What about a group?

[LamorakDesGalis]

Mark, sounds like your class is pretty interesting. I've been studying Romans which I think is so encouraging.

Yes, its been a lot of fun, and I'm learning a lot myself. Romans is a great book to study, too.

Paul, writing to the Colossians at the time, was in prison wasn't he? Seems like so many of Pauls letters were from prison.

Yes, Paul wrote Colossians from prison around AD 60-62. This would be Acts 28:16-31. Paul also wrote Ephesians, Philemon and Philippians during this time, and together they are referred to as Paul's prison epistles. Paul was released in AD 62 but imprisoned again in AD 67-68, when he wrote his last book, 2 Timothy.

Can you imagine being this encouraging to others while being jailed. I heard once that the prisons were filthy. Often filled with human waste possibly ankle deep. I can't get my brain wrapped around that, how someone can be so filled with love that they would take time out to write to encourage them to keep the faith and pray and pray and pray.

Well, Paul's first imprisonment was a "house arrest" because he was awaiting a trial. He was in chains, but had more privileges than those in a normal prison. Paul's second imprisonment was in an actual prison though. And yes, Paul always seems to encourage others in spite of his circumstances.

I like the part about seasoning your conversations with salt. Salt that would give it much flavor instead of just being bland.

True! The Complete Jewish Bible by David Stern translates it similarly:

CJB Colossians 4:6 let your conversation always be gracious and interesting, so that you will know how to respond to any particular individual.

LDG

 

[rstrats]

LamorakDesGalis,

re: "Then please start a new thread. Any further conversation on this issue - in this thread - is straying far from the intent of the OP.

I thought that the intent of AbbieDunne’s OP was to discuss scripture, but apparently I was wrong about that also. I shall not intrude any further.

 

[MMXII]

[bible]Colossians 4:5[/bible]

Good advice for today too.

The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable. dcTalk

 

[LamorakDesGalis]

I thought that the intent of AbbieDunne’s OP was to discuss scripture, but apparently I was wrong about that also. I shall not intrude any further.

I started a new thread here, where we can discuss the whole issue in greater detail. I suspect you might want more than Friday advocates weighing in on this, and I'm pretty certain with a new thread we will see the Wed/Thur advocates put forth and defend their views as well.


LDG

 

[billychum]

To me grace seems self explanatory, while salt on the other hand could be used to spice or preserve. But whatever the reason, the goal, according to the NKJV was to know how to answer each one. Add this goal to the prayer request made by Paul that he be able to declare the message clearly, seems to indicate that there was some need of some sort. Clarity for the sake of assurance to speak in one voice or clarity for the assurance of empowerment by the Holy Spirit? Or it may be that I'm tring to make too much out of a simple prayer meant to be just that, a simple generic prayer.

 

[Sennaria]

I think I'd like to try and jump in on a bible study, but I shall wait until I can get a better feel for where you are. I read backwards, and am not sure what the discussion is on. Perhaps the next scripture.

I'm Sennaria by the way!

 

[billychum]

Colossians 4:2-6 -

2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.


Hopefully its not too long. Feel free to make comments, clarify the text or ask questions. Don't feel restricted to just prayer, it can be on anything else that you might see from this passage.


LDG

Sennaria, this is what we are working on.
Hope you can join in.

 

[LamorakDesGalis]

I appreciate the comments given on Ephesians...

but time to pass the baton to the next person who wants to post Scripture...

any takers?

LDG

 

[skittle_kat]

if u guys dont mind could i jump in for the next study w.e u guys do next?

 

[LamorakDesGalis]

Since no one has yet to step up and volunteer...I'll go ahead and post the next Scripture for discussion...Titus 2:11-14

11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope-- the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Comments, questions, and discussion is especially welcome.


LDG

 

[skittle_kat]

This verse holds great hope for Christians who choose to live for God and His will. To do this tho, we need self control. Our flesh don't always want to follow God but His Spirit in us can help.
Our great hope: V.13- looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. (NKJV)

 

[MMXII]

12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,

With temptation so rampant (for me anyway) this is a hard verses to swallow. It's a verse to aspire to but I fail miserably. Thank God He is forgiving. Anyone besides me have a problem with temptation?

 

[skittle_kat]

yep i also struggle with temptation...especially with dating...ive made a lot of big mistakes but thankfully God is forgiving..i had backslid a lot and right now im trying to get back on track. I thank God for all hes done in my life and what he will do..and pray for me with tempt. and MMXII i will also be praying for u!!

 

[MMXII]

Thank you dear Sister. You will be in my prayers as well.

 

[skittle_kat]

we should get another passage...any ideas?

 

[MMXII]

How about this...

Why would his faith be tested? Does God still test our faith?

Hebrews 11:17
17 It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God’s promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac,

 

[skittle_kat]

Our faith is tested to see if it is pure and strong..God knew how much Abraham loved his son and testing his faith like that proved just how much Abraham loved God..God still tests us today..he lets us be tempted if we stand firm and don't give in to temptation we can prove our faith to God also...

 

[skittle_kat]

i think our group is falling apart..what's the next scripture?

 

[MMXII]

Lemme see if I can find something. I enjoyed our Sunday school lesson this past Sunday...it was about redemption.

 

[skittle_kat]

i got to give the sunday school lesson this past sunday..it was over faith..my sunday school teacher liked it and i showed my notes to my pastor he said it looked like i had some good stuff..