This is from the list of topics regarding the November conference (
http://bible-truths.com/BibleConference2009.htm):
WE MUST "KEEP THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT" ... TILL WE ALL COME IN "THE UNITY OF THE FAITH, AND OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON OF GOD, UNTO A PERFECT MAN [WOMAN] UNTO THE MEASURE OF THE STATURE OF CHRIST."
What does that mean, and how in the world are we to accomplish it?
What is it that God will give us in the resurrection that we don't have now?
And what must we first accomplish (through God of course) in this life to be in the resurrection to receive the other? etc., etc...Eileen, I'm happy that you are coming to this conference because I think the material is directly related to what you are speaking of. You are not the only one who feels this way in life, nor the last. I feel confident in saying that I believe the Lord placed this on Ray's heart to teach because so many of us feel this way from time to time.
I will also say this: studying His Word IS necessary in your daily walk with Christ:
Ps 119:97-101 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.
Ps 119:127-128 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
2 Tim 2:15-16 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.How one studies is between themselves and the Lord, but study is absolute necessary.
I want to say one quick thing to the members in general:
I read these posts in Testimonies, all of them. But I don't comment because of one thing that runs prevalent on this part of the forum: Too many people attempting to pass worldly wisdom onto others as if it is from God. As well as too many people drawn to these carnal responses instead of what the Lord says.
Just because something 'feels good' in your life, does not make it some spiritual truth from the Lord. And all who wish to parlay these 'feel good' beliefs onto others, and in turn have others follow these worldly ways, will have to answer to the Lord. The is not a threat from myself or the other moderators, but a truth from God.
Matt 18:6-7 Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man [or woman]
by whom the offence cometh!Why do some of us believe we can comfort others better than our Lord and Savior? Why NOT rely on the Word of God? Are our 'good feelings' better than His Word, tried in the fire seven times [Ps 12:6]?
That's the WHOLE point in studying the Word...to be like Him, for our words/actions/behavior/etc to be like HIM.
I'll stop right there, just wanted to make a small, quick point.
Thanks,
Marques