Results 3441 - 3460 of 3692
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Results from: Notes Author: Makarios Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
3441 | Are we supposed to make plans or not? | James 4:13 | Makarios | 12523 | ||
You seem to be asking many questions that you could very well answer for yourself, Steve, without anyone's help. | ||||||
3442 | Why is complianing singled out? | James 5:9 | Makarios | 13036 | ||
You have restated exactly what I have said.. | ||||||
3443 | Are we to never swear? | James 5:12 | Makarios | 12858 | ||
"James is not forbidding a believer from taking an oath in court or invoking God as witness to some significant statement (see 1 Thess. 2:5). Instead he is prohibiting the ancient practice of appealing to a variety of different objects to confirm the veracity of one’s statement. This practice was extremely close to idolatry, for it implied that such objects contained spirits. The warning in these verses can serve as a reminder to us to watch what we say. We should not use God’s name in a reckless manner; and we should be careful to speak the truth." (Nelson Study Bible) |
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3444 | What makes us stop singing praises? | James 5:13 | Makarios | 12959 | ||
Dear Steve, The entire Forum cannot help but be aware that you are full of questions, my friend. :) You have demonstrated so clearly your great curiousity and passion to get to know the Bible more. You correctly call yourself "Searcher", for that is truly what you are. Knowing this, and understanding just who you are and your invaluability to the Forum, one cannot help but to ask a single question, "How may I be of assistance or help to this person? Is there a need that could be met?".. I believe that you are a valuable part of the Forum, Steve, but I do recognize something that could help you grow by leaps and bounds spiritually as well as in your understanding of the Bible! Sir, do you own a Study Bible? Do you own a single piece of reference work that may help you as your curiousity for the Bible grows? I see it only growing more and more, my friend, and this is to God's glory! However, I would suggest that you would be making a very wise and intelligent decision by purchasing a Study Bible. This would also show a good amount of perception and "foresight" on your part, since your inquisitiveness is only growing! I have noticed that you use the NIV often. Here are a few Study Bibles that I would recommend to you, my friend: The NIV Study Bible (or the NASB if you prefer) by Zondervan The MacArthur NKJV Study Bible The Ryrie Expanded Edition Study Bible Either one of these, or any two together, or all three of these in conjunction, are excellent Study Bibles and could help you immensely in your quest in studying the Bible! I foresee that by using any one, two, or three of these, you will see most of your questions being "responded to" in a fashion that is approached extremely well in these Study Bibles! Also, you will see your number of questions to the Forum reduce, but you will have a greater grasp IMMEDIATELY of a question, rather than waiting on someone to answer- which may not be an answer at all to your original question.. Sir, I kindly submit this to you so that a need could possibly be met. I do not submit this with any other intended purpose except for that only, my friend! Keep searching the Scriptures and never stop!! :) Your Brother in Christ, Nolan |
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3445 | How long do we suffer before we pray? | James 5:13 | Makarios | 13039 | ||
I am glad that you could answer your own question Steve, with an 'extrabiblical resource'! (imagine that!) :) | ||||||
3446 | please say ifyou believe faith moves God | James 5:15 | Makarios | 33148 | ||
Greetings prophet ezra brown, Have you considered reading Hebrews 11:1-6 or Ephesians 2:8? Hebrews 11:6 says that it is impossible to please God without first having faith in Him. In one sense, you are correct, since we are saved by grace through faith, and not by works! :-) Blessings to you, Makarios |
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3447 | Power available today? | James 5:17 | Makarios | 10717 | ||
Thank you Steve and SueJean! Both of these were excellent responses! Welcome to the Forum, SueJean! The Cambridge Annotated Study Bible states, "5:17-18 According to 1 Kings 17:1, the prophet Elijah prophesied that it would not rain, but his praying is not mentioned until 1 Kings 17:20-22; later Jewish tradition sees Elijah as a strong example of the one who prays. Cf. Lk 4:25" So prayer is powerful indeed! :) Nolan |
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3448 | Aliens in the World, but Chosen by God | 1 Pet 1:1 | Makarios | 21331 | ||
Greetings Tim! Yes, Amen to the fact that we have been chosen by God and set apart from this world! The NASB actually uses the word "alien" in 1 Peter 1:1 and uses "aliens" and "strangers" in 1 Peter 2:11.. If we continue with the theme that Peter is addressing the social status of the people in which he is addressing, then I see something here that I would like to share.. 1 Peter 2:11 states, "Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul." (NASB) This, I believe, should be our focus as we ponder our "new identity" as aliens. If we are aliens and far from our "homeland", then we should find some things about this particular land that are totally foreign and possibly harmful to us that the "residents" of this land are all rather accustomed to. For instance, the "residents" or natives of this land are all infected with something called a "sinful nature," and this verse, 1 Peter 2:11, is a warning to us about that, to avoid or abstain from it. Little do these residents know that this sinful nature is a cancer that will not only put their bodies to death but also destroy their soul. So we do, in fact, have a real "culture shock" here! Our culture does not warrant this thing called "sinful nature", and it is just as harmful to the natives of this land as it is to us, but we have found that these natives do not know this information! Our culture is very different from the culture of these natives. We, as "offworlders", do not have any reason to be alarmed by this "cancer", since we have the knowledge that proves that our soul is infinitely more important than our bodies could ever be, and we know that if we happen to be infected with this cancer (which is the sinful nature), then our bodies could very well die but this cancer cannot touch our souls! And this difference is one of the main differences between "offworlders" and natives of this land. There are several Scriptures that help to show how an offworlder has a different point of view than the natives of this land (Hebrews 13:14, 1 Chronicles 29:15, Psalm 39:12). However, being an "offworlder" myself, I have found something interesting.. I have found that every inhabitant in this land has the potential to become an "offworlder" like us! Yes, they can also have an "immunity" from their souls being effected by this cancer (sinful nature) by simply believing in the One who sent us here as "emissaries." If they believe and worship Him with all of their spirit and in truth, then they will be like us also! They will also have this immunity against the cancer. However, we will only be able to convince a few of them, I'm afraid, but we must keep trying! I know that some may say that we must not endanger interplanetary peace and security by "threatening" the natural course of events and culture in which the natives of this planet live. However, we cannot help but to exhibit our "uniqueness" among these folk, and we are commissioned by the One who sent us here to go and spread this news to everyone that would react favorably to having their souls being saved from this cancer! At least they will be comforted with the knowledge (knowledge that we will give them) that the most important part of their existence can be preserved past death, which happens to be about 70 years for these earthlings. But how are we to know just who will "react favorably" to the knowledge of this immunity and just who will not? We don't know, and the Handbook that the One sent with us does not tell us these things either. But the Handbook does say that we must do this, seemingly without reservation, in Matthew 28:19.. With this in mind, we can convince them that there is a way for their souls to be cured even though their bodies will all eventually die from this cancer! We must work fast.. Your Brother in Christ, Nolan |
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3449 | Aliens in the World, but Chosen by God | 1 Pet 1:1 | Makarios | 21353 | ||
Hello Tim! Good to be back! And yes, I believe in OUR Prime Directive! :-) - Nolan |
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3450 | Election, Summary. | 1 Pet 1:2 | Makarios | 7645 | ||
Ryrie's Study Bible comments on 1 Peter 1:2, "The idea expressed in this verse is that God in His wisdom has chosen us to salvation through the work of the Holy Spirit, applying in us the worth of the death of Christ so that we might be obedient to Him. 'foreknowledge'. God's prior knowledge of all things, based on His relation to them, is the basis of our election. More than passive foresight, foreknowledge involves God's active consciousness of all that is to come to pass. (See 1 Peter 1:20; Rom. 8:29; 11:2 for the same word and concept; and see note on Eph. 1:5)." Ryrie's commentary on Eph. 1:5.. "'predestined': God has determined beforehand that those who believe in Christ will be adopted into His family and conformed to His Son (cf. Rom. 8:29). It involves a choice on His part (v. 4); it is done in love (v. 4); it is based on the good pleasure of His perfect will (vv. 5,9,11); its purpose is to glorify God (v. 14); but it does not relieve man of his responsibility to believe the gospel in order to bring to pass personally God's predestination (v. 13)." |
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3451 | Election, Summary. | 1 Pet 1:2 | Makarios | 7680 | ||
Sam Hughey, I appreciate your input on what election means to each and every one of us. The statement that you cited about God's foreknowledge did not come from myself, but it came straight out of the Ryrie Expanded Edition Study Bible (NASB95). So if you disagree with the commentary of Ryrie on this verse, then that is certainly something that we could talk about.. I agree with you that 1 Peter 1:2 does not refer to our election, but only on the foreknowledge of God the Father. I still like this verse, though, being the dynamic verse that it is! I find myself in agreement with you right up to where you talk about predestination, which is something that I view in a sense of God's sovereignty. I agree with you that man's choosing is not the cause and basis for election to salvation, since Eph. 1:5 and 1 Peter 1:3 along with several other verses clearly state that election and the basis of foreknowing rests with God alone. Any view that places 'man's choosing' above the sovereignty of God is easily debunked through Scripture. I agree that we are called to salvation by God, and it is through this call that the unbeliever makes the willful action to follow Christ and begin the road to salvation. However, the unbeliever still must make this 'action' or choice, and not reject it even though he/she may be called. When I came to salvation, I did have a 'calling' to know the Lord and to change my ways so that I would be made right with Him. But I still had to make that choice to conform to His will and to heed my salvation. But my choice to recognize my salvation in no way usurped the foreknowledge of God and His knowledge of where my soul is going to end up. I do believe in election and the Scriptural support for it. Sam, I am in agreement with you about how you explain election and I appreciate you 'pointing' out that 1 Peter 1:2 is referring to the foreknowledge of Jesus and not to our election. I do believe in election.. If I had to 'sum' up my belief on election in a nutshell, here's what I would say, "God elected people to salvation who He foreknew would of their own free will believe in Christ and persevere in the faith." So God is in charge here, knowing that the people (or elect) whom He would call would receive salvation, which is something that pleases Him. I believe that God elected before the foundation of the world, He knowing who would accept Him. And election is based on this premise: the foreknowledge of God, being spelled out so clearly in Scripture. And you are absolutely right, man's choice has nothing to do with or cannot take the place of the foreknowledge of God. Excellent post, Sam! Nolan Keck |
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3452 | Election, Summary. | 1 Pet 1:2 | Makarios | 7879 | ||
You're welcome, Sam! Thank you for your response. I do not see the 'contradiction' and I will try to explain that. You are correct when you say "there isn't a single verse in the entire Bible that clearly and unambiguously states that God foresaw anyone's alleged "free-will" decision and then on that basis elected (chose) to save us." I agree with this sentence. I think that the confusion rests between distinguishing election and salvation. Election is entirely left up to God's will, and for us to speculate on who, why, when or what is to speculate on something that is totally beyond our capacity to understand. Man cannot determine who has or will be 'elected', and man cannot change God's will in any way, since God's will was set and in place before the foundations of the earth were set, and God does not change. Election is totally up to God, and totally under His control. This supports and affirms my point that man's choosing is not the cause and basis for election. In no way does man have any input whatsoever on election. God is totally in control. When I speak of salvation, man makes a conscious choice to heed the calling of God. I am trying not to confuse or mix up election with salvation here. God in His sovereignty already knows each and every decision that we will make in our lifetimes. I believe that the issue of 'salvation' is where we differ in our points of view. God's calling is to everyone, the world at large, that they may be saved by knowing His Son. But even though people may 'hear' this call, not everyone will accept or follow this calling of God (Matt. 19:16-26). Election is something that man cannot touch, but salvation is something that man can act upon, by heeding the call of God and becoming children in the faith. This is what I meant when I stated that 'God elected people (before the beginning of the world) to salvation who He foreknew would of their own free will believe in Christ and persevere in the faith'.. In no way am I saying that God is acting (or changing) as a result of man's choice. God doesn't change. However, God knows in His sovereignty who will heed his call. It is not for you or me to determine who is elected or not. This is entirely up to God. But it is 'up to us' to make the conscious choice and act of calling upon the name of our Lord, since whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. So this is what I meant. Sam, I believe that you and I, though we both may believe in election, have different views about salvation, and I believe that this is where we may confuse each other and differ. But the doctrine of election is sound, and is something that man cannot tamper with. I think that you would agree with me at least on that. Thanks, Nolan |
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3453 | Election, Summary. | 1 Pet 1:2 | Makarios | 8074 | ||
Hello again Sam, we can continue, but probably so to the collective chagrin of the Forum as a whole.. You have brought up some good points here and prompted the asking of certain questions that would prove vital to coming to a mutual understanding of the relationship between election and salvation. Everyone starts out as an unbeliever, and the unbeliever makes a decision to respond to the calling of God. A person cannot be a 'believer' (or disciple) without first responding to God's call (Matt. 4:18-22). But in response to this, you say from your previous message, "If it is the unbeliever, then his will is not free to make a conscious choice." How do you come to the conclusion that the will of the unbeliever is not free to make this conscious choice or response to God's calling? Wouldn't this conclusion be in conflict with Matt. 4:18-22 since Peter, Andrew, James and John were not even 'believers' in Christ at the moment when Jesus called them? When a believer responds to the calling of God, then he/she is exercising their faith by obeying the commands of God, and as a result, growing in the faith (Hebrews 11). I also read Scripture as saying that God's call (or invitation) is to everyone to come to repentance and proclaim Him as Lord. I believe that it is possible for a person not to 'respond' to God's invitation (Matt. 19:21-22; compare Luke 14:25 with John 6:66). Are we confusing Christ's general 'invitation' to humanity with His calling? I agree that no man can come to Jesus unless the Father draws him (John 6:44), and the Lord calls His sheep by name (John 10:33) and they hear Him. How do you come to the conclusion that "If the Father calls all humans, then all humans will be raised to eternal life on the last day"? We agree that the Father draws men to Christ, and that they can only come to Jesus unless the Father draws them. Therefore, those who are 'chosen' by God before the foundation of the world will receive salvation. But I believe that the general 'invitation' is always there. I won't go any further on the 'invitation' since that would get us off of the original topic. I agree that election and salvation are inseparable. That is biblically sound and doctrinally correct, as proven in 1 Peter 1:2 and other Scriptures. I also agree that God does not elect anyone on the basis of a foreseeable action on the part of man. However, I believe that man's 'volition' comes into play when he makes a conscious 'response' to God's calling. If you say that man's 'volition' is besides the point, then what is the point in making any decisions about anything at all? If this is true, then I do not see any significance in man's existence. I see salvation as something that is pursued gladly and consciously, reaching out to God and calling upon His name, forever changing your destiny! This is what brings Him 'great pleasure'! And those who consciously make this kind of response to God's calling are part of the 'elect' (Romans 10:9,13). I believe that salvation and election is inseparably linked, but is salvation really the result of election? Instead of salvation being the result of election, it is solely based on our relationship with Christ- and that alone. It is not the fact that we have been chosen by God, it is the fact that we respond faithfully to His calling. Election is something that is entirely up to God and something that we cannot explain (Romans 11). Also, I am not advocating that we have to 'do' anything in order to be saved, except believe in Jesus and have faith that He will accomplish what He set out to do. We both know and agree that election is not a result of salvation. This view would be entirely unbiblical. But is salvation a result of election? I differ on this point with you, and I am prompted to go back 'to the basics' on salvation to answer that question. I took so long in responding to you because I wanted to take the time to read and study all the Scripture that even mentions the 'elect' or 'election' or God's 'chosen ones'.. So I looked in Strong's Concordance and found all the verses: Is. 42:1, 45:4, 65:9, 65:22; Matt. 24:24,31; Mark 13:22,27; Luke 18:7; Rom. 8:33; Col. 3:12; 1 Tim. 5:21; Titus 1:1; 1 Peter 1:2, 2:6; 2 John 1:1,13; 1 Peter 5:13; Rom. 9:11, 11:5,7,28; 1 Thess. 1:4; 2 Peter 1:10; Matt. 24:22; Mark 13:20; 2 Tim. 2:10.. After reading each and every single verse, I still come to the conclusion of believing in election. But I also come to the conclusion that salvation is in Jesus alone, even though the Father calls those whom He has chosen to have salvation in Jesus. |
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3454 | The Purpose of Testing! | 1 Pet 1:7 | Makarios | 22025 | ||
Greetings Tim! As this "faith development" continues, it must not be impeded by sin! Acts 15:9 states, "and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith." This, in effect, helps to justify our new relationship with God, through faith (Rom. 5:1). And we are waiting for that "final verdict" of 'not guilty' that is assured to the believer by faith and by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:5). Therefore, the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in and of itself directly aids us as we seek to better condition our "faith muscles".. Just a thought! Your Brother in Christ, Nolan |
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3455 | We Love Him! | 1 Pet 1:8 | Makarios | 22748 | ||
Hello Tim! I remember Jesus' words to His disciples, "Jesus said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed." (John 20:29) This joy that we have is an indescribable gift! Nolan |
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3456 | We Love Him! | 1 Pet 1:8 | Makarios | 22782 | ||
Yes, Ray! Thank you, that was interesting! :) Your Brother in Christ, Nolan |
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3457 | The Goal of our Faith | 1 Pet 1:9 | Makarios | 23100 | ||
Greetings Tim! Yes, knowledge of our secure position and inheritance brings rejoicing (v.6), the proof of the reality of our faith (v.7), our love for Him and rejoicing (v.8), and the assurance of the completion of our salvation! Also, Romans 6:22 states, "But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life." [NASB] Let us rejoice all the more! Your Brother in Christ, Nolan |
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3458 | Set Your Hope on that Grace! | 1 Pet 1:13 | Makarios | 24599 | ||
Greetings Tim! When I read through your study, I couldn't help but to think of the Parable of the Sower (Matt. 13:5, Mark 4:3-8, Luke 8:5-8), where the worries of this world and the deceitfulness of wealth will vie to choke the Word in our hearts, making our witness unfruitful.. We must not let anything distract us from our goal! Your Brother in Christ, Nolan |
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3459 | New Birth - Event or Process? | 1 Pet 1:23 | Makarios | 7987 | ||
John gives us glimpses of Nicodemus's changed character (compare 7:50,51; 19:39-42) after his encounter with Jesus that night! "'born again': The Greek word 'anothen' translated here as 'again' could also be rendered "from above". The birth that Jesus spoke of was either a new birth or a heavenly birth- or both. It seems that Jesus was speaking of a heavenly birth because He later used the analogy of the wind, coming from some unknown, heavenly source, to depict the spiritual birth. But Nicodemus clearly understood Jesus to be speaking of a second birth- being born again. Jesus explains this new or heavenly birth in 3:6-8, contrasting being born of the flesh with being born of the Spirit." Nelson's NKJV Study Bible, pg. 1763 |
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3460 | New Birth - Event or Process? | 1 Pet 1:23 | Makarios | 27869 | ||
Greetings Kalos! I most certainly agree, and I believe that the 'new birth' occurs at the moment of salvation, when a person is saved. The process of "working out" that salvation is called "sanctification." Grace to you! Nolan |
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