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WHAT IS MAN'S CHIEF END ?
  
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BIRTH CONTROL ? Apr 26, 2006 4:24 pm
903 Views
Should Christians practice birth control ?
No.
Yes if they want to.
That's a hard question.
I think it's OK to use the rhythm method.
It's nobodies business what I do.
If God is the one in control; then we can't stop His purpose. No matter what we do.
18 Comments, 29 votes
CONFUSION OVER LEGALISM Apr 16, 2006 8:09 pm
730 Views
There seems to be a-lot of talk about legalism going on here at BigChurch lately. I'd like to try to clear the air if possible, and help give an answer that everyone can understand.

I have explained what legalism is on a few other blogs; other than my own, and I also did a study on the tithe; in which I explained that tithing is legalistic. Some see legalism only as a means of working for salvation, either you must do something to get saved; or you must do something to stay saved. I once attended a church that appeared to be orthodox on the doctrine of justification, but as far as the doctrine of sanctification went; they were wrong. The pastor was correct whenever he spoke on the necessity of being justified by faith alone. But whenever he spoke on sanctification; then it would be evident he believed in keeping the law for sanctification.

So, the problem of legalism can and often does; raise it's ugly head in relation to sanctification and not justification. I pointed out in my short study on the tithe that you cannot take an old covenant obligation ( such as the tithe ) and make it a new covenant principle. To do so is to mix law and grace, which is forbidden by scripture. Clearly whenever any one tells you that you must keep any part of the law; such as not eating pork, keeping of the Sabbath ( Saturday or Sunday ), tithing etc.; then that person is legalistic. Much in the same way; as the Jews who were telling the Christians at Galatia, that believing in Christ is good, but you must be circumcised and keep the law.

But there is another facet to legalism which is called Asceticism and those who practice it will say they are not being legalistic when they tell you to abstain for certain things which they deem worldly. Paul covers Asceticism in the second chapter of Colossians. Read verses 16 - 23, this is what Paul says starting at verse 20:

" If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the universe, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world ? Why do you submit to regulations, " Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch " ( referring to things which all perish as they are used ), according to human precepts and doctrines ? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting rigor of devotion and self-abasement and severity to the body, but they are of no value in checking the indulgence of the flesh. "

Asceticism can come in many forms. It can place restrictions on owning property or the abandoning of property. Contempt for the body and foods; and is seen as a means of self- control but is nothing more; than self imposed worship. Sanctification is reduced to a matter of not smoking cigarettes; or not listing to certain kinds of music ( especially music considered to have a sensual or hypnotic beat ), not watching TV, dressing a particular way ( women can't wear pants for example ), men having their hair cut a certain way, and clean shaved. The list goes on and on.

So, legalism can cover anything; that imposes regulations on us such as tithing ( turning an old covenant obligation into a new covenant principle ), to man made regulations such as not smoking cigarettes, to women not wearing pants. None of which has any value in restraining the sensual indulgences.
12 Comments
REMEMBERING HIS RESURRECTION Apr 15, 2006 11:56 pm
591 Views
May all here at BigChurce and their families; remember Christ in the glory and power of His resurrection.

For from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things. To God be the glory. Amen.
4 Comments
RISEN SAVIOUR Apr 14, 2006 10:49 pm
620 Views
I serve a risen savior.......... NOT AN EASTER BUNNY !
5 Comments
A CLOSER LOOK AT SO-CALLED CALVINISM IV Apr 13, 2006 11:03 pm
658 Views
" Just open your heart and let Jesus in "

This is a phrase which is often used, in modern-day personal evangelism. The sinner is simply told to open his ( or her ) heart and let Jesus in; but is this a Biblical teaching ? I doubt that any who believes this notion; could even locate their heart, more less open it. Yet this idea is the most widely used method in leading others to Christ. Term's like...... repeat this prayer.....accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour..... you must make a decision for Christ, and open your heart; are not to be found in scripture. So where do they come from ?

The Bible only uses the term believe; in relation to salvation as seen in the 16th chapter of Acts, when the Philippian jailer asked:

" Sirs, what must I do to be saved ? "

The reply:

So they said, " Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household. "

In regard to opening the heart I know what the Bible says about it, and it's not something we do. A little earlier in the book of Acts a woman named Lydia is mentioned and we are told how her heart was opened.

" Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul."Acts 16:14

This is one of the many verses, which clearly shows the sovereignty of God in the act of salvation; and is consistent with what is taught elsewhere concerning what God must do to our hearts, before we can respond to Him; as well as the gospel message. For anyone who believes you have the power to open your own heart; consider this. In the book of Deut. the 10th chapter the Lord gives the Jews a command to circumcise the foreflesh of their hearts.

" Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer." Duet.10:16

Now, if you'd care to try this trick; I'll gladly supply the knife. Where would you like to begin cutting ? We must ask the question....is this a valid command; that God would ask us to do something; we are incapable of doing ?

The answer of course is; that God can command us to do whatever He likes; but what's nice to know is, that He will accomplish the needed surgery Himself. So, with the command to circumcise their hearts; we find later the promise that God Himself will perform the task for us.

" I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them."
Ezek. 36:26-27

Hallelujah !!!!!! He will do it.

TO BE CONTINUED
7 Comments
Horoscopes ? Apr 10, 2006 8:29 am
1243 Views
Do you follow your daily horoscope ?
Yes, faithfully it's so true.
Once in a while; but I don't really believe in it.
No, never the Bible warns against it.
Why would a Christian look to the stars for guidance ?
33 Comments, 58 votes
Horoscopes ? Apr 10, 2006 8:25 am
612 Views
Do you follow your daily horoscope ?
Yes, faithfully.
Once in a while.
2 Comments, 0 votes
JUST IN CASE I GET TAGGED AGAIN. Apr 7, 2006 9:54 am
671 Views
1. I was in the Marines a looooooooong time ago

2. I'm a very good shot ( Expert ).

3. I don't like jogging.

4. I've lost count of the times I should have died ( but God spared me ).

5. I just purchased " The Chronicles of Narnia " ( great movie )

6. I don't like pig's feet ( yuckie )
4 Comments
SO-CALLED GOSPEL OF JUDAS Apr 7, 2006 9:25 am
743 Views
Do you believe that the so-called Gospel of Judas is scripture ?
No way Hoesa.
It may just be real.
I knew Judas was a good man and is probably in heaven.
Strange this comes up on the back of the Da Vinci Code film.
It's only a coptic gnostic writing which has no significance.
If this turns out to be real it will distroy my faith.
Try as they may they will never find anything to discredit the Bible!
1+4+7
7 Comments, 23 votes
I'M A TAGGIE Apr 7, 2006 7:27 am
471 Views
Six short things about myself.

1. I'm divorced and a single dad ( my sons live with me )

2. I'm a really good cook.

3. I have most of my hair.

4. I was born in Philadelphia a looooooooooooooooooong time ago.

5. I love the Lord; cause He first loved me.

6. I own a Mac.
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