Results 661 - 680 of 773
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Results from: Answers On or After: Thu 12/31/70 Author: JCrichton Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
661 | honor thy father and mother" is somethin | Eph 4:32 | JCrichton | 140609 | ||
Hi, Spence! You are much more ahead of the game than you think... you recognize that as a Christian you are not allowed to indulge in hatred... are you an adult, are you able to distance yourself from the environment?... loving and honoring does not mean allowing yourself to be the target of abuse (physical, mental...)... you have a Powerful ally in the Holy Spirit... if you've not done so yet, begin an intensive life of prayer! Seek the wisdom and comfort found in the Holy Scripture... since you are breaking out (not drinking), you may be the one member of your family that can lead the others back to God... Let Jesus' words echo in your mind, heart and spirit: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Matthew 5:44) Jesus does not mean that those who commit evil deeds against us should be rewarded... those who ally themselves to Christ must become as Christ... it is our call: Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:48) Use every opportunity to do good and God will assist you in defeating evil: 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”says the Lord. 20On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:19-21) God Bless! Angel |
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662 | Sunbit in EVERYTHING to your husband?? | Eph 5:24 | JCrichton | 117386 | ||
Hi, lagunatick! This is an interesting situation... Are you aware that non-Christians behave in such mannners. For instance, the wife walking several feet behind the husban, being covered from head to toe, not having a voice in anything pertaining to anything, pleasuring their husbands regardless of how they are treated or feel... (the list goes on)... What is interesting about the Christian counterpart is that the couple are Christians and it is this relationship with Christ that supports the idea of the wife submitting herself to the husband: would Christ hurt the Church, aboned her, take advante of her, reject her, abouse her...? Notice what Paul says about those who have come together with unbelievers: does not Paul suggest that they should stay in their relationship--that is unless the spouse who is non-Christian becomes a stumbling block for the other's relationship with Christ! A Christian woman obeys her husband who in turn obeys Christ and would not endanger her temporal/spiritual wellbeing, nor that of her children! God Bless! Angel |
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663 | Scripturally is the man responsible? | Eph 5:24 | JCrichton | 117434 | ||
"When should a wife make a stand...when not? A couple could disagree all the time if the wife called him on every sin and refused to submit because it did not meet her standard of obedience to the Lord." Hi, lagunatick! Here's when: But Peter and John answered them, "You yourselves judge which is right in God's sight--to obey you or to obey God. (Acts 4:19) This passage is very clear: we either choose to obey God or not! You are in a difficult position (being female and the more spiritually mature Christian...); my first recomendation is PRAYER! Bring your case to the Judge, explain to Him with detail how much it hurts you to feel this tug of war (for our battle is a spiritual one): wanting to simultaneously please your spouse and God. You are also in the perfect position to bring your husband to the Lord. Teaching, through patience and love, the error of denying God (refusing to obey his commandments). Get involved in Bible Study; no sermons! The worst thing to do is to preach hell's damnation to those who are wavering! Be strong in your conviction and refuse to share in on the spoils of his rebellion! If it is posible get involved in Church activities; perhaps your husband has talents or abilities that can benefit the congregation or the needy in your community (tax preparation, technical/computer skills, etc.); he may need to involve himself in something other than his job. "Scripturally, is the man responsible for involving his wife in sin?" What do you think?: Eve took the bait, sucked at the test then passed the failure on to Adam; who did God reproved? Adam! Paul has this take on Christian responsibility: My friedns, if someone is caught i any kind of wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should set him right; but you must do it in a gentle way. And keep an eye on yourselves, so that you will not be tempted, too. (Galatians 6:1) Submit yourselves to one another because of your reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:21) There's a direct relationship between Jesus and the Church and a husban and his wife (Ephesians 5:21-33): the Church is obedient to Christ as the wife is obedient to the husband. Christ gave his life for the Church as the husband is commanded to give his life for his wife! But if your husband is not mature in the Faith, he may not wish to own up to his responsibilities. You must act, for both your sake and his! PRAYER! Do you think you husband might be willing to get family counseling? (Christian of course!) Work on that and PRAY some more! God Bless! Angel |
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664 | sex in marriage what does the bible say | Eph 5:24 | JCrichton | 136304 | ||
Hi, Hen! GB offered an excellent post... Christians are not only bound to a different behavior when dealing with the world, but also when dealing with each other... mutual Love and respect will bring us to the perfection of the Law (Love the Lord your God above all and your neighbor as yourself!) In explaining how he viewed the marital relationship Paul had this to say: But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband's body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (1 Corinthians 7:2-5) So if a Christian woman respects (in Christ) her husband, and a Christian man loves (in Christ) his wife the perfection of the Law is in place: neither spouse seeks to satisfy the flesh at the expense of the Love and respect of their marital bond: Man plus Woman: one under God! God Bless! Angel |
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665 | HELP IN NEED OF REPAIR? | Eph 5:25 | JCrichton | 127614 | ||
Hi, loveablelady 41! Ever heard the expressions: "If it's not broken..." "You can't please the world..." Perhaps there's a deeper problem behind your husband's criticisms... As Searcher pointed out, a face-to-face with a competent counselor (preferably spiritual counselor) could be your best recourse. It is difficult to please the world... thanks God that we are called to please the Lord and not the world! If you have not done so yet, begin an intensive prayer group with other Christians (you do not need to expose your situation beyong a general statement of prayer for your family and household). If you are not able to establish such a group, consider a one-to-one with Jesus: everything you do, say or do not do or do not say offer it as prayer (even if you are not familiar with the Bible, you may remember many passages that can serve you to introduce your prayers: ie: Our Father... forgive as I forgive...; I can do all things in Christ; The Lord is my Rock and Salvation...; Father in your hand I commend my spirit, my pain, my anger, my sorrow...;). Offer all of your heartaches and dissapointments to Jesus, He will help you carry your cross and He will build you up no matter how cruel life treats you! God Bless! Angel |
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666 | Is Church needed for high spirited ones? | Eph 5:25 | JCrichton | 129408 | ||
Hi, calm! I understand your angst... our culture is full of "profesional know-it-alls" (be it in the clergy or secular culture)... It is difficult to share Scripture with someone who deems him/herself your better... it is almost impossible when that person has had some technical/theological training... There's no Scripture where Jesus speaks on going to Church... however, He is God and when He established the Church (Matthew 16:18-19; John 20:22-23), He did not tell the disciples that they were way more advanced than everyone else and that they did not need to get involved in a lower plane of spirituality (which is basically what your relatives are inferring) because He had given them the Holy Spirit directly (John 14:16-17; John 20:22)! The Church is not man-made! It is Christ's Body, He is the Head and we are the members; the Church of God, is the means instituted by Christ where we are to gather as members of His Body to celebrate and worship; the Church is the deposit of Truth and Faith--it is the Holy Spirit's tool for teaching and revealing God's mysteries... for any man or group of people to attempt to go to God alone it would be to deny Jesus and to circumvent His Suffering, His Death, His Resurrection, and His Commandment to love one another and to be one with each other so that we may be one with Him as He is One with the Father! All about Christ and the Church (there are other Scriptural passages but these are the most salient): Romans 12:5-7 1 Corinthians 10:17 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 Ephesians 4:1-7 Colossians 3:10-17 1 Corinthians 11:16 1 Corinthians 15:9 1 Corinthians 14:4-5, 12 2 Corinthians 8:19 Ephesians 5:23 Colossians 1:18 1 Timothy 3:15 (most excellent passage!) Ephesians 3:10-11 Ephesians 3:21 Ephesians 5:24 Ephesians 5:25 Ephesians 5:29 Colossians 1:24 (second most excellent passage!) Please read each Biblical passage carefully; do not use them as a weapon with which to attack your relatives; pray for them constantly; invite them to share Bible Study with you; speaks to them in a loving and compasionate tone--no matter how emotional the exchanges may become; speak to them on the importance of the example that they are setting and remind them that they who are spiritual must not cause the weak or unitiated to reject the Church of Christ! If you are able to, explain to them that we are obliged to edify the Church of Christ... God would not have it any other way: our call is to unity in Jesus Christ, God did not call us to be loners... and those of us who feel that we are more spiritual then the rest have the greater responsibility in keeping God's Church from falling pray to Satan and to the schisms produced by "good-intended-Christians" who disobey Christ (our Lord and Savior that calls us to unity and love) in order to satisfy their egos! God Bless! Angel PS: Check this site on prayers for the Church of Christ: http://www.geocities.com/dsokus |
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667 | Explain Hebrew 4:12 | Eph 6:17 | JCrichton | 120444 | ||
Hi, mrsrock! I like to view Hebrew 4:12 in light of: 1 Chronicles 28:9; Proverbes 20:27; Romans 8:27; 1 Corinthians 2:10; and Revelation 2:23... Each of these passages speak of God's infinite power and wisdom--being able to reach deep within our being! God Bless! Angel |
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668 | That they are enemies of the cross | Philippians | JCrichton | 141011 | ||
Hi, Edward! Peter speaks on such people who regard themselves as Christians while practicing, preaching and promoting anti-Christian doctrines and values: 9if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment. 10This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings; 11yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord. 12But these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts they too will perish. 13They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you. 14With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed–an accursed brood! 15They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. 16But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey–a beast without speech–who spoke with a man's voice and restrained the prophet's madness. 17These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. 18For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. 19They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity–for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. 20If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. 21It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. 22Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,”[d]and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.” In essence, they are enemies of the Cross because instead of serving Christ they are denying Christ and attempting to reduce the Truth to personal formulas that only they themselves can decipher, at a cost, for their disciples! God Bless! Angel |
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669 | Honoring the Sabbath | Col 2:13 | JCrichton | 130598 | ||
Hi, sincerebeliever! I agree with you partially... the Sabbath (7th day/day of rest) demands that we occupy ourselves with things that are of the Lord and to refrain from doing mundane labor... I cannot agree with you more! Society has polluted Christendom and much of their "rest" has become ours... I've known "Christians" who use Sunday as the fallguy: leaving everything for Sunday--all sorts of manual labor, feasts, financial transactions, shopping... it seems that everything but family/God oriented activities are scheduled! I cannot agree with your determination that Sunday is a day to worship the sun... do we have a Sabbathday on the calendar? Which name of Yahweh translates to El Saturday? It really doesn't work, now does it? Are you aware that in the beginning there were no days of the week? Yahweh did not start Creation on the first business day (known to us today as Monday) nor did He rest on Saturday or Sabbathday--He rested on the seventh day! Jesus resurrection was on the first day of the week (Sunday is known to us as the first day of the week), Christians celebrate His resurrection day as our Sabbath! Please, continue to respect the Lord by keeping the Sabbath (7th day rest) and help others around you to do the same--but please, remember that the Lord tuaght us that the Sabbath was made for us and not the other way around... we can honor both the Sabbath and the Lord by keeping Sunday (the first day of the week: Christ's day of resurrection) as our Sabbath... Remember, there's no command in Scripture that tells us not to worship in the synagogues... but clearly that was a practice that Christians had to change! I suggest to you that you think on this in reference to the Sabbath, perhaps you might come to the same conclusion that I have: the day of the Lord is Sunday hence as a Christian my Sabbath must be His day! God Bless! Angel |
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670 | Why do we celebrate Dec. 25? | Col 2:16 | JCrichton | 107436 | ||
Hi, bcollier! Which day would they suggest, and would you object to its celebration? As a Christian, would you enjoy the secular world devoid of any semblance of God? Would they that reject the Christmas celebration would be happier--I have a word for that: atheism! God Bless! |
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671 | Why do we have Jesus stuck in a manger? | Col 2:16 | JCrichton | 107683 | ||
Hi, TheFinalSQL! Please do not take offense... Are you reading the Bible as part of your sources? If you are, what version is it? but the angel said... And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.' (Luke 2:10,12) As it was pointed out to you previously: How could Christ have died for us if He had not been born? And have you noticed the prophecies about Joshua? Had Jesus just walked out of the desert or dropped in on the most celebrated feast, in the middle of the Temple, fully grown, would that have satisfied your point (birth not important), would Israel have accepted Him any better? Wouldn't the unfulfilled prophecies make God a liar? And what would we argue about: How tall He was?, What attire He wore? Was He truly man and God, since He just happened to appear as a full grown man?... Friend, we benefit in all that He did because He came to do just that: the Creator became less than the angels to bring us Salvation free of pretexts: The Holy Spirit, God's Power and Essence, made a human vessel in Mary, who as a man would experience what humanity experiences (with the exception of sin), in order to offer Himself as a sacrifice in exchange for our lives. But He also experienced what we are in order to Mediate in front of God, for our continued transgressions. Had Jesus not been fully human we would attempt to employ an automatic excuse: "God, just doesn't understand our pain, our suffering, our weaknesses, our need for love, friendship, direction... When the Infant Jesus was born He brought God's Love to our plane of existence. The magi, these Gentile sojourners, undertood the significance of this particular human birth... why can't you, a Christian? God Bless! |
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672 | wrong to see nudity if has no affect? | Col 3:2 | JCrichton | 130706 | ||
Hi, Natie! I believe that the premarital period is the training grounds for Christians... "the two will become one" cannot happen in a vacuum! In the Bible we hear about people being spoused to each other (marital obligations without the sexual consumation of the wedding vows)... today, even "Christians" refuse to abide to that bond until the very last second of the "I do."--some retain the worldly version of that contractual agreement (they want to do as they please!) I could cite some Bible verses that speak on the relationship between the husband and wife, but it seems that your boyfriend has already made up his mind that he will not yield to you because "he wont let his wife control him"... sadly too many couple see marriage as a war of wills instead of a merging of minds and spirits... what's even worst is that Christians are emulating more and more society's values while rejecting Scripture! Speak to your boyfriend about how you feel when he engages in the viewing of such films... explain, lovingly, to him how important it is for you both that you respect each other and love each other in a genuine Christians relationship where Christ is part of the unity! If you desire Scripture that speak on mariage--not to be used as a club against your boyfriend, but as a learning tool for both of you--drop a line and I'll do my best to supply with them! One point of advise: PRAY, PRAY, PRAY--the Holy Spirit can give us understanding beyond measure! God Bless! Angel |
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673 | another word for "slow to anger" | Col 3:12 | JCrichton | 126741 | ||
Hi, Kathryn Evers! I have two words for you: Patience and Humility: Romans 5:3; Ephesians 4:2; Philippians 2:3; It is with patience and humility that we can conquer anger... Jesus is our prototype: Isaiah 12:13 through 13:12; 42:3). God Bless! Angel |
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674 | Difference between a God fearing man and | Col 3:22 | JCrichton | 126136 | ||
Hi, orie! There should not be a difference! God fearing man or a man that fears God is part of the definition of God's servants. In the Old Testament those who served God were called God's people... while in the New Testament, after Paul's and Barsabas' mission at Antioch, God's servants became known as Christians. The antithesis of a Christian is a man/woman who do not fear God: The root of wisdom is fear of Yahweh; those who attain it are wise. His praise will continue for ever. (Psalms 111:10) The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; fools spurn wisdom and discipline. (Proverbs 1:7) If we do not fear God we cannot serve Christ--we will reject his commandments and choose to serve ourselves rather than to submit in humble obedience! God Bless! Angel |
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675 | God | 1 Thessalonians | JCrichton | 119349 | ||
Hi, Emmee! 1st and 2nd Thessalonians are epistles (letters) of encouragement sent to the believers in Thessalonica, the capital of Macedonia, a province in the Roman empire. There are several passages that deal with promises (or prophecies) and commandments (not necessarily reflective of the Mosaic Law, but, rather, encompassing the Ten Commandments). 1st Thessalonians: Prophecies/Promises: 2:14-16 and 3:3-4: These verses talk about the persecution of the Church as prophesized by Christ in John 15:20; Matthew 5:11-12; 10:23; 23:34; Luke 11:49 and 21:12. 4:16-18 These verses talk about the promise of resurrection and the Second Coming of our Lord--there is no new revelation given; the reminder is meant to strengthen and encourage! Commands: 4:2-8; 5:6-8; 5:12-22 and 5:25-27: These verses are not only reminding the Church of Christ’s direct commands but they instruct the believers about their Christians responsibilities, mode of personal conduct, and confraternity. It reflects Jesus’ command to abide in His Word, to love one another, to be one. 2nd Thessalonians: Prophecies/Promises: 1:6-10; 2:1-12; 2:13-14; and 3:3: These verses cover the both the rewards for Jesus’ servants and the punishment for those who afflict them. It reminds the believers that there is an eminent Second Coming where they will join Jesus in His glorious return. It also warns, as Jesus did, that the Coming is not determined by humanity but by God--He will Come at the appointed time and in the appointed fashion! Commands: 2:15; 3:1-2; and 3:6-15: In these passages Paul urges the believers to stand firm in their Faith and obedience to Christ’s commands. He reminds them of their responsibilities and mode of conduct, in Christ. He warns them not to allow the non-believers amongst them to steal their Faith and good Name (Christians). He commands them to pray for him, themselves and for the cause! I hope this helps. God Bless! Angel |
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676 | Can you help me teach a bible study? | 1 Thessalonians | JCrichton | 135388 | ||
Hi, basketball chick! Here's the breakdown on 1 Thessalonians 4: Paul speaks to the Christians and admonishes them to live in a manner pleasing to God: (1-2) Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. Paul reminds them that it is God's will that they (all Christians) refraim from satisfying the wickedness of the flesh; that Christians remain holy, serving God in the Spirit, controlling the impulses of the flesh; that Christians' behavior must be always in Jesus, without selfishness and guile, specially towards fellow Christians--and he warns that Jesus will punish the sinners. (3-8) It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit. Though Paul commends them in their charity and love towards the Brothers, he isists that they (all Christians) do more and more; taking into special consideration those who lack in society; he also calls them to be self-sufficient so that there is no need amongst them so that the gentiles (those of the world) would not rule them over any material needs that they may otherwise incur; yet, while promoting self-sufficiency, Paul calls them to aspire to a quiet life (a life devoid of extravagance), in Jesus! (9-12) Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more. Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. Paul visits the worries of the Believers who have lost loved ones... he assures them (all Christians) that those who die in Christ will be resurrected in Christ! Jesus is our Living Hope--in Him we will be born into a new existence, both the ones who have experienced physical death and those who are found still alive at His Second Coming! In this, our Faith in Jesus, he advises us to encourage one another... to assist each other in our Christian Life! (13-18) Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words. God Bless! Angel |
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677 | Which scriptures are about volunteering? | 1 Thess 1:9 | JCrichton | 136187 | ||
Hi, Kimberly! Though Scripture do not use the term "volunteering," here's what Paul had to say to the Ephisians: It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Ephesians 4:11-16) God Bless! Angel |
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678 | r antichrists saved? | 1 Thess 5:21 | JCrichton | 135674 | ||
Hi, faith21! By definition an anti-Christ is one that stands against Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior... hence, it follows that no anti-Christ can gain salvation since he/she rejects Christ, the only name given by which we will be Saved!: Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) Remember that it is not God who condemns but it is the creature(s) who rejects Salvation (Christ Jesus): Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. (John 3:18) God Bless! Angel |
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679 | To LEAVE a Church w/Scripture Back-up | 2 Thess 3:6 | JCrichton | 135527 | ||
Hi, Glynda! Paul's admonishion is that we are to worship in order (peace) and not disorder (dissension): For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. (1 Corinthians 14:33) Paul also spoke on the reasons of coming together as the Body of Christ, and the behavior which we must adhere to: Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. Consider the people of Israel: Do not those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar? Do I mean then that a sacrifice offered to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord's table and the table of demons. (1 Corinthians 10:16-21) We cannot come together as the world comes together (full of unrighteousness, envies, egocentrism, and lustful desires--sex, power, wealth...); we must come together in humble adoration to serve and love one another in Christ... it is this type of worship for which He offered Himself to us (1 Corinthians 11:23-30). Please, if you have not done it yet, begin an intensive Prayer Group (even if just with family and close friends) for both your peace and the reform of any errors in your congregation. God Bless! Angel |
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680 | is it wrong to wear fine clothing | 1 Tim 2:9 | JCrichton | 119121 | ||
"For where is the test if we are not faced with the temptation and choose to refuse it or fall for it." Hi, shadow thorn! Your post is charged... As you read 1 Timothy 2:9 the operative word is "MODESTY!" If we claim to be walking in the Light, John says, how can we live in darkness?--paraphrased. As a Christian we are samples of the Light so our behavior has to reflect this. How can we bring others to Christ or how can the world be convicted if we are indistinguishable from the world? To be a friend of the world is to be an enemy of God. There are no two ways about this! Some congregations behave as if all is permissible in Christ (Paul said that it is but not all edefies). There are people and places that openly reject God and His Commandments, are we to test our resolve, as Christians, by joining the non-believers? There are things beyond our control--since we are in the world--that we will be exposed to on a regular basis. But there are things that are quite under our control: * Dressing provocatively or sensually is not congruent to modesty and cannot lead us to spiritual enlightenment! * Frequenting a night club to find a Christian wife/husband is wanton disregard for the Truth. * Going to the beach should present no problem, unless we simply seek to lust after the scantily covered (more like uncovered) people or it is a nude beach. * Frequenting go-go bars, strip clubs and the like has no merit in Christian entertainment--no matter what society tries to sell to us! As Christians we are called to respect others: we are to evangelize with humility and love. I would rather preach to a friend or an acquaintance who loves to frequent bars outside of his/her prefered environment--attempting to win him/her over by joining him/her at a bar is counter productive as I would be setting the wrong examples for non-believers (or the weak in the faith) and I would be making myself vulnerable (not that I have a drinking problem) while simultaneously testing God! Deluting our Christian values by accepting the worlds terms does not make for spiritual growth! Ultimately, how we teach through example is a deeper and more ecompassing evangelization than preaching with words only. God Bless! Angel |
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