Results 1121 - 1140 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# | |||
1121 | How do we Trust Christians again? | Hebrews | charis | 81795 | ||
Dear Emily, Greetings in the name of Jesus!! My sister in Christ, I guess it's time to pack your bags and come to Yokohama! ;-) Seriously, I am sad, and somewhat shamed by the things you have experienced. I hear of these kind of things often, and can only say that many churches seem to be more interested in serving man than serving God. Worse, serving 'man' usually equals serving self! Another factor seems to be the desire of so many ministers (thus, churches) to create large, wealthy and progressive organizations that 'can do so much for God' at the expense of the sheep. I, for one, have endeavored to 'seek after the lost sheep,' sometimes depriving the 'ninety-nine' of a 'democratic (socialist?) full church experience.' (Luke 15:4) The result is that, by grace, our fellowship is blessed with peace and love, though perhaps lacking in the 'bells and whistles' that so many churches deem necessary. So, my prayer is that the Lord would lead you to a simple, 'early church' church. One that meets the needs of ALL those sent by the Lord. Seek a shepherd who can discern the needs of God's flock, this is more important than services and programs and amenities. Strangely, the whole flock is fed when the least among them is ministered to. For those that point to 'the needs of all' and 'orderliness' as primary, I can only say these are for politics and religious institutions, not the church of God. "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another." John 13:34 NASB Peace to you. I am so sorry that you missed an Easter Sunday fellowship with the saints. To answer your original question, "What happens if there is no church in our area?," I say either check again to see if you have missed one, or move! For what circumstance makes you stay in an area without a church? Job? Mortgage? School? Relatives? According to the Bible, should any of these things prevent you from serving the Lord in His body? I don't think so! Please email to the address in my User Info if you want a more personal discussion. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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1122 | What is "progressive revelation"? | Heb 1:1 | charis | 4735 | ||
Dear Hank, Yes! "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." John 14:26 NASB. The Holy Spirit will continue to lead us and reveal the will of God to us. He will guide His servants to proclaim a living Gospel. It is ongoing, as we progress toward the goal of the return of the Lord Jesus. No! it is not progressive as in previously unspoken. As the above Scripture states, the Spirit will 'bring to remembrance' what has already been spoken. All present revelation must be in accord with Scripture. But, like the words of Jesus when He spoke to the Jews, they will be fresh and new and full of authority. Blessings upon you in Jesus' name, charis |
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1123 | Is eternal life possible right now? | Heb 1:1 | charis | 15448 | ||
Dear amadeuse, Could you please tell me the True Name of God? Though I do believe that the Holy Spirit reveals Christ to believers, this revelation is always in accord with the Bible. You have decried the church of God, and His servants in a railing judgment! Though I, too, see many areas in the church that need repentance, your vision borders on folie de grandeur, or megalomania. Please, seek help. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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1124 | Why must we divide soul and spirit? | Heb 4:12 | charis | 2192 | ||
Fellows, Why must we divide soul and spirit? How does this apply to our thoughts and intentions of the heart? In Christ Jesus, charis |
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1125 | Is man a 'triune' creature? | Heb 4:12 | charis | 2199 | ||
Dear inhzsvc, "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1Thessalonians 5:23 NASB. Apparently, Paul is making a difference between body, soul, and spirit, and that this situation exists before we meet the Lord. The writer of Hebrews makes it seem that the Word divides them for a reason. I have a theory, but want to ask if anyone else thinks that man is a triune creature? Blessings in Jesus' name, charis |
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1126 | Is man a 'triune' creature? | Heb 4:12 | charis | 2294 | ||
Dear JVH0212, Sorry it took so long to get back to you on this. I wish I could say that I have been studying furiously to find a good answer, but I've just been busy with other things. I do not have 'the' answer, just 'an' answer. With all due respect to John MacArthur, I disagree with his opinion on this issue. Again I cite Hebrews 4:12, and 1Thessalonians 5:23. In addition, "At night my soul longs for Thee, Indeed, my spirit within me seeks Thee diligently; For when the earth experiences Thy judgments The inhabitants of the world learn righteousness." Isaiah 26:9 NASB. I think that man is at least two parts is obvious to all. The body, that is 'of the earth,' and perishable. Then the spirit, which is the part 'in the image of God.' Then we have the soul, a capricious part, a 'switch-hitter' that seems akin to the spirit at times, and swayed by the flesh at others. It encompasses our emotions and thoughts, and is similar to other created things (animals). This is why we can 'rationalize' sin. Hebrews 4:12 would be telling us that by rightly dividing the two, we can 'pull' the soul toward God. Satan would like to allow our souls to be more affected by the flesh, so creates lies that deceive our 'unstable' portion. In answer to another question, this would mean that prior to salvation, our spirit is lost, but our spirit is 'born again' to new life in Jesus. I don't think that we are 'spirit-less,' and then given one. Rather, the spirit that was fallen by the sin of Adam, was regenerated. Though I am sure there are 'academic' problems with this scenario, it does solve many weak areas of 'pure theology.' Let me know what you think. (without 'blowing a gasket' :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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1127 | Is man a 'triune' creature? | Heb 4:12 | charis | 2295 | ||
Dear inhzsvc, I'm sorry for not getting back to you. Please look at my answer to JVH0212 posted 04-03-01 4:27am and let me know what you think. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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1128 | Is man a 'triune' creature? | Heb 4:12 | charis | 2310 | ||
Dear inhzsvc, Because we cannot 'know' until we meet Him, we can only believe. Even the best of Bible scholars have no recourse but to say, "I believe," or "I think" on many issues. Now, about your system, though the theology sounds right, the reality is hard to reconcile. If I am correct, you are saying that unsaved men are body and soul-spirit. Then, upon salvation they are body, soul-spirit, and Holy Spirit. Even in saved people, emotions and rationality are too fickle to be called 'perfected' or regenerated. "Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness..."" Genesis 1:26 This 'image' and 'likeness' must be our soul and-or spirit, because God is not flesh. The spirit of man, regenerate or degenerate could still speak of this image. However, the soul, the emotion, the rational-irrational part does not seem like God at all! Saved or unsaved. My 'system' would explain the situation of a saved church, but all men sin. This would explain the battle that Paul waged within himself, as we also do. Our spirit is regenerated in Christ Jesus, but our soul is not totally under the authority of the Spirit of God. Regarding the 4-part man, the Holy Spirit is a 'Helper' to our spirit. In fact, the two are almost as one. I say almost, because, though we may be like Jesus, we will not become God. In any case these are my thoughts. It is different from what you proferred, and quite different from JVH0212 and John MacArthur. Mine is simpler and more elegant (neat), though the Bible does not say, "The soul and the spirit of man are seperate, dummy!" I think that much of the confusion comes from the difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament. I does seem that the two are used interchangeably and arbitrarily. This could be because of the diference in the relationship between God and His people(?) However, in the New Testament the differences between soul and spirit are more evident, especially in the understanding of regeneration, the born again experience. Well, I am getting groggy. If I write any more, I may fall into stupidity. Good night. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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1129 | Is man a 'triune' creature? | Heb 4:12 | charis | 2311 | ||
Dear JVH0212, You know as well as I do that the Bible doesn't say, "The soul and spirit are separate entities, dummy!" :-) Please read what I wrote to inhzsvc a few minutes ago. Sorry to be shuffling back and forth between you two fellows. Spell-checker and coffee, Amen! Brain synapses are mired in sleep-molasses... Blessings in Jesus' name, charis |
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1130 | Is man a 'triune' creature? | Heb 4:12 | charis | 2392 | ||
Dear inhzsvc, You are correct, that is what I meant. Also, though Jesus was flesh, His body is now glorified, no longer flesh like us. I await the glorification of the body, soul, and spirit that will make us like Him. (Not exactly, but a lot closer than the present) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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1131 | Is man a 'triune' creature? | Heb 4:12 | charis | 2396 | ||
Dear JVH0212, Sorry, friend. I meant "dummies." because the Bible speaks (or in this case does not speak) to us all :-) No offense intended, just stupidity, as I very clearly warned. Asking for grace in Jesus' name, charis |
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1132 | Is Christ now visible and touchable? | Heb 4:12 | charis | 2439 | ||
Dear inhzsvc, Yes, in a metaphorical sense we can touch, taste, smell, hear, and see Jesus. These would seem to come under the awareness of the soul that is turned toward Him. In a spiritual sense, we can know Jesus, and His salvation. Our faith works in this realm, a spirit-to-Spirit relationship. As to the fleshly, physical sense, no, Jesus is at the right hand of the Father in Heaven. He has sent His Spirit to indwell the church, causing us to be the body of Christ, which is beautiful to behold. But individual people and subdivisions of the church are not Jesus, and often poor reflections of our Savior. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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1133 | Make this Forum a forum | Heb 5:14 | charis | 120459 | ||
Dear saints, Blessings in Jesus' name! After finding myself rather put out by the attitude that certain subjects were not profitable for forum discussion, among these the sovereignty-free will debate over salvation, I pulled back from active participation for some time. I have devoted myself to study the Bible concerning this very issue, and have come to the following conclusion: Such debate is NOT divisive. The Word of God is divisive, separating spiritual truth and emotionalism; "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 Jesus, the Rock, was divisive, separating the observers of religion from the faithful; "...and, "A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE"; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed." 1 Peter 2:8ff NASB The prophets were divisive, separating the unfaithful majority from the remnant of God; "In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God's gracious choice." Romans 11:5ff NASB Discussion concerning repentence, faith toward God, resurrection from the dead, and eternal judgement (aka salvation) IS profitable for Christians. (also about washings and laying on of hands). "Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment." Hebrews 5:11-6:2 NASB The context of this verse speaks of the necessity of good foundations in order to mature in Christ. Those foundations are clearly written. Milk is necessary to grow to the point of being able to digest solid food. Once you lay foundations, you shouldn't have to do it again. So many Christians are ignorant about those things spoken of in vss 6:1,2, yet they are encouraged to ingest huge quantities of "perfection food," i.e. understanding love, the spiritual gifts, the tri-une nature of God, the kingdom of God, etc. It is obvious that every Christian should clearly understand these "foundation stones," and this forum is a perfect venue for clarifying these issues, in order that these babes may indeed find fundemental truth and move on. To assume that "babes in Christ" will be confused by speaking of these things is condescending, and robs young Christians of a perfect opportunity to hear a broader discussion of these important themes. After all, this IS a Study Bible Forum, not a PARCCLPJCE (Politically And Religiously Correct Consortium of Like-minded People of Judeo-Christian Ethic). How many saints attend church for years (lifetimes) without ever knowing what they believe, or what others may believe. Talk about a recipe for close-minded religion and bigotry! I adjure you, brethren, to make this forum a forum. love and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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1134 | Make this Forum a forum | Heb 5:14 | charis | 120557 | ||
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1135 | Is this person saved? | Heb 6:4 | charis | 7515 | ||
Dear JVH0212, While Harper's observation may be true, and is most certainly true from God's point of view, no one on earth can claim knowledge of a person's salvation or condemnation. This knowledge is privy to God alone. We can only measure a few outward signs, but cannot measure the heart of man. 'Once saved, always saved' and ' one cannot be born again, again' are true *theological* statements. But there remains great doubt about our ability to truly know who is saved and who is not. As a minister, I offer a few practical examples: Person A goes to a 'revival' meeting, 'gives his heart to the Lord,' is told that he is born again, and gets a New Testament. He goes to church a few times, but the pastor is a stinker. So, he goes back to the bars. Later, he remembers the words of hope and returns to the Lord and returns to church. In the meantime the old pastor is fired, and a real shepherd is now in charge. He receives Person A into the fold, cares for him, and he becomes a fine Christian man. (This scenario is not so outlandish as one might think!) Is Person A saved? Person B is born into a Christian family. At age 12 she goes to a church camp. There is a great meeting with an altar call. She goes up, asks for forgiveness and professes Christ as Savior and she is prayed for. (she may even receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues) Person B is 'on fire for the Lord!' A few years later, attending public high school, parents divorced, she gets in with the 'wrong crowd.' (It happens, folks!) Again, a few years later she repents, and turns toward God. Her Mom's pastor says, "Sorry, you had your (one) chance." Is Person B saved? Are these ridiculous? Was the 'first' experience just and illusion or 'wrongly discerned?' Will the second experience 'take' until death? I don't know, and neither does anybody (but God). Theology is fine, but just wait until you are in the counselor's chair :-) In Jesus' name, charis |
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1136 | Only God knows...but, what? | Heb 6:4 | charis | 7527 | ||
Dear Steve, Only God knows...But? But what? Only God knows, right? I fail to see the gist of your answer. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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1137 | Only God knows...but, what? | Heb 6:4 | charis | 7530 | ||
Dear Steve, That was the point of my original question. Only God knows, and the person themself. Every person that comes to the Lord (or is apprehended by Jesus, or gives their heart to the Lord) knows they are saved. But they stumble. Then some repent, calling upon His name for mercy, and grace is poured forth again. This person knows (again) that God has granted salvation. You must either say that man cannot discern his own salvation, or God can (and does) grant repentance to those that fall away. This is precisely why I do not believe that 'born again' is a finite moment. You have the 'born again, again predicament.' Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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1138 | Is this person saved? | Heb 6:4 | charis | 7550 | ||
Dear JVH0212, Friend you are correct! Again we face one of the difficulties of trying to make a point while participating in a public internet forum. I well know your stance in this issue, and was not trying to make you, personally, into a judgmental person. I am really sorry it came off that way. Truly, my brother, and all my colleagues of the forum, I was only trying to clarify the difference between God's perfect point of view and our imperfect point of view. My two examples were merely meant to show that men can be very judgmental, foolish, and-or naive. Many men do set themselves in the 'plane of God' concerning salvation and forgiveness, not just in theory, but in practice, too. (NOT you, JVH0212! I have never heard you do this.) Indeed, 'fall away' from God, and 'return to' God (repent), are only 'knowable' by God. As Steve so ably pointed out, submission to God can be faked or insincere. So also with repentance. In the same way, our idea of 'falling away' could be very different from God's idea! 'Returning to the bars' or a sinful stumble in your walk with God (or a not-very-prudent posting to a forum :-) may be forgiven by God but inexcusable by man. As a minister and counselor, I must discern (not judge) many things. My last comment, and indeed the whole posting, was directed to the entire audience of this forum. My profound apologies for not making that clear. Amen! Peace to you, as well. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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1139 | Joe, what is Paul and Hebrews 'the Law'? | Heb 6:4 | charis | 17999 | ||
Dear Bill, Joe, and Forum, Sorry to be a 'buttinsky,' but... I agree with Joe that we are exhorted to 'work out our salvation in fear and trembling.' But this cannot be accomplished by mere human study and (attempted) application. I also see Bill's point about 'allowing' the Holy Spirit to have His way in our lives. The danger there is to also 'allow' our emotions to masquerade as the Holy Spirit, which is all too common. (Frankly, I, too, have seen the abuse of 'letting' God have His way!) Friends, I am not trying to 'referee' your thread, but simply saying that both of you seem to be on a Biblical track, as long as the letter AND intent of the Word, coupled with prudence and common sense, reign over your belief. Maybe (just maybe) this is the last word. :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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1140 | Heb 6:4-6 What does it mean...? 6:4 | Heb 6:4 | charis | 24908 | ||
Dear Kalos and EdB, Greetings in Jesus' name! I think the three of us could agree to eat at Denny's! In Yokohama. Their Eel over Rice (Unagi Donburi) is quite good! If you weren't up to 'fish,' you could choose the Rough-ground Hamburger with Grated Radish and Fungus (Arabiki Hamubaagu Oroshi Kinoko Zoe). Now, we can all agree on THAT! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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