MyBeloved

Yes, Jesus Christ really became a human being. Christ's great object was to identify Himself with humanity; not to appear to men as divine but as human. If He had come into the world emphasizing His equality with GOD, the world would have been amazed, but not saved. He was in human form but still GOD. If He were not a human being He could not save us from our sin. Galatians 3:13 "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written 'Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.' What great love is this!

Christ didn't cling to His equality with GOD because He is GOD. He is not a God as the cults teach but He is GOD Almighty!

This Book is such a wonderful part of GOD's Word. Thank you, Pastor Ralph for helping us go through it. 2:4 "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." If we focus on the abilities of others instead of our own abilities there will be unity in the church. If we think of how they are blessing us with their abilities and thank GOD for them we will appreciate what they do in the church. We need to remember to give a word of praise or thanks to our Pastors and all who have a part in the church.

As others have already said, fear of rejection or that someone may dislike us can bind our tongues so that we do not witness boldly for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. "Losing our life" for Christ, letting Him have full control of our life will give us an abundant life. Finding an opening in the conversation keeps me from a clear witness. I find that if there is an opening concerning things of the Lord the words will flow. I love the Lord Jesus and want to be an effective witness for Him.

If we do not have faith that GOD is in control, working even in the midst of difficulty we have nothing on which to stand. Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you: do not be dismayed, for I am your GOD. I will strengthen you and help you: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." In the midst of my problems I must believe that GOD is in complete control and I base that on His Word. He cannot lie, He always keeps his Word.

When we are undergoing personal struggles, stress, and problems we must wholly lean upon the LORD and when we do it will show in our lives. Paul's witness was so powerful because he had depended upon the LORD since the day he met Him. I am not going through a personal struggle right now but I have been through many and I found that when I went to the LORD and told Him all about my problems He was there with comfort and He brought me through those struggles, stresses and problems.

Paul is telling the believers in Philipi and us today that based on our faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ, GOD has declared us saints and that He will finish the work that He has started, until the Day of Christ. Paul expects GOD to do this because GOD is always faithful and He has said that He will do it. GOD cannot lie. We can expect GOD to do this for us on the same basis that Paul based his belief, on the finished work of Christ on the cross.

I cannot add anything to what has already been stated. When we become financial "partners" with a Christian missionary we are helping them give the gospel of the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ to the lost in places where we will never be able to go. When we give to a ministry that is getting the gospel out we are helping them reach many more people than we can reach in our lives. When we give to our church we are giving to our minister and we receive blessings from that ministry. We can pray for these ministries and verbally encourage them.

Because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross I belong to Him. I am His property and my life is set apart for Him. One of your definitions of slave is, "slaves" are committed to their Master for life, and that is the way I feel about my LORD. He bought me with his blood and I belong to Him. One of your definitations for saints is, "the holy ones, saints," as consecrated to GOD. Not perfect, but set apart to the service of GOD. I serve Him because I am His and I love Him.

This has been a good study and it has caused me to search my own life to see if I am living as this book has told us we should live. The part about grumbling has especially spoken to me. Thank you, Pastor Ralph for doing the study.

According to verse 14, "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him" When we are sick we call out to the LORD for healing but if it is a very serious illness the spiritual leaders in the church who are mature in the LORD and walking in fellowship with Him should pray the prayer of faith for that one who is sick.

With all of the sin that is going on around us we will become discouraged if we lack the patience to eagerly expect Christ's return. 2 Peter 3:8 and 9, "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the LORD a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The LORD is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

James is warning us that our physical life is short and we should live it in fellowship with our LORD. We should seek His will in our lives and not plan without seeking His direction. When we pray and ask for His guidance in our lives we won't be wishy-washy.

These 10 commands are vital because if we don't submit ourselves to GOD we cannot resist the devil. Trying to resist the devil on our own is futile and will cause many problems. Submitting to GOD and humbling ourselves goes against our nature because we want to lift ourselves up. We want to be the one that others see and admire.

James refers to church members as "adulteresses" because we are the bride of Christ and when we love this world system more than we love Christ that is what we are, adulteresses. 1 John 2:15 "Do not love the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." The aggrieved husband is Christ. The American Heritage Dictionary explains "friend" as one who supports, sympathizes with, a comrade. If that is the way a believer in Christ is toward the world system then that believer is unfaithful to Christ. Christ should be first in our lives.