Results 261 - 280 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# | |||
261 | Why did Elisha have to see Elijah taken | 2 Kin 2:9 | charis | 33568 | ||
Dear Searcher, Greetings in Jesus' name. Point out error you may, but please do so in a gentlemanly manner, and with love and tolerance in your heart, not self-righteousness or indignation. Elijah . . . cast his mantle upon him--This was an investiture with the prophetic office. Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary. Strong's 5545 chrisma khris'-mah from 5548; an unguent or smearing, i.e. (figuratively) the special endowment ("chrism") of the Holy Spirit:--anointing, unction. ...therefore Elisha's request was, simply, to be heir to the prophetic office and gifts of his master. Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary So I add to the list of similar words 'gifts,' 'endowment' and 'office,' even though I am personally not fond of 'office.' :-) Yes, yes, many of us here investigate Scripture, and sometimes come to different conclusions. I don't believe you have a monopoly on *rightness.* My friend, these words CAN be used with similar meaning. Applying *petty* semantics to argue a trivial point makes me weary. :-) Peace and joy to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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262 | Why did Elisha have to see Elijah taken | 2 Kin 2:9 | charis | 33560 | ||
Dear Searcher, Greetings in the name of Jesus! My friend, in the pursuit of perfection and (self) righteousness, you are being very unkind to prophet ezra brown. Elijah heard Elisha's request, and agreed (in the Holy Spirit) that it would be so if he met the condition of being at his side when he was taken. Elisha was there, and did receive a double-portion of Elijah's spirit as promised. He received the mantle of authority and anointing (chosen by God), the same mantle cast upon him when Elijah found him. Mantle, spirit, authority, and ministry are all acceptable ways to express God's gifts to His chosen vessels. Let's not get too wrapped up in semantics or perfection, or you could be the next 'target.' :-) Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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263 | fall upward? | 1 Tim 4:1 | charis | 33447 | ||
Dear zach†, Greetings to you in the name of Jesus! I hear your words and voluminous argument, but my opinion remains that you tread a path of judgement reserved to God Almighty. Again, your theory is fine, and the Scriptures are valid, but the practice of this method is beyond MY ability, and maybe beyond yours. Many blessings and much peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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264 | The measure of death? | 1 Tim 4:1 | charis | 33433 | ||
Dear 10EC, Greetings from Japan in the name of Jesus! You are correct that we probably have much more in common than we do not! :-) The problem is (to me!) quite simple. If we claim that salvation is 'loseable,' we must bear the burden of knowing how it is lost! It is very convenient to say, "That's easy! Whenever we deny Christ, or deny the Holy Spirit (depending on which 'proof-Scripture' we are using), we are separated from His grace by our willful departure." But the hard part is being more specific! This is why I use the word 'theoretical.' According to most popular methods of accounting, some of the greatest men of faith (Moses and David come to mind, as well as Paul by self-confession) deserve death. Yet God has a different method of accounting that we can never fathom. I have given this completely to the Lord. I see your Scriptures, and I see the 'opposing' Scriptures that claim proof of absolute assurance. Both parties (camps) lead to a form of legalism that I do not see substantiated in the Bible. To give an example of said legalism, the 'loseable' side usually ends up having to decide on a 'measure' of saved/unsaved, which does not bear up under the historical record of the Bible. The 'unloseable' side does fine until someone starts acting unsaved, which inevitably leads to 'not saved from the beginning' or 'that was false salvation' judgement. I KNOW the measure of life, but can I know the measure of death? If I err, I err on the side of salvation and grace, placing my life in His capable hands for measure. If you are right, I plead mercy to He who is merciful! Thank you for your kind regards! My blessings to you as well! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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265 | 491 Club? | 1 Tim 4:1 | charis | 33405 | ||
Dear 10EC, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I hear what you are saying. I consider this to be true. My question is, "Just how easy (or difficult) is it to commit this unforgiveable sin?" I know a man in Yokohama that owns a pub (Trust that I do not frequent such places any longer! My relation with said fellow is B.C.) named the '491 Club.' This person is quite familiar with the Bible, but not a Christian. His *statement* is that Christians believe in grace, but many limit it! Thus, *491* is the 'unforgiveable sin.' (7 times 70, plus 1!) Except that this 'falling away' is but a 'theoretical' possibility, how can we measure it? I do not believe we can, nor should we dwell on this 'possibility.' This I why I am "once saved, always saved!" In Christ Jesus, charis |
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266 | do we have any free will? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 33402 | ||
Dear zach†, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I am not Calvinist (or at least the Calvinists wouldn't accept me! :-)), but I cannot agree that we make the choice to be saved or not. You wrote "He chose us. He is the author of our salvation." The key would be that *us* and *our* would be impersonal terms, denoting that God chose everyone, but it didn't become personal salvation until we (personally, individually) received Him. I believe that He knew *me* (not *us*) and called *me* to His feet, and THAT is salvation. I prefer to put that eternal decision (judgement) in God's capable hands. Honestly, I *choose* not to get into a more detailed explanation than that. :-) Just a thought. The *church* (ecclesia) is the 'called out' assembly. This, IMHO, denotes that Someone did the calling out from the 'crowd' of potential candidates (the lost). To me, God called me personally, not generally. Otherwise, the church would be the 'deciders' or the 'chosers' or the 'receivers' or the 'confessors' of God. I do believe that we must confess Christ, and live in Him in order that His sanctification would continue to work in our lives until we meet Him. But my salvation rests solely on His personal choice of me. Now I serve Him. I can never 'return the favor!,' but I want to please my Savior! One man's opinion. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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267 | Please share in detail if possible,thanx | 1 Tim 4:1 | charis | 33363 | ||
Dear Bhawna, Greetings from Japan in Jesus' name! Indeed, the points 1-4 that you listed sum things up pretty well. In my humble opinion, the assurance of our salvation is a promise from God, and we must lean upon this promise. The 'other camp' is more of a theoretical possibility. It can happen, but easily, or again and again? I cannot see evidence of that in the Bible. The evidence I see in the Word tells me that *certain* very willful men may throw away their salvation by denying the Holy Spirit, but they do not 'lose' it by accident, and satan does not have the power or authority to 'snatch' it away! My own experience leads me to believe that *certain* Christians (very few!) may have chosen this path, but I don't know for sure. God does know, so I leave it to Him. (and Him alone!) So, the hope of salvation we should hold dearly, and hope for others, too! But the possibility, the theory of denying Christ I leave totally unto Him. Anything beyond that is conjecture, and could lead to condemnation of another saint (or even ourselves!), which is none of our business! As to specific Scriptural proof, I will let you browse through the dozens of posts written on this forum. Just use the search function above and you will be 'filled until it comes out of your nostrils!' :-) I think I know which camp YOU are in! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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268 | fall upward? | 1 Tim 4:1 | charis | 33343 | ||
Dear zach†, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I am of the camp of 'once saved, always saved*' *disclaimer: for all practical purposes! :-) While I conceed that there are quite a few Scriptures that speak of 'losing salvation,' there are just as many (or more?) that speak of God's sure grace. My above 'disclaimer' is not a 'tolerant' view or a 'compromise' stand. I simply see that both views are portrayed in the Bible, and the Bible is NOT wishy-washy! So, IMHO, the problem is not *IF* you can lose your salvation, but *HOW,* or more precisely, *how easily!* To say that we can easily lose this salvation is just plain silly. Whereas, to say that it is difficult, therefore rare, that this occurs is in keeping with both camp's Scriptural references. Dinner bell, Bye! Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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269 | Two prophets? | Job | charis | 33328 | ||
Dear Jensen, As a resident of the New Testament, I tend to put all things in that perspective. Though some may see the Old Testament as rigid and without tolerance or grace, I see it differently. The Law is indeed firm, and *apparently* without leniency, but in reality, God practiced grace from the Book of Genesis. My witness is God's gracious dealings with His chosen servants from the early days of recorded history. Therefore, though the Law is our tutor, setting a standard of absolute perfection, the love and grace of the Lord has always been our bulwark. As Paul so clearly spoke, we cannot *depend* upon this love as an excuse for sin, but we CAN completely trust in His salvation. I cannot condemn the actions of any Christian except a clear and obvious case of denying the Holy Spirit. I would not want to be in the shoes of a false teacher, but I do not hold the command of their condemnation. As to our brother and colleague, prophet ezra brown, I do not consider his ideas of prophecy to be solely Old Testament in nature. I am familiar with many types of Christian *religion,* and I see that our forum fellow does uphold many aspects of New Testament prophecy. Though I might disagree with him on style and format, I would imagine that in his fellowship the saints are encouraged in their faith by his message. You may see it as false, but then again, I don't know the style and format of prophecy in YOUR fellowship. :-) Indeed, we shall meet again! Until that time I remain your friend in Christ Jesus, charis In Christ Jesus, charis |
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270 | Two prophets? | Job | charis | 33278 | ||
Dear Brian, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! Well said, my friend, well said! (If I recall my Bible history, Israel was supposed to stone the false prophets, but killed all the true prophets for a fact!) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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271 | Two prophets? | Job | charis | 33264 | ||
Dear Jensen, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Colossians 3:17 NASB. I have agreed with you that any prophet that speaks presumtuously in the name of the Lord is out of order. If he persists, ignore his prophecies, perhaps even censure him. This is the responsibility of every pastor of every church. If a prophet leads people astray, it is because the pastor is not doing his job. In addition, the saints of God have some responsibility to discern false prophets, and beware of them. To this extent I agree with you. If you rant and rave about false prophets, then it is VERY PERTINENT to ask about true prophets. You, sir, are the one that has been dancing around this side of the issue. My point (since the 28th of January) is that there ARE true prophets today, and that their spiritual gift and ministerial gift is closely tied to that of the other gifts given to the church. Prophets encourage the church, as is clearly stated in the Bible, and you have ignored totally: "But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation." 1 Corinthians 14:3 NASB. There are no more Old Testament prophets. There are only New Testament prophets. The do exactly what the Bible says they do. They do not bring new future revelation from God to the universal church (i.e. add to or re-write the Bible). They encourage the (local) church at the ministerial level, and their gift compliments (perfectly!) the other gifts given to the church. That there are false prophets does not take away one whit the purpose and necessity of the prophetic ministry. This same logic would deny us every gift and ministry in the church, because there are charlatans masquerading in every level of church activity. No, my friend, I do NOT know that I am missing any mark. I am simply stating an opinion based on my study of the Bible and experience in the ministry. Your "for the lack of 'accuracy'... the Kingdom of God fell" argument is very intersting! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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272 | Who's who | Job | charis | 33198 | ||
Dear SRN, Greetings in Jesus' name! The Greek word for prophet, prophetes, means: 4396 prophetes prof-ay'-tace from a compound of 4253 and 5346; a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet:--prophet. A prophet is one of the five ministries given as a gifts to the church. "And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers," Ephesians 4:11 NASB. Prophecy is one of the manifestational gifts of the Holy Spirit to the church. "...and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues." 1 Corinthians 12:10 NASB. Prophets in the New Testament were used to bring revelation of God's will for His church, past, present and future. Prophets also bring encouragement to the church. "But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation." 1 Corinthians 14:3 NASB. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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273 | Politics source? | Mark 13:28 | charis | 33195 | ||
Dear SRN, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I am aware that politics played a role in this event. But weren't you talking about some specific group? I am still interested to know the meaning of "Your Spirit in the Spirit" (?) It is unique! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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274 | is the young man of Mark 14:51 Mark? | Mark | charis | 33190 | ||
Dear veejay, Greetings to you in the name of Jesus! Good question! After checking 10 sources, I have 10 answers! :-) Most agree on only one thing: Any answer is pure conjecture. Mark, John the disciple, James, the brother of the Lord, a person who lived near the garden, an young man of the house, someone mistaken for a disciple of the Lord, and finally, anyone but a disciple. Take your pick! :-) After reading these comments, I come to the conclusion that the identity is not important, but the reporting of this event is to emphasize that it is an eye-witness account. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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275 | Politics source? | Mark 13:28 | charis | 33189 | ||
Dear SRN, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I, too, would be intersted to know where the information about the 'politics' of Jesus' time came from. Please, what does "Your Spirit in the Spirit" mean? I am unfamiliar with that phrase. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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276 | Two prophets? | Job | charis | 33177 | ||
Dear Searcher, Greetings in the name of Jesus! "They cannot ever vary from the Word of God." Like Moses, David, Jonah, John or Peter, right? This is an admirable standard, my friend. I can only pray (for you) that your measure is correct. Peace and love in Christ Jesus, charis |
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277 | Seeking a prophet, or not? | Job | charis | 33117 | ||
Dear Jensen, Greetings in Jesus' name! If you are NOT seeking a prophet of God, you will never find one. :-) You did not answer my question, again. Do you demand that every minister of the Gospel meet YOUR standard of perfection? Pastor, preacher, evangelist, counselor, Sunday School teacher, etc.? (while I am asking, does the same apply for family, friends, and brothers-in-the-Lord?) Dyslexia is a terrible condition. I gently suggest you do something about that. :-) I never said that I agree with YOU. I said, quite clearly, "If we are speaking of fortune-telling or future-telling..." The *IF* denotes a portion of your stance, not in toto. I agree with you about charlatans, self-serving frauds, and 'para-church' monomaniacs. I do not, and have never agreed with you that there are no longer any prophets in the church. I am sorry that you have seen instances and situations of abuse of the gifts of the Spirit. I have too! But that is the fault of irresponsible shepherds who do not practice order and common sense in their churches. It is also the responsibility of sheep to have some discerning, and not be so greedy for 'blessings.' Circuses "Give 'em what they want!" Churches should give what they NEED! Overall, my friend, I see the problem as what YOU stated at the end of your diatribe, "...*my* reading of the Scriptures." (my emphasis*) It seems that your experiences rule your bias in the interpretation of the Bible. "Take a stand."(?) I HAVE taken a stand! "This debate never was about anything other than how to discern a false prophet." (?) Well, if you are so worried about discerning FALSE prophets, then my explanation of what a TRUE prophet is should be of some help! :-) "...kissed and made up." (?) Don't get mushy on me! "TEST all things..." Trust me, I do! All the time. Peace and joy to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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278 | Two prophets? | Job | charis | 33111 | ||
Dear Searcher, Greetings to you in Jesus' name! Thank you for your answer! My friend, I wish I could see it, but I don't. Are there really two kinds of prophets? Or are there several kinds of prophecy? Also, do we judge other ministers of the Gospel with the same standard? For instance, preachers are preaching the Gospel to the saints, evangelists preach the Gospel to the lost, a shepherd/counselor speaks the mind of God to those in need of help and direction, and a Sunday School teacher guides the young (in the Lord, or physically) in the paths of God. All are ministers of the Gospel, all are responsible to bring forth the word of God in accord with the Bible. All are saying, in effect, "Thus saith the Lord!" Do we judge the 'other' ministers of the Gospel with the same measure? Or do we weigh the *entirety* of their ministry? Friend (and all the forum saints), I am in no way suggesting that we can lightly hold the Word of God! But this demand for *absolute, 100 percent, accurate perfection* is mocking grace in the church. In addition, it is completely impractical. Those who try to say that they DO use this kind of meter-stick are deluded or hypocrites, IMHO. I am NOT saying that we can accept those who continually prophesy hogwash. (DUH!) I am NOT saying that we need a 'further revelation' of the future of the church. I AM saying that the Bible is done. I AM saying that prophets should take great care when speaking words of guidance and direction, and they should be rebuked if they speak presumptuously. If they continue to do so, they should be barred from further activity. I AM against 'para-church' prophecy, as the great majority is self-serving and the accountability of God does not work in a non-church environment. Sorry to use my reply to you as a 'soapbox!' :-) I really do value your replies, and can see that you 'agenda' is not a hidden one! Blessings to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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279 | Are these not prophets? | Job | charis | 33064 | ||
Dear Searcher, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus. Brother, what you said is true. However, may I ask you something? (I have asked others with no answers thus far) In the New Testament, and in the present age, prophets do more than tell the future. Are these not prophets? "But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation." 1 Corinthians 14:3 NASB. I consider this to be a ministry of encouragement to the church. I do not equate prophets with preachers. Of course, a Spirit-led preacher will be exercising the gift of prophecy in the extemporaneous portion of a sermon, and even could do so in his 'prepared' sermon. Also, any good counselor will submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit when bringing God's word of encouragement to those asking fr help or guidance. (a counselor who depends solely on intellect or training is not a 'Christian counselor' but a counselor who is a Christian) I know many preacher that are definitely NOT prophesying! So, how do you measure perfection when it is not telling the future? How do you measure accuracy when you are dealing with the Biblical, prophetic encouragement of the saints? In Christ Jesus, charis |
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280 | Seeking a prophet, or not? | Job | charis | 33042 | ||
Dear Jensen, Do you demand the same degree of perfection from preachers and teachers of the Word? i.e. 100 percent 'accuracy' and perfection. Or do you simply deny that God speaks through them? This is not *settled,* because you have not said one word acknowledging the 'whole' Biblical role of the prophet in the New Testament. You have only demanded a partial answer, and getting it act like you have made a spiritual point, when in actuality you have only made a trivial point. (Have you noticed that you only answer the questions that lead to your 'agenda?') Are you seeking a prophet? I have shown from the Bible that you can find one that encourages you on your path in the Lord Jesus. I think, though, that you have proven that you are NOT seeking a prophet. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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