How to grow in the Word

[Nancy]

So your opinion was it was the members of baptists not the members of the episcopalians? Whichever, it has to do with the leadership in that church and the specific people that attend there and what the culture has developed in their specific church. The larger problem is when people have a bad experience specifically with individual people or a group of individuals and then start labeling that whole denomination as being this or that, painting all with a wide brush, it becomes a carried prejudice & grows hate not love.

First of all, I NEVER put ALL Baptists in that box, seems you do though. I attended that Church for two and a half years. I do not take leaving a Church lightly. You have no idea what has gone on and you are way off base here. I simply stated that the Episcopalians actually experienced the coldness from my Church, and that surprised and embarrassed me as well. I love the pastor there, he and I had a good long talk with prayer as I told him I was returning to an old Church of mine. He told me the door was always open for me and blessed me, as he understood the reasons I left there. I have labeled NO denomination so, please stop putting words in my mouth and acting like you KNOW what transpires in my life. You really love to jump to your own erroneous conclusions. If a Church does not show brotherly love, there is definitely something amiss. Especially when it concerns the pastors wife and the cliques that shun certain people within the Church. And, when you start to hear all these things from people who do not even attend there, do you not find that a bit troubling??!

 

[Pearl]

How awesome for the pastors wife to, well ACT like the pastors wife!! Lol...One of the nastiest woman at my last Church, was, yep...the pastors wife. She was a "shunner" big time. The saddest thing was when one time, the husband of the lady who runs the pantry/community center I go to mentioned to me that she was not well liked among the Episcopalians that run the Center I work for. I was still attending my old Church, so I was a bit embarrassed.
The Genesis Center (community center) and Caz Baptist Church is like, right next door to each other. Every year, all the Church's in this area (not ALL, but the ones on that corner area) have a summer picnic. Each Church has their own things going on, and folks just go from one to the other. Bounce houses, games, hot dogs, face painting, clowns and balloons...it is fun, we had Karaoke last year with Christian songs! Caz Church left a bad taste in my mouth and broke my heart. I can forgive the coldness of the people there but, does not mean I want to be around them any time soon as, I'd be sittin alone, lol! Now, if there were more warmth in that particular local body I would think there would be much more growth. Seemed everyone was afraid to ask pointed questions, I know I was as it took me only one time to learn NOT to ask stuff. They shut me right down...bye bye Caz. I wish them well and do pray for them. Just do not want to ever walk through those doors again.

Sad Nancy.

 

[tzcho2]

First of all, I NEVER put ALL Baptists in that box, seems you do though. I attended that Church for two and a half years. I do not take leaving a Church lightly. You have no idea what has gone on and you are way off base here. I simply stated that the Episcopalians actually experienced the coldness from my Church, and that surprised and embarrassed me as well. me. I love the pastor there, he and I had a good long talk with prayer as I told him I was returning to an old Church of mine. He told me the door was always open for me and blessed me, as he understood the reasons I left there. I have labeled NO denomination so, please stop putting words in my mouth and acting like you KNOW what transpires in my life. You really love to jump to your own erroneous conclusions. If a Church does not show brotherly love, there is definitely something amiss. Especially when it concerns the pastors wife and the cliques than shun certain people within the Church. And, when you start to hear all these things from people who do not even attend there, do you not find that a bit troubling??!

Triggered? I never accused you in my post.
I was speaking in generally that it is a larger problem when this happens and also trying to get clarity. Why not just stay and try to make a different vibe there?

 

[Nancy]

Sad Nancy.

It was Pat, it hurt so bad to just drive by there after I left. I know there are some loving people there, and they have no idea what the leadership believes. They do not openly preach on it (wonder why?) it's more like preaching of omission...I will not get into it on here...if you want we can PM...I do NOT want anymore vitriol from our so called brethren.

 

[Pearl]

If a Church does not show brotherly love, there is definitely something amiss. Especially when it concerns the pastors wife and the cliques that shun certain people within the Church. And, when you start to hear all these things from people who do not even attend there, do you not find that a bit troubling??!

Quite right Nancy.

 

[Pearl]

It was Pat, it hurt so bad to just drive by there after I left. I know there are some loving people there, and they have no idea what the leadership believes. They do not openly preach on it (wonder why?) it's more like preaching of omission...I will not get into it on here...if you want we can PM...I do NOT want anymore vitriol from our so called brethren.

So called brethren are much more inclined to vitriol than most unbelievers. They are full of 'head' knowledge but without much in the way of love. Clanging cymbals.

 

[101G]

GINOLJC, to all.
Addressing the OP only, Good topic. especially the part,

Christians ought not deceive themselves regarding their spiritual growth. Newborns in the Lord, Peter wrote, need to be fed the “milk” of the Word (I Pet. 2:2), fed to them via a slow, steady, “precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little” (Isa. 28:10) systematic study.

Through this patient adding of principles, a strong, solid foundation is built, believers remain planted, and are not easily shaken when their faith is being tested.

this is true, milk first, (knowledge), but don't get planted on milk only. growth need good soil and good fertilization, (understanding), by the Holy Spirit. other word, if taught correctly, then the plant will grow strong. but if taught incorrectly, (without the Holy Spirit) when tested suffer loss, (but saved, see 1 Corinthians 3:12-15). for if one is fed only milk, then the result will be weak plant. for the scriptures are true,
Isaiah 28:9 "Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
Isaiah 28:10 "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little".

so yes, we agree with your assessment, just don't stay on milk, be a Bere, for they search the scriptures daily, not weekly, nor monthly, or yearly, BUT DAILY. .

PICJAG.

 

[Nancy]

So called brethren are much more inclined to vitriol than most unbelievers. They are full of 'head' knowledge but without much in the way of love. Clanging cymbals.

2 Timothy 3:7 "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."
Yes...and what does The Word say about all of these gifts being, as you have said "clanging symbols"? That's exactly what they are without LOVE! Amen! Some just hate to hear the "mushy" lovey dovey" stuff and JUST want to concentrate on their own self induced law living...whether they know it or not, and try to push it onto others. And, as they do this they rob many of their joy in The Lord. And, as far as I am aware of...there is only one who kills, steals and destroys....our faith and joy. How quickly this kind of dialog can turn away new or weak in the faith believers

 

[Enoch111]

Once a person sees his/her need to study with the help of God’s Spirit and well established, well balanced teachers, what is it they should be taught?

1. All Christians need to be taught sound Bible doctrine directly out of the Bible, and systematically. There are at least two dozen such doctrines which Bible-believing Christians hold to.

2. At the same time, all Christians need to be taught (and shown) how to study the Bible for themselves -- the nuts and bolts of Bible study -- using all legitimate Bible study tools.

Most evangelical and fundamental churches today do NOT have these two essential aspects of Bible study in place. Some churches even think that doctrine is unimportant, and subjective experiences are sufficient. That is why there is so much spiritual confusion (as we see daily on Christian forums).

 

[Enoch111]

so yes, we agree with your assessment, just don't stay on milk, be a Bere, for they search the scriptures daily, not weekly, nor monthly, or yearly, BUT DAILY. .

Well 101G, if you were a true Berean, you would not have a false doctrine about the Godhead. So where did you learn your doctrine, which is contrary to Scripture?

 

[101G]

Well 101G, if you were a true Berean, you would not have a false doctrine about the Godhead. So where did you learn your doctrine, which is contrary to Scripture?

well E111, if you're a Berean, disprove it by reconciling John 1:3 and Isaiah 44:24... or
Rev 1:4 & 5, well?

PICJAG.

 

[complete]

well E111, if you're a Berean, disprove it by reconciling John 1:3 and Isaiah 44:24... or Rev 1:4 & 5, well?

PICJAG.

Hello there, @101G & @Enoch111,

'In the beginning was the Word,
.. and the Word was with God,
.... and the Word was God.
...... The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by Him;
.. and without Him
.... was not any thing made
...... that was made.'
(John 1:1-3)

'Thus saith the LORD,
.. thy redeemer,
.... and He that formed thee from the womb,
I am the LORD that maketh all things;
.. that stretcheth forth the heavens alone;
.... that spreadeth abroad the earth by Myself; ... '
(Isaiah 44:24)

'John to the seven churches which are in Asia:
.. Grace be unto you, and peace,
from Him which is,
.. and which was,
.... and which is to come;
and from the seven Spirits which are before His throne;
And from Jesus Christ,
.. Who is the faithful witness,
.... and the first begotten of the dead,
...... and the prince of the kings of the earth.
Unto him that loved us,
.. and washed us from our sins in His own blood,
.... And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father;
...... to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.
Amen.'
(John 1:4-6)

* God in operation.

Praise His Holy Name!

In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[complete]

Once a person sees his/her need to study with the help of God’s Spirit and well established, well balanced teachers, what is it they should be taught?

The Bible explains that it is not enough to merely be taught, but rather, the believer needs to be taught something very definite.

II Timothy 4:3, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears…”

Christians may think by attending services where they hear preaching, where a point here and a point there are being expressed, that they are gaining a well balanced spiritual meal that will somehow, someday lead to maturity.

But, without adopting a consistent, systematic training pattern at one's beginning, growing up in the Lord can be truly frustrating as one sifts through much of what passes for sound doctrine, but instead is merely a favorite few messages that are taught over and over again ad nauseum.

“The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them,” Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes, “because he knoweth not how to go to the city.” Or, in other words, the student needs less to listen to preachers and teachers, or to read books and listen to CDs, than he needs to know what is in season for him/her.

Christians ought not deceive themselves regarding their spiritual growth. Newborns in the Lord, Peter wrote, need to be fed the “milk” of the Word (I Pet. 2:2), fed to them via a slow, steady, “precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little” (Isa. 28:10) systematic study.

Through this patient adding of principles, a strong, solid foundation is built, believers remain planted, and are not easily shaken when their faith is being tested.

So what is it that should be included in one’s academic start? The writer of Hebrews (6th chapter) lists six principles that make up the “first principles of the doctrines of Christ.” Without these truths deeply rooted in a believer’s beginning, such lack often leads to a bad beginning; and, as was written to the Hebrews in 5:12, the resolution of a bad beginning is to go back to the beginning, to start again the right way.

For, even with the children of Israel, the Lord had to many times “restore as at the first…as at the beginning.” (Isa. 1:26) “This is the commandment,” wrote John, "that as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it” (verse 6)

'And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea:
who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
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.'
(Acts 17:10-11)

Hello @Hope in God,

I agree that a good basic grounding in what God has accomplished in and through His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ is important. He is the foundation of our faith, the Rock upon Which we stand. We must be careful also what we build on that foundation: that it be not spiritual 'wood', 'hay', 'or stubble' that will be burned away, in that day in which our service is tried.

* However, the one principle of Bible Study that tends to be overlooked is that found 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.'
(2 Timothy 2:15)

* This is vital instruction, for it lifts the believer above the strife of tongues, and the influence of men, to God and His Word. That coupled with the Berean spirit described in Acts 17:11 ensures that it is the Word of Truth that is received and acknowledged, which provides a straight path for our feet, and keeps our minds stayed on Christ our Saviour, the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Praise God!

In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[Episkopos]

1. All Christians need to be taught sound Bible doctrine directly out of the Bible, and systematically. There are at least two dozen such doctrines which Bible-believing Christians hold to.

2. At the same time, all Christians need to be taught (and shown) how to study the Bible for themselves -- the nuts and bolts of Bible study -- using all legitimate Bible study tools.

Most evangelical and fundamental churches today do NOT have these two essential aspects of Bible study in place. Some churches even think that doctrine is unimportant, and subjective experiences are sufficient. That is why there is so much spiritual confusion (as we see daily on Christian forums).

LOL

You would reproduce other bible followers as you. But there is no life in it.

The bible points us to Christ so we can follow Him...outside of the bible.

We are not to grow in the bible...or bible knowledge for it's own sake. Knowledge puffs up but love edifies. (that's in the bible)

So then most people would do better to walk in humility and not treat the bible as if it was salvation. Much hypocrisy would be avoided in this way.

But here is a radical idea...we are to grow in Christ. I know that sounds meaningless compared to growing in the bible. After all you can buy a bible rather cheaply or even get one as a gift....a free gift. Is grace receiving a bible?

God is Spirit...and we are to enter into HIS realm...where He lives...to walk in His power (grace).


Unless the bible is leading you to THAT kind of supernatural walk...you are digging yourself into a religious hole.

The bible testifies of LIFE...new LIFE...found in the Spirit. The sons of God are led by the Spirit...not the bible. The letter KILLS...but the Spirit gives life. (this is in the bible)

The early church didn't own bibles. They walked in the intimacy of a spiritual relationship with the living God...by the Spirit. It's all there in the bible. The multiplication of bibles only multiplied divisions and human opinions because of a lack of understanding. But since it empowered people in their fleshly minds...it's all seen as good. But I don't think so...so I'm hated for it! :)

So the devil presents the bible as a means of salvation...by human interpretation that makes God the servant of men.

So then why do biblicist who basically worship a book...disrespect the walk in Christ so much?

The same way that Cain resented Abel. The church of Cain hates they who have a real connection to God. They can't allow themselves to believe that others could have a greater connection to God. Jealousy ensues if that takes place. These grasp at what is visible...like a paper bible...not knowing anything of what is eternal and therefore not visible. It is the carnal against the spiritual. The devil also sets the bible against the brethren of Jesus. Just as Jesus was tempted in the desert...He successfully resisting...but so many falling for the devil's trickery FROM the bible.

So are we really to grow in the bible? The bible according to whom?

Is that the same as walking as Jesus walked? Is that the same as the full stature of Christ?

Or does it replace this?

 

[101G]

Hello there, @101G & @Enoch111,

'In the beginning was the Word,
.. and the Word was with God,
.... and the Word was God.
...... The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by Him;
.. and without Him
.... was not any thing made
...... that was made.'
(John 1:1-3)

'Thus saith the LORD,
.. thy redeemer,
.... and He that formed thee from the womb,
I am the LORD that maketh all things;
.. that stretcheth forth the heavens alone;
.... that spreadeth abroad the earth by Myself; ... '
(Isaiah 44:24)

'John to the seven churches which are in Asia:
.. Grace be unto you, and peace,
from Him which is,
.. and which was,
.... and which is to come;
and from the seven Spirits which are before His throne;
And from Jesus Christ,
.. Who is the faithful witness,
.... and the first begotten of the dead,
...... and the prince of the kings of the earth.
Unto him that loved us,
.. and washed us from our sins in His own blood,
.... And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father;
...... to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.
Amen.'
(John 1:4-6)

* God in operation.

Praise His Holy Name!

In Christ Jesus
Chris

Hello there, @101G & @Enoch111,

'In the beginning was the Word,
.. and the Word was with God,
.... and the Word was God.
...... The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by Him;
.. and without Him
.... was not any thing made
...... that was made.'
(John 1:1-3)

'Thus saith the LORD,
.. thy redeemer,
.... and He that formed thee from the womb,
I am the LORD that maketh all things;
.. that stretcheth forth the heavens alone;
.... that spreadeth abroad the earth by Myself; ... '
(Isaiah 44:24)

'John to the seven churches which are in Asia:
.. Grace be unto you, and peace,
from Him which is,
.. and which was,
.... and which is to come;
and from the seven Spirits which are before His throne;
And from Jesus Christ,
.. Who is the faithful witness,
.... and the first begotten of the dead,
...... and the prince of the kings of the earth.
Unto him that loved us,
.. and washed us from our sins in His own blood,
.... And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father;
...... to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.
Amen.'
(John 1:4-6)

* God in operation.

Praise His Holy Name!

In Christ Jesus
Chris

GINOLJC, To all.
Hello charity. first thanks for your reply, second, yes, we agree that it is God in operation, but some seem to believe that the person in John 1:3 is a separate and distinct person for the person in Isaiah 44:24. the person in Isaiah 44:24 said he made all things and that he was "alone" and "by himself" when he made all things. this we believe the word of God, which makes the person in John 1:3 the same person.

their is not doubt that the Person in both scriptures is the same one Person, or else men or God lied. God forbid that God lied, so that leaves only one option. men has lied. for if one read both scriptures, there is only one conclusion, it's the same Person.

now as for Revelation 1:4 & 5, here again it's the same Person who hold all the "titles" mention in said verses. so the LORD is the Lord in flesh. not a seperate and distinct person. this is my point, God is one person diversified in flesh.

in fairness we don't mind hearing someone else views but back it up with scripture, and not with conjecture.

I believe that if someone can produce biblical scripture that shows there are three separate and distinct "persons" in the Godhesd I would repent. I believe that's fair. but so far, no one ... by the "Holy Scriptures" has done so. untill then we will promote the "diversified oneness" biblical based doctrine, which the Lord Jesus himself taught, and his disciples/Apostles taught.

PICJAG.

ps we're open to any question one may have on the Godhead.

and again thanks for the post.

 

[APAK]

Once a person sees his/her need to study with the help of God’s Spirit and well established, well balanced teachers, what is it they should be taught?

The Bible explains that it is not enough to merely be taught, but rather, the believer needs to be taught something very definite.

II Timothy 4:3, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears…”

Christians may think by attending services where they hear preaching, where a point here and a point there are being expressed, that they are gaining a well balanced spiritual meal that will somehow, someday lead to maturity.

But, without adopting a consistent, systematic training pattern at one's beginning, growing up in the Lord can be truly frustrating as one sifts through much of what passes for sound doctrine, but instead is merely a favorite few messages that are taught over and over again ad nauseum.

“The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them,” Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes, “because he knoweth not how to go to the city.” Or, in other words, the student needs less to listen to preachers and teachers, or to read books and listen to CDs, than he needs to know what is in season for him/her.

Christians ought not deceive themselves regarding their spiritual growth. Newborns in the Lord, Peter wrote, need to be fed the “milk” of the Word (I Pet. 2:2), fed to them via a slow, steady, “precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little” (Isa. 28:10) systematic study.

Through this patient adding of principles, a strong, solid foundation is built, believers remain planted, and are not easily shaken when their faith is being tested.

So what is it that should be included in one’s academic start? The writer of Hebrews (6th chapter) lists six principles that make up the “first principles of the doctrines of Christ.” Without these truths deeply rooted in a believer’s beginning, such lack often leads to a bad beginning; and, as was written to the Hebrews in 5:12, the resolution of a bad beginning is to go back to the beginning, to start again the right way.

For, even with the children of Israel, the Lord had to many times “restore as at the first…as at the beginning.” (Isa. 1:26) “This is the commandment,” wrote John, "that as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it” (verse 6)

Yes, I agree with your assessment in the main….

Dieting on Mac Church food and drink products all one’s life can be fatal.

One day if not already past, these popular quick and easy fast food religious chains and outlets known for artificiality, unnatural additives and addictive ingredients can take over one’s soul. Then what? Hopefully to a complete diet change; to the natural, tried and true spiritual food and drink of our Lord and Savior, and directly given and supported by and from the words and voice (word) of our Creator.

Bless you,

APAK

 

[101G]

if one want to grow in Christ, one needs the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 4:11 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Ephesians 4:12 "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Ephesians 4:13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Ephesians 4:14 "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Ephesians 4:15 "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:


2 Peter 2:1 "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 Peter 2:2 "And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
2 Peter 2:3 "And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not".

PICJAG.

 

[bbyrd009]

“precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little”

um, you know thats a curse right

 

[Episkopos]

Ephesians 4:14 "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Ephesians 4:15 "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

Actually this thread is not about growth in Christ...but growth in the bible...which leads to many various doctrines...none of which leads to life.

 

[bbyrd009]

"that as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it”

^
ntmy tho :)