We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Personal Bible Notes: Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians


(Refer to my 9/25/18 post about the margin notes in my Bible, and why I decided to share them on this blog.)

Ephesians

1:4-6: He foreknew those would accept Christ; He predestined the way of salvation, not who would be saved.

1:7: Blood atones.
1:11: If we choose Christ, then we are predestined for salvation.

2:20: The Church’s foundation is built on the Apostles and prophets; you don’t rebuild a foundation, therefore no modern Apostles and prophet.

5:3: “sexual immorality.” All pre- and extramarital sex.
5:3: “impurity.” All immoral sexual activity up to but not including intercourse.
5:3, 5: “greed.” Sexual lust.
5:6: “these things.” All the previous sins in previous chapters.
5:18: “filled” should be “controlled.” “with” should be “by.” “With” implies a thing, “by” implies a person.

5:22: “as to the Lord,” should be “as if to the Lord.”
5:25: “Husbands, love…” This is agape love: willing, sacrificial giving of oneself for the benefit of another, without thought of return. Here it is a command.

5:31: “joined.”  Means “cemented.”
6:14: “like armor on your chest” — see Isa. 59:17.
6:23: “to depart and be with Christ.” This is immediate upon death.

Philippians

2:7: “emptied himself…”  Really is “poured himself into the form of a servant.”  He “emptied” himself of positional quality with God and veiled his deity in flesh.

2:12: “work out your own salvation…” Your salvation from your own problems/lifestyle.

Colossians

1:13: counters the so-called “deliverance ministries”
1:16: contrasts. “heaven” is the “invisible,” which has “thrones and dominions”; “earth” has the “visible” “rulers and authorities.”

1:18: “first born from the dead.”  Jesus was the first immortal, never to die again.
3:16: “psalms.” These are songs accompanied by instruments, which counters Church of Christ claims.
3:23: “Whatever you do, do it ‘enthusiastically…’” literally, “from the soul”

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