Friendly Bible Study - participants must agree to Nicene Creed.

[Brakelite]

Just wanted to say...I met Carl personally a couple of weeks ago. Spent a couple of very enjoyable hours chatting and sharing our individual testimonies. A very blessed day it was.

 

[Brakelite]

Yes, I agree, he should not have returned to Jerusalem, and having returned, he should not have taken the vow so he could "prove" to James that he kept the Law still.

I've noticed there was not fruit from Paul's ministry recorded to his account from the time he was arrested until he was on his way to Rome.

Much love!

Just thinking about that episode. While it is true that Agabus warned Paul as to what awaited him in Jerusalem, he didn't say to Paul, "in the name of the Lord, don't go". The Lord may indeed have sent the prophet to inform Paul as to what to expect, but still left it up to Paul to choose at his discretion whether to go or not. I agree however, that it was a mistake of Paul to enter the temple and make a show of himself before his enemies. It was that which precipitated the following controversy and arrests.

 

[Dash RipRock]

participants must agree to Nicene Creed

Can't participants just believe God's Word?

 

[Carl Emerson]

I'm hurt that I wasn't tagged.

Hi Barney,

Welcome to the forum.

Introduce yourself and feel free to comment on your personal faith journey.

As this is your first post and you haven't indicated agreement with the Nicene Creed, you are not yet tagged.

The Mods set this up so we could have a safe place to share around the Scriptures without the usual contention over matters central to the faith. We also don't debate the Trinity at the Mod's request.

We are working through Acts.

 

[Carl Emerson]

Can't participants just believe God's Word?

Sadly that can mean many things...

The Nicene Creed lays out basic biblical facts that we on this forum agree with - this avoids much fruitless argument.

 

[Dash RipRock]

Sadly that can mean many things...

The Nicene Creed lays out basic biblical facts that we on this forum agree with - this avoids much fruitless argument.

I don't see the Nicene Creed included in inspired scripture, so I'd better stick with God's Word.

 

[Carl Emerson]

I don't see the Nicene Creed included in inspired scripture, so I'd better stick with God's Word.

Read it and see if you agree...

Post #697 details the Nicene Creed.

 

[Dash RipRock]

Read it and see if you agree...

Post #697 details the Nicene Creed.

The point is, why not just quotes what God says in His Word?

The Council of Nicaea was under Roman Emperor Constantine which is where much false doctrine began to come in to the church so it's problematic pointing people to anything related to The Council of Nicaea as this causes the brethren to stumble and accept doctrine not of God that is not taught in God's Word such as the ecumenical movement among other false doctrine

Is this a catholic thread? If so then it stands to reason that the Nicene Creed would be embraced over and above God's Word.

The True Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ was sent to lead us in to all Truth and God's Word is the only Truth
(See John 16:13, and John 17:17)

Is it not better to focus on God's Word rather than none inspired musing and writings?
Just a thought

 

[Carl Emerson]

The point is, why not just quotes what God says in His Word?

The Council of Nicaea was under Roman Emperor Constantine which is where much false doctrine began to come in to the church so it's problematic pointing people to anything related to The Council of Nicaea as this causes the brethren to stumble and accept doctrine not of God that is not taught in God's Word such as the ecumenical movement among other false doctrine

Is this a catholic thread? If so then it stands to reason that the Nicene Creed would be embraced over and above God's Word.

The True Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ was sent to lead us in to all Truth and God's Word is the only Truth
(See John 16:13, and John 17:17)

Is it not better to focus on God's Word rather than none inspired musing and writings?
Just a thought

Happy to discuss this on another thread...

I would love to hear what parts of the Nicene Creed folks consider unbiblical and why.

 

[Dash RipRock]

I would love to hear what parts of the Nicene Creed folks consider unbiblical and why.

It may have some good stuff in it, but none the less Christians are called to live by God's Word.

That's the point I was making.

Why not have a Bible study and say "participants must accept God's Word" rather than some creed made by catholics right as they were bringing in doctrine that does not agree with what the Word of the Lord teaches.

Pointing people to any organization that gets it's doctrine outside of God's canon is problematic as it can cause people to be led astray

That's all I was pointing out is, why not just go by God's Word and point people directly to what God says?

Anyway, I'll unsubscribe from this thread. Thanks for hearing me out.

 

[Carl Emerson]

It may have some good stuff in it, but none the less Christians are called to live by God's Word.

That's the point I was making.

Why not have a Bible study and say "participants must accept God's Word" rather than some creed made by catholics right as they were bringing in doctrine that does not agree with what the Word of the Lord teaches.

Pointing people to any organization that gets it's doctrine outside of God's canon is problematic as it can cause people to be led astray

That's all I was pointing out is, why not just go by God's Word and point people directly to what God says?

Anyway, I'll unsubscribe from this thread. Thanks for hearing me out.

Members insisting on being only accountable to 'God's Word' can have all sorts of cranky beliefs.

I think a separate thread on the Nicene Creed might be helpful.

I am not sure that we have any RC's in the bible study at all.

 

[Hillsage]

The point is, why not just quotes what God says in His Word?

I'll give you a taste of where Carl is coming from, concerning a few of us. CRAZIMATICS
If you are referring to a RHEMA "Word" spoken from the "True Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ"... I couldn't agree more.
But if that "Word" you reference above, is talking about 'the bible', then I have a personal struggle. Of the 5,000 bits and pieces of the 'oldest' known Greek manuscripts...none are older than 200 AD. That's a recent fact I read which did surprise me. The influence of ROME in 350 had already (poorly IMO) turned Greek into Latin, before the Council of Nicaea.

The Council of Nicaea was under Roman Emperor Constantine which is where much false doctrine began to come in to the church so it's problematic pointing people to anything related to The Council of Nicaea as this causes the brethren to stumble and accept doctrine not of God that is not taught in God's Word such as the ecumenical movement among other false doctrine

Again, I agree with the above comments. But the false doctrines came from the Roman influence on biblical translations first. Marin Luther only found 95 to nail to the door at Wittenberg.

But the biggest negative influence of the church of Rome; wasn't even 'doctrine' IMO. It was Rome changing the apostolic leadership model, of every believer striving to being 'spirit led by that very holy spirit of christ being birthed in every believer, which I think is what I hear you 'writing about' IN MY OPINION. Roman influence came by exchanging that model for the Roman governmental hierarchy leadership of 'men lording over men' who were under them. And that has affected every denomination to this day IMO.

Is this a catholic thread? If so then it stands to reason that the Nicene Creed would be embraced over and above God's Word.

The True Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ was sent to lead us in to all Truth and God's Word is the only Truth
(See John 16:13, and John 17:17)

Yes, this is a "catholic thread" IN MY OPINION (sorry Carl ). It just isn't a Roman Catholic thread. Though this thread has been influenced by the church of Rome IMO. In the Nicene creed 'catholic' is lower case and therefore simply refers to the 'UNIVERSAL church body of Christ'. Buildings all over have true born again believers in them....as well as 'some, many, most' (????) who simply aren't born again. But they sure do have a religious spirit leading them.

Is it not better to focus on God's Word rather than none inspired musing and writings?
Just a thought

If 'that Word' is coming from the same born again spirit in me that Jesus was physically born with, I agree. Because . Jesus wasn't born with 'The Holy Spirit of the triune God' in him. That belief came from bad Roman doctrinal influence while the original apostles were still alive. John saw the "last hour" of the truly 'holy spirit of christ led christian' church coming. And prophesied about it in 1 Joh 2;18. The church morphed from 'maturing into spirit led individuals', into the church of Rome which took after the model of Rome.....CAESAR is GOD. And Constantine lived in ROME while CONSTANTINOPLE was his vacation city. EASTERN orthodox and WESTERN orthodox but same CAESAR model of 'church' hierarchy.

Derek Prince once said; "The only difference between 'the pope' and 'a pastor' is how many people one is 'pope-ing it' over."
OK, I've rambled enough. And I really don't want to argue MY OPINIONS with anyone. So I'll watch a while before posting. Then it's yours again brother Carl. I waited 24 hrs before sending this, and that's long enough.

 

[Carl Emerson]

Important issues being raised thanks, I notice that when I ask members who are 'creed averse' to read the creed and suggest what might be unbiblical, there is silence.

To balance this it is easy to forget that He chooses the imperfect to implement His perfect plan. This applies to churches, people, scripture, you name it...

So opening up this study we needed to eliminate the incessant arguing over basic doctrine and mine the treasures of Scripture.

The Nicene Creed is doing a satisfactory job in this regard, folks drop off the thread who want to debate the trinity or other central doctrine and we can get on with sharing life instead of arguing death.

So please someone open a separate thread on the Nicene Creed and we will continue with Acts.

 

[Carl Emerson]

@Brakelite @amadeus @Azim @Pearl @Rita @Ritajanice @APAK @MA2444 @faithfulness @GTW27 @Berean @rockytopva @quietthinker @ScottA @Hidden In Him @grace @Oneoff @Hillsage @VictoryinJesus @Angelina @seatts79 @GodsGrace @RedFan

OK... let's read Acts 13

I will comment in a few days.

There is quite a lot of meat in this chapter - please share your thoughts.

 

[Carl Emerson]

@Brakelite @amadeus @Azim @Pearl @Rita @Ritajanice @APAK @MA2444 @faithfulness @GTW27 @Berean @rockytopva @quietthinker @ScottA @Hidden In Him @grace @Oneoff @Hillsage @VictoryinJesus @Angelina @seatts79 @GodsGrace @RedFan

OK Acts 13...

First off - Corporate prayer and fasting was central to how the church operated, coupled with the ministries of Prophet and Teacher. The Lords forward plan was earnestly sought by the body as a whole, and those called to full time service in sharing the Gospel were sent out to preach in the world. Anointing for this service was imparted by the laying on of hands.

Even with the Word to go and evangelise, daily guidance was still critical to success.

Paul would usually head for the Synagogue on arriving at each location because his Love for the Jews was deep and ability to defend the faith in that spiritual culture was without equal.

Paul, exceptionally anointed with the Holy indignation, closed down the Jewish false prophet/magician and rendered him blind for a time - as he himself was rendered blind at conversion. This proclamation of immediate judgement was similar to Peter's interaction with Ananias and Sapphira.

Consider verse 48... "as many as were appointed to eternal life believed."
The truth of God choosing who would believe and be saved is hotly contested on forums - yet is plainly stated.
Faith comes from hearing and believing the Word of Christ - works follow, because we accepted His invitation to reside in us and He then can to will and to do of His good purpose in and through us. Our salvation then is anchored in His good works not ours because we surrender our will to him - even daily as we pray His prayer.... "Thy will be done."

 

[Carl Emerson]

@Brakelite @amadeus @Azim @Pearl @Rita @Ritajanice @APAK @MA2444 @faithfulness @GTW27 @Berean @rockytopva @quietthinker @ScottA @Hidden In Him @grace @Oneoff @Hillsage @VictoryinJesus @Angelina @seatts79 @GodsGrace @RedFan

Hi there again...

Lets read Acts 14 and feed back your thoughts.

 

[Carl Emerson]

@Brakelite @amadeus @Azim @Pearl @Rita @Ritajanice @APAK @MA2444 @faithfulness @GTW27 @Berean @rockytopva @quietthinker @ScottA @Hidden In Him @grace @Oneoff @Hillsage @VictoryinJesus @Angelina @seatts79 @GodsGrace @RedFan

Mmmm... no response or participation.

Should we try another approach ???

Here is a beautiful painting of the women at the tomb after the crucifixion with spices and such to assist in preparing the body of Jesus.

This is an artwork from the national gallery in Melbourne.

Reading from John 19:38 we see the body was prepared, embalmed and wrapped.

Then in John 20 Mary Madeline goes early to the tomb, sees that the stone had been moved away and assumed the body had been stolen.
So she returns to the disciples to report that the body had been taken.
Peter and John come back with her to the tomb and they confirm the body has been unwrapped and is no longer there.
They knew nothing of the resurrection and went back perplexed.

But Mary stayed on at the entrance of the tomb in prayer and travail for her Lord.
This was greatly rewarded by the first appearance of the risen Jesus.

So I have been reflecting on this strength of faith not seen among the men who were afraid and behind locked doors.

Whereas Mary had not given up on the basis of what she saw, rather she poured her heart out for something more.

I also note that the most spectacular miracle that has ever occurred was in complete silence with no witnesses.

 

[Brakelite]

@Brakelite @amadeus @Azim @Pearl @Rita @Ritajanice @APAK @MA2444 @faithfulness @GTW27 @Berean @rockytopva @quietthinker @ScottA @Hidden In Him @grace @Oneoff @Hillsage @VictoryinJesus @Angelina @seatts79 @GodsGrace @RedFan

Mmmm... no response or participation.

Should we try another approach ???

Here is a beautiful painting of the women at the tomb after the crucifixion with spices and such to assist in preparing the body of Jesus.

This is an artwork from the national gallery in Melbourne.

Reading from John 19:38 we see the body was prepared, embalmed and wrapped.

Then in John 20 Mary Madeline goes early to the tomb, sees that the stone had been moved away and assumed the body had been stolen.
So she returns to the disciples to report that the body had been taken.
Peter and John come back with her to the tomb and they confirm the body has been unwrapped and is no longer there.
They knew nothing of the resurrection and went back perplexed.

But Mary stayed on at the entrance of the tomb in prayer and travail for her Lord.
This was greatly rewarded by the first appearance of the risen Jesus.

So I have been reflecting on this strength of faith not seen among the men who were afraid and behind locked doors.

Whereas Mary had not given up on the basis of what she saw, rather she poured her heart out for something more.

I also note that the most spectacular miracle that has ever occurred was in complete silence with no witnesses.


View attachment 66174

“Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. ”
Luke 7:47 KJV

Unfeigned Bible

Unfeigned Bible

www.unfeignedbible.app

 

[Brakelite]

@Brakelite @amadeus @Azim @Pearl @Rita @Ritajanice @APAK @MA2444 @faithfulness @GTW27 @Berean @rockytopva @quietthinker @ScottA @Hidden In Him @grace @Oneoff @Hillsage @VictoryinJesus @Angelina @seatts79 @GodsGrace @RedFan

Mmmm... no response or participation.

Should we try another approach ???

Here is a beautiful painting of the women at the tomb after the crucifixion with spices and such to assist in preparing the body of Jesus.

This is an artwork from the national gallery in Melbourne.

Reading from John 19:38 we see the body was prepared, embalmed and wrapped.

Then in John 20 Mary Madeline goes early to the tomb, sees that the stone had been moved away and assumed the body had been stolen.
So she returns to the disciples to report that the body had been taken.
Peter and John come back with her to the tomb and they confirm the body has been unwrapped and is no longer there.
They knew nothing of the resurrection and went back perplexed.

But Mary stayed on at the entrance of the tomb in prayer and travail for her Lord.
This was greatly rewarded by the first appearance of the risen Jesus.

So I have been reflecting on this strength of faith not seen among the men who were afraid and behind locked doors.

Whereas Mary had not given up on the basis of what she saw, rather she poured her heart out for something more.

I also note that the most spectacular miracle that has ever occurred was in complete silence with no witnesses.


View attachment 66174

I do find in that period of expression, the extravagant clothing so obviously uncharacteristic of both the times of Jesus and the financial position held by those in the picture. Excerpt perhaps for the angel sitting at the door.

 

[Carl Emerson]

I do find in that period of expression, the extravagant clothing so obviously uncharacteristic of both the times of Jesus and the financial position held by those in the picture. Excerpt perhaps for the angel sitting at the door.

Agreed, but as Art it is rather beautiful.