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The Incarnation: More Fantastic Than Fiction

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And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
(John 1:14)

Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven.
(1 Corinthians 15:45-48)

A Staggering Claim

“The really staggering Christian claim is that Jesus of Nazareth was God made man– that the second person of the Godhead became the ‘second man’ (1 Cor. 15:47), determining human destiny, the second representative head of the race, and that He took humanity without loss of deity, so that Jesus of Nazareth was as truly and fully divine as He was human…

It is here, in the thing that happened at the first Christmas, that the profoundest and most unfathomable depths of the Christian revelation lie. ‘The Word became flesh’ (John 1:14); God became man; the divine Son became a Jew; the Almighty appeared on earth as a helpless human baby, unable to do more than lie and stare and wriggle and make noises, needing to be fed and changed and taught to talk like any other child.

And there was no illusion or deception in this: the babyhood of the Son of God was a reality. The more you think about it, the more staggering it gets. Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as is this truth of the Incarnation.”

–J.I. Packer, Knowing God.

J.I. Packer’s Knowing God is available at the BLB Bookstore. The net profit from all Blue Letter Bible Bookstore sales goes toward evangelism and the preaching of God’s Word and the gospel of Christ around the world.

Comments

  1. Sadly Packer’s comment is steeped in what became orthodox dogma after the Council of Nicea in the 4th Century, when Constantine imposed one view of the nature of Christ on the ‘Christianised’ Roman Empire.

    The text in John 1 says ‘the word’ became flesh. The noun ‘word’ in Greek happens to be masculine (in French it is feminine!). In English we do not consider ‘word’ to be masculine, so we should more properly translate John 1:2 as ‘It was in the beginning with God’. Tyndale has: ‘The same was in the beginnynge with God. All thinges were made by it and with out it was made nothinge that was made. In it was lyfe and the lyfe was ye lyght of men.’

    So ‘the word’ is the very rationale, or expression of God that manifested itself in Creation (to make man in God’s image) and found its fullest expression in the Lord Jesus Christ, who became the Firstborn of the new creation.

    As John makes clear, Jesus, the Son, expressed the glory of the Father – he was ‘full of grace and truth’.

  2. Michael,
    The text was originally written in Greek to an audience that would understand what the author meant to write in that language. Why would you impose any other meaning based on other languages that the author didn’t even know? It is dishonest and mediocre to impose any interpretation based on what the English or French words mean. The fact that any other language fails to accurately convey the meaning of the text as originally written in Greek, is just another argument for the fact that Greek was a better instrument to convey that truth. You should not penalize the original text for the failure of other languages to express that truth in its fulness.
    Also, your argument regarding the Council of Nicea is pretty weak. Don’t think any of us want to go into a lengthy discussion about this… but will only say this: the fact that the church decided to sit down in the 4th century to explicitly define their current understanding of what they discovered in the Scriptures is not grounds for us to reject what they wrote. It doesn’t matter who wrote what when, the question is: is it according to Scriptures? And your argument out of English and French translations doesn’t help much.

    • Well said, my annon. friend.

      John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

      John 1:2 He was with God in the beginning.

      John 1:3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

      John 1:4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men.
      ___
      This, of course, is Jesus, God the Son, and God the Word. The Word (of God) is eternal-has always existed and always will Just as Jesus is eternal.

      Logos is no doubt masculine because Jesus is masculine. Makes sense. Right? 🙂 Blessings and Merry Christmas!

      • * This, of course, is Jesus, God the Son, and God the Word. The Word (of God) is eternal-has always existed and always will Just as Jesus is eternal.

        Logos is no doubt masculine because Jesus is masculine. Makes sense. Right? *

        Certainly makes logical sense to me James. 🙂

        This is part of the year we, as Christians, have an even greater opportunity to spread the good Word of our Lord Jesus Christ.

    • Anonymous; You state that the verse John 1:1 was Originally written in Greek but you offer no proof.

      Just because the New Testament Bible was copied and preserved in Greek for two thousand years does not mean that John did not originally write this letter in Hebrew to a Jewish people that needed to understand just who Jesus is/was.

      Also the “Church” that sat down in that council in the fourth century was not the same Church that Jesus had Started, that faced heavy judgment and persecution because they adhered to the Commandments of God. The Church that Jesus had started had long gone underground and into higing so that 4th century church was really a pagan institution.

      http://www.reformedreader.org/history/dugger/ch04.htm

      Read the true story of what happened to the true Church of God at the above link but be warned that it is quite a bit of reading to do, full of info that your mind may not be opened to received. Never the less it is the truth about what had happened to the true Church of God that Jesus started, that went into hiding because of persecution and judgment for their observance of the Sabbath and Commanded Holy days from the Bible. Observance and teachings that the church of this world does not adhere to.

      • http://www.reformedreader.org/history/dugger/toc.htm

        This is the same link as in the comment only from Chapter 1.

        There are a lot of other sites from different religions but the point is the same. The Council that met in Nicea was not really a “Christian” Church. It was a pagan practicing church that held on to the name of Christ but not to any of the teachings of Jesus.

        • Victor!

          I was wondering what perspective of which you have viewed what is the true Church of God and what it is not.

          I read the whole page recounting the well referenced history of the Early Church.

          What I have discovered thus far of the Early Church is much the same as they describe. I am most interested in Polycarp, the Bishop appointed by St. John the Divine. He celebrated the Sabbath on Saturday although his ministry was mostly of gentile converts.

          I do have one question. A particular “church” in our area is based upon the teachings of Armstrong. They maintain the only true time to worship is on Saturdays in a meeting room. I have spoken to one of their fellowship and found his philosophy wanting.

          What is your read on this thus far. I followed a link of a church related to the Reformed Reader site in our area.

          http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfm2000.asp

          I found this as a link

          http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfm2000.asp

          VIII. The Lord’s Day

          The first day of the week is the Lord’s Day. It is a Christian institution for regular observance. It commemorates the resurrection of Christ from the dead and should include exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private. Activities on the Lord’s Day should be commensurate with the Christian’s conscience under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

          Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 12:1-12; 28:1ff.; Mark 2:27-28; 16:1-7; Luke 24:1-3,33-36; John 4:21-24; 20:1,19-28; Acts 20:7; Romans 14:5-10; I Corinthians 16:1-2; Colossians 2:16; 3:16; Revelation 1:10.

          Any thoughts about Sabbath worship times and practices more inline with the early church?

          I respect your posts.

        • Victor,

          I do have some reservations that our church is the true church and your’s is not-ism.

          I have a problem with some latter church founders boldly named by their followers as some sort of prophets. This can evolve into a cultic form that is clearly not of God also. One must be exceedly careful in this regard. Followers of the Latter Day Saints were mislead by their leadership.

          Is Duggar revered by his followers as some sort of inspired leader that can be compared to an Armstrong?

          Another question: Does this incarnation of the Church of God give an order of Christ’s appearance? Is it as some believe that the church will escape any sort of tortures at the hands of Satan and his angels on the sixth trump? In other words does the church depart before Satan is thrown out of Heaven? Commonly referred to now as the “Rapture Doctrine”

          …
          “…
          Chapter 22 EIGHTEEN HUNDRED TO PRESENT DATE A.D. In the Latter Times Some Shall Depart from the Faith

          The Church of God has never set the time for the coming of the Lord, and yet they are not in darkness of this event, as others who do not take heed to the sure word of prophecy. By the signs that are given in the prophecies of the holy men of God the church ever knows certain things must come to pass before that event comes upon the world. Our ministers preach the coming of the Lord, as all good ministers of Jesus Christ should do. We look forward to its occurrence, trusting that we will be worthy to stand when it arrives. Yet we know by the signs of the times that Jesus is coming, and that soon, too. He is even at the door. — I Thessalonians 5:1-6; Rev. 22:20.
          …”

          The Church I found in our region associated with the Reformed Reader site does celebrate the weekly Sabbath on Sunday.

  3. 1Jo 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

    1Jo 1:2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen [it], and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

    YES,JESUS “IS” THE WORD. GODS TRANSLATION IS IN SPIRIT,IF WE LISTEN TO HIM HE WILL MAKE KNOWN TO US THE TRUTH OF HIS WORD AND HELP US DECIFER WHAT MAN HAS DONE TO IT.

  4. To further study John 1:1 go to BBL KJV and pull up Strongs and Lexicon or go to

    biblos.org > KJV > Original Languages

    As to the Council of Nicene go to The Christian Classics Ethereal Library. Pre (Ante), During, Post Early Church Fathers a good reference.

    What was the point of the feminine / masculine post? I am puzzled.

  5. John 3:3 … You must be born again…
    John 3:6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
    1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

    … I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind but now I see….

    Sola gratia… Sola scriptura

    Holy Spirit… have your way in Michaels life…

    Merry Christmas

  6. Correction, adam was not first man. That is in Genesis 2. Geneis 1 states ELOHOIYM created man male and female.

  7. Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil as pride and arrogancy and the evil way and A mouth that speaketh lewd things I do hate

    Luke 23:40 But the other answered and rebuked him saying fearest thou not GOD seeing thou art in the same damnation

    Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge but fools despise wisdom and instruction

    Psalm 34:11 Come ye children hearken unto me I will teach you the fear of the LORD

    Proverbs 1:29 For that they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD

    Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain GOD in their knowledge GOD gave them over to A reprobate mind to do those things which are not convenient

    Luke 23:40 But the other answered and rebuked him saying fearest thou not GOD seeing thou art in the same damnation

    Luke 23:43 And JESUS said unto him Verily I say unto thee today shalt thou be with me in paradise

    Loving the LORD

    • Steve,

      Not to doubt in anyway your veracity or fervor. I wonder at the choices of Scripture you use without any of your comments in-between. It is unclear to me at least where the series of Scriptures are going as a conclusion.

      Blessings our to all searching for the true Church of God in this most polluted Pagan world.

      Blessings of the season where all of us can redouble our efforts to understand more and more Jesus so we may grow in our process of sanctification.

  8. Brothers in Christ, i adjure you, it is of great importance for the defending of our faith to know these things, the details of scripture, the ‘definitive articles’, the ‘masculine and feminine’, the ‘Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic’, but sadly we can miss the mark of humility, when our intelligence shrouds our love for God. We must by all means defend the faith, but to bicker among ourselves, amongst brethren, is to steal the glory away from the power of God inspired scripture. The Word became flesh, and there do I find reason to glory and praise. For it said in Isaiah 7:14 that His name will be Immanuel (God with us). Remember the simple truths that God burned in your heart when you first trusted in Him as Lord and Savior, and there you will find a grace that has never left neither changed, remember when you stood before the Lord and He humbled you, and there i dare say stand continually humbled.

    “Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.” 2 Peter 1:5-7

    • Amen also to Joshua!

      * Brothers in Christ, i adjure you, it is of great importance for the defending of our faith to know these things, the details of scripture, the ‘definitive articles’, the ‘masculine and feminine’, the ‘Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic’, but sadly we can miss the mark of humility, when our intelligence shrouds our love for God. We must by all means defend the faith, but to bicker among ourselves, amongst brethren, is to steal the glory away from the power of God inspired scripture. *

      I’m right and your wrongisms can steal away the message of Jesus who came in the flesh, died for our sins, and rose again to God the Father. And will come again in bodily form.

      This is the message each of us must cling to. To pass on.

      Humility as Jesus has taught us is of utmost importance. So is the personal journey each of us must step to see the beautiful Savior’s face.

  10. In the Spanish translation the word for WORD is VERBO. Reminding me of the word VERB (pretty obvious) and that our God is a God of action. He made the first move to redeem us by sending His Verbo to become flesh.
    We can go back and forth about reformations and what is the true church OR we can simply receive the Gift that God sent us in His only Son, The Firstborn from among the dead. It’s the enemy that continually tries to keep us divided by doctrines and sabbath observances.

    Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God? That He was born of a virgin? That He suffered and died on the cross for our sins? That He was raised again on the 3rd day? Do you believe that He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father?

    THEN THAT IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME

    We’ll have the rest of eternity to figure out pre-trib/ post-trib and all that other stuff that keeps the Body of Christ focused on the wrong thing. Let’s honor Christ by being ONE BODY of believers.

    I may be a little passionate about this…

  11. In response to Erik,

    You said:

    “Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God? That He was born of a virgin? That He suffered and died on the cross for our sins? That He was raised again on the 3rd day? Do you believe that He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father? THEN THAT IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME”

    I hear your heart brother and I agree that we should seek a unity of the body of Christ. We should not “major on the minors” as some have said. However, I just think you need to be careful when throwing blanket statements out like that. In this day and age it is of utmost importance to define what Jesus we are talking about (this is a “major”). You could apply your above statements to a Mormon or a Jehovah’s Witness and then conclude that they are born again as well because they make the same claims. However, they are talking about a VERY different Jesus! The statement you made sounds a lot like the statements Joel Osteen has been making as of late!

    • Jeremy,

      * I hear your heart brother and I agree that we should seek a unity of the body of Christ. We should not “major on the minors” as some have said. However, I just think you need to be careful when throwing blanket statements out like that. In this day and age it is of utmost importance to define what Jesus we are talking about (this is a “major”).*

      I agree with the above. Before choosing a church I interviewed the pastor and some of the brethren. I did some online research into their website and doctrine they followed. Were they Philadelphian or Emergent for instance?

      We are to be Berean and find out if those we choose to fellowship are in line with our understanding of the majors in the Scripture.

      Personally I feel so many centuries have past that to wholey understand the first century church very difficult at best. But that is no reason to stop reading. Ask others what their current study suggests.

      • “that we should seek a unity of the body of Christ.”
        Ephesians 4:3 “Preserve” rather than seek unity.
        World of difference in that one word.
        Only two commandments and I am sure that each one who posted know what they are.

        As for the rest of this string Romans 14:5-10.

        • Ah yes!

          Thank you brother Howard for the pointers to Scripture!

          I feel blessed by true Christians here in my hometown who have sought to help me uphold my faith and grow in conviction. Learn, love, and live.

          Without their open doors I would be lost!

          Praise be to our Lord!

        • If something is already divided (which is often the case in the church), then unity must be sought after rather than preserved. How can I preserve something that does not already exist? Once it becomes unified, then it can be preserved (as the scripture you mentioned referenced).

    • Thank you, Jeremy, I was not aware of Mormon or Jehovah Witness theology. And I’m not all that familiar with Joel Osteen’s ministry either. My thought process in all the above is Rom. 10:9-13. Capping it off with v.13 whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Major on the majors, get unified, and quit playing “my-church-is-better-than-yours” games that gets no one saved!
      My greater issue is that of division.
      I’m probably way out of my league, but I don’t know anything about Philadelphian, Emergent, or Berean. And, with all due respect, I don’t care. At the end of the day, my neighbor, who desperately needs to hear the Gospel, who needs to hear that the King of Glory, the Lord of all Creation, came down from heaven and became flesh, probably doesn’t care either.
      Let’s build each other up and reach out. Instead of looking in and tearing down.
      I want to make a difference for the Kingdom of God. And all the bickering doesn’t serve Him well. That is my heart.

      1 Corinthians 1:10
      [ Sectarianism Is Sin ] Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

  12. A repost of an earlier thread.

    Be Steadfast In Standing for the Truth — Charles Spurgeon (Quote of the Day)

    http://www.erictyoung.com/tag/charles-spurgeon/

    Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)
    taken from: Motives for Steadfastness, Sermon No. 1111, May 11, 1873.
    http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/1111.htm

    Related Posts:

    • “Every True Christian Should Know and Love the Truth” — John MacArthur (Quote of the Day)
    • Love of the Truth by Archibald Alexander
    • God’s Word: The Final Authority, Period — Charles Spurgeon
    • “Truth is Truth, and Error, Error” — Richard Sibbes (1577-1635) (Quote of the Day)

  13. An Example of Berean thought process…

    Jesus = Truth

    http://www.erictyoung.com/2011/09/23/love-of-the-truth-by-archibald-alexander/

    Love of the Truth by Archibald Alexander

    “… I think it is John Newton who somewhere says that he never knew any person who appeared to be actuated by a sincere love of the truth, who did not come right after a while, however far off he might be when he began to feel this motive operating. The case of Thomas Scott is a remarkable illustration of this remark. When he commenced his correspondence with Mr. Newton, he was a Socinian, and was solicitous to engage his correspondent in a controversy on the points of difference. Mr. Newton, however, while he avoided controversy, still entertained and expressed the hope that Mr. Scott would come to a right belief, because he thought he perceived in him a sincere desire to know the truth…

    ….

    The genuine love of truth makes its possessor willing to relinquish his most cherished opinions as soon as it shall be satisfactorily demonstrated that they are not true. The love of the truth renders a man not only earnest in the pursuit of the beloved object, but impartial in his judgment of evidence. He fears deception, and admits new opinions only after the evidence has been thoroughly sifted and weighed.

    This disposition is commonly accompanied with a deep sense of our ignorance and liableness to error. The lover of truth cannot be satisfied with mere plausible appearances, he must have solid ground to rest upon; he therefore digs deep until he comes to a rock. And as the Holy Bible is the treasure of divine truth, he searches the Scriptures daily to find out what God has revealed. But conscious of his liableness to be misled by ignorance or prejudice in interpreting the Scriptures, he is incessant in his prayers for divine illumination. Such a one trusts little to his own reason or human authority; he wants to hear what says the Lord. And those who search for truth as for hidden treasure shall not be disappointed. There is a gracious promise that if we seek–we shall find. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not, and it shall be given him.”

    Prayer: Father, please lead us here to brotherly Christian truth presented in kindness.

    In Jesus Holy Name,

    Amen.

  14. Studying Jeremiah 1 onward is most important.
    God is outlining to us what we must do to follow Christ.
    The gift He sent us.

  15. Parallel Gospels
    http://parallelgospels.org/

    Parallel Gospels

    The Four Gospels Paralleled or A Harmony of the Gospels
    © Books for Living, Inc.

    PART I. THE SOURCES OF OUR KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS

    1. Luke’s Explanation of His Own Research

    PART II. THE PRE-INCARNATE STATE OF CHRIST

    2. John’s Picture of the Logos
    Going back to the original subject.
    Logos is fully explained here:

    http://mhcw.biblecommenter.com/john/1.htm

    <>
    Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible

    An Exposition, With Practical Observations, of The Gospel According to St. John

    PART III. THE TWO GENEALOGIES OF JESUS
    3. The Genealogy of Joseph in Matthew; that of Mary in Luke
    PART IV. THE BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD OF JOHN AND JESUS
    4. The Annunciation to Zacharias in the Temple
    5. The Annunciation to the Virgin Mary at Nazareth
    6. The Song of Elisabeth When Mary Visits Her
    7. The Magnificat of Mary in Reply to Elisabeth’s Greeting
    8. The Birth and Childhood of John the Baptist
    9. The Annunciation to Joseph in Nazareth
    10. The Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem
    11. The Song of the Angels to the Shepherds near Bethlehem

  16. Erik,

    If you don’t mind, may I recommend a book to you? It is called “The Basis of Christian Unity” by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Below is a link to the book. It’s an easy “layman’s read”

    http://www.christianbook.com/the-basis-of-christian-unity/d-lloyd-jones/9780851518466/pd/51846X?product_redirect=1&Ntt=51846X&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

    As far as you not caring about the difference between the Philadelphian, Emergent, etc., I would be prayerful about your approach to that matter. It would be wonderful if none of that mattered, however the reality is that in today’s age of Christianity it does matter immensely. There are many false doctrines out there that are leading people astray to a false gospel and a false Jesus. This is taking place especially in the emergent church. As believers is it not our place to understand the times that we live in and to refute false teaching using the truth of the word of God? Think about Paul, he spent most of his time writing letters refuting false teaching within the “church”… we know these as Paul’s epistles. Paul saw fit to specify the truth of Jesus Christ in his letters and to name those who did not speak the truth. Was he being divisive and bickering in doing so? I think not. You certainly have the right heart brother to want to stop all needless arguing (and in that I agree with you), but it seems that you have taken it to the other extreme in implying that “none of this really matters, lets just preach Christ”. Yes, but what Christ are we talking about?

    How about the “my church is better than yours” thing? Well I hear what you are saying (and in many cases this is the wrong way to approach matters), but from God’s perspective if one church is teaching the truth and the church next door is teaching a lie, isn’t the 1st church “better” than the 2nd? Know what I mean? I live in an area right now that is “dead”. However, there are churches all over the place and people are in them every Sunday, and every Sunday they hear lies and fluff. However, there is one church in town that is solid and that teaches the truth from the Bible without compromise. That church has separated themselves from those other churches because those other churches are more interested in being politically correct social gatherings than teaching the truth. From God’s perspective, what is the “better church”?

    Lastly, you are right, your neighbor probably does not care about the difference between the previously mentioned groups, however if he or she is led to a false gospel or generic Jesus (as what is prevalent in the emergent church) then what a disservice that is to them and to our Lord. The Jesus of the scriptures and the Jesus of the emergent church are two different Jesus’ that lead one down two different paths. Be careful bro, understand the times, do your homework, preach the gospel!

    One last thing, here a few websites that are worth taking a look at

    http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/
    http://www.understandthetimes.org/
    http://www.thebereancall.org/

  17. My dear brother Jeremy,

    I humbly point out that unity exists with or without the assent of the church or any brother. John 17:23 We certainly cannot create something that He has already created. The unity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is perfect and I believe that we are called into that unity for the reason stated in the Scripture.

    I understand your distress with the apparent disunity in the visible Church for I too am distressed. But, the real Church, which is the Body of our Savior is in that perfect unity.

    I have a missionary friend located in a Mid Eastern country who sees that unity in person. Persecution ably removes the chaff from the wheat. Disunity is found mainly in countries enjoying freedom and its blessings.

    I abhor debates for the reason the winner humiliates the tender heart of a brother and becomes the loser after all.
    So, please do not receive this as a debate but a matter of opinion.

    Psalms. 133:1-3 ; Col.3:14-17
    God Bless you and preserve you in grace and peace.

    J.M. Howard

  18. Thank you brother Howard for reminding us of these Holy Scriptures.

    Yes, the state of some individual US churches meeting without or within as church buildings is of concern.

    See: church of Laodicea made up of some individual people unwilling to strive to overcome this world staying faithful to Christ alone.

    Col 2:1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and [for] them at Laodicea, and [for] as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

    Col 4:13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them [that are] in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

    Col 4:15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

    Col 4:16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the [epistle] from Laodicea.

    1Ti 6:21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace [be] with thee. Amen. [[[The first to Timothy was written from Laodicea, which is the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana.]]]

    Rev 3:14 ¶ And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

    Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

    Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

    Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

    Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

    Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

    Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

    Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

    Rev 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

    cont.

  19. Now for the GREAT NEWS!

    There are those churches that still act upon the Philadelphian principals expounded upon in the Church of Revelation. Jesus calls out these individuals within churches that are those who will overcome.

    Rev 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send [it] unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

    Rev 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

    Rev 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

    Rev 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

    Rev 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

    Rev 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

    Rev 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [which is] new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and [I will write upon him] my new name.

    Rev 3:13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

    The Alpha and Omega is speaking of the true church here on earth made up of individuals who form the many membered body of the true church with Jesus as the connector of the sinews of our bodies. See Job for this explanation.

    Some of the most devout new Christians are in the countries who still are oppressed by their governments such as as the former Soviet Union, Arab, African, Communist Eastern, and Communist China. Many converts hold fast together. Often meeting within members’ homes. These people are the modern martyrs who do indeed face real oppression and can loose their physical freedoms while in prison or even unto death. Even given the persecution these areas have the fastest growth of Christians willing to be martyrs if required.

    Consult the Voice of the Martyrs site http://www.persecution.com/

    Compare with the martyrs of old:
    FOX’s BOOK of MARTYRS
    http://www.ccel.org/f/foxe/martyrs/home.html

    These are the peoples who overcome and overcame. These are our Holy examples of saints becoming Saints in Heaven sitting to the right side of Jesus.

    May we be just that determined to overcome whatever the earthly cost. We are but here “a little while”. Eternity with our Lord is forever. Our personal goal to see the Alpha and Omega and motioned to the right. As Christians we are judged by our faith in Him. Did we display the Fruit of the Spirit and act upon it?

    I pray I am one when confronted with sheer evil may stand and be a man (woman) that will overcome.

    Be on fire with the Holy Spirit! Our Lord is a consuming fire.

    Rev 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

  20. Yes, Brother Howard, may we all unite in these encouraging words.

    * John 17:23 We certainly cannot create something that He has already created. The unity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is perfect and I believe that we are called into that unity for the reason stated in the Scripture. *

    Jhn 17:23 I [Jesus] in them, and thou [the Father] in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

    * Psalms. 133:1-3 ; Col.3:14-17 *

    Psa 133:1 [[A Song of degrees of David.]] Behold, how good and how pleasant [it is] for brethren to dwell together in unity!

    Col 3:14 And above all these things [put on] charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

    Col 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

    Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

    Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

    Having great faith we take these words to heart. We walk steadily forward in steps to see the face of Jesus one blessed day.

    Jhn 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed [are] they that have not seen, and [yet] have believed.

    Jhn 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

    1Jo 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

    The GOOD NEWS!

    Jesus was born to us in the flesh. He will come in glory and all majesty again!

    ABIDE in HIM

    Mat 22:36 Master, which [is] the great commandment in the law?

    Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

    Mat 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.

    Mat 22:39 And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

    Mat 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

    PRAISE BE THE GREAT GOD LORD ALMIGHTY!

    Through Him is our salvation.

    Praying to Jesus: Please abide in me.

    Thank you Jesus!

    The many membered body praise your Holy Name! Thank you to the Father for sending your only begotten Son to us. He took away the sting of death, resurrected and is sitted with the Father. We will see your sweet face Lord Jesus in the Second Coming!

    May we be as one in the Lord. A Philadelphian Church wherever we may be located. We are not of this world. He is gathering us one to another.

    Amen!

  21. Interesting article on Christian Unity

    “… Two Views of Theology

    Dennis Bratcher

    It is hard for anyone involved in any significant way in the Church today to escape the fact that much religious talk is marked by a level of rancor that seems incongruous from people who also talk a lot about the Prince of Peace. Certainly, the Church has always been marked by differences of opinion and disagreements on matters of theology. Yet, there have always been voices of moderation, calling Christians to focus on what unites them as brothers and sisters in Christ rather than what divides them into opposing factions…”

    Go to the site for the lengthy article.

    • Bro Steve later on a few days hence posted two very important Scriptures. Notice my posts above were very careful not to violate them.

      Revelation 22:18&19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophesie of this book IF ANY MAN SHALL ADD unto these things GOD shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book (19) AND IF ANY MAN SHALL TAKE AWAY from the words of the book of this prophesie GOD shall TAKE AWAY HIS PART OUT OF THE BOOK OF LIFE and out of the holy city and from the things which are written in this book

      John 8:30-32 When HE thus spake many believed on HIM then said JESUS unto the Jews that believed on HIM (31) IF YOU CONTINUE IN MY WORD then are you MY very disciples (32)and you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.*

      Absolutely the truth will set us free. Free to love one another as Jesus commanded.

      I was merely posting what unity (Philadelphianism), disunity (Laodicean), and Berean thought (examining Scripture carefully to gain the full important as we are able as sinners and humble humans needing Christ at all times. Study intently the Scripture.

      Scripture don’t understand we look up in Study Bibles, consult our ministers, and other brethren which is what we are doing here.

      Eric we are really saying the same things as brethren.

      * I’m probably way out of my league, but I don’t know anything about Philadelphian, Emergent, or Berean. And, with all due respect, I don’t care. *

      In order to become unified we must strive to understand each other. Of course you are not out of your league. We are all brethren as part of the many membered body.

      I certainly do not claim to be perfect by any stretch of the imagination. I am early yet on fire with my walk. I have so very much to learn from all of you.

      With Christ alone is all of our redemption. This is what unites all of us together throughout the world.

      Yes, Eric we understood when you said,

      * I was not aware of Mormon or Jehovah Witness theology. And I’m not all that familiar with Joel Osteen’s ministry either. My thought process in all the above is Rom. 10:9-13. Capping it off with v.13 whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Major on the majors, get unified, and quit playing “my-church-is-better-than-yours” games that gets no one saved!…”

      We agree.

      “…My greater issue is that of division….”

      As is ours.

  22. JM Howard,

    I hear you brother about debates. So often they seem to be more unfruitful than anything.

    As I think about this I have asked my self a few question (of which I am not 100% sure of myself).Where do we draw the line though? Are there not times for debating or do we avoid them all together? What about the pastor who insists that Jesus never physically rose from the dead? Am I as another pastor to simply be quite and allow the heresy to continue or do I take a stand and speak up? Should debates be private or public if we are to participate in them? What do you see in the scripture?

    As far as the unity thing that you mentioned. I guess I am not 100% sure what you are saying. Am I right to believe that you are saying that we are all one regardless of the ascent or descent of another man or organization? In the scripture you referenced (John 17:23), I guess I see that as Jesus praying that this would be the case (just as it is with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), not that unity always is and always will be. Perhaps I am looking at it in the wrong light? Perhaps I have misunderstood what you are saying altogether?

    Thank you for your comments and thoughts. With much humility as well (and not false humility!)

    • Paul speaks to us from prison through Phil 4:1-43 Read the whole chapter for context.

      Phl 4:1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, [my] dearly beloved.

      Phl 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice.

      This is what the Angels said, REJOICE!

      Phl 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

      Phl 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

      Phl 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.

      Phl 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

      Phl 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content.

      Phl 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

      Phl 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

      • Pat,

        Not sure if this was a response to my last post. Not sure what to make of it if it is.

  23. Jeremy not meant for you at all. I was reading Scripture suggested by an article and this Book and Chapter of the Bible jumped out at me as a possible addition to this thread.

    We all grapple with our faith. To strengthen it daily in our walk. To study, have fellowship, prayer, and have pastors as friends and mentors. I feel extremely blest to have found our little church. Both pastors are fine teachers. I continually learn from them and be encouraged. They both walk with the Lord.

    While studying tonight I ran across two books I will ask my beloved to buy later. I have no funds of my own. I have been so blest and grateful for the gift of my eyesight my spouse paid for. Glory be to God for my husband! Such a gift these 28 years now.

    In Christ Alone: Living the Gospel-Centered Life by Dr. Sinclair Ferguson
    http://www.ligonier.org/store/in-christ-alone-hardcover/

    Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself by Joe Thorn
    http://www.ligonier.org/store/note-to-self-paperback/

    Most of my posts are just that. A note to myself. Hopefully my journey will help others.

    I have learned so much reading this blog of the posting author and the comments of the brethren.

    I value each post.

    Humbly yours, a sister of the Faith.

    All praise to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

  24. My dear brothers,

    I hear what you are saying and thank God for your stand against false teaching. We are aware that they will always be with us.
    You are completely right in watching out for them. Jesus never had a controversy or became angry with anyone but the religious leaders. Even the Roman government, in Pilate, announced three times that: “I find no guilt in this Man.”
    But we also have some “faulty” teachers and prophets that fall into areas that are suspect but not damning. I also am aware of the Word of Faith and Emerging Church debacle which has introduced false teaching and false prophets from within the Church. We were warned about this.
    I guess my only point is to fall completely in love with Jesus Christ will serve Him and the Body more than we can imagine.
    In the 5 Levitical offerings beginning with the Guilt, Sin, Peace, Meal and Whole Burned Offering I see a progression to the final one being the Whole Burned Offering. This is voluntary as is the Peace and Meal,while the Guilt and Sin are mandatory. The whole offering is placed on the altar excepting the skin. At some point in our walk He calls us to completely sell out to Him without any reservations. Many are satisfied to have our guilt and sin taken away and then go on our way with a weak and ineffectual life. (As a pastor you are aware of this). It also tells me that I have looked into the eyes of the sacrifice and cut its throat knowing full well that His blood is is shed by my hand. I know full well that His blood is freely given and the washing away of all charges are realized.
    Please forgive me, I know I am rambling. I have read most of what was said and believe your hearts are in His care and that you love Him.
    Blessing and Grace to you both.

    J.M. Howard

  26. Thank you JM Howard

    I Corinthians 3:1-23

    I have far to go; I press onward to the prize. Clean the temple of my body of flesh; kill the old man. May the Holy Spirit cleanse me onward as I walk growing in sanctification as Jesus commands me.

    Praying: May Christ cleanse me of sin and inquity when I sin against him.

  27. The news testmanet language many many times takes from the old testament HEBREW and even at times the ARMAIC. MARTHA is the perfect example. By definition she is MISTRESS, and per the ARMAIC would put her bloodline before the FLOOD. To impose any other language other than the way it was written would lead to spiritual ruin and ANTI CHRIST.
    Rev 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book.