FOCUS ON: Holiness

From: unlimited_horizons Sent: 11/04/2006 03:57
I know this is an old thread, but I just began exploring this board this evening. I thought this Scripture was relevant:

Hebrews 12:10 (New International Version)
10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.

From: Gilly Sent: 26/11/2005 10:57
Holiness links in nicely with a few other threads recently, and I think that most of us, if we are honest, don't really think of ourselves as being holy,,,probably because it puts the emphasis on us and our 'goodliness' rather than of God.....and that doesn't sit comfortably with Christians.
But...we do need to remind ourselves that we and our bodies are holy temples of the Living God as we strive to discipline ourselves from a sinful life. This is the hard bit about holiness, discipline is always painful....at first....and much prayer is needed to see you through the 'unholy' temptations and drives that feed our egos and thoughts.
Sometimes it is at the lowest part of our Christian lives that we believe we are the most unworthy and most needy, in fact we feel anything BUT holy and that adds to our despair. It is at these lowest times that you can achieve the most reward in your search for holiness. The answer is to not focus on your own needs but the needs of others. If you have nothing to give other than a smile or your time, or an encouraging word to those in need.......then give of these in abundance, knowing that it may mean the difference of life or death to the reciever. Giving with a willing heart to others that you can help in some small way is pleasing to God, and encourages you to want to give more of yourself. I believe that is the way to holiness....it soon becomes a pure joy and delight a priviledge to serve in this way and no longer a chore that requires much discipline.
The Latin translation of ministry is.....'standing small serving others'......the Greek translation of holiness is STRENGTH and STABILITY......to keep the Ten Commandments faithfully requires a difficult and disciplined walk as we become separated from 'this world', it also demands a great strength of character or stability in the service of God.

gbu
Gilly

From: Dunggate Sent: 25/11/2005 14:06
This world is inundated with images of sex, perversion, corruption, deception, abuse, violence, criminality, and wickedness. Much of this feeds and supports the popular religion of hedonism - the doctrine that pleasure, or happiness, is the highest good. This simply is devotion to pleasure and self-gratification as a way of life.

So with this backdrop of gross darkness, I dare to write here about a diametrical idea - the beauty of holiness - which springs forth from the heart of our Almighty Sovereign Holy God, the Creator of the universe, who from the beginning had a very different purpose and plan for mankind on this earth.

Holiness...what is it? A term common to Jews and Christians alike, yet too often its meaning appears to be somewhat nebulous in the minds of many today. The Hebrew word of holiness is "kadosh", which comes from the word that means "separate". That which is holy is "separate" from that which is not. To speak of holiness in God's people is to say that they have been "set apart" or "separated" from others in order to live differently.

By following God's commandments and walking in His godly ways, their lives demonstrate a separation from the earthly, the carnal, and the sinful. Therefore, it can be said that they live "holy" lives.

Holiness is not something abstract or mystical. It is very real and able to be demonstrated. It is developed as we grow in obedience to God's Word with an undivided heart. The greater the reality of God's presence in our lives, the holier we become in character and behaviour. His presence increases in us as a direct result of our obedience in small and great things on a daily basis. Holiness is not only for the saints of old...it is what Almighty God is looking for in His people...today!

QUESTION
If it means called apart, or rather set apart to live a holy life in the sight of God then how can we apply it or rather how should we be applying it to our personal walk with the Lord? How should this effect our witness to a lost and dying world? What does it mean to be seperate and yet able to reach out in love without having an arrogant "holier than thou" attitude?

From: Dunggate Sent: 24/11/2005 11:58

Quote
God does not fill with his Holy Spirit those who believe in the
fullness of the Spirit, or those who desire him, but those who obey him. F.
B. MEYER (18471929)


Verse - KJV
Luke 3:16-17 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you
with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes
I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost
and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge
his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he
will burn with fire unquenchable.


Thoughts
I wonder, is this why many are not being cleansed of everything in
their life that is not pleasing to God? Do we desire to let the Holy Spirit
thoroughly purge His floor? Have we received enough of the Holy Spirit
to make us feel good and not received the Fire that will purge us
completely?


Application
Many think the fire of the Holy Spirit is what makes a person be very
emotional, jump, run, shout, etc. The fire is to thoroughly purge us of
everything in our life that is not producing fruit to the glory of God.
We should keep the fire of the Holy Spirit stirred up in our life and
allow Him to do His work in us. In a natural marriage communication
should always be open so as to eliminate the problems before a division
comes. In our relationship with our Lord this is part of the work of the
Holy Spirit. For Him to do His work, it requires our cooperation.


Prayer
Lord God, keep us full of the Holy Ghost and fire. Thoroughly purge us
of everything that hinders our walk with You. All that we are belongs
to You. Work in and through us as You will. Give us wisdom so we never
quench the Holy Spirit. We ask and give thanks in Jesus name, Amen.

From: Missy Sent: 23/11/2005 10:44
Remember not to look for personal opinion.


I really like this kinda teaching. So many people do look for this, I probably did at one time too, but not anymore.

MISSY.

From: Dunggate (Original Message) Sent: 23/11/2005 10:15

HOLINESS
When we come to the saving knowledge of God through the shed blood of Jesus in true repentance (turning away from our sin or sins) The Holy Spirit indwells us. This is God's enabling Holy Spirit to become holy. For God's Word the bible say: (1 Peter 1:16) be ye holy as I am holy
This week I would ask: Examine yourselves ,whether ye be in the faith, prove your own selves, Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be reprobates. (2Corinth 13:5)

Are you still the same person as you were before or are you growing in holiness?
This is the word of God........ not a doctrine of man (the teaching of the church you attend)
Many teachers are perverting the word of God through either ignorance, or to cover up their own sins in their life. Hanging on to the idea that they can continue their old lifestyle and still say they are saved.
You have been justified by the blood! but is sanctification in process in your life?

Below are TWO scriptures from KJV Bible.

1Corinth 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God and that the spirit of God dwelleth in you?
2Corinth 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

GOD HAS GIVEN US THE ANSWER HOW

Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men and holiness without which no man will see The Lord
Remember not to look for personal opinion