Results 321 - 340 of 905
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Results from: Answers On or After: Thu 12/31/70 Author: Mommapbs Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
321 | The Sovereignty of God | Ps 103:19 | Mommapbs | 124625 | ||
Greetings Hank - great questions! So I sought out some answers . . . check out Arthur Pink's book, "The Sovereignty of God" - I plan to read through this - thanks for the "push." http://www.pbministries.org/books/pink/Sovereignty/sovereignty.htm Pink says about the value of this doctrine: "The substitution of so-called "practical" preaching for the doctrinal exposition which it has supplanted is the root cause of many of the evil maladies which now afflict the church of God. The reason why there is so little depth, so little intelligence, so little grasp of the fundamental verities of Christianity, is because so few believers have been established in the faith . . ." "The doctrine of God’s sovereignty then is no mere metaphysical dogma which is devoid of practical value, but is one that is calculated to produce a powerful effect upon Christian character and the daily walk. The doctrine of God’s sovereignty lies at the foundation of Christian theology, and in importance is perhaps second only to the Divine Inspiration of the Scriptures. It is the center of gravity in the system of Christian truth—the sun around which all the lesser orbs are grouped. It is the golden milestone to which every highway of knowledge leads and from which they all radiate. It is the cord upon which all other doctrines are strung like so many pearls, holding them in place and giving them unity. It is the plumb-line by which every creed needs to be measured, the balance in which every human dogma must be weighed. It is designed as the sheet-anchor for our souls amid the storms of life. The doctrine of God’s sovereignty is a Divine cordial to refresh our spirits. It is designed and adapted to mould the affections of the heart and to give a right direction to conduct. It produces gratitude in prosperity and patience in adversity. It affords comfort for the present and a sense of security respecting the unknown future. It is, and it does all, and much more than we have just said, because it ascribes to God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—the glory which is His due, and places the creature in his proper place before Him—in the dust." Here are 12 reasons Pink lists on the value of preaching the Doctrine of the sovereignty of God: 1-It deepens our veneration of the Divine Character. 2-It is the solid foundation of all true religion. 3-It repudiates the heresy of salvation by works. 4-It is deeply humbling to the creature. 5-It affords a sense of absolute security. 6-It supplies comfort in sorrow. 7-It begets a spirit of sweet resignation. 8-It evokes a song of praise. 9-It guarantees the final triumph of good over evil. 10-It provides a resting place for the heart. Mommapbs responds: Is it important to teach and preach and meditate upon the sovereignty of God? YES Why? Because of our human tendency to focus on self rather than on God. Meditiation on God's sovereignty keeps everything in HIS perspective - Lord open our eyes that we may see what YOU see . . . Why do you think it (God's Sovereignty) has become so unpopular a subject? Because man continues to want to be "in control" - we are still in rebellion! We think by placing God in the passenger seat we are "going with God!" But is He really going with us? Not when we consider His sovereignty - we delude ourselves with this thinking. Yes, I agree, humanism has had a significant influence upon the church as well as upon individual believers. This man centered mindset encourages independence and values the "I can do it" mentality that America in particular thrives upon. But the effect of humanism upon Christians is to dethrone God. Indeed, we are mostly a self-focused bunch! Very sobering to realize this . . . Lord forgive me. What does the Bible say? From Pink's book I found this fabulous verse: "Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine; Thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and Thou art exalted as Head above all" 1 Chronicles 29:11 May we all fall on our faces like Job and declare:"I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees You;Therefore I retract,And I repent in dust and ashes." Job 42:5-6 Blessings, mommapbs |
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322 | T or F. Sola Scriptura (Scripture only) | Ps 119:105 | Mommapbs | 85870 | ||
Greetings Radioman! God spoke directly to me, and audibly. He directed me to His Word, to a specific passage. I read the passage but struggled believing what He was saying to me here because I was always taught that the only way God speaks is through His Word . . .yet I had heard His voice. And YES, I am willing to die for my claim. Believe what God says and seek confirmation when in doubt. This has been my experience. mommapbs PS: In order to have a teachable spirit one must not always believe what one thinks. |
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323 | Where are you now? | Ps 119:105 | Mommapbs | 103269 | ||
Thanks for your kind post - I've been out of town. I WILL get back to you. mommapbs | ||||||
324 | Where are you now? | Ps 119:105 | Mommapbs | 103325 | ||
Greetings! I'd like to spend a little time with you and digest all that God has shown me over the last several months, but that would take days so we'll have to take a "snack" here and there! First of all - digging into God's Word is a MUST for ALL believers. Before I was active on this Forum, I had no idea what all the doctrinal differences were, so I had to investigate for myself, to see what I have been taught is correct. From my first post, you can see that I was "jaded" a bit because of my legalistic upbringing in the church. God has very clearly identified areas of belief that needed to be corrected: legalism, performance Christianity, issues of self-worth, relating to others - choosing to love, yieldedness to HIS plans and purposes for my life, spiritual gifts etc. and most importantly, learning to recognize that HE is doing the work, not me! As for my current situation - I am choosing to be submissive to my husband and his desire to remain within the church body. I was "set aside" by the leader of our women' ministry, who told me that I was not to "teach" in my postion as a leader of a small group - yet this is just one of my gifts. So I have waited . . . and in the interim, God has been my companion and He has brought many encouragers into my life during this time - the FOrum has been one of HIS sources. I have learned to look for HIS affimration rather than from others. I'll admit that I've had many days of discouragement as well, and yet I can see that this is but more evidence that I am walking in the right direction. Just recently, God answered a prayer that I have had to love as He loves; to see others as He sees them. This has enabled me to respond very differently to those who have hurt or offended me - it has made me more compassionate and caring . . . not that I am "there yet" but it has been a truly amazing experience. To REALLY love as we are loved . . . oh what a Day that will be! continued in next post . . . |
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325 | Where are you now? | Ps 119:105 | Mommapbs | 103326 | ||
part 2 . . . As for re-engaging . . . I was asked to participate again (this is two years now) as a small group leader, and once again I was admonished not to prepare anything for the group. Well, the study was of a "book" about THE Book, and although I have found it to be excellent, it is NOT a substitute fore personal time IN God's Word - that is where HE will speak directly to you! So I have ignored the discouragement and have shared what God has placed on my heart to bring forth for these precious women. Just today, the passage that God impressed upon me was about the healing of the paralytic. In Mt 9:2 Jesus said, "Take courage, your sins have been forgiven" was so significant to me - for even if God allows a circumstance to remain in our lives HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT! During our prayer time, one of the women was burdened for her unbelieving cousin who is a QUADRAPLEGIC! And to top if off, the video portion of the "lesson" focused on the same healing (but the passage was from the Gospel of Luke!) The part of the message that stuck home with me was that the friends of the paralyzed man were persistent - they did not let a roof get in their way - they did not let discouragement keep them from their mission - through this I heard very clearly God "shouting" to me, "Don't give up!" - To which I wrote in response, "Thank you Lord!" Sidebar: I recalled that last week, I was meditating on Mt 3:3 "Prepare the way for the Lord, make His paths staight." Now, it is clear to me that I have put some pot holes and road blocks in His path! It has taken a while, but the Lord is indeed teaching and disciplining me! I am learning to be obedient to His Word, to change the way I THINK (this is the heart of repentence!)and act. At the conclusion of our discussion, one of the women asked if I was a teacher,(She had no idea what she was asking or the significance of her question!)to which I replied that teaching was one of my "gifts." After we were dismissed, another woman with whom I had worked in the past approached me and told me that God had given her a vision for a local group of women in the arts to form some sort of group and she wanted to include me! (And all this was AFTER I had briefly read your post to me exhorting me to RE-ENGAGE and be obedient!) The only part of your post that gives me a little angst is when you state that we should not spend so much time studying God's Word, but rather just obey it - well, meditating upon the Word is also obedience. My passion is for others to be so into God's Word that they desire to know Him and be able to discern what is His good and perfect will is and then yield themselves in obedience to it! Too many folks flock to this program and that trying to figure out what God wants it becomes their "to do" list - but the truth is that God wants us to just BE devoted to Him, yielded to His Spirit; allowing HIM to be at work in and through us. The elementary teachings of the faith - what it really means to BE, IN CHRIST - are so undertaught or emphasized. Yes, obedience is the key - and this is HOW we love God - we are to do what He says! 1 John 3:11. 16; 4:12,21; 5:1-4 and on and on! Thank you for your encouragement - you have been God's instrument of affirmation to me and I covet you prayers that I will walk IN OBEDIENCE with Him - as HE has prepared the Way for me! Blessings! mommapbs |
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326 | How Are We Reading Thru The Bible? | Ps 119:148 | Mommapbs | 140577 | ||
Greetings Searcher56 - This really irked me when our Pastor announced that as a congregation we were to follow a specified order of reading so that at the end of the year we all would have read the Bible through . . . this whole program of "reading through the Bible" is just that - a program. Is this glorifying to God? Does it honor Him or does it earn some kind of award for us? Motives of the heart comes to mind here . . . Prov 16:2 Blessings, mommapbs |
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327 | How can i MEET God? | Ps 132:1 | Mommapbs | 149711 | ||
Greetings SMO (?) - Look up the Scriptures referenced in this post! In reading Jer 29:13 and Acts 17:24 it seems to me that a change of heart is necessary. Imo, you need to change the way you think about God. You can't "catch" God nor can you manipulate Him by your actions or determination. The Lod knows you from the inside out; He knows what is motivating you. (Prov 16:2)Imo, you need to repent of this quest for God to "show up" - to "prove" an intimate relationship - which has in fact led to your doubt.(I believe this is actually a good thing, because it brings you to a place of choice - to believe or to doubt. I have always found it best to "doubt my doubts." If I "doubt" my doubt that God will show us I am more open to seeing Him as He wants to reveal Himself to me!) God IS all around us,(Num 14:21) where can you go from His presence? (Ps 139:7; Romans 8: 35-39) The problem as I see it is that you are looking for evidence in a self-centered manner, not allowing God to reveal Himself as He purposes for you. Sometime we just have to trust that He is who He says w/o ANY proof. That's faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God.(Heb 11:6) Imo, this is your crisis of belief. I encourage you to confess and repent of your attempt to manipulate God (Yesterday i planned of fasting until God came to me (in a manifest presence), to show him the determination of my spirit to meet Him.) and choose to believe that He is always with you, whether He chooses to reveal Himself or not. Start there. God loves you just the way you are; you don't have to show or "prove" anything to Him. Thank Him for this and choose to believe it! Read Eph 2:8-10. Lastly, I'm just wondering, are you SMO or a son or daughter of SMO? Blessings, mommapbs |
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328 | FORMED IN OUR MOTHERS WOMB | Ps 139:15 | Mommapbs | 120742 | ||
Greetings! Do read this wonderful Psalm - may you have a fresh appreciation for the mother who chose to give birth to you . . . and most importantly, the God who created you! Blessings, mommapbs |
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329 | are days given to the rightous | Ps 139:16 | Mommapbs | 149258 | ||
Greetings - God is all knowing; God knows the day of our physical birth and the day of our physical death! We don't get any days added or subtracted from what He has already ordained for us as individuals. Blessings, mommapbs |
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330 | Christian, or Good Ole Boy? 2 of 2 | Ps 139:23 | Mommapbs | 136307 | ||
"He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone . . ." John 8:7 Geroge - I've read your posts and dialoged a bit with you in the past and I am wondering if you have examined your motives for this posting? What are they? I'm confused as to your intention, posting ciriticism of a couple of individuals in a public manner such as this (as a Question instead of as a note) seems (to me) to violate the way that God would have us to confront those who have offended us. (Mt 18:15) I'd also like to ask if at any time when you re-registerd under another screeen name did you identfy yourself as a former participant? Did you apologize for your improper behavior which resulted in the loss of posting privileges? These propmt me to question your motives. But you don't have to give an account to me . . . Peace to you, mommapbs |
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331 | Please help me | Proverbs | Mommapbs | 120752 | ||
Greetings Rugbyman - please check your reference and re-post your question! | ||||||
332 | Do you understand it? | Prov 1:29 | Mommapbs | 120717 | ||
Greetings - Why do folks refuse help falling? In a word, pride. I suspect that pride is at the root of even our "doings" for the Lord. This is what I call the "sin of obedience." When we are motivated by pride (positive or negative), we often become deaf and blind to the condemnation of our heart, the Word of God and the prompting of the Holy Spirit. To refuse help when one is falling is just a symptom of a greater problem. See Luke 18:9-14. Blessings, mommapbs |
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333 | Might it be fear? | Prov 1:29 | Mommapbs | 120724 | ||
Greetings! And what causes us to fear? - that we are somehow unworthy - naked - what are we trying to "cover up?" How about negative pride? In our heart of hearts we must come to that point of brokenness, the realization that we are "uncovered." We recognize the Fall of man within ourselves and this fear of discovery prompts us to do what is "wise in our own eyes." Instead of going to God and seeking His mercy and righteousness, we use fig leaves (self effort) to "justify" ourselves. Yes, fear is a great motivator to "cover-up." But WHAT needs to be covered? Praise God for the shed blood of Jesus which covers ALL my sin! This alone makes me worthy and frees me from fear! Perfect love, God's love, cast out fear. Sadly, pride keeps many believers captive to fear; they have not fully appreciated the love of God in Christ (Romans 5:8) Blessings on your day, mommapbs |
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334 | But I say, Have they not learned? | Prov 1:29 | Mommapbs | 120749 | ||
See this post by Makarios 106095 - we will all give an account of ourselves to the Lord. Indeed, Christ is Lord of the living and the dead(Romans 14:9). Yes, it is God's will that none perish and all come to repentance, (2 Peter 3:9) yet as God also gave man the freedom to choose the knowledge of God or not, we too join Jesus as He weeps for those who "would not." Lk 13:34 We, as ministers one to another have the HEALER, but apart from Him we cannot heal. Apart from Him, we cannot even "help." (John 15:5) But as the Lord gives you opportunity, continue to do as you did today, be there to help. May the Lord open your heart to understand HIS heart; His love and compassion for those who reject Him; may you share a portion of His grief; may you be given a fresh insight into the Grace and Mercy that you have received. Blessings, mommapbs |
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335 | Scriptures on the spirit of Apathy? | Prov 1:32 | Mommapbs | 104559 | ||
Check out Proverbs 1:32-33! I'm not sure that these suggest that Satan is behind our complacency, but we can be sure that God is NOT! I think that all too often we blame the devil for what just comes naturally! Can Eve blame Satan? I might suggest that our desensitization arises from our own sin nature - which Romans 1 addresses. Satan just uses this to his advantage when he tempts us! BTW, I used Biblegateway and input the words complacency, complacent, indifference etc in NIV and MSG translations to find these verses. Blessings, mommapbs |
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336 | gen: 27 how are the five senses used/ | Prov 3:5 | Mommapbs | 34839 | ||
Thanks for the intriguing question! In this passage I think that 5 senses were abused, not used! Sight - Isaac knew he was all but blind, but despite this recognition, he relied upon his other senses rather than to seek guidance! Jacob probably counted on this personality trait as well as his father's blindness in his deception! Smell - enticing aroma of immediate gratification that had eternal consequences. We can compare this to perfume that smells good out of the bottle, as we smell the "first notes"- which suggest that more good things are in store - but when worn, the true scent makes us sick! Taste - When we are hungry, most of us look for something quick that we like to quwell those pangs rather than wait for the full course (and more nutritious)meal. Or perhaps too often we settle for crumbs instead of looking for the cake! Hearing - recognizing a voice but ignoring who is speaking. Heaing what we want to hear often prevents us from really listening. Touch - relying of feelings rather than facts. Stick with the Truth, not how it makes you feel! God's ways often take us out of our comfort zones! Hope this blesses your day in some way! Mommapbs |
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337 | Adieu, Forumites. | Prov 3:5 | Mommapbs | 143776 | ||
Colin - don't know why you have decided to leave us, but may God continue to guide and direct your paths and may you always seek His face in whatever He has called you to do. Blessings, mommapbs |
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338 | Is death penalty acceptable punishment | Prov 3:13 | Mommapbs | 104771 | ||
Greetings Kalos. My, you are on a roll tonight! What thought provoking questions. Thanks for the scripture references to consider. I'm camping with Gen 9:5-6. With the recent jury decision in the news, I have thought much about our use of the death penalty. As sinners, we are ALL under a sentence of death. The justice of God says that the wages, or penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23) Does this justify our use of the death penlaty for men who commit evil acts? We have a list of those acts that God's law deems worthy of death, yet did not Christ die for ALL sin, including these? Do we declare His death insufficient by using the death penalty to punish captial offenders? God declares life precious enough to be redeemed. As believers, what should be the focus of our attention - perhaps we should be more concerned about another's ultimate destiny . . . Part of me wants to say a life for a life - but has not a Life already been given? In my heart, I don't really know if I could ever sentence a person to death . . . for some, could living with the consequence of one's sinfulness be a more cruel form of punishment? Thanks be to God who knows who are His! Even the vilest offender is not beyond the redeeming shed blood of Christ. Sorry to not have a more "black or white" answer here. mommapbs |
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339 | Is death penalty acceptable punishment | Prov 3:13 | Mommapbs | 104783 | ||
After having "slept" on your question this is a follow up post - Now, considering the passage in Romans - since all governing authorites are established by God (meaning that they exist just as they are by God's permissive will) it seems to me that any laws that these "authorities" create would have to be under that umbrella as well. So, in the USA where capital punishment is allowed by some states, on the basis of this Scripture, should we challenge it? Does the death penalty "deter" acts of murder and mayhem? If we compare the punishment/crime rates of Islamic countries we see that when the punishment fits the crime (?), there is less. (Or at least there is less reported!) Sadly, all too many "authorities" are corrupt and whereby their laws are supposed to serve and protect the people, they fall far short of God's perfect law. But God knows all about this too. Since God's Word declares both the preciousness of life and the validity of the penalty of death, I am at an impasse and will trust these things to the mercy and grace of God. Thanks for making us think! mommapbs |
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340 | G12 CELL MINISTRY: How is it effective? | Prov 11:30 | Mommapbs | 101578 | ||
Greetings! This Scripture was from a web site I visited to learn more about the G12 Cell ministry concept. In this day when our local churches serve a broad segment of society, I do believe that many folks can get lost in the shuffle unless they are engaged some way in "body life." This concept of ministry and discipleship certainly has its merits in large churches. The success of this ministry, from MY perspective however, is determined by the willingness of individual members to be accountable to the Lord AND to one another. Blessings, mommapbs |
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