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KNOWLEDGE & TEACHING
KNOWLEDGE & TEACHING
When we obey the Gospel of our Lord, we immediately enter a transition of life -- from one of serving sin to one of serving our Lord as His disciple. The New Testament (provided by the Holy Spirit through the Apostles and inspired writers) has much to say about this subject. At times it's not easy to remember and stay totally committed to living that life. But, as we are taught, its each of us to be faithful and fulfill that responsibility. Please allow me to point out a few of those reminders for us.
"Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a NEW CREATURE, the old things passed away; behold NEW THINGS HAVE COME. " (2 Corinthians 5:17)
"Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and gave us to the ministry of reconciliation, namely that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:18,19)
"Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with it evil practices, and have PUT ON THE NEW SELF who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him--a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek or Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, BUT CHRIST IS ALL, AND IN ALL. " (Colossians 3:9-11)
"But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you LAY ASIDE THE OLD SELF, WHICH IS BEING CORRUPTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LUST OF DECEIT, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and PUT ON THE NEW SELF, WHICH IS THE LIKENESS OF GOD has been created in righteousness and holiness of the TRUTH." (Ephesians 4:20-24)
We all need constant reminders and encouragement to grow and maintain our commitment to live lives as faithful Christians. We remember the Lord's death each First Day of The Week, (Acts 20:7) The Apostles were well aware of this, as was God. Seeing these admonitions and exhortations repeated several times for us, emphasizes its importance. Living as a Christian is an ongoing process -- of learning and applying the teachings of our Lord and Savior. Changes need to me made, and knowledge applied as each of us learns and grows. "Faith comes by hearing and that by God's (Christ") Word." (Romans 10:17)
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, HANDLING ACCURATELY THE WORD OF TRUTH." (2 Timothy 2:15)
Our God has supplied us with all the knowledge and teachings we need to make our way to heaven. (2 Timothy 3: 16,17). It's us to each of us to see we use the spiritual food He has given us to grow and follow each day. Jesus has set the standard, and given us the example. It's our responsibility to see we follow that, and pass these things on to others. (2 Timothy 2:2) Thank you for spending a bit of your day with me -- and reminding each of us of things most important for now and for eternity.
ROSS
