p.rehbein

In my mind, it is His Glory. Yes, God is a God of love, but He is also an angry God, a jealous God, a God who reserves vengeance for Himself, a just God, and much more..... (just saying)

Here it is: Luke 8:1) And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, 2And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, 3And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

Pretty sure I read somewhere that the women who traveled with Christ and the Disciples paid the expenses from their own pockets. A tithe? Or, what exactly would that be considered? (wondering)

Isn't the greatest thing in Heaven Gods Glory? I mean, who or what is greater than God? I know, I know....God is love....but He is far more than that....right? John 11:4 | View whole chapter | See verse in context When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. John 11:40 | View whole chapter | See verse in context Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Acts 7:55 | View whole chapter | See verse in context But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, Romans 3:23 | View whole chapter | See verse in context For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 5:2 | View whole chapter | See verse in context By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 15:7 | View whole chapter | See verse in context Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 | View whole chapter | See verse in context Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20 | View whole chapter | See verse in context For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 2 Corinthians 4:6 | View whole chapter | See verse in context For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:15 | View whole chapter | See verse in context For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. Philippians 2:11 | View whole chapter | See verse in context And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Revelation 15:8 | View whole chapter | See verse in context And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled. Revelation 21:11 | View whole chapter | See verse in context Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; Revelation 21:23 | View whole chapter | See verse in context And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

1 John 5.... 1. Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 2By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. God is surely good!

These are referring to the Laws of Moses....the Physical Laws are they not? Jesus made a distinction between the Physical Laws given to Moses, and the Moral Laws (Ten Commandments) as well as His Commandments during His Ministry.........as I understand it. The Apostle Paul made this distinction as well, which can be found in 2nd Timothy (I believe) when he listed the specific Moral Life a person must live if they desire to be a Priest or Deacon. Jesus was very specific about obeying His Commandments..... John 14:15 says "If you love Me, keep My Commandments." I fully agree that the Physical Laws given to Moses are not for the Church today, however, the Ten Commandments (Moral Laws) and the Commandments Christ gave us during His Ministry are surely for today's Church..... (just my thoughts) The statement is "summed up...." not abolished....right?

In times past, when the question of the Ten Commandments comes up (and it probably has here many times), and people want to know if they are still in effect today..........I always answer "Yes." As I read Scripture, and through sincere prayer and leaning on the Holy Spirit for guidance, I believe the Ten Commandments are STILL in effect, and should STILL be taught in the Congregations today. As you might expect, I get some blow back for my belief, and sometimes get a few nasty comments and names thrown my way as well. How I came to believe/understand this: Matthew 19: 16. And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 18He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, 19Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. This passage convinces me that the Ten Commandments carried over from the 1st Covenant to the New Covenant. Jesus was fairly clear (in my opinion). The most common Scripture used to deny this is: Matthew, Chapter 22 35. Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 36Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38This is the first and great commandment. 39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. The Scripture says "hang," not "abolished by." But, now, that may just be me..........and, there may well be some here that disagree with me. I find it easy when there are pictures to look at........ God bless you and yours.....

1 Peter 2:9) But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

....... as well as in China, South America, Russia, and many other Countries. Christian persecution knows no borders. Prayer is needed for all. Both Christians and those who are persecuting them. As hard as that is, and I struggle with it, Jesus told us to pray for them.

I should have stated that in the OP. Sometimes, I just think people will realize that in order to live a Christ-like life, they must be obedient to Him. That includes The Great Commission.

One of the parts of living a Christ-like life is sharing the Gospel! So, I agree........ And, we do need to pray for all Believers, and all the lost as well...... God bless....

In my opinion, the greatest Witness a Christian can have to the world, and to the Church is how they live their lives. Both keep a close eye on a professed Christian to see if they "slip" and do something unChristian in any way. For the world, this gives them the chance to justify their living in disobedience to God by saying..."well, look at him..." For some in the Church, this gives them the chance to feel more righteous and pious, and this does happen. Sometimes even on Christian Web Sites...... When anyone judges the value of Christianity on what a Christian does is to discount God, and Jesus Christ. They are the EXAMPLE that should be followed, not a Christian. We are human, and subject to "slips." Living a Christ-like life is a day by day, minute by minute struggle. I say "struggle" because the "world" is always trying to pull the Christian away from their walk with Christ. If our faith is in Him, He will give us the strength to overcome the world, for HE overcame the world, and sent The Comforter to abide with us and provide us the needed strength to do the same. (some Scriptures) Ephesians 4:1-6 - I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, Romans 12:1 -I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. Romans 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. James 1:22-27 - But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James 1:19-20 - Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: Ephesians 4:32 - And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. ...and let us remember... Hebrews 13:5) Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6)So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. God bless.......

Regarding the Divinity of Christ, and the Truth of the Holy Trinity, one only has to read and understand the Gospel of John. It proclaims, defines and justifies the Divinity of Christ and the Holy Trinity. (in my opinion only I suspect)

I believe God has a place for all His children, and if they will get out of the way, He will lead them to where He wants them. They just have to be ready to accept it may not be where they thought they wanted to be.

Thanks for asking. Pretty sure I mentioned them, mayhaps I did not. Read the accounts in Acts where Peter and Paul "laid hands on and prayed over" folks for them to receive the Holy Spirit. As well, read 1st and 2nd Timothy where Paul states that he "laid hands on, and prayed over Timothy." My statement about the Church setting was simply showing ONE way people can be saved and sanctified at the same time. A person can sanctified in any setting as long as Sanctified Believers "lay hands on and pray over them" in my opinion. So, read the Book of Acts and 1st and 2nd Timothy, and you should have the answer to your question. God bless

Some folks are not physically able to attend Congregational Worship Services......has no effect on their Salvation.....IN FACT....those who DO attend said Services have a Christian DUTY to visit such people. Some folks do not have a Church Group close to where they live that they can Fellowship with. There may well be some type of Group close, but if that Group is not one the person agrees/identifies with, then they will not go. As a member of the Protestant Church why would I attend a Catholic Mass if they were the only Church around me? I would not. Nor would I go to a Muslim Mosque or a Jewish Synagogue. Some people do not go to Congregational Worship because they believe it was not a practice in the Early Church. In this instance, they are wrong. However, it is also necessary to note that during those times there were precious few buildings set apart as a place of Worship. The vast majority of Congregations met in the home of a Believer. In my opinion, the Church at Jerusalem had a separate building because the Congregation there was quite large. Some hold that it was in the home of a wealthy Believer who had a large home.....but, goodness......HOW LARGE WAS IT? Anyway........there is ample Biblical evidence that Believers should (if at all possible) to attend Congregational Worship! Christians should never be about the Edification of Self, but, rather, the Edification of the Church! And by Church, I mean the Body of Believers! So, to answer the real question in the OP........Saved? If they have done what Scripture says to be saved, then... Yes. Sanctified? That's a whole 'nudder question...... God bless.......

My understanding is: God the Father........God OF man God the Son......God AS man God the Holy Spirit.......God WITHIN man just as I understand it :)

Yes! My belief is that Jesus is the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, and while here on earth, He was fully God and fully Man. This is my belief, I understand others do not believe in the Holy Trinity, but I wanted to add this because it is important to me. God bless

Almost home, I'm almost home, I can almost see that Golden Shore. Almost home, I'm almost home, I'll reign with Him for evermore. Almost home, I'm almost home, I can almost hear that Angel Band, Almost home, I'm almost home, I can almost touch His nail scarred Hand. Lord, I can almost touch Your nail scarred Hand......

This is so very true! Yes, we, Gods children are the Church, but there is a Church Building where we meet, and it is usually referred to as our Home Church, and nothing wrong with that. For many Christians, those Church Buildings have deep, Spiritual, and wonderful meanings/memories. There's a church in the valley by the wildwood, No lovelier place in the dale, No spot is so dear to my childhood, As the little brown church in the dale. [chorus] (Oh, come, come, come, come) Oh, come to the church in the wildwood, Come to the church in the dale, No spot is so dear to my childhood, As the little brown church in the dale. How sweet on a clear Sunday morning, To listen to the clear ringing bells, Its tones so sweetly are calling, Oh come to the church in the dale.

My personal experience has been that the majority of small Country Church Congregations are and stay that way because they Preach, Teach and live the Gospel of Christ. I am not saying there aren't any large Churches that do that, and, as I have not attended any, I couldn't say that, but my beloved Country Churches do not tickle ears, and - it seems to me that folks these days want ear tickling far more than the Gospel of Christ.

One can not discern Scripture without reaching an opinion/understanding of the Scripture. Through prayer, and study, and leaning on the Holy Spirit is the best way I know how to reach an opinion/understanding of Scripture. If we do not do this, how are we to teach our children? I also believe we should turn to Scripture, as we should for all things: Titus 3:2) To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. 2 Timothy 2:23) But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. 24)And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, Philippians 2:14) Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 1 Timothy 3:2) A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3) Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; Proverbs 15:1) A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Ephesians 4:15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16)From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 1 Corinthians 3:1) And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.3For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? Romans 12:10) Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; ... 16) Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

F.Y.I. The bird is a Heron, not a Crane......dunno why I said Crane......

Approaching a discussion of Scripture from the direction of one being the Teacher, and one the person in need of teaching is often just as guilty of causing disputations. In my opinion, when two mature Believers speak about their differing understandings of a Verse, or passage of Scripture, both must be willing to learn, and both must be willing to respect the others understanding. The Holy Spirit imparts understanding of Scripture as He will. One Scripture may have different meanings for 2 or 3, or more Believers. In my experience, the Holy Spirit imparts the understanding of a Scripture based on what He knows the Believer needs at that point and time in their life. I would hazard to guess (like me) all here have an understanding of a particular Scripture, and, at some point, read that Scripture anew, and received a far different understanding! That is from Spiritual growth in my opinion. The Apostle Paul taught about Believers having different understandings of Scripture based on their Spiritual growth. God bless.....

EVERY DAY I WAKE UP! Just yesterday, I went fishing for a couple of hours, and when I first sat down, a crane flew up and got right next to me. He was within 10 feet of me. He tilted his head towards me, and was looking at me with his left eye. I laughed, and asked him if he was hungry. No, he didn't answer, but I told him if I caught a small fish he could swallow, I would give it to him. Long story short, I caught 5 smallish fishies, 3 Stripe Bass, 1 Bream, and 1 Shell Cracker. I would toss them up on the bank behind me and he would pounce on them! it was so much fun watching him. Did God have anything to do with that? Dunno, but I said a prayer of thanks to God for sending me a "fishing buddy." He finally got his belly full after 5 fish, and gave me a final look and a squawk, and flew off across the river. I have pics being made ready for me (have a flip phone and can't transfer them to my 'Puter) so my Sister gets them file ready so I can email/post them. When I get them, I will post one here for all to enjoy!