JimBob, I notice you usually don't drop in on the Bible & Theology threads -- I posted about Eph. 2 on there. Actually there are three "two made one" matters here, or three (1 fn 1 = 1) equations. They are:

• Human DNA/flesh + Divine Spirit (seed) = Christ, God incarnate
  
• Carnal nature + Regenerated nature = One man, a Believer
  
• OT Israel + Gentiles = One Community of Faith
  

and yes the last item includes the breakdown of hostile separation & enmity between ethnic groups too. "My house shall be called an house of prayer for all peoples."

First the disclaimers...
Noah preached, Jesus preached, Paul preached..

Acts 28

"27": For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Isaiah wrote this , Jesus quoted it and so did Paul here..
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GC ch 27 (Modern Revivals) the beginning of the chapter..

Wherever the word of God has been faithfully preached, results have followed that attested its divine origin. The Spirit of God accompanied the message of His servants, and the word was with power. Sinners felt their consciences quickened. The "light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world" illumined the secret chambers of their souls, and the hidden things of darkness were made manifest. Deep conviction took hold upon their minds and hearts. They were convinced of sin and of righteousness and of judgment to come. They had a sense of the righteousness of Jehovah and felt the terror of appearing, in their guilt and uncleanness, before the Searcher of hearts. In anguish they cried out: "Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" As the cross of Calvary, with its infinite sacrifice for the sins of men, was revealed, they saw that nothing but the merits of Christ could suffice to atone for their transgressions; this alone could reconcile man to God. With faith and humility they accepted the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. Through the blood of Jesus they had "remission of sins that are past."

These souls brought forth fruit meet for repentance. They believed and were baptized, and rose to walk in newness of life--new creatures in Christ Jesus; not to fashion themselves according to the former lusts, but by the faith of the Son of

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God to follow in His steps, to reflect His character, and to purify themselves even as He is pure. The things they once hated they now loved, and the things they once loved they hated. The proud and self-assertive became meek and lowly of heart. The vain and supercilious became serious and unobtrusive. The profane became reverent, the drunken sober, and the profligate pure. The vain fashions of the world were laid aside. Christians sought not the "outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but . . . the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." 1 Peter 3:3, 4.

What faithfully means...

CLEAR and RELEVANT...
Neh 8
"8": So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.

This does not mean...
God loves you no matter what...keep your eyes on Jeeezzuss...He will never , ever, never , ever forsake you....Jesus loves me this I know..for the bible tells me so...THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE...
There's POWER in the blood, power in the blood..

We're only human, nobody's perfect, everbody makes mistakes.. stay balanced..moderation in all things...moderation in adultery, lying, stealing, church attendance...

JimBob, I think your references to 'Jeeezzuss' in this post and a number of past ones skirts very close to the borders of blasphemy. I'm not going to edit it this time, but please be careful to make your points in a way that's appropriately respectful of God's name.

and...

church has a goal...knowing Jesus, character transformation (restoration) and making Him known... for transformation of their character..
what this entails is that a Pastor should have an OUTREACH program for diverse people in his flock..
CLIRTS
FORT
MSNCF

We overcome by helping others to overcome..by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.

This means that the pastor is not to only have a weekly religious therapy and entertainment service.

The church is a LIFE ENRICHMENT CENTER AND A TRAINING GROUND TO ASSAULT THE WORLD FOR JESUS...

Bravus,

I am glad you are reading ..and I appreciate your sensitivity.

Feel free to correct the spelling or delete..your call.
You will notice that I only spell it that way when I am mimmicking a sloppy message speaker..that is sliming with a loose shallow message..etc..
When I use His name in any other context you will see I spell it correctly.
there is no one I admire more than our Lord and savior...

If this still bothers you let me know.

{cont}

dealing with enmity..

Since God is the expert and we are his creation/product...his method is the key.

An innocent creation suffering and dying moves people.

ie the cross.

People need to be inspired, moved on the emotional level..

the tendency is for hearts to be selfish, hard and cold..

What jerks people out of their carnal inertia is really moving tear jerking stories...
why do you think so many go to movies...??
Sure for sex violence, thrills..but do you hear some good stuff too...the 10 hanky movies???

A Walk to remember?
Patch Adams
Simon Birch.

Here is a goodie I just told my son...

One line in BEN HUR....
Heston had just stayed at the cross while the mom, sister and girlfriend left...
when Heston got to his house he mentioned about Jesus and him saying Father forgive them....

Heston then said.."when Jesus said this the sword was taken out of my hand"

He had the sword against his old playmate Messalah and Rome..ENMITY....

His heart was softened and he had peace...and then he saw his mom and sister come down the steps healed...


A long time ago..when asked about what moved them about BEN HUR..the people during the premiere showing were reported not to say...WOW!! WHAT A GREAT CHARIOT RACE...they were moved / inspired by something else..

PS 51
"17": The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Is 57

"15": For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.