Chilimoma

If we are truly forgiven, we will want to serve in obedience. Our CONDITION (fruit) will show or prove our POSITION (salvation).

I would describe the behavior of a Christian who identifies more with his or her present homeland than his or her heavenly one as an "illegal alien." Everything -- the language, the customs, the activities, the culture -- is way too enticing, and although the "alien" longs to participate in the enticements, he or she knows deep inside that their end is deception. Every honest believer would have to admit that he or she has been trapped while climbing under the fence that separates his or her native land from the land of his or her true citizenship. To get our spiritual priorities straight, the "immigration authorities" must intervene. God wisely allows trials, anguish, dissatisfaction, emptiness and other hindrances to come into our lives to gently remind us that "This world is NOT our home..." Faithful study of His Word is necessary to deport us back as refugees to the realm of His residence.

First, Pastor Ralph, I want to thank you for your tireless efforts is sharing the truths of God's Word in a meaningful and edifying way. May He bless you for using your unique gift for that purpose. Second, knowing that God has established three institutions on earth, the family, civil government and the local church, He has reiterated through the "Vision for the Church" Bible Study that the Church, the body of Christ composed of men and women who have accepted His gift of salvation and are called by God to serve Him, has been commissioned by Him to carry out His purpose of reaching the lost and perfecting or maturing believers. His plan for me as a believer is best fulfilled in connection with my local congretation. I will continue to support my local church in its efforts to build and teach God's Word to believers, provide fellowship with other believers, encourage prayer, give testimony of God's grace and power on a daily basis, help minister to the needs of the body, reach out to my community, and glorify and praise Him. Thanks again, for this study. I'm anxious to get started with the Revelation series. Debbie

As a result of this five-week study, I am convinced, more than ever, that the Church is God's institution provided on earth as a means to glorify Him by showing His power and presence. We are to operate as a unit as His is unified, and minister to those around us who need His love and His answers. The Church, which He has ordained, is nothing to be taken for granted; it is a picture of His relationship as the groom with us, His bride.

How do you know that John the Baptist's statement about the Lamb of God refers to sacrifice? From the time of the first sin, in the Garden of Eden, the shedding of the blood of an innocent lamb was used to atone for sin. Therefore, since John states that Jesus was the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world," it follows logically that the "sin of the world" would be paid for by the sacrifice of that indicated "Lamb of God." How was the comprehensiveness of "sins of the world" so radical a concept? First, until the coming of the true "Lamb of God," sacrifice in atonement for one's sins was an individual, rather than global, activity. Each person was required to take full personal responsibility for his particular sin. Therefore the concept of one, perfect Lamb of God taking away ALL the sins of ALL the world was revolutionary. Second, also until the coming of the true "Lamb of God," with a few exceptions, God had dealt primarily with His chosen people. (and those exceptions were through dealings with or related to someone of His chosen people) The concept of the Lamb of God atoning for the sins of all the world, was a shocking concept.