Alive

I am convinced it is in an understanding of what Paul means here. Just what is/was God’s ‘Eternal Purpose’. Getting this right goes a long way toward balancing all of scripture. “according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,” (Ephesians 3:11 NKJV) God wants a family after ‘kind’, which is an immutable principle.

Amen!

Based on history, I suspect both.

Ya…I don’t believe it for a minute. He should be tried for treason.

Praise the Lord!

The Lord bless and keep you. Is there much active evangelism there?

Wonderful!

Exactly and well said. Worthy is meant for fruitful conversation but even more important is encouraging and loving folks that stop by. Just as the Holy Spirit is the Comforter, so should we be.

Lord willing one of these days, I may put down some thoughts on what I have learned regarding what is referred to as ‘home church’. I say that because I am pretty sure there will be much more of it in the days and years ahead should the Lord tarry.

Angel——you are not alone in two ways. There are many converts in such a state as you are and you are never alone because Christ will never leave you…ever. He is the Great Shepherd and He is your Shepherd. I often suggest folks spend lots of time in John and the first three chapters of Ephesians. I also suggest you might click on ‘Salvation is Relocation’ below. That little study leads you through much encouraging scripture. May the Lord give you Peace and Rest in Him and you come to understand the glorious Gift of His Salvation.

After leaving the denomination in which I pastored, the Lord led me to spend many years in a home church environment. There are things that happen there that do not in a standard church service without chaos to that structure. In home church meetings, I have witnessed the Lord speaking a needed word through a child…this is what I meant regarding maturity. God bless and give understanding.

To me, this is the simplest answer along with various functions in the body and those things are not static. The Head of the Church will use members as needs arise…in a healthy assembly. Maturity is almost but not always of importance. “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:14 NKJV) This verse is speaking of an important principle.

I look forward to meeting Ni Tuosheng, one day. He did an incredible amount of work in China and that fruit is still present He was jailed and died a martyr.

Amen! He is always there and feelings cannot be trusted.

By the Holy Spirit on him. David was anointed to write for all of our benefit...Praise the Lord!

Welcome to worthy and thank you for posting. This is an introduction area where we get to know you a bit before becoming a full member. Please post a couple introduction type posts and as George said, you will have access to other areas for discussion and thoughts as you did above. At that time, we will move your post to an appropriate area of the forum....OK?

A wonderful encouraging post! He is indeed the Great Shepherd. Psalms 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked came against me To eat up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell. 3 Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident. 4 One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple. 5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock. 6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD. 7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. 8 When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.” 9 Do not hide Your face from me; Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation. 10 When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the LORD will take care of me. 11 Teach me Your way, O LORD, And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies. 12 Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; For false witnesses have risen against me, And such as breathe out violence. 13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. 14 Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!

Yup---there isn't one. The idea is suggested by events in scripture, but there is no emphatic statement saying so. This is coming from a former Pentecostal teacher and pastor. :-)

Nuts do attract nuts.

Yup---everyone knows. LOL

As we used to say back in the day, "it's in the book". Boy, that takes me back!

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,” (Romans 1:20 NKJV)

I agree we must be careful of extra biblical sources, but I would add that His Creation is also a source for learning.

I think you might enjoy, clicking on ‘Salvation is Relocation’.

I tend to think in simple terms. Sin meaning missing the mark and that mark is the Righteous requirement of God--which of course is imputed to us by Christ.