Results 361 - 380 of 391
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Results from: Answers On or After: Thu 12/31/70 Author: Rowdy Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
361 | Better safe than sorry? | Heb 6:4 | Rowdy | 110436 | ||
I'd like to start with a reference to my previous post of 109057 which dealth with this same issue. But in specific response to your query, I simply mean what most people mean with its use. When you find yourself with a problem such as the contrast between these verses, or the controversy surrounding the Rapture, Premillenialism, the requirement of baptism in God's plan of savation, it's always preferred and strongly encouraged for us to keep studying and make the correct conclusion. I always like to repeat that the Bible is its own best commentary. All the other commentaries are fine for discussion and opinions are "a dime a dozen," including mine. But we can't argue with God's Word. That being said, we're still left with this quandry of Heb 6:4 and 2 Pet 2. I can only say that I have studied this subject of "Falling from Grace" all my life. There's numerous examples in the Bible showing God's people both in the OT and the NT who at one time, showed their faith in God, King Saul, King David, Anninias and Saphira, the folks in the 7 letters of Asia from Jesus in Revelation. In all these examples above, God gives ample opportunity for them to repent and to "get back in God's good graces." King Saul failed to do so whereas King David did repent and is called "a man after God's own heart." Time and time again, we're warned to be on guard like Apostle Paul buffeting his own body to prevent ourselves from being lost. There's just too much evidence in the Bible against this doctrine, "Once Saved, Always Saved." To summarize "Better safe than sorry," I would have to say is best digested as follows: Are we prepared to meet our Maker with that conclusion? Could you defend your position in God's perfect court of law and justice with a truly sincere and honest conscience when He expects us to know better and to trust Him to settle controversial matters? God bless you for asking the question. Just keep studying and praying about it. I really would like to discuss this with you further or with anyone else. Please let me know. |
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362 | No more priests? | Heb 7:11 | Rowdy | 114009 | ||
I think the verse you're looking for is cited above. The main theme throughout the book of Hebrews is the superiority of the new High Priest in Christ Jesus, compared to that of the previous Levite priesthood. | ||||||
363 | Cleanse Conscience? Dead Works? | Heb 9:14 | Rowdy | 121058 | ||
I've been dealing with this issue for the last several weeks with several different folks on the Forum so I'll take a shot. In my mind, we should see our conscience as being a vital part of that Image of God which He created in all of us, Gen 1. You probably have already heard of the passage as follows 1 Tim 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. In a similar manner, we can salve our conscience into believing that we can retire from our ministry, carrying the cross Jesus gives to each of us. We must never fall into this kind of self-deception for it will have dire consequences including a very hot reception after Judgment Day. I would define dead works as those we've done in the past and living works as those going on in our current and present ministry. I'm convinced that each christian should take up his/her cross and serve Christ in whatever capacity they're qualified to fill. They must use their talents to the best of their ability and be fruitful in the Lord's vineyard as depicted in John 15. James also deals with this matter on a very practical level. Faith without works (read as current, on-going works) is dead. Mankind has a great tendancy to want to retire from a long period, possibly even a lifetime of work and "rest on our laurels." We must avoid that temptation as we're commanded to be faithful till death, Rev 2:10. Don't get me wrong, works from our past can be an excellent place to discuss how we could have done better but we MUST move on and tackle new goals, setting our sights on things ahead like Paul said in Phil 3:12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, Now if anyone deserved to retire from his service to the Lord, it had to have been Paul and we see this amazing amount of dedication while in prison, bound in chains. What a man! So you see our Lord keeps our conscience fully functional and hard working, reminding us when we do wrong or even when we think about it IF we're doing our part and keep that vital part of the fellowship with God active and alive as described in 1 John 1. Hope this helps and God bless. --Rowdy |
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364 | labels for God and for the Deity? | Heb 10:12 | Rowdy | 112376 | ||
I, too am interested in seeing your response to this controversy. Also, your profile is quite mystical but not very revealing about the true Thelma. Could you expand on your profile? Looking forward to your response and God bless. |
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365 | What does He 11:39,40 mean? | Heb 11:40 | Rowdy | 114622 | ||
I've copied the verses below for context: Heb 11:37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated 38 (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. 39 And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect. First of all, we should remember the main theme throughout the book of Hebrews is the superiority of Christianity, as Law of Liberty over the previous Law of Moses. Second point is this chapter 11 in particular is known by most Bible scholars as the "Hall of Fame" of God's faithful. Now we know who verse 39 is talking about. They didn't have a clear idea of redemption or salvation in the OT. They didn't even have a clear portrayal of Heaven in the OT so they really did have to put their faith in God. And of course we all know they didn't get forgiveness for their sins, not as far as God was concerned until His perfect sacrifice was made on the Cross IAW Rom 8:13. So the Plan of Salvation that is clearly described throughout the NT, is made available and is fully known to us in this dispensation. See Heb 8:6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. ...and thank God for it. God's blessings to you. |
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366 | Scripture? | Heb 11:40 | Rowdy | 114930 | ||
I'm saying that this language is figurative because our God is spiritual and we are physical. Have you ever thought about explaining your world to your neighborhood ant? Silly, yes...I can imagine your smile. In a similar way, our Creator is trying to tell us what life is going to be like after He destroys this whole universe and brings us into the next world. It's our choice as to whether we go to Heaven or to Hell. Tell me how do you RECONCILE the literal language of Revelation, Isaiah and all the other places where Heaven and Hell are cited and described WITH the scripture 2 Pet 3:10? So far I've not heard any convincing argument but I'm looking most earnestly for all comments from any and all Forum participants. I appreciate your question and pray God's blessings on you. |
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367 | is this about faith | Heb 12:1 | Rowdy | 112401 | ||
Thompson's Chain Reference Bible is good for this kind of thing. If you've been assigned this topic to speak for that time frame, you'll get plenty. Like Emmaus mentioned, most Bible students should only get started in such a short time as 10 minutes, so choose wisely which scriptures to supplement with your lesson. God bless. | ||||||
368 | Wisdom - Salvation in Christ? | James 1:5 | Rowdy | 121057 | ||
In answer to your question about whom James is addressing I can only quote the following for context: James 1:16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. 18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. 19 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Generally, I'm thinking that ALL the epistles and the Book of Acts are written to christians during the first century, but were intended for all christians to the end of the world. Now the basic message of the Gospels was directed to the world of unbelievers so they would believe in Jesus and become christians. But remember, this is a generalization on my part and I could be mistaken. Of course, a person could argue that the whole NT was written to those interested in Godliness, hungering and thirsting after righteousness. What do you think? God bless. --Rowdy |
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369 | what is the meaning of james1:12? | James 1:12 | Rowdy | 115885 | ||
Seems pretty straight forward to me. The only portion I can possibly imagine that could be subject to some small controversy would be exactly when do we get God's approval. I would have to say that happens on Judgment Day itself because up until that day, we can always go back and wipe out the good we've done by sinning and not repenting or some other infraction of God's law in the NT. This is made plain in 2 Pet 2:21 It 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," and, "A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud." and again by Paul in 1 Cor 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. In both of the passages, the Apostles make it very clear that yes indeed salvation CAN MOST certainly be lost after initial acceptance from our Lord. What do you think this verse means to you and everyone else? God bless. |
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370 | I am not the one sinning? | James 1:14 | Rowdy | 110599 | ||
I would refer you and him to James 1 as follows: 12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 16Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. 17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. There's several other scriptures that could be cited like Gal 5:24, but I'd like to summarize by saying that we as humans have a weakness for this kind of desire. As you may know, all sins are divided into 3 basic categories: a) Lust of the flesh (our body), b) Lust of the eye (our mind) and c) pride of life. The Devil tempts us to think about these areas and he knows us almost as well as God, our Father. When we continue to listen or pay attention to the Devil's temptations, we are inviting him to "set up shop" in our hearts just as Jesus depicted. We have to see ourselves as kicking him out of our hearts or its sin and whatever else he entices us to do. In other words we are the ones who CHOOSE to be a disciple of the Devil or to be a disciple with each hour of our lives. That's why it's so important to score at least daily time in God's Word and "stay in a prayer" constantly with our Lord and Saviour. Upon sincere and dedicated study of God's Word, one has to conclude there are two major sources of influence in this world: a) God, our Father and b) the Devil, master tempter. The Bible makes it very clear: all good things come from God and all the bad come from the Devil. So everyone has to make up their own mind, are you and I going to be prone to one or to the other? Of course, our Lord is going to help us back up when we stumble but He won't stand us up like toy soilders. He allows us that freedom of choice. I really don't see how anyone in the whole world could possibly argue with this kind of logic straight out of God's Word. What do you think? I hope this kind of talk will be helpful to your friend. God bless. |
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371 | Do we have to sin? | James 3:2 | Rowdy | 107751 | ||
You seem to have left out the sin of omission, that is, not doing that which we know to be good. Who could possibly claim in any one day of his or her life to end the day and go to bed at night knowing for an absolute fact that they had done all the good they could possibly do? Only our Lord could lay claim to that and He did it as a full-time job and literally exhausted himself at times, doing it. Remember, you, I and all other Americans enjoy an incredibly good lifestyle and don't really have to work so much...we could spend more of our leisure time doing good and most of us don't do it, including me. Once you understand how utterly detestable sin is to God, then you begin to get an understanding of how much we owe to God. He forgives us and we (at least I) still fail to live up to his standards. When we finally mature to the point to thank our God for every breath we take and all the many other blessings that shower upon us, then maybe we can get close to that high standard set by our Lord and Saviour. But as for me and my house, I thank God Almighty, His grace covers all of my sin as long as I'm keeping Him in my prayers every day. |
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372 | i don't trust my wife, what do i do? | James 5:13 | Rowdy | 109056 | ||
13Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. I can only refer you to your elders and promise that I'll pray for you and your wife to grow in trust with each other. I would like to think your elders will be wise enough to counsel/advise you further in this matter. |
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373 | What commands must we obey 2B saved? | 1 Pet 3:21 | Rowdy | 113740 | ||
This post is for both Searcher and CDBJ. I agree with both of you; this IS NOT an easy subject but I'll try to deal with all the points of your posts. First of all, let's agree to subdivide God's commands in the NT to His children, those who want to be with God at Judgment Day, into 2 groups. The first group would be those 5 steps of salvation I've posted once before but I'll repeat them here: 1) Hear/understand the Gospel of Christ, 2) Believe that Jesus is the Son of God, IAW that Gospel, 3) Repent of one's sins and resolve to turn away from that life of sin as much as possible, 4) Confess that belief in Christ as God's Son publically, and 5) Be baptized for the remission of one's sins in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. One should also consider the cost of this committment, which includes a total living sacrifice and a resolution to immitate Jesus and His official representatives (the Apostles) in the example they set as well as the directives they gave, found throughout the NT. Now onto the second group of commands from God's Word, those coming AFTER becoming a christian and being added to the Lord's church. We could spend the rest of lives discussing this subject and fill up hundreds of books like we're seeing on the bookshelves in our stores. Basically, in summary those commands are all the other directives or imperatives as provided in the NT, i.e. sing, adding the fruits of the Spirit and maintaining our armor of God so as to avoid the temptations of the Devil. Now you're probably saying about now, "It's literally impossible for one human being to do all of that." And to that I say an hearty AMEN and thank God for it. That's where grace comes in. We must be in a constant state of introspection, soul-searching, re-evaluating and maturing in our life of immitating Christ. We should feel free to confide in our soul-mate and open up our hearts to that person, expressing our fears, our short comings and solicit their prayers and support. Of course, we must do the same for them. Don't misunderstand, this is not an option as far as our Lord is concerned. Just as John explains in his 1st letter, we must see ourselves in the fellowship with God, while striving to maintain that fellowship with all of God's family. This constant vigilence keeps the blood of Christ active in our spiritual lives and constantly cleansing our soul of those few sins accorded to us on a daily basis. But we MUST also see ourselves as drawing closer and closer to our God and He'll do His part and draw us closer to Him. Sure there's going to much in the life of a christian left undone and ocassionally the best, most mature christian will commit a sin but that's also where God's grace bridges the gap. Now on the subject of Cornelius, his family and their being saved: this too is a tough subject. I've got to say it seems to me it's fairly obvious that Cornelius was saved in much the same manner as the Apostles. Don't you know that the Apostles were all baptized AFTER receiving the Empowerment of the Holy Ghost on that sacred 1st day of the church? I'd like to think they even had fun baptizing each other. Another interesting question: who was the first Apostle to be baptized? Let's pose your question from the other perspective. Let's suppose that Cornelius or any one member of his family (excluding the small children since they couldn't repent and believe) refused to be baptized. This person after receiving Empowerment from the Holy Ghost and THEN refuses to obey God's requirement to become a family member. What do you think? I've got to conclude he probably wouldn't have kept the Holy Spirit within him much longer. It would have left him just like it left King Saul in the OT, just like the Holy Spirit leaves a christian (in today's world) when he continues to sin willfully and doesn't repent. He gives up that redemptive power and all the benefits that go with it. I guess you can figure my answer to your question BUT the most important thing is IT'S GOD'S DECISION. I hope this long post is read by all on the Forum and God bless you all. |
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374 | Acts 10:47? | 1 Pet 3:21 | Rowdy | 113758 | ||
I can only respond with the facts as they are presented in God's Word. Numerous examples in the scriptures point out the urgent need of baptism as in the Ethiopian eunuch and the Phillipian jailer. It seems in almost all the examples I know about that baptism was an essential step in this process, thus the urgency. Also, it doesn't say in Acts 10:47 the Apostles or Cornelius was saved without baptism. If he were, it seems he would have waited on being baptized until there were more witnesses. This was a major event if you remember, the first time a christian jew converted a gentile to christianity. Remember Peter had to be convinced with a dream to do this and he told the story again to his fellow christian jews in Jerusalem because of this radical departure from the previous regime of Godliness for everyone. With all of that importance to this change and the lack of importance of baptism in the scenario you describe, why wouldn't Peter have wanted many more witnesses? No, my friend, I'm afraid I'll stick to my conclusion that baptism is essential for our salvation. I'd also be interested in your response to all the other points in both of my posts to you. Do continue studying and praying on this subject with an open mind. God bless you. |
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375 | What do you do with Acts 8:16? | 1 Pet 3:21 | Rowdy | 113841 | ||
I'm inserting a quote from Acts 8 as follows: Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, Acts 8:15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:16 For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. I must admit, I don't see how this scripture helps your case against the essentiality of baptism. In this scenario, people were being converted to Christianity so the Apostles thought it would be a good idea to go down and lay hands on a select few. Throughout the NT, the Apostles would impart a miraculous portion of the Holy Spirit by laying their hands on certain individuals so they could strengthen and encourage their congregation's development. This was done extensively throughout this period because they didn't have God's Word like we have today in its present form. Again, as mentioned in previous posts, we have to see two different kinds of relationships here during this period of initial (embryo type) growth of the church. The plan of salvation was always the same although it was never listed in a 1, 2, 3 step by step fashion as we modern pragmatists would like. The Comforter as promised by our Lord was sent to be the principal active being from the Godhead during this dispensation. During this initial period, the Holy Spirit empowered the Apostles with all manner of miraculous powers to confirm their words as coming from God. But once their thoughts, their directives, their whole story was documented for our sake like Theophilus, along with the epistles written with the help of the Holy Spirit, there was no need for miracles performed by human beings. God's Word is now confirmed by "credible testimony," secular historical documents and archelogical artifacts. This period of the demise of miracles by humans was forecasted by Paul in 1 Cor 13:10. I don't think there are any scriptures that support the idea of the Holy Spirit's imparting salvation without obeying God's plan of salvation, including baptism. If you know of such scriptures, I'd love to see them and discuss them with you. At any rate, I'd be interested in your response. God bless. |
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376 | Two groups of Christians at judgment? | 1 Pet 3:21 | Rowdy | 113843 | ||
I'm not really sure why you withdrew your question but I'll try to answer regardless. I didn't really say in my post there would be two different groups of christians. I said there are two different groups of commands from our God. The second group don't really come into consideration until AFTER one becomes a christian. But now that you bring it up for discussion, I guess there will be two groups of christians on Judgment Day: 1) those who are actually faithful til death and are able to enter the Master's mansion prepared for them and 2) those christians who have turned their backs to the Lord or gone to sleep as the Apostle Paul puts it. They enjoyed the gift of salvation briefly and then chose to go back to a life of sin, depicted as a dog returning its vomit or a pig to its mud. The key word is return. The came out of the world of sin, took on Christ as their Savior and chose to go back to that world dominated by the Devil. So as you can guess, this latter group of christians are treated like the goats in your scenario above, quoted from Matthew. I hope this is clear and helps your understanding. God bless. |
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377 | Rowdy, what did the Spirit do in the OT? | 1 Pet 3:21 | Rowdy | 118647 | ||
I thought the discussion about the Spirit's involvement with King Saul made my opinion position on this pretty clear but I'll try again. Upon studying God's Word (all of it) and looking at it as a whole, it becomes pretty clear that God the Father took "center stage" throughout the OT. Whereas Jesus do the same in the Gospels as portrayed by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Then, during the rest of the NT AFTER the Gospels, the Holy Spirit dominated and had His time. Now don't misunderstand, PLEASE, each of the three had a brief showing in each of these 3 phases. For example, it's suggested by some that we see Jesus in Dan 3:25 He said, "Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!" So the conclusion is all 3 of the Godhead have been involved in this world-wide program of God's getting his beloved creation back at Home with Him since the creation. But I agree with you it is rather obvious that their appearance in the different phases as mentioned above is in submission to Whomever has center stage. I hope this makes my position more clear. God bless. --Rowdy |
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378 | Brotherly affection or christian love? | 2 Pet 1:7 | Rowdy | 114692 | ||
This topic has been discussed quite a bit. The Greek allowed for 3 to 4 different kinds/levels of love. If you'll insert Agape, eros or philio into the search engine to the right of your screen, you should be able to find more than you ever wanted to know about the subject. God bless. | ||||||
379 | Creation vs Evolutionists | 2 Pet 2:1 | Rowdy | 121995 | ||
In addition to all the other posts you've rec'd, there's another excellent website, apologeticspress.org. It's managed and edited by a bunch of christian scientists and they all believe very strongly in creation over evolution. Most of these gentlemen and ladies have degrees and much experience in discussing scientific facts in support of God's account of creation. I'm using some of their lesson plans at present, on my Sunday morning class with adults. It's been most stimulating in lots of good discussion. God bless. --Rowdy |
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380 | grace after death | 2 Pet 3:10 | Rowdy | 118197 | ||
2 Pet 3:9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. 11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! 13 But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. I don't know anything about a second form of grace apart from what we read in our Bibles. Grace will be most important to us on Judgment Day when God considers how we lived our lives here on earth. The gap between our imperfect lives and His perfect standard as in His Son will be made up by this Grace IF we have the right relationship with His Son's blood. Anything concerning this physical world will be all destroyed and thus of no consequence. God bless. --Rowdy |
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