Our struggle is not against flesh and blood

[Carico]

There is never any reason to attack another Christian personally because it can't change one word in the bible. None of us wrote the bible so none of us is responsible for what the bible does or doesn't say.

So when scripture is being discussed, then all that's needed is scripture to prove one's point. That means making sure that no scripture disagrees with the point we are trying to make. It's that simple.

 

[yort]

Not exactly

Sometimes we have to attack those things which are wrong.And sometimes will use strong language,(GAL 1:11;2:1,2).And there will be those that think we`re being harsh and unloving, and this is where we have to be lead by the spirit, and do this in love.In my heart I know that Paul was correcting the Galatians and Corinthians in love,to give them better understanding.

 

[Mark of Faith]

Thanks Carico. And I agree.

I think it important also to retain some humility in discussing doctrines. There are some denominational differences in which one person may express a view, back it up with Scripture, and yet disagree with another who has also backed up his view with Scripture.

Does this mean the Bible has contradictions? No. It means that each of us are fallible, limited beings who cannot grasp the greatness and fullness of God's wisdom. If, in a discussion on Scripture, we start personally attacking a brother or sister because they disagree with our take, we are, effectively, saying that we've got it. Just as the Pharisees did, and do.

But that does not mean that we keep quiet if we believe a brother or sister errs. We lovingly, and gently, correct, bearing in mind that we too have got some things wrong. Paul wrote of that, but I can't find the Scripture reference.

Mark.

 

[Carico]

Thanks Carico. And I agree.

I think it important also to retain some humility in discussing doctrines. There are some denominational differences in which one person may express a view, back it up with Scripture, and yet disagree with another who has also backed up his view with Scripture.

Does this mean the Bible has contradictions? No. It means that each of us are fallible, limited beings who cannot grasp the greatness and fullness of God's wisdom. If, in a discussion on Scripture, we start personally attacking a brother or sister because they disagree with our take, we are, effectively, saying that we've got it. Just as the Pharisees did, and do.

But that does not mean that we keep quiet if we believe a brother or sister errs. We lovingly, and gently, correct, bearing in mind that we too have got some things wrong. Paul wrote of that, but I can't find the Scripture reference.

Mark.

Right. So all we do is produce scripture to make our point or refute the points of others when they contradict scripture. And others are free to do that with us. So all that needs to be discussed is scripture. :embarasse

 

[Boanerges]

Just my opinion:

I believe there is another factor-
we are commanded to speak the truth in love. If we leave out the love then are we different from the Pharisees who used God's Word to create bondage? Can one represent Christ without speaking in love?
If one clubs another with God's Word to prove his correctness do we see Christ in that?

There are many maturity levels and levels of understanding in Christ.
The very young are likened to babes; babies make a lot of noise and some stinky mess.

Some are young men in the Lord; they are growing but have not yet learned humility and self sacrifice.

There are those who have matured in Christ; these have no trouble bearing one anothers burden; putting the base parts of the body first; being careful not to defile a weaker brothers faith and preferring one another in love.

There is room for differening opinions within the body.
Personally I do not think the body will be unified in doctrine before the return of Christ but we can be unified in spirit and purpose.

Again these are just my opinions. If I may I would like to post something I feel that the Lord put on my heart once before. It has to do with Church in general but i believe it is applicable wherever the people of God meet:

A church is a hospital for souls

Don't expect to go and not find anyone without at least as many problems as you have yourself.

If someone is hypocritical then church is the perfect place to get set free

Love more, look for faults less

If you want to be touched by God reach out and touch someone with His love

Love the unlovely

Be an encourager people don't need to be told what their problems are but instead they are looking for answers so point them to Jesus for He is their answer

Support your church, it takes alot of finances to pay utilities, salaries, supplies etc., etc.

Be quick to forgive, give as much mercy as you yourself need (it's usually more than we think)

Don't take offense, see the people who hurt you through Jesus eyes and your heart will quickly change

Or as the Lord put it so very well- Love ye one another even as I have loved you- selah.

 

[stephen]

There is never any reason to attack another Christian personally because it can't change one word in the bible. None of us wrote the bible so none of us is responsible for what the bible does or doesn't say.

So when scripture is being discussed, then all that's needed is scripture to prove one's point. That means making sure that no scripture disagrees with the point we are trying to make. It's that simple.

Wow....Wisdom indeed

Be blessed dear brother........in Jesus

 

[Brother Mike]

Scriptures........

Carico:

That means making sure that no scripture disagrees with the point we are trying to make. It's that simple.

Well, we run into how a person is interpreting that scripture. We are on all different levels of understanding as the Lord has shown us things.

For example, A brother told me Jesus used a Sword because he read it in the Bible.

Mat 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

Jesus said he is not coming to send peace.

Joh 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

Or maybe he wants peace????? but he still had a sword, so maybe not.


So, scripture can be used, and it can say what the person thinks it says and mean what the person thinks it means. It does not always make them right though, even with scripture.


Job 1:21 .............. the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

Rom 11:29 For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable. [He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.]

Jesus Is Lord

 

[Carico]

Wow....Wisdom indeed

Be blessed dear brother........in Jesus

I wish I could take credit for it, but it comes from God's word. So as always, He gets the glory. Amen.

 

[Carico]

Carico:


Well, we run into how a person is interpreting that scripture. We are on all different levels of understanding as the Lord has shown us things.

For example, A brother told me Jesus used a Sword because he read it in the Bible.

Mat 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

Jesus said he is not coming to send peace.

Joh 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

Or maybe he wants peace????? but he still had a sword, so maybe not.


So, scripture can be used, and it can say what the person thinks it says and mean what the person thinks it means. It does not always make them right though, even with scripture.


Job 1:21 .............. the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

Rom 11:29 For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable. [He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.]

Jesus Is Lord

Since the bible says that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, then that's of course true. :wink:

Jesus brought a sword not to fight with people but to separate the sheep from the goats. And he does because people either believe him or they don't. "He who is not with me is against me." It's that simple. :wink:

 

[Mark of Faith]

Babes

An interesting thread, and I agree with Boanerges that there are varying levels of maturity in the Church. This is Scriptual and also borne out by experience.

Taking verses out of the whole of revealed Scripture can give an impression that once taken in context is found not to be true, so we need to read the Bible extensively.
How does a baby grow?

1.1 Peter 2:2
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation NIV.

As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby NKJV.


I remember in a Bible study I was doing that "pure" means not watered down or added to. Although preaching and teaching is good, the "pure spiritual milk" is to prayerfully read the Bible for oneself.

And yes, as babies grow we need to talk about what we have learnt. And we need to do so humbly (whatever stage we are at). And sometimes we will get things wrong, and a loving brother or sister correcting us is good, if done in love. But let us be far quicker to listen than to go on the defence.

Mark.