Whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Hammster

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I understand, thank you for your input. However, I am asking the question based on what I do not know concerning why so many pride themselves in what they know versus just being a simple and humble servant. That is what I am asking, not debating anything. Do you know why so many try to be modern day Scribes? I do not see the point when it comes to being a humble servant completely dependant on Christ, like a child is to their parent.
Who are these people that are doing this?
 
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Direct Driver

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I understand, thank you for your input. However, I am asking the question based on what I do not know concerning why so many pride themselves in what they know versus just being a simple and humble servant. That is what I am asking, not debating anything. Do you know why so many try to be modern day Scribes? I do not see the point when it comes to being a humble servant completely dependant on Christ, like a child is to their parent.
I think Saul prided himself on what he knew - before he met Christ and became Paul. But I don't think he ever believed that ignorance was a virtue. He did a LOT of teaching. That is not the actions of a man who thinks people should be ignorant. "Wise as serpents and innocent as doves" is, IMO, saying a lot more than people think, and also NOT saying what a lot of people think it is saying.
 
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HenSoma-OneBody

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Who are these people that are doing this?
A fair question, and if you do not know anyone who qualifies you are certainly blessed. Maybe there are few people who have been exposed to those who so eloquently articulate how much they know concerning scripture. This is why I asked the question, and maybe you know no one who does this. I have seen this over many years and that is why it seems so apparent. I came to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ June 6, 1982. Since then, I have seen so many that seem to know it all, but they never can agree with one another. I am seeking wisdom from others, not to point anyone out individually. That is part of the problem, so many pointing the finger at others. I am just seeking insight as to why, not worrying about who ids doing this. We all fall short of the glory of God, but this is important. The question is not based on scriptural debate, but instead is based on the actual words of Jesus that can separate souls from the kingdom of heaven. Now, I consider that as really important.
 
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Hammster

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A fair question, and if you do not know anyone who qualifies you are certainly blessed. Maybe there are few people who have been exposed to those who so eloquently articulate how much they know concerning scripture. This is why I asked the question, and maybe you know no one who does this. I have seen this over many years and that is why it seems so apparent. I came to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ June 6, 1982. Since then, I have seen so many that seem to know it all, but they never can agree with one another. I am seeking wisdom from others, not to point anyone out individually. That is part of the problem, so many pointing the finger at others. I am just seeking insight as to why, not worrying about who ids doing this. We all fall short of the glory of God, but this is important. The question is not based on scriptural debate, but instead is based on the actual words of Jesus that can separate souls from the kingdom of heaven. Now, I consider that as really important.
But who are these people?
 
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HenSoma-OneBody

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I think Saul prided himself on what he knew - before he met Christ and became Paul. But I don't think he ever believed that ignorance was a virtue. He did a LOT of teaching. That is not the actions of a man who thinks people should be ignorant. "Wise as serpents and innocent as doves" is, IMO, saying a lot more than people think, and also NOT saying what a lot of people think it is saying.
I agree, we should not be ignorant, we should seek wisdom and knowledge from Christ as He told us to. I am not challenging of whether we should be spiritually wise and knowledgeable, but instead simply asking why so many focus on the notion of what they "know" or can "quote" is important when we know that any truthful words spoken through us (from God) are not rehearsed or memorized. Instead, these words come directly from the Holy Spirit as only God knows the words that need to be spoken in any situation or circumstance. This is done by faith, we can never lean on our own understanding. Paul never leaned on his own understanding, but clearly articulated that his message was not his own at all, but it was through the power of the Holy Spirit from God Himself.
 
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HenSoma-OneBody

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But who are these people?
That would be the question I would not expect if you understood what I have written, but I do understand why you would want specifics. Like I previously mentioned, maybe you have been blessed to have never been exposed to anyone who seeks attention for their scholarly knowledge, and if so, you are blessed Hammster.
 
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Hammster

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That would be the question I would not expect if you understood what I have written, but I do understand why you would want specifics. Like I previously mentioned, maybe you have been blessed to have never been exposed to anyone who seeks attention for their scholarly knowledge, and if so, you are blessed Hammster.
How would I know if you are identifying anyone? Pastors? Church members? Radio preachers? Authors?
 
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I agree, we should not be ignorant, we should seek wisdom and knowledge from Christ as He told us to. I am not challenging of whether we should be spiritually wise and knowledgeable, but instead simply asking why so many focus on the notion of what they "know" or can "quote" is important when we know that any truthful words spoken through us (from God) are not rehearsed or memorized. Instead, these words come directly from the Holy Spirit as only God knows the words that need to be spoken in any situation or circumstance. This is done by faith, we can never lean on our own understanding. Paul never leaned on his own understanding, but clearly articulated that his message was not his own at all, but it was through the power of the Holy Spirit from God Himself.
I think faith and knowledge go together because I don't believe Christianity is based on "blind" faith. I like to say that you can tell how much faith someone has in their brakes by how fast they drive. ;)

Christian faith is also knowledge based. And the more knowledge a person has regarding the personality of our creator and our role in His kingdom, the more opportunity he has to apply their faith. It touches on that old phrase, "we don't know what we don't know". And once one starts learning what they "don't know", they find new ways to apply their faith and trust God.
 
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HenSoma-OneBody

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How would I know if you are identifying anyone? Pastors? Church members? Radio preachers? Authors?
I have known many from each of those categories, but maybe it is just me Hammster, that is why I ask the question. If you cannot answer the question, you probably have been insulated from what I have been exposed to. Once again, I believe you are blessed.
 
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I think faith and knowledge go together because I don't believe Christianity is based on "blind" faith. I like to say that you can tell how much faith someone has in their brakes by how fast they drive. ;)

Christian faith is also knowledge based. And the more knowledge a person has regarding the personality of our creator and our role in His kingdom, the more opportunity he has to apply their faith. It touches on that old phrase, "we don't know what we don't know". And once one starts learning what they "don't know", they find new ways to apply their faith and trust God.
Thank you for the well articulated response Direct Driver. I pray you will have a blessed day.
 
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Rene Loup

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When it comes to academics versus entertainment, more often than not, entertainment wins. Use this form of influence wisely. James 3, Luke 16:1-15, Matthew 5:21-22, and Proverbs 16:18, 18:21, 26:18-19 are also very good reads related to this subject.

One example of this is the 2012 film, Project X. The movie depicts a wild high school party getting out of control to catastrophic levels. To make it seem more authentic, it is filmed in a found-footage style. At the end of the movie, the main characters become the most popular kids in high school, despite all the damage the party has created. The main instigator gets off scot-free thanks to his competent lawyer. While many may argue this is just a harmless Hollywood film...

'Project X'-inspired party ends in teen's death

'Project X'-inspired party ends in teen's death

A Houston rave that was meant to mimic a massive party thrown in the film "Project X" spiraled out of control and left a teen dead Wednesday morning.

The victim died at Ben Taub General Hospital after suffering multiple gunshot wounds, Houston police told ABCNews.com

The party is one of a string of copycat parties that have been held to emulate the ultimate party in the film, which was directed by Nima Nourizadeh and written by Michael Bacall and Matt Drake.

Word of the spring break bubbles-and-foam party spread quickly via social media, and about 300 to 600 guests attended the event.

Daniel Menjivara, a 22-year-old college student, said that "Project X" and spring break brought out the partygoers that night.

'Project X Party' shut down in Vero Beach

'Project X Party' shut down in Vero Beach

Even as large events are being canceled left and right, it's not stopping people from partying.

A video circulating on Facebook and Instagram shows over 100 people gather at Riverside Park over Thanksgiving weekend.

Caption: A party titled "Project X" took place in Vero Beach and words can't describe what transpired on this police car during this two-minute clip (Corutesy: MoneyBaby @thecougarsnatcher and @money_green){p}{/p}
They were quickly interrupted by Vero Beach police, but that didn't stop them.

UPDATED: Farmington Hills Police Shut Down a Local Teen's 'Project M' House Party

WebCite query result

"Farmington Hills" started trending on Twitter today, after a local teen's post about a house party went viral.

WDIV-TV reported this morning that Farmington Hills Police sent 10 squad cars to a home on Briarwyke as people began trying to get inside at around 9 a.m. The party was apparently inspired by the movie Project X, a comedy-drama about three friends who plan a house party that spins out of control.

Children have faith and innocence, but it will NOT last forever. ALWAYS raise your children with Christ-like values and ALWAYS LEAD BY EXAMPLE!!!

Which kind of teacher would you put more stock in? One that leads by example, or one that says, "Do as I say, not as I do"?

(Ephesians 6:1-9, Galatians 5:13-26, Hebrews 12:4-13, John 13:1-17, Proverbs 12:1, 29:15-23, 2 Timothy 3, Titus 2)
 
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Mark Quayle

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“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ Jesus invited a little child to stand among them. ‘Truly I tell you,’ He said, ‘unless you change and become like little children, you will NEVER enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 18:1-4


Jesus was directing this truth to His disciples, those who claimed to follow Him. Many think that it is how much we know (scripture knowledge) that matters most in today’s Christianity; however, Jesus’ message concerning our becoming like simple, humble, and trusting (faith filled) little children challenges this very notion! Why is it that so many “Christians” pride themselves in how much they believe they know about the scriptures instead of simply fostering a deep rooted personal relationship, just as a child would, with Jesus Christ?
Notice, however, he is not saying we should be ignorant like a child, or immature like a child. Just humble like a child.
 
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Direct Driver

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One example of this is the 2012 film, Project X. The movie depicts a wild high school party getting out of control to catastrophic levels. To make it seem more authentic, it is filmed in a found-footage style. At the end of the movie, the main characters become the most popular kids in high school, despite all the damage the party has created. The main instigator gets off scot-free thanks to his competent lawyer. While many may argue this is just a harmless Hollywood film...

'Project X'-inspired party ends in teen's death

'Project X'-inspired party ends in teen's death



'Project X Party' shut down in Vero Beach

'Project X Party' shut down in Vero Beach



UPDATED: Farmington Hills Police Shut Down a Local Teen's 'Project M' House Party

WebCite query result



Children have faith and innocence, but it will NOT last forever. ALWAYS raise your children with Christ-like values and ALWAYS LEAD BY EXAMPLE!!!

Which kind of teacher would you put more stock in? One that leads by example, or one that says, "Do as I say, not as I do"?

(Ephesians 6:1-9, Galatians 5:13-26, Hebrews 12:4-13, John 13:1-17, Proverbs 12:1, 29:15-23, 2 Timothy 3, Titus 2)
In the original release of Varsity Blues there is a scene where they go out on some remote road and lay down on the center line. Hilarity and an adrenalin rush ensues when cars go by. They took the scene out because some kids decided to copycat it. Real life death ensued. Kids don't realize that on back roads, even before cell phones, centerlines are only a suggestion.
 
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“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ Jesus invited a little child to stand among them. ‘Truly I tell you,’ He said, ‘unless you change and become like little children, you will NEVER enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 18:1-4

Jesus was directing this truth to His disciples, those who claimed to follow Him. Many think that it is how much we know (scripture knowledge) that matters most in today’s Christianity; however, Jesus’ message concerning our becoming like simple, humble, and trusting (faith filled) little children challenges this very notion! Why is it that so many “Christians” pride themselves in how much they believe they know about the scriptures instead of simply fostering a deep rooted personal relationship, just as a child would, with Jesus Christ?

It is important that Faithful Christians be well grounded in Gospel Doctrine, and of Faith in Jesus, so that we do not fall victim to the many in this world who are wolves in sheep's clothing.

We see, even in the times of the Apostles, while the Apostles were still living, how many deceivers, even within the Churches, were causing some in the Church to fall away into false doctrine, and into sins. The New Testament is full of such warnings.

Matthew 7:15-17 (WEB) (Lord Jesus speaking) 15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. 16 By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit.

Matthew 24:4-5 (WEB) 4 Jesus answered them, “Be careful that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ (“Christ” means “anointed” or “anointed one”) and will lead many astray.

Mark 7:6-9 (WEB) 6 He answered them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written,
This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me.

7 But they worship me in vain,
teaching as doctrines the commandments of men
.’ [Isaiah 29:13]

Luke 11:52 (WEB) 52 “Woe to you lawyers! For you took away the key of knowledge. You didn’t enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in, you hindered.”

Acts 20:28-31 (WEB) 28 Take heed, therefore, to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God which he purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Men will arise from among your own selves, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, remembering that for a period of three years I didn’t cease to admonish everyone night and day with tears.

Romans 16:17-18 (WEB) 17 Now I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord, Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the innocent.

1 Corinthians 11:2-4 (WEB) 2 For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy. For I married you to one husband that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ. 3 But I am afraid that somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve in his craftiness, so your minds might be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus, whom we didn’t preach, or if you receive a different spirit, which you didn’t receive, or a different “good news (gospel)”, which you didn’t accept, you put up with that well enough.

1 Corinthians 11:12-15 (WEB) 12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from those who desire an occasion, that in which they boast, they may be found even as we. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as Christ’s apostles. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is no great thing therefore if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

1 Corinthians 15:12-15; 29-33 (WEB) 12 Now if Christ is preached, that he has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, neither has Christ been raised. 14 If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain, and your faith also is in vain. 15 Yes, we are also found false witnesses of God, because we testified about God that he raised up Christ, whom he didn’t raise up, if it is so that the dead are not raised. . . 29 Or else what will they do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead aren’t raised at all, why then are they baptized for the dead? 30 Why do we also stand in jeopardy every hour? 31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 32 If I fought with animals at Ephesus for human purposes, what does it profit me? If the dead are not raised, then “let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” (Isaiah 22:13 33). Do not be deceived! “Evil companionships corrupt good morals.”

Galatians 1:8-9 (WEB) 8 But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any “good news” other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed. 9 As we have said before, so I now say again: if any man preaches to you any “good news” other than that which you received, let him be cursed.

Ephesians 4:12-14 (WEB) . . . 12 to the building up of the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error

Ephesians 5:3-7 (WEB)
3 But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be mentioned among you, as becomes saints; 4 nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not appropriate; but rather giving of thanks.
5 Know this for sure, that no sexually immoral person, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God.
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words. For because of these things, the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.

Colossians 2:8 (WEB) 8 Be careful that you do not let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 (WEB) 1 Now, brothers, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to him, we ask you 2 not to be quickly shaken in your mind, and not be troubled, either by spirit, or by word, or by letter as if from us, saying that the day of Christ has already come. 3 Let no one deceive you in any way.

2 Thessalonians 3:17 (WEB) 17 The greeting of me, Paul, with my own hand, which is the sign in every letter: this is how I write.

1 Timothy 1:3-5 (WEB) Bolding mine 3 As I urged you when I was going into Macedonia, stay at Ephesus that you might command certain men not to teach a different doctrine, 4 and not to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause disputes, rather than God’s stewardship, which is in faith— 5 but the goal of this command is love, out of a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith.

1 Timothy 4:1, 16 (WEB) 1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. . . 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

2 Timothy 2:16-21 (WEB) 16 But shun empty chatter, for it will go further in ungodliness, 17 and those words will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some. 19 However God’s firm foundation stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.” 20 Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honor, and some for dishonor. 21 If anyone therefore purges himself from these (unrighteousness), he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and suitable for the master’s use, prepared for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:1-9 (WEB) 1 But know this, that in the last days, grievous times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 without natural affection, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, not lovers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; 5 holding a form of godliness, but having denied its power. Turn away from these, also. 6 For some of these are people who creep into houses, and take captive gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Even as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so do these also oppose the truth; men corrupted in mind, who concerning the faith, are rejected. 9 But, regarding those men, they will proceed no further. For their folly will be evident to all men.

2 Peter 3:16, 17 (WEB) 16 as also in all of his letters, speaking in them of these things. In those, there are some things that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unsettled twist, as they also do to the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware, lest being carried away with the error of the wicked, you fall from your own steadfastness.

2 Peter 2:1-3 (WEB) 1 But false prophets also arose among the people, as false teachers will also be among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master who bought them, bringing on themselves swift destruction. 2 Many will follow their immoral ways, and as a result, the way of the truth will be maligned. 3 In covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words: whose sentence now from of old doesn’t linger, and their destruction will not slumber.

2 Peter 2:21 (WEB) 17 These are wells without water, clouds driven by a storm; for whom the blackness of darkness has been reserved forever. 18 For, uttering great swelling words of emptiness, they entice in the lusts of the flesh, by licentiousness, those who are indeed escaping from those who live in error; 19 promising them liberty, while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for a man is slave to that which masters him. 20 For if, after they have escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in it and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.

Jude 1:3-4 (NIV) 3 Beloved, while I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I was constrained to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny our only Sovereign and Lord, Jesus Christ.

1 John 1:1-4 (WEB) 1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit who doesn’t confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God, and this is the spirit of the Antichrist, of whom you have heard that it comes. Now it is in the world already.

2 John 1:9 (WEB) 9 Whoever transgresses and doesn’t remain in the teaching of Christ, doesn’t have God. He who remains in the teaching, the same has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you, and doesn’t bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not welcome him, 11 for he who welcomes him participates in his evil deeds.

If such perversion of the Scriptures was evident even then, with the Apostles still living and continually warning the Christians of that day by word and by letters (Epistles) to the Churches, how much more easily do we suppose false doctrines creep into the Church in our time? Therefore, we must be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" as Maria pointed out in her post.

Blessings
 
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Hammster

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I have known many from each of those categories, but maybe it is just me Hammster, that is why I ask the question. If you cannot answer the question, you probably have been insulated from what I have been exposed to. Once again, I believe you are blessed.
Again, how would I know? And how can I answer your question? As it stands now, it’s hypothetical.

For instance, what if you are wrong in your understanding of what “they” are doing?
 
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HenSoma-OneBody

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It is important that Faithful Christians be well grounded in Gospel Doctrine, and of Faith in Jesus, so that we do not fall victim to the many in this world who are wolves in sheep's clothing.

We see, even in the times of the Apostles, while the Apostles were still living, how many deceivers, even within the Churches, were causing some in the Church to fall away into false doctrine, and into sins. The New Testament is full of such warnings.

Matthew 7:15-17 (WEB) (Lord Jesus speaking) 15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. 16 By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit.

Matthew 24:4-5 (WEB) 4 Jesus answered them, “Be careful that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ (“Christ” means “anointed” or “anointed one”) and will lead many astray.

Mark 7:6-9 (WEB) 6 He answered them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written,
This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me.

7 But they worship me in vain,
teaching as doctrines the commandments of men
.’ [Isaiah 29:13]

Luke 11:52 (WEB) 52 “Woe to you lawyers! For you took away the key of knowledge. You didn’t enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in, you hindered.”

Acts 20:28-31 (WEB) 28 Take heed, therefore, to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God which he purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Men will arise from among your own selves, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, remembering that for a period of three years I didn’t cease to admonish everyone night and day with tears.

Romans 16:17-18 (WEB) 17 Now I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord, Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the innocent.

1 Corinthians 11:2-4 (WEB) 2 For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy. For I married you to one husband that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ. 3 But I am afraid that somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve in his craftiness, so your minds might be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus, whom we didn’t preach, or if you receive a different spirit, which you didn’t receive, or a different “good news (gospel)”, which you didn’t accept, you put up with that well enough.

1 Corinthians 11:12-15 (WEB) 12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from those who desire an occasion, that in which they boast, they may be found even as we. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as Christ’s apostles. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is no great thing therefore if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

1 Corinthians 15:12-15; 29-33 (WEB) 12 Now if Christ is preached, that he has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, neither has Christ been raised. 14 If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain, and your faith also is in vain. 15 Yes, we are also found false witnesses of God, because we testified about God that he raised up Christ, whom he didn’t raise up, if it is so that the dead are not raised. . . 29 Or else what will they do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead aren’t raised at all, why then are they baptized for the dead? 30 Why do we also stand in jeopardy every hour? 31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 32 If I fought with animals at Ephesus for human purposes, what does it profit me? If the dead are not raised, then “let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” (Isaiah 22:13 33). Do not be deceived! “Evil companionships corrupt good morals.”

Galatians 1:8-9 (WEB) 8 But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any “good news” other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed. 9 As we have said before, so I now say again: if any man preaches to you any “good news” other than that which you received, let him be cursed.

Ephesians 4:12-14 (WEB) . . . 12 to the building up of the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error

Ephesians 5:3-7 (WEB)
3 But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be mentioned among you, as becomes saints; 4 nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not appropriate; but rather giving of thanks.
5 Know this for sure, that no sexually immoral person, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God.
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words. For because of these things, the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.

Colossians 2:8 (WEB) 8 Be careful that you do not let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 (WEB) 1 Now, brothers, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to him, we ask you 2 not to be quickly shaken in your mind, and not be troubled, either by spirit, or by word, or by letter as if from us, saying that the day of Christ has already come. 3 Let no one deceive you in any way.

2 Thessalonians 3:17 (WEB) 17 The greeting of me, Paul, with my own hand, which is the sign in every letter: this is how I write.

1 Timothy 1:3-5 (WEB) Bolding mine 3 As I urged you when I was going into Macedonia, stay at Ephesus that you might command certain men not to teach a different doctrine, 4 and not to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause disputes, rather than God’s stewardship, which is in faith— 5 but the goal of this command is love, out of a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith.

1 Timothy 4:1, 16 (WEB) 1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. . . 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

2 Timothy 2:16-21 (WEB) 16 But shun empty chatter, for it will go further in ungodliness, 17 and those words will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some. 19 However God’s firm foundation stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.” 20 Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honor, and some for dishonor. 21 If anyone therefore purges himself from these (unrighteousness), he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and suitable for the master’s use, prepared for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:1-9 (WEB) 1 But know this, that in the last days, grievous times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 without natural affection, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, not lovers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; 5 holding a form of godliness, but having denied its power. Turn away from these, also. 6 For some of these are people who creep into houses, and take captive gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Even as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so do these also oppose the truth; men corrupted in mind, who concerning the faith, are rejected. 9 But, regarding those men, they will proceed no further. For their folly will be evident to all men.

2 Peter 3:16, 17 (WEB) 16 as also in all of his letters, speaking in them of these things. In those, there are some things that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unsettled twist, as they also do to the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware, lest being carried away with the error of the wicked, you fall from your own steadfastness.

2 Peter 2:1-3 (WEB) 1 But false prophets also arose among the people, as false teachers will also be among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master who bought them, bringing on themselves swift destruction. 2 Many will follow their immoral ways, and as a result, the way of the truth will be maligned. 3 In covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words: whose sentence now from of old doesn’t linger, and their destruction will not slumber.

2 Peter 2:21 (WEB) 17 These are wells without water, clouds driven by a storm; for whom the blackness of darkness has been reserved forever. 18 For, uttering great swelling words of emptiness, they entice in the lusts of the flesh, by licentiousness, those who are indeed escaping from those who live in error; 19 promising them liberty, while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for a man is slave to that which masters him. 20 For if, after they have escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in it and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.

Jude 1:3-4 (NIV) 3 Beloved, while I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I was constrained to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny our only Sovereign and Lord, Jesus Christ.

1 John 1:1-4 (WEB) 1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit who doesn’t confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God, and this is the spirit of the Antichrist, of whom you have heard that it comes. Now it is in the world already.

2 John 1:9 (WEB) 9 Whoever transgresses and doesn’t remain in the teaching of Christ, doesn’t have God. He who remains in the teaching, the same has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you, and doesn’t bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not welcome him, 11 for he who welcomes him participates in his evil deeds.

If such perversion of the Scriptures was evident even then, with the Apostles still living and continually warning the Christians of that day by word and by letters (Epistles) to the Churches, how much more easily do we suppose false doctrines creep into the Church in our time? Therefore, we must be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" as Maria pointed out in her post.

Blessings
It is important that Faithful Christians be well grounded in Gospel Doctrine, and of Faith in Jesus, so that we do not fall victim to the many in this world who are wolves in sheep's clothing.

We see, even in the times of the Apostles, while the Apostles were still living, how many deceivers, even within the Churches, were causing some in the Church to fall away into false doctrine, and into sins. The New Testament is full of such warnings.

If such perversion of the Scriptures was evident even then, with the Apostles still living and continually warning the Christians of that day by word and by letters (Epistles) to the Churches, how much more easily do we suppose false doctrines creep into the Church in our time? Therefore, we must be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" as Maria pointed out in her post.

Blessings
I surely totally agree, and thank you
It is important that Faithful Christians be well grounded in Gospel Doctrine, and of Faith in Jesus, so that we do not fall victim to the many in this world who are wolves in sheep's clothing.

We see, even in the times of the Apostles, while the Apostles were still living, how many deceivers, even within the Churches, were causing some in the Church to fall away into false doctrine, and into sins. The New Testament is full of such warnings.



Blessings
I surely totally agree, and thank you for sharing setst777. Yet, that does not answer why is it that so many “Christians” pride themselves in how much they believe they know about the scriptures instead of simply fostering a deep rooted personal relationship, just as a child would, with Jesus Christ?
 
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HenSoma-OneBody

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Again, how would I know? And how can I answer your question? As it stands now, it’s hypothetical.

For instance, what if you are wrong in your understanding of what “they” are doing?
I understand Hammster, it appears you would like for something concreate to speak to or defend. This is an abstract generality that I believe you have not been exposed to as of yet, otherwise I am sure you would comprehend what I was asking from an overarching perspective. I do appreciate your care and I am sorry there is no definitive example to be shared to help you gain understanding concerning this question. Sorry.
 
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Hammster

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I understand Hammster, it appears you would like for something concreate to speak to or defend. This is an abstract generality that I believe you have not been exposed to as of yet, otherwise I am sure you would comprehend what I was asking from an overarching perspective. I do appreciate your care and I am sorry there is no definitive example to be shared to help you gain understanding concerning this question. Sorry.
Again...how do you or I know if I’ve been exposed? Or how do I know if your impression is even correct? For instance, what if what you consider to be pride is the result of years of study and conviction? If that’s the case, how do we know it’s not your covetousness that’s showing, and not their pride?
 
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