothes,
money
men, husbands, relationships
children
family
home ( homemaking), food, gardening, furniture,
job
entertainment, movies, music, books, internet, media, video games,
self
good works and deeds
fun
car, boat
pets
How is it idolatry to find your identity in something besides Christ?
Answer:
Anything that takes first place in our hearts and displaces/replaces our love, interest, obedience, to Jesus has become an idol. We give our time, love, money, etc. to something other than Jesus.
How do you identify yourself?
Answer:
My identity has changed greatly and is still doing so.
I was totally self centered, but more and more, I am not my own,I belong to Jesus.
I used to be a 'victim' who needed to be pitied, pampered, etc.
Now I am a forgiven sinner saved by my Lord, master, Savior, God... Jesus
I used to be all about 'me'....now I am an ambassador for Jesus
I used to try to please myself, but now I want to do whatever my Lord wants.
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Oct 22, 2018 12:23:21 GMT -5
I forgot about the 'cheat sheet' LOL
now I will have to go find it!!! ha ha
By the way, I sent our son Michael a quick up date on what is going on
like we had granddaughter's Vanessa 17th birthday party yesterday,
and I briefly mentioned about his dad, me, and Devon going to be baptized next Sunday....
I also did add something like....
one might have thought I would have been baptized years ago...( immersed not 'sprinkled, as it symbolizes dying with Jesus, who died on the cross to pay for my sins)
but the good thing is now it is with Devon and his dad
( I don't remember 'exactly' word perfect how I worded it).
He only replied and addressed about Vanessa....so I guess that tells me that at least right now, there is zero change in his being an agnostic/atheist....
|
|
|
|
Post by Cindy on Oct 23, 2018 11:04:13 GMT -5
Question 6. What are some things women, even Christian women, find their identity in besides Christ?
Answer:
Physical beauty (looks), clothes,
money
men, husbands, relationships
children
family
home ( homemaking), food, gardening, furniture,
job
entertainment, movies, music, books, internet, media, video games,
self
good works and deeds
fun
car, boat
pets
How is it idolatry to find your identity in something besides Christ?
Answer:
Anything that takes first place in our hearts and displaces/replaces our love, interest, obedience, to Jesus has become an idol. We give our time, love, money, etc. to something other than Jesus.
How do you identify yourself?
Answer:
My identity has changed greatly and is still doing so.
I was totally self centered, but more and more, I am not my own,I belong to Jesus.
I used to be a 'victim' who needed to be pitied, pampered, etc.
Now I am a forgiven sinner saved by my Lord, master, Savior, God... Jesus
I used to be all about 'me'....now I am an ambassador for Jesus
I used to try to please myself, but now I want to do whatever my Lord wants.
Another one I wanted to point out, which you also listed, was "pets". I've noticed this trend and heard it from Christians and even have seen news reports about it. Many people today have isolated themselves from other people and give all their love to their pets. (some include giving love to a spouse as well though). But you'll hear them say things like they're more comfortable with animals then people, or even that they care more about animals then people. (that's certainly true of the PETA group!) Because these people have been hurt by other people, they now give all their love to animals instead and receive their love from them as well. What makes this so bad beside the fact that it can make the pet into an idol super easily, is that it is also going against God's established order and all His commands for us. This next part is something that I've failed at miserably as well, but God has called us to community.
First He puts us in a Family here on earth, then after we're saved He makes us part of His family and commands us to love one another deeply, forgiving each other and reconciling, not just saying we forgive someone and that we'll pray for them, but not staying close to them. Second, from this family of His that we belong to and are to love deeply, He then sends us into our earthly family to show them God's love, forgiveness, and reconciliation and tell them about Jesus. Finally He sends us out into our local community to be His hands and feet, and show His love to the people in our local communities. The purpose of that is so that we can eventually witness to them and win them for Christ so that they can join our Family of God. He tells us that He has given us the ministry of reconciliation, but the thing is that we're supposed to be living that reconciliation out in our lives as well - in our Church family, our earthly family, and our community. Yes, God loves the animals and has even made covenants with them, and I firmly believe from what the Bible says that they'll be in Heaven, but while we're supposed to love and care for them, they are not to be our main focus - God and His commands are.
What makes this difficult for me is that I had no idea of this back when I was going to church regularly. While I did get involved at church and held many different offices over the years, I've always been a loner, even in the middle of a big group. I've never gotten close to people, although I have tried off and on. I honestly didn't know how. I guess it's because of being an only child and raised out in the boonies on a ranch during my childhood. Like everyone else, I too have been hurt by people at church, which is always upsetting, but I never left because of it. Anyway, once the Lord showed all this to me, I asked Him to show me how to be involved and love others the way He wanted us to, since I've never known how. His answer shocked me. He brought to my mind all the ways people had let me down, and made me think about what I'd wished they'd done instead, as well as things I'd seen other people doing with each other that I'd longed to be part of, Then it seemed He basically simply told me to go and do those things to them! If I'd wished people had brought a meal after my surgery, then find out who's sick at my church and bring them a meal! If I'd wished I'd had someone come by to visit me and encourage me, then go and find someone at church that needs encouragement and visit them! Etc.! I was dumbfounded! It's hard for me to meet people and get to know them well, and I'm awful at remembering names too. But then God didn't tell me it would be easy or ask me if I'd be comfortable doing that. He just said that's what needs to be done. In other words, show the people at church what His love looks like, even if it's just one person at a time, until you've finally gotten to know and love all of them you possibly can. The problem is that I didn't discover this until after I wasn't able to go to church anymore. Now it haunts me because I finally know what to do, and I want to go and be part of the fellowship so badly it literally physically hurts. I'm not sure what His Will is for me right now, as I still can't go to church, but I'm hoping He will either heal me enough so that I can go, or else show me some other way I can fulfill His commands. Of course I do show His love to Bruce, but that's hardly anything...... enough about me though, sorry! Anyway, God is all about people so we are not supposed to isolate ourselves, but instead seek out people to show His love to. (Satan has done a great job of getting everyone, including Christians, to isolate themselves from other people though!)
All this reminds me of what Paul said about sin in Romans 7:21–25 and what one of my notes there says: "Paul continued to struggle with loving & obeying Christ throughout his life (Rom 7). Notice that Paul’s struggles moved him closer to Christ & closer to other believers. The Christian life is lived in community." And: "Our response to God’s love is summarized as loving our neighbors. This love, however, is different. It is the love of a person freed rather than enslaved. Having received the love of Christ, we are willing to say to other people, “My desire to love you will outweigh my desire to be loved [honored, appreciated, respected] by you.” Can you imagine the freedom in this? No longer are we dominated by popular opinion. Perceived rejection doesn’t control us as it once did. Heart of the matter.
No wonder it looks like the Chruch is falling apart. As Christians, we've cut ourselves off from one of God's greatest blessings, when we cut ourselves off from our local church. It's fellow believers that God uses to teach us, guide us, encourage us, and hold us accountable, and bless us!
I forgot about the 'cheat sheet' LOL
now I will have to go find it!!! ha ha
By the way, I sent our son Michael a quick up date on what is going on
like we had granddaughter's Vanessa 17th birthday party yesterday,
and I briefly mentioned about his dad, me, and Devon going to be baptized next Sunday....
I also did add something like....
one might have thought I would have been baptized years ago...( immersed not 'sprinkled, as it symbolizes dying with Jesus, who died on the cross to pay for my sins)
but the good thing is now it is with Devon and his dad
( I don't remember 'exactly' word perfect how I worded it).
He only replied and addressed about Vanessa....so I guess that tells me that at least right now, there is zero change in his being an agnostic/atheist....
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Oct 23, 2018 14:38:24 GMT -5
7. How does our identity in Christ inform how we feel, think, speak, and act?
Answer:
Out of love, we want to obey and please our Lord and savior....
Therefore, we make every effort to know Jesus, by studying His Word,
and walk ( as much as possible) the way He did, in how we talk, act, think etc.
As the Holy Spirit brings to mind His Word, in any situation, we allow the Lord to talk and act thru us ( in love and truth).
We repent and reject any sinful temptations....but when caught by them, we turn again from them.
We are not enticed by the things of the world, not its sins, entertainment, riches, power, etc.
We keep our eyes on Jesus and Heaven.
Is this statement true or false: “To feel, think, speak, and act contrary to who we are in Christ is sin.”? Why? Back up your answer with Scripture.
Answer:
True
To 'love the world' is to put the things of the world above God and that is sin.
" Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world". I John 2:15,16
"For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you..." I Samuel 15:23
"For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin".
Romans 14:23
Any thoughts that God unfairly limits our 'fun', or 'happiness' is to think like Satan ,
who got Eve to consider that very way of thinking ,when he suggested that idea, by saying to her in Genesis:
“Did God actually say..." Genesis 3: 1
this was part of the original sin.
He also, lead her to believe one could break God's law and sin without any consequences, in direct opposition to what the Lord had said,
by saying:
“You will not surely die" Genesis 3: 4
The 'natural' man, a sinner from birth is rebellious and practices lawlessness in his thoughts and deeds
"The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him" 1 Corinthians 2:14
Transgression speaks to the wicked
deep in his heart;
there is no fear of God
before his eyes.
For he flatters himself in his own eyes
that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit;
he has ceased to act wisely and do good.
Psalm 36: 1-3
"The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually".
Genesis 6:5
For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul,
and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord.
Psalm 10:3
Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit,
Proverbs 10:2
"Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
Romans 1:24
They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them
Romans 1: 30-32
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Oct 23, 2018 15:08:24 GMT -5
What you wrote almost totally parallels me. I will go back to that question tomorrow. Once again thank you for your encouragement about Michael. I will also work on ( if and when I e-mail again) to put it more in a question.
However, I think in the past, he just ignores any question about God and only answers 'safe' newsy ones.
[/font]
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Oct 24, 2018 11:48:09 GMT -5
Back to the identity and idols even Christian woman can get caught up in.
Animals and pets have been a big one for me.
After my Airedale died, we never actually sought out another pet, but that did not mean they did not come.
Still tho I liked and even loved some of the cats, I was able to keep from putting them first in my heart.....
until recently ( it seems sin sometimes has a way of going underground, sometimes for a looooong time and then, popping back up).
When the rat (s?) invaded and I didn't sleep for about 4 days
one night a neighbor's cat, Jack, who I thought was a sweet, nice, cat,
but that's all.....
He had never asked to come into our home ( stayed with his owner)
( he has now become more my cat than hers oy vey)
but he came and slept with me that night.....and therefore it was the first night I had gotten some sleep....
because what rat would waltz in under 2 cats noses ( another semi-feral cat had just adopted Leonard).
But now this cat. Jack has wormed his way into my affections, unlike any pet for a very long time!!!
His owner is moving middle of next month, and I will miss him terribly, but in a way, I am glad, because, I don't want anything to try to take the place of Jesus in my heart ( not that a cat would do that entirely, but to the extent that there is any real'sharing' any animal, person, or thing, in my heart, it is not o.k.
And family is another issue, plus sometimes fiction, news, etc.
The 'world' tries to invade, and sometimes wins, but it is ever less and less.
And like you, I have never fit in with people.
All my life I felt like an outsider. I can remember so many times when a bunch of woman for whatever reason were working together in a kitchen.....they all worked together comfortably,each knowing what to do ( the correct way)....and I always felt totally left out.
But I took to heart what you said, about doing what I wished others had done for or with me, in those situations.
I have been ( for me) reaching out more at church ( well we have been 2 times in a row lately....
and yesterday, had to bring Devon for a special meeting with an associate pastor....it went well).
There was a slightly grumpy secretary who offered us coffee and tea ( after a bit) while we waited for the associate pastor to get out of a meeting.
Now don't fall off your chair laughing, but for me this was an unusual effort LOL
I saw her struggling juggling the cups at a door...so I jumped up and tried to hurry over to see if I could help carry anything.
She said, no, she had it under control, but I think, she appreciated the 'effort' ha on my part. Normally, I would have just sat and waited to be served....in part due to 'laziness, but also in fear, of messing up....like spilling, or not taking the items correctly, or whatever.....
if she had said oh thanks yes for my 'help'
I might have thought to ask, which items should I take or something.
I know that sounds so stupid, such a small ridiculous thing, but it shows how alienated I've been and self-centered, instead of reaching out to have fellowship with others.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cindy on Oct 25, 2018 11:18:58 GMT -5
7. How does our identity in Christ inform how we feel, think, speak, and act?
Answer:
Out of love, we want to obey and please our Lord and savior....
Therefore, we make every effort to know Jesus, by studying His Word,
and walk ( as much as possible) the way He did, in how we talk, act, think etc.
As the Holy Spirit brings to mind His Word, in any situation, we allow the Lord to talk and act thru us ( in love and truth).
We repent and reject any sinful temptations....but when caught by them, we turn again from them.
We are not enticed by the things of the world, not its sins, entertainment, riches, power, etc.
We keep our eyes on Jesus and Heaven.
Is this statement true or false: “To feel, think, speak, and act contrary to who we are in Christ is sin.”? Why? Back up your answer with Scripture.
Answer:
True
To 'love the world' is to put the things of the world above God and that is sin.
" Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world". I John 2:15,16
"For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you..." I Samuel 15:23
"For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin".
Romans 14:23
Any thoughts that God unfairly limits our 'fun', or 'happiness' is to think like Satan ,
who got Eve to consider that very way of thinking ,when he suggested that idea, by saying to her in Genesis:
“Did God actually say..." Genesis 3: 1
this was part of the original sin.
He also, lead her to believe one could break God's law and sin without any consequences, in direct opposition to what the Lord had said,
by saying:
“You will not surely die" Genesis 3: 4
The 'natural' man, a sinner from birth is rebellious and practices lawlessness in his thoughts and deeds
"The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him" 1 Corinthians 2:14
Transgression speaks to the wicked
deep in his heart;
there is no fear of God
before his eyes.
For he flatters himself in his own eyes
that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit;
he has ceased to act wisely and do good.
Psalm 36: 1-3
"The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually".
Genesis 6:5
For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul,
and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord.
Psalm 10:3
Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit,
Proverbs 10:2
"Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
Romans 1:24
They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them
Romans 1: 30-32
In answer to the 1st question, 7. How does our identity in Christ inform how we feel, think, speak, and act? you said that we're "not enticed by the things of the world, not its sins, entertainment, riches, power, etc.We keep our eyes on Jesus and Heaven." Yet I know I have been and still am at times, and I believe that we all are at times, sometimes so much so that we sin. But because we know our identity is in Christ and not in anything or anyone else, we also know that our real home is not on this earth at this time; that we are citizens of heaven, not here. We realize that we can be enticed by the things of this world, but we also know that our Lord will help us avoid the temptation if we stay centered in Him, and that when we slip and allow our selves to become the center of our lives, even for a moment and sin, we still know our Lord will forgive us and take away our guilt and shame, freeing us to start over with a clean slate once again. We know our calling and identity is much higher than that of the average person, which doesn't make life easier because we have more responsibility then they do, but at the same time, we also have supernatural help which more than evens the score.
A person who sees themselves as "depressed" (which they consider their identity) sees their life as basically hopeless, that nothing really good is ever going to happen to them, that they'll always be rejected and needy, always be unhappy, and will always be rejected by others, living without the love they so crave. If they're also a mother, they'll mainly look at their mistakes, or at their children's mistakes, thinking it's all their fault and their children would be better off without them, etc. instead of looking at their children's good characteristics, or the good things they've done. So they'll also see their role (which they consider their identity) as negative. The same is true of other things they see as their identity.
When someone who is saved and who knows what they're true identity is, no matter how awful things get for them, they will know without a doubt that they are loved more than anyone on this earth could ever expect to be, because the God who created them, also chose to give up heaven and come to the earth in a human body and give that body up to death, and rise again, just so that He could save them and have them spend eternity with Him in Heaven. That God also left them with His love letters to them in the form of what we call the Bible, so they would always have confirmation of His love and so they'd know His Will for them, and what great rewards their effort in this life would reap, no matter what life here turned out to be.
They will also know that their life has a purpose much higher than that of any other on earth, for the God who loves them has given them a purpose to bring glory to Him, to show His love to others, and to tell others about Him and His Kingdom. For women He has also given them the awesome privilege of partnering with Him to create new life and then to raise that life to know and love Him. (if they're saved before their children are born). Their purpose is also to be a help to their husband, and to care for their home which the Lord has given them. He's also given us all the purpose of taking care of the earth, including the animals. Of course there are also parts to their purpose which they discover as they read the love letters He left for them. As one of my books say, "According to the Bible, even if we lost everything here on earth our lives would still have significant meaning and purpose because we are to have dominion over the earth, help bring others into the fellowship of believers, and glorify God with our lives." The great thing about our God is that He not only gives each of His children and individual purpose for their lives, a purpose no other can fill, He also equips them with whatever they need to fulfill that purpose! That purpose was chosen for us in eternity past and established at our conception.
Because our identity is in Christ and not in ourselves or anything of this world, when we sin, we know we will be forgiven and that our God will remove our shame and guilt as well, giving us a clean slate to start all over on; and that He does this however many times a day we need it! We don't have to feel bad or wallow in our guilt or shame like others who don't know forgiveness do! Indeed, our God doesn't want us to do that! He wants us to focus on the future and our reward, not our failings - (except to learn from them).
People in this world generally feel their worth comes from what they do and things like how much money they have, how big their home is, etc. They look at "self worth". But those of us who are saved have a worth much higher than anything like that! We know our worth comes from being in Christ, and being made in God's image. What we look at is our "God worth", and it's so high that God Himself came to earth to die and rise again just to save us because of His love for us! You can't get more worthy than that! Best of all, our worth isn't based on what we've done because no one can do anything to have worth from God. Our worth comes because God Himself has said we are worthy!
Because our identity is in Christ, nothing that happens to us, and nothing we ourselves do or fail to do, can take our identity away, or reduce it to less. No matter what, we will always be dearly loved, our life will always have a high purpose, and we will always be worthy! Nothing can change it because it's God who has said it's true! Therefore we look at ourselves and at our lives, all the things that happen to us and all that we do, differently than the rest of the world does. We know longer have to strive to be loved, to be worthy, or to have a purpose like they do. Instead we just live life as an unceasing agreement to the truth that we are beloved by God!
I'll have to look closer at the rest later, but they look good; as I've got to leave now, just have enough time to answer the rest of your posts....What you wrote almost totally parallels me. I will go back to that question tomorrow. Once again thank you for your encouragement about Michael. I will also work on ( if and when I e-mail again) to put it more in a question.
However, I think in the past, he just ignores any question about God and only answers 'safe' newsy ones.
Back to the identity and idols even Christian woman can get caught up in.
Animals and pets have been a big one for me.
After my Airedale died, we never actually sought out another pet, but that did not mean they did not come.
Still tho I liked and even loved some of the cats, I was able to keep from putting them first in my heart.....
until recently ( it seems sin sometimes has a way of going underground, sometimes for a looooong time and then, popping back up).
When the rat (s?) invaded and I didn't sleep for about 4 days
one night a neighbor's cat, Jack, who I thought was a sweet, nice, cat,
but that's all.....
He had never asked to come into our home ( stayed with his owner)
( he has now become more my cat than hers oy vey)
but he came and slept with me that night.....and therefore it was the first night I had gotten some sleep....
because what rat would waltz in under 2 cats noses ( another semi-feral cat had just adopted Leonard).
But now this cat. Jack has wormed his way into my affections, unlike any pet for a very long time!!!
His owner is moving middle of next month, and I will miss him terribly, but in a way, I am glad, because, I don't want anything to try to take the place of Jesus in my heart ( not that a cat would do that entirely, but to the extent that there is any real'sharing' any animal, person, or thing, in my heart, it is not o.k.
And family is another issue, plus sometimes fiction, news, etc.
The 'world' tries to invade, and sometimes wins, but it is ever less and less.
And like you, I have never fit in with people.
All my life I felt like an outsider. I can remember so many times when a bunch of woman for whatever reason were working together in a kitchen.....they all worked together comfortably,each knowing what to do ( the correct way)....and I always felt totally left out.
But I took to heart what you said, about doing what I wished others had done for or with me, in those situations.
I have been ( for me) reaching out more at church ( well we have been 2 times in a row lately....
and yesterday, had to bring Devon for a special meeting with an associate pastor....it went well).
There was a slightly grumpy secretary who offered us coffee and tea ( after a bit) while we waited for the associate pastor to get out of a meeting.
Now don't fall off your chair laughing, but for me this was an unusual effort LOL
I saw her struggling juggling the cups at a door...so I jumped up and tried to hurry over to see if I could help carry anything.
She said, no, she had it under control, but I think, she appreciated the 'effort' ha on my part. Normally, I would have just sat and waited to be served....in part due to 'laziness, but also in fear, of messing up....like spilling, or not taking the items correctly, or whatever.....
if she had said oh thanks yes for my 'help'
I might have thought to ask, which items should I take or something.
I know that sounds so stupid, such a small ridiculous thing, but it shows how alienated I've been and self-centered, instead of reaching out to have fellowship with others.
I'm sorry, I've got to run. Bruce is already home and I'm not dressed yet and we have to leave for his doctor and test appointments!
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Oct 25, 2018 12:30:43 GMT -5
I noticed that yesterday there was only homework left, so instead I did a Bible reading and study at home on my own....in fact, I am thinking since it is Thurs and the new questions may not be posted until Monday (????) I will do the same over the weekend....unless you have another different idea.
Thank you for your added thoughts!!
I was gratefully reminded by your post this is not our home.
I have thought and still struggle with thinking that Hossanah and Michael would have been better off had they grown up in a Christian home, and had learned about sin and what Jesus did for them.
Also thank you for reminding me not to write a ton to Michael but keep it short and sweet.
I think I told that that about 20 years ago I was reading some 'Christian" book on Child rearing ( and it advocated spankings if necessary)....
Well because when I was raising them, and did not know how to discipline at all and was anti corporal punishment......
except....
when pushed waaaaaay beyond my limit ( until I finally figured out a different way)
I would lose it and yell etc.
So this book at that time was making a big impression ( deal with it at the start, have clear limits...I am really not sure cuz it was soooo long ago
But the terrible thing is I wrote Michael about 40 hand written pages of this.....
Something he would have been 100 percent against!!!
That I think has stuck in his mind of how terrible Christianity is.
I can't undo that extreme foolishness on my part....I was under some bizarre thoughts that it would be 'helpful' to him if and when he had children ...
but I am pretty sure since that was probably the only input he ever had on 'Christianity" he wrote it off as anyone might a horrible cult kind of thing.
The only other time he had had any talk with me about God, Christianity , etc. was years earlier when I was listening to a false gospel woman Marilyn Hickey ( I was just coming back to the Lord and had no idea who was a false teacher at that time).
But somehow sin came up
and I said something to Michael, who was in the room as I was watching her on TV ( before computers)
I said something about his sin
and he started crying....
he misunderstood me to be saying that only he was a 'bad' person....I did tell him ...no ...everybody sinned....
but I am not sure he really really heard that.
So....those were his only 2 chats about Christianity that I know of.....
except if he talked with his goth friends etc.
but if it ever came up....( he did have a friend who was a strong atheist) probably it was not positive.
And so what you said, about God forgiving me.....I needed to hear yet again, because it is hard not to think that it was I alone who turned Michael from Jesus.
Of course most of his formative years Leonard and I were in that brotherhood I told you about.
Still, I know that if the Lord choose Michael before the Creation of the universe and earth...than even my terrible blunders will not stop him from being saved...some day.
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Oct 25, 2018 15:47:35 GMT -5
Earthly fathers make out a will describing the inheritance their heirs will receive. Sometimes fathers use the will, and the threat of cutting children out of the will, as a tool for manipulating their children or keeping them in line. Is this how God relates to His children with regard to our inheritance?
Answer:
No, God does not threaten to cut us off as a way of manipulating us in order to keep us in line.
/font][
If you have truly been born into God’s family, will He ever cut you out of His “will”?
Answer No
as I Peter 1:4 says it is:
an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you"
Explain how your behavior is connected to your inheritance and to your position as an heir of God. Use Scripture to support your answer.
Answer
I think there are many wonderful basic rewards all true Christians will receive in Heaven, but there will be 'extra' rewards based on behavior ( works etc.) here on earth.
Tho I think it's important that whatever we do, it is out of love for Jesus our Lord and not so we can add up rewards ( sort of like people do here on earth).
I am thinking that if you 'store up' it has to do in part with your actions:
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"
Matthew 6:19-21
"Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys.
Luke 12:33
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.
I timothy 6::18,19
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Galatians 6:7
" If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire". 1 Corinthians 3:14,15
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 2 Corinthians 5:10
One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed. Proverbs 19:17
"Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown"
Rev. 3:11
When Jesus heard this, He said to him, "One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."
Luke 18:22
"By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward".
Hebrews 11:24-26
This verses and the others reminded me of what I have read or heard somewhere that went something like:
people who try to gain as much money etc. in this life, are asking or wanting....not too much, but in reality, too little!!
Which is why Christians don't hole tight to things on earth and are willing to do whatever Jesus asks ( well they don't always but it is their hearts desire.....)
first it is out of love for Him, but also because Heaven is so far greater than anything we can even imagine, that the tin knickknacks on earth are worthless treasures....they are not treasures or rewards at all.
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Oct 26, 2018 10:24:03 GMT -5
So far for starts I re-read Proverbs 31 and followed some of the links ( little numbers for each verse in MacArthur study bible...to other related verses in the Bible. I will do more but may get some breakfast first.
and then come back here later.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cindy on Oct 26, 2018 12:16:07 GMT -5
I noticed that yesterday there was only homework left, so instead I did a Bible reading and study at home on my own....in fact, I am thinking since it is Thurs and the new questions may not be posted until Monday (????) I will do the same over the weekend....unless you have another different idea.
Thank you for your added thoughts!!
I was gratefully reminded by your post this is not our home.
I have thought and still struggle with thinking that Hossanah and Michael would have been better off had they grown up in a Christian home, and had learned about sin and what Jesus did for them.
Also thank you for reminding me not to write a ton to Michael but keep it short and sweet.
I think I told that that about 20 years ago I was reading some 'Christian" book on Child rearing ( and it advocated spankings if necessary)....
Well because when I was raising them, and did not know how to discipline at all and was anti corporal punishment......
except....
when pushed waaaaaay beyond my limit ( until I finally figured out a different way)
I would lose it and yell etc.
So this book at that time was making a big impression ( deal with it at the start, have clear limits...I am really not sure cuz it was soooo long ago
But the terrible thing is I wrote Michael about 40 hand written pages of this.....
Something he would have been 100 percent against!!!
That I think has stuck in his mind of how terrible Christianity is.
I can't undo that extreme foolishness on my part....I was under some bizarre thoughts that it would be 'helpful' to him if and when he had children ...
but I am pretty sure since that was probably the only input he ever had on 'Christianity" he wrote it off as anyone might a horrible cult kind of thing.
The only other time he had had any talk with me about God, Christianity , etc. was years earlier when I was listening to a false gospel woman Marilyn Hickey ( I was just coming back to the Lord and had no idea who was a false teacher at that time).
But somehow sin came up
and I said something to Michael, who was in the room as I was watching her on TV ( before computers)
I said something about his sin
and he started crying....
he misunderstood me to be saying that only he was a 'bad' person....I did tell him ...no ...everybody sinned....
but I am not sure he really really heard that.
So....those were his only 2 chats about Christianity that I know of.....
except if he talked with his goth friends etc.
but if it ever came up....( he did have a friend who was a strong atheist) probably it was not positive.
And so what you said, about God forgiving me.....I needed to hear yet again, because it is hard not to think that it was I alone who turned Michael from Jesus.
Of course most of his formative years Leonard and I were in that brotherhood I told you about.
Still, I know that if the Lord choose Michael before the Creation of the universe and earth...than even my terrible blunders will not stop him from being saved...some day.
MacArthur and all the other teachers and commentaries I have agree with that. But if you're sure you turned your son off of God by sending that letter, then they and I must be wrong and God's plan must be that he won't be saved. Do you see how you're saying that? Obviously, neither of us is stronger or smarter than God, so what you've been telling yourself is a lie. Instead, embrace the Truth, like you kind of did in your last sentence: that you are saved and that because you are now saved, your children have been sanctified, (1 Cor 7:14) given a better chance to become saved then those who have no parent that's saved. I said you "kind of" did that in your last sentence because you included the stuff about "your terrible blunders". Remember, we're to forget what's behind and strain toward what's ahead. (Philippians 3:13–14) Not only that, but again, by talking of your terrible blunders, you're giving yourself way too much power - power only the Lord has!
Earthly fathers make out a will describing the inheritance their heirs will receive. Sometimes fathers use the will, and the threat of cutting children out of the will, as a tool for manipulating their children or keeping them in line. Is this how God relates to His children with regard to our inheritance?
Answer:
No, God does not threaten to cut us off as a way of manipulating us in order to keep us in line.
/font][
If you have truly been born into God’s family, will He ever cut you out of His “will”?
Answer No
as I Peter 1:4 says it is:
an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you"
Explain how your behavior is connected to your inheritance and to your position as an heir of God. Use Scripture to support your answer.
Answer
I think there are many wonderful basic rewards all true Christians will receive in Heaven, but there will be 'extra' rewards based on behavior ( works etc.) here on earth.
Tho I think it's important that whatever we do, it is out of love for Jesus our Lord and not so we can add up rewards ( sort of like people do here on earth).
I am thinking that if you 'store up' it has to do in part with your actions:
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"
Matthew 6:19-21
"Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys.
Luke 12:33
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.
I timothy 6::18,19
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Galatians 6:7
" If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire". 1 Corinthians 3:14,15
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 2 Corinthians 5:10
One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed. Proverbs 19:17
"Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown"
Rev. 3:11
When Jesus heard this, He said to him, "One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."
Luke 18:22
"By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward".
Hebrews 11:24-26
This verses and the others reminded me of what I have read or heard somewhere that went something like:
people who try to gain as much money etc. in this life, are asking or wanting....not too much, but in reality, too little!!
Which is why Christians don't hole tight to things on earth and are willing to do whatever Jesus asks ( well they don't always but it is their hearts desire.....)
first it is out of love for Him, but also because Heaven is so far greater than anything we can even imagine, that the tin knickknacks on earth are worthless treasures....they are not treasures or rewards at all.
So far for starts I re-read Proverbs 31 and followed some of the links ( little numbers for each verse in MacArthur study bible...to other related verses in the Bible. I will do more but may get some breakfast first.
and then come back here later. |
|
|
|
Post by Cindy on Oct 26, 2018 12:28:55 GMT -5
Imperishable Beauty: Lesson 6- The Beauty of Membership Identity by Michelle Lesley
Read These Selected Scriptures
In lesson 5, we learned about finding our identity in Christ. To find our identity in anyone or anything else is idolatry. Today, we’re exploring membership in the Body as part of our identity in Christ.
Questions to Consider
1. In previous lessons (see links above) we learned that we were created by God, in the image of God. We also learned that, as Believers, our personal identity – who we are at the deepest inner level of our own being, and how we see ourselves – is found in Christ. But there’s no such thing as an isolated Christian individual. (1 Corinthians 12:14) Read 1 Corinthians 12:27 and Romans 12:5 from today’s passages. What is another aspect of our identity in Christ?
2. According to the Colossians passages, what is another name for the “body”? Look up the word “church” in a concordance. What is the first verse in the Bible to mention the word “church”? Who spoke this verse? In what ways does this verse demonstrate that Jesus is the founder, builder, owner, and sustainer of the church?
3. There are two different ways the term “church” is most frequently used in the Bible and by Christians today: a) the church catholic (small “c”, not Roman Catholic) or universal, and b) the local church. What is the difference between these terms? Describe your membership as a Believer in both the church catholic and the local church.
4. How do you become a member of the church catholic? (1 Corinthians 12:13) Is this baptism at the moment of salvation visible or invisible? Spiritual or tangible? How does visible water baptism into membership in the visible local church outwardly symbolize your invisible baptism in the Holy Spirit into the invisible church catholic? Have you been baptized as your first step into local church membership? Why were you baptized, or why haven’t you been baptized?
5. Consider the metaphor of individual Christians as “body parts” (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12) in terms of actual parts of a human body. Explain the metaphor in detail – how are the parts connected to the body? How/where do the parts get their nourishment? How do the parts know what to do and when to do it? How can the parts help or hinder other parts and the body as a whole? Who/what is the “command center” of the body?
6. What does 1 Corinthians 12:14-20 teach us about how we should view ourselves as a member of the body? What is God’s purpose in teaching us this view of ourselves – to build up our egos? Explain verse 18 as it applies to you and to other church members. What does 1 Corinthians 12:20-27 teach the church about how we should view individual members? What does it mean to be a church member who is “weaker” (22), “less honorable…unpresentable” (23)? What provisions does God – and do we – make for those members? (23-24) How does this contribute to unity in the church? (25-26)
7. Consider the 1 Corinthians passage and the Romans passage together with regard to how individual members contribute to the workings of the Body. Describe the heart attitude God wants us to have, and the approach He wants us to take as we serve the church. How do the concepts of unity, cooperation, and humility flesh themselves out as we work with fellow church members to serve the Body?
8. Sometimes we encounter a sister in Christ who is so passionate about her particular gifting or area of ministry that she pressures other church members to be as passionately involved in that ministry as she is, or she seems to look down on Christians who don’t have the same gifting she has. How would you use today’s passages to disciple her?
Homework
Is membership in the church catholic or the local church optional for Christians? If you answered yes to either, cite the Scriptures supporting your answer.
Give my article Basic Training: 7 Reasons Church is Not Optional and Non-Negotiable for Christians (and the articles in the “Additional Resources” at the end of the article) a read. Explain in your own words why God wants Christians to be members of a doctrinally sound local church. Need to find a doctrinally sound church? Want to know what to look for in a healthy church? Explore the resources at the Searching for a new church? tab at the top of this page. (You can also recommend any doctrinally sound churches you have a personal connection with.)
Suggested Memory Verse
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
1 Corinthians 12:27
Posted with permission:
michellelesley.com/category/biblical-womanhood-bible-study/
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Oct 26, 2018 14:21:19 GMT -5
Your thoughtful, kind, compassionate ( and a wee bit funny....how I was in effect thinking, I was stronger than God!) encouragement was so sweet and helpful, it brought tears to my eyes.
Because I have continued to berate myself about my foolishness.....but I was so uplifted by your response.
I did laugh when you said, he probably didn't get passed the first page....no doubt his eyes glazed over if he tried to read it....and even if he somehow did read it all, I doubt, he would have remembered much of it....
I just think, of when I read the most important words in all the world, the Bible... I have to stay in it daily, and even then, I find I 'forget' some of what I read....but because it is sooooo powerful, and does come back tome when I need it most, I am delighted to continue to read the Bible.
So yeah, to have even read all of that once, it is most unlikely he would have read it more than once, since, it wasn't even, really from me, but was mostly quotes from an author.
I do wish I had given him some positive outlook on Jesus, but then you are right, there are children, who had the kindest, most caring, Christian parents, who gave excellent gospel messages to their children, and the kids walked away.....
I am thinking of some popular rock singers of today that were brought up in Christian homes, and they hate God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible.
They do every sinful thing they can to mock God ( and their parents).
So it would not have been a for sure thing, even if I had done most everything right.
Thank you so much for taking time to write and encourage and uplift me!!!
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Oct 26, 2018 22:50:32 GMT -5
Question 1
What is another aspect of our identity in Christ?
Answer: we were all baptized into one body...we are many (parts/people) but one body of Christ
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Oct 27, 2018 11:50:46 GMT -5
Question 2. According to the Colossians passages, what is another name for the “body”?
Answer: The Church
Look up the word “church” in a concordance. What is the first verse in the Bible to mention the word “church”?
Answer:
Matthew 16:18
Who spoke this verse? In what ways does this verse demonstrate that Jesus is the founder, builder, owner, and sustainer of the church?
I am not sure I understand exactly what she is asking ( I've noticed I have been having that problem with....what? 1/4 or so of the questions? Anyway, I will make a stab at it, and I think you will be able to tell me what I am missing.
Answer: Jesus spoke the verse.
He is He is the beginning = the founder and builder
He is the head of the body, the church = He is the owner
He is preeminent = sustainer
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Oct 28, 2018 15:12:37 GMT -5
Questions 3. There are two different ways the term “church” is most frequently used in the Bible and by Christians today: a) the church catholic (small “c”, not Roman Catholic) or universal, and b) the local church. What is the difference between these terms? Describe your membership as a Believer in both the church catholic and the local church.
Answer: The universal would ( I think) include every believer there was, is now, and will be in the future, no matter where in the world they lived or live.
The local church would be those believers that go to a single church in a specific area ( town, city etc.).
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Oct 28, 2018 15:15:40 GMT -5
We ( Leonard, Devon, and I got baptized today....I am happy we did so. Hossanah and Devon's sister came to church to watch it also, which was nice.
|
|
fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
|
Post by fearnot on Oct 29, 2018 13:55:36 GMT -5
When I saw what the questions were for today, I had to almost laugh...who knew? Oh yes, that's right, God did....He knew I got baptized yesterday, so perfect timing for the Baptism questions!!
Question 4.
How do you become a member of the church catholic? (1 Corinthians 12:13)
Answer:
When I trusted/believed in Jesus work on the cross, dying to pay for my all my sins...I became a member of the church catholic.
Is this baptism at the moment of salvation visible or invisible? Spiritual or tangible?
Answer: invisible and spiritual
How does visible water baptism into membership in the visible local church outwardly symbolize your invisible baptism in the Holy Spirit into the invisible church catholic?
Answer:
Being totally immersed into the water, symbolizes dying to my old sinful self with Jesus on the cross, and coming up out of the water is symbolic of being raised to new spiritual life in Christ Jesus.
Have you been baptized as your first step into local church membership?
Answer: Yes, yesterday
Why were you baptized, or why haven’t you been baptized?
Answer: I wanted to be obedient to Jesus and publicly show my love for Him and what He has done for me.
|
|
I understand. It can be hard to stick to the questions asked at times, that's for sure! Although as I said, the part about milk was true...
I think my body is just reacting to all the stress, or maybe the weather changes....I have no idea really 
!!
