Scripture of the week

[David Johnson]

Since this is the first "Scripture of the week" post that me and my wife will be doing I only thought it fitting to start out with one of the most basic scriptures of Christianity.

John 3:16

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

[ 02-11-2002, 06:54 PM: Message edited by: David Johnson ]

[FM2]

This is the first verse I ever memorized when I was a kid, thanks for putting this up.

Grace and Peace :smile:

[lightline]

Its a great start..Thanks.

[Johnny Mac]

If there was ever a good first... http://www.ifish.net/ubb/icons/icon14.gif

[Jennie@ifish]

I love that one. I'm big time into Grace.
But... Really, is that ALL you need?
I have used that to help people understand, but it is so hard to understand.
You mean, if I just believe? That's all?
What about being good, and trying, and reading, and obeying?
What if I don't?
If I believe there is a God, yet I do bad things, I still go to heaven?
If I believe there is a God, and I do good things, and obey, then I get a better job in heaven?
What?
Jen

[FM2]

Jen, all the answers to your questions are in the bible.

Feel free to contact me anytime should you be seeking God's joy and peace.

Your brother in Christ,
Keith

2 Peter 3:18

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!

[Johnny Mac]

Originally posted by Jennie@ifish:...
I love that one. I'm big time into Grace.
But... Really, is that ALL you need?<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Thats a good question. I'm by no means a preacher, and I learn/understand more all the time, but I'll take a stab at it. Believing is a critical and essential first step. You simply cant do it all on belief alone though. Even the evil one "believes" right? :wink: I dont think I'd like to be in his shoes. :grin:

I have used that to help people understand, but it is so hard to understand.
You mean, if I just believe? That's all?
What about being good, and trying, and reading, and obeying?
What if I don't?
If I believe there is a God, yet I do bad things, I still go to heaven?<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I'd guess that to be situational of course. Remember that Jesus (if that is your faith) died for your sins and by believing in him, the blood that he let on the cross for you covers you and shelters your sins from God. Jesus, Gods only son, took the sin of the world upon himself that day so that you would not have to. This is not to say that there is no judgement of course where your account is open before your creator. I think there will be tears, but with the help of the bible, perhaps acceptance into the presence of God rather than eternal separation from him.

If I believe there is a God, and I do good things, and obey, then I get a better job in heaven?
What?
Jen<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">My understanding is that their is indeed a "better job" waiting for those who live walking with God in this life and living to serve him and his will. No reason for us to not make for our own happiness of course, thats not the point, but the point is that Gods people do indeed live to serve his will as prescribed by the teachings of OT/NT. At least thats my interpretation of things.

Basically, if you can sit down sometime and read Jesus's sermon on the mountain in the book of Mathew- Understand the absolutely deep and far reaching meanings of those fantastically perfect recipes of living a good life and be able to APPLY them in your life. You are off to a GREAT start (I have a lot of work to do!) :grin:

I'd definetaly suggest the interperative help of a good reverend, or bible study group. It's easy to understand when its told by one who has been blessed with the gift of teaching the word of the bible. It can also be very easy to read it casually and miss some of the intricate meaning behind those words.

Myself? I blow it every day, but I believe and try to practice Gods will here as I am able. I hope thats enough. I'll find out someday, as I believe everybody will.

Hope I dont sound too stuffy! This is personal, not projection btw. Just hoping one view can somehow help you find understanding for yourself and perhaps help you more easily form the questions you need answered.

[Johnny Mac]

and a pretty good link here.

answers to tough questions (http://www.gospelcom.net/rbc/questions/)

[David Johnson]

I think it's a little like a present, sitting there all wrapped up with pretty paper and a bow. You can beleive in the gift but as long as you don't unrap it you can't use it.

[Fishing Eddie]

This is fun, a online bible study. If God has brought you into his arms, I believe that you will not be content with just grace alone. If you are, you better do some real soul searching.
We as christians should bear the friut of the spirit Gal. 5: 22-24 But the fruit of the Spirit is love ,joy, peace,patience, kindness goodness,faithfulness,gentleness and self-control. Against such things there are no law.Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with it's passions and desires.
Paul talks about a athlete and how we need to train for a crown that is eternal 1 COR. 9:24-27
Please don't get me wrong I do live by grace, I'm no way perfect nor pretend to be but I do want to please our Lord Jesus Christ.
Be strong in the faith. :smile:
Your brother in the Lord Rod

[BlueWater]

RE Gal. 5: 22-24
Isn't it just restating the golden rule in a more comprehensive(sp) way? Jesus made things very simple for us in the new testament. Beileve in him, treat others as you would like to be treated. Simplicity at its finest! Living life this way you live by example and action. These are the best witneses I know of.
Anyway, it is late and I am sleepy hope I am making sense.
BlueWater. :smile:

[Cutter]

Jennie- I have been reading a series of books, the name of the series slips my mind, it's at home. But the first book is call Left Behind. It's really easy reading. The beginning of the series deals with the rapture and the people who were not taken to heaven, left behind. I was reading a section last night about a character who is a priest and why he was left behind. A lot of what you were asking it explained in that chapter. Don't get me wrong, I have read the Bible. I started from the begining but only got to the Begot chapters. I did skip to Luke and John and read those, but this series of books is written in plain English. If anyone remembers the series name or is interested in it I will post it when I get home tonight.

[Johnny Mac]

Cutter, its the "Left Behind" series. I've read em' all, and the next book should be out this spring. He is trying to write two per year. FANTASTIC series. Pretty realistic scenerio of how anti-christ could come to be. I cant help but to wonder what kind of effect those books have had on.......things. That ole' devil probably aint' too terribly pleased at the exposure. :wink:

[Jennie@ifish]

My two kids LOVE the Left Behind series.
I can't believe it! Andrew has read almost all of them!
Jen

[Smily]

Great way to start Dave. Definately one of the Foundation's of our faith.

Jennie, You ask a lot of questions. That is a great way of learning and showing your hunger for his will. Something I like to do is read and ask questions as well at times. That's why I go to a bible study where you get interactions with other people. It seems to help out in understanding his word.

This thing of a better Job in heaven, well here is a verse on that. I hope to make it in by at least a street sweeper. :wink:

Matthew 16
26For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 27For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.

:smile: Smily :smile:

[Cutter]

Makes me wonder, "What a person would need to do to have a job as a fisherman in heaven?"

Imagine, the whole river to yourself and every cast a fish bigger than the last. Oh and the sun with a nice breeze.

Ok back to work.