Results 181 - 200 of 263
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Aspiring Overseer Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
181 | What if you don't obey that command? | Rom 6:4 | Aspiring Overseer | 56810 | ||
You stated, "Surely one does not have to change the way he thinks and acts BEFORE God will save him. Salvation WILL change the way you think and act. Changing in this manner is the RESULT, not the CAUSE, of salvation." If this is true, why do judges keep serious criminals behind bars UNTIL they show signs of repentence? Most people I know would not be too excited about having an unrepentent arsonist move to their neighborhood. Deeds of repentence are ALWAYS required before salvation. |
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182 | What if you don't obey that command? | Rom 6:4 | Aspiring Overseer | 56865 | ||
Since I am quoting God's word and you are countering with the written opinion of denominationalists, I would reconsider your line of arguement. That deeds of repentence are always required is not my opinion; its God's command. Consider this sample of verses: Lev 26:40-43 40'If they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their forefathers, in their unfaithfulness which they committed against Me, and also in their acting with hostility against Me-- 41I also was acting with hostility against them, to bring them into the land of their enemies-- or if their uncircumcised heart becomes humbled so that they then make amends for their iniquity, 42then I will remember My covenant with Jacob, and I will remember also My covenant with Isaac, and My covenant with Abraham as well, and I will remember the land. NAS 2 Chron 7:13-15 14and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. NAS Luke 15:17-21 17"But when he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger! 18'I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men. "' 20"And he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him, and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him, and kissed him. 21"And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' NAS Acts 17:30-31 30"Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent, 31because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead. " NAS Acts 26:19-20 19"Consequently, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance. NAS Rev 3:19-20 19'Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; be zealous therefore, and repent. NAS Keep praying for guidance and God will be faithful. |
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183 | What are the "works of God"? | Rom 6:4 | Aspiring Overseer | 56866 | ||
For the record, the passage you are attacking deals with the requirements under the Mosiacal Covenant. Are you saying that works were not required there, as well? Surely, you would agree that the Apostle Paul was one of the most knowledgeable and active Jews of the day. He did not reach his level of experience without effort. | ||||||
184 | What if you don't obey that command? | Rom 6:4 | Aspiring Overseer | 56867 | ||
Let me see if I understand this correctly, Hank. You run this forum and only allow discussion if it meets your approval! Why not have a reasonable discussion and prove your case rather than attacking the messenger? |
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185 | What if you don't obey that command? | Rom 6:4 | Aspiring Overseer | 56868 | ||
If someone were to seek to be justified by the Law of Moses, which this verse refers to, you would be correct. | ||||||
186 | What are the "works of God"? | Rom 6:4 | Aspiring Overseer | 56912 | ||
I agree fully. | ||||||
187 | What are the "works of God"? | Rom 6:4 | Aspiring Overseer | 56913 | ||
Is 1:18 adjures God's people to reason together with Him. Why do you feel that a viewpoint which is contrary to the commonly held notion should not be given a fair hearing? I will remind you that I am not the one making personal attacks. I just appear to be in the minority on this forum. If you were offended by anything I have written, it was not my intent. P. S. FYI, the "works of the Law" you refer to in Romans 3:28 are the works of the Law of Moses, not the works of the Law of Faith. Two different covenants; two different laws. |
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188 | Is the Work of Christ Sufficient? | Rom 6:23 | Aspiring Overseer | 68263 | ||
The attribute of Faith is having complete trust, confidence, reliance and loyalty in God. Faith is shown by a person’s willful obedience to God’s law and is not the simple belief that God’s law exists without need of any future consideration. To have faith means you act upon your belief! We understand God’s word is truth and that we live under a New Covenant. What is our obligation under that covenant? Why is the Law of Faith one that calls for action rather than passivity? Why is faith in God always associated with work? What is Faith? - See He 11:1-2 –Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval... -Faith is the unquestioning belief that underlies a person’s response to a duty or obligation. Each of the many examples of Hebrews demonstrate how God’s people of the Old Covenant proved their trust in God. -“the men of old gained approval” through their righteous actions: -Abel offered a better sacrifice v. 4 -Enoch walked with God, because God found him “pleasing” (v. 5) -Noah built the ark (v. 7) What is belief? - Belief is defined by Webster’s’ New World dictionary as “to take as true”. To believe something as true does not automatically lead to action. JA 2:19 (….the demons also believe and shudder.) -Cain believed his sacrifice was as good as Abel’s, etc. What separates us from Demons? -Faith. Christians are called to be faithful to fulfill our obligation to God. See Col 1:1-29 Where does faith come from? -From hearing the word of God. See Ro10:17, but also above. Why is this important? -The world preaches, “all you must do is believe and you’ll be saved. No action is necessary. Work was required in the past, but no longer”. Numerous passages throughout the N.T., however, speak of the action God commands of a Christian as proof of their faith. -Rom 12:1-2 12:1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. NAS James 1:21-22 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. NAS How do we know faith involves more than simple belief? 1) It is empirically true: From a person’s own experience and observation we know faith defines an absolute conviction where belief is passive. We believe the airplane is safe, but it is our faith in its airworthiness that allows us to fly from Seattle to NY, thus proving our belief. 2) By example, O.T. faith in God was proven by deeds. He 11:1-2 3) By N.T. command, Christians are called to action. -Ph2:12-15 (work out your salvation) - JA 2:14 (what use is it, my brethren, if a man says he has faith..) Why are Christians to be faithful? -Faithfulness equals obedience. See Jo14:21-24 -What is God’s law? Can it be found anywhere besides the N.T.? Scripture, or the Bible, is a reference manual for God’s people that teaches, and at the same time, demonstrates that only Christians will be saved! God’s word is truth (Jo 17:17) and all inclusive (i. e. there are no other routes to eternal life!) As our creator, he has made a covenant with us, or agreement. We must obey our part of the covenant if we are to expect our reward. |
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189 | Are we free from the Law? | Rom 7:6 | Aspiring Overseer | 150111 | ||
Iktoose, Your original question stated, “We (believers) are free from the Law (Romans 7:6) but Paul stated in Romans 3:31 that we should uphold the Law. Can someone tell me what part of the Mosaic Law (Pentateuch) we should still comply? I wish there was a clear black and white line drawn.”. I have not taken the time to review all the posts to your original question, but I believe you might find the start of your answer in the analysis of the verses you contrast (Ro 7:6 and Ro 3:31). Rom 7:6 6 But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. NAS Rom 3:31 31 Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law. NAS Clearly Ro 7:6 refers to the Law of Moses as it states disciples had “been released from the Law”, yet Ro 3:31 says the Law is established! Do we have more context to determine Paul’s meaning? By looking back to verse 27 we are given clarification: Rom 3:27 27 Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. NAS These verses are referring to totally different laws. Where Ro 7:6 speaks of the Mosaic Law, Ro 3:31 refers back to the Law of Faith; two different laws; one for the Mosaic Age, the other for the Christian Age. God’s people prior to the Christian Age were expected to follow God’s commands. Failure to do so resulted in punishment. During the Christian Age, God’s people are still expected to follow His commands: John 14:15 15 "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. NAS Heb 5:9 9 And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, NAS Failure to obey continues to result in punishment. Thus law continues in the Christian Age; outlining the actions we must perform to uphold our end of the contract; designed by God and established by our Lord. I am at your service if you wish to discuss this further. AO |
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190 | is there security of the believer | Rom 8:39 | Aspiring Overseer | 68266 | ||
Can salvation be lost? Heb 2:1 2:1For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. NAS Heb 3:12 12Take care, brethren, lest there should be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart, in falling away from the living God. NAS 2 Peter 2:20-22 20For if after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22It has happened to them according to the true proverb, "A dog returns to its own vomit," and, "A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire." NAS James 5:19-20 19My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth, and one turns him back, 20let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins. NAS Heb 10:26-29 26For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27but a certain terrifying expectation of judgment, and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries. 28Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? NAS Heb 10:32-36 32But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, 33partly, by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. 34For you showed sympathy to the prisoners, and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an abiding one. 35Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. NAS Finally, Jude 5-6 5Now I desire to remind you, though you know all things once for all, that the Lord, after saving a people out of the land of Egypt, subsequently destroyed those who did not believe. NAS Beginning with the Nation of Israel, Jude gives example after example of those who had been "saved" by God (in the O.T.), only to ultimately "lose their salvation." This warning he gave to N.T. believers, lest they should wind up in a similar shape. AO |
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191 | is there security of the believer | Rom 8:39 | Aspiring Overseer | 68358 | ||
NKA, I am sure you are familiar with John chapter 15, where Jesus teaches His disciples about the kingdom of heaven. It reads: John 15:1-2 15:1"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2"Every branch in Me (in Christ) that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes (disciplines) it, that it may bear more fruit. If people wish to be part of the "true vine" they must be "in Christ", that is to be covered by the atoning sacrifice of His blood, as I am sure you agree. Pay close attention to what is said next, however; those branches already "in Christ", who do not bear fruit, are taken away! These branches (Christians) were "in Christ" (i.e. saved and having full knowledge of the goodness of God) yet they did not bear fruit and thus lost their salvation! Why did they bear no fruit? Is not God able to perform all the works necessary? If God were to ensure our salvation regardless of our effort, then this chapter, and many others, are foolishness. Of course, they are not, so from the perspective of an independent thinker in Scripture; which I trust, you are; this requires careful consideration. We can either trust in what others say about Scripture or research it for ourselves. Agreed? John 15:8 8 By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. NAS Christians must put forth the effort to prove themselves as Christ’s disciples. AO |
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192 | is there security of the believer | Rom 8:39 | Aspiring Overseer | 68424 | ||
Joe, These are the verses we are discussing: John 15:1-2 15:1"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2"Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit. NAS What is the "true vine" and who are those who are "in Me"? AO |
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193 | when a I saved and when baptised | Rom 10:9 | Aspiring Overseer | 189485 | ||
Steve, Thank you for an excellent post. Some folks may be confused by John’s baptism versus Christian baptism so I have taken the liberty to expand slightly on your work. Though John 1:33 and Matthew 21:25 refer to John's baptism, which has been supplanted, Christian baptism is unquestionably a commandment of God and must be obeyed for salvation. I have listed some of the verses here for easier following. God sent John to baptize and thereby establish its precedent. John the Baptist said, John 1:33 33 "And I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, 'He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the one who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.' NAS Jesus confirmed John’s action was commanded by God. While not the same as Christian baptism, it foreshadowed its arrival. Matthew 21:25 25 "The baptism of John was from what source, from heaven or from men?" And they began reasoning among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' He will say to us, 'Then why did you not believe him?' NAS The Lord commands his disciples to baptize. Although given before the Church began, Christ confirms the action. Matthew 28:18-20 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. " NAS And, finally, Peter confirms the Lord’s command for baptism in the current age. Acts 10:48 48 And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days. NAS As you so succinctly wrote, “It has nothing at all to do with legalism or salvation by works etc... but everything to do with humbling ourselves in submission to God in obedience to Him!”. Best regards, AO |
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194 | when a I saved and when baptised | Rom 10:9 | Aspiring Overseer | 189531 | ||
Steve, Thank you for your response. It is an interesting doctrine that people are called on to believe and confess God; both actions requiring human effort; yet water baptism is beyond the pale! You are correct in stating this subject has been discussed at length so I will not subject you or others following this thread to a repeat of the discussion. Please feel most welcome to contact me individually, if desired. Best regards, AO |
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195 | when a I saved and when baptised | Rom 10:9 | Aspiring Overseer | 189598 | ||
Steve, Scripture is very clear on the mater that Christianity is simply not a "something for nothing" religion as is so often erroneously asserted. The natural man does indeed revise God's Word to agree with their desire to have no responsibility for their own actions. Thus the constant refrain of half-truths train and sustain a population who may have a great zeal for God, but not in accordance with the truth. They seek the easy road, stubbornly refusing to acknowledge their own God-given ability to chose between good and evil, they unwittingly proclaim themselves to be helpless souls, waiting for a "revelation" from God that they manufacture in their own minds, allowing themselves the "free pass" they crave from their daily deeds. The requirement of baptism for salvation has been contested since the later half of the first century, but Scripture is indeed clear on its necessity. Acts 2:38 38And Peter said to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. NAS They chose to repent and be baptized in order to receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:36 36And as they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?" NAS He excitedly chose to be baptized as soon as it was physically possible. Acts 16:32-34 33And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household. NAS They were immediately baptized. Why not wait until the rest of their friends and family could witness the event? Because they were acting on their faith that the words presented to them were the command of God. John 14:15 15 "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. NAS 1 Peter 3:21-22 21 And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you-- not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience-- through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him. NAS Baptism now saves you by being the final step to the grace offered through the blood of Christ. God could not make it any clearer, “Baptism now saves you”. How? Not in itself, but through the individual’s obedience to the command of God, allowing that person to finally have a clear conscience before the Lord. Agree or disagree, each of us must make our own decision. Best regards, AO |
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196 | when a I saved and when baptised | Rom 10:9 | Aspiring Overseer | 189613 | ||
BradK, Thank you for your feedback. How many times must God cause to be written His commands before they are expected to be followed? If it is more than once, then a person should check themselves to see if they are in the faith. I agree that context is critical and that is why God included Romans 11:1-5 before giving us verse 6 so that we would know that the works which were ineffective were the works of the Law of Moses. This says nothing about excluding work from the Law of Faith. As to 1 Peter 3:21 being difficult to understand, its preceding verse should make abundantly clear that as eight were brought safely through the water, so God's people today are brought safely into the body of Christ through the same element. Best regards, AO |
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197 | when a I saved and when baptised | Rom 10:9 | Aspiring Overseer | 189697 | ||
Brad, The important point of 1 Peter 3:20-21 is not who was “wet”, but that God’s people where brought safely through the water. Those indeed who “got wet” and were disobedient to God were not saved. Also, as a point of clarification, water baptism does not by itself save anyone, but it is the only means by which the saving blood of Christ may be contacted. To obey everything else of God’s commands yet neglect water baptism is like building a bridge half-way across a river. It might look great as you are driving across, but it’s end will bring an unpleasant (and wet) surprise. Best regards, AO |
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198 | when a I saved and when baptised | Rom 10:9 | Aspiring Overseer | 189706 | ||
Dear Steve, Thank you for your reply and please forgive my delayed response. Your shear number of verses require a bit of work to address! You previously wrote in part: “If Acts 2:38 is interpreted as you interpret it, then we must reject other scripture. For example, what do you do with the following scriptures if your interpretation of Acts 2:38 is correct (John 3:16, Romans 4:1-17, Romans 11:6, Galatians 3:8-9, Ephesians 2:8-9, etc...)?” Letting Acts 2:38 speak for itself (as we should with all scripture), the gift of the Holy Spirit (salvation) is only received after water baptism. We should note that this is a gift received by all those who have believed, confessed, repented and are baptized. The baptism you refer to for Cornelius and his family was the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Only completed twice in the Christian Age; once for the first Gentile converts and once for the first Jewish converts (the Apostles). Thus we have the example of the very first preaching of the Gospel of Christ: Acts 2:38 38 And Peter said to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. NAS Now, the other verses you list as being irreconcilable are: John 3:16 16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. NAS We should note that “should” as in “should not perish” is completely conditional and must be subject to something else (i.e. obedience) and thus can not be honestly used to support the “grace alone” doctrine. Romans 4:3 3 For what does the Scripture say? "And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." NAS We know that Abraham believed God because he did what he was commanded to do. He moved to another land, he offered up his son, etc.. All things requiring action (James 2:21-23) Romans 11:6-7 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace. NAS The works referenced are works of the Mosaic Law. Fulfilled by Christ and no longer applicable (Romans 11:1-24) Galatians 3:6 6 Even so Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. NAS It was only though Abraham’s actions that his faith was proven and the previous scripture fulfilled (James 2:21-23). Finally, Ephesians 2:8-9 simply does not say God requires nothing of His people for salvation. In fact, verse 10 specifically states that we were created for the good works God has commanded of all Christians. The passage, in context, instructs us that God’s plan of salvation was not brought about by any action of man, either Jew or Gentile, but is God’s gift to man through Christ Jesus. There was nothing any of us could have done to cause God to send His Son to be our sacrifice for sin. It was solely His choice; His design. Ephesians 2:8-10 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, that no one should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. NAS As an added bonus, we can also note that the Apostle Paul taught the reason for his own water baptism was to wash away sins. Acts 22:16-17 16'And now why do you delay? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.' NAS If Paul’s sins had not been cleansed, how could he have been saved? In fact, he was not saved until he emerged from the waters of baptism, having fulfilled God’s commandment leading to eternal life. Best regards, AO |
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199 | when a I saved and when baptised | Rom 10:9 | Aspiring Overseer | 189707 | ||
Brad, Since I assume you do not mean by your comment there is more than one way to contact the blood of Christ, the issue remains how do we know water baptism is the final step towards salvation. We, of course, have the very first instance of preaching the gospel by Peter: Acts 2:38-39 38 And Peter said to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. NAS We must be baptized into Christ. Since baptism by the Holy Spirit was only for the Apostles and the first gentiles, the only other Christian baptism mentioned in the NT is through water. Ephesians 4:4-7 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. NAS 1 Corinthians 12:13 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. NAS Galatians 3:26-27 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. NAS Hebrews 10:19-22 19 Since therefore, brethren, we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. NAS Acts 22:15-16 16'And now why do you delay? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.' NAS Best regards, AO |
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200 | should you pray to god or jesus/ | Rom 10:13 | Aspiring Overseer | 54153 | ||
We pray to God (the Father) in Jesus' name. Jesus taught His diciples to pray to God the Father in Luke 11. He instructed them to pray in His name in John 14:13-14. Have a great day! |
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