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FOR WHAT DID PAUL VOLUNTEER?
hillsbororiver:
--- Quote from: sonofone on September 13, 2007, 04:09:30 PM ---Joe I wonder what the average church member would think if they read this post? It was so simple, so clearly stated, yet so powerful, that I paused to take it all in before posting. Unfortunately I think we all know the answer to that question. He that will have ears let him hear. Great post Joe.
--- End quote ---
Thank you sonophone,
Actually I had nothing to do with the composition other than copying and pasting it from Ray's article (LOF Part III) I thought it may be especially relevant considering what many have shared here recently.
The additional message from CIY taken from Ray's Gehenna paper fit here seamlessly, great response!
His Peace to you,
Joe
hillsbororiver:
It is human nature to want to take the path of the least resistance, but the Lord does not leave any wiggle room in regard to what He requires of His own. Many in the church system want smooth things preached to them, they want prosperity in this world, they want to be well thought of, respected and maybe even to be popular, it isn't much different than what any unbeliever or worldly person desires. It is seen and believed that a prosperous life in this world makes one a man of distinction, either favored by God or because he himself is a superior person, worthy of respect and admiration.
Luk 6:24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.
Luk 6:25 Woe unto you that are full for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.
Luk 6:26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
By "rich" I am quite sure that monetary wealth is not the end all be all or even the most relevant point, this pertains more to those who consider themselves "in need of nothing" they know all they need to know in regard to Christ and the plan of salvation.
Same here in the next verse, of course gluttony is not to be desired but Jesus is not speaking of someone who gorges on ice cream, cake or any foodstuff but those who know what they know and are not to be swayed by any Scriptures, they have no real hunger for His Word, they have their preacher to feed them smooth things every week.
To be fearful of what others think and say about you, wanting a good solid reputation in the here and now, at what price? Look at the joy of the apostles when the religious leaders gave them the boot!
Act 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
We know that the Lord really had some incredible things set aside for Saul/Paul, it was a glorious mission but his way would not be easy, smooth and the establishment would not be exalting him or bestowing any honors upon him.
Act 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
Act 9:16 For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
Paul understood this perfectly, he believed Christ when He said "let him take up his cross and follow me" (Mat 16:24, Mar 8:34, Mar 10:21, Luk 9:23). He knew very well that he and all who are of God would have to suffer tribulation, would have to pick up their cross which is denying and despising the very things that we desire and that come so natural to us.
Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
1Co 4:12 And labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
1Co 4:13 Being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
1Co 4:14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
1Th 3:4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
1Ti 4:10 For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those that believe.
2Ti 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
2Ti 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
What did Peter write in regard to this experience of being ostracized and having evil things spoken of you (or worse)?
1Pe 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
His Peace and Wisdom to you,
Joe
Brett:
I'm concerning....
Did Paul (or anyone) have VOLUNTEER? If you say yes, what scripture?
Brett
hillsbororiver:
Hi Brett,
The word "volunteer" does not appear anywhere in the KJV, but the verbal response Paul uttered was a question "What will you have me do?" As I explained earlier this definition is not what we normally have come to mind when hearing the word "volunteer." We will think of a volunteer fireman, or any person who offers to do a task for no monetary compensation.
The definition I provided earlier (#9 definition Random House Unabridged Dictionary, 9. to offer oneself for some service or undertaking.) does not take into account any coercion, strong persuasion, any causation of any degree whatsoever, just the fact that they gave information or a service) look at this example;
Mr. Jones was adament in his innocence until he was presented with the evidence of his guilt, he then volunteered to give the police the names of his accomplices and the method they gained entry into the bank.
You see Mr. Jones did not march into the police station to volunteer the information out of guilt or a motivation to do the right thing but was caused or coerced once he was convinced or convicted in his mind it was the thing he should do, for his own good.
I hope this helps,
Joe
Sue Creamer:
Joe,
"God, Who is TESTING our hearts"
Doesn't God already know our hearts??? He made us, he gave us our particular personalities, weaknesses,
strengths..! I know he knows exactly how we will react in any given circumstance so why does he have
to test our heart??? When Abraham was to sacrifice Issac, and he would have done so had God not stopped him...then God said to Abraham "now I know.." (not quoted) as if he didn't know what Abraham would do. Is it possible God test us so WE see what is in our own hearts???
One more thing...!! You posted Scriptures from Luke 6:24, 25 & 26. I must admit being new to the truth I did not understand just what this was saying...I have always beat myself up because I thought
it was talking about my "extra poundage" "comfortable lifestyle" "being liked by my family/friends".... :) not that I am excusing my "flaws" :( I am truly loving seeing the real truth of God and the blinders are coming off....!!
Thank you so much for such a wonderful post and for starting my day with some new truths.
peace,
Sue Ann
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