Antipodean59's Blog

Restored New Testament Christianity

Archive for the tag “Victory in Jesus”

18 Jul 2012

Godhead United In Word and Deed

In this week’s thought for the week let’s consider the unity of The Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit who make the Divine Godhead of the Bible.

The idea that each of the Godhead is divorced of the thought and actions of the other is strange to say the least. For instance, some say that Jesus is love but God the Father is wrath. So, they suggest through implication that God the Father is not love, hmm!
This nonsense has grown, in my opinion, from the thought that people only want love and not the consequence of sin which is wrath.

To show that all three of the Godhead are united in all they think and do, let us consider three separate verses dealing with the topic of sanctification.

• Jude 1 “Sanctified by God the Father.” The Father sets the Christian apart.
• I Corinthians 1:2 “Sanctified in Christ.” Jesus sets the Christian apart.
• I Peter 1:2 “Through sanctification of the Spirit.” The Holy Spirit sets the Christian apart.

Each of the Godhead is in total harmony regarding the sanctification of Christians which is just as true with all the other workings of the Godhead, for Jesus acts just as wrathfully (Revelation 6:16) as God the Father (John 3:36) as much as the Holy Spirit is just as grieved at sin ( Ephesians 4:30) as Jesus is grieved (Mark 3:5).

Jesus said in His prayer to God the Father “that they (the holy apostles GJW) all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me” (John 17:21). The purpose of Jesus’ words is to show He is united in thought and deed in order to create faith in unbelievers, for the opposite creates disorder and confusion which leads to faulty ideas such as this thought opened with.

God bless as you travel and study through His word.
Graham.

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12 Jul 2012

Thought For The Week

I thought I would add a new segment for to end the week with, called “Thought For The Week.”

LAW OF MOSES NOT IN EFFECT TODAY.

“For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, because other law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression” Rom.4:11-15.

People need to understand that the Law, as handed to Moses in Exodus, cannot logically be in effect today, for if it were it would contradict the passage above. Paul said it was “nailed to the cross” Col.2:14 meaning it is dead and no longer in effect.

May God bless you as you travel and study through His word.
Graham

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11 Nov 2011
2 Comments

God Defines Who Is A Christian

There are various definitions given of a Christian. The only one that is worthwhile is God’s definition. The only kind of Christian worthwhile is the one as defined by God. The reason for saying this is God’s definition of a Christian is because of the meaning of chrematizo, translated “called.” It is not a nickname, claimed by some. “And it was in Antioch that the disciples first received the name Christian.” Weymouth).

The Greek word rendered called implies a divine source. It is “to be divinely instructed, to receive a warning or revelation from God” (Green’s Greek-English Lexicon). “To give a response to those consulting an oracle, to give divine command or admonition, to teach from heaven; to be divinely commanded, admonished, instructed; to be the mouth-piece of divine revelations, to promulgate the commands God” (Thayer).

The word is found nine times in the New Testament (Mat. 2:12; 2:22; Luke 2:26; Acts 10:22; Heb. 8:5; 11:7; 12:25; Rom. 7:3; Acts 11:26). In all of these instances it has reference to divine revelation, unless Acts 11:16 is an exception. The meaning of the word fits Isaiah 62:2: “Which the mouth of Jehovah shall name.” Compare Romans 7:3: “She shall be called an adulteress.” Who calls her an adulteress? Compare “defer not, for thine own sake, my God, because thy city and thy people are called by thy name” (Dan. 9:19). In Israel, we have the root of Elohim, the Hebrew name for God, which supplies an explanation for the statement, “Thy people are called by thy name.” Amos 9:12 and Acts 15:17 are equivalents. Thus the subject: “God’s Definition of a Christian.’

Why was not this name given at Pentecost? We may not know, but I can think of a reason. Christian is the sum of Christianity. Christianity is not Jewish, not peculiar to Jews. This is implied in the very fact that the term that most describes Christianity was not given until Gentiles were brought in. Thus, those who think of Christianity offering something yet for Jews in a special way have not properly understood Christianity.

A Christian is one who heard the Gospel and believed it (Acts 11:19-21). Why were there no Christians in Antioch prior to this time? There were not any that had heard the Gospel and believe A Christian is one that assembles (Acts 11:26; Heb. 10:25; Acts 2:42). The Christians at Antioch assembled. The Christians in every place assemble.

A Christian is one that accepts responsibility (Acts 11:29). Note the words – every man – determined – according to his ability. They did not seek to do as little as they could but as much as they could. Many seem to think today that a Christian is one who does as little as he can.

A Christian does not shirk responsibility. A Christian is one in the Lord’s church (Acts 11:26). There were no Christians in Antioch that were not members of the church. There were no Christians in Antioch that were members of any other church. “I give in mine house and within my walls…a name” (Isa. 56:5). The church is God’s house (1 Tim. 3:15; Acts 2:42; Gal. 3:26-27).
The question is: are you a Christian defined by God?

Franklin Camp
(1915-1991)

The Restoration Movement

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10 Oct 2011

The onus is on you to prove it

The apostle Paul said to make sure that one “Prove all things” (I Thessalonians 5:21). Just because something is widely accepted as being true and is therefore the supposed starting point i.e., an axiom, doesn’t prove anything. If it is true then you are under obligation to “prove” it.

The apostle Peter told the 1st Century church to do as much regarding their faith. He said they were obligated to give a “reason” for their “hope” (I Peter 3:15).  For instance the axiom “God is love” needs to be proven with valid reasoning if it is to be convincing. After all faith in such, according to Paul, can only come about by hearing God’s word (Romans 1:17; 10:17) which implies a reasoning mind.

The axiom that is widely accepted as being true is that of organic evolution. That is life somehow started from a single cell and grew to the complexity of life we see before us today.  If that be true then the adherent must prove it to be so.

Here is an excellent article that might help to explain why I say such and help you as well (that is, of course, if you have the willingness of mind to indulge:)

Graham

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13 Mar 2011
2 Comments

Refuting those who say Jesus will return to reign on Earth

Many who subscribe to the unscriptural position that Jesus is coming back to earth and will reign on the throne of David in Jerusalem will surely be disappointed according to this outline.

The fact is, the Bible is mans only guide to matters concerning the Kingdom of God and it clearly implies the premillennial doctrine is fantasy.

Graham

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18 Nov 2010

If Baptism Is Not a Condition of Salvation, Will You Answer These Questions?

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38).

1.If baptism is not a condition of salvation, why did Peter mention baptism since he was answering the question of what to do to be saved? (2:37).

2. If baptism comes after salvation, would not repentance also follow salvation, since they are joined by the conjunction and?

3. Is not repentance and baptism in this verse both for the same purpose?

4. If salvation comes before baptism, why does Peter say it is “for the remission of sins”?

5. If the phrase, “for the remission of sins” in Acts 2:38 means because of remission, would not the same phrase in Matthew 26:28 mean because of remission of sins?

6. Did Jesus shed His blood because men were already saved?

7. If Christ did not shed His blood because men were already saved, would it not follow that men are not baptized because they were already saved? The phrase in Matthew 26:28 and Acts 2:38 are identical in both the Greek and English.

8. Would it not be a false doctrine to teach that Christ shed His blood because men were already saved?

9. Likewise, is it not a false doctrine to teach that men are baptized, because they are already saved?

10. If the people on Pentecost were saved before they were baptized, why were they not added to the church until they were baptized, since such as should be saved were added to the church? (2:47).

11. The word church means “the called out” and only those baptized were added to the church. If one is saved before he is baptized, would he be saved before he is called out of the world?

12. Is salvation in the world or in Christ? (2 Tim. 2:10). “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). “Then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved” (Luke 8:12).

1. Can one be saved and not receive the Word?

2. All who received the Word on Pentecost were baptized.

3. Were there any on Pentecost who were saved that did not receive the Word?

4. Does the Word say baptized for the remission of sins or baptized because of remission of sins?

5. How is it possible for one to be baptized as the Word teaches, and not be baptized for the remission of sins?

6. If you were not baptized for the remission of sins, you were not baptized as the Word teaches and therefore were not saved.

7. If not, why not?

Franklin Camp, Deceased

 

 

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09 Nov 2010

New Testament Church

The following is a chart of information concerning the New Testament church as described in the scriptures. It was constructed by Charles Burke, gospel preacher in Bisbee, Arizona. It is an excellent teaching tool for use in teaching the establishment and organization of the Lord’s church.

1) The Reign Of The New Testament Church

  • In Prophecy – Isaiah 2:2-3
  • In Preparation – Matthew 16:13-18
  • Its Establishment – Acts 2:1-47
  • Its Existence – Hebrews 12:22-29
  • Its Destination – 1 Corinthians 15:24-29

2) The Spiritual Nature Of The New Testament Church

  • A Spiritual House – 1 Tim. 3:15
  • A Spiritual Temple – Ephesians 2:19-22
  • A Spiritual Assembly – Hebrews 12:23
  • A Spiritual Body – 1 Corinthians 12:13
  • A Spiritual Kingdom – John 18:36

3) The Divine Relationship Which Exists Between Christ And The NT Church

  • The Builder – Matthew 16:18
  • The Purchaser – Ephesians 5:25
  • The Head – Ephesians 5:22-32
  • The Foundation – 1 Corinthians 3:11
  • The Saviour – Ephesians 5:23

4) The Divine Relationship Which Exists Between The NT Church And Christ

  • The Bride – Ephesians 5:23-32
  • The Body – Colossians 1:24
  • The Kingdom – John 18:36
  • The Flock – Acts 20:28
  • The Candlestick – Rev. 1:12-20

5) The Divine Names Of The NT Church

  • The Church of God – 1 Corinthians 1:2
  • The Church of Christ – Romans 16:16
  • The Church of The Firstborn – Hebrews 12:23
  • The Church – Ephesians 3:10
  • The Kingdom – Matthew 16:19

6) The Biblical Names Of The Members Of The NT Church

  • Christians – 1 Peter 4:16
  • The Children of God – Gal. 3:26
  • Brethren – Gal. 6:1
  • Saints – Romans 1:7
  • Disciples – Acts 11:26

7) Membership Into The NT Church

  • Hear – Romans 10:17
  • Faith – Hebrews 11:6
  • Repentance – Acts 17:30-31
  • Confession – Acts 8:37
  • Baptism – Acts 2:38

8) The True Worship Service Of The NT Church

  • Communion – Acts 20:7
  • Prayer – Acts 2:42
  • Singing – Ephesians 5:19
  • Giving – 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
  • Preaching – 2 Timothy 4:1-4

9) The True Organization Of The NT Church

  • Elders (aka pastors, elders, bishops, overseers) – 1 Tim. 3:1-7, Eph. 4:11; Phil. 1:1; Acts 20:28
  • Deacons – 1 Tim. 3:8-13
  • Preacher(s) – 2 Timothy 4:1-5
  • Teachers – Hebrews 5:12-14
  • Members – 1 Corinthians 12:23-27

10) The Purpose Of The NT Church

  • To Evangelize – Matthew 28:18-20
  • To Restore – Gal. 6:1
  • To Worship – Matthew 4:10
  • To Serve – Hebrews 12:28-29
  • To Minister – Gal. 6:10

11) The Divine Authority Of The NT Church

  • Christ Our Saviour – Luke 2:8-13
  • Christ Our Mediator – 1 Tim. 2:5
  • Christ Our Lawgiver – Matthew 28:18-20
  • Christ Our Ruler – Ephesians 1:22-23
  • Christ Our Judge – 2 Corinthians 5:10

12) The Divine Acceptance Of The NT Church

  • Glorious – Ephesians 5:25-27
  • Spotless – 2 Peter 2:1-3
  • Holy – Gal. 1:6-9
  • Faultless – 2 Peter 3:16-17
  • Flawless – Jude 1:1

Conclusion
Let us pray that as we consider the above scriptures relating to the church of our Lord, we will always remember that we (the church – Ephesians 5:23, 30) are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people (marginal reading – or a purchased people); that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

For more information see Essential Pattern

 

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05 Oct 2010

God does so exist!


The moral argument proves the existence of God

  1. If God does not exist, then objective moral values do not exist.
  2. Objective moral values do exist

Therefore: God exists.

The moral argument is a stumbling block for the atheist/agnostic and as a result is either avoided or butchered by such.

God exists and has not only given objective morals but has spoken through men via the Bible (cf 2 Peter 1:21). God has declared that all men (generic) must repent or perish (cf Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 17:30).

If you are serious about wanting to go to heaven then go to the only church according to the Bible

You cannot go to heaven except you follow the way, the truth, the life according to Jesus Christ (cf John 14:6).

In other words, get off your backside or your hobby horse religion before it is too late, for it is a terrible thing to face the judgement that awaits you if you have not fallen into line with God’s plan of salvation (cf John 12:48; Hebrews 9:27; Hebrews 10:31).

Graham

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17 Sep 2010

HAVING GOD ON OUR SIDE

Often we hear people talk about having God “on their side.” Certainly the idea is comforting and reassuring. However, does God look at Himself as being “on our side,” even if we are His faithful children? In one way He does, in the sense that He has promised to be with us in our lives as Christians (Matt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5-6). One of the richest blessings the Christian has is that of the abiding presence of God and His constant help.

There is another sense, however, in which it would be presumptuous to view God as being “on our side.” In the days just before the conquest of the city of Jericho, Joshua looked up and saw a man standing near him with a sword in his hand.

Obviously startled and momentarily unguarded, Joshua asked him, “Are you for us or for our adversaries?” The soldier answered, “No, but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come” (Joshua 5:13-14). The commander of God’s army was on God’s side. Whatever else that meeting did for Joshua, it certainly reminded him that God was not in his army, but that he was fighting for God’s cause.

It is possible for people to approach God with the idea of trying to force Him (or at best, to make Him appear) to be on their side of some issue or dispute. What begs to be understood, however, is that God is not there to line up with us on our side of some human cause; rather, we need to make His cause our cause. We might imagine Him to say, “I’m not joining your team–you need to join mine.”

The question to ask regarding any situation, dispute, doctrine, practice, organization, or personal agenda is not “Whose side is God on?” but rather, “Who is on the Lord’s side?” (Exodus 32:26).

Author unknown

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