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I read this statement, and it contains such truth I had to  share it...

We are living in a day when so many professing Christians are being raised, spiritually, on commentaries and other good books about the Bible. Seemingly, very few in comparison know how to effectively use their Bibles -- to study it, memorize key passages, and meditate upon it.

In reality we are becoming disciples of key Christian leaders, but not of Christ, who said "If you abide in My Word, then you are truly disciples of mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32, NAS). Commentaries and good books have their place in our lives -- but they are no substitute for the Word of God itself.

Amen, How true.


Petro

Oklahoma Howdy to Shylynne,

AMEN!

As an analogy, the Holy Bible is the 8 course meal, and anything else is simply an appetizer or an after dinner mint.

Love In Christ,
Tom  

 ;D well, since Paul says he is the Apostle to the Gentiles, and 5 times time us to follow his lead ... i would say tha I am a disciple of Paul. ;)

Paul teaches my Gospel, and Paul is my Apostle.

Grace & Peace

uh...disciple of a dead man?

so hows that working for ya  ;)

I don't think he'd be too chuffed either:

I have no idea what chuffed means...but good quote ebia lol.

BEP it is so a bible study...sorta  :-\

Oklahoma Howdy to Shylynne,

 ;)  UM??, everyone forgot their Bibles and there are no Scriptures to discuss. Nobody even brought a commentary or a good book about the Bible.   ;)

Don't take it personal - notice the smilies. The Bible Study Area is reserved for the Holy Bible, Scriptures, and discussion of Scriptures.

Love In Christ,
Tom

It works through Paul's living word inspired of the Holy Spirit.
Christians are disciples of Jesus Christ who adhere to His word through the inspired word of His apostles and others.

Paul's living word?
 And all this time i thought the Bible was God's Word ...That Jesus is/was the Word...........  poor silly me


Some one please esplane to me how i am miss understanding this .....

Tis ok BEP...I was just letting you know that I noticed that you noticed that I was`nt preaching the word there and you moved me  ;) ...oh and your are definately instant in and out of season lol.


Reba I think the reasoning of some is meant to remain confusing  *still laughing*

Chuffed = pleased.  English slang.

Yes I agree, you are silly.

Rom 8:38-8:39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  

I can't be separated from Him.  Paul is between Him and I - Paul, I will meet some day - a wonderful teacher whom I will never equal.  But I will die for Him - not for Paul.  Paul would be appalled at anything less.  I am HIS disciple - not Paul's.

(Unless I am misreading the original question.)  ;D

Following the teachings of Paul is following Christ. Aren't the Epistles of Paul inspired? Following the distinct ministry of Paul is not following a man. It is anything but that. It is simply recognizing the fact that our Lord Jesus Christ called Paul from heaven with a distinct ministry. We could easily ask, " Is one following Matthew when one points out something on Matthew?" Christ wrote no book while on earth. Christ did not write Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, etc. He did, however call others to write the scriptures. Rightly dividing the Word is not an option, it is a command. (2Tim. 2:15)

Your friend and brother

The Crusader
<:)))><

AAAAAAAAAAAAMEN!!!!

When did the Body of Christ begin?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Body of Christ started with the conversion of Saul (whose name was changed to Paul in Acts 13) on the road to Damascus. God calls out Paul, the chief of sinners, (I Timothy 1:15) and reveals to him (Galatians 1:11-12) the Dispensation of Grace.

The Apostle Paul writes to us in I Timothy 1 about the beginning of the Body of Christ. .

I Timothy 1:16: (emphasis is mine)

16: Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting

Notice how Paul says that the pattern was first set with him. Paul was the first one placed into the Body of Christ. Not second or third, but first.

<:)))><

I follow the Apostle Paul, as he instructs me to do in several passages. Paul is the Apostle sent to the Gentiles (Acts 9: 15; Romans 11:13) and was given the doctrine of the grace of God which he has written down and passed on to us in the Word of God (Acts 26:19; Ephesians 3:1-9; Galatians 1:11-12).

Furthermore, the Apostle Paul tells us in I Corinthians 4:16

"16: Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me."

In addition, in I Corinthians 11:1 "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."

Paul says this because he knows that he is our pattern (I Timothy 1:15-16). When we follow Paul, we are in reality following Jesus Christ. Notice Romans 16:25:

25: Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

The interesting thing here is that Paul tells us to follow him as he (and we) preached Jesus Christ. Notice though that Paul gives a clarification statement "…according to the revelation of the mystery…" We are to preach Christ according to His heavenly ministry not earthly ministry.

<:)))><

If you are, then so am I.


Mat 10:24  The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.

So who is the lord? And who is the servant?

Sorry, I too think Paul is a wonderful teacher, but Jesus Christ is the Lord, Paul is the servant.

Gracey  :)

One more time, Paul says this because he knows that he is our pattern (I Timothy 1:15-16). When we follow Paul, we are in reality following Jesus Christ. Notice Romans 16:25:

25: Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

 <:)))><

I didn't mean to sound dense....I understand all that.

But when someone askes me whose disciple I am, I don't usually say "Paul's".

Gracey  † Peace †

Does, "inspired of the Holy Spirit" make Paul's word living?

Does the fact that Christ's disciples adhere to His word through the inspired word of the apostles and others make Paul's, inspired of God, word living?

Any way I was not trying to convey that Paul's word in and of himself was living but the word of God that was inspired through Paul the apostle of God's Son.

Ollie  

Does  the Greek word [translated] 'followers'—actually mean 'imitate?

"Paul said, 'Be ye followers of me, even as I follow Christ.' And so, in following his example, we follow Christ."

"WHY do people seem always to want to follow a MAN?"  ???

Rightly dividing the Word of Truth  ???

mini gods  ???

Paul was merely a human instrument, NOWHERE does your Bible tell you to RELY on MEN.... Your Bible tells you NOT TO PUT YOUR TRUST IN MEN (Ps. 146:3). And we need to remember—even a apostle or minister of Jesus Christ—a true one whom the living Christ has used or uses—is/was JUST AS HUMAN AS YOU ARE.

To quote H.W. Armstrong, and I agree fully with him:
"Too many people look on apostles or ministers (or might I add priests) as  holy, superhuman, saintly, infallible righteous sort of people who are surely not HUMAN. They seem to think a apostle or minister (or priest) is not like other humans—that he is/was ABOVE SIN!  This can get to be a sort of WORSHIP, of making an apostle or minister,  another god BEFORE the Almighty GOD, That can become IDOLATRY!"

I am not a follower of any MAN—but of CHRIST!

All I see with all the focus on  Paul, and might I add Mary, is that the focus is taken off Christ, it could be I`m amoung the few who see something wrong with that picture.  ???

Matthew 4:19
And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."

Matthew 8:22
But Jesus said to him, "Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead."

Matthew 9:9
As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him.

Matthew 10:38
and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

Matthew 16:24
Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Matthew 19:21
Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."

Mark 1:17
And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men."

Mark 2:14
And as he passed on, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him.

Mark 8:34
And he called to him the multitude with his disciples, and said to them, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Mark 10:21
And Jesus looking upon him loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing; go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."

Luke 5:27
After this he went out, and saw a tax collector, named Levi, sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, "Follow me."

Luke 9:23
And he said to all, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Luke 9:59
To another he said, "Follow me." But he said, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father."

Luke 18:22
And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."

John 1:43
The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And he found Philip and said to him, "Follow me."

John 10:27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me;

John 12:26
If any one serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if any one serves me, the Father will honor him.

John 13:36
Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered, "Where I am going you cannot follow me now; but you shall follow afterward."

John 21:19
(This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, "Follow me."

John 21:22
Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!"
 
Are we getting the drift yet?  ;)

Those who (attempt to) follow Christ are usually called Christians - little Christs.

So should those who follow Paul be little Pauls?  But then, doesn't Paul mean small anyway?  So what are we left with - microscopic?   Just a thought.  ;D

One more time, Paul says this because he knows that he is our pattern (I Timothy 1:15-16). When we follow Paul, we are in reality following Jesus Christ. Notice Romans 16:25:

25: Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

<:)))><

FOR THOSE THAT HAVE EYES, BUT DO "NOT" SEE...

I follow the Apostle Paul, as he instructs me to do in several passages. Paul is the Apostle sent to the Gentiles (Acts 9: 15; Romans 11:13) and was given the doctrine of the grace of God which he has written down and passed on to us in the Word of God (Acts 26:19; Ephesians 3:1-9; Galatians 1:11-12).

Furthermore, the Apostle Paul tells us in I Corinthians 4:16

"16: Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me."

In addition, in I Corinthians 11:1 "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."

Paul says this because he knows that he is our pattern (I Timothy 1:15-16). When we follow Paul, we are in reality following Jesus Christ. Notice Romans 16:25:

25: Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

The interesting thing here is that Paul tells us to follow him as he (and we) preached Jesus Christ. Notice though that Paul gives a clarification statement "…according to the revelation of the mystery…" We are to preach Christ according to His heavenly ministry not earthly ministry.

<:)))><

We are to preach Christ according to His heavenly ministry not earthly ministry.

We are to preach Christ according to His heavenly ministry not earthly ministry.

We are to preach Christ according to His heavenly ministry not earthly ministry.

We are to preach Christ according to His heavenly ministry not earthly ministry.

<:)))><

The mission and commission of the Church, "which is His body," is to proclaim the message of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:14-21), and to preach Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery (Rom. 16:25, Eph. 3:8-9) with all boldness. In this, we should follow the Apostle Paul (1 Cor. 4:16, 1 Cor. 11:1, Phil. 3:17, Phil. 4:9, 1 Tim. 1:11-16). That distinctive message which the Apostle of the Gentiles (Rom. 11:13, Rom. 15:16) calls, "my gospel" (Rom. 2:16, Rom. 16:25) is also called, "the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24). We, like Paul, must preach the entire Word of God in light of this gospel (2 Tim. 4:2, Gal. 1:8-9), and strive to reach those in the regions beyond where Christ is not yet named (Rom. 15:20, 2 Cor. 10:16).

<:)))><

Paul tells the Corinthians "be ye followers of me".

You could repeat that a million different ways, and as far as I can tell,  it's still not going to make me consider myself a follower of Paul.

Paul does not yet live. Maybe, while he was living; that would be no different than John the Baptist having followers; then, yes I could agree. But not now. Christ is the only Living Word.

Christ Lives! and it is HE that I will follow, not someone who follows Him.

On the other hand, it could simply be in the word "follow":

verb:
- to travel beind, to go or come after
- be later in time
- travel along a certain course
- act in accordance with someone's rules, commands, or wishes
- behave in accordance or agreement with

There's more, but that will do.

The first 3 definitions of "follow" would allow me to say "I follow Paul", the same as it would allow me to say "I follow John, or Timothy, or my 10th grade typing teacher".

But then there's 4th definition "in accordance with someon'es rules, commands" - I guess this is where I would without hesitation say "I follow Jesus".

Gracey
†

Christ Lives! and it is HE that I will follow, not someone who follows Him.

Well said Gracey!

 ;D

Rock crushes pedestals  ;)



pours more soap on Crusaders...er little pauls soapbox  ;D

Like I said: FOR THOSE THAT HAVE EYES, BUT DO "NOT" SEE...
 I blieve it is a sin, to follow Christ in the flesh.

Have a nice day ;D

 Shylynne quoted several passages from MATT--JN where Jesus does indeed tell His followers (the 12 Apostles & other disciples during the 3 1/2 yr ministry) to Follow Him! Please remember that Jesus lived while the Mosaic Law was in full force (until its end around A.D.60's). Jesus observed the Law to the letter! He observed the Sabbath, Eating certain food, Baptism with water, etc. Are WE the Church-Body to copy Him in this? They were to preach & teach "the Gospel of the KINGDOM" (MATT 4:17,23, etc). They were given the KINGDOM Commission (MATT 28, MK 16, LK 24, JN 20, ACTS 1) as their "marching orders". All things pertaining to the KINGDOM Jesus spoke of, was known FROM "the foundation of the world", & was according to prophecy! [NOTE: when U get the chance, look up all the word References to "FROM/SINCE" & "BEFORE" in connection with "the foundation of the world". It will enlighten you as to the "timing" of what God was doing & is now doing in His Plan & Purpose for Israel as well as for the Church-Body]. When anyone says that they will only follow after Jesus Christ and not after any man who follows Him, are they not walking on dangerous ground? Peter, James, John, etc. followed Christ (according to the flesh) who was the promised Messiah-King. Jesus Christ was a minister TO the Circumcision--Israel (Romans 15:8). I choose to follow Paul because he is the minister of [the risen] Christ TO the Gentiles (see Romans 15:16;11:13; 1 Tim.2:7; 2 Tim.1:11) thats US, now called the Church-Body). The ministry which Paul received from the Lord was to testify the "Gospel of the Grace of God" (Acts 20:24).  Paul did not Follow Christ according to the Flesh (see 2 Cor.5:15,16), but was LED by the Spirit "knowing nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified"(see 1 Cor.2:2). 20+yrs Paul was given many revelations & visions (see 2 Cor.12:1) by the risen Lord which were never known to any other writer before Paul wrote his 13 Epistles (see Rom.16:25,26 "...KEPT SECRET since the world began, but NOW MADE MANIFEST..."; Eph.3:8,9 Paul was to "preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ and to make all [men] see what [is] the fellowship of the mystery, which from the biginning of the world was HID in God..."; Col.1:25-27 "...i was made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which was given me for you, to fulfill the Word of God; the mystery which HAS BEEN HIDDEN from ages and from generations, but is NOW MADE MANIFEST to His saints, to whom God would MAKE KNOWN what [is] the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles..."; Eph.3:3,5 "by revelation He MADE KNOWN to me the mystery....which in other ages was NOT MADE KNOWN to the sons of men, as it is NOW revealed....".  The things Paul writes to the Church-Body are the commandments of the [risen] Lord (see 1 Cor.14:37; 1 Thess.4:2). So i choose to follow the instructions given to ME (a Gentile, or anyone else  who believes Christ died for them) by the teacher Christ set before me! *** [< PostNote : The Greek Language has 2 ways of writing the personal pronoun "MY"-- Emphatic (Gr. emou, emoi, eme, and a possessive pronoun emos--These 4 words are used by Paul 100+ times in his Letters) & with no emphasis (Gr. mou, moi, me). Examples : Gal.1:11"the gospel preached by me" (emou); 2 Cor.13:3"...ye seek proof of Christ speacking in me" (emoi); Phil.4:9"the things which you have both learned and received, and  heard and seen in me (emoi), [practice]"; 1 Tim.1:15,16"....Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom i am (ego emi - emphasis) chief [or first]. Howbeit, for this cause i obtained mercy, that in me (emoi) first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting"; 2 Tim.1:13"Hold fast the form [or pattern] of sound words which thou has heard from me (emou)...."; 2:2"And the things that thou has heard of me (emou) among many witnesses, the same [things] commit thou to faithful men who shall be able to teach others also"; and finally Gal.2:20"I [have been*] crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I but Christ [who] lives in me (emoi); and the life I now live in the flesh I live by the [faithfulness] OF the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself to me (emou)". My understanding of Pauls Epistles is that He is to be the "mouthpiece for the Church-Body". It is Christ speaking THROUGH the Apostle Paul TO us that we are to grow in understanding & knowledge & wisdom. It is ONLY through Paul that we the Church-Body can know what our Doctrine, Duty, & Destiny is!!

AAAAAAAAMEN, thank you Palmoni

And Amen to that, Gracey and Shylynne:

Paul never ever substituted himself for the Lord Jesus Christ, and when he said "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ" what he was saying in reality was "Be ye MIMETES [imitators] of me, even as I also am [a follower or disciple] Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1).  In other words "Just as I strive with my whole being to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, imitate me".

This has now been perverted into another doctrine, and men are calling themselves "followers of Paul".  This is not new.  There were men doing the same thing in Paul's day.  And his sharp rebuke to them was as follows: "For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.  Now this I say, that every one of youo saith, I AM OF PAUL; AND I OF APOLLOS; AND I OF CEPHAS; AND I OF CHRIST. Is Christ divided? WAS PAUL CRUCIFIED FOR YOU? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?... FOR YE ARE YET CARNAL; for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, ARE YE NOT CARNAL, and walk as men? For while one saith, I AM OF PAUL, and another, I am of Apollos; ARE YE NOT CARNAL ?(1 Cor. 1:11-13; 3:3-5).

Those who are claiming to be followers of Paul are still "carnal" -- controlled by the old nature, the "flesh", through which come envy, strife, and division.  Those who are introducing this teaching are bringing division to the Body of Christ, and Paul would rebuke them soundly were he alive today!

The Great Commission of Christ states: "Go ye therefore and TEACH ALL NATIONS, baptizing them ...Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I HAVE COMMANDED YOU" (Matt. 28:19,20).  "Teach all nations" could also be legitimately translated" make DISCIPLES of all nations". SO ALL BELIEVERS ARE TO BE TAUGHT TO BECOME DISCIPLES OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.

His apostles were first "disciples", and all who followed Christ in the Gospels were "disciples", and before Christ ascended to His throne on high, He commanded that all believers in the Church age be taught to be HIS DISCIPLES -- HIS FOLLOWERS.

Those who teach that they are disciples of Paul, also often teach others to disobey Christ's command to be baptized by immersion in water upon being saved. This is how Bible truth is perverted.

Your wrong Sower. We only have one Lord, and He is Jesus, Paul did NOT die for our sins, Jesus did.