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Bible Study A personal look through Colossians

Angel

Angel

Member
CHAPTER ONE

1 Paul, an apostle (special messenger) of Christ Jesus (the Messiah), by the will of God, and Timothy [our] brother,

How can I be a special messenger of Christ? Smiling at someone who's feeling sad...Giving a homeless person a couple dollars...

Sometimes, it's what we not do that leads people to see that you have changed in Christ. For me, I quit smoking in 2011. I was horribly addicted. When I didn't have money I would go to various ashtray's and smoked what I could find. I know that's gross, but after being homeless... you don't care about those things. Matthew was convinced that I'd never give up smoking. I kept praying and praying and smoking and smoking until one day I ran out of money. That time, I said, Ok. No more. And at that time I quit for good. Now the smell of cigarettes are rancid to me.
2 To the saints (the consecrated people of God) and [a]believing and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace (spiritual favor and blessing) to you and [heart] peace from God our Father.

Consecrated means to make or declare sacred; set apart or dedicate to the service of a deity.
A saint is consecrated. Who are the saints? Christians! You and me and all the people (hopefully) in this forum! We are not just special- we are sacred! Dedicated to God, believing and faithful. We can't be perfectly faithful, but we can always strive and pray that the Holy Spirit would help us be faithful.

3 We continually give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), as we are praying for you,

I believe Christanforums.net is a special congegration of people. Some of us faithfully welcome new members. Some of us pray for each other, in public or to themselves. Some teach others. I give thanks to all of you in my heart. You are special in God's eyes and a blessing in mine.
4 For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus [[c]the leaning of your entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness] and of the love which you [have and show] for all the saints (God’s consecrated ones),

Each of us are blessed with a personality. Some of us are goofy. Some of us are grumpy. Some of us are outspoken. Some more quiet. It makes life so interesting, that we are all so different. But what does it mean when you lean your entire personality on him? I think the fruit of the Spirit rises up in our soul and leads us into holiness. Love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Sometimes I do or say something that is the opposite of the fruit of the Spirit. Thankfully God is always read to forgive.

5 Because of the hope [of experiencing what is] laid up ([d]reserved and waiting) for you in heaven. Of this [hope] you heard in the past in the message of the truth of the Gospel,

Oh my gosh I cannot wait to see what is waiting for me in heaven. It is SO EXCITING! I'm sure what I consider wonderful pales in comparison to what is before me in Christ.
 
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6 Which has come to you. Indeed, in the whole world [that Gospel] is bearing fruit and still is growing [e][by its own inherent power], even as it has done among yourselves ever since the day you first heard and came to know and understand the grace of God in truth. [You came to know the grace or undeserved favor of God in reality, deeply and clearly and thoroughly, becoming accurately and intimately acquainted with it.]

I think that this verse gives light to the above verse. And that is Isaiah 55:11 - So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. The Gospel is power! I would be damned if not for Christ. I shudder to think of being raised in the wrong religion! I feel so blessed because God chose me to know the truth!!!

7 You so learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ in our stead and as our representative and [f]yours.
8 Also he has informed us of your love in the [Holy] Spirit.

I think that someone who ministers in Christ is given a powerful position. One that requires deep humility. Guiding people's hearts is something I think that God takes seriously. I remember Jesus saying that anyone who causes a child to sin, "it would be better (more profitable and wholesome) for him if a [huge] millstone were hung about his neck, and he were thrown into the sea." Mark 9:42

9 For this reason we also, from the day we heard of it, have not ceased to pray and make [[g]special] request for you, [asking] that you may be filled with the [h]full (deep and clear) knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [in comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] and in understanding and discernment of spiritual things—

This verse makes me thirsty. Being full, deep and clear, makes me think of cold, pure, drinking water. I think this verse means that we should constantly pray for our brother's and sisters in Christ. The way we can have knowledge of his will is through reading it in the Scriptures. And I think the comprehensive insight is having reveleation in the truth in Scritpure. For instance, the Bible says "Don't let the sun go down on your anger." I have been angry with someone many times, and laid down to go to sleep in strife. But because the Scripture convicts me with the revelation of not giving the devil a foothold, I confess my sin, and pray that I can fully forgive, no matter how many times I become offended. (Ephesians 4:26,27)

10 That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and [j]desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, [k]acquaintance, and recognition].

Repeatedly I have read in the Amplified Bible of the "uncompormisingly righteous". You can look at conducting yourself in two ways- you can try to walk carnaly with Jesus, (which isn't a true walk) or you can study the Scriptures and ask God to teach you how to conduct yourself. For example: The Bible says in Ephesians 4:32 to be kind to one another. Sometimes I get annoyed with my husband, and I'm sort of rude about it. That's not being kind. I say to him that the Lord is testing my patience. :) I apologize to him, and always he's ready and quick to forgive. One of the ways I love to bear fruit is by tipping generously to our waiter at a certain restaurant. (We're regulars) He doesn't know why we tip so much, but truly it is just because I want to show him the love of God. I do not know how others receive clearer insight- but the way the Holy Spirit speaks to my soul is
through passion.

11 [We pray] that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory, [to exercise] every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy,
12 Giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified and made us fit to share the [l]portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God’s holy people) in the Light.

I'll tell you what- when the Father answers my prayers, or gives me peace in situations that usually bother me, I am invigorated and strengthened! My heart raises in joy! It is exhillarating! Sometimes, I recognize out of wisdom and awareness that the devil is tempting me with particular situation. Not always, but I try, to persevere with doing the right thing- and changing the mindset and perspective that the devil is trying to manipulate me with.

13 [The Father] has delivered and [m]drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son [n]of His love,
14 In Whom we have our redemption through His blood, [which means] the forgiveness of our sins.

The darkness doesn't own me. The damnation of the curse of being fallen is not my fate. Why? Because the blood of Jesus covers my sins. Because of Jesus, I am transferred into his kingdom! I have no clue on what the kingdom will be- but I do know it's going to be better than I could ever imagine!
 
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15 [Now] He is the [o]exact likeness of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible]; He is the Firstborn of all creation.

The beauty of Jesus represents the beauty of God. And by beauty I don't mean appearance. I mean faithfulness, true love, compassion, forgivenness, freedom, truth, and holyness. I do not know by likeness if thise verse means Jesus was human flesh before he came to earth... But how I see it is that Jesus has a glorified body that we will also receive when we go and be with Him.

16 For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him.
17 And He Himself existed before all things, and in Him all things consist (cohere, are held together).

Anything and everything I could think of exists because Jesus holds it together. I oftend wonder about the stars and galaxies and planets and get overwhelmed.... It is the creation of God, and like God, it is unfathomable. When we look through telescopes, we see the past. It is good that at the this very moment, He is with me. The past has no power over me. It's gone. All that matters is now, and where God leads you in the future.

18 He also is the Head of [His] body, the church; seeing He is the Beginning, the Firstborn from among the dead, so that He alone in everything and in every respect might occupy the chief place [stand first and be preeminent].

I believe that Christianforums.net is a church. What's wonderful is how different every one is. Each of you have an insight and understanding that someone else doesn't. I'm sure people have given themselves to Christ because of you all. I believe that people's lives are changed because of the love we give. And we are all brought together under Christ, who is the head of this online church. For some this forum is all the church someone will get.
19 For it has pleased [the Father] that all the divine fullness (the sum total of the divine perfection, powers, and attributes) should dwell in Him [p]permanently.

This verse reminds me of Matthew 3:17. God is pleased and delighted in his Son. Can you imagine the relationship that Jesus had with his mother, Mary? I'm sure she cherished the experiences with Christ while he grew up. Luke 2:19

20 And God purposed that through ([q]by the service, the intervention of) Him [the Son] all things should be completely reconciled [r]back to Himself, whether on earth or in heaven, as through Him, [the Father] made peace by means of the blood of His cross.

Sometimes I wonder what it would be like living under the law, as the Israelite slaves in Egypt had to do. They grumbled and griped and even made a golden calf to worship while Moses was on Mount Sianai. I would feel burdened and condemned and hopeless despite all the animals I sacraficed on God's altar. However, the Good News is that Jesus made it possible for me to be brought to Him, as the One sacrifice for all time. So much grace, so much mercy, so much love.

21 And although you at one time were estranged and alienated from Him and were of hostile attitude of mind in your wicked activities,
22 Yet now has [Christ, the Messiah] reconciled [you to God] in the body of His flesh through death, in order to present you holy and faultless and irreproachable in His [the Father’s] presence.

There are sins in my life that alienated me from God. Alcohol, marijuana, hard drugs, promiscuity. I thought the Punk lifestyle I was in was true life. But it wasn't. I was in and out of mental hospitals all the time. I was hallucinating and had more than one nervous breakdown. I didn't know what was real and what wasn't. Trauma resulted because of all this. I was very, very sick. I have gone through spiritual abuse that... it was so, so... I can't even describe it. :sad But because of Jesus, I have been reconciled! Hallelujah!!! God is greatly praised! I am receiving more and more healing, and I know deep in my soul that God is going to use me in a great way! I am faultless before the one true God because of Jesus.

23 [And this He will do] provided that you continue to stay with and in the faith [in Christ], well-grounded and settled and steadfast, not shifting or moving away from the hope [which rests on and is inspired by] the glad tidings (the Gospel), which you heard and which has been preached [t][as being designed for and offered without restrictions] to every person under heaven, and of which [Gospel] I, Paul, became a minister.

I like this verse because it says to stay in the faith in Christ. How I must do this? By remaining steadfast in HOPE. Not obey the ten commandments and I'll stay in the faith. Not by sacrificing a lamb to stay in the faith. I just remain in the hope of the freedom that Christ has given me through His blood. And this hope is not only mine, but all those who put their faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

24 [Even] now I rejoice in the midst of my sufferings on your behalf. And in my own person I am making up whatever is still lacking and remains to be completed [[v]on our part] of Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of His body, which is the church.

I remember in Hebrews it says that Jesus learned obedience through his suffering. And it is the same with me. Refusing to sin, and asking the Holy Spirit to help you, will hurt. Does hurt. I kind of resist the pain that comes with obedience because I value comfort. I value comfort because of the pain/past trauma in my life. In some ways I am mature, and in other ways I need some extra help or a kick in the butt from the Holy Sprit. He will convict me if I do something I shouldn't.

25 In it I became a minister in accordance with the divine [w]stewardship which was entrusted to me for you [as its object and for your benefit], to make the Word of God fully known [among you]—

This verse reminds me of the stewardship of ministers/pastors/reverends. They help the church understand what God says in his Word. The Lord speaks conviction, joy, and hope through the Scriptures. I am excited of the trip I am taking through the Scriptures. It's so cool when you learn something new about the character of God!

26 The mystery of which was hidden for ages and generations [[x]from angels and men], but is now revealed to His holy people (the saints),
27 To whom God was pleased to make known how great for the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ within and among you, the Hope of [realizing the] glory.

I don't know about you, but I am SO happy I was born after Christ's death. I feel relief, to be honest! I know what a failure I can be at times, but the grace of God covers me. I am so greatful for the mercy that comes with faith in Jesus. When Jesus was on earth, his focus was on the Hebrew people- but now, I, a gentile, am brought into the famliy of God. A daughter of Abraham! So cool!

28 Him we preach and proclaim, warning and admonishing everyone and instructing everyone in all wisdom ([y]comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God), that we may present every person mature (full-grown, fully initiated, complete, and perfect) in Christ (the Anointed One).

This reminds me of 1 John 2:12-14, where John writes to children, young men, and fathers. Everyone is at one of these stages in life. The one thing vital to each stage is the Scriptures. First we hear it, then we meditate on it and know it, then we disciple. Who wants to stay a child all your life only drinking milk? We'll miss all the excitement!

29 For this I labor [[z]unto weariness], striving with all the [aa]superhuman energy which He so mightily enkindles and works within me.

Paul worked hard at bringing the Gospel to people. I would be exhausted too if I traveled all over the place starting churches, and preaching, and finding good men to lead them. He was in fact, given energy from God to do what He called Paul to do.

This is a question I am posing for the reader, but also to myself:

How hard are you working at bringing the Gospel to the lost? God gives you strength to do what He calls you personally to do. My prayer is that you (the reader) and I think on and pray about how God wants us to bring the Good News to others.

Luke 10:2
And He said to them, The harvest indeed is abundant [there is much ripe grain], but the farmhands are few. Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.

I will go through Chapter 2 tomorrow.
 
Cool Angel well done !

How hard are you working at bringing the Gospel to the lost? God gives you strength to do what He calls you personally to do. My prayer is that you (the reader) and I think on and pray about how God wants us to bring the Good News to others.
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At this stage in my life Yahweh seems to be ferreting out things in me that hinder His message and I'm regularly faced with tricky characters to witness to. Yahweh has a way of extracting the best from us and sometimes it means He will reveal our deep set flaws that get in the way while refining us into the Image of Jesus. I think you know what I mean.
 
Angel, these are long posts BUT well worth reading every last word of them.
I hear and see the love of our Lord through your words. I am ready to hear more.
Thank you for being one who edifies the Body of Christ. :nod
 
Angel, I hope many will read and be encouraged by the love exhibited in the study you presented here. God can and does give the increase to such sowing and watering by the word to edification. God bless your effort to comfort others, and thank you dear sister in Jesus' name. :)
 
Colossians Chapter Two

1 For I want you to know how great is my solicitude for you [how severe an inward struggle I am engaged in for you] and for those [believers] at Laodicea, and for all who [[a]like yourselves] have never seen my face and known me personally.

Though Paul would have liked to be present in the churches, he could not be everywhere all the time. I believe he sent certain men to watch over the churches and made sure they weren't led astray, like in 1st Timothy.

2 [For my concern is] that their hearts may be braced (comforted, cheered, and encouraged) as they are knit together in love, that they may come to have all the abounding wealth and blessings of assured conviction of understanding, and that they may become progressively [c]more intimately acquainted with and may know more definitely and accurately and thoroughly that mystic secret of God, [which is] Christ (the Anointed One).

There are places with people that comfort and cheer eachother on in their faith. This forum is one of them. I am often cheered and encouraged by those at this website. Not by just one, but by many! I hope that we all continue to love as we are now. May God speak through us to eachother. May our posts, long or short, be led by the Spirit. And may we be able to forgive when we are offended.

What do you suppose is the wealth and blessings assured by convitction of the Truth? I think the wealth is those treasures that we store up in heaven. Matthew 6:20. And I think the blessings are the favor placed upon us by trying our best to do what is right. Then there are the physical blessings like clothes, food, water, shelter.
3 In Him all the treasures of [divine] wisdom ([d]comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God) and [all the riches of spiritual] knowledge and enlightenment are stored up and lie hidden.

Wisdom here is seen to be as a treasure. It is the way we can have insight to the things of God. It says in Proverbs the the Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. If we don't reverence Him, do we really respect Him? How can we have insight unless he gives it to us? Proverbs 3:34.
4 I say this in order that no one may mislead and delude you by plausible and persuasive and attractive arguments and beguiling speech.

The New Age movement manipulates the Truth. They believe that God is not a Being, but a spirit. A force. Ever her of the movie The Secret? They misuse Christ's Words and twists it around to get anything they want in life through asking the universe for something. They believe that it is already theirs, they already have it, and soon they will receive it They tell you to give thanks constantly to the universe.

They get the idea from Matthew 21:21-23. But they've missed the point! It's about walking the way Jesus wants us. It's about trusting God to give us what we need in life. We don't have to ask over and over because he knows what we need, and if we put his kingdom first, he will supply all that we need, and quite often want!
5 For though I am away from you in body, yet I am with you in spirit, delighted at the sight of your [standing shoulder to shoulder in such] orderly array and the firmness and the solid front and steadfastness of your faith in Christ [that [e]leaning of the entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness].

We need to stand up for what is right. Not by ourselves, but with each other. The world says that what is actually bad is good, and what is good is offensive. We can't shrink down with our shoulders slumped by their attacking our beliefs and telling us that WE'RE in the wrong! May God's power shake them with terror and bring them to His knees! May God intervene and stop the murder of abortion, the poloticians who line their pockets rather than doing what they're elected to do, the abuse of animals and children... So many things are hardening our hearts against what the Lord says is right and wrong. Even though things seem hopeless I trust that God will fight for me, show me the way, and fill my life with goodness.
 
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6 As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him.

We receive Christ in faith, and then we surrender ourselves to Him. The only way to really know how to conduct ourselves is through studying the Scriptures and by following the leading and conviction of the Holy Spirit. The verse doesn't say it is easy, but if God commands something, then we are definitely able to do it through Him. Apart from Him, you can do nothing. John 15:5

7 Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving.

I think one way we can be found in Him is by learning about Him and His ways, keeping Him in our hearts, meditating on Him and the Scriptures, and holding onto the hope He has given us. When satan comes up to us says, "Can it really be that God has said..?" satan tries to shake our faith, and when he comes against us we need to stand firm and say, BEGONE! After resisting the devil and turning to God, I am so thankful! I bet you are too!

8 See to it that no one carries you off as spoil or makes you yourselves captive by his so-called philosophy and intellectualism and vain deceit (idle fancies and plain nonsense), following human tradition (men’s ideas of the material rather than the spiritual world), just crude notions following the rudimentary and elemental teachings of the universe and disregarding [the teachings of] Christ (the Messiah).

We have to be very careful to recognize wolves in sheeps clothing. Their deceit starts with a manipulation of the Scriptures. (Jehova's Witness for an example). They take the Word out of context and cause their followers to stumble. "Then there are sects of Christianity" that are blown out of context- such as the southern churches that dance with poisoness snakes and believing if they are bit they will be cured and don't need a doctor. If you can think of any nonsense, it probably exists. And it's too bad... These are all men's ideas of material rather than spiritual. If you want to be in the truth, then you've got to follow the teachings of Christ.

9 For in Him the whole fullness of Deity (the Godhead) continues to dwell in bodily form [giving complete expression of the divine nature].

Jesus and His life on earth was surrendered to God. He was a man, and he was God. Jesus is God in a human body. If you see Him, you see God. John 14:10

10 And you [f]are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life [in Christ you too are filled with the Godhead—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—and reach full spiritual stature]. And He is the Head of all rule and authority [of every angelic principality and power].

Wow! Through Christ the Godhead lives in US! That is amazing! Think of all the things we can do with the help of God in us? Why are we settling for the world and our flesh when we could be walking with power!!! I hunger to experience this! What wonders await?
 
11 In Him also you were circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, but in a [spiritual] circumcision [performed by] Christ by stripping off the body of the flesh (the whole corrupt, carnal nature with its passions and lusts).
12 [Thus [g]you were circumcised when] you were buried with Him in [your] baptism, in which you were also raised with Him [[h]to a new life] through [your] faith in the working of God [as displayed] when He raised Him up from the dead.

Jesus has removed the flesh from us through a spiritual circumcison. Then when we are baptized, we represent the death and resurrection of Christ. I think this mean we don't have to sin. We may feel tempted, but Jesus has freed us from lusts of our evil nature. When we accepted Him, He made us a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17.) Joyce Meyer said that when you start to follow the Spirit the flesh screams out in rebellion. But after practicing doing what is right, it becomes easier to do the right thing.

13 And you who were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh (your sensuality, your sinful carnal nature), [God] brought to life together with [Christ], having [freely] forgiven us all our transgressions,
14 Having cancelled and blotted out and wiped away the handwriting of the note (bond) with its legal decrees and demands which was in force and stood against us (hostile to us). This [note with its regulations, decrees, and demands] He set aside and cleared [j]completely out of our way by nailing it to [His] cross.

Before God, we followed our evil desires. And sometimes after we accept Christ, we walk away and follow our own evil desires. The good thing is that we can always return to Christ. In His awesome death he has freed us from the punishment of our evil desires. Jesus is the law, because Jesus is the Word. But Jesus also freed us from the law by his death! Every thing that we deserve has been blotted out and forgiven.

15 [God] disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it [the cross].

The day Jesus died the devil had lost the power of death over us. Do you think the devil knew what Christ's purpose really was? If he did he would have kept Jesus from the cross.
 
16 Therefore let no one sit in judgment on you in matters of food and drink, or with regard to a feast day or a New Moon or a Sabbath.
17 Such [things] are only the shadow of things that are to come, and they have only a symbolic value. But the reality (the substance, the solid fact of what is foreshadowed, the body of it) belongs to Christ.

Jesus doesn't condemn us by what we eat or drink. He says that it is not food that makes someone impure, it is what comes out of the heart. Matthew 5:17,18. And it is not regulation of annual celebrations. These things all led to Christ. This reminds me of the Pharisees and how they were angry at Jesus because he didn't follow their man made rules. But Jesus said in speaking to them: "But I tell you, Something greater and [a]more exalted and more majestic than the temple is here! And if you had only known what this saying means, I desire mercy [readiness to help, to spare, to forgive] rather than sacrifice and sacrificial victims, you would not have condemned the guiltless. "For the Son of Man is Lord [even] of the Sabbath."

18 Let no one defraud you by acting as an umpire and declaring you unworthy and disqualifying you for the prize, insisting on self-abasement and worship of angels, taking his stand on visions [he claims] he has seen, vainly puffed up by his sensuous notions and inflated by his unspiritual thoughts and fleshly conceit,
19 And not holding fast to the Head, from Whom the entire body, supplied and knit together by means of its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

Jesus does not want us to hurt ourselves when we do what is wrong. (I am reminded of a scene in a movie where a monk flogs his back in order to ask for forgiveness). And he doesn't want us to lose site of the one true Authority by worshiping his angels. In the Bible, when one stands before an angel, they usually fall to the ground with fear- but when they are worshipped they tell the one before them to worship only God. (Revelation 19:10)

Sometimes we think we are doing the right thing, but the desire is from our flesh and not the Holy Spirit. Say, we want to accomplish something very difficult. They aim for the prize but fail half way. Why? Because they did it in their own power. What they should have done, really, is if they were prompted by the spirit to do something difficult, if they hold to Jesus, He will give them the strength to accomplish what they are doing. Jesus said, "Apart from me, You can do nothing". (John 15:5)

20 If then you have died with Christ to material ways of looking at things and have escaped from the world’s crude and elemental notions and teachings of externalism, why do you live as if you still belong to the world? [Why do you submit to rules and regulations?—such as] 21 Do not handle [this], Do not taste [that], Do not even touch [them],
22 Referring to things all of which perish with being used. To do this is to follow human precepts and doctrines. 23 Such [practices] have indeed the outward appearance [that popularly passes] for wisdom, in promoting self-imposed rigor of devotion and delight in self-humiliation and severity of discipline of the body, but they are of no value in checking the indulgence of the flesh (the lower nature). [Instead, they do not honor God but serve only to indulge the flesh.]

There is a difference of being a Christian as Jesus says and being a Christian as the world says. I once spoke with a guy who was gay, and I said to Him (this was a couple years back) that I wanted a Christian husband. And he said, "So do I." The world says that it's ok to be gay and Christian, but the Bible says clearly its not.

LOTS of promised diets on TV (think Weight Watchers) say that if you follow their program, you'll lose weight. I remember in particular something called Lipozene. It says it will melt fat from stress like butter melts in a pan. They say don't touch this, don't taste that, don't handle. It's foolishness. Most people don't know the right way to lose weight anymore because there's so much jargon over it.

These things cause you to worship the journey and outcome of whatever they are fleshly sought. Some people who want to lose weight idolize food and exercise severly to lose weight as fast as possible. Some people worship money, and discipline themselves to work hard to achieve it. These people are not honoring to God. They are blind with earthly pursuits.

I hope that the reader, (and myself) do not be led astray by false doctrine, or lose sight of the truth and focus on God- so I do not stumble, nor walk away.
 
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Nicely done again Angel.

What do you suppose is the wealth and blessings assured by convitction of the Truth? I think the wealth is those treasures that we store up in heaven. Matthew 6:20. And I think the blessings are the favor placed upon us by trying our best to do what is right. Then there are the physical blessings like clothes, food, water, shelter.
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You might be right Angel but I think the wealth and blessings are in the knowledge and understanding of the deeper things of God. ( which brings comfort and wisdom etc )

1Co 2:9-10 KJV But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (10) But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

The day Jesus died the devil had lost the power of death over us. Do you think the devil knew what Christ's purpose really was? If he did he would have kept Jesus from the cross.
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I think satan knows he's powerless to stop Yahweh's plans but he stays in a constant state of rebellion because he hates it. He tries to bring harm to anyone Godly. I'm not sure if satan knew the implications of the propitiatory Sacrifice though; I doubt it considering most of the Jewish scholars didn't get it.
 
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Angel you have so much Spiritual insight and I praise the Lord for you as you are being drawn into the deeper things of God as He has manifested himself to you through His word. I commend your insight, your thoughts and your wisdom as I can clearly see the light of Christ shining through you as you have spoken here. You are an inspiration to all of us. :clap
 
Angel said:
What sort of deeper things of God? From your own experience.
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I'm not sure exactly Angel but I have some controversial opinions that I won't share. Generally I think we become more aware of the spiritual battles going on ( and see them more acutely) and begin to understand why things happen etc. It helps separate emotions and prejudices etc ( I still struggle with this sometimes ) from our mission to stay pure, love all people, and present Jesus.
 
Angel said:
What sort of deeper things of God? From your own experience.
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Dear Sister Angel, if I might suggest some deeper things of God, He is constantly working in us to be conformed into the image of Christ. For instance, we are to grow in grace and knowledge, and we are to not remain as babes in spiritual things. 1 Pet 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.

Here is shown three grades of spiritual growth in the will of God.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Growth in our walk can be measured in the following manner.
1 John 2:13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

Blessings in Christ Jesus.
 
for_his_glory said:
Angel you have so much Spiritual insight and I praise the Lord for you as you are being drawn into the deeper things of God as He has manifested himself to you through His word. I commend your insight, your thoughts and your wisdom as I can clearly see the light of Christ shining through you as you have spoken here. You are an inspiration to all of us. :clap
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Thank you, for_his_glory
I appreciate your kindness.
 
agua. said:
I'm not sure exactly Angel but I have some controversial opinions that I won't share. Generally I think we become more aware of the spiritual battles going on ( and see them more acutely) and begin to understand why things happen etc. It helps separate emotions and prejudices etc ( I still struggle with this sometimes ) from our mission to stay pure, love all people, and present Jesus.
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I know what you mean about separating the flesh from doing what the Spirit wants us to actually do.
I'm sure it is very common with Christians to be judgmental about things people do that offend us. And sometimes I feel guilty because of mistakes I've made. If you hurt someone, you can't just take it back. That's why I pray about things my flesh tends to entice me before hand so hopefully I will not surrender to the flesh.
 
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