Results 2081 - 2100 of 2222
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: azurelaw Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
2081 | The slow fires of misery | 1 Corinthians | azurelaw | 184367 | ||
"Abraham Lincoln's marriage was a mess, and accepting the pain brought deep strength in the long run......It was a pain-filled marriage. The familiar lines in his face adn the somber counteance reveal more than the stress of civil war. But the two stayed married. They kept at least that part of their vows. They embraced the pain, even if the could not (or would not) remove it. What was the gain? God will give the final answer, but here are tow historical assessments. (1) How was it that Lincoln, when president, could work so effectively with the rampant egos who filled his administration? 'The long years of dealing with his tempestuous wife helped prepare Lincoln for handling the difficult people he encountered as president.' In other words, a whole nation beneifted from his embracing the pain. "2) 'Over the slow fires of misery that he learned to keep banked and under heavy pressure deep witin him, his innate qualities of patience, tolerance, forbearance, and FORGIVENESS were tempered and refined.' ..... there were resources for healing he did not know, and short of healing, EMBRACING THE FIRE IS BETTER THAN ESCAPE. Increasingly, contemporary culture assumes the opposite. Painfree relationships are assumed as a right. But God promises his people something better. 'Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love hiim' (James 1:12, RSV)" John Piper in his "A Godword Life" |
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2082 | What about song of Soloman? | 1 John 2:16 | azurelaw | 184366 | ||
Dear Orange, Many have given you biblical and sounded advice. However, may I add a little bit of my thought to your struggle. I wonder did God ever mention the ideal body weight and size in his creation of Adam and Eve. So, where did you get the standard of the ideal good shape? Are we so much affected by the worldly standard that we do not realize? Yes, God created things that are good and beautiful to the eyes. But that does not justify our being greedy like what Eve did. However, when it is a concern on the health problem, that would be another issue. We are responsible for keeping our body in good shape (I mean HEALTHY). If you are facing the problem of overweight that risk your health, yes, you need to deal (but the priority should be your spiritual well being) with it as well. (At this point, dear fellow members of the SBF, please bear with me this time concerning my below suggestion to this gentleman in tackling the overweight problem. I understand this is a study bible forum not a site of weight control) Orange, you should be well aware of the rules of a balanced diet together with exercise. However, if you fail to do exercise, you may try the food pyramid. Yes, everybody knows it. In fact, I am suggesting a meal pyramid. It is easy, just reallocate the portion of your every meal. Breakfast: The biggest portion of the day. Lots of vegetables and fruits, reasonable amount of rice or pasta or bread (carbohydrate), some meat (protein) Lunch: Half the amount of breakfast. Food can remain the same as breakfast. Dinner: One third of the breakfast would be ideal. If not, start with two fifth the amount of breakfast. You can eat vegetables and fruits and some meat (it would be ideal to skip meat if possible) as well. But NO carbohydrate food. Also note that the sequence of intake of food for every meal should be: Vegetables and fruits should be eaten first, then bread, pasta, grains next. Meat, egg, milk, etc should be the last. Remember to start your morning with a glass of WARM water. Please try that out. You do not have to starve your wife and yourself. :) My apology again to Lockman and other fellow members of SBF for the above content without any scriptural reference and is out of the context of bible study. :( Shalom Azure |
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2083 | origin of the devil | Ezek 28:13 | azurelaw | 184322 | ||
Dear brother Jeff and Steve (Humblebygrace), I happened to see my name's been mentioned with your kind words and compliment which I don't deserve when I am reading this interesting subject "origin of the devil" along the thread. I miss all you guys on the SFB even when I am quite busy for these few weeks with certain personal things (e.g. we have just had our celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year, my new ministry at church, reading books which takes me time to digest and ponder). Most of the time, I think I prefer reading your posts and posting my own questions instead of giving any commentary as I lack the ability (I am still learning) and speed (you guys are posting fast and doing a wonderful job, ha..ha..) even when I spot some doubtful posts. Though I was a grown-up at church, I had wasted many years without seriously studying God's Word. I always warn myself with this verse : Matt 19:30 But many who are first will be last; and the last, first. Though this is not your tradition, I would like to greet you all a very prosperous (in terms of treasure of God's kingdom) year of Pig. Shalom Azure |
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2084 | Abiding in Christ | Bible general Archive 3 | azurelaw | 183492 | ||
Dear Brother Jeff, A man's abiding is "a consistently improving situation that is ever drawing closer to the state" 2 weeks ago, our elder (in his sermon) used an interesting example to demonstrate a Christian must not stay still but to continue to grow - he said you cannot be an egg forever, either you hatch to become a chick and grow, or you turn out to be a bad egg. Do you know the smell of a bad egg? Horrible. Shalom Azure |
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2085 | What do we focus on? | 1 Cor 12:13 | azurelaw | 183437 | ||
Dear Justme, It is really encouraging by reading your post in knowing the good work of your denominations. Praise God. However, I would say that the glass has a much much bigger empty portion. As true believers, we will not be satisfied with only having the small portion of pure water in the glass. We must continure to light the sparks and spread the fire to heat up the lukewarm. God bless your denominations and your work Shalom Azure |
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2086 | Baptized before serving in choir | 1 Cor 12:13 | azurelaw | 183435 | ||
Dear Doc, Thank you for your reminder concerning "Wrong ideas about God". Recently I have been re-reading the book of Job. From God's rebuke on Job's friends, I learnt that our misunderstanding of God is a sinful behaviour. (It is really a very tough work to understand God :( ) So, does your reminder alert me to my hasty conclusion on the children choir issue when I cited the 2 biblical instances? Your enlightenment is appreciated. Shalom Azure |
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2087 | Baptized before serving in choir | 1 Cor 12:13 | azurelaw | 183359 | ||
Dear Justme: I think we are in agreement that a true believer will be baptized. You can see my post 183296 to Doc. Thank you very much for your input. You have said in your earlier post that: Why would one who has not followed the Lords instructions want to be a part of believers that have followed the Lords instructions? There are in fact cases of people receiving baptism for certain motives. To quote a real case I experienced, many years ago, a good friend of mine had herself and her daughter baptized into Catholic. She admitted that her purpose was to get a better chance (or an advantage) for her daughter to enter into a famous Catholic school. She went to church purposely with her daughter during the period of such arrangement, but never before or after the baptism was done. I felt so sad and worried about her for such cheating. I also know that it is only a corner of the iceberg in our society. Concerning my suggestion for you to start a new thread for discussion, it is because I read Jeff's question to you concerning your statement : ...to follow your churches requirements with confidence it is Biblical. I understand his point or worry that we should not deem every church's regulation or requirement biblical. So I see that you have diverted the focus of discussion which is not directly related to my initial one. Therefore, I rather hope that you might start a new thread if you wish. Blessings to you with love in Christ. Shalom Azure |
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2088 | Baptized before serving in choir | 1 Cor 12:13 | azurelaw | 183318 | ||
Dear brothers (Jeff and Justme): Since you have now entered into a new discussion, may I suggest that you open a new thread or topic if you are still interested in or continue the discussion. Shalom to you both. Azure |
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2089 | Baptized before serving in choir | 1 Cor 12:13 | azurelaw | 183296 | ||
Dear Brother Doc, Thanks for your godly advice which I always value. You might have read my follow up note to brother CDBJ. You say: In some churches it is not uncommon to actually hire professional musicians for worship services, without concern for their personal relationship with God. Our church is very traditional and will not consider such kind of arrangement except for skill training. However, we have observed a few choir members (these young men/ladies are grown up in our church and are pretty gifted in music) diverted the service focus a bit with the tendency of self-centre (in other words - pride). Our elders and I are considering how to give proper guidance for adjustment. May I conclude that a choir member should be a baptized christian under the notion that a true believer will follow the Lord's instruction to be baptized. Concerning children choir member, I really don't know if there is any specific scripture for reference. However, I think I might get some clues from the below instances: Our Lord's concern on children: Matt 19:13 Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. 26 Matt 19:14 But Jesus said, "Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." The little boy was willing to serve and contribute: John 6:9 There is a little boy here, who has [with him] five barley loaves, and two small fish; but what are they among so many people? Again, thank you all (Bradk, CDBJ, Doc, Justme, Jeff) who have helped me on the issue. God bless you all. Shalom Azure |
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2090 | Baptized before serving in choir | 1 Cor 12:13 | azurelaw | 183288 | ||
Thanks CDBJ. I agree with you that there is no point for a true believer not to be baptised whenever it is possible. I trust that no one in our church would be baptized solely or partly for the reason of being a choir member. What about children choir? We have a children choir. Some did not receive infant baptising. (Though there is no scriptural support for infant baptising). Is it that their parents hold accountable for them so as to decide the children be involved in the music ministry? Thanks. Shalom Azure |
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2091 | Baptized before serving in choir | 1 Cor 12:13 | azurelaw | 183195 | ||
My hearty thanks to both of you Bradk and CDBJ. I have just newly taken up the deacon post in handling the Sunday ministry section at my church. I have to be incharge of (this might not be the proper wordings) all things concerning Sunday service operation or administration which include choir arrangements (we have 3 choirs). I am reviewing the choir member entry system. I remember more than 20 years ago our church had the requirement of baptized choir members. I did not know if it was biblical or not at that time for I was still young by then. Since now, it is my responsibilities to review the system, I want to clarify this. Meanwhile, in David's time when he set up the choir, was there any specific thing in association with the idea of baptizing in the NT time? Thanks and Shalom Azure N.B.: Please also pray for me concerning my new ministry. |
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2092 | Baptized before serving in choir | Not Specified | azurelaw | 183142 | ||
You must be baptized before serving in the choir ministry. Is this requirement biblical? | ||||||
2093 | Baptized before serving in choir | 1 Cor 12:13 | azurelaw | 183144 | ||
You must be baptized before serving in the choir ministry. Is this requirement biblical? | ||||||
2094 | First rain and first rainbow | Gen 9:13 | azurelaw | 183124 | ||
Thanks, Mark for your answer. It helps. I also bear the same view as yours. By the way, it also mentioned that a river flow out of Eden; could it be possible that the water source of the river came from rain? (of course this is only my guessing) Shalom Azure |
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2095 | First rain and first rainbow | Not Specified | azurelaw | 183060 | ||
Gen 2:5 Now no shrub of the field was yet in the earth, and no plant of the field had yet sprouted, for the LORD God had not sent rain upon the earth, and there was no man to cultivate the ground. Gen 2:6 But a mist used to rise from the earth and water the whole surface of the ground Had it never rained between the creation of Adam and the floods? How was the land outside of Eden nurtured? Was it the first time rainbow (we know that it is caused by the reflection and refraction of the rays of the sun shining on the falling rain or tiny water drops, I have seen rainbow - even a double-rainbow by the side of a waterfall on a sunny day) appeared after the flood but never before? Or it did, but God only made it a covenant with Noah after the flood? Shalom Azure |
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2096 | First rain and first rainbow | Gen 9:13 | azurelaw | 183095 | ||
Gen 2:5 Now no shrub of the field was yet in the earth, and no plant of the field had yet sprouted, for the LORD God had not sent rain upon the earth, and there was no man to cultivate the ground. Gen 2:6 But a mist used to rise from the earth and water the whole surface of the ground Had it never rained between the creation of Adam and the floods? How was the land outside of Eden nurtured? Was it the first time rainbow (we know that it is caused by the reflection and refraction of the rays of the sun shining on the falling rain or tiny water drops, I have seen rainbow - even a double-rainbow by the side of a waterfall on a sunny day) appeared after the flood but never before? Or it did, but God only made it a covenant with Noah after the flood? Shalom Azure |
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2097 | Careful use of one's freedom | Not Specified | azurelaw | 182573 | ||
1 Cor 8 For verse 13, was it the end of Paul's teaching concerning our careful use of freedom for the sake of not stumbling a weak brother (sister)? I think there are cases in modern days (even in church) that the weaknesses are caused by irrationality, non-sensibility or ignorance. Are there any parallel discussion (with reference to Ch 8) in Paul's letter mentioning that we are also responsible for helping the weak brother/sister to grow? (In verse 13, Paul said : ... I will NEVER eat ... - NIV). So, if a certain weakness sounds really unreasonable but risks the possibility of causing a brother/sister to stumble, do we have to really give up the specific freedom of action FOREVER? |
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2098 | Careful use of one's freedom | Rom 15:1 | azurelaw | 182575 | ||
1 Cor 8 For verse 13, was it the end of Paul's teaching concerning our careful use of freedom for the sake of not stumbling a weak brother (sister)? I think there are cases in modern days (even in church) that the weaknesses are caused by irrationality, non-sensibility or ignorance. Are there any parallel discussion (with reference to Ch 8) in Paul's letter mentioning that we are also responsible for helping the weak brother/sister to grow? (In verse 13, Paul said : ... I will NEVER eat ... - NIV). So, if a certain weakness sounds really unreasonable but risks the possibility of causing a brother/sister to stumble, do we have to really give up the specific freedom of action FOREVER? |
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2099 | the book of Job | Job 42:7 | azurelaw | 182427 | ||
Dear Barach, Thanks for your response. 1/ Sorry that I forgot to put down the verse concerning my question about the spirit. It appears in Ch 4:15. However, I would start with verse 12 to 21. I suspect that it was an evil spirit to make use of Job's friend to shake Job's faith. 2/ Thanks. So, base on their (Job's friends) background, they might have considered that they were telling the truth. 3/ Shall I view that they were not Job's GOOD friends or they misunderstood Job? But if they were not Job's good friend, I can't understand how they could act so dearly to Job as described 2:11 to 13. I agree with you that "Sincerity is not a test of accuracy" I think, if my point 1 above biblically sound, we have to be very careful on the source of comfort and the driving force of action when we show our care and offer our help to our friends who might be in troubles. Thanks in advance for further input. Shalom Azure |
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2100 | the book of Job | Not Specified | azurelaw | 182374 | ||
1/ Where was that spirit from? God? or Satan? I suppose it was not from God for God rebuked Eliphaz (42:7) for what he said about Him. 2/ Was it natural that people at that time regard disasters, illness, etc. as symbols of God's punishment on one's sinful acts? In that case, we could understand why Job's 3 friends had those comments against Job. 3/ Job's 3 friends were indeed very sincere (it seems to me) as we can see how they reacted when they saw Job (2:11 to 13). I hardly see people (include me) nowadays treat their friends in such manner. Strange is that Job did not get any comfort from them but more hurt instead. What lesson can I learn in the book of Job regarding friendship? Shalom Azure |
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