Results 2641 - 2660 of 2765
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Mommapbs Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
2641 | Does Islam fit here? | 2 John 1:7 | Mommapbs | 129042 | ||
Does Islam fit here? Has the church been deceived by the message "Islam is a religion of peace"? Does the church have a responsibility to recognize and declare Islam as "antichrist? | ||||||
2642 | Does Islam fit here? | 2 John 1:7 | Mommapbs | 129060 | ||
Searcher, I do not disagree that an individual will indeed be the embodiment of Satan in the form of the Antichrist prior to the physical return of Jesus, but I also believe that God has given us His Word to discern where the spirit of antichrist is active. According to this verse, whoever denies that Jesus Christ (meaning God)has come in the flesh would qualify as "antichrist." Indeed many religious systems could be described as "antichrist" but Islam is unique in that it represents a people group that knows no geographical borders. It is a unifying system of government as well (did you know that it has its roots in a Babylonian religion?) An intriging study of Islam and "end time" theology can be found in "This is Our Eden This is Our End" by Muhammed Alraf and Walid Shoebat. The authors are two converted Muslims, one was a former terrorist. Although I don't agree with everything they suggest, it does cause one to consider Islam as a key to unlocking the mysteries surrounding the "end times". For example, although the authors believe the seven mountains of Rev 17:9 reference seven empires that culminate in an end-time middle eastern (not European) confederacy, they also note that even if this passage is taken literally, the Greek word is 'oros' or mountain vs 'buonos' or hill. Rome, which many believe is represented by the woman of Rev 17:18 in this passage, is not surrounded by seven 'oros', but guess what city is - Mecca. imo, believers are being deceived, Islam is not a religion of peace and the Muslim is not our friend. Lest they turn to the true God, they remain His and our enemy. We dare not fall into the "politically correct" thinking that has captivated our society. No wonder we are exhorted to "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." 1 Cor 16:13 John 14:23 also comes to mind here. Blessings, mommapbs |
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2643 | Does Islam fit here? | 2 John 1:7 | Mommapbs | 129084 | ||
EdB - thanks for both replies. I agree with your thinking . . .peas are green and the Muslim fundamentalist is just a hair's breadth away from becoming a radical fanatic (aka terrorist) . . . and yet as a nation we resist "profiling," go figure. Aside from the text I mentioned in my post to Searcher, see John Clark Mead's "The New World War: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Why and How Militant Muslims Plan to Destroy Western Civilization". Sobering and enlightening. Now on to my second question: Does the church have a responsibility to recognize and declare Islam as "antichrist? What do you think? mommapbs |
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2644 | Does Islam fit here? | 2 John 1:7 | Mommapbs | 129125 | ||
Greetings "doc" - glad we seem to be on the same page here, but please answer the second part of my question: Does the church have a responsibility to recognize and declare Islam as "antichrist? Blessings, mommapbs |
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2645 | Does Islam fit here? | 2 John 1:7 | Mommapbs | 129152 | ||
Greetings - Indeed, our focus must be on declaring the Gospel, for we as individuals are charged as Christ's witnesses and indeed, as you have noted we not to condemn others, for at one time we were just as lost . . . but I believe that God's Word also challenges us to expose. ("Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;" Eph 5:11) As God's Word is taught and applied, believers are equipped to recognize the difference between Truth and error. The media would have us believe that Islam is a religion of peace. What does God's Word say? Islam means submission to the complete will of allah. According to the Qur'an 49:15 - The believers are only those who believe in allah and his apostle . . . one of the hadiths also asserts that the best deed of a muslim is "to believe in allah and his apostle" and the next best deed is "to participate in jihad in allah's cause" - And this is exactly the worldview that equipts and fuels the terrorism we are presently experiencing. Sadly, Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world today. Yet, when Christians are called to put on the full armor of God and stand firm against the wiles of the devil, the resistence is almost non-existant. This is because we have allowed our minds to be conformed to the pattern of the world, some have succumbed to the secular worldview and others have decided to "tolerate" it - this makes us vunerable to deception. I believe it is high time for our pulpits to declare God's Word without political correctness as a driving force. Peace and safety is being preached . . . but imo, there will be no peace until Jesus comes to restore it! The believer may not ultimately be fooled by the "peaceful religion" of Islam, but myriads of people who are lost may be swept away in the oncoming tide of Islam across the globe. We do not worship the same God! Isn't it time to declare the difference? Believers must be taught to recongize the difference and stand firm as they respectfully and lovingly present the Gospel of Jesus Christ. mommapbs |
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2646 | Does Islam fit here? | 2 John 1:7 | Mommapbs | 129166 | ||
Doc - Amen to your post. BUT, what if the church rmains in shambles? Is God's arm not long or stong enough to save those who are His without it??? No one can thwart the will of God, no one is able to suppress the Gospel, even if we remain silent, the heavens declare the glory of God! I guess what bothers me the most in our churches is that we take pot shots at one another - we shoot our wounded - ignoring the truth that those who are IN CHRIST, regardless of their denominational affiliation are the true CHURCH. I suspect that there are just as many lost members in our "dissenting" churches (even the SBC) as there are in the RC Church. It seems to me that our fundamentalist churches are the most guilty of the aforementioned offense. The RC church does not deny that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh - how then do some peachers contiue to declare Rome (and the papacy) as the antichrist? It is beyond me! Scripture tells us plainly where the "seat of satan" is located. In our efforts to denounce one another, we have constructed all sorts of methods of attack, even to the distortion of God's Word. . . . yes indeed the church is in shambles, but imo it is because we have not sought the unity that Christ desires for us to have. (John 17) We have not loved as Christ commands, for if we did we would truly find that love covers a multitude of sins. My .02! mommapbs |
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2647 | Does Islam fit here? | 2 John 1:7 | Mommapbs | 129194 | ||
Wretched (wo)man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin. Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are IN (emphasis, mine) Christ Jesus. Romans 7:24-8:1 Indeed "We are a living stone, and we must be certain of our utility in the structure that is not made with human hands." (John 15:5) Grace and peace to you and yours. mommapbs |
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2648 | Does Islam fit? | 2 John 1:7 | Mommapbs | 129310 | ||
Greetings Pastor Glenn - you've hit one one of my "hot buttons" here! According to 2 Timothy 4:2-4 Paul charges Timothy (and us) with his responsibility as a witness of/to the Truth to "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with great patience and instruction." He then goes on to give the reason WHY, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn their ears away from the truth and will turn aside to myths." IMO, the church has neglected the task of "church discipline." At the extreme, those who support gay rights flock to churches where the ordained pastor is gay or does not preach homosexuality as a sin BUT to me, the greater issue is much more subtle as differences and disagreements have resulted in divisions and splits within bodies of believers. Jesus commands us to "love one another as HE loves." When we don't, is this not sin? Is this sin to be overlooked? Mt 18 gives clear guidance in (of)"fence mending." Just wondering, does your congregation follow this pattern do they get together and back stab and "gossip"? Just as God's discipline is for our bebefit, we must see church disciplin in the same way - it is indeed an act of love when applied in a Biblical manner. But imo, (and my experience)all too often it is not done in humility and love, but with condemnaion and self-righteousness. I totally agree, when sin is in our midst, we not only must be obedient to God, but in our obedience we serve one another, indeed as you have said, "We owe it to them to speak out with gentleness and love." Blessings, mommapbs |
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2649 | Are we not judged by how we vote? | 2 John 1:11 | Mommapbs | 71794 | ||
Greeetings Jim, welcome to the Forum. As Christ followers, we must be careful to honor and submit to those in authority over us,being ever mindful of the Supreme authority to Whom we must all give an account. It is difficult for me to vote for an individual who does not share my personal convictions about the abortion issue, and as a believer, I choose not to vote for "pro-choice" individuals. However, if God places them in authority over me, God's Word is quite clear that I must submit to their "rule." Although abortion is legally permissible, it is not God-honoring, and thankfully in this country, no one can make a woman undergo this elective procedure. I believe that we have an obligation to give everyone a reason for the hope that is with in us as Christ followers,(1 Peter 3:15) and one way to do this is in the voting booth. Sadly, Bible believing Christians are in the minority and the majority rules! However . . . Regardless of human failings or flawed voting methods, truth does and will prevail. God casts the final ballot; it is His one that counts, for God’s sanction alone gives authority to those that rule over us! Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. God has established the authorities that exist. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. Romans 13:1-2 Even if we don't like the man chosen to lead our country, we need not blame those who voted or counted the votes. God’s Word assures us that this is the man to whom the Lord has given the authority to govern. This is a sobering and awesome responsibility for those who are charged with leadership; for with authority comes accountability. Our leaders, as well as those they lead will have to answer for the choices they have made the One who empowers us all! Thankfully, in God’s Kingdom there will be no pregnant or hanging chads, indents or dimples to consider. (There will be no manual recount either!) For God is the judge; and only He knows the intentions of our hearts! In heaven there will be no Republicans, Democrats, Conservatives, or Independents. There will be no denominational monikers for us to identify with either! Only those who have chosen Jesus will be there. So until then, the invitation is still open to cast your ballot: "choose this day WHO you will serve." Joshua 24:15 And this, my friend is the only vote that really counts! The secret to living in a society that does not honor God's laws is to love and pray for our leaders and those in authority over us! (Mt 5:44 et al) mommapbs |
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2650 | Are we not judged by how we vote? | 2 John 1:11 | Mommapbs | 71813 | ||
Sorry for the confusion, yes, I agree that when given a choice, we are responsible and accountable for the choices we make. Consider this hypothetical situation . . . if a man has a child, who chooses to follow a homosexual or immoral lifestyle, is he judged for the parenting he gave (or did not give) the child that contributed to that child's choices? Where is the line of accountability here? "but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."Matthew 18:6 We are held accountable for our own sinfulness, but when the consequences of our sinfulness are reaped in the life of another person, are we not responsible for that too? Sobering thoughts, to be sure! |
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2651 | Are we not judged by how we vote? | 2 John 1:11 | Mommapbs | 71936 | ||
Thanks for the observation. I guess I assumed everyone knew where they would be! mommapbs |
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2652 | Can salvation be lost? | Jude 1:5 | Mommapbs | 124019 | ||
I respectfully disagree with your claim: "Yes, indeed Jesus' blood will indeed cover our sins on that all important Judgment Day IF we've done our part and maintained that close, personal relationship with our Lord." Country Girl - we are saved by Grace, period. There is no such thing as a "conditional salvation" such as you have expressed in this post. Either Jesus blood is sufficient or it is not. What you are saying is that our "works of obedience" are necessary to get to Heaven and that is just not so according to Eph 2:8-9. Romans 10:9-11 also tells us that the only thing we do is to respond to God's offer of what Christ has already DONE - He is the One who has been obedient and we believe in that obedience as a payment for our sin. We DO nothing to maintain the Grace that we are given upon our confession of faith in the FINISHED work of Christ. No one is disagreeing with your postition on living a Godly life, but the purpose you present for doing so is not Biblical - what you are espousing is focused is on performance, on self effort not on Jesus. HE is THE Theme of the Bible - it's all about what God has done for us, not what we do for God! Blessings, mommapbs |
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2653 | Was Lucille Ball a christian? | Revelation | Mommapbs | 39094 | ||
http://entertainment.crosswalk.com has an interview with Kathleen Brady, the author of Lucille: The Life Lucille Ball. In the interview she was questioned about the faith of Lucy. Kathleen replied:"She was not raised in a church-going family and she agreed to have the kids brought up in Desi's Catholic faith. DeDe, Lucy's mom who was not Catholic, took the kids to church. After the divorce, when Lucy was in Wildcat in New York City, she attended Norman Vincent Peale's church. He told me she would try to disguise herself in a big hat and veil. One day after church he told her to take the hat off because everyone knew who she was. She liked a practical religion -- if an approach like positive thinking worked, she followed it." One's Christianity is not dependent upon any denomination or religious practice. Unless you can find someone who knew the state of Lucy's heart, you cannot presume anything about her faith in Jesus or lack of it. Hope this helps. Mommapbs |
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2654 | Was Lucille Ball a christian? | Revelation | Mommapbs | 39095 | ||
I posted this to Ssprin too! http://entertainment.crosswalk.com has an interview with Kathleen Brady, the author of Lucille: The Life Lucille Ball. In the interview she was questioned about the faith of Lucy. Kathleen replied:"She was not raised in a church-going family and she agreed to have the kids brought up in Desi's Catholic faith. DeDe, Lucy's mom who was not Catholic, took the kids to church. After the divorce, when Lucy was in Wildcat in New York City, she attended Norman Vincent Peale's church. He told me she would try to disguise herself in a big hat and veil. One day after church he told her to take the hat off because everyone knew who she was. She liked a practical religion -- if an approach like positive thinking worked, she followed it." One's Christianity is not dependent upon any denomination or religious practice. Unless you can find someone who knew the state of Lucy's heart, you cannot presume anything about her faith in Jesus or lack of it. Hope this helps. Mommapbs |
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2655 | Need help putting Rev. 16 in lay terms. | Revelation | Mommapbs | 45499 | ||
Greetings Smokey G! Just some food for thought as you discuss this topic . . . this suffering described in Rev 16 can not be compared to what awaits those who refuse to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior! Soul Death or final separation from God is their destiny!! I think we (the Church in general) have too long negelected this aspect of our faith as well as a thorough discussion of the "Last Days!" May God guide and bless you as you share His Word! Mommapbs |
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2656 | where are we in Bible prophecy? | Revelation | Mommapbs | 51774 | ||
I would also suggest that MANY of our contemporary churches fit the description of the Church at Laodicea - lukewarm!(Rev 3:14-19) Jesus also told us that prior to His return the love of many will "grow cold." (Isn't that "lukewarm?) Mt 24:12 Blessings, Mommapbs |
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2657 | where are we in Bible prophecy? | Revelation | Mommapbs | 52296 | ||
I suspect that there are many churches that THINK they represent the church at Philadelphia, when in fact, they should have "Icabod" written over their doors! |
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2658 | A New Reformation? | Revelation | Mommapbs | 95695 | ||
Greetings New Creature - I was taught that the "churches" of Revelation represented literal church "ages" over time, yet I also believe that these characteristics are ALL present in varying forms today, I am inclinded to even extend this affirmation/criticism from the Lord to individual believers as well. Having just returned from visiting Ephesus, Pergamom, Sardis, Laodicea, Smyrna and Phidelphia, I can tell you that what the Lord said to the believers in those places is STILL relevant. Except for Smyrna (present day Izmir) and Philadelphia, all the other "churches" or cities are desolate. (To me Laodicea was the worst, but then the temperature that day was 112 at least, so that might have colored my perceptions somewhat!) However, the ancient remains of the two churches that received NO criticism, are still inhabited. It was interesting to walk among the ruins of Smyrna, the persecuted church and gaze up at a mulit-storied parking ramp! The site of Philadelphia is in the middle of town, across the street from a mosque; it was like being in a place of refuge for us believers present. Where there is a lampstand, there is the possibilility of light to dispell the darkness. Indeed Turkey is so in need of the Gospel and although many have come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ in recent years, Christians are more often persecuted than tolerated. The party line, although very nationalistic and "westernized", is heavily laced with Islamic thought and rhetoric. Guides debunk and discredit Christianity where ever possible. (Sounds a bit like "home" too? I guess they are really westernized!) An interesting side bar for you to consider is about the "lukewarmness" of Laodicea. Not too far away are hot mineral springs in the mountains. (People still travel there to experience the "theraputic" properties of this water.) By the time that that water from these springs reached Laodicea, they would be "lukewarm." (good for nothing!) mommapbs |
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2659 | Searching for the truth | Rev 1:1 | Mommapbs | 77851 | ||
Greetings FytRobert - check out what God says in Isaiah 25:6 "The LORD of hosts will prepare a lavish banquet for all peoples on this mountain; A banquet of aged wine, choice pieces with marrow,And refined, aged wine." This is a scene of heaven. I do NOT believe that we will live as if we are in an eternal church service in the sky! That would be BORING! Heaven will be anything but THAT!! God bless your quest! mommapbs |
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2660 | Searching for the truth | Rev 1:1 | Mommapbs | 77964 | ||
Greetings! Continue reading Isaiah 25: 7-9. See also 1 Cor 15:26, Rev 20:14, Rev 21:4 Let God's Word speak. Blessings, mommapbs |
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