DrD

I believe and am confident that the purpos for which Christ came into this world was completed by Him - I don't believe that there is anything lacking. . . I can't see that anything Paul suffered - or that I or any believer will suffer has anything to do with "completig" the purpose of Christ's suffering. . . I do understand and acept the fact the fact that we suffer we are disciples of Christ - because we are actively involved in proclaiming the Gospel and living a life that is consistent with what we believe. . . As stated above, I feel that whatever I suffer as a result of living a life consistent with what is required by Christ and proclaiming the truth is benefitial to the Church as a whole. . .

That against all odds and evidence contrary to the promise God has given Abraham had become so close to God - so familiar or exposed to God and His faithfulness - that he was able and willing to trust God wvwn in the most extreme circumstances. . . FAITH - a confidence in God that affords one to stand on the Word of God and promises of God expecting them to manifest and come to pass - no matter what the situation or circumstances might be. . .

Once we are saved we must continue doing those things - or better, living such a lifestyle so that the things we do are not contrary to God's will and plan for our lives but are in agreement with His will and plan and are in agreement with His Word. . . God's will, Word and plan do not change - so we have not the right to try and change them. . . we should not think that we can do whatever we want and think that we are yet in right standing with God. . . If we faith to "continue in the faith, established and firm, not moved" - we bear the burden of rebelling against God - failing in our service to Him - which increase the posibility of becoming apostate. . . The nature of the "Security we have in Christ" according to this passage of Scripture is that we are promised eternal life through Christ Jesus and as long as we "REMAIN IN HIM" - we are in a right relationship (righteous) with Him and have eternal life. . . Our security is in Christ Jesus "ALONE". . .Jude 1:24-25 (NKJV) 24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, 25 To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.

We believe that our God is eternal, all powerful and present everywhere at all times - that He is faithful to His Word, promises His character and His will. . . He is a God of love and although there are consequences to sin and disobedience, it is not His will that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. . . He has prepared a place wherein we can live eternally in His presence. . . He is the Creator and Maker of all things and all things whether in heaven, on earth, or beneath the earth are under His control and are subject to Him and in the end will honor Him. . . Noah had a faith wherein he trusted God enough to obey His commands and comply with His will before seeing the results. . . The basis of our faith is the same - loving God enough to trust Him - to stand on His Word and promises and to obey His commands before realizinbg the results. . .John 20:29 (NKJV) Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Faith grows and increases through hearing the Word of God and acting on His Word - an important element to hearing is having an action that responds bases on what is heard - having a "corresponding action". . .

Although we are not perfect we are presented holy, without blame, and free from accusation to God because we are now united with Christ and basically "IN HIM" - therefore when God looks at us He doesn't see us in our selves - He sees us in Christ who is holy, without blame and free from accusations. . .Romans 8:1-6 (NKJV) 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Believing in the existence of God is also experienced by demonic or evil spirits who according to the Word of God "shudder" at such but are in no way changed because of this belief. . . Believing that God rewards those who seek Him diligently / earnestly is what results in our being recompensed or rewarded by Him. . . Believing that God rewards those who are earnest, sincere, and / or persistent in our quest is important in rewards being manifest - if we don't ask we shouldn't expect to receive - if we refuse to seek we shouldn't expect to find anything and if we refuse to knock we can't expect to get an answer. . .

Jesus reconciled us through His substitutionary death on the Cross at Calvary as payment for our sins. . . His "SHED BLOOD" remitted our sins - Hebrews 9:22 (NKJV) 22 And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. Ephesians 1:3-10 (NKJV) 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth--in Him. Ephesians 2:10-16 (NKJV) 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. 11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh--who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands-- 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. The "BLOOD OF THE CROSS" - Jesus' shed blood resulted in His death which was a sacrifice offerfed by Jesus and accepted by the Father which prfoved His love for hiumanity - and when we express faith this act - repenting in our sins, and asking for forgiveness, we are then, at that point, reconciled to God. . . Reconciliation restores us back into a right relationship with the Father re-establishing fellowship with Him both now, in this world, and in the world to come. . . Reconciliation presents us to God. . .

Faith is exercising confidence in the things God has spoken / promised and being so sure of what He has said that we not only expect it to eventually come to pass - we believe that it is already done - this being evidenced by our actions and lifestyle in that we live as though we already possess it. . . 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.

RECONCILE - to restore peace and fellowship where it had been previously broken. . . 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 (NKJV) 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Before reconciliation we were "enemies" to God and separated (alienated, estranged) from Him because of sin. . . Romans 8:5-15 (NKJV) 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors--not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."

The Philippian Church had been a blessing to Paul and his ministry - as a resul of this the promise was made that God would supply thier every need according to His riches in Christ Jesus. . . There is no limit to God - so there is no limit to this promis God has given as long as the conditions are met. . . To me this promise is valid as long as I participate in God's plan by being a blessing to the work of the Church. . . As long as I am blessing His work - He will provide a way for me to continue to be a blessing and will also bless me for doing so. . .

I believe that perseverance in faith is sometimes hard because while attempting to persevere we sometimes find ourselves drifting back and forth between trusting God and wanting to see the results. . .2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV) For we walk by faith, not by sight. John 20:29 (NKJV) Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Perseverance has a way of developing Christlike qualities in our lives - making us stronger and wiser believers. . . Perseverance also rewards us with what God has promised and what we believe Him for. . . Christian fellowship is important in perseverance in that we are able to encourage others and be encouraged ourselves to hold on in our walk with the Lord - unto the end. . . Be supportive of them - pray for them and with them. . . Romans 15:1-7 (NKJV) 1 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me." 4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.

That we, the Church (Body) - we are connected to Jesus, who is the Head and under His authority. . . Jesus is Head of the Church both universal and local. . . Because Jesus is Head of the Church our natural reaction as a member of His Body is to be in complete agreement with His will, purpose and pan. . . The visible church represents the Head when we are in total compliance with His will and plan. . . As the Body of Christ we can do a lot better at following Jesus than we are presently doing. . . I believe that we are in agreement with His plam and purpose and doing a good job - however I feel we can do better. . .Philippians 3:12-15 (NKJV) 12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.

In their giving to the ministry of Paul they were giving to the work of the Lord. . . They were aiding or supporting the furtherance of the Gospel. . . Their giving was linked to temporal blessings in that God has vowed not only to return to us what we give - but to increase it causing more to come back to us than what we gave. . . Mark 10:28-30 (NKJV) 28 Then Peter began to say to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You." 29 So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, 30 who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time--houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions--and in the age to come, eternal life.

"DELIBERATELY KEEP ON SINNING" - this is a constant rejection of Jesus as Savior - continually rebelling against Him - which is a state or condition of "APOSTASY". . . Once we have been delivered from the power of sin (born again) - we no longer are controlled by Satan or so influenced by him that we "HAVE" to sin. . . We are saved yet living in the flesh so there are times when the thing(s) we do are not in agreement with the Word of God or God's purpose for our lives (in other words we commit sinful acts or activities). . . 1 John 1:6-10 (NKJV) 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. 1 John 2:1-6 (NKJV) 1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. 3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. As spoken above - it is not God's will that we sin - but should we occasionaly sin (in other words, if we do not have a practice of sinning - our lifestyle is not a lifestyle of sinning) - there is forgiveness for our sin(s). . . The writer of the Book of Hebrews (10:29) appears to be discribing acts of "APOSTASY" which indicates that a person has "NO" respect or regard for Jesus as the Savior of all of humanity. . . Romans 1:18-25 (NKJV) 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

Thrones, powers, rulers, principlaities, authorities - were all created by Jesus and are subject to Him - He has power and authority over them. . . Philippians 2:9-11 (NKJV) 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Knowing that they are subject to His authority - and knowing His love for us - they cannot go beyond His will or plan for humanity. . . 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 2:4 (NKJV) who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 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.

That Christ is sufficient to bring him through and out of any and every circumstance he might encounter in life. . . NO, the type of contentment Paul is takling about does not hinder ambition - on the contrary it gives us the confidence that we can accomplish anything we set ours hearts to. . . The thing that is necessary for us to achieve this kind of contentment is an active faith in God and in His Word. . .

The prime motive for meeting together with other believers is that we can all be encouraged to continue to grow and progress in our realtionship with Christ and be found ready whenever Jesus returns. . . Revelation 22:11-12 (NKJV) 11 He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still." 12 "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. Usually we are motivated to assemble with other believers so that we ourselves can be more effective in our service to Christ. . . Believers generally get out of the habit of assembling together for various reason one of which I believe is perpetrated by the times we live, the electronic age - where people can view worship services on the television and computer (internet). . . I believe that people use these entities as convenences which afford them the opportunity to do other things and also get "SOMETHING" of the Word of God - which does not allow then to fulfill or acquire their full potential in Christ. . . HOW CAN WE HELP THEM? through prayer and personal encouragement. . .Romans 15:1-7 (NKJV) 1 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me." 4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.

"Firstborn of all creation" means that Jesus ia preeminent - that He is the Author or Initiator of all creation physical and spiritual. . . Jesus is NOT a created being - He is the sum total of all creation. . . Jesus ia the Creator of all things and they exist to serve and glorify Him. . . Jesus is eternal, He has always existed and is the Creator of all things including all spiritual beings (angels, good and bad) - He is also the reason that things yet exist. . .

God uses and allows many things to build character in us. . . According to the Word of God there arfe times when we need to be corrected which God accomplishes by way of chastizement. . . Difficult and extreme situations help us to develop our faith in God. . . God knows and we need to realize and accept the fact that if God didn't permit these things our confidence we be in self as opposed to God. . . Poverty and riches can both be used by God to mature us when we establish ourselves in God and continue to trust Him and obediently serve Him. . . Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. 1 Timothy 6:6 (NKJV) Now godliness with contentment is great gain.

Basically it blocked and prevented sinful humans coming into the presence of God. . . The veil being ripped in two signified that Jesus' sacrifice was accepted - paying the penalty for our sins and providing for our atonement - which allows humanity to again come into the presence of God. . . NEW - because it didn't exist before Jesus opened up the way. . . Prior to Jesus being accepted as our atoning sacrifice - sin prevented us from comning into the presence of God. . . LIVING WAY - because Jesus wasn't simply martyred for a cause He believed in - He died to save us - was resurrected to justify us - and lives to continually intercede for us. . .

An image being the likeness or extension of someone or something - in Jesus, all that God is - His attributes, qualities, and purpose can be seen and realized in Jesus. . . Everything that God is is represented and performed in Jesus. . . Jesus is actually God in the flesh. . .

Remaining focused on something allows you gto discipline your actions to loine-up with and agree with what your mind is focused on. . . Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV) For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. . . . Romans 12:2 (NKJV) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. As opposed to focusing on those things that bring anxiety in life I have chosen to thing (meditate) on the Word of God which brings relief to the problems and situations of life - the blessings that God has bestowed in my life - family - health - strength, etc. . Thinking on the Word of God - meditating in the Word of God works great. However, I must admit that there are time of great struggle to remained disciplined in this effort and be victorious (discipline is a process that is well worth the effort it involves). . .

Humans who are greater than animals are the ones who had sinned - therefore the sacrifice of the lesser is not able to atone for the sins of the greater. . . On the other hand, Jesus, who is the Creater of all things is greater than those He created (man)- therefore the sacrifice of Himself for our sins is more than adequate to atone for all of our sins. . . Because the life is in the blood - this (sacrificial offering) being a system established by God Himself - The sacrifice of animals under the Old Covenant was accepted by God as an atonement until such time as Jesus offered Himself as an offering for the sins of all of humanity. . . 1 John 2:2 (NKJV) And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

By leading him throughout his life - and while leading him providing for his every need - protecting him from his enemies - and restoring him when he strayed. . . Psalms 23:1-6 (NKJV) 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever. God acts as my Shepherd in all of the same ways as He did for Jacob. . . I trus Him - however, i must admit that there has been times when "in self" I wasn't following Him as close as it was necessary for Him to do all of these things for me as He desired. . .

RESCUED - BROUGHT - REDEEMED - FORGIVEN. . . These actions are performed by God the Father through His Son Jesus. . . These actions are performed in humanity as a whole, however, one must be faith receive them before they become manifest in their life. . . We are qualified/enabled/made meet when we were rescued from the kingdom of darkness and brought into the kingdom of Jesus by the grace of God. . . We were rescued and delivered when Jesus paid the epnalty for our sins through His death on the Cross at Calvary - forgiving us our sins and providing for our redemption. . .