Damburger

Numerous individuals end up at a time where the future is unclear. You might be a student who’s just got your degree, or maybe you are in your 60s and just retired. Perhaps you’ve been been made redundant and feel disheartened at having no job, but every bit as discouraged by the variety of work placements out there. In these times, we frequently look for a different course of action. An organization known as DNA (dna-uk.org) are proffering a “third way” - to become a Discipleship Christian for almost a year.

DNA are providing an almost year long experience of complete submergence into Christian Discipleship, ranging from October to August. This is seen as a “year in with God, not a year out.”, needing the enrollee to live within a Christian environment - either inside your own church if you currently belong to one, or an assigned church if you’re not currently a member of a church. Your typical day will require helping out with the day to day projects of the church, and to be coached by its members in bible studies. The course promises faith in action, so those who join can expect a really practical experience of Christian faith, and not simply the study of it.

More advantages of the placements include:-

• it’s pragamatic; what you’ll learn is what you will actually do
• outfitting you for church based leadership

There are 3 sorts of course open : Track 1 is the most common access point to DNA - it is the most complete DNA expereince. The vast bulk of people decide that this is the best choice for them. Track 2 is more acceptable to you if taking a whole “year-out” is not practically viable. This could be for issues such as work or family commitments. Track 2 therefore offers some tractability. Track 3 offers individuals the opportunity of coming in to be with us for as many particular training sessions or days as they wish.

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This passage begins (2:1-4) with a call to unity that includes basic tenets of Christianity. This passage links with 1:27 and the concern for how the Philippians live. Again, Paul draws on his relationship with them. It is because of that relationship that he can correct their behaviour and attitude.

The questions are rhetorical: among Christians there is, objectively if not subjectively, encouragement, consolation, sharing, etc. If there is any doubt about this, Paul includes the spiritual presence of Christ and the Spirit to tie these together. Where these are present, there should be unity and the same love, which manifest themselves in humility that looks to “the other.” This is, in fact, what Christ did.

In saying they should have the same mind as Christ, Paul draws their attention beyond service to Christ. Many serve Christ and boast of making great sacrifices for Christ, but will not bend their knee to sacrifice for a fellow brother or sister. This attitude, which runs contrary to the traits listed in v. 1-4, cannot be held in tandem with the “mind” of Christ.

Christ’s mind is centred on humility and serving others. He did not regard his position with God and his own deity as something to hold over others, but he “humiliated” himself by becoming a servant. He was even humble (and obedient) to the point of death. It was because of his humility that Christ was exalted and given “the Name” Lord (the same word used in the Septuagint to translate YHWH - LORD).

Christ is Lord. Sooner or later all will bow. Christians know *now* who we serve. Thus, they are exhorted (commanded?cf. Paul’s language in v. 12) to “work out [their] own salvation with fear and trembling.” Sanctification (the process of being saved or being made holy; our earthly, human point-of-view and struggle) is in view in these verses (12-13), not justification (salvation from God’s end-time point-of-view; the finished/completed act). “Work out” does not mean earn; instead, it means to carry out to completion. Since it is God who IS working within them (presently), they should carry out their salvation to its conclusionthe faithful life that will be rewarded. God enables them (and us) to both desire and carry out obedience. Verse 12 emphasizes the human responsibility and verse 13 emphasizes the divine enablement; together there is mutual co-operation.

When there is murmuring and complaining, though, the divine will is not being carried out, they are not blameless and innocent, and they are not holding fast to the word of life. It is destructive behaviours like these that mar the Christian message and make it ineffective. But Paul’s hope is that their faithfulness to the gospel will vindicate him: It will prove, when Christ returns (or on judgment day), that Paul did not labour in vain. Paul’s life, combined with their faithfulness, is a pleasing sacrifice to God, and he encourages rejoicing in such a matter.

Jeremy M. Hoover is a writer and book reviewer in Ontario, and the owner of a website that teaches you how to pray.

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Between Saint and Sinner. pt.2.

2 Peter 1:10-1:11

Between Saint and Sinner. pt.2. Can we as ministers attest to the validity of our calling and election as Ministers? Yes. Can you as the Servants and Children of God attest and testify of your calling and election? Yes. In fact the Scripture has a commandment that you must make your Calling and Election sure.2Pe 1:10-11. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Those that are barren and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ are those that lack, wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding of their place in the Family of God. They have the lack of faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity. The doctrine that we preach and must accept is not ours to change nor alter but it is Gods Doctrine.
John 7:16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.Jesus could no more change the doctrine of Christianity than we could for it was not even His doctrine . Many today are attempting to fight with God over doctrine. Joh 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 1Co 9:2 If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. (Darby)1Co 9:1-27 -
The apostle was exposed to the accusations of false teachers, who asserted that he carried on his evangelisation and his labours from interested motives, and that he took the property of Christians, availing himself of their devotedness. He speaks therefore of his ministry. He declares openly that he is an apostle, an eye-witness of the glory of Christ, having seen the Lord. Moreover, if he was not an apostle to others, doubtless he was to the Corinthians, for he had been the means of their conversion. Now the will of the Lord was that they who preached the gospel should live of the gospel. He had a right to take with him a sister as his wife, even as Peter did, and the brethren of the Lord. Nevertheless he had not used this right. Obliged by the call of the Lord to preach the gospel, woe unto him if he failed to do it! His glory was to do it gratuitously, so as to take away all occasion from those who sought it. For, being free from all, he had made himself the servant of all, that he might win as many as he could. Observe that this was in his service; it was not accommodating himself to the world, in order to escape the offense of the cross. He put this plainly forward (1Co_2:2); but in preaching it, he adapted himself to the religious capacity and to the modes of thought belonging to the one and to the other, in order to gain access for the truth into their minds; and he did the same in his manner of conduct among them. It was the power of charity which denied itself in all things, in order to be the servant of all, and not the selfishness which indulged itself under the pretence of gaining others. He did so in every respect for the sake of the gospel, desiring, as he said, to be a partaker with it, for he personifies it as doing the work of God’s love in the world. There are many false teachers, who asserted that their evangelisation and his labors are directed from God and by direction of the Holy Ghost, but do lie because they bring forth a doctrine that was neither approved nor written by God. They take advantage of the good will and trust of those Christians, that are less knowledgeable in the words of God. As so it is with many that say they are Christians and are not. Because they lack the things that Jesus said a follower of His would attain and demonstrait in their life. Mat 7:16-18. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. [Mat_7:20, Mat_12:33; 2Pe_2:10-18; Jud_1:10-19, Luk_6:43-45; Jam_3:12] What is a fruit? These are the things that Jesus spoke of; faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity. You can sum up you salvation with a test of these fruits, weather they abide in you or not. Others can also see if you are a true follower of Christ by seeing weather these things abide in you. These fruits are not hidden and they are not to be used as a tool to judge others, but rather to show the true intent of the person claiming Christianity. We all will grow together, Saint and Sinner untill the Great Judge separates in the end. There are examples of Saint and Sinner within the same Church in Scripture here is just one. Jud 1:12-13. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. So what do we do? Jud 1:22-23. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.1Pe 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? Judge yourselves weather you bear the sign of the Master. Here is the best way to find out weather you truely are saved; 2Jo 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. Here is the last scriptures that I wanted to share with you;
2Jo 1:10-11; If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. Be followers of Christ and not of the world. ars.

Temple of Spirit & Truth Ministries
A.R.Smith Sermons International
www.ourchurch.com/member/a/arsmithsermons/

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When Jesus departed, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

He put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.

Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.

Abraham received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all.

Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above). But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach.

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

One Lord, one faith, one baptism … 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 fullness of Christ.

This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith.

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering, (for he is faithful that promised).

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

The prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith … building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.

Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Glimpses of God © by Joyce C. Lock
http://our.homewithgod.com/heavenlyinspirations/
This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact,
for non-profit ministering purposes.

About the Author

Joyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist. In addition, she founded and maintains the e-mail ministries “Heavenly Inspirations” http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations/ and “Share a Smile” http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/. Joyce’s writings encourage us in our relationship with God and each other.

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THIS FOR ALL YOU MOTHERS (AND DADS) WHO HAVE PRAYED FOR THEIR CHILDREN

This is story number nine (out of fifty) from my book, My Walk with the Lord, www.selahbooks.com

Psalm 40. 1,2 “I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.”

Christmas 1972 was my first Christmas away from home. I was in the Army stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. I received a package from Mama. As I opened it, I uncovered some fresh Georgia pecans, some homemade fruitcake, a bottle of fresh cane syrup, and a few other items. At the bottom of the box was a Bible. During that period of my life, I really didn’t have much to do with God and his ways.

During the following years, I would sometimes pick up that Bible and try to read…I sure didn’t understand much of what I was reading. All the begats got to me.

The years 1985 and 1986 were trying times for me. I was still in the Army and was having a great career when my family life fell apart. My wife walked out and left me with three small children. At first, I tried to put the blame on others when deep inside I knew I was to blame. I needed something but didn’t know what would ease my pain.

Well, I was brought up in church (Proverbs 22.6: “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”) I figured I’d go to the local church for help. As I counseled with the pastor, he gave me a sheaf of papers I had to read and fill out, and then he would talk to me about becoming a member..I didn’t need that! I needed Jesus, but no one pointed me to Him.

On January 3, 1987, about 9:30 PM, I looked up on the bookshelf. There was that Bible my Mama had given me years ago. I pulled it down, dusted off the cover, and opened it up. The words of the Psalmist (Psalm 40. 1,2,) jumped off the pages and spoke to my heart. As tears poured down my cheeks, I said “God, if You are real, save me!” Immediately Jesus came, and I was born again and I knew it! I felt like I was being washed whiter than snow.

You see, I had been under conviction of the Holy Ghost for a long time. God rearranged the circumstances of my life to get my attention. Thank God for a Mama who thought enough of me to give me a Bible.

Matthew 11.28 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Since that day over 17 years ago, the Lord has used me greatly..in all kinds of ways…Parents, don’t give up on your children..Continue to pray for them

Irvin L. Rozier, Captain (Retired) US Army, still serving as a soldier in God’s Army

About the Author

preacher, author, retired Captain, US Army

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