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Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Fellowship Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Fellowship


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#Fellowship
#Together
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#Family
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#Community
#Koinonos

Scriptures
2 Corinthians 13:14 (MSG) The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.
Acts 2:42 - And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
1 John 1:3 We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:6 So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth.
1 Corinthians 1:9 - God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/words/Fellowship/sort/popular
https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Fellowship

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner




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Thursday, February 23, 2012

Unity and Skeptics

"The Scriptures will never keep together in union and fellowship members not in the spirit of the Scriptures, which spirit is love, peace, forbearance, and cheerful obedience. This is the spirit of the great Head of the body. I blush for my fellows, who hold up the Bible as the bond of union yet make their opinions of it tests of fellowship; who plead for unity with all Christians; yet refuse fellowship with such as dissent from their opinions. Vain men! Their zeal is not according to knowledge, nor is their spirit of Christ. There is a day not far ahead which will declare it. Such anti-sectarian-sectarians are doing more mischief to the cause and advancement of truth, the unity of Christians, and the salvation of the world than all the skeptics in the world. In fact, they make skeptics.”

Barton W. Stone, 1835, quoted by Steven Clark Goad's book A UNITY CORDIAL.
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Thursday, August 24, 2023

Reconciliation Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Reconciliation

Four-eyes
A South American minnow-like fish is called "four eyes" because it knows how to make the best of two worlds.

God designed its large bulging eyes with an air lens on the upper half and a water lens on the lower half. As it cruises along the surface of the water, it is able to look at the world above and the world below.

APPLICATION: In a sense, Christians must be like this little fish. As we go through life, we need to look above to heaven and also below to the world around us. The heavenward look enables us to focus on what God says is true and right, and the earthward look helps us see opportunities to demonstrate Christlike compassion to people who are entangled in sin.

Reconciliation With God
Topic
Subtopic
Scripture
Predicted

Dan_9:24; Isa_53:5;
Proclaimed by angels at the birth of Christ

Luk_2:14;
Blotting out the hand-writing of ordinances is necessary to

Eph_2:16; Col_2:14;



EFFECTED FOR MEN



By God in Christ
2 Co_5:19;

By Christ as High Priest
Heb_2:17;

By the death of Christ
Rom_5:10; Eph_2:16; Col_1:21; Col_1:22;

By the blood of Christ
Eph_2:13; Col_1:20;

While alienated from God
Col_1:21;

Without strength
Rom_5:6;

Yet sinners
Rom_5:8;

While enemies to God
Rom_5:10;

The ministry of committed to ministers
2Co_5:18; 2Co_5:19;

Ministers, in Christ's stead, should beseech men to seek
2Co_5:20;



EFFECTS OF



Peace of God
Rom_5:1; Eph_2:16; Eph_2:17;

Access to God
Rom_5:2; Eph_2:18;

Union of Jews and Gentiles
Eph_2:14;

Union of things in heaven and earth
Col_1:20; Eph_1:10;



A pledge of final salvation

Rom_5:10;
Necessity for-Illustrated

Mat_5:24-26;
Typified

Lev_8:15; Lev_16:20;









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#Reconciliation


The restoration of fellowship between God and humanity and the resulting restoration of human relationships. The NT affirms that the reconciliation of the world to God is only possible on the basis of the work of Jesus Christ.

reconciliation, of the world to God

On account of sin, people are alienated from God and cut off from fellowship with him. Through Jesus Christ, God reconciles the world to himself, breaking down the barriers of hostility and estrangement.

A broken relationship through sin brings alienation from God
Isa 59:2 See also Ge 3:23-24 the expulsion from Eden; Ge 4:13-14 Cain’s alienation from God; Isa 48:22; 64:7; Jer 33:5; Lk 18:13 the tax collector’s prayer for mercy; Ro 5:10; 8:7; Eph 2:1-3,12; 4:18; Col 1:21; Jas 4:4

God takes the initiative in bringing about reconciliation
2Co 5:18-19 See also Ro 5:6-8; Gal 4:4-5; Eph 2:4-5; 1Jn 4:10

The means of reconciliation is the death of Jesus Christ
Ro 5:6 See also 2Co 5:18-19,21; Eph 2:13,16; Col 1:20

The results of reconciliation are both personal and universal
Peace with God Ro 5:1 See also Ac 10:36-46; Eph 2:14-19; Col 1:21-22

Access to God Ro 5:2 See also Eph 2:18; 3:12; Heb 10:19-22

Adoption as God’s children Ro 8:15-16; Gal 3:26; 4:4-6; 1Jn 3:1-2

Peacemaking throughout the universe Col 1:20 See also Ro 11:15; Eph 1:7-10,22-23

Believers are to be the ambassadors of reconciliation
2Co 5:18-20


reconciliation, between believers

True reconciliation between people is only possible after they have been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. Believers are urged to settle differences among themselves in brotherly love.

The cause of the breakdown in relationships is sin
Ge 27:41
The division between Joseph and his brothers: Ge 37:4-5,18-20
1Sa 15:12-14 Samuel and Saul; 2Sa 14:28 Absalom and David; Ac 15:37-40 Paul and Barnabas; Gal 2:11 Paul opposes Peter

Believers should be reconciled to one another
Mt 5:23-24 See also Mt 5:9,25 pp Lk 12:58; Mt 5:44; 18:15-17,21-35; Jn 17:20-23; Ro 12:18-21; 2Th 3:14-15

The death of Jesus Christ should bring believers together in peace
Eph 2:14-22

The church should display reconciliation
Col 3:12-15 See also Ro 12:18-21; Eph 4:32; 2Th 3:14-15

Examples of reconciliation between people
Ge 33:4 See also Ge 45:1-5 Joseph and his brothers; Jos 22:10-34 Israel, Reuben and Gad; Lk 23:12 Herod and Pilate; Jn 21:15-17 Jesus Christ and Peter; Ac 9:26-28 Paul and the apostles; 1Co 7:11 a wife and her husband



You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


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Tuesday, March 05, 2024

Limits Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Limit


Devotional Thoughts

Does God have self-imposed limitations?

While the Bible teaches us that “with God, all things are possible” (Matt. 19:26), and “with God nothing is impossible” (Luke 1:37), Scripture also teaches that God can and will do nothing that is inconsistent with His holy character or divine essence. God limits Himself for reasons of His own holiness. For instance, the Bible teaches us “in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago …” (Tit. 1:2). Why can’t God lie? Because lying is contrary to His holiness or His perfect character which includes veracity or truthfulness. Further, in Habakkuk 1:13 the prophet wrote, “Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong.” Here the Old Testament prophet stated his reason. Tolerating evil (i.e., failing to judge sin or accepting a sinner without a just penalty for the sinners sin) is contrary to God’s perfect righteousness or holy character. In God’s perfect righteousness, he cannot have fellowship with sinfulness; so, in His perfect justice He must judge sin. But God is also perfect love, grace, mercy, and wisdom and in His love, grace, mercy and wisdom He is bound by His own character to provide a solution to the sin problem. In His love and wisdom, He gave us His son. Thus we read in John 3:16-18:

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. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

Related Topics: Theology Proper (God)



LIMIT[Heb ʿaḏ taḵlîṯ (Job 11:7), gāraʿ,—‘withdraw’ (Job 15:8), qēṣ (Ps. 119:96; Nah. 3:9), ḥōq (Prov. 8:29), tôṣāʿôṯ (1 Ch. 5:16); Gk. ámetros (“beyond limit,” 2 Cor. 10:13a, 15), tó métron tón kanános (2 Cor. 10:13b)]; AV END, RESTRAIN, MEASURE, etc.; NEB also “perfection,” “usurp,” “come to an end,” etc.; LIMITATION [Gk. asthenía (Rom. 6:19)]; AV “infirmity”; NEB “weakness.”
The RSV uses the noun “limit” in several different contexts. In 1 Ch. 5:16 it refers to a geographical boundary; in Nah. 3:9 the military-political might of Egypt is “without limit.” In a series of rhetorical questions (Job 11:7–11), Zophar (and later Eliphaz; cf. 15:8) attacks Job for questioning God. While Zophar is correct in pointing out the finitude of man, especially vis-à-vis God’s infinity, he fails to understand or sympathize with Job. This failure points up one of the dangers of dogmatism: the misapplication of a theological truth. Prov. 8:29 refers to creation, when God gave limits or orders to the sea (cf. Job 28:26; Ps. 148:6).
Although the general sense of Ps. 119:96 is clearly a contrast between the finitude of earthly things and the boundless nature of God’s commands, the precise meaning of the hapax legomenon tiḵlâ (RSV “perfection”) is uncertain. It seems to be related to taḵlîṯ (both &62; klh, “complete, finish,” “destroy”).
In Rom. 6:19 the RSV reading is unfortunate; the AV and NEB, though literal, also miss the meaning according to E. Käsemann (comm on Romans [Eng. tr. 1980], p. 182): “In Paul asthenía never means some kind of feebleness but the temptation … of Christians through the impulses of the flesh … not the impotence of the weak … but the defiance of the strong.” Here Paul “envisions neither ethical [contra TDNT, I, 491] nor intellectual weakness [contra Bauer, rev, p. 115] nor immaturity.”
In 2 Cor. 10 Paul offers a strong defense of his ministry and appears quite concerned to answer charges of boasting on his part To that end he claims that he boasts within the limits God has set (vv 13, 15). The NEB “proper sphere” is a suitable rendering; Paul inveighs against opponents who have invaded his sphere of ministry.

Lee, G. A. (1979–1988). Limit. In G. W. Bromiley (Ed.), The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised (Vol. 3, p. 138). Wm. B. Eerdmans.

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1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG) No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.
1 Thessalonians 2:16 (NIV) in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.
John 3:34 For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit.
Jude 1:6 And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment.

Logos Dictionary Themes

You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


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Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Hospitality Illustrations

Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Hospitality

“Hospitality–Open Your Circle”
In New Testament times, hospitality was an obligation of the host family and of the entire village. So when a guest arrived late at night, it was all right for the host to go next door and ask for extra loaves of bread. It was all right. But it wasn't convenient. When the host in Jesus' story pounded on his friend's door late one night, it was a pain! It was common for the whole family to sleep together in a single room, often on a common mat unrolled on the floor. (Thus, "My children are with me in bed,"  For the father to get up, and stumble over the whole family, possibly awakening them too, wasn't convenient at all. But Jesus said that such a householder would get up anyway—if the neighbor made a pest of himself and kept on knocking.

Hospitality
Acts of generosity and friendship towards strangers. God’s people are called to be hospitable as part of their duty to others and in gratitude for the salvation they have received from God. Showing hospitality includes the responsibility to protect those received as guests.

“Hospitality–Open Your Circle”
(07-12-2015)-Monte Cox-Holy Habits: Training for Godliness, Hospitality– Open Your Circle

Welcome

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#Hospitality
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Acts 27:3 (MSG) The next day we put in at Sidon. Julius treated Paul most decently—let him get off the ship and enjoy the hospitality of his friends there.
1 Timothy 3:2 - Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
Luke 10:7 Don’t move around from home to home. Stay in one place, eating and drinking what they provide. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay.
Hebrews 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Romans 12:13 (ESV)  Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
1 Timothy 5:10 (ESV)  and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.
Hebrews 13:2 (ESV)  Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
1 Peter 4:9 (ESV) Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Acts 28:7 - Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius, who received us and entertained us hospitably for three days.
Matthew 10:10 Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.
Matthew 25:38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?

hospitality, a duty of God’s people

Hospitality is commanded by God
Heb 13:2 See also Isa 58:6-7; Jn 13:12-15; Ro 12:13; 1Pe 4:9

Hospitality is a responsibility of leaders
1Ti 3:2 See also 1Ti 5:9-10; Tit 1:8

Hospitality indicates true discipleship
Job 31:32 See also Mt 25:35

Hospitality crosses social barriers
Of race Lev 19:33-34 See also Ex 22:21; 23:9

Of class and status Lk 14:12-14 See also Jas 2:2-4

Hospitality is to be offered to Christian ministers
Ro 16:1-2 See also Col 4:10; 3Jn 5-10

Hospitality is to be refused to false teachers
2Jn 10-11

Hospitality as a picture of salvation
Ps 23:5-6; Rev 3:20 Jesus Christ comes as a willing guest to the repentant, as a sign of renewed fellowship. See also Isa 25:6; Mt 22:1-14; Lk 14:15-24; 19:1-10; Jn 14:2-3

Warnings against inhospitable behavior
Dt 23:3-4 See also Mt 10:14 pp Mk 6:11 pp Lk 9:5; Mt 25:41-45


Examples of hospitality

Scripture provides many examples of friendship and generosity towards strangers, and encourages believers to be hospitable in turn.

Examples of hospitality in the OT
Ge 18:2-5 See also Ge 19:1-3 Lot entertains visitors from God; Ge 24:22-25 Abraham’s servant is welcomed in Rebekah’s home; Ex 2:20 Moses is welcomed by a priest of Midian; Jdg 13:15 Manoah receives the angel of the LORD.
Shelter is given to a Levite: Jdg 19:1-4,20-21
2Sa 17:27-29 hospitality shown to David and his people; 1Ki 17:7-16 The widow of Zarephath cares for Elijah despite her poverty; 2Ki 4:8-10 a Shunammite provides for Elisha; Ne 5:17 Nehemiah shows hospitality to fellow Jews.

The hospitality showed to Jesus Christ
Mt 9:10 pp Mk 2:15 pp Lk 5:29 Jesus Christ received hospitality from people of all social backgrounds. See also Mt 8:14-15 pp Mk 1:29-31 pp Lk 4:38-39 at Peter’s house
Jesus Christ anointed at Bethany: Mt 26:6-7 pp Mk 14:3; Jn 12:1-3
Lk 7:36 at the house of Simon the Pharisee; Lk 10:38 at the home of Mary and Martha; Lk 14:1 at the house of a prominent Pharisee; Lk 19:5-7 at Zacchaeus’ house; Lk 24:29 with disciples in Emmaus; Jn 2:2 at the wedding at Cana

Hospitality assisted the mission of the apostles
The hospitality is shown to the disciples Mt 10:11-12 pp Mk 6:10 pp Lk 9:4 Jesus Christ sends out the Twelve. See also Lk 10:5-7

Hospitality was shown to Peter Ac 10:32 at the home of Simon the tanner; Ac 10:48 with Cornelius and his family

The hospitality shown to Paul and his companions Ac 16:15 at the home of Lydia; Ac 16:34 at the house of the Philippian jailer; Ac 18:2-3 with Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth; Ac 21:8 at the house of Philip; Ac 21:16 at the home of Mnason in Jerusalem; Ac 28:2 on Malta; Ac 28:7 at the home of Publius; Ro 16:23 with Gaius; Phm 22 as a guest of Philemon

Christians opened their homes for gatherings of believers
1Co 16:19 See also Ac 2:46; Ro 16:3-5; Col 4:15; Phm 2

Examples of inhospitable behavior
1Sa 25:10-11 See also Nu 20:18 Edom; Nu 21:21-23 Sihon; Dt 23:3-4 Ammonites and Moabites; Jdg 19:15 Gibeah; Lk 9:52-53 a Samaritan village




You Think About It!
Kevin Rayner


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