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Grace is our Teacher

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  Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect. For the grace of God has appeared [ epiphaino – brought to light] , bringing salvation to all men, instructing [ paideuo - activity directed toward the moral and spiritual nurture and training of the child, to influence conscious will and action] us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly [ sophronos – of sound, sober mind], righteously [ dikaios – honestly, without injuring anyone], and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds .              ...

Experiencing God

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Denominationalism refers to the existence of separate and distinct organizational branches within a broader religious tradition. In a Christian context, this term describes the various expressions of the faith that have developed differing doctrinal emphases, liturgical practices, and organizational structures while still upholding foundational elements such as the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Denominationalism in Christianity encompasses a range of fellowships, from ancient traditions such as the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches to more recent groups established during and after the Protestant Reformation. Many of these groupings arose from theological disputes and reform efforts stemming from differing interpretations of Scripture and worship practices. Despite variations, most denominations affirm the authority of the Holy Bible, including central teachings on redemption and the shared commitment to proclaim the good news of salvation. Although denominations...

Joy Made Full

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  Joy is defined as a delight of the mind arising from the consideration of a present or assured approaching possession of a future good. In its natural form, it can also be referred to as gladness or exultation, depending on its degree. When speaking of possessions, it is contentment. When joy is derived from some comical occasion or amusement, it is mirth; if it arises from considerable opposition that is overcome in the pursuit of the good we desire, it is then called triumph. When joy has so long possessed the mind that it is settled into a temper, we call it cheerfulness. These types of joy are related to some natural condition. Then there is a spiritual joy, derived from the Holy Spirit, and it is directly related to the quality of the believer's ongoing fellowship with the Son through the Spirit. He Must Increase John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am no...

Wisdom & Understanding

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  The beginning of wisdom is [KJV - wisdom is the principal thing] : Acquire wisdom [ chokmah – relates to prudence in secular affairs, skills in the arts, moral sensitivity, and experience in the ways of the Lord]; and with all your acquiring, get understanding [ biynah – comprehension, discernment of good & evil, can be acquired & increased]. Prize her [ salal – exalt] , and she will exalt [promote] you; She will honor you if you embrace her [show of affection] . “She will place on your head a garland of grace; She will present you with a crown of beauty .                       Proverbs 4:7-9 According to Vines Expository Dictionary, chokmah is the knowledge and the ability to make the right choices at the opportune time. The consistency of making the right choice is an indication of maturity and development. Biynah is the object of knowledge, in the sense of w...