Closer To Heaven
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by S.M. Chen | 9 August 2023 | I wish to relate something of potential interest—this is something that is ongoing. We are not yet to Act III. It has not played out. We do not know the dénouement. But that is all right. We each have a story to tell. All our stories are […] Source: https://atoday.org/does-god-want-me-to-take-care-of-a-ukrainian-refugee/
9 August 2023 | An assembly of 2,600 Pathfinders converged on the outskirts of the city of Sopron for the 2023 Trans-European Division (TED) Camporee, according to TEDNews. With a rallying theme of “Count Me In!”, the international event not only attracted participants across the TED-territories, but from nations including Israel, Mongolia, New Zealand, Romania, […] Source: https://atoday.org/2600-pathfinders-gather-in-hungary-for-international-camporee/
9 August 2023 | Adventists have used certain key terms and phrases to express their view on doctrinal development. These catch-words reflect both the determination to uphold the doctrines of the church and the readiness to advance in the understanding of truth. Because of this tendency to use these expressions without an accurate understanding of […] Source: https://atoday.org/atss-rolf-j-pohler-is-truth-a-secure-possession-or-steady-search/
5 июля 2021 | Дорогая тётушка Аня, Текст книги Исаии 25:6 (И сделает Господь Саваоф на горе сей для всех народов трапезу из тучных яств, трапезу из чистых вин, из тука костей и самых чистых вин) звучит так, будто мясо будет подаваться к обеду на небесах. Но у Исаии в 65:25 говорится, что лев будет […] Source: https://atoday.org/%d1%82%d1%91%d1%82%d1%8f-%d0%bc%d1%8b-%d0%b1%d1%83%d0%b4%d0%b5%d0%bc-%d0%b5%d1%81%d1%82%d1%8c-%d0%bc%d1%8f%d1%81%d0%be-%d0%bd%d0%b0-%d0%bd%d0%b5%d0%b1%d0%b5%d1%81%d0%b0%d1%85/
Paul perceives an environment not unlike our own in which various ideas, such as “every wind of doctrine” and “deceitful schemes” (ESV), are thrust upon believers. He uses three sets of images to describe the dangers of wayward theology: (1) the immaturity of childhood, “so that we may no longer be children” (ESV); (2) danger on the high seas, “tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine” (ESV); (3) being swindled by clever people who, like gamblers, practice sleight of hand.
Image © Jeff Preston at Goodsalt.com
Paul uses figuratively the Greek word kubeia (“dice playing”) to mean “cunning” (ESV) or “trickery” (NKJV).
Paul believes divisiveness to be an important mark of error: That which nourishes and grows the body and helps it hold together is good while that which depletes and divides it is evil. By turning from the divisive teaching and to that of tested and trusted teachers (Ephesians 4:11), they will advance toward true Christian maturity and play effective roles in the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12-13; compare Ephesians 4:15-16).
In Ephesians 4:1-16, Paul advocates for the unity of the church and recruits the addressees to foster it actively. While unity is a theological certainty (Ephesians 4:4-6), it does require our hard work (Ephesians 4:3). One way we foster unity is by being active “parts” of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:7-16). Each of us is a part of the body and should contribute to its health and growth (Ephesians 4:7, Ephesians 4:16). We all should also benefit from the work of apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers (Ephesians 4:11). These, like ligaments, tendons, and “every joint” (Ephesians 4:16, ESV), have a unifying function, helping us grow up together into Christ, who is the head of the body (Ephesians 4:13, Ephesians 4:15).
| What are some of the “winds of doctrine” blowing through our church today, and how can we stand firm against them? Bring your answer to class on Sabbath. |
(1)The post Thursday: Growing Up Into Christ appeared first on Sabbath School Net.
Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/thursday-growing-up-into-christ/
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