Results 461 - 480 of 1003
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Rowdy Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
461 | Rowdy, NO, Answer my question first | Matt 5:17 | Rowdy | 122015 | ||
I was hoping to see your response to my points and questions with scriptural support by now. How about taking another look and see what you can come up with? Looking forward to that dialouge and God bless. --Rowdy |
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462 | Rowdy, NO, Answer my question first | Matt 5:17 | Rowdy | 122980 | ||
I'm not able to answer you first two questions as I don't know much about the cannonization process. I'll let you look that up. But I am convinced that the OT is obsolete as evidenced by God's Word as cited previously. The disignations Old and New are merely endorsements of that fact. However, I'll repeat myself yet again, this obsolete condition only applies to the OT's authority, especially as it applies to the few minor differences. The bulk of the OT is still an incredibly valuable document for study, and understanding the NT. Without the OT, we could never hope to understand most of the NT or to even understand our world. So I have tremendous respect for the OT. You might compare this respect to that of the top racers in today's auto races. Those drivers have much respect for the history of automotive industry in the past century but is it possible that one of those old jalopes with its old engine and transmission could overtake its modern counterpart? You say, that's a silly comparison, and I guess I'd have to agree but it's the best I could do at the moment. Remember all of us of drivers have respect for and appreciate the tremendous value the automotive industry meant to this country's industry and commerce. In the same way, the OT didn't have an "engine or transmission" to take care of sin completely. It didn't have a qualified "mechanic" or a good enough High Priest like we've got now to administer such a high powered "vehicle" or covenant like that of the NT. There may be other comparisons but I'm already stretching the envelope here so I need to hush. By the way, I apologize for the length of time it took for my response. I sincerely hopes this helps (instead of confuses) and God bless. --Rowdy |
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463 | The law cannot be altogether invalid... | Matt 5:19 | Rowdy | 113853 | ||
I have no problem at all bringing these two documents, OT and NT together in PERFECT harmony. The OT was very much applicable to God's people before His Son came to this earth. Now that Jesus has come, died and has been resurrected, his Last Will and Testament comes into full effect. I would like to compare these two different systems of teachings/doctrine to the contrast between the different theories concerning this planet called earth. Hundreds of years ago, people believed all over the world that this planet was flat because of misconceived theories from the past although there were a few exceptional people who didn't think so. One fellow took another look at the comings and goings of ships on the sea and noticed as they approached the shore their masts grew taller and taller. His name was Columbus and did more thinking and research and soon concluded that the earth was round and not flat. Now we all know the history since that time. In the same way, God's people thought that the Messiah would come to earth and set up an earthly kingdom. In spite of God's ocassional reference to His intent to share His family membership with the whole world, the Jews were obsessed with keeping God to themselves. We see that yet again in the NT when the christians in Jersusalem didn't disperse into the world until the persecution started. But now that we know through the Apostle Paul and with some assistance from Peter's dream, we all know God's mystery from the creation was for the whole world, including us gentiles to be given the opportunity to become part of God's family. Thus the OT was fulfilled with Jesus nailed to the cross and the NT takes over with God's seal of approval as Jesus has been granted all power and authority to rule during this dispensation. I hope this helps clarify this issue and God bless. |
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464 | Why will no one answer my question? | Matt 5:19 | Rowdy | 114012 | ||
I'm afraid I too am dwarfed by all the scriptures and the overall size of your post. I'd like to boil it down to the main thrust of your subject heading. Is the OT valid or invalid? I'm not exactly certain what you mean by this word. The OT is certainly valid for study and understanding where we get the NT but it's most CERTAINLY NOT valid for authoritative guidance over and above the NT for the reasons I have already cited along with the scriptures as provided in my previous posts. I hope this clarifys my position. But just in case you need more proof: Col 2:13 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, 14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him. 16 Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day-- 17 things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ. Notice especially verses 16-17. It seems pretty clear to me Paul is making an application of the point he just made in verse 14. Is there some other way to interpret this? I'd be interested in your response. God bless. |
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465 | Is there a story on honesty in the Bible | Matt 5:34 | Rowdy | 118249 | ||
I can only think of 2 actual true stories but no parables. One is cited below: Acts 5:1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife's full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land? 4 "While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God." 5 And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came over all who heard of it. 6 The young men got up and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him. 7 Now there elapsed an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter responded to her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price?" And she said, "Yes, that was the price." 9 Then Peter said to her, "Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well." 10 And immediately she fell at his feet and breathed her last, and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard of these things. The other story is Achan's deception in Joshua 7. After reading these 2 stories, you must agree God does NOT love a liar or a deceiver of any kind. I hope this helps and God bless. --Rowdy |
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466 | Is there a story on honesty in the Bible | Matt 5:34 | Rowdy | 118361 | ||
You're welcome! Just a small player on a big team. --Rowdy |
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467 | Denounce militant Islam? | Matt 5:44 | Rowdy | 132214 | ||
Hank, my dear friend, it does sometimes seem that you're trying to pick a fight. I don't think I would have made such a statement as Alien's which you quoted but I don't really see any cause for the statement you've made. In the words of Voltaire from centuries ago, "I may disagree with you say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it." As long as a statement isn't in defiance of scripture or a slam against the Godhead, we really should try to be open-minded to a person's position and level of maturity in Christ, especially we can't possibly know each other very well over the internet/Forum. Regardless as to how you take this statement from me, I wish God's blessings on you and your. Rowdy |
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468 | Does God BLESS Sinners | Matt 5:45 | Rowdy | 133218 | ||
Amen and very well said. Isn't it funny, even in today's world, we fathers expect our children to obey us? When they do, we're proud to call them our sons and daughters. When they're not, we spank (hopefully w/love) their little behinds and teach them to obey. When we grow up, we're encouraged to obey the laws of the land or pay the consequences. Isn't it strange so many people want to change the rules of the game and just get the good stuff from God without truly giving our all to him? Just give Him a token until we get what we want and then leave Him in the dust. No, my friend we must obey ALL of God's commands before we can truly call ourselves heirs of our Father, Creator of the Universe and hope to go Home to Heaven. God bless you for reminding us of the truth. Rowdy |
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469 | Mt 5:48 why, when we cannot to beLikeHim | Matt 5:48 | Rowdy | 111514 | ||
One can also reference Paul's encouragement to imitate him as he imitates Christ, I think it's in 1 Cor 4:14-17. Here Paul endorses the pattern of imitating Christ by identifying those who are mature in their spiritual growth toward God's standard in His Son. If we share our weakness and our strengths with our fellow christians, we build up the body of our Lord. Soul mates can build up tremendously valuable brotherhood in this way. Our Lord and Father wants to draw closer and closer to us but we have to do our part in this process. In order for us to get comfortable in spending eternity in Heaven in the presence of God, we need to get used to being more and more like God ourselves. That means we need to grow and discard our sinful nature more and more. It's a growth process. Our Father is a spirit and we will be all spirit and discard our physical bodies after dying. God bless. |
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470 | Does true faith produce fruit or works? | Matt 6:12 | Rowdy | 123099 | ||
I've submitted posts in the past porporting the idea that once we become christians our God does expect to see us produce fruit from our lives as proof that we really do have faith in our Lord as cited in James 2. I thought I'd provide a little more documentation from my Bible Commentary citing a little more support. Quote from Bible Commentary (Ja 2:14-17) 14. If one regards the author's purpose, the discussion will be less difficult to interpret. Many misunderstand this verse because they fail to observe two significant facts. First, James does not state that the hypothetical person "has" faith, but merely a man say he has faith. It distinguishes the one "possesses" from the one merely "professes." Secondly, conclusions are based on the question, can faith save him? The Authorized Version unfortunately gives a wrong impression, for he is not asking about faith in general, but that type of faith which one has who makes claims without producing fruit. This is affirmed by the presence of the definite article in Greek meaning "the faith." "Can that faith save him?" would be a proper translation. Which faith? That which the man claims to have. That being the case, James does not contradict Paul. Both affirm that true saving faith results in a changed life as evidenced by workds. 15-16.When Christians say empty platitudes without actually helping those in physical need, what does it profit? How many words fill a hungry stomach? 17. As the worthlessness of well-wishers reveal their selfishness, so barrenness in a professing believer's life exposes his insincerity. Significantly, the Greektext states with the article, that "the faith...is dead, being alone. James refers specifically to the faith which is claimed, not the genuine brand. End of quote. I think the quote says it all. True abiding faith in God the Father will simply produce fruit. But we as loving christians imitating God in His love, we do need to be patient and willing to show some forgiveness to our brethren and sisters in the Lord. God bless. --Rowdy |
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471 | Does true faith produce fruit or works? | Matt 6:12 | Rowdy | 123106 | ||
Thanks for the statement as it represents a good list (although not all inclusive) of some of the things our Father in Heaven expects to see in our lives as His children IF we truly are His children. Thanks for the assist and God bless. --Rowdy |
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472 | True fasting | Matt 6:16 | Rowdy | 111200 | ||
I think it would be best to quote from our Lord, as recorded by Matthew: 16"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. After studying this and all the other scriptures, I have to conclude that our Father would rather that we fast in a private manner as far as He is concerned. After all, what we're really after is to gain a much closer relationship with Him. If it's for any other reason, then we know what that reward is already. It seems pretty clear from God's Word as what our position should be but I'd love to see other opinions about this subject. God bless. |
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473 | Treasure? | Matt 6:20 | Rowdy | 120171 | ||
1) It seems pretty clear that Jesus is talking only to those that have a soul with which to go to heaven, so He's talking about us human beings as being the beneficiaries of God's Home after a life of faithful service and obedience to Him. 2) Kind of treasure: I would refer to Rev 2:10 3) How to: Study God's Word as cited in 2 Tim 2:15 4) We must discard the things of this world and think on Heavenly things as cited in Eph 3:8 To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; 10 so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him. Hope this helps and God bless. --Rowdy |
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474 | Treasure? | Matt 6:20 | Rowdy | 120218 | ||
You make several good points. The main and most important benefit or reward here on earth resulting from being in God's family is the peace and tranquility we get in spite of living and working in a world filled with lost sinners and much Godlessness. Now concerning "storing up treasures in Heaven," I do think God expects us to do everything in our power to spread His Good News of His Son's offering salvation to the whole world. And I think we'll be better able to appreciate whatever reward we get ultimately in Heaven; I'm just not sure how to describe that reward with specifics. I don't think the Bible is very clear with its description of this reward. Revelation is filled to overflowing with pictures of heaven with reference to streets of gold and mansions of wonderful jewels and costly stones but personally I think this is all figurative, especially for the first century christians. But all of humans have a great tendancy to think in finite terms as that's all we can comprehend completely. So God has great difficulty in describing exactly what He's got in store for us, but whatever it is, it's going to be greater than any of us could possibly imagine. My last point: I'm thankful to God that none of this controversy is going to matter very much as long as we put our faith in Him, His Son and the Perfect Sacrifice that Jesus performed for us on that cross. Overall the Bible seems very clear: IF we've complied with the terms and conditions of Jesus' Last Will and Testament, we qualify to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and go home to God the Father. True enough, there's absolutely nothing that you or I can do to earn this coveted reward. We just show proof just like the separation of the sheep and goats. There it's very evident who's who and what's really inside a person life: devotion to God or a choice to follow the devil. Is our name in the Book of Life? How can we be certain? Put our talents to work for Him as plainly portrayed in Jesus' parable of the talents. How can we be certain we'll get into the gate at the final showing of the bridegroom? By studying God's Word and staying in constant prayer to God, keeping God's light brightly shining throughout the world in our lives, as described in Jesus' parable of the ten virgins. I hope this clarifies my statement. God bless. --Rowdy |
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475 | Grace AND? | Matt 6:20 | Rowdy | 120228 | ||
To start off with, I'd refer you to one of my previous posts, no 119710. And remember, I believe very strongly in the concept of "better safe than sorry." If you can picture the last day and someone knew the last trumpet blow was about to be sounded, which ends the world and the very last thing on everyone's mind is "Do I know for certain, am I actually saved or not?" John tells us, we can know this and know it for certain in 1 Jn 2:3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. I'm convinced that as long as we know the truth, and we've done everything in our power to comply with those commands of God and His representatives, the Apostles, then we can approach Judgment Day with full confidence. Now as to Grace. What about Grace as you've asked? How does that wonderful Grace and Mercy from God figure into this scenario? God will extend His Grace and Mercy as long as we've done our part, He'll do His. His Grace will bridge the gap between His absolute Standard of Perfection as measured out by His Son while He lived here on earth and our puny attempts to strive for perfection in our lives. The way we've lived our lives, in extending forgiveness to those who've wronged us, and acts of kindness in imitation of our Lord as He describes in Matt 25. Thus, this Grace will cover both the sins of commission as well as those we don't do or omission. Let me emphasize these should NOT and CANNOT be considered by us to be acts or works and thus earn our way to Heaven. No, we should see this kind of activity as proof of the Holy Spirit of God living within us. Just as we must prove our identity when we go to an exclusive club or a special ball in honor of a great VIP. Before we can enter Heaven on that fateful day, we must prove to God Himself, we really do have the name of Christ in our hearts. We must be clothed with the attributes of our Lord and Savior. We can't expect to enter into our Heavenly mansion merely by claiming to belong to Jesus as cited in that same passage, Matt 25. We must prove it. This discipleship of Christ, our Lord cannot be just a shallow thing, one of straddling both Christianity and the world. It must be a lifestyle, one that dominates our lives. It must so dominate our life that our neighbor, friends and fellow employees should notice the difference in us, especially when we experience a crisis in our life. How do we handle that crisis? Do we curse or wish something bad on an individual? Do we worry about things in our lives to excess instead of giving our cares to our God and Father? This kind of faith, saving faith must be through and through, completely overtaking us. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying I'm there or yet. I'm saying I'm striving for that wonderful stage of maturity. I hope and pray that I'm drawing closer and closer to God with each breath I draw into my body. AND I hope and pray He is drawing me closer to Him. If a person is willing to just maintain status quo or tread water and not actively pursuing a life of Godly principles, studying His Word and maintaining a constant prayer life, it just might be that he may be rejected at Judgment Day. That in my mind will be such a tragic thing to happen. For a person to play the odds and take a chance when he/she should have known better. That's what "better safe than sorry," and "err on the side of caution" is all about. Yes, in anticipation of your response, some like me will need a lot more Grace than others. I come from a long line of christians (having no excuse) and see myself as owing a lot for the many sins in my life. Remember Paul's instruction Phil 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Although the scripture here says "work our your own salvation," it just means we must make our salvation certain, at least as certain as we can, this side of Judgment Day. I do hope this is clear; I can't possibly make it any clearer. God bless. --Rowdy |
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476 | Grace AND? | Matt 6:20 | Rowdy | 120230 | ||
So, are we in agreement? Your post above seems to be drawing the same conclusion as my post 120228. Just wanted to make certain. God bless. --Rowdy | ||||||
477 | Grace AND? | Matt 6:20 | Rowdy | 120253 | ||
In my mind, it all boils down to a matter of attitude. We are the branches while the Lord Jesus Christ is the main vine. Seems like a pretty simple concept. We must prove our alligence to Him as our true Lord and Master. We can't just say Lord, Lord but we must model our lives after that wonderful example we see in Him, and His Apostles. They literally used up their lives, in service and devotion. We should and must do the same. HOWEVER, we CANNOT take the attitude that any of these deeds of kindness can earn our way to Heaven; that's why we must do them in complete meekness and total humility just like our Lord shows us with every fiber of His Being. Nothing we could possibly do, even if we fill up our lives with these good deeds could make up for the life of sin of which we're all guility. That attitude of total humility should come out in these acts of kindness and service to the world. The world can tell when a person is doing these kind of acts for his own purpose. People like this won't care who gets the credit. As a matter of fact, a true christian will prefer to stay in the background and continue to be more effective. Jesus found out once you show the world you've got something they (the world) want like healing of sickness and diseases, they clamour about you and hamper your progress in meeting your goals. But He had such wonderful compassion and love, He felt compelled to give away all his powers of healing, literally exhausting His human body. Why don't you take another look at the book of James and come up with specific scriptures that speak to his points about a live and active faith, one that proves itself in our lives like those folks did in the two centuries? How does works negate faith...it doesn't. They go hand in hand. For example: Why do you continue to post statements on this Forum, reflecting your faith in God's Word? Why do continue to go to worship with your fellow members? Why do you continue to partake of the Lord's Supper every Sunday? If you've got Grace working for you, why sweat it? Just sit back and coast on into Heaven. So please tell me the answers to these questions. I do appreciate your responding to my posts so that I'm not unclear to you, anyone else or mislead anyone. God bless. --Rowdy |
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478 | Grace AND? | Matt 6:20 | Rowdy | 120278 | ||
I knew you guys were going to tackle this subject but I was hoping you were going to address all the points in my post. The major loose ends you left dangling are: 1) The Book of James, the famous straw epistle of Martin Luther. Even he had to admit the thorny concept of works demanded by this book in conjunction with the Grace of God. How do you reconcile these concepts? 2) Why do the acts of kindness as commanded by Jesus in Matt 25? Why should we if we're absolutely assured of going to Heaven as per your teaching or interpretation of Grace without works? 3) Why should we bother with our talents as commanded by Christ in His parable of the three men, 5 talents, 2 and 1 talents? 4) What is the implied meaning of the parable of the ten virgins? Why should we maintain anything in particular with regard to our spiritual growth? 5) Why should we grow as encouraged by Paul? See below. When we could remain as babes in Christ, with less burden and less responsibilities? Eph 4:14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. 6) Why should we bother to add the fruits of the Spirit to our lives (Gal 5:22) in our journey to Heaven which has been absolutely promised to us with no strings attached? 7) Why should we bother forgiving our enemies or our brother for that matter if they keep on sinning and making our lives miserable in spite of Christ's teaching in Matt 18:21-22? I threw in a few extra points as you may of noticed but you can handle it, right? This concept of Grace is all comprehensive, right? Any of you folks (Hank, Mommapbs and BradK or anyone else on the Forum) can feel free to answer the questions but I am looking for responses to all of them. I do hope God will bless you all with an open mind in this endeavor. --Rowdy |
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479 | Grace AND? | Matt 6:20 | Rowdy | 120283 | ||
I was really counting on your responding to my post no 120278. I was just thinking of the different ways a person might respond and I was thinking of my response. I'm really looking forward to our discussion. Please do think about it and God bless you, dear friend. --Rowdy | ||||||
480 | Grace AND? | Matt 6:20 | Rowdy | 120318 | ||
I guess you can call me dense but I don't see how Rom 6 and 2 Cor 5:17 provide answers to the points in my post on this subject. Apparently, you don't wish to tackle my points, all in the same response. How about if we break them down say two at a time? How about if we start with the following: 1) Please explain to me how your interpretation of Grace from God with no strings attached, no need for works is reconciled with Jesus' very own earthly brother, James' teaching on this subject? Ref James 2. 2) Please explain to me how God on Judgment Day will distinguish between the sheep and goats, (christians and non-believers) without works of any kind? Ref Matt 25. Remember, even the Devil believes in the Lord. In answer to your questions: 1) Yes, I believe very emphatically that the saving Grace of God is the ONLY thing that stands in the way between all of us and Hell as our eternal doom. BUT I also believe in the Words of our Lord when He said He would judge the world on Judgment Day by His Words which includes His delegation of some authority to His appointed Apostles. Also, He promised the Comforter or the Holy Spirit would lead them and It lead them to provide us with the balance of the NT, God's Word. So we'll be judged by the WHOLE NT. I'm not able to explain the actual mechanics of how Grace and works blend together; I just know our Father will be looking for both in our lives as His children. 2) I'll have to admit "better safe than sorry" is a modern, man-made designation. What would you call the concept where God sets the example of forgiving us over and over again? We supposed to follow that example and forgive our enemies and our brethren over and over. BUT now that we're assured of our home in Heaven, we don't have to bother. IF a brother can't get his act together, grow up and stop sinning (sins and repents over and over again), we'll just kick him out of the church and send him somewhere else. We don't have to put up with that kind of extra burden and headache, we've got Heaven to anticipate. No need to make certain of anything, we've been assured by Grace. You tell me, is there something wrong with this scenario? I do hope you'll respond in kind and answer my questions above and of course provide scriptures in support. As always, I open up the whole line of discussions for Forum-wide participation. This should result in some really good productive discussions. God bless you all. --Rowdy |
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