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Sweet Sunday Sermon- The Doctrine of the CHURCH

Submitted by Dr. GP The Bajan landscape is filled with church buildings of all types, from little wooden buildings to old stone buildings with their Gothic windows; and most Bajans have attended church services from their youth. But really a church? Is it the building or is it more than that? What does the Bible…

Submitted by Dr. GP

The Bajan landscape is filled with church buildings of all types, from little wooden buildings to old stone buildings with their Gothic windows; and most Bajans have attended church services from their youth. But really a church? Is it the building or is it more than that? What does the Bible say about the origin, officers, organization, and ordinances of the church. Today, in THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH, I summarize what the New Testament teaches about these things. I first learned about these things in a local Baptist church way back in 1970 in a course called GREAT DOCTRINES OF THE CHURCH. At that time we read the Systematic Theology text by T.G. Evans.  One can also imbibe these truths by reading Systematic Theology texts by Thiessen or Chaffer’s.

church doctrine
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29 responses to “Sweet Sunday Sermon- The Doctrine of the CHURCH”

  1. The Watcher Avatar
    The Watcher

    Interesting presentation indeed.
    My opinion is that church has grown in importance for many people, past the what is was created to be: A place for like minded persons to offer worship and praise to their God.
    Instead, it now seems to be the place where would-be Christians and other synthetic puritans seek to go to have their “goodness” affirmed or re-affirmed as the case may be.

    It seems to be the place where doctrine is promoted above truth. Where the words of the few “enlightened” spiritual leaders are gospel and irrefutable.
    It lacks the very example that Jesus, while on earth, demonstrated. That was a propensity for Teaching as opposed to Preaching.

    Some may recall that Jesus while on earth( For those who believe that he was actually on earth) preached a total of 5 sermons during his tenure here. The Bible gives account of many occasions where Jesus simply stopped and taught small groups of persons in his daily routines. Yet, churches continue to preach on a well defined and mature weekly schedule to the supposedly converted.
    Maybe, its time that church found its real purpose in these tumultuous days!

  2. ThdeOGazerts Avatar
    ThdeOGazerts

    Will Just question one thing/
    Some may recall that Jesus while on earth( For those who believe that he was actually on earth) preached a total of 5 sermons during his tenure here.

    }A total of five”. Exactly five, not one more? Is this true or is it too “exact a reading” of the scriptures? Pleas don’t go down “What is a sermon alley”?

  3. David Avatar
    David

    @The Watcher

    Can you define what for you is The Church?

  4. GP Avatar
    GP

    re Some may recall that Jesus while on earth preached a total of 5 sermons during his tenure here.

    This is of course erroneous!
    Whereas it is true that Mathew records five sermons given by Jesus (listed below), it is noteworthy that after each of the miracles or signs recorded in John’s gospel, that Jesus gave an extended discourse or sermon. In addition, John records in chapters 13-17, what is called the Upper room discourse. ;

    Matthew uses five of Christ’s discourses to structure and frame his gospel
    1.The Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7)
    2.Commissioning of the Twelve (chapter 10)
    3.Parables of the Kingdom (chapter 13)
    4.Talking of the Church (chapter 14- 18)
    5.Olivet Discourse (chapters 23-25)

  5. GP Avatar
    GP

    re Churches continue to preach on a well defined and mature weekly schedule to the supposedly converted.

    One reason for this is the injunction in 2Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
    Another is given in 2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” ..

    Yet another is 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
    How can you give an answer if you dont study, or meet to learn?

    Look at what Romans 10 :13 et secq says For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

    14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

    15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!.

    We can go on and cite many more scriptures that teach why it is that “Churches continue to preach on a well defined and mature weekly schedule to the supposedly converted.

    I remember well going to several Medical conferences to hear the same thing (using the same slides) said about the use of statins to treat hypercholesterolemia.

    If doctors go to hear the same thing over and over at Medical conferences, why should not church members preach on a well defined and mature weekly schedule to the supposedly converted?

    One would be amazed to know the amount of things that regular church attenders do not know that is contained in the Word of God or understand the significance thereof.

  6. GP Avatar
    GP

    Re: It seems to be the place where doctrine is promoted above truth.
    HOW CAN doctrine BE promoted above truth. THE GREAT DOCTRINES OF THE BIBLE ARE ALL BIBLE TRUTHS.
    The American College Dictionary defines doctrine as “a particular principle taught or advocated; a body or system of teachings relating to a particular subject; dogma, precept, belief.” So doctrine, in its broadest sense, could be any teaching or belief taught by anyone. But what is doctrine in the biblical sense?
    Doctrine is mentioned in the Old Testament several times and addressed frequently in the New Testament.
    The primary Greek word used in New Testament texts is didachē: “In an active sense it means the act of teaching, instructing, tutoring (Mark 4:2; 12:38; 1 Cor. 14:6, 26; 2 Tim. 4:2); in a passive sense, teaching which is given, that which anyone teaches, the manner or character of one’s teaching (Matt. 7:28; 22:33; Mark 1:22, 27; 11:18; Luke 4:32). In an absolute sense, it denotes the teaching of Jesus (2 John 1:9-10); the Lord (Mark 11:18; John 18:19; Acts 13:12); the Apostles (Acts 2:42; 5:28; Titus 1:9); the things taught, precept, doctrine (Matt. 16:12; John 7:16-17; Acts 17:19; Rom. 6:17; 16:17; Heb. 6:2; 13:9)”
    Scripture—is really the only authority for the Christian faith.
    This is what the Bible itself says. Writing to the young evangelist Timothy, the apostle Paul stated, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine [teaching], for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16, emphasis added throughout).
    Paul adds, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching [doctrine]. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2-3).

    “What is doctrine?”

    The word translated “doctrine” means “instruction, especially as it applies to lifestyle application.” In other words, doctrine is teaching imparted by an authoritative source. In the Bible, the word always refers to spiritually related fields of study. The Bible says of itself that it is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). We are to be careful about what we believe and present as truth. First Timothy 4:16 says, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”

    Biblical doctrine helps us understand the will of God for our lives. Biblical doctrine teaches us the nature and the character of God (Psalm 90:2; 97:2; John 4:24), the path of salvation through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 10:9–10), instruction for the church (1 Corinthians 14:26; Titus 2:1–10), and God’s standard of holiness for our lives (1 Peter 1:14–17; 1 Corinthians 6:18–20). When we accept the Bible as God’s Word to us (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20–21), we have a solid foundation for our doctrine. There can be disagreement within the body of Christ over secondary points of doctrine, such as eschatology, church organization, or the gifts of the Holy Spirit. But truly biblical doctrine is that which incorporates the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27) and draws conclusions based on that which seems most closely aligned with the character of our unchanging God (Numbers 23:19; Hebrews 13:8).

    Unfortunately, however, the Bible is not always the foundation upon which people or churches build their doctrinal statements.
    Our sinful natures do not easily submit to God’s decrees, so we often pick and choose the parts of the Bible we are comfortable with and discard the rest. Or we replace what God says with a man-made doctrine or tradition. This is nothing new. Jesus rebuked the scribes and Pharisees for “teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Mark 7:7, ESV; cf. Isaiah 29:13).

    False doctrine was rampant in New Testament times, and the Scriptures tell us it will continue (Matthew 7:15; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1). Second Timothy 4:3 says, “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”

    The Bible gives stern warning to those who would teach false or incomplete doctrine simply because it is more compatible with man’s ideas. First Timothy 6:3–4 says, “If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing.”

    The apostle Paul wrote harsh words about perverting the gospel with false doctrine: “Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!”(Galatians 1:7–9).

    Doctrine is the worldview by which we govern our lives. If our doctrine is based soundly upon Scripture, we can know we are walking in the path God designed for us.

    However, if we do not study the Word of God for ourselves (2 Timothy 2:15), we are led more easily into error. Although there are a variety of minor issues upon which Christians disagree, true doctrine is clearer than many imply. Second Peter 1:20 says that “no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation.”

    There is a right interpretation of everything God says, and it is our job to discern that meaning, not create an interpretation to suit our tastes. God wants us to know His heart and has given us His Word upon which we can build godly lives (see Matthew 7:24). The more we study true doctrine, the more we understand God and ourselves.

  7. Miller Avatar
    Miller

    @ Doctor The Honourable GP:

    (Quote).
    There is a right interpretation of everything God says, and it is our job to discern that meaning, not create an interpretation to suit our tastes. God wants us to know His heart and has given us His Word upon which we can build godly lives (see Matthew 7:24). The more we study true doctrine, the more we understand God and ourselves. Unquote).
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    So why not explain the following (and more) blatantly clear contradictions?

    And he said, “Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.” ~ Exodus 33:20

    “The Lord make His face shine on you,
    And be gracious to you;
    The Lord lift up His countenance on you,
    And give you peace.” ~ Numbers 6:25-26

    “Seek the Lord and His strength;
    Seek His face continually.” ~ Psalm 105:4

    “Seek the Lord and His strength;
    Seek His face continually.” ~ 1 Chronicles 16:11

  8. GP Avatar
    GP

    Re Maybe, its time that church found its real purpose in these tumultuous days!

    So what does the BIBLE say that the purpose of the church is?

    Acts 2:42 sets out one of the best answers to this question.the early church set the pattern in that “they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

    1 Peter 2:9-10 teaches that the church is to “proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light”

    Colossians 3:16 teaches “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

    Matthew 28:19-20 commands “ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

    I Thessalonians 5:11 states that a purpose of the church is to encourage and build up the membership, and Hebrews 10:25 teaches that church members should not neglect meeting together, but should “encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.’

    We read in Ephesians 4:11-12 “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

    We read in Ephesians 3:10 that it is “ through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.”

    I Peter 2:4-5 that one purpose of the church is that the members” like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

    The instruction in 2 Timothy 4:2-3 to the church is also to….”Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,

    James 1:27 teaches that church members should” visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and keep oneself unstained from the world; and James 5:24 asserts that church elders pray over and anoint sick members “with oil in the name of the Lord.”

    I Timothy 3:15 asserts that the church teaches members “how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.”

    The purpose given in Hebrews 10:24 is to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.

    According to 1 Corinthians 2:1-16, the church is to “proclaim the testimony of God… in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”

    According to Acts 1:8 the purpose of the church is to be “witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” This verse is one of a series referred to as the Great commission.

    One purpose of the church as given in Ephesians 4:12 is to “ equip the members for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.

    IT WOULD SEEM TO ME THAT IN THESE “TUMULTUOUS DAYS” THAT THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH IS BEING WELL SERVED, SINCE THE CHURCH IS BY AND LARGE CONFORMING TO THE TENETS OF THE INSTRUCTION IN GOD’S WORD AS EXPOUSED ABOVE, EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE NOT EXHAUSTED ALL OF THE SCRIPTURES ABOUT THIS MATTER.

  9. GP Avatar
    GP

    THERE IS NO CONTRADICTION IN THESE VERSES
    SANE SERIOUS SOLID STUDENTS OF THE SCRIPTURES ALL KNOW THAT GOD IS A SPIRIT AND THUS HAS NO FACE. THEY ALSO KNOW METAPHORS AND ANTHROPOMORPHISM WHEN THEY SEE THEM AS IN THE VERSES THAT YOU HAVE CITED

    What Is Anthropomorphism?
    Anthropomorphism represents an understanding of God using human descriptors. It is a literary device originally “involving the attribution of human qualities to divine beings” although the term later referred to nature and animals as well. Scripture features many examples of this device,

    An anthropomorphism is the attribution of human characteristics, emotions, and situations to God.
    Israel’s faith in God found concrete expression in anthropomorphic language.
    Anthropomorphisms occur in all parts of the OT.

    Anthropomorphism vs Personification
    Attributing the qualities of one thing to another thing is a common feature of literature. Writers use personification to describe inanimate things and animals as though they were human. In line 17 of his poem, “Ode to a Nightingale,” John Keats writes of “beaded bubbles winking.” Bubbles do not wink, so this is a case of personification. By way of personification, poets try to convey in the reader’s mind what they picture in their imaginations. One can perhaps see light dancing off Keats’ bubbles in such a way as to suggest they are winking. Keats’ writing did not imbue bubbles with a new human-like personality or the ability to perform anything other than their usual function. Poets bring inanimate objects to life using personification.

    Anthropomorphism represents an understanding of God using human descriptors. “When the Lord finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him two tablets of the covenant law, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God” (Exodus 31:18). A giant finger did not literally emerge from heaven an etch the words onto the stone tablets; yet, no language sufficiently captures the action of Yahweh. He is the great “I am” whose capacity to do or be anything is beyond our full grasp. Even if God had an angelic word for how He engraved the commandments into stone, humans might not understand it. His aim was for readers to comprehend His will and obey it, so the writer had to limit his description of God’s activity to fit a shape that humans would recognize.

  10. GP Avatar
    GP

    Re Interesting presentation indeed.
    NOT ONLY INTERESTING, BUT SOUND SOLID SCRIPTURAL EXEGESIS.

    My opinion is that church has grown in importance for many people, past the what is was created to be: A place for like minded persons to offer worship and praise to their God. Instead, it now seems to be the place where would-be Christians and other synthetic puritans seek to go to have their “goodness” affirmed or re-affirmed as the case may be.

    WHAT EXACTLY IS A “would-be Christian” OR “ a synthetic puritan?”
    WHY WOULD A “would-be Christian” NOT GO TO CHURCH?
    HOW IS IT POSSIBLE FOR “church TO grow in importance for many people, past the what is was created to be?”
    WHY WAS THE CHURCH CREATED?

    re Where the words of the few “enlightened” spiritual leaders are gospel and irrefutable.

    IS IT NOT POSSIBLE FOR “the words of the few “enlightened” spiritual leaders” BE CHECKED BY HEARERS AND CHURCH MEMBERS DOING LIKE THE FOLK AT BEREA AS RECORDED IN ACTS 17:11 WHO WERE COMMENDED THUS
    These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

    YOU DO KNOW THAT SERIOUS HEARERS AND CHURCH MEMBERS OUGHT TO, AND ARE EXPECTED TO SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES DAILY TO ASCERTAIN IF WHAT THEY HEARD WAS TRUE OR NOT.

    YOU DO KNOW THAT SERIOUS TEACHERS OF THE WORD OUGHT TO STUDY TO SHOW THEMSELVES APPROVED UNTO GOD SO THAT THEIR TEACHING IS IRREFUTABLE.

    RE It lacks the very example that Jesus, while on earth, demonstrated. That was a propensity for Teaching as opposed to Preaching.
    DON’T YOU KNOW THAT JESUS ENGAGED IN BOTH TEACHING AND PREACHING?

    RE The Bible gives account of many occasions where Jesus simply stopped and taught small groups of persons in his daily routines.

    DON’T YOU KNOW THAT JESUS ENGAGED IN “a well defined and mature weekly schedule” IN HIS ATTENDANCE AT HIS LOCAL SYNAGOGUE c.f Luke 4

    DON’T YOU KNOW THAT JESUS” TEACHING AND PREACHING WAS MORE DEFINED AND PURPOSED THAN THAT OF ANY OTHER PERSON.

    WOULD IT BE REASONABLE TO CLASSIFY BOTH YOU AND YOUR MOST ERRONEOUS POST AS COMING FROM ONE AS DESCRIBED IN Romans 1:22?

  11. Vincent Codrington Avatar
    Vincent Codrington

    @ GP at 1:50 PM

    I have not studied all your other interventions. This one,however, resonates with me.
    1. God is a spirit.
    And
    2.Your discourse on anthropomorphism. The need for man to describe God in metaphors that are often inadequate to the task.

  12. GP Avatar
    GP

    Vincent
    If in your consideration of anything I have written here over the last 12 years about the Bible, you follow the example of the Bereans as noted in Acts 17:11, you will find that my exegesis is solid and accurate, and in keeping with that of the Bible teaching stalwarts because I study to show myself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

  13. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    Last week the grands and I were talking and I discovered that they are enjoying NOT going to school.

    And to tell the truth, I am enjoying NOT going to church.

  14. GP Avatar
    GP

    WHO CARES?
    HOW IS THAT AN INTELLIGENT CONTRIBUTION TO THIS DISCUSSION?

  15. Vincent Codrington Avatar
    Vincent Codrington

    @ Cuh Dear

    I may tend to agree with you. What has contributed to your enjoyment?

  16. GP Avatar
    GP

    There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death (Prov. 14:12).
    The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel (Prov. 12:15).
    All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, But the Lord weighs the motives (Prov. 16:2).
    These passages tell us that fallen man is not capable of seeing many of his own sins. Thus, a godly man must seek the knowledge of his sin from God and from the wise counsel of others.

  17. Piece the Prophet Avatar
    Piece the Prophet

    Imagine this allegory.

    A man or a woman has and incurable STD,

    It is known that they are infected.

    Which of us, being inclined to find a sexual partner, will seek either of them out for our sexual gratification?

    Look at this blog post eimilarly Cuh Dear, the sexual partner that you dont mention in your other encounters here on BU.

    Dont be found in this house because you dont have any interest in the man

    It is that simple unless you enjoy the sexual encounter so much that you are prepared to risk the STD

    If you enjoy NOT GOING TO CHURCH then do not go but to stand in front the church throwing rocks at the church seems a strange thing to do.

    De ole man often dares you to make any such comment against Allah, since you have nothing to do with church and I presume Deity make those comments against Allah.

    And immediately you put your tail between your legs figuratively speaking AND RUN AWAY

  18. Miller Avatar
    Miller

    @ GP June 28, 2020 1:50 PM
    (Quote):
    THERE IS NO CONTRADICTION IN THESE VERSES
    SANE SERIOUS SOLID STUDENTS OF THE SCRIPTURES ALL KNOW THAT GOD IS A SPIRIT AND THUS HAS NO FACE. THEY ALSO KNOW METAPHORS AND ANTHROPOMORPHISM WHEN THEY SEE THEM AS IN THE VERSES THAT YOU HAVE CITED
    What Is Anthropomorphism?
    Anthropomorphism represents an understanding of God using human descriptors. It is a literary device originally “involving the attribution of human qualities to divine beings” although the term later referred to nature and animals as well. Scripture features many examples of this device,… (Unquote).
    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++=

    It is good to see you are able to ‘intellectualize’ your response to the question(s) raised about the ‘face, of your god’; albeit plagiarize to the max.

    Can we say, now, that the stories in your Judeo-Christian man-written book are the ‘genuine ‘anthropomorphic expressions of a specific cultural group and not the ‘simple’ easily understood universal Word of your Yahweh?

    Is that the same technique of anthropomorphism which allows one to decipher the meaning of the term “Let us make man in our own image!”?

    Or even to unravel the mystery of that slick-talking serpent hiding in the ‘tree of knowledge of the Go(o)d and the (D)evil’ deliberately created by Yahweh and placed in the middle of the garden (aka ,euphemistically, as the human body) in order to play the necessary and vital role of his ‘Opposite’ number aka the devil’s advocate in the grand scheme of things of good versus evil?

    Without challenges from his deliberately-created opposite number how else would Yahweh stop from being bored to death by just watching over his only created disobedient playthings in the Universe?

    All religions have their ‘own’ anthropomorphic gods and euhemeristic heroes.

    Just pick one like Jesus and you will find his equivalent in the form of Apollo the ‘begotten’ son of Zeus from an ‘Earth’ mother like Mary.

    Are there any ‘euhemerized’ similarities between your Jesus and Horus of the old Kemet mythology?

    Why can’t you broaden your horizon when it comes to religion and find out if there are any similarities between Hinduism and Christianity?

  19. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    @Piece the Prophet June 29, 2020 2:20 PM “If you enjoy NOT GOING TO CHURCH then do not go but to stand in front the church throwing rocks at the church seems a strange thing to do.”

    I have never thrown any literal or metaphorical rocks at any church anywhere, and I will never do so.

    And being even more literal than my usual self, I have never had an STD. Always led my sex life intelligently. From young, even in the pre-HIV days I have severely limited my sexual interactions. I have never defined myself by my sexual prowess. I’ve never felt the need to prove anything to anybody.

    And “yes” I’ve discovered that I enjoy NOT going to church.

  20. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    @Vincent Codrington June 29, 2020 9:55 AM “@ Cuh Dear. I may tend to agree with you. What has contributed to your enjoyment?”

    Time spent alone or with closest family to talk, to read, to garden, to enjoy the slow and careful preparation of delicious Sunday meals.

  21. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    I hope that i have not scared the boys of BU. I know that our men seem more comfortable, more secure with church going women.

    Even if most of our men don’t themselves go to church.

    But it is not my responsibility to make other adults comfortable or secure.

  22. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    @GP June 29, 2020 11:52 AM “There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death (Prov. 14:12).

    My Response: Heard this before. But we are all going to die aren’t we? I am comfortable with the knowledge that I will die. I learned that from my very wise parents. Neither of them was afraid to die. Went peacefully and unafraid to their deaths.

    GP quoting Proverbs “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel (Prov. 12:15).”

    My Response: I trust that you are not implying that i am a fool?

    GP quoting Proverbs “All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, But the Lord weighs the motives (Prov. 16:2).”

    My Response: Indeed. The Lord and the Lord only. Not any of the 8 billion men or women on earth.

    GP quoting GP “These passages tell us that fallen man is not capable of seeing many of his own sins. Thus, a godly man must seek the knowledge of his sin from God and from the wise counsel of others.”

    My Response: We are all “fallen” aren’t we? Me, you, all of us. Are you capable of seeing your own sins? Am I capable? I am still good with my God. My God does not live in any building made with human hands. I do not need any human mediator as I have an advocate, Jesus Christ the righteous. When I receive Godly instruction to consult you, I will do so. But for the time being I don’t need your counsel.

  23. Vincent Codrington Avatar
    Vincent Codrington

    @ Cuhdear Bajan

    I agree with the good use to which you are putting the lock down period. God is not confined by a physical space .He transcends them.

  24. GP Avatar
    GP

    When I did my BSc at Cave Hill you had to do 7 Sciences courses and 3 Survey courses.

    The 7 Sciences courses required that you be specific, the 3 Survey courses.I called BRIMBLE OR WAFFLING COURSES.
    I PASSED ALL THREE OF THESE COURSES WITH OUT ATTENDING CLASSES OR STUDYING

    MOST CONTRIBUTORS ON BU JUST BRIMBLE OR WAFFLE. ANY ONE CAN BRIMBLE OR WAFFLE.

    I SORELY MISS ZOE AND DICTIONARY WHO DID NOT BRIMBLE OR WAFFLE. ABOUT THE BIBLE, BUT COULD ENGAGE IN WORTHWHILE DISCUSSION THEREON.

    I UNDERSTAND THAT THE BU CREW DONT UNDERSTAND OR CARE ABOUT THE CONCEPTS ABOUT THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH, SO WHY NOT GO BRIMBLE OR WAFFLE ELSEWHERE

  25. Vincent Codrington Avatar
    Vincent Codrington

    @ GP at 5;55PM

    Do not despair. We all see life through different lenses. Lenses are specific to the beholder. They are for correcting vision. A lens prescribed for me may distort my sister’s vision. Likewise, a significant percentage of BU commenters are brimblers and many believe their own lies. We do not all see things in the same way. Let the tares grow along with the wheat.

  26. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    No man or woman on earth can get me into the kingdom of heaven, and none keep me out.

    No man or woman on earth can send me to hell, or keep me out.

    Me and my God are on excellent terms.

    I am also on excellent terms with my family, neighbors, and friends.

    If I have ruffled the feathers of one or two of the BU folks…

    All is still well.

  27. Freedom Crier Avatar
    Freedom Crier

    Has Anyone Seen God?

    Here is Freedoms Understanding…

    Transfiguration

    The condition of persons who are temporarily changed in appearance and nature—that is, lifted to a higher spiritual level—so that they can endure the presence and glory of heavenly beings.

    Transfiguration of Christ

    Peter, James, and John saw the Lord glorified and transfigured before them. On the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John were also transfigured. They saw Moses and Elijah, two translated beings, and heard the voice of the Father. The Father said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him” (Matt. 17:5).

    Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John on the mount—

    1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

    2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

    3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

    4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

    5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

    6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

    7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.

    8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.

    • Jesus’ face did shine, Matt. 17:2 (Mark 9:2–3).

    https://i.pinimg.com/originals/53/71/f3/5371f3975dff3ccd25b42ec79bcc04af.jpg

    Transfigured beings

    • They saw the God of Israel, Ex. 24:9–11.

    • The skin of his face shone while he talked with God, Ex. 34:29 (Mark 9:2–3).

    https://slideplayer.com/slide/15838633/88/images/11/Exodus+34%3A29-30.jpg

    Isaiah 6:5 “Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.“
    https://chrisgoringe.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/391.jpg

    Many saw God and survived to tell about it.

    https://slideplayer.com/slide/13552415/83/images/24/Exodus+24%3A9-11.jpg

    After Jacob’s wrestle with the angel, Jacob shares this account:

    https://biblepic.com/53/0959.jpg

    Additional examples:

    Numbers 12:8 “With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?”

    Deuteronomy 34:10 “And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face“

    Acts 7:55-56 “5But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

    56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.”

    Several accounts from the Old Testament:

    This suggests bodily features of God and an ability to see Him. The Children of Israel are still at the foot of Mt. Sinai at the time of this writing.

    This type of opportunity to see the face of God or his entire body (Stephen’s stoning context) isn’t a casual or common experience. See the verse below in John 6.

    John 6:46: “Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. “

    This verse in Hebrews stresses the same point:

    Hebrews 12:14 “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord”

    Jesus himself said the following:

    Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God”

    Summary: The Old and New Testament attest that people do see the Lord under the proper circumstances and when they’re prepared.

    https://www.scross.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/beatitude_pureinheart.jpg

  28. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    Is Ward Simpson, Sir Kyffin’s son, a man of the cloth? What is known about him?

  29. GP Avatar
    GP

    Because Hebrews 9 and 10 tell us that Jesus’ work finished and accomplished all the reality that the OT types and shadows pointed to. The finality and efficacy of Jesus’ sacrifice made these rituals that were once called “permanent” obsolete, unneeded, unnecessary, never to be returned to again.

    That is how complete, and final, and efficacious Jesus’ atoning work is. That is why believers go to church.
    Now, in Hebrews 9:19-25, the author of Hebrews draws four implications for you of that reality…for you, for that reality. Now let me just run over them.

    If those things are true, if Jesus’ sacrifice is final and efficacious, and has fulfilled and replaced and made obsolete all of these Old Testament types and shadows, what are you supposed to do?
    Hebrews 10:22 — You’re supposed to draw near with assurance. You’re supposed to draw near with assurance, because your sins have not been forgiven through the ritual cleansing of bulls and goats, but through the shed blood of the very Son of God.

    You see the point of the author of Hebrews: If He will go that far to be faithful with His promise, how can you possibly doubt Him? Draw near with boldness into the throne room of God.

    Secondly (verse 23): Hold fast without wavering. If the Lord has done this for you, if He has shed the blood of His own Son,persevere! Hold fast without wavering! Don’t turn back, keep on going!

    Thirdly, look at verse 24, which tells us to encourage one another to love and obedience. Encourage one another…stimulate one another to love and good deeds. That’s what we’re to do. If Jesus has given this full and final sacrifice on our behalf, what should we do? Encourage one another to love, encourage one another to be like Him.

    In verse 25, what are we supposed to do in response to this? Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together.
    Isn’t that interesting? Don’t stop going to church! That’s the application that the author of Hebrews gives: Because of the full and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we’re not to “forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as is the habit of some.”
    The author of Hebrews says the final, complete, efficacious sacrifice of Jesus Christ has ushered us within the veil; therefore, we are to draw near to God, hold fast, encourage one another to love and good deeds, and don’t forsake the assembling of yourselves together. Those are the practical implications and ramifications of this great truth of the atonement.

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