Christian Readers discussion

All believers want "unity" , but what type of "unity" does God want?

* Is God interested in "unity" at any cost?
* Is "unity" even the goal?
* What is Christian "unity" founded upon?
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Click here for a YouTube Bible study on this topic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpgw_...

Click here for a brief (one page, double-sided, tri-fold) PDF Bible study:
http://www.christ-like.net/sitebuilde...

"Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword."

Christ wants unity...but on HIS terms. I'm a fallen man, and in that...I have many ideas that are probably not correct. I think, though, that we should at least be able to have unity in the Gospel. I think that's what Christ was speaking on.

"For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." - 1 Corinthians 2:2

If we can't unite with a person in that, then there may be no reasonable hope for unity within Godly bounds.

Amen. Christ’s Truth is a peculiar salve in that it lays us low in such a warm way.

Oh, wow. Didn't realize this was started so long ago. Just saw the notification and thought it was a new thread pertinent to the recent goings on. As you were, soldier.

Love without truth... just isn't a love worth having.

There are groups running everywhere who scream and cry for unity above almost all else (that will bring love they demand).

But the Biblical Jesus is THE truth. He's not a shared truth, or a compromised truth, or part of a bigger truth. Or a contradicting truth. Or a personal version of the truth.

The Bible is clear: Jesus won't share His Truth with anything else. No other truth will hold up on judgement day.
We can't have spiritual harmony with any other system. The sheep are to stand Against all wolves.

Jonathan S. wrote: "Your question is a bit disturbing.

It seems to be a question designed to create dis-unity.

I'm just a bit tired of people that create mayhem and havoc. I'm white. My wife is black. We're both Chr..."

Because of Jesus...

Luke 12:53 - The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

Jonathan S. wrote: "I'd love to be wrong, but his opening statement, the question, if we want to call it that, seemed to be asking why the hell we should be unified...."

My response: Clearly you did not read the PDF file link (or watch the longer YouTube video.)

This is the kind of "UNITY" that I long for...

Ephesians 4:13 - Till we all come in the unity of the faith , and of the knowledge of the Son of God , unto a perfect man , unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

I have NO DESIRE for unity by COMPROMISE.

Jonathan S. wrote: "The division you speak of, I think, is the division akin to the sheep and the goats. Within the body of Christ, we are to be, however, unified, is my reading. ..."

My response: Unity amongst believers is NOT the GOAL, but it IS the result of spiritual MATURITY.

I can have "UNITY" with anyone, if I am willing to compromise enough.

This is the type of unity that I endorse...

Ephesians 4:13 - Till we all come in the unity of the faith , and of the knowledge of the Son of God , unto a perfect man , unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Unity of...
* the faith
* the knowledge of the Son of God
* unto a perfect (complete) man
* measured by the fulness of Christ

I never doubt that REAL Christians indeed have unity. (with some rough edges of course).

It's all about Jesus. False disciples only USE Jesus name for their pet desires. It's easy to see that they are Against what Jesus did and taught throughout scripture.

Like when liberals insist we need to be Nice "like Jesus". Jesus isn't always nice. Often He's an army filled with wrath and Holy Justice.

Jonathan S. wrote: "Then do it. Compromise. What do people go to hell for, Robert? It's not 'sin.'..."

My response: NOPE! No compromise!

This is the type of "UNITY" that is OK by me...

Ephesians 4:13 - Till we all come in the unity of the faith , and of the knowledge of the Son of God , unto a perfect man , unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Jonathan S. wrote: "The only thing that reference is saying is that we acknowledge Jesus as God, part of the Trinity..."

My response: If that is all you get out of that verse... you are missing a LOT!
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Ephesians 4:13 - Till we all come in the unity of the faith , and of the knowledge of the Son of God , unto a perfect man , unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
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Here is what God says about compromising to have "unity" (i.e. fellowship)…

2 Corinthians 6:14-17

14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

Jonathan S. wrote: "Yeah. Pretty clear. Someone else who is a Christian, raised in a different tradition than mine, but acknowledges the sacrifice of Christ for the remission of sins is hardly an unbeliever...."

My response: True but you avoided the passage that calls for agreement to the fulness of Christ.

How much COMPROMISE does Jesus allow?
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Ephesians 4:13 - Till we all come in the unity of the faith , and of the knowledge of the Son of God , unto a perfect man , unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

* Unity of which faith? Any old faith? Or TRUE faith?

* Unity based on the knowledge of the Son of God. Which Jesus? The TRUE Christ? Or any of the false Christs He warned about?

* A perfect man? Based on what? The Scriptures? Personal opinion?

* Unto the measure of the fulness of Christ!

BIBLICAL UNITY is the RESULT of SPIRITUAL MATURITY...

...NOT COMPROMISE!

Jonathan S. wrote: "I'm just gonna ask that, because I want to know what you think God tells you to do with the vast majority of humanity that won't do 'Robert's interpretation of the gospel.'

I'm one of them, Robert. When I refuse to do what you tell me to do, what are you going to do, to me? ..."

My response: if your attitude is one of rebellion against the Word of God... we will not be in UNITY.

As for "doing" anything to you... uh, nothing. That is up to God.

I will choose to hang out with Christians that are hungry for the Bible, and seek to align themselves with it.

Pretty simple. No compromise as far as I am concerned.

Jesus does NOT compromise...

Jonathan S. wrote: "I love it, Robert. Jesus' entire life was a compromise, or better yet, a complete submission. To the will of the Father, in the Trinity, yes, but for US..."

My response: Thanks for your OPINION... but your ABSENCE OF SCRIPTURE says is all.

Jesus NEVER COMPROMISED.

Jonathan S. wrote: "Chambers is about ready to s**t himself. But, why don't you go home and... yeah..."

My response: Why not speak in a manner that glorifies God?

Jonathan S. wrote: "This is from the other thread, Robert, but it shows us a lot about your concept of unity...."

My response: It is a direct quote from the Bible.

I have nothing to "be careful" of.

I will continue to stick with the Word of God... no matter how many warnings I get to turn from His Scriptures.

Jonathan S. wrote: "You just couldn't resist highlighting 'weak faith,' twice. The implication is that you see your own faith as the opposite ..."

My response: It is a DIRECT QUOTE from the Bible... take it up with the Author.

I did not write it... God DID... I simply believe God.

Your issue is with Him.

Jonathan S. wrote: "and then you focused only on the obligations of those you admit are weak, to the strong...."

My response: Simple... I do NOT know any meat eaters who try and FORCE vegans to convert to eating meat.

My FOCUS stands.

Jonathan S. wrote: "Be careful, Robert, in your arrogance. ..."

Matthew 7:2 - For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Jonathan S. wrote: "And sometimes a shot rings out of nowhere, right as the weak is about to be stomped, and God changes the whole table right around. Be careful, Robert, in your arrogance. ..."

My response: Wow! I am being threatened for QUOTING the Bible... by someone who says he is a fellow Christian.

Allow me to quote it for you again...
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Romans 14:1-3

1 Accept the one whose faith is WEAK , without quarreling over disputable matters.

2 One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is WEAK, eats only vegetables .

3 The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does , for God has accepted them.

Jonathan S. wrote: "Your selections with a highlighter are not inspired. ..."

The Bible IS INSPIRED whether you like it or not.

Your OPINIONS are NOT inspired.

If you are WEAK... just admit it. God can handle it.
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Romans 14:1-3

1 Accept the one whose faith is WEAK , without quarreling over disputable matters.

2 One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is WEAK, eats only vegetables .

3 The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does , for God has accepted them.

Jonathan S. wrote: "I can repeat shit, too, Robert. Simple recitation. What a tool."

Luke 6:45 - "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."

Thank you for showing us what fills your heart.

Jonathan S. wrote: "You're welcome. Your reputation, here, has been irrevocably tarnished. Salvage what you can.

Work hard, boy."

My response: I have no intention of "salvaging" anything. I don't speak vulgarities like you… I quote the Bible and people like you don't like it!
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Luke 6:45 - "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."

Jonathan S. wrote: "Taking out your highlighter is one step away from your marker to blot out the parts you don't like. You said Jesus didn't compromise. I showed you that He did...."

My response: LOL!!!! That is YOU!

I QUOTE the Bible and YOU ASSAIL IT!

Jonathan S. wrote: "I showed you how He engineered human compromise, ..."

My response: Yes YOU showed me YOUR OPINIONS... but NEVER once quoted any Scripture that commands us to compromise.

Jonathan S. wrote: "The woman was not stoned. The Law demanded it, Robert. Christ had it violated...."

1) Where does Jesus tell them to BREAK the Law?

2) Legally, the woman could NOT have been stoned. Roman law allowed the death penalty ONLY through the Roman legal system.

3) The Pharisees were trying to TRAP Jesus to see if He WOULD violate the Law, which He did NOT DO.

4) Jesus TOLD them TO stone her... He just TOLD them that the man WITHOUT sin should throw the first stone.

5) Jesus UPHELD the Law AND Grace.

Jonathan S. wrote: "Pretty sneaky, ol Robert. The passage, itself, specifies the Law in question. The Law of Moses. You yank in the Roman political system of the time to try to muddy up the waters, so you can avoid fa..."

My response:

1) Where does Jesus tell them to BREAK the Law?

2) Legally, the woman could NOT have been stoned. Roman law allowed the death penalty ONLY through the Roman legal system.

3) The Pharisees were trying to TRAP Jesus to see if He WOULD violate the Law, which He did NOT DO.

4) Jesus TOLD them TO stone her... He just TOLD them that the man WITHOUT sin should throw the first stone.

5) Jesus UPHELD the Law AND Grace.

Jonathan S. wrote: "So, basically, Robert, you admit that Christ seem to be ok with compromise on at least some issues? Or is that still a sticking point with you?..."

My response: This is a BOLD-FACED LIE!

My challenge: QUOTE ME EVER SAYING THAT JESUS WAS A COMPROMISER!

If you cannot... then REPENT OF LYING!

Are you WEAK or STRONG?

Romans 14:1-3

1 Accept the one whose faith is WEAK , without quarreling over disputable matters.

2 One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is WEAK, eats only vegetables .

3 The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does , for God has accepted them.

Glad you admit that your FAITH is WEAK.

Romans 14:1-3

1 Accept the one whose faith is WEAK , without quarreling over disputable matters.

2 One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is WEAK, eats only vegetables .

3 The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does , for God has accepted them.

Jonathan S. wrote: "I admit it wholeheartedly, Robert, and give thanks to God, who promises to make me able to stand ..."

My response: What a farce! You claim your god is able to make you stand... but you claim he is INCAPABLE of removing VULGARITIES from your speech...

...so you continue unapologetically spewing vulgarities.

Jonathan S. wrote: "I never made any such claims, Robert..."

Jonathan S. previously wrote: ""I admit it wholeheartedly, Robert, and give thanks to God, who promises to make me able to stand ..."

My response: Two posts apart... but you LIE and say you never made such claims! WOW.

Jonathan S. wrote: "On the flip-side, they never gave me cause to...."

My response: But ohhh... WATCH OUT if they dared to QUOTE the Bible to you and show you how WRONG you are!

...then the VULGAR LANGUAGE would fly!

All believers want "unity" , but what type of "unity" does God want?

* Is God interested in "unity" at any cost?
* Is "unity" even the goal?
* What is Christian "unity" founded upon?
___________

Click here for a YouTube Bible study on this topic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpgw_...

Click here for a brief (one page, double-sided, tri-fold) PDF Bible study:
http://www.christ-like.net/sitebuilde...

Jonathan S. wrote: "I'm done with you, Robert. Have a nice life."

Good-bye.

Jonathan S. wrote: "I'm done with you, Robert. Have a nice life."

Jonathan, many have tried... ALL have failed to talk some sense into Robert. It is not possible. He is to hard headed.

Feel free to come on over to Why Christianity? A group of around 40 folks who enjoy discussing topics just like this one... but without Robert ruining every single discussion with his "holier-than-thou" attitude. I'm sure Rod would approve...

Chad wrote: "Jonathan, many have tried... ALL have failed to talk some sense into Robert. It is not possible. He is to hard headed..."

My response: Chad defines QUOTING the Bible as "ruining every single discussion"

Oh well... we are in the last days.
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Also, insulating yourself from opposing views is a good way to keep one's opinions in tact and unchallenged.

Mickey wrote: "Paul was a false prophet. "I am come in my Father's name, amd ye receive me not. (Jesus) receive=Ezekiel 36:26-27 if another shall come in his own name, him (Paul) ye will receive. (believe)"

Mickey is a FALSE PROPHET... he claims to be Elijah... but Jesus CLEARLY stated that John the Baptist was Elijah!

Jesus says Mickey is a FALSE PROPHET...
Mikey says Paul is...

Who you gonna believe? DELUSIONAL Mickey? or Jesus!

Mickey, Jesus was speaking of the Antichrist, not Paul. Israel received Him not, but they will receive the Antichrist with great zeal.

I'll delete your comment soon Mickey. 10, 9, 8...

Jonathan S. wrote: "The problem, Robert, is that you have very shallow opinions, if we can classify what you have to say as an opinion, at all...."

My response: It is very sad that you consider direct Scripture QUOTES to be "shallow opinions"...

...but your VULGARITIES are OK with you????

Jonathan S. wrote: "Ignore what was said, the criticism of you, and go for baiting someone else by leveling an accusation..."

My response: I ignore criticism when it is an effort to CONTRADICT or divert attention from the QUOTED Scriptures.

Jonathan S. wrote: "You do realize that you are flawed, right?..."

My response: Of course I am flawed... that is why I go to the Bible.

You do realize that the Bible is NOT flawed, right?

Jonathan S. wrote: "Yes, Robert, I realize that the bible is not flawed. But I do recognize that even the devil can quote scripture, to his own purposes...."

My response: So you AVOID the Bible... because satan quotes it????

That is a bad example to follow!

Jonathan S. wrote: "I can't find anywhere, from Martin Luther to John Calvin, to Matthew Henry, that says, 'act like Robert...."

My response: Try the Bible!

1 Timothy 4:13 - Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

See also Acts 17:10-11, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Psalm 119, etc. etc. etc.

I'm always curious who Roberts teachers are.

He assumes it's "the Bible". But that's a library, not a teacher. The Holy Spirit is a guide and counsellor but not necessarily a human programmer.
Our stubborn free will nature is often our demigod of pride. Few admit it. Few notice it.

I know who my teachers are. Everyone from Satan to John MacArthur to Clint Eastwood to the Apostle Paul.

Jonathan S. wrote: "What does the word ‘exhortation’ mean?

You’ll find that I’ve been doing that, Robert.

Who taught you this shit?"

My response: NO YOU HAVEN'T. Exhortation must be based on the TRUTH... the Word of God is TRUTH... you have been avoiding the TRUTH.

I see that your DISDAIN for God is making allowance for your VULGARITIES again.

Rod wrote: "I'm always curious who Roberts teachers are.

He assumes it's "the Bible". But that's a library, not a teacher. The Holy Spirit is a guide and counsellor but not necessarily a human programmer.
O..."

My response: 1 Timothy 4:13 - Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

See also Acts 17:10-11, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Psalm 119, etc. etc. etc.

The Holy Spirit teaches me, and he confirms it via the Bible.

Rod is taught by a bunch of people, and REJECTS the Bible if it contradicts his teachers.
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Is Jesus telling the truth when He said...

John 16:13 - "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth..."