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Post by Kaye on Sept 7, 2006 11:01:33 GMT -5
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
just noticed something about the whole thing. Paul reached a jailler by showing these fruits of the Spirit. By doing these things in hard times, while struggling with pain, but showing the fruits of the Sprirt, you touch someone's life, sometimes with out knowing it. Mom told me I touched a bunch of peoples lives, and I didn't even know some of those people. But anyway, I got to go study for a Sports Med terminology test. t2ul!
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Post by shadowrider on Sept 7, 2006 19:44:33 GMT -5
Right on...you are touching people's lives right now with this new message board! Look at the "hits" your pages are getting...and people think, "Wow, she is in pain and debilitated, but she can do something like this? What gives her the strength to go on, to try new things, to be happy in the midst of a storm?" And with this place, you testify (as do I) that it is Jesus and our faith in Him! It sure does help to know there is a master plan to all of this. Thinking of Paul and his friends in the prison cell and they could be worried, what will happen next? Instead, they are praising God!
This reminds me of that story by Corrie Ten Boom, when she and her sister were taken into a concentration camp and the building and beds were full of fleas. Corrie's sister said, "Corrie, praise God for the fleas!" Corrie said, "what?" but then they noticed they were more free, as Christians, to hold Bible studies with the Jewish women who surrounded them. And wondered why until they found out the guards would not enter their building BECAUSE of all the fleas! Thus, they were more able to share the Good News!
So, we praise Him to the rafters for good and for bad and for everything in between, because He has a plan!!
Are you ready for more new verses tomorrow?
hugs, mac
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Post by Kaye on Sept 7, 2006 21:47:54 GMT -5
I love Corrie's story. Of course, I love researching the Holocaust era, because I love the Jewish race. I love coming here and loved making this site because I miss being able to go in depth into the Bible, and I needed more reasons to open it. I've been reading out of Isaiah lately, and it is interesting, but since I had no one to ask questions about it, I quit reading it.(I know, bad bad bad) I enjoy talking about our faith with other believers because it helps me more understand it, and hopefully help someone else as well.
Yes, I'll probably post it around 9 am, since thats the earliest I will wake up since I've been having troubles with sleeping/breathing. Dad says I should put a lazyboy in my room so I can get to bed on time, lol. Good night!
Kaye
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Post by Kaye on Sept 8, 2006 8:13:03 GMT -5
Passage Philippians 1:13-20: 13As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. 15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
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Post by shadowrider on Sept 9, 2006 22:03:26 GMT -5
Thanks, Kaye...sorry I didn't get on yesterday...internet has been acting funny, I've been working yadayada!
This is quite a puzzling set of verses you've posted that sort of causes some questions in me. First of all, it does seem that this letter was written while Paul was in jail someplace. We know he was once jailed in Philippi, but since this is written to the Philippians, we don't seem to know yet if he was in Philippi in jail or someplace else. He says Timothy is with him.
My question is, how did Paul's bonds he suffered for Christ enbolden other believers? I just am having a hard time wrapping my mind around that one. It "seems" Paul being imprisoned for preaching the Gospel might cause the opposite effect.
I'm going to stop here on discussion until we figure this one out. As I scan ahead a bit in this chapter, I see that Paul is going to be stating some courageous and powerful things. It seems important to get into his head abit before we get there. Do you or any others have any idea as to the answer to my question? (this is not a "test," I really do not understand this one.
hugs, mac
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Post by shadowrider on Sept 9, 2006 22:08:07 GMT -5
Another thought, Kaye. Thinking about your epiphany about how during your struggles, your praising God and showing the fruits of the spirit (and of course, this pertains to all of us!) is a testimony to unbelievers has just led me to another thought. You learned that from Paul's situation under imprisonment and with a jailer. What imprisons us today? Is it sickness? Sin? Fear? of course it is these things and more. With you and I, we can relate it to a neurological condition that imprisons us, but in the midst of that imprisonment, if we praise God and show all those fruits of salvation, we will win others to Him. Cool, huh?
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Post by Kaye on Sept 10, 2006 9:04:07 GMT -5
that is an interesting and cool thought(about the unbelievers.) I guess today what imprisons me is the pain, and I can't go enjoy an air show at the naval base with my family today. my pills are running so low I can't take the chance of over doing something and going over a bit to counteract the pain. but I don't see how that can reach anybody. staying at home on a Sunday isn't the best way to reach somebody either. if I was a unbeliever and watched that, I woud probably be thinking hypocrite. and about Paul being in prison, I'm not sure which he could be in. it has a palace, ;D. but anyway, it could be that because the others see Paul going forward with the Word courageously, they want to do that also. if you have the Foxes Book of Martyrs, in there it shows that even after Christians were being persecuted and even executed, they still wouldn't back down from their belief, and that convinced unbelievers that what the believers were saying had to be true. I'm not sure why this happened, but there was a reason. God knows that reason, and for that, I'm sure that Paul knew God was using him for something. Somewhere, I can't remember where or what, it was talking about living as Christ and to die is for gain. I know Paul doesn't die till later, but it has the same principle, just in prison instead of dieing. well, I got to go get the little Quincy in from outside before he alienates the neigborhood, and go lie down with a good book and try to enjoy the morning without my family, . t2ul!
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Post by shadowrider on Sept 10, 2006 16:47:15 GMT -5
Kaye, you got it! that sounds like just what he meant. That b/c he is willing to go to prison for preaching the Word of God, then that gives confidence to others because they know God's Word is true. And maybe also, since Paul is thriving while in prison, this also might embolden other believers. Good discussion!
About your own situation today, I've noticed that on the days I don't understand, we just believe in faith and later on, we see the reasons. Like that old hymn, "Farther Along."
The next verses in our studies make me think of a good PR (public relations) firm! I can just see some guy in an office who represents some movie star who has done something stupid. And the agent says, "Well, at least everyone is mentioning his name!" That sounds like what Paul is saying...whatever reasons they have for preaching, at least Christ is preached. I thought of this verse way back when several famous TV evangelists stumbled, men like Jim Baker and Jimmy Swaggart. And one wonders about all of those who came to the Lord under those ministries. But Paul is saying, the preacher and his or her reasons are not the important thing. The MESSAGE is what is important. Wouldn't you say?
That Scripture you remembered about "to die is gain" is coming up soon in our studies, I think. And again, I sure do recommend that book, "90 Minutes in Heaven." Sure does show how to "die is gain!".....for believers, that is.
I hope you feel better and enjoyed the quiet time at home. I know you get it all week, too. We go to air shows a lot (or, I "used to.") and they are always hot, no place to sit, bad food...long days...I'm glad you decided to stay home. when is your appt this week with the new NS?
love, mac
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Post by Kaye on Sept 10, 2006 17:04:47 GMT -5
yeah, I agree with the message part, the only part I would say on the speaker is depending on what type of speaker. I believe that a pastor should only be a man, since God chose to put a man as the head. anyway, besides that, I believe that the rest is true.
I'll try to find it, the boo, I mean. it sounds like an interesting book from what you posted in cyclops post. my grandma sent me $20, so I should be able to get it.
and heres the next few verses, and you were right, the next verse was the one I was thinking of, lol:
21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.
oh, and my appoint. is the 12th, two days, I think the same day Holly's surgery is(asap). which I probably should add that to the prayer request area and the calender. t2ul!
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Post by shadowrider on Sept 11, 2006 15:27:48 GMT -5
Yes, Kaye, I've been having that date on my heart knowing you'd be seeing the new NS. Can't wait to see how it goes.
And personally, I too agree that a pastor should be a man. Since the Word tells us he should be the husband of one wife. I guess, though, that a woman can be a "speaker" or "preacher" when she is teaching other women, her children, or giving her testimony. Don't know how you feel about that....sometimes to me, there are areas that are not that important to argue over, such as disagreements over something like this, but the pure message of salvation is the thing that must stand pure for all to see. And perhaps this is the very thing that Paul meant when he said, "Either way, Christ is preached."
I won't post anymore today, or at least right now, I'm feeling too weak to think. I will definitely be praying for you and your appt tomorrow!! til then, God bless!!
mac
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Post by Kaye on Sept 11, 2006 15:36:21 GMT -5
I think its okay for a woman to speak, just not as the "pastor" of the church. she can speak, she can even be a guest speaker. and I don't think it is a salvation issue either. sorry if I implied I was argueing, .
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Post by shadowrider on Sept 11, 2006 20:16:05 GMT -5
Kaye, sweetie, you couldn't sound like you were arguing if you WERE arguing, ha!! I was just sort of presenting my thoughts, but also in an effort to embrace others who are not exactly like minded on issues that are not salvation related. I totally agree with you on the guest speaker, etc! Right on. A pastor is a shepherd of the sheep, much different than a preacher or speaker. The church I used to go to had a great preacher, but he sure wasn't a good pastor! Took him a month to come see me after I broke my neck and then never came back again. On the other hand, I had two pastors from other churches I did not go to come to the hospital to pray with me, one only spoke Spanish and he prayed for my healing. Thank God !
Kaye, how did you get so smart!! I didn't know all this stuff when I was twice your age!
mac
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Post by Kaye on Sept 11, 2006 22:24:23 GMT -5
a really good Bible teacher back in 6th-7th grade. she would come in real handy sometimes. I loved her classes!!!
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Post by shadowrider on Sept 13, 2006 18:03:21 GMT -5
Kaye and everyone, well, proceeding on with our text in Philippians, we start with "for me to live is Christ and to die is gain." I love this verse because it is so clearly showing that Jesus is with us WHILE we are here, alive, walking the earth! "To Live is Christ"....and then when the time comes, when we pass to the "other side," we will experience gain. What do you think we will gain?
This book I am reading about a pastor's 90 Minutes in Heaven shows that the moment he passed from an auto accident, he was present with all of his loved ones who had passed before him. He was in the presence of praise and glory and wonder and nothin whatsoever was negative. He was seeing things that cannot be seen on earth. Because of the enemy's influence upon us, we will never see perfection until we are in His presence. I think this is something difficult for non believers to grasp. They see people on this earth and they call them "good" and yes, I do the same, but we are only good because of the Blood that was shed for us on Calvary.
So, what else do you think we might gain when we die? This is another concept difficult for those without faith in God's Word. How could death be good?
I hope some people will chime in on this discussion if you like. What will we gain, as believers, when it is our time to cross to the other side?
mac
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Post by Kaye on Sept 13, 2006 19:58:13 GMT -5
thats an interesting thought. I think of heaven, and I think of not dealing with pain, I think of praising God that He would love us so much He sent His Son to die for us. I can't even think of how wonderful its going to be. I don't want to try to think of what we are going to gain cause my guess would be way off, we'd get way more!!! beyond our wildest dreams, . I like my mom's favorite song, I forgot what its called, but it is talking about wondering what we are going to do when we get there(Heaven) I think it is a really cool song, but I can't think of the name.(I don't like not remembering things, ) we will be able to SEE Him face-to-face and touch Him. that will be better than not feeling pain. I agree, mac, I'd like to hear other peoples thoughts. what is really hard is watching someone who lives with a Christian family, and the parents smother their kids to the point of them turning their backs on the whole thing.(a friend from JROTC, her parents did that, and she chose to become a atheist and doesn't want anything to do with Christianity.) anyway, other people are allowed!!! I know more people are reading this than just me and you, lol. well t2ul!
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