Growth Do you Live in the Past?

[Sandy Zalecki]

No, I am saying that you miss all the stops in the middle if you think the train is the express.

Don't get me wrong, I look forward to heaven so much, but I'm not just sitting around waiting to die. The Lord promised us abundant life on earth. I am already a part of the Kingdom of God and I receive His blessings before I get to heaven.

 

[ironmonk]

Don't get me wrong, I look forward to heaven so much, but I'm not just sitting around waiting to die. The Lord promised us abundant life on earth. I am already a part of the Kingdom of God and I receive His blessings before I get to heaven.

In the future if things get tough for you and the blessing don't seem to come, remember this verse.

Acts 14:22

 

[Sandy Zalecki]

In the future if things get tough for you and the blessing don't seem to come, remember this verse.

Acts 14:22

Things have already been tough and they continue to be tough, but that doesn't mean I'm not a part of God's kingdom, it means I live on earth and it is an imperfect place to live. It also means that I am a child of God and the devil is out to get me. "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake, But he who endures to the end will be saved." Matthew 10:22 How can you not be excited about being a child of God? When the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have your back it doesn't get any better than that.

 

[ironmonk]

Things have already been tough and they continue to be tough, but that doesn't mean I'm not a part of God's kingdom, it means I live on earth and it is an imperfect place to live. It also means that I am a child of God and the devil is out to get me. "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake, But he who endures to the end will be saved." Matthew 10:22 How can you not be excited about being a child of God? When the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have your back it doesn't get any better than that.

I knew I shouldn't have said future, I added that word after I posted.

 

[BigSodaExposer]

I like that analogy. Its the narrow path, you look away a second at the demons in the pit mocking you, and you fall into the chaos and confusion! Only the narrow path leads to Christ!

 

[eddif]

I was driving to New Orleans and all of a sudden a question about this thread hit me. The only thing is: the thought expands a scripture so much that it will seem as an affront to some. I was from a Christian family, but a lot of dependence on what you do. Coming from the Gentile side of the grafted in branch does not give much insight into the oracles of God. The Jewish side branch had much more. Thank goodness that wall is broken down in Christ Jesus .

Do not hit me too hard. LOL

Philippians 3:13-14 has a special meaning to Paul. Paul has a different background than mine. Paul had a Jewish background. From many of his comments you might think he even read Ezekiel. Why mention Ezekiel? Ezekiel told of the negative actions of Israel . In fact 390 years of history at least. I am grafted into all this. I have to forget things that might lead me into a negative heritage.
Philippians 3:1-2
Introduces the safety of warnings.

The circumcision party did not want to allow grace for the gentile converts. This party insisted on circumcision and following the Law of Moses.

Philippians 3:3 states we have no confidence in the flesh, but we must have confidence in Christ Jesus. The next sentences tell of Paul's heritage. Then by the time he gets to 13-14 you know what he is forgetting.

The law (used lawfully) is good, but our righteousness is in Christ Jesus. I have to forget my gentile background to accept Christ, just as much as Paul is explaining what he must forget.

Do we forget our life of sin? Sure. We also need to look at what Paul was saying in Philippians 3

eddif

 

[reba]

I believe these verses go with your thoughts eddif.

Eph 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Eph 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

Eph 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Col 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Col 3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

2Co 5:16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2Co 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;