Category: Doctrines Demystified Page 19 of 26

From: FeedingOnChrist.com

The “Not I, but the Lord…I say, Not the Lord” Sayings of Paul

Nicholas T. Batzig · June 28th, 2012

John Murray, Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminister Theological Seminary in Philadelphia from 1930-1966, wrote what I believe to be the single most helpful chapter on the internal testimony of Scripture. In his chapter “The Attestation of Scripture,” in The Infallible Word, Murray handles objections raised against the idea of Divine inspiration and apostolic authority on account of the language used in such places as 1 Corinthians 7:10-12 and 1 Corinthians 14:37-38. In 1 Cor. 7:10-12 Paul employs phraseology that might be construed as unauthoritative judgment when he wrote, “Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife. But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her.” Does this mean that part of our Bible is not authoritatively binding–that these passages are just pious advice? Seeking to set out an accurate explanation of what Paul actual meant, Murray wrote:

The passage in I Corinthians 7:10-12 is sometimes understood as if Paul were instituting a contrast between the authoritative teaching of Christ and his own unauthoritative judgment on questions bearing upon marriage and separation- “But to the married I give charge, not I but the Lord. …But to the rest I say, not the Lord.” A careful reading of the whole passage will, however, show that the contrast is not between the inspired teaching of Christ and the uninspired teaching of the apostle but rather between the teaching of the apostle that could appeal to the express utterances of Christ in the days of his flesh, on the one hand, and the teaching of the apostle that went beyond the cases dealt with by Christ, on the other. There is no distinction as regards the binding character of the teaching in these respective cases. The language and terms the apostle uses in the second case are just as emphatic and mandatory as in the first case. And this passage, so far from diminishing the character of apostolic authority, only enhances our estimate of that authority. If Paul can be as mandatory in his terms when he is dealing with questions on which, by his own admission, he cannot appeal for support to the express teaching of Christ, does not this fact serve to impress upon us how profound was Paul’s consciousness that he was writing by divine authority, when his own teaching was as mandatory in its terms as was his reiteration of the teaching of the Lord himself? Nothing else than the consciousness of enunciating divinely authoritative law would warrant the terseness and decisiveness of the statement by which he prevents all gainsaying, “And so ordain I in all the churches” (1 Cor. 7:17).

Entire Article Here

I pulled some wonderful thoughts and scriptures from Britt’s Facebook note.

I REALLY miss not having a sound local ‘church’ to be able to regularly attend. I do believe that all Christians should be an active part of the local body of believers. The problem is that most ‘churches’ are currently so toxic that it’s actually better not to go. James-3 cursing is rampant in ‘churches’ that don’t have biblically qualified, ‘blameless’ leaders as well as sound doctrine, such as we must overcome sin to be true Christians.

Until we hopefully soon have sound churches (hopefully there are some somewhere), it’s better to meet with a few than none at all. From my “Let Us Be ONE” prophecy part 15 of 33:

It takes two to have fellowship. No more, but more will come. Start meeting two by twos until more follow. Meet once a week, and pray aloud. Strengthen yourselves, and go to the nations. They will see your light and be glad. But first, start at home. Build yourself a base, a core of believers who know Me from the bottom of their heart.

You will see great things happen in your midst, and it will be fun, exciting to watch Me work in you to others. Let them see your light. Let it shine. Let it be bold. Don’t hold back. Live a life of love. Show others you care. Give them time, but don’t give into their ways. Let them be free, conquering their sin when they are ready.

– jeff

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From: Britt William’s Facebook Notes

The Importance Of The Local Church: Part 1

By Britt Williams

[…]

Unfortunately, independence is the norm for our day. Few seem to realize that God never intended for the new creature to be alone. No man is an island unto himself. God ordained that every new believer be planted in the local church.

[…]

I. THE LOCAL CHURCH PROVIDES THE MINISTRY OF PERFECTION.

Ephes. 4:11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…

[…]

Titus 1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee…

[…]

III. THE LOCAL CHURCH PROVIDES AN ATMOSPHERE OF LOVE, SUPPORT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND PROVOKING FELLOWSHIP.

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

This is a spiritual fact: Christians generally need one another. When we are alone, we are robbed of the grace that flows freely through the body and the unique giftings of each member. But we tend to thrive in an atmosphere of mutual comfort, challenge, and obligation.

[…]

Likewise, in moments of great temptation and testing we often need a divine word spoken through some willing human agent.

[…]

IV. THE LOCAL CHURCH IS A PLACE OF SPIRITUAL LABOR.

1 Cor. 12:20-21 But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

Entire Article Here

The sword, or guns, are not the weapons of the kingdom of God. But that still doesn’t take away their legitimate use for self-defense, any more than God’s word being the true spiritual food takes away our need for eating regular food daily.

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From: Why Did Jesus Tell His Disciples to Buy Swords? by Ryan Healy

The author states:

Most Christians I have encountered believe strongly that Jesus advocates the use of violence for self-defense. To bolster their position, they often quote Luke 22:36, which says:

And He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one.”

At first glance, it may seem as if Jesus was indeed instructing his followers to buy swords for self-defense against the people who were about to arrive at the Garden of Gethsemane.

And some have extrapolated this to mean that Christians are also to have weapons for self-defense (including guns) in order to resist a tyrannical government.

[…]

In Matthew 5:38-44, Jesus instructs his listeners:

You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.

If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

You have heard it said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

This clear teaching seems diametrically opposed to the view that Jesus advocates violent self-defense. Because here Jesus says that we should not resist a violent man, and that we ought to “turn the other cheek.”

Riley responds:

The sword, or guns, are not the weapons of the kingdom of God. But that still doesn’t take away their legitimate use for self-defense, any more than God’s word being the true spiritual food takes away our need for eating regular food daily.

The biblical duty of self-defense is not contradicted by Matthew 5. In that passage, Jesus does not take away legitimate self defense, he counsels against a requiting of insults which produce no serious physical injury. A slap on the right cheek is to be understood as coming from a right-hander. It’s a back-handed slap, not a serious threat to life and limb. In that case a Christian is to “turn the other cheek.” This says nothing about true self-defense, when ones life is in danger.

In the Luke passage, Jesus says “it is enough” because two swords were all that was needed for the moment. But his counsel for each disciple to carry a sword is a more general instruction for the times to come, times of persecution when the disciples will have to think about defending their lives from aggression. In this passage Jesus further legitimizes the self-defense principles found in the Old Testament.

From: Natural News

Gandhi advocated the right to bear arms;
use of ‘violence’ to defend innocents
against bullying, oppression

Monday, December 17, 2012

by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger

Editor of NaturalNews.com (See all articles…)

Gandhi is known around the world as the master of “nonviolence.” And yet, in the face of being threatened with bullying attacks, even Gandhi directly advocated the use of violence in the defense of the innocent. Had Gandhi been alive today and witnessed the senseless loss of life at Sandy Hook Elementary school, he would have advocated arming the principal and giving her a chance to protect innocent lives through the use of defensive violent action.

Don’t believe me? Read his own words…

“I do believe that where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence I would advise violence,” Gandhi wrote in his famous work, Doctrine of the Sword.

He continues:

…When my eldest son asked me what he should have done, had he been present when I was almost fatally assaulted in 1908, whether he should have run away and seen me killed or whether he should have used his physical force which he could and wanted to use, and defended me, I told him that it was his duty to defend me even by using violence.

Gandhi advocated “training in arms” to defend liberty

Gandhi also advocated justified violence over the “cowardice” of submission. Again, this is in his own words:

…Hence also do I advocate training in arms for those who believe in the method of violence. I would rather have India resort to arms in order to defend her honor than that she should in a cowardly manner become or remain a helpless witness to her own dishonor. – M.K. Gandhi, The Doctrine of the Sword.

Gandhi also explains that someone who cannot use violence to defend themselves or their family is a helpless coward and a “worm.”

In his own words from the text Between Cowardice And Violence

…He who cannot protect himself or his nearest and dearest or their honour by non-violently facing death may and ought to do so by violently dealing with the oppressor. He who can do neither of the two is a burden. He has no business to be the head of a family. He must either hide himself, or must rest content to live for ever in helplessness and be prepared to crawl like a worm at the bidding of a bully …

[When violence] is offered in self-defence or for the defence of the defenceless, it is an act of bravery far better than cowardly submission.

In his own words, Gandhi advocated facing danger with measured violence (i.e. shooting back)

Also from Gandhi’s text Between Cowardice And Violence

…A man who, when faced by danger, behaves like a mouse, is rightly called a coward.

Not knowing the stuff of which nonviolence is made, many have honestly believed that running away from danger every time was a virtue compared to offering resistance, especially when it was fraught with danger to one’s life. As a teacher of nonviolence I must, so far as it is possible for me, guard against such an unmanly belief.

Self-defence … is the only honourable course where there is unreadiness for self-immolation.

You got that? Even Gandshi advocated self defense, even if it involved acts of violence. This is why, if Gandhi were alive today, he would have advocated arming school principals to defend innocent life (the children) against psychopathic killers.

Obama wants Americans to be cowards; Gandhi wanted people to act with courage

Entire Article Here

Related:

Brother Gregory Williams: Do Christians Have a Right to Self Defense, Part 1

Gospel ‘freedom’ is freedom from demons — free in Christ!

‘Grace’ is the power to overcome sin — to be free in Christ!

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Related:

 “The meaning of “Grace” (χαρις) in the Bible: It’s not what you think?

Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures — Narrow is the Way | Who are the Children of God?

My Facebook page: facebook.com/ONEcanhappen. All are welcome. 

_ _

The question posed on Facebook an hour ago:

Did you know that the exact word “pastor” is only used 1 time in the entire New Testament of the authorized King James Bible?

My response:

And the Ephesians 4:11-16 “unity of the faith” standard is hardly mentioned anymore, since this “perfecting of the saints” goal can’t be achieved by apostles, evangelists, pastors and teachers without the prophets. And this remains God’s standard, whether pastors still mention it or not.

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One of the passages in my ONEcanhappen header is Ephesians 4:11-16:

He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ; from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love.

From Gary Gray’s Facebook note:

(Acts 24:16 [AKJV]) And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men.

“If we embrace the lie that “even Paul sinned all his life”, then we will justify our own continuance in undefeated sin. If we deny that freedom from sin is possible by embracing the lie that Paul sinned all his life and never walked in complete sanctification then how can we believe God will bring us into complete sanctification?

Entire Article Here 

Related:

Can ‘Christians’ use Paul’s “Forgetting the things which are behind…I press on” statement as an excuse to not get right with those they’ve hurt? Paul also said: “I also practice ALWAYS having a conscience void of offense toward God and men.” What if you don’t repent? And what will happen when you do? The Third Great Awakening can start with us!!! We can all be happy — ‘ONE’!

The Didache (70-100 AD): Reconciliation was required to attend early church meetings! “Let no one who is at odds with his fellow come together with you, until they be reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be profaned.”

Paul’s Elders’ qualifications revisited: What does ‘BLAMELESS’ mean? — Most pastors are biblically disqualified

Leonard Ravenhill: Romans 7 vs 8 — Life before the Son vs Life in the Son — “Romans 7 is a funeral march, Romans 8 is a wedding march … it’s a Spirit dominated life in chapter 8.”

Robert Shank: Erroneous “2 natures of the believer” doctrine — Romans 7 is before Paul’s ‘life in the Son’

THE PATRISTIC INTERPRETATION of ROMANS 7:14-25 — The early church did not understand Rom 7:14-25 to teach the necessity of sin in believers

Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures — Narrow is the Way | Who are the Children of God?

The Sheep Stealers Rob the Sheep—Hypocrites Cannot Lead

Leadership: How it is Supposed to Be

Leaders Who Have Hurt People But Refuse to Repent

Failed Churches — Hate that Destroys the Yoke of Unity

Many Curse Others From Their Hurts Deep Within

Dennis Cramer: “Most ‘Christians’ curse for the purpose of retaliation and vindication … ‘Christian’ leaders are even more vulnerable”

‘Christian’ Leaders James-3 Cursing People Example: Jesse

Asbury Revival, 1970: “‘Dr. Kinlaw, I am a liar. Now what do I do?’ … Three days later, she came to me radiant, and she said, ‘Dr. Kinlaw, I’m free!’”

Francis Chan left his 1600 member church to reassess. “There’s a LACK OF PEACE in so many people … WE PRETEND.” “There is this NARROW ROAD … FEW will find it.” “Let’s go back to what THE TRUTH has always been…and has NEVER BEEN POPULAR.”

Francis Frangipane: Beware, It is Easy to Fake Christianity — “The moment we stop obeying God we start faking . . . .” “If our Christianity does not work in this life where we can test it, it is foolhardy to hope it will successfully transport us into eternity . . . if we fail the test, we suffer eternal separation from God.” “Let us re-examine what we have been taught.”

How CLEAN do our Hearts have to be from the Hebrews-12 root of bitterness that defiles many? Where is the place of SAFETY — RESTING, KNOWING for SURE we’re going to heaven? Selah …

Are Today’s Pastors Part Sociopath? — “Sociopaths never accept the slightest responsibility for anything that goes wrong, even though they’re responsible for almost everything that goes wrong. You’ll never hear a sincere apology from them.”

The Welsh Revival of 1904-05 by J. Edwin Orr: A Countrywide Asbury-like REVIVAL! The 4 Points: #1 Confess any known sin, and put any wrong done to man right again. #2 Put away any doubtful habit. #3 Obey the Spirit promptly. #4 Confess your faith publicly.

From: Scholars Corner

The Last Trumpet: Why There is no Pre-Tribulation* or Mid-Tribulation* Rapture

Paul’s View of the Last Days – Why There are None “Left Behind”

Those who believe in a Pre-Tribulation or Mid-Tribulation Rapture have argued that Jesus will appear and gather the saints and then disappear for either 3.5 years or 7 years* while the Anti-Christ takes over the earth.* However, Paul clearly states that when Jesus appears, Jesus will destroy the Lawless One at the same time he is gathering the saints to meet him in the air. There is no intervening period of 3 to 7 years.

The logic is very simple. Paul equates the return of the Lord with the slaying of the Anti-Christ [or Man of Lawlessness], he equates the return of Christ with the Rapture [or Assembly to meet Jesus in the air], and he equates the return of Christ with the Last Trumpet. Paul sees all three events as simultaneous. The Anti-Christ is causing a reign of terror before the coming of the Lord, and the saints are still on the earth being persecuted while this Man of Lawlessness has power. Paul anticipates that he may even be alive at the time of the Lord’s appearing during this time of persecution – which would mean that Paul, a faithful, believing saint, might be on the earth during the time of the tribulation. He is not being left behind because of apostasy:

“But we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangels call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first; then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, RSV.

There was a rumor spreading among the Thessalonians that they had missed the “rapture.” They had heard that the Lord had already returned, and they feared they might have been “left behind.” Paul writes 1 & 2 Thessalonians in part to assure believers that they have not been “left behind.” Paul wants them to know that all believers will share in Christ’s return and none will be left or miss the Lord’s coming. Believing that even he might be on earth at the Lord’s return, Paul says that the there will be many saints on the earth when Christ returns, and together with the previously dead in Christ, they all will assemble in the air to meet Jesus, who will, at that time, slay the Anti-Christ. Jesus will not leave people on the earth at the mercy of the Anti-Christ. There will not be an rapture [assembly in the air] and then, later, Jesus again coming a third time to destroy the Anti-Christ. Jesus destroys the Lawless One at the very same time he comes for the saints:

“Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling to meet him, we beg you, brethren, not to be quickly shaken in mind or excited, either by spirit or by word, or by letter purporting to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the Man of Lawlessness is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you this?… And then the lawless one will be revealed, and the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by his appearing and his coming.” 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8, RSV.

Entire Article Here

Related:

12 Reasons NOT To Expect a PRE-Trib Rapture

Dumitru Duduman: The Russian Invasion of America — “It will start with the world calling for ‘peace, peace.’ Then there will be an internal revolution in America…. The government will be busy with internal problems. Then, from the oceans…” — The rapture will occur AFTER America is destroyed, as God destroys the enemies of Israel!

Dave Macpherson, author of “The Rapture Plot”: Pretrib Rapture Dishonesty — John Darby, Edward Irving, Cyrus Scofield, Tim Lahaye, John Walvoord, Jerry Falwell, Chuck Missler, Hal Lindsey, Jack van Impe, Grant Jeffrey …

The Rapture: History and Influence in America — “Christians trade the message of Revelation as a call of discipleship in a fallen world for escapism.”

Corrie Ten Boom: Prepared for the Coming Tribulation

Warmongers Unite: Rapture Ready – The Christians United for Israel Tour with ‘Pastor’ John Hagee

John Hagee – Enforce UN Thought Crimes Law

Preemptive-Striker John Hagee Endorses 100-Years-in-Iraq John McCain

John Hagee: Unrepentant Heretic? — Today, churchgoers stand hand in hand with a Jewish people who would crucify Christ again if He walked their streets.

Alex Jones: The pre-trib rapture doctrine is a big, sickening, psyop, bringing US into tyranny! “Most of you are a bunch of torture loving, war loving people…” — Truthful commentary by a non-pastor

Mike Bickle’s (IHOP) prophetic dream: “What is coming is so much more intense than we imagine.” “We must experience manifestation of His majesty that makes us tremble and His kindness that moves us to repentance and servanthood.” “We will receive angelic assistance and great power…”

After America Went Down Music: Our Demise Theme [Barber: “Adagio for Strings”] / The Demons Rejoice Dance Mix [Dj Tiesto] ||| WWWIII ||| “Once saved always saved” + pre-tribulation rapture + old covenant law tithing + “Support Bush no matter what”/dis the peacemakers and Ron Paul = Doomsday! ||| Where were the Bonhoeffers and therefore the disciples of Christ?!!

Baruch: “Not only is DECEPTION of the church possible, it was PROPHESIED TO HAPPEN!” — Jesus said “IN THE LAST DAYS THE MAJORITY WILL BE DECEIVED, take heed that it doesn’t happen to you” — “FALSE TEACHERS are actually SPEAKING SPELLS with the words of their FALSE DOCTRINES!”

Who-Goes-To-Heaven Scriptures — Narrow is the Way | Who are the Children of God?