angelkat

Sorry I got to this late, but I still wanted to answer the queston. This part of passage refers to us standing strong and firm. That is very important when we are going through struggles. It liftes me up knowing that I am a child of the King and through him I have eternal life. Life on this earth will never compare to the heavenly home with our Lord and Savior. It can be confusing sometimes when we see sufferring going on for years, but as true believers we do know our timing is not always His timing. We are from a hurried society and hate to wait for answers. The scripture tells our God will supply all our needs and this is what I count on. I know of the lies of the devil and he just changes how he presents them not really changing the contents of the lies. So my dear friends in Christ my encouragement is that we all wear our full armor, stand strong, stand firm and find comfort in knowing God is the ruller of all and we are safe in the arms of Jesus!!!!

In spiritual warfare Perer gives a less descriptive way of warfare, but none the less is effective. Peter tells us to be self controlled-alert- resist the devil-be faithful - be willing to fight. Be strong, firm and steadfast and be restored in knowing we are the victors through the blood of Jesus. Paul on the other had tell us to put on the helment of salvation, breast plate of righteousness, belt of truth, shoes of peace, sheild of faith and sword of the word. When you read through Pauls words you know you are in a battle and need to be dressed for what is to come. To me Paul could also be telling us we do not have to wait to be attacked, but we can also be on the offensive. Protect your self at all times is what I believe is being to told to us. Put on the armour, and to protect the back side of us should be our fellow believers. It doesn't really say we have a covering on our back in Ephesians, but to me that is where we need to defend each other standing back to back, side by side. Being strong and stand firm is very important as putting on the full armour.

To be aware of Satan is important in the fact we should always know who or what are enemy is. In his existences he can take on many forms and does many evil things to intice christians to fall away from the Lord. He really doesn't have to do much for the non-believers for he already has them in his clutches, but he constantly is after the believers of Jesus. The scripture tells us to be aware of the devil as he roams the earth like a roaring lion seeking to devour the christian. Satan is a liar and thief and is seeking to kill and destroy the kingdom of God, which all christians know is not going to happen. It is very important to know the manner of Satan and what he can and cannot do. He will only be able to control any part of your life if you allow it. We must always remember that Jesus tell us he is the way the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father, but through Him. It is good to know we have a shield of protection from the likes of Satan. We need to know he exist, but not give him credit for everything that happens to us. Satan likes to think he has more control than he does, Think on good things and give praise to our Lord and Savior.

When we battle fear in and of ourselves it will be a losing battle. We can not overcome fear without the interceeding of Jesus. The scripture tells us to cast our anxiety on him for he cares for us and that is what we need to do. We might have mental ability of scripture, but unless we put it to use, we fight an endless battle. Fear can come from many different sources in our lives and to know which area it is coming from does help. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide and to show you how to pray. Place all the fear, trouble that is causing the fear at the feet of Jesus. When fear comes, I myself pray against the source binding the spirit causing the fear in the name of Jesus. I then worship the Lord for taking care of the problem of fear and set my heart and mind on what is good and right in the sight of God. These are strong things to do and sometimes the body and mind want to give up, but we must always know Jesus is on our side and if he is for us who can win against us. Sing praise to the Lord the almighty for he is good. Shout to the Lord all the earth and praise his holy name. His name is Jesus!!!!!

Being humble should be one of the easiest things to do, but if you are too humble are you proud? The church leaders should always work at being humble in actions and do what is right from the heart according to God's word. I think you can usually tell if a person is really humble most of the time by their interaction with fellow members of the church body. Most of the time a proud person will eventually show themselves in actions and their talk. These kind of people can be uncomfortable to be around and should be thought about and prayed about before putting them in leadership in the church. When someone is put in the leadership role and is proud and has to have his/her own way all the time it breaks down the fellowship of belonging to that church group. A leader with humility shows acts of kindness, willing to listen, not needing to have their own way at any cost and wanting to give God all the glory for his/her gifts of leadership. Not all leaders have all these attributes, but praise the Lord many do.

In the church system there needs to always be check and balance. The elders, pastor and anyone else in power are subject to the congregation in their actions and what and how they handle their power. That is the one nice thing about having a board that handles money and ruling authority in the church. If a pastor is following the leading of the Holy Spirit they usually don't pose a problem, but when they start putting their needs and desires ahead of what is best for the body of Christ; then you have a problem. It is always dangerous to have people in authority who have to have their way and aren't willing to compromise and work for the good of the church body. It can and usually is difficult to get a situation in hand once it has gotten out of control. The best way I believe to deal with difficult situations is to go to scripture and look for the answer. All come under the words and instruction from God. If the pastor or elder is not willing to listen to one on one then you should take two and if that doesn't work then it needs to be brought before the whole church body and dealt with in a godly way. That is why it is nice to have regular church business meetings to keep all problems aired out and in front of everyone. Always be sure to pray, pray and pray some more before taking action to be sure you are doing the will of the Lord and not something personal.

The church should never have to twist the arm of a person to get them to serve in the church. If you are twisting the arm to get them to be in the leadership role it will result in very poor leadership. The congergation will know and the fruits will also be baren. When ask to serve one needs to know and pray that is the area that they are called to serve. Not everyone is called to be leaders or teachers or missionary work. Some are called to serve in other ways, and if it is a forced ministry everyone suffers. The damage to the church when someone is serving to please the pastor or a friend is not effective as when it is done for the love of the Lord and to give glory to God and to God only. Somtimes people put pressure on members just so the job will get done some way, some how and they don't worry about the fall out from the attitude of the server. When the heart is not in right relationship to doing the will of the Lord and to doing his work that you haven't been called to there is no fruit. The church needs faithful servers and willing members to do what the Lord calls them to do in keeping and caring for the flock.

The responsibilites of the Elders,Pastors and Overseers are alike in many ways as they all are told to feed, nuture, lead, watchover and be an example to the flock. The Elder of the church is usually a mature christian and elderly in age not neccessarily to old to function in their role as a leader. The Pastor is the instructor and guidiance part of the spiritual life. Overseer is to give attention to and accept responsibilites for the care of the leaders of the church as well as the members. These are all huge responsibilites for members to hold. To be able to hold and do these duties without becoming puffed up is sometimes hard for mere individuals to carry out. That is one of the important roles of picking or selecting more mature chrisitans instead of new christians. New babes in the Lord could tend to become haughty and would be ineffective. It doesn't work to well in any setting where a leader doesn't use humility while leading, teaching or tending to the needs of the church. All leaders in the church body need to keep in mind that they are doing the work of the Lord and they of themselves would not be able to handle such roles if it were not for his power and strength. When a leader thinks he is indispensible then there is a problem. He has let his leadership become a hinderance in the coming together of the body of Christ. He or she has become to puffed up with self and not for the purpose for which they were called. What stands out to me is that we are all elders, shephers, and overseers in the body of Christ. We may not have the title, but in the scriptures we are told to spread the word, mininster to the sick, elderly and to feed the hungry, clothe those in need and give drink to the thirsty. This usually involves most everyone that is able to move about to be working for the good of the Lord. We are all parts of the body of the church and everyone is needed. Let me not be faint nor weary, but move forward doing what the Lord would have me to do and give praise and glory to Him at all times.

If we are a healthy christian then we know we will not be standing alone during persecution. We are told he that is not for me is against me. I therefore am following my Lord and Savior. If and when I am persecuted (which is sure to come at the end of time) I shall ask the Holy Spirit to substain me to stand and count it pure joy. If Jesus could suffer for me could we not do the same with his love and power to guide us. If we aren't willing to die (this could be to self or sin) then how can we take up the cross daily. We need to be willing to set our face like flint and walk humbly in the ways of the Lord. Yes sometimes it is difficult to take up the cross, but through prayer and pettion to the Lord we will be able to carry the cross. He said no burden is to heavy, but lay it at the feet of Jesus. He cares for us just like we care for our children. What does this have to do with commiting ourselves to a faithful creator? When we commit our lives to Christ we die to our self and lean on Him. We have become joint heirs to the heavenly Father. We die daily to ourselves, it does not happen all at once. We have many areas in our lives that need to be cleaned daily. The songs that comes to mind at this time is "Take all your cares to the Altar" and "Jesus Paid it All". I have been blessed when I struggle the Holy Spirit gives me a song in my mind and heart. I sing and rejoice in that knowledge. MAY THIS BE A BLESSING TO ALL WHO READ IT TODAY OR TOMORROW!

I think if and when I am persectued by people then I must be saying or doing something right for Jesus. I don't spend a lot of time doing and being part of events that are not conected to learning more of Jesus. My husband and I limit how much we partake in things of this world. ( Weddings, anniversaries parties and other things along this line). We do come in contact with non-believers just in everyday life with out going looking for events that could cause some to doubt our dedication to following Jesus. We are not heads in the sand people, but spread the word of the Lord in many other ways. If we are persectued we count it all for good, knowing then we are pleasing to the Lord. Yes we are persecuted with words of being to sold out and being legal people, because we believe the scripture to be truth. I would count it pure joy knowing that through my being persecuted Jesus receives the Glory. Praise to our Lord Jesus through him all things are possible.

When I meditate on the idea of partaking of or sharing in Christs sufferings I of myself would fail. Therefore I will trust in the Lord to carry me through and count it as blessings. Could I do suffering without the power of the Holy Spirit? Never in my whole life, but through his power all things are made possible. The tought of how Jesus suffered with all the persecution is probably not something we will suffer in our lifetime unless the end should come. Should that time arrive we could possibly suffer some of the persecutions others have expereinced in acknowledging Jesus. My perspective is to trust in Jesus and lean not on my power, but trust solely in the power of Jesus. I will not lean on my full understanding of the love and scarifice that was made for me, but accept that love from my heavenly Father and know that the scarifice was made in my stead. Thank you Jesus for saving me. My life is in your hands.

The danger of trying to avoid persecution and suffering for Christ is one that I haven't had to deal with like people in forgein lands. Mine has been rather mild in comparison. My husband and I have received some remarks, but those we can handle through Christ. On our own we could not do as well. When you let the remarks, or out right persecution get to you it is best to spend time in prayer and talking to fellow believers. (If available). Distractions come when I take my eyes off of Jesus and my walk with him and is not usually done by persecution. I have been slandered and it did cause me to lose time and fellowship with fellow believers. I still spent time with the Lord, but it kept me from spreading the word and serving others during that period of time in my life. That time did cause me to grow more spiritually and and closer to the Lord and grow deeper in knowledge of Him. I am sure other christians suffer as much or more than some, we are to call upon the Lord in times of trouble and He will see us through. If we have no pain how we know when all is well. If we only have sunshine how will we grow without rain. If we do not go through the valley how will we know we have made it to the top of the mountain. We all grow through trials or at least we should. Praise the Lord we do not have to do everything perfect.

People who feel the need to boast about how God is using them are still babes in the christian walk. When we hear this happening we need to pray for them to realize it is not them that get the glory it belongs to the Lord Jesus. We can do nothing in and of ourselves, but only through the workings of the Holy Spirit. Their sense of self worth is either very high or they are using this to build themselves up. The maturity level, I would say is that of a very young christian and they do not yet realize everything should be done to bring glory to God. Humility is not one of their greatest assets, but it is possible to enter in to humility if others are praying for the person who are always promoting themselves and their works. We are told to not let the left hand know what the right hand is doing. To me that means no braging. The Spiritual gifts that have been given to me are to be used to bring glory to our Lord and Savior. They are gifts to be used and not abused. Serve and be willing to go or do what ever the Holy Spirit leads me to do. Our life in all ways should reflect the love of Jesus. We should always be learning and seeking more wisdom. Hopefully we all are reflecting on the sacrifice made for us by Jesus. With out that we would be lost!!!

Non christians don't like he idea of accountabilty for the simple reason of rebellion. The old saying no one will tell me what to do! That statement and the one if it feels good then it must be right. These kind of thoughts are simply not wanting to show accountabilty. When you have to be accountable for your words, action and deeds the old nature has to be reeled in. Most people have never liked being accountable to anyone not even christians. Even today there are christians that think theirs is the only way something can get done and their way is the only way to show how a christian should conduct themselves. Some even go so far as to think if you don't worship as I do you are dry bones. We need to account for our actions so we can stand in the presences of our Lord. Once you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior the meaning of being accountable takes on a whole new meaning to me. I want to be accountable and I want to be walking, talking and acting in a way that will bring glory to the Lord. My attitude is one of servant. Trusting in that Jesus wants only the best for me, even though sometimes I might not see it as the best right away. I trust in the Word and try to walk in the path set before me even when I stumble I know I will be forgiven. As Easter draws near one can fully appreciate what the cost was for our salvation and eternal life. HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!!!!!!!!!!

When Non Christians try to get Christians to sin, I wonder how strong the christian has made their views known. I can imagine that the Non Christian would feel better about the sin they are taking part in if the christian goes along with it. It would then make them feel ok about what they are doing. The bible tells us not to cause someone to stumble and myself try to get in those situations. This is not perfectly, but most people know where my husband and I stand and we stand firm. When one tries to be like non christians just to belong then they are with the wrong crowd. Find a church or fellow christians to associate with to be built up. To resist this temptation I would suggest reading the scriptures, fellowship with other believers and go to christian functions. Stand firm in what you believe, know what you believe, and why you believe.

To arm ones self you need to be in the word, believe the word and live by the word. Walking in a Christian life does not mean we will always do it perfect, but we are forgiven. Does that mean we should go on sinning?When we sin, we should confess that sin and accept the forgivenes of our Lord and Savior. Yes Jesus did know he came to die for our sins and that sin is why he had to die the death of the cross. God the Father can not stand the sin of this world and so we have to have the interssor Jesus. We need to be aware of sin in our life and know sometime we are a testimoney to the love of Jesus, by our action and choices we make in our life. I did see the movie "The Passion" and was impressed by it and found it to be uplifting in the knowledge of Jesus death and suffering for my eternal life.

I have been gone for several days and have just started reading my mail. I know this is late, I did want to write an answer to this important part of the lesson. I have accepted Jesus as my personal Savior. I in of myself am not worthy, but through the blood I am and shall always be a child of God. I have been sprinkled on and again baptized by submurging in water. How it is done is not the thought, but through it I declare my following and teaching of Jesus. Does it save me? I know that my salvation came by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I shall love him with all my heart, mind and strength. Will I be perfect in my walk? No! I will still keep on the path that leads to eternal life with my Father.

To mistreat your wife or visa versa (husband) is to put undue strain on the relationship God has intended for us. To say this doesn't happen at times is probably not accurate. I do believe that when we do have disagreements, it is in our best interest and relationship with God to correct and forgive. This does not mean we will always agree, but to abuse ones spouse is not in Gods plan for a marriage. The Lord does not expect any of us to be a doormat for one another. Rather we should work at lifting one another up in honor and appreciation of the good we have living with each other. He tells us not to let the sun go down on our anger so we do not sin. If and when we do sin, He is quick and just to forgive if we repent. We can not expect to be perfect, but still we should strive to be godly people. When we married we become a strong cord of three strands. God first, husband and wife make up the three strands. In each of our lives God is always first, but after that nothing else should stand in the way or cause to seperate. If we treat each other the way we would like to be treated then love usually will draw each close to the other. When we are selfish and wanting our own way that is when we give in to our own desires first. Put others above yourself and treat each accordingly. Trust, fairness and goodness does lots!!!!

To cultivate inner beauty is to be sold out totally to the Lord, this creates a peace that can pass all understanding. When we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit that inner peace shows to others that we have and inner beauty. Some people are very average in outer looks, but that inner beauty causes one to look deep into the soul of that person. Love usually abounds in and around those that follow the Lord and trust in him only. Character comes by following the directions of the Bible in leading a godly life even when trials come. When we go through trials and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit we build character. If you don't go through any valleys how will you know you have made it out. If you know no sorrow or pain how will you know when to rejoice. Our character is always being refinned, because we are not prefected no matter how long we have been a Chrisitan. Character is important and precious to God showing we are willing vessels to learn, do and obey his word. Does this mean we will be perfect? No! We are to work at attaining the prize at the end of the race. Christian women with godly character can win and hang on to her husband if she makes him feel important enough to put him before herself. If he is not a Christian, then he will need to see the word of the Lord in her actions and not her nagging. Let the light of the Lord Jesus shine and you can light up a large area, but this must be done in a humble way. A Godly woman is one to look up to and treasure. This I hope is what people see in me as I journey through this land singing as I go.

The scripture tells us to dress in modest ways by example of our hair, clothing and cleanliness. We should dress not to draw attention to our outer looks, but to our enter beauty through Christ. We need to dress age appropriate, not try to act younger or older. Be mindful of make-up, clean hair and in all manner of dress not to draw undo attention on ones self. Think when you buy or pick clothing to wear, is this something I could be glad if Jesus was standing face to face with me. If not you need to change your style, because Jesus does see you and if you are a child of God you need to keep that in mind. When people see you they should see Jesus. That does not mean you can't buy a nice dress or wear a pair of slacks or shorts. It does mean to dress modest!!! You should not show off parts of the body that are meant for private married purpose or in other words be like a prostitute. We are to draw Jesus to the people not be in any manner offensive and drive them away from our Lord. One thing I would like to add also is if you have not dressed before in a matter in which you think Jesus would like you can change that. We are not prefect people, but we are forgiven and there is always room for change. Let today be a new day and a new start if you think you have not dressed properly.

Most of the time we all like to be in control of our thoughts, action and emotions and to be submisive means we have to put pride aside and recognize we as humans do not have all the answers. When we are submisive to our husbands we are in the will of God. When the husband is not a christian, that can relate to having God as the authority, then it would be harder to always be in a submisive mind. This would take prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit to accomplish a submisive relationship. Therefore it works better to have a christian husband so he knows his role as head of the family and household is the same attitude as Christ is head of the church. Even so, we still do need guidiance of the Holy Spirit and prayer in order to be submisive to a godly husband or the husband to be respectful to his wife. You do not have to remain silent when you don't agree as usually no two people look at everything the same. The bible does tell us it is okay to disagree, but to not let the sun go down on anger. Submission is wrong for christians when you are asked to take part in ungodly things. Our actions are sometimes the only testament to a loving and merciful God.

With Jesus paying the price for my sins past present and future I can stand in the Holy Room and be declared a child of the King! I have been set free by the Son and who the Son sets free they are free indeed. When he died on the cross and entered into hell and rose again, so through his suffering I am made an heir and will have eternal life and shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever! It is amazing that these questions come at a time when the movie Passion of Christ is playing a most theathers around the country. I find the fact that Jesus came and died for me most humbling. I am not perfect, but through him I stive to be prefected and it is not through works, words or deeds. This is a gift. We can and should do works and have faith, but above all simply live our lives according to His word as best we can. He is quick to forgive and to walk us through any valley or meet us on any hilltop. Praise the Lord! He is alive!

To understand the need for a Savior we need to go back into the Old Testament. The day Adam and Eve sinned was the day all were condemend. Therefore in order for us to be made right with God there had to be a sacrifice of the shedding of blood of a perfect lamb. God in his tender mercy sent Jesus to be that perfect sacrifice and He knew no sin, but we are as filthy rags in of our own. When Jesus died on the cross God the Father had to turn away because the sin was so vile to him. That is why Jesus cried out to him saying Father why has thou forsaken me. When he died on the cross the doorway was open for all to have accesss to the the heavenly throne without anymore shedding of blood for our sins. Believing in the sacrifice made by Jesus and trusting in His death and resurection for our sins grants us the right to salvation and to enter into the kingdom of heaven. There we shall sit at the feet of Jesus. To accept salvation we do have to do our part by repenting of being with sin and in rebellion and ask for forgiviness and He is quick to forgive. He will pour out love upon us and draw us close to Him. There is peace which the world cannot give, but can be received as a gift from our Heavenly Father.

The pain and anguish, suffered by Christ in my place is the greatest gift that could be given. He not only suffered physical pain, but spiritual pain as well. I myself stand in awe of this gift of grace that he laid down His life that I might live. It was through the blood of the Lamb(Jesus) that all could receive forgiveness, and live with Him forever eternally. He who knew no sin died for all people who believe in Him and trust in the death and resurection for their salvation. We alone are not capable of paying for the punishment due us and I praise God that He gave His only Son to die so all might live.

To live in submission to authority and follow the law of the land brings glory to God because we are set apart. We should be a wittness to all that is right and good not bringing dishonor to our christian family and most of all to our heavenly Father. Following rules that are not in submission to Gods laws is not necessary, but at this present time we are not in these situations. The court hearings on the 10 comandments being displayed in public does start to make us think what is next. Prayer is a big part of being submisive, for we on our own are not capable of handling all that the world would want us to believe. When we become rebellious, we become seperated from the truth and sometimes find it difficult to admit to being rebellious. By God is faithful and just and quick to forgive. Therefore there is no condemnation on us, but with prayer of repentance are made right again and again. It does cause sadness when we experience this rebellion, we do not lose our salvation. Be quick to repent as you would to an earthly parent or other person in authority. When we work, we should work to our best ability and not worry about what some one else is or is not doing and how much they receive for their payment. Let all things that you do, do for the glory of God. Sorry don't mean to preach.