Results 1041 - 1060 of 1260
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: charis Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1041 | 'Break up our fallow ground?' | Hos 10:12 | charis | 1886 | ||
Fellow saints, What does it mean to 'break up our fallow ground?' Assuming, of course, that this verse applies to us now. What is the rain? In Jesus, charis |
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1042 | What are 'Ancient Paths?' | Jer 6:16 | charis | 1885 | ||
What are the 'Ancient Paths' that Jeremiah speaks of? Who is it that refuses to walk them? Does this apply to us today? In Jesus' name, charis |
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1043 | Spiritual beings procreate? | Gen 6:4 | charis | 1884 | ||
Forum Fellows, Can spiritual beings procreate with fleshly beings? I can think of only one instance in the Bible where this took place, and that was the conception of Christ Jesus in Mary by the Holy Spirit. Yet, the 'common interpretation' of this scripture is that the sons of God are angels. If we believe the angels can procreate with humans, then it follows that demons can, too. Or is this another thing that is 'for a limited time only?' Blessings in Christ Jesus. charis |
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1044 | In the NT who was Apollos? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 1869 | ||
Dear JVH0212, It seems that the 10 scriptures that refer to Apollos are talking about the same person. (This is rare in the Bible) From the way that Paul respects him, and equates Apollos with himself or Cephas (Peter), I would think that he was an apostle. In any case he, was a respected (even too respected, close to idolized, much like Paul) for his ministry to the church. "I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth." 1 Corinthians 3:6 NASB. Some say that he had the ministry of shepherding, beacause 'planting' is a one-time thing, but 'watering' reqires multiple application and commitment. I do not completely agree with this, because many others could be 'watering' as well, but it is a good thought. Also, it seems that Apollos was at many churches, as was Paul. I like Apollos, and don't think he got a 'big head,' because he seemed leery to return to Corinth. "Jerome thinks that Apollos remained there until he heard that the divisions in the church at Corinth had been healed by Paul's letter and then returned and became bishop of that city. Other authorities make him bishop of Duras, of Colophon, of Iconium (in Phrygia), and of Caesarea." (New Ungers Bible Dictionary) Blessings in Christ Jesus. charis |
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1045 | How about faithful Jews? | John 14:6 | charis | 1843 | ||
Dear SLSalsman, I thank you for answering with such clarity. I am now sharing with a brother regarding this issue, and your thoughts mirror mine. The above scripture, John 14:6 and others in the same vein, are often used to exclude the Jews from salvation. I do not think that 'Jews in the flesh' are automatically saved from Hell by birthright, but a covenant of faith has been made with Abraham, and I cannot believe God would 'renege' on a promise. Blessings to you in Christ Jesus. charis |
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1046 | What is a 'foundation?' | Matt 11:13 | charis | 1831 | ||
Dear brother RCSCROLL, Please read my apology first. My question is, "What is a foundation?" I have been a professional builder, and have built several homes, as well as a church. I understand 'foundation,' but often the term is misunderstood. A structure has several parts, and I think the Bible agrees that the church has several parts. This is best illustrated in the 'parable of the two houses.' "...He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation upon the rock; and when a flood rose, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built." Luke 6:48 NASB This says that there is a 'foundation' and a 'rock,' as well as the house. The 'Rock' that we know is the 'bedrock' kind, Christ Jesus. You must dig through the 'soil of the earth' to get to Him. Sometimes the 'bedrock' is called the 'foundation' laid by God, we cannot lay it. I agree with this very much. However, we must lay a 'foundation' upon this Rock, and I believe this is the basic gifts and ministries given to the church. They are foundational, they are written in the Word, and they continue to work today. (Please note that I agree with you that many gifts and ministries are misused, abused and-or false. I also agree with you that the apostles and prophets are not exactly like 'pre-church,' but called so in the Bible, nonetheless) You may even call this 'foundation' "the application of doctrine." Upon that 'foundation' you have the 'superstructure' or 'frame,' and all the parts ('members') are attached to it. This illustration explains why we have the single unchangeable 'foundation' of Christ Jesus, laid by our Father, and several 'foundations' of doctrine and action. Please also remember that you cannot have bags of cement, mounds of sand and buckets of water and call it a foundation. Unless mixed in the appropriate amount, poured, finished, and allowed to cure, they are not a foundation. Also know that concrete takes years to completely cure. I believe that our foundation is still 'curing.' Thus the 'foundation' of the apostles and the prophets continues to work in our midst. Indeed, "...having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord;" Ephesians 2:20,21 NASB Thank you, brother, and blessings in Christ Jesus. charis |
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1047 | Part 1 Apologetics? | Matt 11:13 | charis | 1825 | ||
My dear RCSCROLL, My profound apologies to you. I did mix your comments with those of another saint, and wrote one answer to two distinct people. I am truly sorry. By way of explanation (not excuse), I think the reason is that I asked a similar question to the one we were following elsewhere. Then I answered your question from the other tree and mixed it up with a comment from this tree. I will attempt to be more careful in the future. Please ignore (forgive) the first two paragraphs of Part 1 and some extraneous comments that do not apply to our original discussion, which was concerning the 5-fold ministry in Ephesians 4:11. (Just to set the record straight, though, you did enter this 'tree' in the midst of a discussion with another saint.) Friend, I agree with you that we do not have apostles and prophets 'in exactly the same manner' as on the Day of Pentecost. But we do have a continuation of apostolic and prophetic work as described by the Book of Acts and Paul's letters. As I described in my 'apologetics' letters, several examples of these two ministries (gifts) are evident. Another point that no one has answered is: if apostles and prophets are no longer with us, why is there no problem with evangelists, pastors and teachers? They occur with less frequency than the first two. I have investigated the Welsh Revival and the Pentecostal Movement, as well as the Latter Rain Movement. There are many works of God in all of them. As to the Charismatics, I find a lot, lot less of God, and much, much more of man. Again, dear friend and colleague, my profound apologies for my mistake. BTW, I look forward to your book, please keep us informed. Blessings in Christ Jesus. charis |
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1048 | How about faithful Jews? | John 14:6 | charis | 1818 | ||
Dear SLSAltsman, I asked a question a while back, "Covenant to Abraham revoked?" what do you think? Is Genesis 17:7, the 'everlasting covenant' to Abraham and his descendents nullified by the New Covenant? Did God renege the Old Covenant and revoke from Israel salvation from Hell? If He did take away this 'privilege' of salvation by faith (Abraham's descendents), when was it taken away? Please give specific Bible direction. In Christ Jesus. charis |
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1049 | So, no ministries at all? | Eph 4:11 | charis | 1812 | ||
Dear RayV.H., I agree that a body without division is God's desire, and that the foundation for ministry in the church is already laid in the Bible. But, if I am reading your replies correctly, you are saying that there are no longer any ministries at all? All are priests, so ministers and ministries are unnecessary? Is it not true, then, that the local church would have no 'members' chosen by God to perform specific tasks? Frankly, it sounds like chaos, with no commitment and responsibility to one another, and no 'talents' used for His glory. "For the body is not one member, but many. But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it." 1Corinthians 12:14, 18, 27 NASB. I think you answered my question, but I am not sure. If you are saying what I think you are saying, then every believer is a 'one-man-show,' and the 'many-membered body' is invalid. Every person has his Bible, and acts as he feels the Bible tells him. Though I see little scriptural argument for denominational hierarchy over the local church, I am quite certain that there must be some orderly separation of responsibility within the local church. Thank you for your comments, and bless your path in Christ Jesus. charis |
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1050 | This is why...? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 1810 | ||
Dear SSprln, When you say that non-denominational churches have no standard theological teaching, it may or may not be true. They may have a very standard theology, but just prefer not to be bound by a denominational title. Or, they really might have a non-standard, sub-standard, or para-standard theology :-) But when you say they have no set theological teaching, this also may or may not be true. They might have a set theology, but not standard, or, they may have a truly un-set theology, that changes all the time. Is that clear? ;-) Seriously, my friend, non-denominational can mean many things. Sometimes 'independent' is used (or abused). I personally do not believe that Jesus wants denominations, and I am certain that He has no 'favorite.' My church is 'non-denominational' and-or 'independent.' We have no hierachal affiliation to another church, mother church, or denomination. Yet, we have a set (subject to 'adjustment' by the Holy Spirit) theological teaching, which is surprisingly standard. You could say we are a 'hybrid,' but I prefer the word 'distillation.' We want to please our Master, not His minions. Blessings in Christ Jesus. charis |
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1051 | Is prophecy dead? | Matt 11:13 | charis | 1808 | ||
Dear friend Whyndell, peace upon you in Jesus' name. You said to another colleague that you will no longer participate. Well, I hope you read this. I will miss your opinion. As brother (I think) Matt has observed, "Iron sharpens iron." Saying that this forum is a 'tongue talker' network does not fit what I have seen. Very few of the saints here have admitted to this, and several have stated very clearly they do not speak in tongues. In any case, there has been mature discussion (not always, I am guilty, too :-) and willingness to tolerate others. You do a disservice to our hosts, and to your own faith by leaving. Please reconsider. Blessings upon you in Christ Jesus. |
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1052 | No more evangelists,pastors,teachers? | Eph 4:11 | charis | 1807 | ||
Dear RayV.H., Now I know what you meant by, "...everything has been done already..." Every revelation necessary to function as a church is presently available. Fine. I disagree, because obviously the church has not been able to overcome division, dissension and internal strife and prejudice. Bickering over personal opinion is rampant, not only here on this forum, but all over the world, even to the point of war. If we have the information, we are certainly not using it very efficiently, and "...until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ." Ephesians 4:13 NASB, is far off. BUT, HOWEVER, NONTHELESS, my question was a bit more specific. We have a list of 5 gifts, and I have been told by several colleagues (including you, now) that 2 of them are no longer valid in a contemporary sense. (Actually, I've been told a lot more than that! :-) But no one has made mention of the last 3 gifts. If the first two are gone, are the last three as well? Do we no longer have evangelists, pastors and teachers? In Christ Jesus. charis |
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1053 | All or none? Or some? | Eph 4:11 | charis | 1793 | ||
Dear Ray V.H. I agree with you that every believer is called to participate in the church. There are no 'spectators.' However, God used Paul to tell us about a specific 5-fold gift (ministry) and I think your 'why?...' was correct. There are, indeed, several other ministries and helps and talents listed throughout the New Testament, and each has purpose and validity, and each is necessary to equip the church. I am not sure what you meant by, "...everything has been done already..." When each member of the body is functioning in his-her appointed gift, then everything will be done? My question, however, was a bit more specific. We have a list of 5 gifts, and I have been told by several colleagues that 2 of them are no longer valid in a contemporary sense. (Actually, I've been told a lot more than that! :-) But no one has made mention of the last 3 gifts. If the first two are gone, are the last three as well? Do we no longer have evangelists, pastors and teachers? In Christ Jesus. charis |
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1054 | What about the other ministries? | Eph 4:11 | charis | 1773 | ||
God bless us everyone, The above scripture is often called the 5-fold ministry. I have received much commentary stating that there are no apostles or prophets in this present day. However, not one person has made any comment whatsoever about evangelists, pastors, and teachers. I assume that is because their validity is not in question. This is interesting; pastors is mentioned just this once, evangelist is mentioned in two other places, and teacher most of all, but almost always with prophet. How does one account for this? Please use scripture to explain (not explain away) the emasculation of this scripture. Your servant in Christ Jesus, charis |
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1055 | Is prophecy dead? | Matt 11:13 | charis | 1771 | ||
Dear Whyndell, I have read the scriptures you proffered, and I offer the closing comments Paul gave us, "Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues. But let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner." 1 Corinthians 14:39-40 NASB. I claim no superior spirituality, nor a 'higher level' than another man in Christ. I have simply believed and experienced that which is written in the Bible. I have seen fruit and edification of the body of Christ. I battle against over-emotionalism, and study the Word earnestly. You accuse all such believers as 'fake' and 'false.' Well, all I can say is that you have not met 'all,' so save your prejudice. One question, why the fuss about tongues? I don't believe I have made it an issue, or claimed spiritual superiority. Some may, but they aren't me. By the way, if all in my church were to speak English tomorrow morning, it would indeed be in tongues. My church, with few exceptions, is Japanese. I live in Yokohama. :-) As to the cessation of revelation and the emasculation of the 5-fold ministry, please give me scripture that clearly speaks. I do thank you for granting salvation to us, though we may be deluded or liars. Peace be upon you in Christ Jesus. charis |
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1056 | Is prophecy dead? | Matt 11:13 | charis | 1770 | ||
Well said, kind sir. Matt, I highly regard anyone who can state a belief without resorting to 'absolutism' or bigotry. I, too, look forward to mature discussion, and pray constantly for the Spirit to guide this forum of saints. My purpose and heart's desire is the unity of His church. And now, my friend, it is late in Yokohama. Good night for me, and have a good day to you, in Christ Jesus. |
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1057 | Is prophecy dead? | Matt 11:13 | charis | 1766 | ||
Amen! Iron sharpens iron. I appreciate your comments very much. Allow me to start at the end, as I think it helps explain my position. I agree, definition of terms is important-what is 'slain' in the Spirit. I said that I had experienced all the above, and by that I meant that I have witnessed it. My explanation was poor, and I apologize. I have never personally been slain, but I have seen those who have felt the presence of God in such a powerful way that they could not stand. This was totally spontaneous, unplanned, no 'catchers' were waiting (prompting :-) and no hand was laid (pushed :-) I know the person well, and I believe it was of the Spririt. I have also seen 'Toronto-style mass-slaying' and I think it is (for the most part) NOT of the Spirit. The whole 'put-eachother-down' thing, with 'catchers' and 'manifestations' and 'Holy laughter,' etc. did not fit with any scriptural pattern that I know of. Neither am I fond of 'Ezekiel-like' prophecies (gobbledegook) or outrageous predictive prophecies that mislead and eventually hurt people. I know people who prophesy, whose words of exhortation, consolation and edification strengthened the church. They are mature and responsible, and they are not showmen, but godly people. I have seen false prophets and charlatans as well. As to the 100 percent thing, this is difficult to measure one way or the other. If you mean 'infallibility,' no one comes under that category, except the Lord Jesus. Many prophet's lives were a mess. But when they wrote it down by the Spirit, it was tested and proven. In the same manner, a present-day prophet must be responsible to speak God's with care, under His unction. I know people of this sort, their words are tested. I do not believe in 'hallway prophecy,' nor do I believe in 'endless diatribe' as prophecy. Prophecy must have purpose, and those purposes must be fulfilled, otherwise, indeed, the person is not a prophet. I do not believe that the 5-fold ministry has been emasculated, not do I believe that the Bible teaches that prophecy is dead. You are right, all prophecy must be in accord with scripture, and must be spoken in order and with responsibility. I still see that the Bible speaks of post-ascension apostles and prophets. (Just to clarify, are you saying that because no one could be 100 percent correct, then there are no prophets?) As with my other colleagues, I invite you to a 'non-Charismatic' church that operates in the gifts of the Spirit any time you are in Yokohama. Respectfully in Christ Jesus. charis |
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1058 | Church Age? | Acts 2:17 | charis | 1763 | ||
Friends and colleagues, is this scripture talking about the 'church age?' After reading Peter's sermon explaining their behavior, it seems that his quotes from Joel and David are talking about the 'church age' until the last days. Peter testifies that Joel's prophecy was about then and now, and until the return of thew Lord. Comments? | ||||||
1059 | Use Info Update? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 1761 | ||
Did anybody know about the User Info Update? (Look to the right, under 'Information') Our gracious hosts have provided a means to share a bit about yourself to everyone. This is optional, but it would be nice to know something about the people we are interacting with. You don't have to give birthdates or telephone numbers, just a few facts to identify your personality. Basic location would be nice. Gender, unless you are really sensitive about it. Ministy or talent would let everyone know 'where you are coming from.' Of course, you can be the 'mystery' person. Your prerogative. If you click on 'charis' in any of the 'trees,' you will know something about me :-) In Christ Jesus. | ||||||
1060 | Is prophecy dead? | Matt 11:13 | charis | 1759 | ||
Dear whyndell, I agree with much of what you say. Please read my comments to RCSCROLL Part 1 and Part 2 Apologetics? dated 03-24-01, and my definition to Matt, same date. In fact, they are on this same tree, so just click below. Get back to me if you think it's worth comment:-) Blessings to you in Christ Jesus |
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