DrD

NO, th ewriter of the Book of Hebrews is not teaching or suggesting that it is possible to gain salvation by living holy because salvation is by grace and faith and not by works. . .Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. YES, hibitual sin can deprive us of heaven because such a lifestyle will result in the rejection of Christ / apostasy - wherein there is no sacrifice for such. . .

Women dressing in fancy clothes in Ephesus had the tendency to compromise the church's witness in two areas; (1) it could cause more attention given to them than to the church and its purpose; and (2) it could result in a schism between the fortunate and not so fortunate members in the church and community. . . Even though times and customs change the priciples of God never change - fashions that have the effect of drawing more attention to self than our cause - and fashions that have the tendency to elevate us above others causes divisionsand schisms in the church and do a dis-service to our purpse. . .

Because they have not the ability to change the nature of a human being from that of sin to righteousness - only Jesus is able to perform that act. . . Completeness through a genuine relationship with Christ. . .

NO, that is not true - there are times when "punishment" is a necessary ingredient in the process of correction. . . I believe that every object or event that God uses to "CHASTEN" us is intended to correct us and make us better, however, I also believe that punishment is sometimes necessary in this process. . . The purpose of God's discipine is to correct us - to make us stronger, wiser, and much better - it is to make us more effective and successful in our service to Him. . . John 15:1-8 (NKJV) 1 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

The dispute between those who were standing firmly on the truth in the Word of God and those who were teaching erroneous doctrines had become so severe that it had left a negative effect on the teachers of righteousness. It appears that they were going through the motions of prayer while their mouths and hearts were filled with anger and infighting. . . Attempting to prayer with impure hearts or even unforgiveness risk the possibility of God not hearing your prayers. . . OUR HEARTS MUST BE PURE. . .

Through forgiveness we have been made alive spiritually cancelling the regulations and requirements of the Law in that the Law has been fulfilled by Jesus - forgiveness establishes a relationship with Jesus thereby freeing us from the Law. . . The significance of the Law being "nailed to the Cross" is that at His death (which is the payment for our sins) - the demands of the Law have been fulfilled thereby disarming the power and demands of sin - giving is the victory over sin. . .

As the author said when we are being chastened by the Lord, it doesn't feel good - there is no joy in it - however, I must also agree that the results are positive. . . It would be so very nice if we could get those results without the chastening process - but I like King David realize that if the Lord does not chasten me to develop discipline in my life - I could not - and would not - do what is necessary to develop the quality of discipline necessary to live for God and glorify Him. . . I accept and agree that whatever God allows to come into my life as a form of chastening or discipline building - it doesn't feel good and I really don't enjoy it - but it does bring about positive changes in my life. . . THANK YOU LORD. . . . Chastening for the Christian believer develops a discipline in our lives that improves the qualities and charateristics that are necessary to please God, live an obedient life that makes our service to God effective and also have such a witness that draws other to Christ as well. . . When God chastens us the results are positive mentally and spiritually. . .

Paul emphasized the dual rles of Christ as Mediator and Ranson to help us better understand His purpose in our deliverence - Jesus not only paid the ransom by His sacrificial death - He was the Ransom and the Mediator who acquired our deliverence and atonement. . .

Christ's divinity according to verse 9 - first and foremost it tells us that Jesus and Gon are One therefore God dwells in Him fully and completely - the nature and attributes of God are in Him completely - not in any measure as it is in humanity - and that Christ has power and authority over all created things wherever they exist. . . we are complete or have come to fullness in Christ through our fellowship with Him wherein He dwells in us. . . This means that we must remian in Christ and that He must remian in us if we are to remain complete - if we are to retain our victory over sin, the world, the devil, and our flesh. . . We fail to understand this because we think that there is somethimng we can do, or need to do to become complete. . .

Spiritual warfare is sometimes weary because it never seems to end. . . There is very "little" time to relax and re-gather our thoughts and strengthen our minds. . . There was a situation with John the Baptist where he appeared to become weary waiting and expecting Jesus to deliver him from prison. . .. Matthew 11:2-3 (NLT) 2 John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, 3 Are you the Messiah we‘ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else? We must continue to resist the temptations to become weary because if satan can wear us down, then he can dominate us. . . Then also, as we resist the temptation to become weary we develop the tenacity and fortitude that is necessary to remain resistant to this temptation to give up - and more importantly, as we resist the devil - he is forced to flee from us. . . James 4:7-8 (NLT) 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Resisting the devil also has the ability to wear the devil down - and provide strength to us. . . Matthew 4:1-11 (NLT) 1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. 2 For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. 3 During that time the devil came and said to him, If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread. 4 But Jesus told him, No! The Scriptures say, People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, 6 and said, If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won‘t even hurt your foot on a stone. 7 Jesus responded, The Scriptures also say, You must not test the Lord your God. 8 Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him the kingdoms of the world and all their glory. 9 I will give it all to you, he said, if you will kneel down and worship me. 10 Get out of here, Satan, Jesus told him. For the Scriptures say, You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him. 11 Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus. Luke 22:39-46 (NLT) 39 Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. 40 There he told them, “Pray that you will not give in to temptation. 41 He walked away, about a stone‘s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine. 43 THEN AN ANGEL FROM HEAVEN APPEARED AND STRENGTHENED HIM 44 He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. 45 At last he stood up again and returned to the disciples, only to find them asleep, exhausted from grief. 46 Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. Get up and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. YES, but thanks be to God - I was able to recover with support and direction from His Holy Spirit and His Word - He also gave me the mind and the courage to get us and get back into the battle - wherein He gave me the victory. . .

Paul empgasizes "salvation of all mankind" in this letter for two reasons; (1) this is in agreement with the will of God - that all men are saved; and (2) and when those who are in authority are saved it is mor likely that they will put forth a greater effort to please God than being politically correct. . . It appears that the Church at Ephesus had lost focus on the true purpose of God - evangelism / reconciliation - as well as their commission and responsibility as born-again-believers. . . Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT) 18 Jesus came and told his disciples,

There are many traditions and belief systems that have been passed down that are simply based on an idea or thought someone had - an act or program someone began that was designed to satisfy themselves. . . Although it was gratifying to them and possibly others - there was no real value or truth in it. . . We sometimes start family traditions that are passed down from generation to generation that gratify us but have no real value to anyone outside of our family or group. . . YES, I think many of us - if not all of us - have, but thanks be to God for revealing the truth to us before it was too late. . . Depending on what country we originally may be from - or what part of the country we may presently reside in - there are customs and traditions we may participate in that have been found to be deceptive and hollow. . . Some may jump brooms at wedding - some may hang horseshoes over their doors - some may refuse to sleep on or exit a certain side of the bed, -horoscopes, readings and such, etc. . . These are things that even believers may participate in - yet they are deceptive and hollow. . .

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THe "great cloud of witnesses" are the faithful believers of the Old Testament who maintained their faith in God through all types of test and trials looking forward to the promise of God. . . In spite of how things may come about in our lives we should not give up trusting God - knowing that our faith in God and His Word will not fail us or allow us to fail. . . Jesus was and is the "Originator" of our faith who though tempted in all point such as we are - did not yield to the temptation to sin - but trusted in the Father to the completion of the purpose of which He came into the earth. . . Jesus is also the "Perfector" of our faith in that He endured the Cross - atoning humanity's sins - trusting the Father to raise Him from the dead. . .

The motivation behind these actions is a genuine love for God. . . I think that their faith is based on two things (1) they had heard about God and the mighty exploits He had performed for His people "[b]faith comes by hearing the Word of God[/b]"; and (2) many had also experienced the miracles of God. . . I think the difference is a love for God. . . Fear of God is one thing - however when that fear is coupled with or motivated by love - it provides a means to not only trust God, but also to serve Him. . . I think that her faith was based upon what she had heard about God and was willing to trust Him for her deliverence. . .

Paul reminds Timothy that prophecies had been spoken over him to encourage him to standfast on the Word of God and to continue in faithful service to Chist. . . This was a reminder to Timothy that evn before he had accepted God's calling in his life God had prepared him for success. . . "FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH" - remain faithful in our service to God. . . Paul tells Timothy to "hold on to faith and a good conscience" because this is the very thing the false teachers had done - they had deserted the ways of Christ and were encouraging others to do the same. . . Faith is absolutely important in our ervice to God - Hebrews 11:1-2,6 (NKJV) 1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Our hearts must also remain pure if we are to be successful in serving God. . . Paul was trying to counter the temptations to compromise and become complacent - to stop standing for the truth and become passive and quiet in the face of evil. . .

Christ is not only unique but He is supreme. . . God's will, purpose, and plan for all of humanity is fulfilled in Christ - so by "NOT" knowing Him - knowing Him intimately - we have "NO" way of knowing Gd's will, purpose, and plan for us. . . What this means is that we need to come into an intimate, active and progressive relationship with Christ. . .

It takes a genuine faith in God to stand up against and oppose the world, its system and temptations. . . Moses had ot have a love for God and a confident trust in God (strong and active faith) that he would defend those who were in the family of God. . . He had to see God as One who would defend and provide for him. . . For us it has to be the same - we must not only see God as One who will protect and prvide for us - WE MUST KNOW HIM AS SUCH. . . Knowing Him as such gives us the courage to step out on His Word without any apprehension or fear. . . Joshua 1:7-9 (NKJV) 7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Romans 4:16-21 (NKJV) 16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all 17 (as it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations") in the presence of Him whom he believed--God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; 18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, "So shall your descendants be." 19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb. 20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.

That He is "ETERNAL" - that is without beginning or ending - He is ageless which means that there is no deteriation or weakening - He is absolutely perfect which means He can not be any better because there is nothing better - nor does He lessen; He is "IMMORTAL" - is not subject to death or dying; He "INVISIBLE" - although we are not able to view or see Him with the natural eye, He does without any doubt exist; and that He is "THE ONLY GOD" - there is no one or no thing that is equal to Him or that can compare to Him. . . . He alone is worthy of praise - He is to be reverenced and honored. . . YES, JUDE 24, 25. . . This doxology encourages me and helps me to be much bolder in my servvice to Him and walk with Him. . . .

Paul's struggle was to bring those that were involved in his ministry to maturity or perfection in Christ. . . It appears that Paul's struggle for the people to progress and mature in Chriat was in three basic areas; (1) publicly; (2) privately; and (3) within the community of the Church. . . "PERFECT IN CHRIST" means to progress or mature in our walk with Christ - to meet the highest standards - and to become fully developed as Christians. . . Paul's attempts to accomplish this goal through proclaiming or preaching the Gospel; by way of admonishing or warning believers to discontinue any and all activities or lifestyles that were contrary to or opposing the God will, plan and purpose for their lives and through instruction, teaching the Word of God. . .

Being committed in our service to Christ and prepared to move on while yet being useful to Christ while residing in this world. . . While here in the earth we must realize that we are citizens of heaven - we must live in such a way that when the time comes we can go there. . . We must understand that we are servants of Christ Jesus and while we are rewarded for our faithful service here - we cannot become so attached and influenced by these that we disqualify ourselves from the heavenly rewards. . . Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV) 1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. John 14:1-4 (NKJV) 1 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know."

So that all can know that salvation is for everyone - that no one is excluded from God plan of Salvation or His purpose for all of humanity. . . John 3:16-18 (NKJV) 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV) 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 1 Timothy 2:3-4 (NKJV) 3 [b]For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. [/b]

The mystery that Paul talks about is that Christ dwells with the Gentile Christians as well as in the Jewish Christians. . . Prior to the Day of Pentecoat the Spirit of God did not dwell with the spirit of the believer - but since the Day of Pentecost the Spirit of Christ endwells all born-again- believers. . . Acts 2:1-4 (NKJV) 1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 10:44-47 (NKJV) 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 47 "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?"

Abraham's truth-journey encourages me to continue trusting in God's promise of a much better place than this world to live eternally. . . Abraham's attitude helps me to not get caught-up in this world that I miss what God has offered me in the next world. . . We can enjoy the best this world has to offer - but not become so immersed in it that we forget where our real or true citizenship lays. . . That "HOLY CITY" the "NEW JERUSALEM". . . Revelation 21:1-4 (NKJV) 1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

(1) Leaders of the Church that were false teachers; (2) greed; (3) doctrines that were dividing the Church; (4) destruction of the faith of some of the Church members; (5) confusion and controversy. . . Basically we model our lives on what we were taught / how we are taught as well as those who taught us and teach us - which simply means if they were ignorant there is a very strong possiblity that we will also be ignorant - if they were off base we will also be off base. . . Bad doctrine results in controversial and warped Christians - Good sound doctrine / teaching results in mature Christians who pattern their lives after Christ and His teachings - live a life in agreement with the Word of God - which in-turn keep us on course with God's will, purpose and plan for their personal lives *** well as that of the Body of Christ as a whole (the Church). . .