Results 1181 - 1200 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# | |||
1181 | The question stands | James 2:10 | charis | 19252 | ||
Dear Bill, Peace to you in Jesus' name! Brother, I have no argument against being a new creation in Christ Jesus! But honoring and revering the Old Testament as a perfectly complimentary 'teacher of Christ' could hardly be considered insulting. So now that you have 'finished with' your third grade English teacher (or college professor, or whatever), do you 'dismiss' them and void them from your memory? This would be to imply that YOU have graduated from their influence, and that YOU are better than they are. Sorry, but I don't have the ability to 'purge' myself from giving due respect and glory to the venerable (though superceded) Word of God. Nor have I come to the point that I, personally, am free from the life contained in the Old Testament. I do not consider myself to be 'under contract' to the Old Testament. But I will continue to read from it's holy pages and still learn. I find that mixing the 'intent' of the Law, and the fulfillment of the Law is not oil and water at all! In fact, I find the two to be very compatible. Please do not lump this together with those that worship the 'legal' Law and try to make us adhere to the letter. I, too, am set free from this bondage. :-) Out of curiosity I ask, have you read some of my other posts? I think that my heart would be evident to you if you had... In Christ Jesus, charis |
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1182 | The question stands | James 2:10 | charis | 19310 | ||
Dear Steve, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Because they were taught that way, or because it makes them feel good, or both. Many people feel more obligated toward those that 'brought them to the Lord' or those that 'mentored' them than they do toward the Lord Himself. Legalism feels good to the self-righteous and the insecure both. To the self-righteous because it bolsters their 'understanding,' and to the insecure because a rigid system gives them emotional comfort. Well, you asked for my opinion of the 'psychology' of the matter...you got it! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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1183 | Is God ONE or is God THREE? | James 2:19 | charis | 36032 | ||
Dear Jesusman, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! Please allow me to begin by saying that I believe in the Tri-Une nature of God. Indeed, the Great Commission commands us to baptize in the name (not names) of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. The 'teach' part of Matthew 28:19 is more correctly 'make disciples,' and has nothing to do with the name of God. However, subsequent Scriptural history (i.e. the post ascension church) shows that the disciples baptized in the name of Jesus Christ or the name of the Lord Jesus. Either the disciples were baptizing incorrectly, or the Scriptural account is inaccurate, or the diciples WERE baptizing correctly and in accord with the will of God by baptizing in the name of Jesus. (NOT Jesus-*only*) "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. Nonetheless, everything you said about John 1 and the deity of Christ Jesus is exactly right. Thought the word 'Trinity' is not in the Bible, you cannot deny the Three in One nature of God clearly portrayed in Scripture. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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1184 | Demons or Sin? | James 3:15 | charis | 29935 | ||
Dear KamanUCI, Greetings in Jesus' name! Demons are the minions of satan, fallen angels. They are those that heard the master of lies and believed him instead of their Creator, and were cast down for their rebellion. Though they do not have the power to make us sin (the devil made me do it!), they do have the ability to speak the lies of the enemy, distracting us from our path. This distraction or deception is sometimes (sadly) enough to bring out the 'old nature of sin and death' in us, which is the battle that Paul speaks of. The enemy is a liar, and his stooges seem to try to lead us astray with those lies, perhaps to ease their torment? The origins of evil and sin are the first rebellion by lucifer (satan), and his deception of Adam brought this sin to us. Praise be to God that Jesus came to cleanse us from this sin! In Christ Jesus, charis. |
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1185 | Ineffective prayer? | James 5:16 | charis | 6008 | ||
Friends and colleagues, Is there such a thing as 'ineffective prayer?' Explain from scripture. (I used the phrase 'passive prayer' in a posting the recently) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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1186 | Ineffective prayer by believers? | James 5:16 | charis | 6017 | ||
Dear Steve, I thought your answer was very good! I especially liked the last statement. If you don't mind, I would like to make an adjustment, and ask again. Can believer's prayers be ineffective? I know you touched on this, but I think this important question is pertinent to the church. Blessings in Jesus' name, charis |
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1187 | Ineffective prayer by believers? | James 5:16 | charis | 6053 | ||
Dear K. Samuel, Greetings, and welcome to the Forum! I very much enjoyed your answer here, and your other comments and postings. Though I addressed the above to Steve, the comments were for the benefit of all participants, so please do interact. (note: I always try to start with dear..., and end with ...charis, for the sake of clarity. Sometimes these 'trees' and 'threads' can be confusing to me :-) I look forward to hearing more from you. In Jesus' name, charis |
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1188 | Did Jesus enter into Hell? HopeStreet | 1 Peter | charis | 30886 | ||
Dear HopeStreet, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Indeed, this has been 'hashed over' on several occasions. :-) "(Now this expression, "He ascended," what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.)" Ephesians 4:9,10 NASB. Please consider, though, that Jesus did not 'fall' into hell. He 'went' there with a purpose, clearly written in the context of the above verses. He knew where and why He went, and accomplished every thing He set out to do! Victory over death and hell! And it was no 'great conflict' either. Jesus won total victory with a breath. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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1189 | 'Born again' a moment in time? | 1 Pet 1:3 | charis | 6910 | ||
Saints, Is 'born again' a moment in time? Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3 NASB. I have never met a person who 'saw the kingdom of God' in it's fullness the moment they were apprehended by (or knew) Jesus. I have had glimpses of the kingdom in the midst of the church for years, but I doubt if I have seen fullness yet. Nor have I met many who could claim that they were 'filled with the Spirit' and free from all sin immediately after saying "Amen!" to the 'sinner's prayer.' I am still pursuing these blessings, and from what I observe, so are most Christians. It seems to me that the 'born again experience' in Christ Jesus has a starting point (meeting Him), a body (our life in Him), and a finale (when we meet the Lord Jesus, upon our 'giving up this earthly body' or 'meeting Him in the air.' Comments? In Jesus' name, charis |
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1190 | Are we done? | 1 Pet 1:3 | charis | 7012 | ||
Dear Steve, From God's viewpoint, born-again may be an absolute. I don't think such can be said from our limited prospect. When we claim that we are 'born again,' the world sees and unfinished product. If we persist and say that all our sin has been wiped clean, we are re-created, we are led by the Spirit of God (or Spirit-filled), we speak of the hope that has been placed in our hearts. "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:48 NASB. I pursue this goal, and God may see it as accomplished, but as Paul spoke, " And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2 NASB. This indicates a work-in-progress. I believe we are being more honest to ourselves and to potential Christians to clarify that 'born-again' is not an adjective describing present state, but a hope, a beginning. I have heard this term used in a sense of ultimate arrogance, and unbelievers are frightened away by this proud claim. That is why we always have to backpedal or use disclaimers in our evangelism. Many Christians are 'so heavenly bound they are no earthly good.' So brainwashed that they are 'perfect' they deny real sin and the necessity to pursue righteousness. "But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does." James 1:25 NASB. We are first born as flesh, and we are indeed flesh at that moment. However, when we are born again as Christians, it is a birth of faith. But you are still flesh until you meet Jesus. Are we done? In Christ Jesus, charis |
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1191 | Are there stillborn Christians? | 1 Pet 2:2 | charis | 16549 | ||
Dear CDBJ, Greetings in Jesus' name! I don't know about the proper Greek grammatical construct of this verse, but to answer the question, "Are there stillborn Christians?" I would have to say no. This is from God's point of view. One is considered a Christian when you, in summary, "... confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved;" Romans 10:9 NASB. (This seems to be the Lowest Common Denominator for Biblical salvation.) This is an awesome thing, not to be taken lightly, or parceled out wholesale! While the Gospel is to be spread in every possible manner, the reciept of the Good News is an event on the order of childbirth, with the same responsibilities. I recommend a bit of 'pre-natal' and 'post-natal' instruction to over-anxious believers. We live in an age of 'cheap grace.' Many churches are anxious for as many 'souls' added to their statistics as possible. It is called 'zeal,' but they so desire numbers that they water down the Gospel. I have witnessed many times that salvation is reduced to 'a threat or a bribe.' After the 'sinner's prayer' is repeated, a person is declared 'saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost.' Though I am aware that this IS possible, I have seen unfruitful aftermath too many times. I have spoken to church leaders about this, and invariably they say, "but some ARE saved, and Jesus is happy for even ONE!" While this is certainly true, I strongly believe that the same results, or even better results, are available through a more personal, more patient form of evangelism. In fact, for all those that are 'victims' of this 'cheap grace,' they find their hearts are further hardened against Jesus because of the impersonal, rushed showtime atmosphere, and the hypocrisy of the leadership. In the Parable of the Sower, there is one type of 'stolen' seed, two types of unfruitful seed, and one type of fruitful seed, bearing a normal crop. I believe that the church is responsible for sowing, watering and reaping. 30, 60, or 100-fold crops are normal to any farmer that knows his business! Another problem I see is that 'altar calls' are watered down by 'rededications.' I cannot tell you how many times I have seen a church or special meeting proclaim a 'call to the lost' that had only a few come forward. As it becomes obvious that not very many will come forth, the call is 'broadened' to include those who are 'not right with God,' and 'those who have sinned toward a brother,' and so on. Sometimes it gets ridiculous! Finally, just about everyone there is 'blackmailed' into coming forward for 'renewal' or 'rededication.' Then, after the meeting, they are counting up how many got 'saved' that night. Does the Bible really speak of 're-salvation' as a common occurrence? I have asked, "How many times a person can be saved?" The answer is, "You don't have any faith!" :-) Can Christians be stillborn? NO. Can people be duped? YES. How many times can a Christian be saved? ONCE. Is that enough? YES. What should be done? The church should act like the church, and chuck the 'prime-time' antics and circus acts. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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1192 | Are there stillborn Christians? | 1 Pet 2:2 | charis | 16700 | ||
Dear CDBJ, Friend, I am sorry if it sounded as though I was directing my comments to you, or even scolding you. This was not my intention, and I apologize to you. I have read your other postings, and know you to be a pious servant of God. I was addressing 'the Forum,' though answering your question. I tend to preach... :-) I, too, have witnessed the 'psychological hoop,' as well as the desire to 'satisfy the person who brought me here' situation. I, personally, prefer more intimate forms of evangelism. Family, children, friends and neighbors are first on my list of 'burdens.' I do participate in church evangelism (to the local area), and once in a while in 'para-church' activities, but it seems to me there is a corollary relationship between distance and efficacy of the Gospel. (especially TV! But don't get me started) I prefaced my comments 'from God's point of view,' but heartily agree with you that many 'Christians' DO appear stillborn from our lowly vantage :-) Yes! Same page, same Book! Blessings in Jesus' name, charis |
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1193 | Preordained free will? | 1 Pet 2:9 | charis | 1469 | ||
Good answer, Twally! I suspect that Calvin was less of a Calvinist than some suspect, and Arminus was less of an Arminist than many Arminists. Paul certainly did not seem too impressed by 'Pauline' doctrine :-) In Christ Jesus. |
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1194 | Preordained free will? | 1 Pet 2:9 | charis | 1486 | ||
Friend, was Peter a Pope? This is a lot harder to answer, and a lot more controversial and emotional. In Christ Jesus. | ||||||
1195 | Define "Pope." | 1 Pet 2:9 | charis | 1521 | ||
Dear friend, Instead I'll define Peter: A simple fisherman, probably wearing fairly simple clothes, surrounded by fairly simple people who had thrown away their 'tradition' to follow a simple Man. Peter was married. He was a servant first, and exhorted those around him (and us, too!) to be examples to the flock, never 'lording over' them. Peter never spoke a word concerning his righteousness, and never hinted that he was a priest between God and man. Please compare Peter with the definition provided by PNLamb. Blessings in Christ Jesus. |
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1196 | Behavior before the Gentiles? | 1 Pet 2:12 | charis | 30219 | ||
Saints, What does it mean to keep our behavior excellent among the Gentiles? What does this have to do with our charge to spread the Gospel? In Christ Jesus, charis |
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1197 | Misplaced zeal? | 1 Pet 2:12 | charis | 30233 | ||
Dear Jesusman, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Friend, I agree with you about Christians showing forth a worldly attitude. Indeed, we cannot preach about freedom from evil when we act evil ourselves! But what about this? Those Christians whose 'religious zeal' (as compared to Christian charity, service and humility) is a nuisance, causing the Gentiles to be 'turned away' from Christ because of self-righteousness or judgmentalism. Could this also fall into the same category? In either case, insensitive and self-serving (un-excellent behavior!) Christians can cause more damage than help to the furthering of the Gospel. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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1198 | False prophets glorify God? | 1 Pet 2:12 | charis | 30381 | ||
Dear Steve, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Friend, I am not quite sure what you are saying. (but feel free to vent! we all do! :-)) Are you saying that God uses even the false prophets for His glory? If so, I would respectfully disagree. I see many Christian zealots doing great damage to the name of Christ and the credibility of the church. The fact that some DO find the Lord through these 'ministries' is only God's grace to those with faith, not an attribute of the questionable (or downright wrong) teaching. My point is that though God can use charlatans and buffoons to touch a few, many more are turned away from God, sometimes irreversibly. Some even become campaigners against Christ because of these antics of 'zeal.' So... zeal must be tempered with knowlege (as Hank pointed out below) or our 'un-excellent' behavior can be a detriment to the church. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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1199 | False prophets glorify God? | 1 Pet 2:12 | charis | 30395 | ||
Dear Steve, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Thank you for the clarification. I see what you are saying. I just don't know if I would go as far as you are! :-) If we start saying that all 'false teachers' are unsaved and of satan, we can narrow the way to heaven more than would be comfortable, possibly even for ourselves. Some have a very broad definition of false that makes the 'saved' a very elite group. :-) Blessings and love in Christ Jesus, charis |
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1200 | Peace with whom? | 1 Pet 3:11 | charis | 19728 | ||
Forum friends, What is this peace? Peace with whom? How do we pursue it? In Christ Jesus, charis |
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