Enlightenment

Enlightenment, regarding my need of a Saviour, and the way of salvation, came to me through hearing and believing God's Word, spoken by a Preacher.(Rom. 10:17; 1 Cor. 1:21)

Enlightenment is an ongoing process which we, who know Christ as our Saviour, experience as we feed on His Word. His Word being the sum total of God's revelation to us.

In Ephesians 1:18, enlightenment had been given to those to whom Paul wrote, yet Paul prayed that they should also receive 'the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him'. Of Whom? - 'The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory.'

The eyes of their understand had been enlightened, yet they needed to know -

-
'what is the hope of His calling'
- 'what (is) the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.'
- 'what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe.'
(Ephesians 1:17-23)

The spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, is something that we need to pray for each of us to receive isn't it? For it is vital that we have it, if we would know Him, the hope of His calling, the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and the exceeding greatness of His power.

* Do you have any thoughts on this?

In Christ Jesus
Chris











 
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Enlightenment, regarding my need of a Saviour, and the way of salvation, came to me through hearing and believing God's Word, spoken by a Preacher.(Rom. 10:17; 1 Cor. 1:21)

Enlightenment is an ongoing process which we, who know Christ as our Saviour, experience as we feed on His Word. His Word being the sum total of God's revelation to us.

In Ephesians 1:18, enlightenment had been given to those to whom Paul wrote, yet Paul prayed that they should also receive 'the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him'. Of Whom? - 'The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory.'

The eyes of their understand had been enlightened, yet they needed to know -

-
'what is the hope of His calling'
- 'what (is) the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.'
- 'what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe.'
(Ephesians 1:17-23)

The spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, is something that we need to pray for each of us to receive isn't it? For it is vital that we have it, if we would know Him, the hope of His calling, the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and the exceeding greatness of His power.

* Do you have any thoughts on this?

In Christ Jesus
Chris


It was said to me that I love the Bible more than the Lord Jesus Christ. I think that was said out of a heart of confusion and ignorance because Of course the only things we know about Jesus actually come from the Bible.

I agree completely with your thesis as it is the basis of truth. Simply said, and you did ask my thoughts, my thinking is that there are depths and the wisdom of God that you and I can not easily discover, sometimes not at all. We need to use all of the mental ability we have so that we can try to understand something of great importance which is the will, purpose and plan of God. I do however think that God wants us to know these things because the mystery has now been revealed to us through His Word.

Ephesians 1:9............
"Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He has purposed in Himself".












 
Enlightenment, regarding my need of a Saviour, and the way of salvation, came to me through hearing and believing God's Word, spoken by a Preacher.(Rom. 10:17; 1 Cor. 1:21)


(Ephesians 1:17-23)

The spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, is something that we need to pray for each of us to receive isn't it? For it is vital that we have it, if we would know Him, the hope of His calling, the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and the exceeding greatness of His power.

* Do you have any thoughts on this?

In Christ Jesus
Chris

Yes.
God giving you revelation is in direct proportion to you being solid in this ....... Hebrews 13:9

God is not going to waste time giving "advanced revelation" to someone who is saved 49 years and still cant understand "Grace" or how Eternal life IS Jesus.
1 John 5
God is not going to waste time with someone who is living in Matthew, James, and Hebrews, practicing circular reasoning while obsessing on "losing my salvation" and trying to teach this nonsense to everyone that would waste time listening to them.
A person who is going to get more Light from God has to master "Justification by Faith". <><> "Grace of God"..."Gift of Righteousness".
And they need to have these verses completely comprehended and why..

Hebrews 8:12
Hebrews 12:2
Romans 4:8
 
Hello @Abodah,

I was intrigued by your user name, so looked it up to find it's meaning, and learned that it means, 'a lost thing'.(aveh-dah). and is found in Exod. 22:9, Lev. 6:3,4; Deu. 22:3. Would you be willing to share with me, why you chose that name, please? :)

In Christ Jesus
Chris
 
Hello @Abodah,

I was intrigued by your user name, so looked it up to find it's meaning, and learned that it means, 'a lost thing'.(aveh-dah). and is found in Exod. 22:9, Lev. 6:3,4; Deu. 22:3. Would you be willing to share with me, why you chose that name, please? :)

In Christ Jesus
Chris

Hello,

Thats the wrong definition you have there.
Here is the correct translation from the Hebrew i use.

Definition:

`abodah
  1. labour, service
    1. labour, work
    2. service (of God)

<A><
 
Yes.
God giving you revelation is in direct proportion to you being solid in this ....... Hebrews 13:9

God is not going to waste time giving "advanced revelation" to someone who is saved 49 years and still cant understand "Grace" or how Eternal life IS Jesus.
1 John 5
God is not going to waste time with someone who is living in Matthew, James, and Hebrews, practicing circular reasoning while obsessing on "losing my salvation" and trying to teach this nonsense to everyone that would waste time listening to them.
A person who is going to get more Light from God has to master "Justification by Faith". <><> "Grace of God"..."Gift of Righteousness".
And they need to have these verses completely comprehended and why..

Hebrews 8:12
Hebrews 12:2
Romans 4:8

Hello again, @Abodah,

You quote Hebrews 13:9,

'Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines.
For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace;
not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.'


This is a very good verse to take note of isn't it, Abodah?
So are the other verses that you have referenced.

I thank you for them, but I do not entirely understand your reasoning.
Forgive me for taking so long to come back on this.

Hebrews 6:1-3 comes to my mind here, Abodah,

'Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ,
let us go on unto perfection;
(or completeness)
not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works,
and of faith toward God,

Of the doctrine of baptisms,
and of laying on of hands,
and of resurrection of the dead,
and of eternal judgment.
And this will we do,
if God permit.'


We have to leave babyhood behind, and go forward to maturity in Christ. Yet, God takes us forward in His time, for we need to be ready to receive what He has to give.

In Christ Jesus
Chris
 
Hello,

Thats the wrong definition you have there.
Here is the correct translation from the Hebrew i use.

Definition:

`abodah
  1. labour, service
    1. labour, work
    2. service (of God)

<A><

Thank you for correcting me, @Abodah,

Will you please help me further, by telling me where in Hebrews chapter one, I will find this usage?

Thank you.
In Christ Jesus
Chris
 
Hello again, @Abodah,

You quote Hebrews 13:9,

'Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines.
For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace;
not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.'


This is a very good verse to take note of isn't it, Abodah?
So are the other verses that you have referenced.

I thank you for them, but I do not entirely understand your reasoning.
Forgive me for taking so long to come back on this.

Hebrews 6:1-3 comes to my mind here, Abodah,

'Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ,
let us go on unto perfection;
(or completeness)
not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works,
and of faith toward God,

Of the doctrine of baptisms,
and of laying on of hands,
and of resurrection of the dead,
and of eternal judgment.
And this will we do,
if God permit.'


We have to leave babyhood behind, and go forward to maturity in Christ. Yet, God takes us forward in His time, for we need to be ready to receive what He has to give.

In Christ Jesus
Chris

Simply....
The reason that you have 123,456 denominations all fighting about "strange doctrines", some worried about "gifts of the spirit", some worried about "mary", some worried about "the predestined elect", some worried about "hyper calvinism"........is because those believers are not rooted in "Grace".
Being rooted in Grace is a shield that protects you from heretics and from becoming one....and thats a fact.
A Person who understands the revelation of Romans 4:8, will never worry about going to hell, and will never teach a believer that they can "lose it".
So, for so many, .... its all about not being "solid " in their "soteriology", for if they were,....if they were grounded in this one main thing, then they would not be chasing others on forums like this one trying to convince them of all sorts of theological nonsense.


So, God is a God of a serious mind, with a heart of love.
Jesus is the Heart of God.
The Cross is not a pretty play-thing that works best as an earring or a tattoo.
God's Son dying in torment is exactly how serious God is about "Christianity", and so, He "calls" some, and these are those who understand that being a believer is more then just trying not to download porn again., or wishing you had not watched another "R" rated movie, or,...(worrying about) being chosen as Christian Forum Mod or a church worker so that you can pretend you are spiritual in front of the "church" by carrying the biggest Bible or the biggest "online spirituality".....ect.
No, God is after the St Francis, the Rich Mullens.......God is after those who dont need to always be "right", but rather they need to Love God with all their heart.
And when He finds those, God gives them more Light, ....but,... they must at first be grounded, deeply deeply deeply in that scripture you quoted that i posted and:

Philippians 1:6
Hebrews 12:2

And a few others..

The people that God will never use, are people who have gotten away from Grace and are chasing Hebrews, James, and Matthew, trying to broaden their self righteousness.
So, as i said on this forum somewhere...... all heretics live in Matthew, James, and Hebrews..
That is a FACT.
But thats another topic...


blessings,

<A><
 
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Enlightenment, regarding my need of a Saviour, and the way of salvation, came to me through hearing and believing God's Word, spoken by a Preacher.(Rom. 10:17; 1 Cor. 1:21)

Enlightenment is an ongoing process which we, who know Christ as our Saviour, experience as we feed on His Word. His Word being the sum total of God's revelation to us.

In Ephesians 1:18, enlightenment had been given to those to whom Paul wrote, yet Paul prayed that they should also receive 'the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him'. Of Whom? - 'The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory.'

The eyes of their understand had been enlightened, yet they needed to know -

-
'what is the hope of His calling'
- 'what (is) the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.'
- 'what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe.'
(Ephesians 1:17-23)

The spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, is something that we need to pray for each of us to receive isn't it? For it is vital that we have it, if we would know Him, the hope of His calling, the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and the exceeding greatness of His power.

* Do you have any thoughts on this?

In Christ Jesus
Chris










Knowledge isn't enough... since I'm not as eloquent as the author, here are his words:

One of the greatest occult doctrines that has been passed down to the modern Church is that knowledge brings life. We have unintentionally replaced having knowledge about Jesus with having a real, active relationship. Jesus said, you search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; but you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. The knowledge of God’s Word is light for our path and the source of renewing our minds, but it isn’t the source of the life and power of God. Experiencing God through Jesus is the only source of God’s Life.

John said, In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light was not the life; Jesus Himself is the Life! The knowledge provides us a clear path and leads us to the door of the holy place, but at that point we must enter for ourselves and connect to God and His Life in Jesus!

The world’s system says light, knowledge and revelation is what brings life, but it’s actually just the opposite. Connecting to the life of God in Jesus personally, intimately and deliberately is the only source of life. Once we experience life we will simultaneously experience light!

How many wonderful revelations have we had, yet our life didn’t change? That’s because we thought revelation was all we needed. We didn’t allow it to motivate us to connect with God personally. The very revelation that God gave us to lead us to Him is often the substitute we use to replace Him.​
Jim Richards
http://www.impactministries.com/wil...e-to-experience-gods-power-over-my-situation/
 
Knowledge isn't enough... since I'm not as eloquent as the author, here are his words:

One of the greatest occult doctrines that has been passed down to the modern Church is that knowledge brings life. We have unintentionally replaced having knowledge about Jesus with having a real, active relationship. Jesus said, you search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; but you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. The knowledge of God’s Word is light for our path and the source of renewing kmour minds, but it isn’t the source of the life and power of God. Experiencing God through Jesus is the only source of God’s Life.

John said, In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light was not the life; Jesus Himself is the Life! The knowledge provides us a clear path and leads us to the door of the holy place, but at that point we must enter for ourselves and connect to God and His Life in Jesus!

The world’s system says light, knowledge and revelation is what brings life, but it’s actually just the opposite. Connecting to the life of God in Jesus personally, intimately and deliberately is the only source of life. Once we experience life we will simultaneously experience light!

How many wonderful revelations have we had, yet our life didn’t change? That’s because we thought revelation was all we needed. We didn’t allow it to motivate us to connect with God personally. The very revelation that God gave us to lead us to Him is often the substitute we use to replace Him.​
Jim Richards
http://www.impactministries.com/wil...e-to-experience-gods-power-over-my-situation/
Hello @Abdicate,

I agree that enlightenment requires response, but without that enlightenment there can be no response. That applies to enlightenment at every stage of growth. Without knowledge you cannot acknowledge, and acknowledgement is the vital factor in faith and growth. ( Romans 10:9,10)

In Christ Jesus
Chris
 
Staff Directive: One person in this thread is becoming argumentative and is adopting one of the banned topics here at CFS:

http://www.christianforumsite.com/threads/topics-which-may-not-be-discussed.39785/
http://www.christianforumsite.com/threads/topics-which-may-not-be-discussed.39785/
Please review Banned Topic Number 1 on the list.

If our 'new member' wishes to continue to ignore the banned topics list, the CFS staff will remove their account and the person can argue their points elsewhere on the net. There will be no additional verbal warnings and our staff actions to keep CFS a friendly, non confrontational place to fellowship will be final.

We will allow this thread to continue, as long as NO MENTION of banned topics continues, either openly or covertly !


23
 
Staff Directive: One person in this thread is becoming argumentative and is adopting one of the banned topics here at CFS:

http://www.christianforumsite.com/threads/topics-which-may-not-be-discussed.39785/
Please review Banned Topic Number 1 on the list.

If our 'new member' wishes to continue to ignore the banned topics list, the CFS staff will remove their account and the person can argue their points elsewhere on the net. There will be no additional verbal warnings and our staff actions to keep CFS a friendly, non confrontational place to fellowship will be final.

We will allow this thread to continue, as long as NO MENTION of banned topics continues, either openly or covertly !


23

Dear "unnamed Mod"..
I was not "arguing my point" regarding "said unmentionable topic".
I was only showing how "unmentionable topic" is theologically created.


blessings,

"new member".
 
Hello @Abdicate,

I agree that enlightenment requires response, but without that enlightenment there can be no response. That applies to enlightenment at every stage of growth. Without knowledge you cannot acknowledge, and acknowledgement is the vital factor in faith and growth. ( Romans 10:9,10)

In Christ Jesus
Chris

I like that.

I believe that there is no more important study in the Word of God for the believer than the theme of spiritual growth. There are two important Scriptures that will help us to understand that comment and maybe enlighten us about knowledge.

1.
2 PETER 3:18 ............
"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen." That is the summation of what Peter had to say in his second epistle.

2.
1 PETER 2:2 ..............
"As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that ye may grow by it." Peter began and ended his very practical epistles with an injunction for Christians to grow. Spiritual growth is basic to the life of a believer, just as physical growth is basic to the life of any person. God commands Christians to grow. In our study of spiritual growth, we want to examine what it means to mature as a believer."

Something to think about is spiritual growth has nothing to do with..."Our Position in Christ".

A person does not grow into becoming a Christian; conversion is an instantaneous miracle. The new birth is a sudden occurrence in the life of a believer. The moment he exercises faith in Christ, he is placed into the body of Christ. It is not a process; it is a marvelous, instantaneous miracle. We are no more saved after 50 years of Bible study and learning than we were the very second we accepted Christ as our Saviour.

Second, spiritual growth is not a matter of...God's Love.

God loved us when we were sinners. We were His enemies, alienated from Him before we ever came to Christ. When you became a believer, God continued to love you. There are no grades of love with God.

Then it is helpful to realize that spiritual growth is not a matter of....... Activity.

Some people think that if they have been active in the church (e.g., they served on a committee or sung in the choir), then they have grown spiritually. In other words, if you're busy enough, you must be spiritual. Not so in anyway whatsoever. Being busy doesn't even qualify someone for salvation, let alone spiritual growth.

There is one final introductory thought: Spiritual growth has nothing to do with...Prosperity.

Many people equate their economic situation with the favor of God. If they possess much, they think God has blessed them because they are such wonderful Christians. God may have blessed them, but that isn't necessarily an indication that they are spiritually mature. We should never equate positive circumstances with God's approval of our spiritual maturity.

There it is. Love it or leave it.
 
Hello,

Thats the wrong definition you have there.
Here is the correct translation from the Hebrew i use.

Definition:

`abodah
  1. labour, service
    1. labour, work
    2. service (of God)

<A><
Hello @Abodah,

I have looked this up again, and found that you are correct, it is Strong's No. H5656 'service'. When I looked it up earlier I had mis-spelt the word, and was directed to H9 ('ăbêdâh), meaning 'lost thing'.

You referred to it's use in Hebrews, so I have looked up the use of 'service' in Hebrews as you mentioned, and have found the following references,

Heb.9:1 -' Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.'
Heb.9:6 - 'Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.'
Heb.9:9 - 'Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service* perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; ... '

This would make an interesting study in itself. :) Though the Strong's No. in Hebrews is G2999 & G3000* (Latreia, and Latreuo), which must be the Greek equivalent of H5656. It comes in Philippians twice too, in Phil. 2:17 & 30.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris




 
Hello @Abodah,

I have looked this up again, and found that you are correct, it is Strong's No. H5656 'service'. When I looked it up earlier I had mis-spelt the word, and was directed to H9 ('ăbêdâh), meaning 'lost thing'.

You referred to it's use in Hebrews, so I have looked up the use of 'service' in Hebrews as you mentioned, and have found the following references,

Heb.9:1 -' Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.'
Heb.9:6 - 'Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.'
Heb.9:9 - 'Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service* perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; ... '

This would make an interesting study in itself. :) Though the Strong's No. in Hebrews is G2999 & G3000* (Latreia, and Latreuo), which must be the Greek equivalent of H5656. It comes in Philippians twice too, in Phil. 2:17 & 30.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris





God bless !
 
Hello @Abdicate,

I agree that enlightenment requires response, but without that enlightenment there can be no response. That applies to enlightenment at every stage of growth. Without knowledge you cannot acknowledge, and acknowledgement is the vital factor in faith and growth. ( Romans 10:9,10)

In Christ Jesus
Chris
And how many say "1, 2, 3, pray after me" and that's the extent of their relationship? Knowing about Jesus means nothing without the relationship that's truly required. Most have a relationship with Jesus no more than they do with George Washington or Cicero. Knowing about Jesus means nothing, yet the devils believe AND tremble, James 2:19. Once they truly received the Spirit's prompting to know Jesus, then it's up to them to follow Him and cease from sin, not use our liberty as a cloak for sin, 1 Peter 2:16.
 
I like that.

I believe that there is no more important study in the Word of God for the believer than the theme of spiritual growth. There are two important Scriptures that will help us to understand that comment and maybe enlighten us about knowledge.

1.
2 PETER 3:18 ............
"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen." That is the summation of what Peter had to say in his second epistle.

2.
1 PETER 2:2 ..............
"As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that ye may grow by it." Peter began and ended his very practical epistles with an injunction for Christians to grow. Spiritual growth is basic to the life of a believer, just as physical growth is basic to the life of any person. God commands Christians to grow. In our study of spiritual growth, we want to examine what it means to mature as a believer."

Something to think about is spiritual growth has nothing to do with..."Our Position in Christ".

A person does not grow into becoming a Christian; conversion is an instantaneous miracle. The new birth is a sudden occurrence in the life of a believer. The moment he exercises faith in Christ, he is placed into the body of Christ. It is not a process; it is a marvelous, instantaneous miracle. We are no more saved after 50 years of Bible study and learning than we were the very second we accepted Christ as our Saviour.

Second, spiritual growth is not a matter of...God's Love.

God loved us when we were sinners. We were His enemies, alienated from Him before we ever came to Christ. When you became a believer, God continued to love you. There are no grades of love with God.

Then it is helpful to realize that spiritual growth is not a matter of....... Activity.

Some people think that if they have been active in the church (e.g., they served on a committee or sung in the choir), then they have grown spiritually. In other words, if you're busy enough, you must be spiritual. Not so in anyway whatsoever. Being busy doesn't even qualify someone for salvation, let alone spiritual growth.

There is one final introductory thought: Spiritual growth has nothing to do with...Prosperity.

Many people equate their economic situation with the favor of God. If they possess much, they think God has blessed them because they are such wonderful Christians. God may have blessed them, but that isn't necessarily an indication that they are spiritually mature. We should never equate positive circumstances with God's approval of our spiritual maturity.

There it is. Love it or leave it.
And how many remain perpetually babes, or worse still-bornes...

Hebrews 5:12-14 (KJV)
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which [be] the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk [is] unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.​

Spiritual growth is about obedience.

1 Peter 1:14-16 (KJV)
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.​
 
And how many remain perpetually babes, or worse still-bornes...

Hebrews 5:12-14 (KJV)
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which [be] the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk [is] unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.​

Spiritual growth is about obedience.

1 Peter 1:14-16 (KJV)
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.​

How many stay as babies????? I do not know but IMO and from my experience, I would say that it is a huge amount. A lot of saints sit and listen to baby talk from the pulpit and that is a tragedy.

That is what Heb. 5:12 warns against...."Dull hearing".

Believers need to and should grow up and the only way to do that is by the Word of God.

1 Corth. 3:1-2..........
"And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able".

1 Peter 2:1-2 confirms this as well........
"Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby".
 
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