...Lifelong Friends The hero from the second half of COURAGEOUS FAITH that I relate the most with is the story of Jonathan and his lifelong friendship with David. Jonathan became drawn to him while watching David slay Goliath. As the story goes, Jonathan, went against the wishes of his father, Saul, to have David killed. The love that was shared between the two was greater than the commands issued to Jonathan, by his father. The lasting friendship between the two warriors was something that is not often found in today’s society. This zeal, fondness, and loyalty that they had for one another, was truly a God type of love, not something made up in a story book. I have several friends and acquaintances that I see on a daily or monthly basis. I also have two friends that have become lifelong friends. First there is Bill. We became acquainted in 7th grade. We continued to be friends through high school, as I became a member of the football, basketball and track teams. Bill became a bookworm. Off to college we went, in different directions and areas of the country. Only to be reunited four years later in a volunteer fire department for five years. Then, again we went our separate ways, as we got married and started families in different parts of the country. Again, we were brought together, this time at a church where I had just been born again, and Bill was a member. We decided that we would allow God to determine where our friendship would take us from this point....
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...1. How were the churches in the Lycus Valley founded? (Polhill pp. 330-331) The churches appear to have been established by Paul’s coworker Epaphras, who was a native Colossian. Luke indicated that during Paul’s ministry in Ephesus all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. Paul followed his usual missionary strategy of establishing himself in a major city with his coworkers fanning out into the countryside to establish churches in the wider region. The Lycus Valley churches were a product of Paul’s Ephesian ministry. Epaphras served as Paul’s coworker, establishing the churches there. Paul did consider them his churches, as they were the product of his apostolic ministry. When difficulties arose in them, Epapharas turned to Paul for guidance and assistance. Colossians is the product of that relationship. 2. Describe each of the three cities in the Lycus Valley. (Pohill pp. 331-332) Laodicea was a new fairly city, having been founded by the Seleucid king Antiochus II in 250 B.C. and then under direct Roman rule in 133 B.C. when the last of the kings of Pergamum bequeathed his kingdom in Rom. In Paul’s day, Laodicea was the most prominent city of the Lycus Valley; it was the tax-gathering and judicial center for the whole administrative area, which consisted of twenty-seven towns, including Hierapolis and Colosse. It was prosperous, boasting a thriving industry in black woolen goods and a famous medical center...
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...Colossians 4:2-4,6 (KJV) Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; [3] Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: [4] That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. [6] Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Colossians 3:1-4,9-10,12-16,20,23-25 (KJV) If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. [2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. [3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. [9] Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; [10] And have put on the new man , which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: [12] Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; [13] Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. [14] And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. [15] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;...
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... Jones, Jr, BIBL110 D38 DB Forum 1 April 5, 2012 Step-1 Grasp the text in their town The Letter to Colossae here in Colossians is for the church to see they needed to live as Christ lived while he was here on earth. Paul was imprisoned, but still giving them the sight to see beyond sight that they too will live as Jesus lives. The church was founded by Epaphras (Col.1:7). He was a native of the Colossian church and, an evangelist (fellow servant, disciple) in nearby Laodicea and Hierapolis. They informed Paul people was getting saved at the church only to see false teaching were being stirred among the people, Idolatry, rituals . So Paul writes back telling them they are Christ’s people not the worlds. (Col.2:20-23). Paul is telling them the Colossians that they should live for Christ daily. Dedicate everyday to him and press to the mark of a higher calling which is in Christ Jesus. (Phil.3:14) KJV. Step-2 Measure the width of the river to cross There aren’t many differences between us of today and the Christians in the Colossian church. We live in a country that is supposed to be the land of the free and the home of the brave. If we are so brave why are we not being more a soldier for Christ? The good Ole U.S.A. We are Christ children no matter where we are or live. They lived in the Greek area and we are the gentiles saved by grace and God’s mercy. We live by the spirit of Jesus inside us and they lived by the letters. Step-3 Cross the principalizing bridge The...
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...I am chosen, holy, and blameless before GOD-Ephesians 1:4 I am redeemed and forgiven by the grace of Christ-Ephesians 1:7 I have been predestined by GOD to obtain an inheritance-Ephesians 1:9-11 I have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise-Ephesians 113 Because of GOD’s mercy and love, I am alive in Christ-Ephesians 2:4-5 I am GOD’s workmanship created to produce good works-Ephesians 2:10 I am a member of Christ’s body and a partaker of HIS promise-Ephesians 3:6; 5:30 I have boldness and confident access to GOD through faith in Christ-Ephesians 3:12 My new self is righteous and holy-Ephesians 4:22-24 I am a citizen of heaven-Philippians 3:20 The peace of GOD guards my heart and mind-Philippians 4:7 GOD supplies all my needs-Philippians 4:19 I have been made complete in Christ-Colossians 2:9-10 Christ is my life and I will be revealed with him in Glory-Colossians 3:4 I have been chosen of GOD and I am holy and beloved-Colossians 3:12 God loves me and has chosen me-1 Thessalonians 1:4 As I think , so am I-Proverbs 23:7 I am prepackaged and pre-wired to perfectly suit my purpose-Jeremiah 1:5 I am not conformed to this world-I am transformed-Romans 12:2 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me-Philippians 4:13 I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places-Ephesians 1:3 I am fearfully and wonderfully made-Psalm 139:14 I am precious to GOD-Psalm...
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...teaching. They are the primary doctrines of the Christian faith, and they reflect the heart of the teaching of Grace to You. John MacArthur ------------------------------------------------- The Holy Scriptures We teach that the Bible is God's written revelation to man, and thus the sixty six books of the Bible given to us by the Holy Spirit constitute the plenary (inspired equally in all parts) Word of God (1 Corinthians 2:7-14; 2 Peter 1:20-21). We teach that the Word of God is an objective, propositional revelation (1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 2:13), verbally inspired in every word (2 Timothy 3:16), absolutely inerrant in the original documents, infallible, and God-breathed. We teach the literal, grammatical-historical interpretation of Scripture which affirms the belief that the opening chapters of Genesis present creation in six literal days (Genesis 1:31; Exodus 31:17). We teach that the Bible constitutes the only infallible rule of faith and practice (Matthew 5:18; 24:35; John 10:35; 16:12-13;17:17; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20-21). We...
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...“Deutero-Pauline” uses Col 1:22 In the body of his flesh through death. It is through the sufferings of Christ that they are enabled to come to God. Without Christ and the cross there could be no gospel. To present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight. Through his blood their sins are cleansed, so that they are holy in the sight of God. Col 1:18 And. In Col 1:15-17, Paul portrays Christ as the center and source of the creation. In this section he shows that he is the Head of the "new" creation. He is the head of the body, the church. In the church he is pre-eminent. It is his spiritual body, and he is the supreme head. Compare 1Co 11:3 Eph 1:10,22. Who is the beginning. The new creation began from him and in him. He is first of all in time. The first-born from the dead. He first conquered death, and not for himself alone, but the great company of those found in him who have been born from the dead. Barnes' Notes on Colossians 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you - For you as a part of the Gentile world. It was not for the Colossians alone, but he regarded himself as suffering on account of his labors in preaching to the pagan at large. His trials at Rome had come upon him because he had maintained that the wall of partition between Jews and Gentiles was broken down, and that the gospel was to be preached indiscriminately to all mankind; see this illustrated in the introduction, Section 5. And fill up that which is behind of the afflictions...
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...BEGINNING WITH CHRIST LESSON 1: THE CERTAINTY OF SALVATION “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no-one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9) MEASURE OF SUCCESS: Understand the foundations upon which your own personal certainty as a child of God rests. INTRODUCTION: The act of receiving Christ as Lord and Saviour is the most important decision of our lives. When we receive Christ, we are born into the family of God and receive everything we need in order to live the abundant Christian life. Our confidence is based on the person of Jesus Christ. Insert diagram -presence -forgiveness -paternity -purpose -eternal life Christ, the foundation of the Christian life 1.Christ is the rock or foundation of the Christian life: wanting to live the Christian life without having received Christ into our hearts is like building a house on sand with no foundation. 2.See Matthew 7:24-29, a What happened to the house on the rock when the rain came and the wind blew? b What happened to the house built on sand? Why? 3.According to 1 Corinthians 3:11, who is our foundation? Column 1: The certainty of Christ’s presence 1.See Revelations 3:20, a What does it mean “to open the door?” b What does Jesus Christ promise? 2 According to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, a What is my body now? b Who owns me now and why? c So what should I do? 3.Read Colossians 2:6-7, a How have we received...
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...earth and all that are in it, Genesis 1:1. This is supported throughout the Bible and is clearly referenced again in Colossians 1:16 which even makes reference to the fact that even the domains and rulers are created by God and for God further supporting the fact that God created everything. We belong to God, we are the chosen people of God not slaves to this world, 1 Peter 2:9. We alone are created in Gods image we are to love God and to care for the earth and the animals within it, Genesis 1:27 which also informs us that we are separate from other living and nonliving things. Galatians 4: 6-7 is a clear example of the incredible value of people. We are Gods sons and daughters, His heirs, now you can't get much more valuable than that! We are so loved and special to God that He had made good plans for us. He knows us down to every last detail, better than we know ourselves, Jeremiah 29:11, Matthew 10: 30-31. We should never underestimate our value. We should live a life of love and respect at all times Colossians 3:12, Matthew 22: 37-39. Our moral compass should be guided by the 10 commandments as well, Exodus 20. Every day we are to put our best foot forward. we need to keep in mind that we are the example to the children in the world and those that do not believe, we are the light in the darkness. There is more to life than what we see here on this earth. There is an internal life. God tells us this in John 3:16. There is a Heaven and a Hell and there...
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...1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 “For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.” 1 Enoch 62:3-4 “On the day of judgment, all the kings, governors, high officials, and the landlords will see and recognize him -- how he sits on his throne of glory, and righteousness is judged before him, and that no nonsensical talk shall be uttered in his presence. Then pain shall come upon them as on a woman in travail with birth pangs -- when she is giving birth the child enters the mouth of the womb and she suffers from childbearing.” 1 Corinthians 6:3 “Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?” 1 Enoch 13:10, 14:3 “And I recounted before them all the visions that I had seen in sleep and began to speak those words of righteousness and to reprimand the Watchers of heaven... Accordingly, he has created me and given me the...
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...An Exegetical Paper on Ephesians 5:15-21 Paper Presented to Dr. Michael Dusing Hermeneutics Jason Fuchs Southeastern University February 2012 This paper will show an in-depth analysis of Ephesians 5:15-21. Items such as the historical analysis, contextual analysis, it will look at textual boundaries and commentary on each verse including grammar and semantic analysis. Towards the end of the paper there will be a theological summary of Ephesians 5:15-21 will be shown with relevant application for us today will be shown. 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ Historical Analysis In regards to authorship and recipient, there are disagreements in the many opinions of scholars. In the thought of authorship, “a good number of scholars have esteemed Ephesians as “the crown” of Paul’s thought.” However, according to O’Brien, “contemporary scholars, who have claimed that Paul was not the author of Ephesians, have maintained that the writer of the...
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...PURPOSEFUL CHRISTIAN LIFE Definition: Purposeful: having a useful purpose; acting with a clear aim and with determination. Christian Life: showing the qualities that are thought of as typical of a Christian, Christ like.. Some people say that we are just evolutionary result of the survival of the fittest Others think of reincarnation Most of our lives, we have been searching for a purpose for our lives, one that has a deeper meaning than just the basic action of existing on this planet. We felt that our lives were meant for something; and something meaningful and worthwhile that would give us a true reason to live. We searched for this purpose in things like relationships, a career, a job, a hobby, in school, and in many more things, only to find disappointment at every turn; because though these things could preoccupy us for a moment, they would ultimately fail at fulfilling our spiritual desire for a meaningful life. Then we find God, and we feel that we see our purpose clearly. We are full of excitement and hopeful to see what God will do with our lives. The overwhelming joy and excitement that drives us motivates us to share the good news with everyone around us, telling them of the great purpose that God has in store for our lives. We devote ourselves to learning more, growing more, and doing more for God. We surround ourselves with more and more people who call themselves Christians to glean as much as we can from them, astounded at the miraculous experiences...
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...ministry which he had received of the Lord (Acts 20:24). Shortly before his death, he could give this testimony: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Notice, he had finished his course. Each of you needs to consider two very important truths. 1) God has a course for you. 2) God wants you to finish your course. How wonderful to realize that God has a specific plan for our life and that He will help us find and complete that plan. Yet, most Christians do not finish their course. They hardly even try. Our passage in Luke 14:28-30 speaks of one who intends to build a tower. Building this tower is like running your race and finishing your course. Yet, there are many pitfalls. The tower may never get built. By looking at the necessary ingredients for building this tower, we can see why so many people fail. Here are five reasons Christians fail to finish their course. I. NO PURPOSE (Luke 14:28); Nothing can begin until someone is at least “intending to build” a tower. Intent points to a purpose; a desire to accomplish. First, you must have this purpose. A. This Purpose Must Be For God – Not For Self (Proverbs 23:4-5 ;Jeremiah 45:5; Luke 22:24-26) B. This Purpose Must Be From God (Acts 9:6;Colossians 1:1, 9) 1. Purpose follows salvation (Ephesians 2:8-10) 2. 2. Caleb wanted his mountain (Joshua 14:12) I. NO PLAN (Luke 14:28); The man who intends to build must now be the one who “counteth the cost.”...
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...Defining Secular and Biblical Worldviews Helen M. Pombert Liberty University Defining Secular and Biblical Worldviews I. Defining a Secular Worldview The term worldview was formulated between 1855 and 1860, with many scholars believing that it arrived approximately 1858. The term is derived from the German word “Welt-anschauung”. According to Ergun Caner, this is a union of two German words: (1) welt, the word for world; and (2) anschauung, the word for perception. Several online dictionaries have various definitions for worldview. The Free Dictionary by Farley defines worldview as (1) The overall perspective from which one sees and interprets the world; (2) A collection of beliefs about life and the universe held by an individual or a group. The website www.asa3.org/ASA/education/views/index.html defines worldview as a theory of the world, used for living in the world. It also calls it a mental model of reality – a framework of ideas and attitudes about the world, ourselves, and life, a comprehensive system of beliefs – with answers for a wide range of questions. Other sources have called worldview a perspective, collection of beliefs, a theory about life, an interpretation of life, presuppositions or assumptions about life. There are as many definitions as there are people. Thus, worldview can be described as belief, perception, idea, model, attitude, answers to questions, etc. Freethesaurus.net also uses some of the following synonyms to describe...
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...Chapter 2: SHARPENING YOUR LEADERSHIP 1 It’s a good thing to aspire to leadership, but we must always do a quick heart check. As we consider the kind of leader you need to become, let’s check your motivation for leading others. Appropriate Motives for Leadership 1. Serve Christ “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24 2. Bear fruit in your life “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:8 3. Keep watch over (shepherd) others “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.” Acts 20:28 4. Be an example to the body “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” 1 Peter 5:2-4 5. Use your gifts to serve others “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body...
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