That Christianity could be exhibited thru us & heaven is our home . . .

[Scott Free]

15 hours ago, Vine Abider said:

"Concerning who lives in us, is it religion or Christ?"

I do not think the Bible talks about sending us somewhere else beside Earth as our home. In my opinion this Universe is one of the Heavens, its true glory not being perceived through our eyes. God is letting mankind trash the place, but He has plans for us to stay long term with promises of evictions and remodeling.

Edited February 15, 2024 by Scott Free

[TrueFollowerOfChrist]

3 hours ago, Vine Abider said:

When you say you agree with the first statement, does that mean you think it is Christianity that should be exhibited through us? (we are agreed on the second statement being false)

So concerning who lives in us, is it Christianity or Christ?

Christianity, at least as much as people represent it is deeply flawed. Unfortunately the church shows far more hatred and judgment than it does love and mercy. I would never tell people to imitate the church or Christianity. We are to imitate and exhibit Christ and let Christ live in US. Imagine The incredible world we would live in and even how much the church would dramatically change if more Christians actually let Christ live in them.

[Vine Abider]

1 hour ago, Vine Abider said:

"Concerning who lives in us, is it religion or Christ?"

What you quoted (above) from me.

1 hour ago, Scott Free said:

I do not think the Bible talks about sending us somewhere else beside Earth as our home base. In my opinion this Universe is one of the Heavens, its true glory not being perceived through our eyes. God is letting mankind trash the place, but He has plans for eviction and remodeling.

This doesn't seem to correspond to what you quoted from my post . . .

[Vine Abider]

48 minutes ago, TrueFollowerOfChrist said:

Christianity, at least as much as people represent it is deeply flawed. Unfortunately the church shows far more hatred and judgment than it does love and mercy. I would never tell people to imitate the church or Christianity. We are to imitate and exhibit Christ and let Christ live in US. Imagine The incredible world we would live in and even how much the church would dramatically change if more Christians actually let Christ live in them.

To me, saying "Christianity" means something related to a religion. 

Christ, however, is a Person, and He lives in His believers. 

[Scott Free]

13 hours ago, Vine Abider said:

This doesn't seem to correspond to what you quoted from my post . . .

Please, do not take my dry analysis as a lack of affection for your work.

The statement "Who lives in us, is it religion or Christ?" is a cliche using a term that is too broad. It is a tautology requiring bias to be introduced to limit the definitions, making it a different question that reads,"what constitutes true and false religion?" Were 'Christ living in us' is properly defined as religion. Without reciting the scripture that supports it, the answer seems to be: practicing the Christian religion in a pure and undefined way is synonymous with Christ living in us.

Edited February 15, 2024 by Scott Free

[Marilyn C]

13 hours ago, Vine Abider said:

Why do you say "the battle in our time . . . is where our destiny is - heaven or earth"?

Hi VA,

That is very kind of you to ask. Thank you. 

Now we know that when the Lord ascended to the Father He sent the Holy Spirit to build and mature His Body of believers. The Lord gave specific truths to be told to His Body that they may come to maturity in Him by knowing Him - His character and His purposes. (Eph. 4: 13)

The Apostle Paul gave the whole counsel of God to his disciples, (Acts 20: 27) (and we have those truths in God`s word). Paul knew that after him there would come in those with false teachings so he warned the disciples. (Acts 20: 29 - 31) 

Over the centuries we can see much of those errors and false teachings - hierarchy of believers, priests and laity, religious rules, infant baptism, etc, etc. (you had us reading a good book on that a while ago).

Now Jesus sent His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth of Himself. (John 16: 13) Many people were martyred or ostracized for standing for one of these truths - Salvation in Christ, believer`s baptism, infilling of Holy Spirit, gifts of Holy Spirit, ministry gifts of Christ, and the eternal purposes (for Body of Christ, Israel and the nations). 

Today we are so blessed to have received most if not all those truths, clarified for us across the Body. Others paid the price for those truths to come to us so freely without cost of life or limb. (though in Africa & the Middle East, believers are being martyred).

The eternal purpose for the Body - heaven or earth is the main one being debated hotly, even here on Worthy. That is the `Battle in our time.` We need to make sure we know from God`s word the truths Jesus tells His Body regarding their destiny.

 

[MelodyCat]

So thankful that the Lord has enabled us to be reconciled through Christ so we can be forgiven & given entry into Heaven to live with the Lord forever for eternity.

I just hope that I do live in such a way that reflects our Heavenly Father to those around us.  I keep praying He will continue to make me more & more like Jesus.

Looking forward to going to be with the Father when He calls me home. 

Lord please enable Your children to edify one another in Your Truth, to encourage each other here on this earth.  Let us learn to Love one another as Jesus Loved so that others can see we are Your disciples.  I pray for good conversations that edify those we speak to, a heart & mind that follows the guidance & direction of Your Spirit Lord, amen.

 

[farouk]

19 minutes ago, MelodyCat said:

So thankful that the Lord has enabled us to be reconciled through Christ so we can be forgiven & given entry into Heaven to live with the Lord forever for eternity.

I just hope that I do live in such a way that reflects our Heavenly Father to those around us.  I keep praying He will continue to make me more & more like Jesus.

Looking forward to going to be with the Father when He calls me home. 

Lord please enable Your children to edify one another in Your Truth, to encourage each other here on this earth.  Let us learn to Love one another as Jesus Loved so that others can see we are Your disciples.  I pray for good conversations that edify those we speak to, a heart & mind that follows the guidance & direction of Your Spirit Lord, amen.

 

@MelodyCat Good sentiment.........

[farouk]

Von Poseck's 'Light in our Dwellings' is based on Exodus 10.23, and is a study of the domestic harmony and blessing of a pilgrim people.

[Vine Abider]

On 2/14/2024 at 7:58 PM, Scott Free said:

Please, do not take my dry analysis as a lack of affection for your work.

The statement "Who lives in us, is it religion or Christ?" is a cliche using a term that is too broad. It is a tautology requiring bias to be introduced to limit the definitions, making it a different question that reads,"what constitutes true and false religion?" Were 'Christ living in us' is properly defined as religion. Without reciting the scripture that supports it, the answer seems to be: practicing the Christian religion in a pure and undefined way is synonymous with Christ living in us.

OK, it seems more a matter of definition then . . . I define religion as something man does to try to please God and thereby measure up.