Ongoing Bible Study (Full Version)

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sparkleingsnow -> Ongoing Bible Study (6/30/2009 8:43:31 PM)

This thread is for an ongoing Bible Study. (Moderators if this is not alright for any reason, please let me know.)

2Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

We could choose a topic and see what God's word has to say about it, and discuss it. Everyone is welcome to join in.

If you are interested in this, pleace post the topic or topics you would like to study and whatever the majority is interested in is where we will start. Also please post any other sugestions you may have for the Bible study. Thanks.



RustyCarr -> RE: Ongoing Bible Study (6/30/2009 9:08:10 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: sparkleingsnow

This thread is for an ongoing Bible Study. (Moderators if this is not alright for any reason, please let me know.)

2Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

We could choose a topic and see what God's word has to say about it, and discuss it. Everyone is welcome to join in.

If you are interested in this, pleace post the topic or topics you would like to study and whatever the majority is interested in is where we will start. Also please post any other sugestions you may have for the Bible study. Thanks.


Sounds like a wonderful idea. As for topics? Why not start from the beginning? "Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matt. 4:17

Ac 28:31 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of heaven and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

What about this Gospel of the kingdom of heaven? How do you "find" this kingdom? By doing this: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2Timothy 2:15

I wanna be a workman!

Rusty



sparkleingsnow -> RE: Ongoing Bible Study (7/1/2009 9:23:07 AM)

Thanks Rusty. What were you thinking by start at the beginning? Studying the book of Matthew, or studying the good news message, or our call call to spread the good news?

quote:

I wanna be a workman!


Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

We are HIS workmanship and we have a job to do. I guess that makes us workman. :)

Prayer Warrior also had an idea for our first topic. Here's what she suggested.

quote:

Original: Prayer Warrior

How about "our rights". Jesus gave up ALL of his, and human's don't want to give up ANY of them.

Deals a lot of being humble, pride, ego, the suffering servant....lots of good verses. :) And you can quote me on that. It is a goooood subject.



SavedByGraceMD -> RE: Ongoing Bible Study (7/1/2009 9:27:05 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: sparkleingsnow

Thanks Rusty. What were you thinking by start at the beginning? Studying the book of Matthew, or studying the good news message, or our call call to spread the good news?

quote:

I wanna be a workman!


Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

We are HIS workmanship and we have a job to do. I guess that makes us workman. :)

Prayer Warrior also had an idea for our first topic. Here's what she suggested.

quote:

Original: Prayer Warrior

How about "our rights". Jesus gave up ALL of his, and human's don't want to give up ANY of them.

Deals a lot of being humble, pride, ego, the suffering servant....lots of good verses. :) And you can quote me on that. It is a goooood subject.


I like this topic sparkleing, I say this is a good place to start. I have noticed in my own life, and from many posts on this forum, that it seems we are clinging to whatever we can.



sarju60 -> RE: Ongoing Bible Study (7/1/2009 10:49:40 AM)

I agree, Sparkle!! It sounds like a wonderful place to start. I had to check this out and my youngest took over the yard work so can be on for an hour or so.



prayn4u -> RE: Ongoing Bible Study (7/1/2009 11:07:09 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: sparkleingsnow

... Also please post any other sugestions you may have for the Bible study. Thanks.

sparkleingsnow, I thought maybe we might post a prayer at the beginning of a particular study.

2 Timothy 2:15 Amp
Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial),
a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.

Our Father, we gather together for Bible Study,
May You bring brothers and sisters here to this thread with a desire to study and an eagerness to grow, being a workman.
By Your Holy Spirit guide us all in choosing a topic and accurately handling the Word of Truth.
Thank You for hearing our prayer in the name of Jesus the Messiah. To GOD be the glory. Amen.



sparkleingsnow -> RE: Ongoing Bible Study (7/1/2009 11:54:16 AM)

quote:

Original: pryn4u

I thought maybe we might post a prayer at the beginning of a particular study.


I think that's a wonderful idea.

Dear Father, I join in prayn4u's prayer. May You bless thsi study and guide us and may it be to Your glory. In Jesus name we ask. Amen



SavedByGraceMD -> RE: Ongoing Bible Study (7/1/2009 12:11:16 PM)

So how exactly is this going to work?

And I join in the prayer offered up on behalf of this study, as we desire to be knowers of the word, and not just knowers, but doers. To be workmen for the glory of God the Father. Amen.



RustyCarr -> RE: Ongoing Bible Study (7/1/2009 12:27:41 PM)

quote:

How about "our rights". Jesus gave up ALL of his, and human's don't want to give up ANY of them.


Well, If we start here, I am led to post this scripture: Lk 14:27 And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

Christians want to keep there "rights," but most of the Christians I know refuse to stick their neck out and stand up for them AND THE TRUTH. We are a church united on being disunited, "You may stick your neck out if you want, but don't ask me to stand with you."

Therefore, we have failed in many ways to maintain the Truth within ALL our institutions in America. Education being the first to toss out God. We have many seminaries today, but they also teach clergymen how to avoid controversy, while ALL our old prestigious universities have been taken over by secular humanism. They started out as Christian seminaries to train up Christian businessmen, bankers, lawyers, judges, and politicians.

We have lost (as Christains) our PROPER influence on society because we have allowed ourselves to be trampled by men.

Jesus "gave up all His rights" because he loved us. He didn't HAVE to give up his life for us, but He wanted to obey his Father in the face of ignorant evil men. So, I don't see Jesus as giving up His rights. He didn't give them up, He stood firm on them and the Truth. He took up His cross and carried it all the way to the end. Blessed be the Lord, and the courageous, and the wise, and the longsuffering for Christ...

Do we need to take up our own crosses to reach the lost?

Blessings,
Rusty

Note: I bet you can see from this post that my perspective is heavily influenced by "waking up the church" and my own experiences in church and society---- I have suffered much under the sins of ignorant men, yet I made them angrier while I told them what they were doing was wrong... the lost don't want to hear that..



peaceofGod -> RE: Ongoing Bible Study (7/1/2009 12:33:21 PM)

Here’s a thought that might be along the line of the suggestions about Mt. 4:17 repentance, the Gospel, humility, our being God's workmanship and “our rights”.

It is for sure that humility goes along with repentance. When we see for the first time that our approach toward life is one of seeking for ourselves, we are sometimes crushed. Then, as the covering of our innermost motivations are peeled back and our deepest motivations are laid bare, we become deeply humbled and seek God to forgive through the blood of Christ and lift us up. Then the Christian asks Him to clean the heart and make one into a new person.

Then we are no longer seeking or even thinking about our “rights” but are seeking God’s purity.

Psalm 51
1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.
5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.



SavedByGraceMD -> RE: Ongoing Bible Study (7/1/2009 12:37:35 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: RustyCarr

quote:

How about "our rights". Jesus gave up ALL of his, and human's don't want to give up ANY of them.


Well, If we start here, I am led to post this scripture: Lk 14:27 And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

Christians want to keep there "rights," but most of the Christians I know refuse to stick their neck out and stand up for them AND THE TRUTH. We are a church united on being disunited, "You may stick your neck out if you want, but don't ask me to stand with you."

Therefore, we have failed in many ways to maintain the Truth within ALL our institutions in America. Education being the first to toss out God. We have many seminaries today, but they also teach clergymen how to avoid controversy, while ALL our old prestigious universities have been taken over by secular humanism. They started out as Christian seminaries to train up Christian businessmen, bankers, lawyers, judges, and politicians.

We have lost (as Christains) our PROPER influence on society because we have allowed ourselves to be trampled by men.

Jesus "gave up all His rights" because he loved us. He didn't HAVE to give up his life for us, but He wanted to obey his Father in the face of ignorant evil men. So, I don't see Jesus as giving up His rights. He didn't give them up, He stood firm on them and the Truth. He took up His cross and carried it all the way to the end. Blessed be the Lord, and the courageous, and the wise, and the longsuffering for Christ...

Do we need to take up our own crosses to reach the lost?

Blessings,
Rusty

Note: I bet you can see from this post that my perspective is heavily influenced by "waking up the church" and my own experiences in church and society---- I have suffered much under the sins of ignorant men, yet I made them angrier while I told them what they were doing was wrong... the lost don't want to hear that..

Isn't this a sad but very true statement.

For me, and I hope this is on point... I come to this verse

John 15:12-14 (New International Version)

12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command.

He loves us so much, that before we could even be called His friends, He laid down his life for us. He purposefully went to the cross, to carry the burden of our sins, and yet we are so petty in what we allow ourselves to give Him.

He said "you are my friends if you do what I command", so when do we start doing. When do we give up all that we have, all that we are, so we could serve Him to the fullest.

In Luke 18

29 So He said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life."
Luke 18:29-30 (NKJV)

So what are we giving up? What does this verse mean? To you? To me?

I want my cake, and to eat it too. That seems to be the way we roll.



peaceofGod -> RE: Ongoing Bible Study (7/1/2009 12:49:31 PM)

Hi Rusty,

I saw and read your post only after I posted mine. Yet, I think they fit together even though I didn't know about yours when I was writing mine.

You made some valid observations about our taking up our own cross to reach others...especially "Blessed be the Lord, and the courageous, and the wise, and the longsuffering for Christ..."

Luke 14:27 (New International Version)
27And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.



Matthew-59 -> RE: Ongoing Bible Study (7/1/2009 12:55:54 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Prayer Warrior

How about "our rights". Jesus gave up ALL of his, and human's don't want to give up ANY of them.

Deals a lot of being humble, pride, ego, the suffering servant....lots of good verses. :) And you can quote me on that. It is a goooood subject.

Excellent topic choice!

I see a great need for humbleness and releasing of pride and ego on this forum, and elsewhere. I've seen so much arguing and shameful things said either to or about someone. In my own family there has been gossiping and backstabbing, etc. going on and it saddens my soul and spirit. [&o]

I fully acknowledge that I too need to learn more about being a humble servant and child of God, so as to fullfil my place in the kingdom of God as a part of the body of Christ. There is no hierarchy of Christians. We are all of equal importance to God. We simply just have different jobs and duties than others.

So, yes... my vote is for a study on "our rights" as it relates to being humble and not prideful.

In fact, my prayer in my e-devotional this morning dealt with this subject. Coincidence? I don't think so. Here's the prayer:
"Holy Father, as your child, redeemed at the cost of Jesus' life, I know I am loved and valuable to you. I know you have given me abilities and gifts to use for your glory and to bless your church. But Father, I do not want to ever think that my abilities are somehow mine alone. I know you have given me the gifts, abilities, and experiences that have shaped me, so please empower me to your glory. But Father, I never want the glory that is achieved from your gifts to puff me up or turn from me the realization that I am what I am, I have what I have, and I do what I do, because of your grace and your generous gifts. May I ever be your humble but valuable child at work in your Kingdom. Through Jesus I pray. Amen." ~ Crosswalk; Heartlight Daily Verse

Romans 12:3
By the grace given me I say to everyone of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

quote:

ORIGINAL: prayn4u

Our Father, we gather together for Bible Study,
May You bring brothers and sisters here to this thread with a desire to study and an eagerness to grow, being a workman.
By Your Holy Spirit guide us all in choosing a topic and accurately handling the Word of Truth.
Thank You for hearing our prayer in the name of Jesus the Messiah. To GOD be the glory. Amen.

I also stand in agreement with this prayer.



sparkleingsnow -> RE: Ongoing Bible Study (7/1/2009 12:57:33 PM)

Well, I thought we could pick a topic like how we're to treat others for example and post scripture that addresses the topic, and discuss it's meaning. In areas where some may disagree (as long as it's not a salvation issue), we will agree to disagree and love each other, and go on. It will have to be a slow study as we can't all be on at the same time.

I must admit that the topic of rights is outside my comfort zone as I've not thought about it that way. This seems to be the topic that most would like to start with. If anyone would like to take the lead on this topic please do. Otherwise I just though we would all share the scripture we felt we should concerning whatever topic we're on. I'll post a little bit of scripture about giving up things for Jesus in a few minutes and we can go from there if that is ok with everyone.



SavedByGraceMD -> RE: Ongoing Bible Study (7/1/2009 2:08:07 PM)

Tis ok with me Sparkleing.



prayn4u -> RE: Ongoing Bible Study (7/1/2009 2:14:37 PM)

Sparkleingsnow, that is fine with me, too. I just wanted to share this scripture that peaceofGod's post made me think of...
quote:

ORIGINAL: peaceofGod

Here’s a thought that might be along the line of the suggestions about Mt. 4:17 repentance, the Gospel, humility, our being God's workmanship and “our rights”.

It is for sure that humility goes along with repentance. When we see for the first time that our approach toward life is one of seeking for ourselves, we are sometimes crushed. Then, as the covering of our innermost motivations are peeled back and our deepest motivations are laid bare, we become deeply humbled and seek God to forgive through the blood of Christ and lift us up. Then the Christian asks Him to clean the heart and make one into a new person.

Then we are no longer seeking or even thinking about our “rights” but are seeking God’s purity.

Psalm 51...
I feel these verses also speak to the battle within us, our motivations... are they humble and pure? Do our own motivations cause us to stumble? I know mine have.

James 4
1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?
2 You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.
3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
4 You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely?
6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.
10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.



Liveloved -> RE: Ongoing Bible Study (7/1/2009 2:55:04 PM)

Very cool. I like the topic of HUMILITY. It is needful.

So I will begin by posting Jesus' demonstration of humility from Philippians 2:5-11.

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,
but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by being obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of those who are in heaven, and on earth and under the earth,
and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

And the verses that precede these are important too---emphasizing not being selfish, thinking of oneself first, but regarding others as more important and looking out for their interests. . . first. How often do we live that?



SavedByGraceMD -> RE: Ongoing Bible Study (7/1/2009 3:05:58 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Liveloved

Very cool. I like the topic of HUMILITY. It is needful.

So I will begin by posting Jesus' demonstration of humility from Philippians 2:5-11.

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,
but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by being obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of those who are in heaven, and on earth and under the earth,
and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

And the verses that precede these are important too---emphasizing not being selfish, thinking of oneself first, but regarding others as more important and looking out for their interests. . . first. How often do we live that?

True...how often do we live that? How do we get to the point where we are living that?

This is definitely a struggle. Definitely goes against human nature to care for others more than self. So what is the key to thinking like this?



sarju60 -> RE: Ongoing Bible Study (7/1/2009 3:16:41 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: prayn4u

Sparkleingsnow, that is fine with me, too. I just wanted to share this scripture that peaceofGod's post made me think of...
quote:

ORIGINAL: peaceofGod

Here’s a thought that might be along the line of the suggestions about Mt. 4:17 repentance, the Gospel, humility, our being God's workmanship and “our rights”.

It is for sure that humility goes along with repentance. When we see for the first time that our approach toward life is one of seeking for ourselves, we are sometimes crushed. Then, as the covering of our innermost motivations are peeled back and our deepest motivations are laid bare, we become deeply humbled and seek God to forgive through the blood of Christ and lift us up. Then the Christian asks Him to clean the heart and make one into a new person.

Then we are no longer seeking or even thinking about our “rights” but are seeking God’s purity.

Psalm 51...
I feel these verses also speak to the battle within us, our motivations... are they humble and pure? Do our own motivations cause us to stumble? I know mine have.

James 4
1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?
2 You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.
3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
4 You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely?
6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.
10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.



Oh amen I have started out doing things that I know God has called me to do, things I absolutely dreaded and feared but I did them because I knew He wanted me to. Unfortunately
bam all of a sudden I would began to think what a wonderful deed I was doing and what a good person I was and
Proverbs 16:18-19
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.
all the joy of serving the Lord was gone.



sparkleingsnow -> RE: Ongoing Bible Study (7/1/2009 3:26:51 PM)

Ok, here's the silly side of Rita. I was thinking about this Bible study, and forgot that we had changed the womans Bible study at chuch to Wednesdays, and had to run out at the last minute! [&:] Sorry about that!

I didn't see the posts above my last post till I got back.

Rusty, your right on that we're tp pick up our cross and follow Him.
As Paul said:

Philippians 3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
9 ¶ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Anything we give up for the Lord is as nothing compared to the gain of obtaining salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ.

peaceofGod, thank you for that scripture. (I love it.) And that has to be my prayer to, because there is no good thing in me that isn't from the Lord. And I'm guilty of all to often putting my wants ahead of His will. But His word says:

Romans 14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

We're to die to self and live for the Lord. We are His.

Good scripture SavedByGraceMD.

quote:

Luke 18

29 So He said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life."
Luke 18:29-30 (NKJV)


What does it mean to me? That we are to put the Lord Jesus Christ above all else. He comes first. No matter what we may have to give up for Him, He will reward us for it. Not that we do it for the reward, but because He is worthy.

I loved that pryer Matthew-59! [:)] And also the thoughts on being humble. All things to His glory. (I would like to post more on what His word says about being puffed up a little later.)

prayn4u, your scripture is right on about being puffed up, and everything being about "me, me, me". When in truth it's all about Him and for His pleasure and glory.

1Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.



sparkleingsnow -> RE: Ongoing Bible Study (7/1/2009 4:13:05 PM)

Great scripture Liveloved. Yes He did give us the perfect example of humility. He did it again when He washed the deciples feet.

quote:

Original: SavedByGraceMD

This is definitely a struggle. Definitely goes against human nature to care for others more than self. So what is the key to thinking like this?


Your right SavedByGraceMD, it is a struggle. And as long as we're in the flesh, we will struggle with this. The flesh cries out to be satsfied. But we're to put Him first and others ahead of ourselfs. Like You said it goes against human nature. But as we think on Him, and study His word, and talk with Him and listen to Him and grow in Him, He helps us. In short He's a part of every thing we do and as we keep focused on Him, He works in our hearts and helps us to put Him and others first.

sarju60, I agree and I've done the same thing. We have to be careful to reminber it's Him working within us, not we ourselfs. How do we do that? By keeping our focus on Him all the time, no matter where we are or what we're doing.



Liveloved -> RE: Ongoing Bible Study (7/1/2009 5:47:50 PM)

quote:

True...how often do we live that? How do we get to the point where we are living that?

This is definitely a struggle. Definitely goes against human nature to care for others more than self. So what is the key to thinking like this?


I hate sounding like a broken record as I've said this before but much of it is rooted in knowing who we are in Christ.

My tag is live loved. And that is the place He wants us to live, knowing we are loved. There is nothing I can do to change that. It is a tremendous place of security and confidence and joy. Jesus has done ALL for me, little old me.

For me that has been a huge place of freedom to live, truly live. I no longer have to worry about doing right, being right, etc. I live. I live love to God. And I live in His love. (I believe it was St. Augustine who said Love God and live as you please. That's it.)

I don't have to prove myself. I don't have to defend myself. I don't have to make myself be anything.

A friend brought me a quote that she read in a book recently. She knew I would especially appreciate this since this has been a place of tremendous struggle for me in my life. The quote is as follows.

I love who I am because this is who God chose to make me.

No more trying or even wanting to 'be' somebody which is the source of most of our struggles such as James speaks of (your desires and the battles they bring). BUT you have to be walking in the light. . . and that means exposed, walking in truth, being honest with yourself and others.

Anyway, I'm certainly not saying I've got humility down.[:D] I don't. But living loved has been a tremendous step on the downward path of humility.

Just some thoughts. . . I'm looking forward to this discussion. Love your idea/suggestion, ss!



Not-Home-Yet -> RE: Ongoing Bible Study (7/1/2009 6:01:00 PM)

sparkleingsnow this is great I will be happy to be part of it.... Thank you for your invite I am happy to start anywhere in God Word Old or New Testament.... I am doing a Bible study at the moment and we reading some of the Old as well as the New for they both go hand in hand..
But where ever you what to start thats fine by me ...... Love Jane



growingseed -> RE: Ongoing Bible Study (7/2/2009 7:39:02 AM)

It's the battle isn't it for us to keep our selves in control and at the same time be righteous. Follow me and carry the your cross.
Speaks for me what Jesus was saying with the second seed in the sower, that it was weak because it had no roots. But what is the process of growing roots. It's allowing the Holy Spirit more control through the studying of the word and know the difference between what you think and what is revealed by what Jesus is saying. Eph 3:17 - Col 2:17.
A seed developes a root system first before it can brake the surface of life. We must learn in that root system it receives its norishment from the knowledge of Jesus. Rom 11:17-18, Jn 15:4-5, Phil 1:9



dianetavegia -> RE: Ongoing Bible Study (7/2/2009 9:05:19 AM)

You mentioned discussing 'how we should treat each other'. How about taking the Fruit of the Spirit and discussing them, one by one, linking scriptures that support how those fruits are made manifest in the life of a true Christian.

Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control.



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