Stationary Christian

For sure it is so important to approach God and His word with no preconceived notions and humility.

I do think having the right lens is important because we are dealing historical documents along with it being God's word.. what did this mean to the people who first heard it so in that sense there is some growing in understanding about the times and culture that is important and what is the big picture, the overall message.

It is a message of redemption for whosoever.

Ultimately, I think if His words bring LIFE then one is on the right track.
Took me a long time to read and understand scripture in that way.

In John 7:37-39
Jesus says, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them"

Once anyone reads what has gotten written, only wanting to know Father personally without any selfish motives will get given the wisdom
Gets made wise as a serpent and yet remains (learns) harmless as a dove. To be aware of evil is great to get given. Yet in awareness that can conquer people, being aware and becoming scared over the power in the air.
Thanks still learning from Dad in risen Son Jesus, good post

Historical context is definitely important, and I addressed this on some thread not too long ago in relation to the word adoption. This word did not carry the same meaning in Paul's day that it carries in our day and age, and a failure to recognize this could lead to all sorts of confusion. In fact, if people truly understood the meaning of that word and Paul's purpose in using it, then certain very common, yet totally erroneous, beliefs concerning the end-times would never exist.
Seeing how we both recently butted heads with Calvinists on this point, you should already know that I totally agree with you on this point.
I wanted to initially say "YES!," but I think that depends upon what type of life one is referring to. In other words, is it the self-sacrificing life that Christ calls us to, or is it a self-serving life that many have while (mis-) using scriptures in order to fulfill their own desires? The former leads to eternal life. The latter? Well, you know...

The life that is freeing and from which everything else flows.

It has to be completely freeing therefore could never be self-serving I think.

I think so far a lot of wisdom has been given it may be that we may fall short in our understanding but I see a lot of understanding from everyone who has posted

Lol (meant playfully). You're not sure? Again, that is based upon what type of liberty one is referring to. Primarily, the liberty of which the Bible speaks is liberty from sin (Rom. 6:18, 22), and not liberty to sin (Jude 1:4). If God's word brings the type of life and liberty to us which frees us from sin so that we might truly serve him, then I have no problem with that. However, if God's word brings the type of life and liberty which allows people to do whatever they want without any true regard for God or their fellow man, then I have major problems with that. Incidentally, the second type of life and liberty that I just described sounds awful close to the type of life and liberty which is described in the Declaration of Independence.

We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Personally, I am not living my life in the pursuit of happiness, nor do I believe that my Creator endowed me with that unalienable right. Instead, these are the types of things which I have conditioned myself to follow after.

1Ti 6:11
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
1Ti 6:12
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

In other words, my goal is eternal life in the world to come, and not happiness in this evil world.

Yes exactly!

Ah, the origin at last. The pope is not qualified to criticize a Bible believing Christian. I choose to follow Jesus.

Ya I here Ya there -----I follow Jesus as well but I do agree that a Stationary Christian has not a clue on who they are in Christ and that maturing in Christ"s Faith and walk is essential to their withstanding the Storms that come their way

Staying in your Carnal state is very dangerous to your soul and you can loose your way very quickly ---as you are double minded and very unstable in all you do and in all your decision making ----

Many are content to receive Jesus and be heaven bound and have no desire to Mature in their Faith walk In Christ and therefore have no idea who they really are in Christ -----

Again Carnal Christians are straddling the fence ---one foot in this world and one foot in God's world --Satan is very cunning and can make a Babe in Christ backslide very easily -----so your Identity actually has a BUG in it -----so the Pope is bang on here Folks -----

Straddling the Fence between this world and God

Some synonyms for "straddling the fence" include:

shilly-shally, waver, vacillate, procrastinate, hesitate, stall, falter, fluctuate, hem and haw, and dillydally.
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"Straddling the fence" is an idiom that means to avoid giving a clear answer or position

I say -----Joshua is giving us good advice here ------

Joshua 24:15 AMP

15 If it is unacceptable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve:




I say -------Do not be a Fence Straddler FOLKS -----when it Comes to your Identity in Christ ----Don't be a LUKEWARM Christian ----Grave consequences for being LUKEWARM ----Choose your side and stick with it

.

I know I feel stationary at times.

we all do at times your not alone

thanks.