The Deleted Forum Post Part 1
The Deleted Forum Post Part 1
For those who wish to read it, as I stated on the previous posting, ‘Titus 1:15-16 And A Deleted Forum Post’, that I would re-post the original post there mentioned, titled, ‘Defending the gospel’, and all the posts which were added to it, which maintained apologetics as a way of defending The Gospel, and contained within it the use and interpretation of certain Scriptures as the foundation for this, and which, how interpreted, maintained it all to be as laid out, acceptable before GOD, along with other unscriptural methods, here it is.
My delay in posting was due to time with matters in life, and time taken in replying to posts added to the previous blog posting. Also, it was in my thinking for a little more time to pass…
Here, I have not been able to post every word of every posting as there would be far too many to be able to post here, there being over 18,000 words in all ( 15,322 already here in this post in total ). There were a couple of postings by one who has not, that I have seen, been mentioned by name on any of the previous postings on, ‘Titus 1:15-16 And A Deleted Forum Post’, which were extremely long in word content. But where I have left them out, with leaving his name out also, I have given reference to the nature of them, and where they may be seen by any who would wish to see them.
I do not want to be accused by any of altering anything of what was posted to favour where I stand in the matter. I cannot and do not fear in that I need to hide anything, because I will always, always, stand on The Word Of GOD. In HIS Word I trust. And what has not been included here word for word and for the reason I state, in no way detracts from what was being stated by those on both sides of the argument. It is clear.
Firstly though, I would just like to add a very little on what means to apostatize, and what constitutes; to withdraw or absent oneself from, to draw away, the ‘falling away’ from The faith. And this By The GOD Breathed Word, and also what it truly amounts to. To any who will read this, may GOD Bless you with HIS Truth.
Apostatize: the Greek; ‘Aphistemi’, But The SPIRIT Explicitly Says that in later times some will ‘fall away’ from The faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits ( of men; 1 John 4:1-6 ) and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron,… 1 Timothy 4:1-2.
It is whatever is contrary to being nourished on The Words of The faith, preached in accordance with CHRIST, and HIS Apostles; Given Of The FATHER, rather than what man will make of it.
The deceitful spirits mean the vital principles by which the whole body is animated, the rational soul, that by which one perceives, reflects, feels and desires; and doctrines of demons the teaching, the instruction, even, deception of demons; the devil, which ensnare men who have lost their senses in being sober-minded in matters Pertaining to GOD; the snare of the devil, to do his will.
But refuse ignorant and foolish speculations ( the Greek, zetesis; enquiries/discussions, a seeking ), knowing that they produce quarrels. And The LORD’S bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps GOD May Grant them repentance leading to The Knowledge Of The Truth, and they may come to their senses ( the Greek, Ananepho; Recover, to return to soberness, ‘may recover themselves’, speaking of those who, opposing The Truth through accepting perversions of It, thus becoming intoxicated with error ) from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:23-26.
…For the overseer must be above reproach ( unreproveable ) as GOD’S steward, not self-willed, not quick- tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible ( the Greek, Sophron; denotes of sound mind, meaning, to save-the mind; sober minded ), just, devout, self-controlled, holding fast The Faithful Word Which Is in accordance with The Teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in Sound Doctrine and to refute those who contradict. Titus 1:7-9.
Anything whatsoever which can be shown to contradict The Word in instructions concerning conduct in any matters which may arise, being followers of CHRIST; Christians, which includes what is preached and taught, is, to be plainly speaking , not of The faith. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. It is The Word Of Truth and The True Knowledge Of our LORD And SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST Which Saves To Eternal Life; for this is The faith.
Those we will regard as Brothers and Sisters In CHRIST, who we will get along with, regarding that it is we fellowship with them, must not pledge their allegiance to them first and foremost, but to GOD Alone, first and foremost; Matthew 22:37-40. If these same people, when shown error from Scripture in what they will believe then reject any correction, then they are rejecting GOD, not man. If we are wrong and shown to be wrong then it truly requires humility to state,’ GOD Is True and man a liar.’ To do this is indeed honouring The LORD above honouring men, and giving GOD The Glory rather than seeking to maintain it for ourselves; John 7:16-18, and so, as imitators of CHRIST ( 1 Corinthians 11:1 ) it is to be for us also.
I am not stating that apologetics as here spoken, laid out, and defended in this forum post is the very crux of apostasy, but in regard to The faith, The Purity Of The Word and of our Instruction, it is indeed a fruit; works or deeds of it ( even the interpretation of the Scriptures given and used within it are interpreted without Knowledge ). Just distortions leading to meaningless religious practices and ideals; things conceived as embodying and conforming to GOD’S Standard, though they do not. They cannot produce The Fruit Of The Light; in Goodness And Righteousness And Truth ( Ephesians 5:9 ).
Righteous Art THOU, O LORD, And Upright Are THY Judgements. THOU Hast Commanded THY Testimonies In Righteousness And Exceeding Faithfulness. My zeal has consumed me, Because my adversaries have forgotten THY Words. THY Word Is Very Pure, Therefore THY servant loves It. I am small and despised, I do not forget THY Precepts. THY Righteousness Is An Everlasting Righteousness, And THY Law Is Truth. Trouble and anguish have come upon me; THY Commandments are my delight. THY Testimonies Are Righteous Forever; Give me Understanding that I may Live. Psalm 119:137-144.
Beloved, while I was making every effort to write to you about our common Salvation ( The Saving Of GOD shared by the Saints ), I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for The faith Which Was Once For all Delivered To the Saints. For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long before hand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn The Grace Of our GOD into licentiousness ( denotes excess, absence of restraint ) and deny our Only MASTER And LORD, JESUS CHRIST…Jude :3-4.
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The initial forum post; and #1
Defending the Gospel
“But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:17)
Many Christians today decry the use of apologetics or evidences in Christian witnessing, feeling it is somehow dishonoring to the Lord or to the Scriptures to try to defend them.
But as our text indicates, the apostle Paul did not agree with this. The gospel does need defending, and he was set for its defense against the attacks of its adversaries. He also told his disciples that “in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace” (Philippians 1:7).
The Greek word translated “defense” is apologia, from which we derive our English word “apologetics.” It is a legal term, meaning the case made by a defense attorney on behalf of a defendant under attack by a prosecutor. Thus, the apostle is saying: “I am set to give an apologetic for the gospel—a logical, systematic [scientific, if necessary] defense of the gospel against all the attacks of its adversaries.”
Since we are “partakers” with him in this defense, we also need to be set for its defense. We must “be ready always to give an answer [same word, apologia] to every man that asketh [us] a reason of the hope that is in [us]” (1 Peter 3:15). Any Christian who shares his faith with the unsaved has encountered many who cannot believe the simple plan of salvation until his questions are answered. We must be familiar with the “many infallible proofs” (Acts 1:3) of the deity of Christ and His power to save, both as omnipotent Creator and sin-bearing Savior. We must “search the scriptures daily” and also study the “witness” He has given in the creation (Acts 17:11; 14:17) if we are to do this effectively, bringing forth fruit that will “remain” (John 15:16) instead of fruit that has withered away, “because it had no root” (Mark 4:6). The gospel is under vicious attack today, so may God help us to be among its victorious defenders. HMM
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This is my first reply to it; post#2
Yes, such as this put forth as being a ‘defence of The Gospel’ and its self-justification herein evidenced in the manner laid out is, I believe, worthless in matters Pertaining to GOD.
We are to go into all the world and preach The Gospel. What is determined to be a true defence of The Gospel as contained in Scripture is somewhat different to the interpretation given here for the justification of apologetics as is laid out in this forum.
Firstly, to state, by using Philippians 1:16 and the meaning of the original Greek word for the word ‘defence’ in this verse ( some later manuscripts reversed the order of verses 16 and 17 ), and to then boldly claim the Apostle Paul did not agree that such as is put forth for the point of justification here is ‘somehow dishonouring to The LORD or to the Scriptures to try to defend them’ is a most dangerous thing to claim, wrought in danger to believe. And here is why;
I have not read anywhere in Scripture where the Apostle Paul states this! Is there a Prophetic Word spoken through Paul that I have missed in all of my reading?
There is a Prophetic Word I am aware of, Spoken through Paul to the elders of The Church at Ephesus, written in Acts chapter 20, which forewarns of distortions and misinterpretations spoken from among their own selves to draw away HIS Disciples;
“Be on guard for yourselves and for all The flock, among which The HOLY SPIRIT Has Made you overseers, to shepherd The Church Of GOD Which HE Purchased With HIS Own Blood. “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing The flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the Disciples after them. “Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. Acts 20:28-31.
And how Paul goes on to speak, written for our instruction also in the next verse speaks much;
“And now I commend you to GOD and to The Word Of HIS Grace, Which Is Able To Build Up And To Give The Inheritance among all those who are Sanctified. Acts 20:32.
Paul intrusts the elders to GOD and to The Word Acceptable, of Benefit and Favour, Which Is Able To Build Up And Give The Inheritance among all who are Made Holy. And how is it we are Sanctified? By works? No! But By The Sanctifying Work Of The HOLY SPIRIT, that we may indeed obey JESUS CHRIST and be Sprinkled with HIS Blood ( 1 Peter 1:2, 2 Peter 1:2-4 ).
And The Working Of The HOLY SPIRIT; our Sanctification, comes only By Grace through faith. The faith, and not mere man made ‘religion’ or ‘sets of beliefs and practices’.
To use, as in the forum above, Philippians 1:7 and exactly what is being said by Paul In The SPIRIT in the Scriptures included throughout this forum to hopefully show error,
…For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defence and confirmation of The Gospel, you all are partakers of Grace with me.
Look back to and read from verse 3 to see exactly what Paul is stating,
I thank my GOD in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation of The Gospel from the first day until now. Confident of this very thing, that HE WHO Began a Good Work in you will Perfect it until The Day Of CHRIST JESUS. For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defence and confirmation of The Gospel, you all are partakers of Grace with me... Philippians 1:3-7.
Paul is writing to The Church at Philippi and he is thanking GOD, rejoicing in that they are walking just as they ought to walk, and have been from the first day. In contrast, compare how Paul writes, for an example, to The Church in Galatia, to those who are being disturbed by some who want to ‘distort The Gospel Of CHRIST’ ( Galatians 1:6-7 ). Paul writes as he did to The Church at Philippi, because they are actually participating, or, partakers in true fellowship ( compare the word here in Philippians 1:5, ‘participation’ with the word ‘fellowship’ in 1 John 1:3 and its context, the same word in the Greek, ‘Koinonia’ meaning fellowship; sharing in common ) and it is easy to see why Paul then is able to state and indeed states that he is, Confident of this very thing, that HE WHO Began a Good Work in you will Perfect it until The Day Of CHRIST JESUS. Philippians 1:6.
This is how Paul then writes as we have as verse 7 of Philippians chapter 1, For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defence and confirmation of The Gospel, you all are partakers of Grace with me.
They are partakers of Grace with Paul because they are holding fast to The Word which was preached to them. Unlike The Church in Galatia at the time Paul wrote to them needing correction. It is no different to us also since that time ‘til now. To all who will read this, how would Paul write to you and to your Church? Would it be as he did to The Church at Philippi, or The church at Galatia?
Now I make known to you, Brethren, The Gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are Saved, if you hold fast The Word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:1-2.
And who is to determine that what the Apostle Paul was writing to the Galatians was not also what he would consider to be a defence of The Gospel? I would.
There are other examples in Scripture which give insight into what is determined to be, Apologia. Acts 22:1-21, “Brethren and fathers, hear my defence which I now offer to you.”…
1 Corinthians 9. Verse 3, My defense to those who examine me is this:… Note all Paul’s words in this chapter. At what point does he speak in the wisdom of man? He does not, he speaks Truth. And in verses19-23 he reiterates his order of conduct,
For though I am free from all, I have made myself a slave to all, that I might win the more. And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win the Jews; to those who are under The Law, as under The Law, though not being myself under The Law, that I might win those who are under The Law; to those who are without The Law, as without The Law, though not being without The Law Of GOD but under The Law Of CHRIST, that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means Save some. And I do all things for the sake of The Gospel, that I may become a fellow partaker of it. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.
The Apostle Paul does what he does yet all he did was not outside The Will Of GOD. It is to be no different with anyone else.
Be imitators of me, just as I also am of CHRIST. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
Apologia simply means a verbal defence, a speech in defence. Verbal, such as is recorded in Scripture in Acts 22:1-21, or written in a letter as we have in 1 Corinthians 9.
But what we have today are man’s ideas of what constitutes a verbal defence of The Gospel as opposed to what the Apostles Of JESUS CHRIST would themselves accept as being an acceptable defence of The Gospel.
What did Paul write to The Church at Corinth, and of course is for us to hear and acknowledge also?
For The Word Of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being Saved It Is The Power Of GOD. For It Is Written, “I Will Destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the cleverness of the clever I Will Set Aside.” Where then is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not GOD Made Foolish the wisdom of the world? For since In The Wisdom Of GOD the world through its wisdom did not know GOD, GOD Was Well-Pleased through the foolishness ( as in apparent foolishness ) of The Message preached to Save those who believe. For indeed Jews ask for signs, and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach CHRIST crucified, to Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness, but To those who are the Called, both Jews and Greeks, CHRIST The Power Of GOD And The Wisdom Of GOD. Because the foolishness of GOD is Wiser than men, and the weakness of GOD is Stronger than men.
For consider your Calling, Brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but GOD Has Chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and GOD Has Chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised, GOD Has Chosen, the things that are not, that HE might Nullify the things that are, that no man should boast before GOD. But By HIS Doing you are In CHRIST JESUS, WHO Became To us Wisdom From GOD, And Righteousness And Sanctification, And Redemption, that, just as It Is Written, “Let him who boasts, boast in The LORD.”
And when I came to you, Brethren, I did not come to you with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony Of GOD. For I determined to know nothing among you except JESUS CHRIST and HIM crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. And my Message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in Demonstration Of The SPIRIT And Of Power, that your faith should not rest on the wisdom of men, but on The Power Of GOD… 1 Corinthians 1:17 – 2:5.
So given all of this, how may one state that we are to give, and the Apostle Paul gave, ‘a logical, systematic [ scientific, if necessary ] defence of The Gospel against all the attacks of its adversaries’? There is only one way, that being GOD’S Way.
All this has, to be sure, the makings of a different gospel; which is not another. Because we are to preach only The True Purpose Of GOD. Much the same as the Apostle Paul wrote to admonish and warn The Church in Galatia about ( and a warning for us to heed ). If you cannot consider this statement then to what the Apostle Peter wrote In The SPIRIT and is here in this forum quoted,
…but sanctify CHRIST as LORD in your hearts, always ready to make a defence to everyone who asks you to give an account for the Hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;… 1 Peter 3:15.
Who is our Hope, but JESUS CHRIST?
The Apostle Paul writes to the Saints and faithful Brethren In CHRIST at Colossae, as it is also written to the same from that day until now and to The Day of Eternity,
…Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of HIS Body ( which is The Church ) in filling up that which is lacking in CHRIST’S Afflictions. Of this I was Made a minister according to the stewardship From GOD Bestowed On me for your benefit, that I might fully carry out The Word Of GOD, The Mystery which has been hidden from the ages and generations; but has now been Manifested To HIS Saints, To whom GOD Willed to Make Known what is the Riches of The Glory of this Mystery among the Gentiles, Which Is CHRIST In you, The Hope of Glory. And we proclaim HIM, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all Wisdom, that we may present every man complete In CHRIST. And for this purpose also I labour, striving according to HIS Power, Which Mightily Works within me. Colossians 1:24-29.
Peter calls for us to sanctify CHRIST as LORD in our hearts. This means to dedicate to GOD CHRIST As Supreme Authority in our hearts. We willingly accept CHRIST as Controller of our lives. Now if I am always to be ready to make a defence to everyone who asks me to give account of The Hope that is in me, I preach JESUS CHRIST, The Glorious Gospel Of The Blessed GOD. It makes no sense to speak anything else when asked. If I wanted to make a defence of anything I do not then speak of whatever has no relation to it. Yes, The LORD our GOD Made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, just as is laid out for us in Genesis. But we are Called to preach CHRIST and HIM crucified.
By explaining science I am not explaining JESUS CHRIST, though I know all was Made By HIM, through HIM and for HIM. Hear this; By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared By The WORD Of GOD, so that what is seen was not Made out of things which are visible. Hebrews 11:3. By faith!
We are making a defence of The Gospel when we speak The Gospel Of JESUS CHRIST; our faith GOD.
The use here in this forum of Acts 1:3 to state, ‘We must be familiar with “the many infallible proofs” seems not to be understanding what this verse is saying of The Risen LORD JESUS, To these HE also Presented HIMSELF Alive, after HIS Suffering, by many convincing proofs, Appearing to them over forty days, and Speaking of The Things Concerning The Kingdom Of GOD. Acts 1:3.
All of this requires faith to believe.
To give both Acts 17:11 and Acts 14:17 to state of ‘studying the “witness” HE Has Given in Creation’, I simply cannot see ( maybe a misquote of chapter and verse with 17:11? ). With 14:17, we take it back to verse 15 to see what is spoken,
…We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach The Gospel to you in order that you should turn from these vain things to A Living GOD, WHO Made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. “And in the generations gone by HE Permitted all the nations to go their own ways; and yet HE did not leave HIMSELF without witness, in that HE Did Good and Gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” Acts 14:15-17.
For The MOST HIGH Is HIMSELF Kind To ungrateful and evil men ( Luke 6:35 ).
And to go to Acts chapter 17:22-34, in all of Paul’s discourse what he does is speaks of The GOD WHO Made the world and all things in it ( v 24 ) to state,
…”Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, GOD Is Now Declaring To men that all everywhere should repent, because HE Has Fixed A Day In Which HE Will Judge the world in Righteousness Through A Man WHOM HE Has Appointed, having Furnished Proof To all men By Raising HIM From the dead. Acts 17:30-31. This is preaching The Gospel Of JESUS CHRIST!
The use of John 15:16 in the forum here posted, and interpreted as meaning, ‘if we are to do this effectively, bringing forth fruit that will “remain” instead of fruit that has withered away’ is just not understanding that the fruit here spoken of from The Mouth Of our LORD And SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST is in reference to the fruit we each ourselves will bear.
…”Abide In ME, and I In you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither you, unless you abide In ME. “I Am The Vine, you are the branches; he who abides In ME, and I In him, he bears much fruit; for apart from ME you can do nothing. “If anyone does not abide In ME, he is thrown away as a branch, and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. “If you abide In ME, and MY Word abides In you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be Done For you. “By this Is MY FATHER Glorified, that you bear much Fruit, and prove to be MY Disciples. “Just as The FATHER Has loved ME, I Have Also loved you; abide In MY Love. “If you keep MY Commandments, you will abide In MY Love; just as I Have Kept MY FATHER’S Commandments and abide In HIS Love. “These things I Have Spoken To you, that MY Joy may be In you, and your joy may be Made Full… John 15:4-11.
Verse 6 here of John chapter 15 states, ‘If anyone does not continue with ME, does not remain with ME, they are cast away as a branch ( broken off ), indeed, they become helpless and useless; and the same are gathered, and cast away into the fire, indeed set on fire, consumed.’
The statements on this forum also neglect to recognize that it is all GOD’S Work in us, By Grace through faith; The Work Of The HOLY SPIRIT. It is not what we can or may do in our own strength and wisdom.
…For By Grace you have been Saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, The Gift Of GOD; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are HIS Workmanship, Created In CHRIST JESUS for Good Works, Which GOD Prepared beforehand, that we should walk in Them… Ephesians 2:8-10.
The use of Mark 4:6 in this forum post, taken from The Parable of The Sower and Seeds which is of course The Sower sowing The Word ( the seed ). It is good and of benefit to all to read Mark 4:1-34 here and understand exactly what is being said.
As this forum then concludes, ‘The Gospel is under vicious attack today…’ Yes it most certainly is, and by man in his ignorance to knowledge, The Truth of The Gospel and its preaching.
‘…GOD help us to be among its victorious defenders.’ Yes indeed. But repentance is required first.
I solemnly charge in The Presence of GOD And of CHRIST JESUS, WHO Is To Judge the Living and the dead, And By HIS Appearing And HIS Kingdom: preach The Word; be ready in season out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure Sound Doctrine; but to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from The Truth, and will turn aside to myths. 2 Timothy 4:1-4.
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This is Bob’s first reply; post #3
Paul,
The article is clearly stating that we must defend The Gospel and quoting strong Scripture to back it up. I do not think you disagree with that.
The outset of the article says that the use of apologetics as seen by many Christian Churches is somehow dishonoring to The Lord. Of course apologetics is not dishonoring to God as we are commanded over and over to defend the faith as you point out. {pertinent passages are quoted in the ICR article above} The Christian Churches who shun apologetics are dishonoring God in doing so.
Just clearing it up as you asked~~~In Jesus' Love ~~~ bob
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And this is my reply; post #4
Hi Bob and thank you.
I ask you and whoever will read this to examine everything carefully. Just as we are Instructed to do; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-24.
Firstly Dear Brother, the use of the Scriptures within the initial forum by no means whatsoever relates directly and significantly to the matter here at hand; the preaching of apologetics as defined by ICR.
Your reply shows the need for further clarity and a ‘more to the point’ approach. Understanding this also, a little leaven leavens the whole lump.
To defend The Gospel means the preaching of The Gospel, and not only the preaching of The Gospel but also the living; word and deed.
It is no good to merely quote a portion of a single verse, such as here at the beginning of the initial forum using Philippians 1:7, without hearing the context of what is being spoken in that particular passage of Scripture. Hence why I put verses 3-7 and what Paul was actually saying, and why he could say what he wrote, In The SPIRIT, and then comparing it with the letter to The Church in Galatia and what Paul was writing, In The SPIRIT, concerning how they were walking.
No one can state to another the need to defend The Gospel and instruct them to defend The Gospel without the instruction of truly living The Gospel, and label it ‘apologetics’ deeming this as acceptable before GOD. We do not condone hypocrisy now, do we?
To do this is indeed dishonouring The LORD and is of no benefit to any. The LORD JESUS CHRIST Is To those who obey HIM The Source Of Eternal Salvation ( Hebrews 5:9 ). HE is not The Source Of Eternal Life To those who live in disobedience to The Glorious Gospel Of The Blessed GOD ( Matthew 7:13-27 ), and those who live thus simply cannot hope to defend what they live not truly believing in as defined By GOD HIMSELF.
…For after all it is Just ( Equitable, Righteous, in Act And Character ) for GOD To Repay with affliction those who afflict you ( Romans 12:17-21 ), and relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when The LORD JESUS Shall Be Revealed From Heaven With HIS mighty angels ( Matthew 13:24-30 ) in flaming fire, dealing our retribution to those who do not know GOD and To those who do not obey The Gospel Of our LORD JESUS. And these will pay The Penalty of Eternal Destruction, away from The Presence Of The LORD and from The Glory Of HIS Power, when HE Comes to be Glorified In HIS Saints on That Day, and to be marvelled at among all who have believed ( had faith to The Preserving of the soul; Hebrews 10:26-39 ) – for our testimony to you was believed ( The Church of the Thessalonians were also partakers of Grace with those who walked in a manner such as Paul ). To this end also we pray for you always that our GOD may count you worthy of your Calling, and fulfil every desire for goodness ( Psalm 37:4-11 ) and The Work Of faith With Power; in order that The Name Of our LORD JESUS may be Glorified in you, and you in HIM ( John 15:1-11 ), according to The Grace Of our GOD And The LORD JESUS CHRIST. 2 Thessalonians 1:6-12.
Paul states in Philippians 1:7, …since both in my imprisonment and in the defence and confirmation of The Gospel, you all are partakers of Grace with me.
Paul is clearly stating here that in both the defence and the corroborative evidence in their walk of The Gospel, they, The Church in Philippi, are partakers of Grace with him. They have not heard in vain ( 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 ). Clearly we can see from verses 3-7 that they were walking in a manner just as they ought to be walking, and not in error. And it is because they were walking as is required is why they are ‘partakers of Grace with him.’ They were the example to any who saw them of being a Christian; a follower of CHRIST.
This is a defence of The Gospel. These Brethren could indeed, ‘defend The Gospel.’
I am amazed at what is put forth by man today as what means being a partaker of The Gospel, and is believed. The reason for this? We listen to man and not GOD. We follow men rather than following GOD. Our faith is in man, though we will profess our faith as being in GOD. We seek many, many teachers, but for me there is Only ONE Teacher ( Matthew 23:8-10 ). We lack discernment.
My faith is this; My faith is in my GOD. I depend on The LORD GOD To Show me, to Teach me. This is my prayer and has been my prayer for all of my walk. And this is GOD’S Grace To me. I read my Bible and the only additions to this I use is an English dictionary because I had a poor education at school, and an expository dictionary of Old and New Testament words. And with these three is my faith in my GOD.
To finish, the use of science? I could quote from The Bible scientific facts written thousands of years ago yet only discovered by man and his science thousands of years later, but it is of no benefit to any. And why? Because with those who hear such things as scientific evidence it is not united by faith! Even the one who comes to GOD must believe that HE Is and HE Is A Rewarder Of those who seek HIM ( Hebrews 11 ).
We are to preach The Gospel Of JESUS CHRIST. HIM crucified.
“And there is Salvation in no one else; for there is no other Name Under Heaven that has been Given among men by which we must be Saved.” Acts 4:12
Not ICR, not anything else nor anyone else. Only The LORD JESUS CHRIST.This is The Gospel, and here I am defending It.
In CHRIST,
Paul.
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This is Bob’s next post; post #5
Could not agree more with my Brother Paul's posting that Preaching The Gospel is absolutely essential. Also essential is defending The Gospel when it comes under attack and in order to answer questions of people coming to faith. {1Peter 3:15}
Some powerful, Spirit filled men of God specialize in this field of apologetics. ICR {Institute for Creation Research} is an organization that is made up of Christians who are scientists defending God's Word. Their Web site, icr.org, has a daily meditation as the one Brother *** posted above and has my full approval.
God Bless you all!! Can we hear from others on this subject please?
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This is the post of Steph; post #6
Thus Says The Lord, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am The Lord Who Exercises Lovingkindness, Justice and Righteousness on earth; for I Delight in these things,” Declares The Lord. Jeremiah 9:23-24
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