Results 101 - 120 of 1260
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: charis Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
101 | Babies and young children a distraction? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 7250 | ||
Dear JVH0212, Very good point! I agree with you that children should sit with their parents. I did not mention that in my reply to Nolan's question. After the 3 year nursery incarceration, er, time period, children are in the service with their family. Believe me, those first few weeks are uncomfortable for the kids, the parents, and all the innocent bystanders :-) However, the kids do settle down to be (fairly) responsible members of the congregation after a few 'encouragements'on their part, and embarrassments on their parent's part :-) My personal conviction is that children should not be segregated by age group. They have enough of that in schoool. Family time together before the Lord is precious, and should be cherished. We have Sunday school before our morning sevices. One reason is that in space-starved Japan, few churches have a separate room for segregated services. Another is that the basic concepts of Christian life should not be so terribly different that you must 'tailor' the contents of worship to various age groups. (i.e. in my church we sing a variety of songs of praise. It's good for kids to sing 'old' hymns, and good for the 'geriatrics' to sing more lively music :-) Again, how much time together does the average family have? Treasure it! Thank you, friend for sharing your thoughts with us. And thanks all for hearing mine. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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102 | Bible quotes | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 7266 | ||
Dear Josh, Any reasonable Bible translation is acceptable for quotation here. Of course, we see a lot of NASB, but many others, including the KJV are represented. It seems the next most popular Bible to quote from (after the NASB) would be the MacArthur Study Bible in the NKJV. Other study Bibles we see are the Ryrie Study Bible and the Scofield Bible. There are several fans of the ASV, too. (I have an ASV arriving by courier day after tomorrow. My wife's friend is visiting us and bringing it :-) Oh, yes! The Amplified is another favorite, while the NIV and Living Bible don't seem to get much 'air time.' In Christ Jesus, charis |
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103 | Babies and young children a distraction? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 7304 | ||
Dear Nolan, This issue is definitely not silly or trivial. And it will probably not be solved by rules, policy, or organization. Order in the house of God is a spiritual matter, that has physical implications, not the other way around. The family you are talking about that wants to be together in the presence of God has wonderful motives. But, good motives without appropriate action is simply hypocrisy. My experience has shown me that children that are unruly in church are unruly all the time. Also, a child's attitude toward church is almost always a direct reflection of the parent's teaching (or lack of it). If a child does not respect the sanctuary, it is probably because the parents do not, though they may be better at hiding it. I think that the Bible states pretty clearly that the parents are responsible for their children. Except in the case of severe mental handicap, all children are trainable. Even 'hyperactive' children do respond to parental love, care AND discipline. I say this from experience, not theory or conjecture. If I have numerous excuses from parents and doctors that tell me why a child is not capable of receiving instruction, but the Bible tells me that all children CAN receive instruction and all parents MUST instruct, then I will choose the Bible, every time. If more people would believe and obey the Word of God, there would be more order in church, without segregation, rules, and chronic annoyances and disruptions. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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104 | Is Entire Sanctification Scriptural? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 7356 | ||
Dear Tim, I am not quite sure how you are defining the term 'entire sanctification,' but I'll give some of my thoughts and some of the references I've found. 'Entire Sanctification' proponents: "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 NKJV It was "the grand depositum which God has lodged with the people called Methodists; and for the sake of propagating this chiefly He appeared to have raised us up." John Wesley believed the doctrine of entire sanctification was Methodism's distinctive gift to Christianity. He called it "the great promise of God," Christian perfection, holiness of heart and life. On the other hand, Charles Finney's "Systematic Theology" speaks out against 'perfect holiness' in this life. He said that we could not live on earth in this state. My personal thoughts. The idea of 'entire sanctification,' 'perfect holiness,' ' attaining sainthood,' and 'walking in the perfect will of God' all speak of perfect goal, a holy pursuit of sinless life. However, we are told this is impossible with man. '...as it is written, "There is none righteous, not even one;"' Romans 3:10 NASB, and 'But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."' John 8:7 NASB. Only Jesus walked a blameless life on this earth. 'For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.' Hebrews 4:15 NASB. The Bible says that God sees us in our perfected state, because He knows the result of His holy plan. The Word of God exhorts us to seek perfection with all our being. Jesus spoke, "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:48 NASB. But I can find no record or reference in the Bible that says any man *attained* perfection. Honestly, it sounds more like a Buddhist search for earthly *enlightenment* than trusting God to perfect us in resurrection. I hope this helps, brother. (and I hope you are not a strict Methodist! :-) If so, I beg your pardon.) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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105 | NASB95 study bible??? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 7359 | ||
Dear Chris, Amen! about the NASB Ryrie Expanded Edition Study bible. I have been using this Bible for 3 years. This was given to me by my wife on the occasion of "A New Season" (as written on the 'presented to' page) In the introduction, Ryrie writes, "Do not invent some 'message' that is not in the text in order to justify an idea you have or course of action you want to take." Also, "...do not be tempted to see 'deeper' meanings or try to discover hidden ideas that no one else has ever seen!" These are some of my favorite quotes regarding Bible study, and very apropos to this forum. Another 'newcomer' to the Study Bible scene is the 'New Inductive Study Bible' by Harvest House Publishers (2000) in the NASB-Update. I just got it a few days ago, and am impressed by it! I will let all know how it fares in the coming days (years) of study. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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106 | Is Entire Sanctification Scriptural? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 7374 | ||
Dear Tim, I appreciate your openness and honesty in explaining your circumstance and subsequent desire for undestanding this issue. To be perfectly frank (on my side :-), I have no formal training which would (might?) give me an 'authoritative' answer. I am just a student of the Bible, and always prefer a simpler answer over a complicated one, if one is available in the Bible. After studying a bit about Entire Sanctification and it's various manifestations, I can only conclude that it is too complicated. It makes too many human assumptions about the individual's outward righteousness. For instance, if a person accepts Christ (whatever term you prefer) and is walking in the Lord just fine, has he *achieved* this status? Then, after years of faithful service to God, he stumbles. Did he lose the 'entire' status and return to justification? Or maybe, as some good Calvinists would demand, was he never saved to begin with? Could he be reinstated, as many good Charismatics would insist? As you stated about your belief (I think), it is much simpler to believe that 1) a person is justified by faith, 2) pursues sanctification through the working of the Holy Spirit, and 3) is made complete in resurrection. The details of this process are vague, regardless of some notions of *enlightenment.* Especially, the exact timing of resurrection. I leave these things to Christians that have already perfected all the other aspects of life in Christ :-) Out of curiosity, which denomination believes which? (I was under the impression that many Brethren churches leaned toward Wesleyan thinking) The only support I can think of for Entire Sanctification is that the ones that insist on it are convinced that they have *achieved* it! I know that they may string lots of Bible passages together to 'prove' it, but common sense and two honest eyeballs would show that man cannot *achieve* complete earthly sanctification. I was once a Buddhist, and the concept is familiar, and clearly mystical in nature. Only Jesus was perfect on earth, and He did not *achieve* it, He WAS perfect! One man's humble opinion. Blessings to you, and prayers for your path. In Jesus' name, charis |
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107 | Tithes and offerings designation | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 7518 | ||
Dear retxar, Basically speaking, the Old Testament pattern was for tithes to be used for the livelihood of the Levites, who did not have a portion in the Promised Land. Offerings were for the upkeep of the Temple. Though tithes and offerings are not specifically required by the Lord Jesus, I think they make more sense than the church just relying on 'good will' or a constant barrage of 'appeals' for money and 'special offerings.' The congregation has a right to know the overall financial situation, but not the details. (Unless, of course, there is evidence of misuse or abuse, then an accounting is appropriate) As to the designation of offerings: an offering is from your heart through the leading of the Holy Spirit. By definition, you should have some say in how it is used. However, the final decision should be in the hands of the eldership. God blesses a cheerful (trusting) giver. Make known your feelings about the offering, but don't usurp the leadership's authority. They are required by God to correctly discern the needs of the church. (If they are wrong, God will deal with it!) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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108 | Finding a Church? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 8177 | ||
Dear roverjbh99, I, too, am looking for a church in Hawaii. Not for me, but for my daughter, who will be going to college in the fall. You have received some good advice, most of which I agree. Indeed, pray! Pray that you would be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Pray in thanksgiving for where He has set you. Pray in belief that He has a local fellowship for you. I disagree that you must find a church near you. (I know that the advice was 'if possible') If you are on Oahu, you could travel 'to the ends of the earth' every Sunday in less than 2 hours :-) I find it appalling that some Christians chose convenience over God's choice. Go where you must to be in His will. You may even move your domicile to be close to the fellowship God has reserved for you. To me, church comes before work and career. A local church must have commitment to God and to one another, or it is not a church. A church without shepherding is not a church. Commitment and shepherding are NOT programs and staff! Sheepskins on the wall are not the mark of a shepherd (pun intended!). Find a local church that will both serve you in Christ, and have a place of service for you in Christ. Do not chose a church by their 'worship team.' Music can be had on the radio, and pageantry can be found on TV. Holy fellowship is ONLY available in the local church. Much too much emphasis is given these days to 'extracurricular activities.' God wants you in a church that preaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This would be new hope for the lost, and daily faith for the saved. A church must be evangelizing the neighborhood, and each member's family, including their own children. So many focus on just adding to the membership, or on a certain 'category' of potential people. True evangelism is to all you know and meet. Finally, my friend, trust the Lord. He wants you to be a 'living stone' in the dwelling place of His people. 'Living stones' are not raw materials, but active parts of the structure known as His church. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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109 | For Joe. | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 14573 | ||
Dear Joe! You know, my friend, you are very intolerant and bigoted at times. I do not know your background or upbringing, nor do I know Raymondo's. But I know mine, and so does the Lord. I knew nothing of God or the Bible until I was 25 years old. I had no church experience or faith examples as a child or young man. When the Lord Jesus apprehended me, He turned 'my' world upside down, and I Praise God for that! But I, too, questioned and speculated about Him, and about His Word, out of ignorance AND curiosity. I had no reference point, and over the years He has sovereignly provided that reference point. I no longer question and speculate about him, because He has, by His Spirit revealed Himself to me. If you are brought up in a Christian home (lucky dog!), these reference points are provided by parents and church. Indeed, it may be sinful and unforgivable for such (lucky dogs) to question God's existence-beginning. But give the rest of the world a break! I am suurounded by a nation that is almost totally ignorant of God and His Word, except, maybe through some intolerant and bigoted 'Christians.' I must be able to discuss the 'philosophy' of God with them, that they may be healed from their atheistic upbringing, AND the perception of Christians being mindless jerks. Brother, I understand a bit about your culture. Please make room for the culture of many others that need Jesus. In His good time, all questions and speculations will be answered and-or erased by the Spirit, and by the holy example of His servants. Please note that intolerant and bigoted are NOT judgments on your life or faith, but observations. I only mean them as a way to express correctly what I feel about your statements. I am well aware that I, too, have 'observable' characteristics. :-) Blessings, my fellow saint, in Jesus' name, charis |
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110 | For Joe. | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 14591 | ||
Dear Joe! "Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation." 1 Peter 2:12 NASB My point is that not all are converted from Gentile to perfected believer (like yourself?) in an instant, nor are all brought up in an environment that recognizes Christ. Indeed, you are zealous, but I believe that we should all know the difference between zealousy for Jesus, and being a religious zealot, often intolerant and bigoted. Joe, the letters to Timothy are written by Paul to his most accomplished disciple. We cannot expect all Christians to be at this level, can we? I know that I may not yet be there, but I apsire to it. However, intemperate views can, and often do, discourage the less mature, and we are responsible for that. Friend, do you really expect everyone that logs in to this Forum to be as responsible as that? I don't. Blessings and peace in Jesus' name, charis |
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111 | For Joe. | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 14662 | ||
Dear Joe! Peace, friend. Yes, I did read your post. I also saw your answer to Raymondo's question. ("For Joe") It is my opinion that your answer was more akin to a Louis L'Amour 'Sixgun Solution' than, "...but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which 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." Ephesians 4:15,16 NASB. Brother, I am well aware that some of the people that log in to this forum are woefully immature and misguided. We have an opportunity to bring balance to them. Your method of 'slapping them upside the head' with a 'perfect standard' may not be the most effective. Indeed, it could cause many to leave the best thing they've ever encountered (sad, but true in many cases). Is it just me, or do I detect an attitude of 'shape up, or ship out!' in your evangelical method? You say that I quoted a Scripture only focused on the Gentiles. I can tell you are a black-or-white kind of guy, and indeed, from the Lord's lofty viewpoint, this is the case, but many on earth (here) are caught between their Gentile nature and the calling of God. Sadly, some for a (seemingly inexcusable) long time. Is there a time limit before the entire weight of the Scriptural standard comes to bear? Who decides that time? I hope it is not you. :-) Finally, your arrogant stance of perfect interpretation (and implementation) of Paul and the Holy Spirit, with myself as the one with a 'beef' against God, is cheap and cocky. As you said before, you have your opinion, and I have mine :-) True, the Bible is the perfect standard, given by God to imperfect man. Our 'wielding' of it correctly demands balance and wisdom, not just knowledge. Joe!, is it possible that you are not always so rigid and legalistic in real life? That you are much more temperate when you are with family and church? I would like to believe so, and in fact, do believe so. Please know that I am not trying to be an enemy. My comments to you are also for the benefit (at least, this is my intention) of this whole forum. I remain your colleague in Christ Jesus, charis |
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112 | For Joe. | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 14665 | ||
Dear Joe!, In case I didn't get my point across, I do not , in any way, consider you an 'evildoer.' In fact, I agree with so much of what you say here, and in your many postings! As a coworker in the kingdom of God, I merely disagree with (some, not all!) your method of communication :-) Blessings in Jesus' name, charis |
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113 | For Joe. | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 14691 | ||
Dear Hank and Joe, You Americans! What is this interest in cows and pigs? If you ever get to Japan, I will introduce you to the Tanuki, a cross between a raccoon and a badger. Unfortunately, no sports team has considered the Tanuki for a mascot, possibly because Japanese tradition makes them out to be capricious malefactors. And I will teach you both how to pronounce it, free of charge! tah-noo-kee :-) Blessings, my friends, in Jesus' name! charis |
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114 | Will it be our generation? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 14778 | ||
Dear CDBJ, No, none of us will be truly ready in our own strength. But in Him we can do anything! The Spirit will give us what we need at the appropriate time. I don't think that dwelling on end-time prophecy will help much, but honestly looking at church history and the present-day reality is a start. Read "The New Foxe's Book of Martyrs' for a bit of (grisly) history of faith in persecution. This updated version is in readable language and has a section on more recent trials of the faithful all over the world. Indeed, those in 'major power' nations have a hard time understanding what it takes to profess Christ for a good portion of the 'rest of the world.' Preparation for serving Jesus starts 1)in our own home, establishing our ability to show forth the Christ within to those close to us. The next battle is 2)serving our local church. (and I don't mean Sunday attendance or the envelope on the offering plate! Wash someone else's dishes, change the diapers of other's children, bless the person in the next row in the name of Jesus!) When we (finally) get these two down pat, then 3)bring food to the bowery, help at the nursing home, volunteer for prison ministry, give your vacation to a foreign church (out of your own pocket!), and heed the calling of the Holy Spirit if He calls you to a less-comfortable venue. When you have performed 1 and 2, and are working on 3 for a while, you will be ready for any number 4 that Jesus gives you! Blessings in Jesus' name, charis |
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115 | Will it be our generation? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 14798 | ||
Dear CDBJ, I beg to disagree that there is more about the doctrine of end-time events in the Bible than about living for Christ. I was not talking about 'Christian Service,' as a doctrine, but the priorities of life in Jesus. I have not read 'The Sign,' but I just read every revue I could find on the net. Been there, done that! :-) After we 'map out the end-times without setting dates,' we still have to get our act together in the here and now, yes? I have spent a lot of time early in my walk studying the end-time, and I still dabble. But no author has written anything new or revelatory since John put down his pen. Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus! Blessings, my friend, in Jesus' name, charis |
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116 | Will it be our generation? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 14802 | ||
Thank You, CDBJ! I might qualify, and it's hard to refuse something free! :-) Blessings upon you, and all the saints of the Forum, in Christ Jesus, charis |
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117 | Greek scholars, please help. | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 14804 | ||
Dear Debbie, Whenever the Lord decides to come, and whatever His plan for the surrounding events, He will be with you, and give you courage (not your own) to overcome. Fear not, O daughter of Zion! May the peace of our Lord be with you now, and He will be your Peace on that day! Blessings in Jesus' name, charis |
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118 | How inspired is the NAS Bible today? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 15412 | ||
Dear Sir, I would tend to agree with you that the third perspective is closer to the truth. My reasoning actually goes a step further. The Holy Spirit continues to inspire the hearer (reader) to follow God's will. This would be His divine will for all men, with His church as the result, as well as each individual part, with their participation in His church. The Word of God is alive and active today, in the hearts of those who believe, and it is the unction of the Holy Spirit that causes the Word to be effective. "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 NASB Therefore, these so-called 'mistakes,' 'discrepencies' and even myriad translations (yes, even Ray's! :-)are of no (bad) consequence to the hearer of God's holy Word. Even if you become a scholar of the original languages of the Bible, if you do not have faith your study is for naught. Inspiration continues! Thank You, Lord! In Jesus' name, charis |
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119 | IS DIVORCING ANOTHER CHRISTIAN A SIN? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 15424 | ||
Dear Old Coach, As our good brother Steve said, this has been adequately discussed. But if you need a quick answer, I will try to provide one. Is it a sin to divorce? Is it against God's will? Yes, it is. It is also a sin to cheat on your spouse. Your friend's life in Christ is suspect, and there are probably other areas of sin and lack of adherence to God's will that need attention and repentance. Should they divorce if the Bible says no? Well, the Bible does say no, but unless both are committed to life in Christ in accord with the Bible, staying together would be hypocritical at best, and disastrous at worst. Indeed, both need shepherding and counsel, leading to repentance. But not just for a 'patched up marriage.' They need to return to a life of serving God together, committed to a (the same!) local church that practices holiness, repentance, and forgiveness. Can they marry again? If one or both refuse God's gift of repentance, and they do get divorced, then the unrepentent can do what they please, as they are outside God's will anyway. However, in this age, it really only takes one to divorce, so if a repentant party is 'cut off' by divorce or abandonment, they are free in Christ to marry in Christ. Unasked, but commonly the next question is, can a divorced person serve God? Yes! Can a divorced-remarried person serve God? Yes! Can any repentant sinner serve God? Yes! Do some religious organizations set limitations upon repentant sinners? Unfortunately, yes :-( Blessings in Jesus' name, charis |
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120 | How inspired is the NAS Bible today? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 15545 | ||
Dear Sir, and Forum fellows, We are the representation of God's inspiration, the vehicle by which the Word of God is portrayed. "...for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no man should glory. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10 ASV We are His workmanship! Our works are, indeed, nothing to brag about, but God is glorified in our being. This would be the being of the church, and the being of the individual believer. Since we believe that God has chosen His church as the representation of His glory, the purpose of inspiring the Bible was to fulfil this. This holy work, this divine plan is not yet finished, though the written Word is. Therefore, the inspired Word of God is continuing in us, by the unction and anointing of the Holy Spirit. Before you jump to the conclusion that I am preaching a 'new' revelation, rest assured that it is my opinion that the inspired Word of God is being continually 'reiterated' in His church. Nothing 'new,' but fresh because the Holy Spirit makes it so. Present-day freshness of His inspiration is what keeps believers from becoming old and brittle and useless, i.e. wineskins. I see a Bible worship type of indignity at work here, defending the Bible when it is not under attack. We should worship the Author, and see His plan, and the various parts of it. Our are you ininspired? In Jesus' name, charis |
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