Post by Brother Ben on Aug 11, 2008 8:01:45 GMT -5
1Jo 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
When I learned how to soul win, this was the first verse we took someone to. We only brought to their attention the phrase, "...that ye may know that ye hav eternal life..." to show people they could know they can be saved eternally. However, I was pondering that verse this weekend in light of the carnal churches of our day and thougth, "What are the THESE THINGS, John is talking about"
Sister Melissa (a new sister on the board) said:
Wow! What would John have said about that? Well, we'll see.
1Jo 1:5 ¶ This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
1Jo 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
Some teach that all one has to do to go to heaven is say a prayer. It doesn't matter if their life changes at all because after all, we are saved by grace and not by works...right? So throwing the baby out with the bath water some pastors take the teaching of justification by faith and make it apply to every aspect of the Christian life. They claim holiness is only internal and God is obligated to take you to heaven if you "said that prayer." How about this:
Hbr 12:14 Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Are we allowed to preach that in all its truth and weight? Sobering!
What are more of THESE THINGS.
1Jo 2:3 ¶ And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
1Jo 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
1Jo 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
As you read the Bible and you come across something God is asking, do we take it seriously? He said, in the New Testament, "...keep his commandments." One of the marks of the anabaptists that differenciated them from the Reformers was a simple application of scriptures to their every day life. If it said to do something, according to God's grace they tried to do it even if it was to love the enemy that was arresting you and taking you off to be burned at the stake for your faith.
Are there other THINGS?
1Jo 2:9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
1Jo 2:10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
1Jo 2:11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
When we read the Foxe's Book of Martyrs or the Martyr's Mirror, we are sickened at the hatred and pain inflicted upon the Christians of old by the Romish Church and other State Churches. However, when we see a person who has placed authentic saving faith in Christ and differs with us on some secondary issue, and we secretly hate them and mock them, are we any different? Christ said:
Mat 5:21 ¶ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
Mat 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Let us learn to love the brethren and discuss our differences in a spirit of love and forbearance.
More THINGS?
Yes, but later.
Bro. Ben
When I learned how to soul win, this was the first verse we took someone to. We only brought to their attention the phrase, "...that ye may know that ye hav eternal life..." to show people they could know they can be saved eternally. However, I was pondering that verse this weekend in light of the carnal churches of our day and thougth, "What are the THESE THINGS, John is talking about"
Sister Melissa (a new sister on the board) said:
One day I looked up to find young girls on our platform singing "praise" music in mini skirts while the youth rocked out with long hair, nose rings, tattoos, and bare belly shirts. These were not the lost but the children of our Deacons and Elders and even our Pastor. Even the middle aged ladies took to showing cleavage and thigh and piling on the makeup in the house of God. Shorts became common attire as folks stopped by church on their way to the game.
Wow! What would John have said about that? Well, we'll see.
1Jo 1:5 ¶ This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
1Jo 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
Some teach that all one has to do to go to heaven is say a prayer. It doesn't matter if their life changes at all because after all, we are saved by grace and not by works...right? So throwing the baby out with the bath water some pastors take the teaching of justification by faith and make it apply to every aspect of the Christian life. They claim holiness is only internal and God is obligated to take you to heaven if you "said that prayer." How about this:
Hbr 12:14 Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Are we allowed to preach that in all its truth and weight? Sobering!
What are more of THESE THINGS.
1Jo 2:3 ¶ And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
1Jo 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
1Jo 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
As you read the Bible and you come across something God is asking, do we take it seriously? He said, in the New Testament, "...keep his commandments." One of the marks of the anabaptists that differenciated them from the Reformers was a simple application of scriptures to their every day life. If it said to do something, according to God's grace they tried to do it even if it was to love the enemy that was arresting you and taking you off to be burned at the stake for your faith.
Are there other THINGS?
1Jo 2:9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
1Jo 2:10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
1Jo 2:11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.
When we read the Foxe's Book of Martyrs or the Martyr's Mirror, we are sickened at the hatred and pain inflicted upon the Christians of old by the Romish Church and other State Churches. However, when we see a person who has placed authentic saving faith in Christ and differs with us on some secondary issue, and we secretly hate them and mock them, are we any different? Christ said:
Mat 5:21 ¶ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
Mat 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Let us learn to love the brethren and discuss our differences in a spirit of love and forbearance.
More THINGS?
Yes, but later.
Bro. Ben