Nov 13
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jomym added a text contribution Love for all the saints"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." --John 13:35 This is the evidence of a true believer and the evidence that will convince the unbeliever. It is not our apologetics but our love for each other. We are also called to love all saints, not just those in our denomination or who look like us or use the same translation. This doesn't mean we compromise but Christ wants His kids to treat each other with love and respect. Read more » -
jomym added a text contribution By the will of God.Paul knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was who he was and doing what he was doing...by the will of God. This is a GOOD place to be. Knowing that your living in His will is the best place you or I can be. Read more »
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jomym added a text contribution Confidence is self, in the flesh.Some of Jesus disciples were fishermen and fishing and sailing were there areas of expertise. When Jesus called them to follow him, it was after a night of unsuccessful fishing, the one thing they were experts in. Despite all there experience, skill and knowledge hey came up empty handed. Here again Jesus is teaching us not to have confidence is our flesh, the things we believe we can do. No doubt, the disciples tried all the tricks of the trade and when it still looked they were going to p… Read more »
Nov 7
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Almost every book of the New Testament and several in the Old, warn of apostasy. Knowing this we need to be on our guard for false teaching and false teachers. Paul gives two key things to watch out for. First, "not sparing the flock". They are not concerned about the flock but themselves. Paul demonstrated servant-hearted leadership. He sacrificed himself in service to God and His flock. Often a false teacher will emphasize "what you need to do for them". The model of… Read more »
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jomym added a text contribution "the whole counsel of God"Paul could confidently say with a clear conscience that he was innocent of the blood of all men. Why? "For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God." Paul held nothing back. He didn't avoid difficult issues. He taught them ALL of God's word. "My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment." - James 3:1 God holds those who teach His Word to a higher standard. Be diligent to present your… Read more »
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jomym added a text contribution "they were not a little comforted"This is an old English idiom that is easy to misunderstand. It means they were greatly comforted! Paul had the gift of comfort and encouragement. But how did he get it? The hard way. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Cor 1:3-4 God is "the God of all comf… Read more »
Sep 5
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jomym added a text contribution This "tent"Paul uses the analogy of a tent for the human body. This analogy was not Paul's creation but God's. In the Old Testament, God told Moses and the children of Israel to build a special tent for Him to dwell in. [Exodus 35] This was a temporary structure that was used during their time in the wilderness. Once they had gotten to the promise land, the Lord instructed them to build a far more glorious and permanent structure. The tabernacle in the wilderness and the temple in Jerusalem… Read more »