Love

[Erinwilcox]

1Jo 3:14 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/1Jo/1Jo003.html#14) We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not [his] brother abideth in death.

Mat 22:39 (http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Mat/Mat022.html#39) And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.


We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
And we pray that all unity may one day be restored
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love

We will work with each other, we will work side by side
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
And we'll guard each one's dignity and save each one's pride
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love
By our love, by our love

And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love
By our love, by our love

And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love
Love is patient, love is kind
Never boasts, not full of pride
Always hopes, always trusts
The evidence of Christ in us



1 Corinthians 13:
3 (http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/13-3.htm) If I dole out all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but don't have love, it profits me nothing.

4 (http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/13-4.htm) Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,

5 (http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/13-5.htm) doesn't behave itself inappropriately, doesn't seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil;

6 (http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/13-6.htm) doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;

7 (http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/13-7.htm) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.




Although we all may not agree on doctrine, I think that we can agree that we should love eachother and be known for our love! Let's make the Baptist forum famous for our brotherly kindness and love!

[christian73]

:amen:

I couldn't agree more.

[CooL_Genesis]

Great post, Erin! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Jim1927]

It would be nice, but it is not going to happen when 4 of 5 threads are started by the same bloke with the same provocative vein. He's running on the same punctured tyre day after day after day.

I parked with the old folks at another site and truly enjoy that love and fellowship you espouse here. All the best to you in your endeavors.

Cheers,

Jim

[arunma]

How true, Erin. Let's all remember that without love, we are nothing.

[Matthan]

It would be nice, but it is not going to happen when 4 of 5 threads are started by the same bloke with the same provocative vein. He's running on the same punctured tyre day after day after day.

I parked with the old folks at another site and truly enjoy that love and fellowship you espouse here. All the best to you in your endeavors.

Cheers,

Jim
Jim, that same punctured tire is God's Truth, and it just might lead someone away from Scriptural error. I'd say that is a great effort, made solely in Christian Love.

Oh, and a wonderful post, Erin

Matthan

[JPPT1974]

Love is patient, kind, never envying!

[country]

That was a good post. If we could all remember that daily and act like that...

[Matthan]

If it were not for Christian love, what would any of us have?

Love is everything to any Christian...

[homebound1]

:groupray: Love in Christ...

Joanne
Phil. 4:13 :angel:

[rainbowpromise]

As long as we remember that love is not all wishy washy stuff.

Love sometimes pulls a brother or sister out of the fire. Love exhorts each other to be Christ-like. Love holds accountable when no one else will.

Love also encourages, cares for, prays for, cries together and is filled with joy together.

[country]

Amen Annette :)

[JPPT1974]

Love is patient, kind, never boastful, nor envying don't forget.

[Iliad]

If only the entire world thought that'd way, life would be wonderful! I totally agree. We should set an example for the rest of the world throught love. Maybe they will follow.

[Erinwilcox]

Just a reminder that we are to love eachother, not bash eachother and mock eachother. Respect those you disagree with, love those who with whom you differ--we are to build eachother up, not tear eachother down. Please, let us love eachother so that when unbelievers enter our forum they are BLOWN away by the love that is shown here--even during debates.

[JimfromOhio]

In our relations with one another in CF, we are to seek to build spiritual friendships that make a difference (John 13:34). We are strive to do all that we do for the glory of God and benefit of others (1 Cor. 10:31). In the Christian life, thinking is crucial, emotions are crucial and service is crucial. God is not honored by an unfeeling, joyless, loveless intellectualism, by unthinking, uncritical emotionalism, or by well-intentioned but fruitless claims to love. It is through the truth of Scripture alone with the conviction of the Holy Spirit that we become transformed people through the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). This truth comes through practicing the discipline of careful reading of the Bible, seeking to find the author's intended meaning (Ephesians 3:4) and its implications for the issues we are facing today. The role of the Holy Spirit is not to add anything to the text but to make the readers' heart humble so that we will welcome and embrace the truth and act upon it (1 Corinthians 2:14). Jesus touches our lives (inward) and enables us to touch others (outward). And since the Gospel so transforms us with the power of the Word, we can demonstrate God's grace power with the reality of our lives.

Doctrines sounds very good and simple but life is not so simple. There are Christians who are zealous for their "doctrines" and forget the sensitivity of others regarding certain topics. Healthy debate is good. God didn't not restrict us, why should CF restrict us? Christians can work together even when they differ on doctrinal issues. Christian can disagree on doctrines as long as they don't agree on the doctrine of SALVATION (whether it is Calvinist or Arminian and other important doctrines (i.e. Apostle Creed).

Calvinist and Arminian are doctrines of how we believe the way salvation works in our lives, not the "actual salvation". A.W. Tozer (by the way, he did not declare himself a calvinist nor an arminian) who is one of my most favorite theologian said And sadly enough each (Calvinist and Arminian) will more than likely think the other a hypocrite who receives his teaching from the devil. But that is not pertinent to this particular argument.

Quote by Ray C. Stedman
Many people think that the mark of an authentic Christian is doctrinal purity; if a person's beliefs are biblical and doctrinally orthodox, then he is a Christian. People who equate orthodoxy with authenticity find it hard to even consider the possibility that, despite the correctness of all their doctrinal positions, they may have missed the deepest reality of the authentic Christian life. But we must never forget that true Christianity is more than teaching - it is a way of life. In fact, it is life itself. "He who has the Son has life," remember? When we talk about life, we are talking about something that is far more than mere morality, far more than doctrinal accuracy.

I am 48 years old, I have learned so much about doctrines since I was a teen. To this day, I never met a Christian who AGREES with my beliefs 100%. I have not met a Christian who I agree with their beliefs 100%.

The bottom line is that Christians follow doctrines according to the Holy Spirit's conviction. The Holy Spirit gave me assurance of my faith and doctrines I follow. No Church, No Denomination, No pastors or anyone can do this for me. Holy Spirit is the ONLY person who can do this. 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." Truth is, the Holy Spirit that can grasp our inner being only when we submit completely which will allow the Holy Spirit teach us, lead us mysterious and divine where we ought to go. "Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." — Psalm 86:11. The Holy Spirit that leads my thoughts and shapes my character. Our true moral and spiritual state is revealed by the Spirit through prayer and studying the Word. Eternally, we are "eternal (spiritual) members" in the universal church of Jesus Christ, based solely on His merit and grace. If we are a Christ-follower, then we are already a member. This is eternal and unchanging (I Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 2:13-22; 4:3-6; Colossians 1:13-22). Everyone who is saved is a member of God's Kingdom.

I will speak up when I hear doctrines that I disagree with. However, I have learned to "remove myself" from my baptist upbringing tactics that causes strife. 1 Thessalonians 5:6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. Romans 11:22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in His kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.

I will still fellowship and debate with my Christian brethren even though I may not agree with their beliefs. I just don't worship with them and I won't submit to their teachings.

[JPPT1974]

Love is from God and that God
Tells us to love each other
Whether it be friends or foes.