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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: gospelcompilation Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | ... | Not Specified | gospelcompilation | 202811 | ||
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2 | ... | Bible general Archive 4 | gospelcompilation | 202812 | ||
Why does StudyBibleForum censor posts, when the post itself offers strong Biblical support? Does StudyBibleForum only accept posts that agree with its theological agenda? |
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3 | God love the senner but hate the sin | NT general | gospelcompilation | 202738 | ||
Undoubtedly, you will receive a few harsh answers from this question, because some Christians, like other people in the world, feel they need to tear others down in order to make themselves feel more secure. In my opinion, it is best not to even ask others for their opinions in this matter. But, since you did... allow me to address some basic misunderstandings, and then hopefully you can draw your own conclusion regarding your son... for it is obvious that you love him. THE KINGDOM OF GOD The first misunderstanding we have is of the phrase, "kingdom of God." It does not mean "heaven." The kingdom of God is not some ethereal place in the cosmos where our soul goes when we die. Nor is it in the future. The English word "kingdom" is an over-simplified translation of an ancient Greek word which means "the authority to rule over one's territory and possessions." As you can imagine, God has authority over the earth and everyone on it, because He is the Creator. He has authority to command His subjects. He has authority to give and take. And He has authority to provide for His people as well as to demand tribute from them. But, like an earthly king, the great King of kings has built-in limits to His authority, as well. How, you ask, can God have limits on His authority? For the simple reason that He cannot FORCE His subjects to accept His authority. They are free to rebel. They are free to deny Him. They are free to live their lives as they choose. But God's authority to rule is now. It is here, on this earth, in our lifetimes. And He calls us to accept His authority, to allow Him to rule over us, and to live our lives in accordance to the laws of His rulership. So do not think that your son is automatically excluded from "heaven" because he is currently choosing another way to express his sexuality. That is not what Scripture means when it says that homosexuals cannot inherit the kingdom of God... it simply means that homosexuals choose not to give themselves 100 percent entirely over to God's authority to rule over them. But then again, very few of us do. Let him who is without sin cast the first stone. THE MEANING OF SIN The second misunderstanding we have is in the meaning of the word "sin." Again, it comes from an ancient Greek word that means "to miss the mark." The word comes from the image of an archer shooting at a target. The archer's goal is to hit the target, of course. But if he misses the target, then he has "sinned" - that is to say, he has missed the target. The key to understanding this word is, how often will the archer miss the target before he gets really good at hitting it? Will he hit it perfectly on the first shot? Perhaps. Perhaps not. But the point is, the archer keeps shooting. In a similar sense, God wishes us to "hit the mark." But, if we happen to miss the mark, which we so often do, He doesn't automatically condemn us to an eternal torment in the deepest bowels of hell. That would be like killing the archer every time he missed the target; it wouldn't be long before we were completely out of archers! Our focus, therefore, should not be on condemning each other because we missed the mark, but rather on encouraging one another to hit the mark. Whatever it is that God has prescribed, that is what we should strive to "hit." God sets the target. We, as spiritual archers, must continue practicing until we master hitting the target. Jesus, on the other hand, was a Master Archer from the beginning, because He never "missed the mark." That is why He is our example. We are to learn how to stand for optimum stability; we are to learn how to hold the bow for maximum consistency; we are to learn how to aim for greater accuracy; we are to learn how much tension to put on the string; and we are to learn these things from the Master Archer Himself. He has shown us how to "hit the target" every time. All we have to do, is do what He did. CONDEMN NOT Therefore, we must stop labeling people as "sinners." And we must stop condemning people because they fall short in some particular area where we happen to be strong. I don't struggle with homosexual tendencies... but there are plenty of other things I do struggle with. And until I have mastered all my struggles and can hit every target without fail, then I have no place to criticize or condemn anyone. But then again, once I reach that point of mastery, once my character is like Jesus' character, I will probably no longer feel the need to criticize or condemn anyone. |
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4 | God love the senner but hate the sin | NT general | gospelcompilation | 202752 | ||
Dear Steve, You've asked me to give you precise Scripture texts that will prove that God has limits on His authority. All I need do is point to your own life; for if you have not exercised a perfect, flawless character, then you have not yet fully submitted to the authority of God. And I'm pretty confident that God has not forced you to obey Him... which ultimately means His authority to rule over you is limited by your own free will. God has given each of us the right to choose whether we want to obey Him or not, which naturally places a limitation on His authority to rule. Yes, I understand God's RIGHT to rule, but that doesn't mean He will use coercion or manipulation or threats of violence to enforce that right. I hear all your "Scripture proof texts" and I commend you for knowing them. Now go learn what this means: "I desire mercy, and not sacrifice." Scripture is not a weapon, to be used against other people. It is not a tool to prove one man right against another. It is a personal, intimate teaching device, given to us by God for the purpose of training us to be like Him. And, as far as your statement on "God Himself has said we are sinners!" You are trying to make your point by quoting an English translation of a very ancient Greek document. Learn first what the word "sinners" mean in the original language in which it was penned, and then we can discuss the issue further. And finally, Steve, I am not "teaching" anything. I am merely sharing my views of God's wonderful Word with people I thought were also interested in sharing their views with me. I did not come here to argue, but rather, to lend loving and gentle support to anyone who might need comforting. Perhaps I came to the wrong place. |
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5 | God love the senner but hate the sin | NT general | gospelcompilation | 202763 | ||
To answer your suppositions and questions, Steve, would take far more time that I am willing to expend on a site such as this. I do have a life, after all, and I owe no man anything. I'm not even sure what you were trying to say in this post, and it has left me more confused on your position. From your statements, I have to assume that you believe God does indeed force us to do things and/or forces things upon us. I also have to assume that you do not believe in a person's free will to choose anything. So be it. You're right. And so am I. But I'm curious, Steve. How do you think your responses to my post have helped the individual who asked the question about their son being homosexual. Or... in your zeal to find fault with my theology, did you forget about the one who is hurting? Whatever your agenda was, I hope you achieved it. |
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6 | God love the senner but hate the sin | NT general | gospelcompilation | 202765 | ||
Perhaps you should tell these things to your compatriots, Doc. I didn't attack anyone when I came on here; but rather, I offered kind words of comfort to those I saw in need. But these people you praise so highly responded with nothing but harsh criticism and slanderous remarks. One even stooped to hurling insults. This may be a Bible Study Forum, Doc... but that doesn't mean it's a holy Spirit filled forum. A person may appear to have a knowledge of Scripture, but it doesn't mean anything without the character of Christ; even the devil can quote Scripture. And, as a new member of the forum, I have strictly adhered to the Lockman standard; whereas the few who have responded to my posts have not. They have not "Limited content that contains known denominational biases that produce potential strife and undue conflict." They have "pushed their denominational bias and engaged in debates." They have not "interacted with [new members] in a Christian spirit, with respect and grace." They have not "let their speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that they will know how to respond to [new members]." So go tell your friends to read the Lockman standards. They need it far more than I. And thank them for their warm, friendly welcome. Not. |
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7 | God love the senner but hate the sin | NT general | gospelcompilation | 202766 | ||
Perhaps you should ask the one Steve offended if his post was "very well stated, with commendable kindness and patience." |
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8 | God love the senner but hate the sin | NT general | gospelcompilation | 202778 | ||
Hank, the reaction I've seen on this forum reminds me of the reaction the Jews had to Jesus. When He told them, "unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you," I can imagine them crying out, "That 's just Your opinion! Let's see You back it up with Scripture!" Or, when Jesus did quote Scripture, and asked them, "Is it not written in your law, 'I said, "You are gods"'?" I can imagine them accusing Christ of twisting the Scripture to fit His own beliefs. But, in reality, Jesus rarely quoted where in the Scriptures He drew His information from, in order to "prove" His teaching to His audience. Why? Because 1) His audience knew the Scriptures and probably recognized where He drew His information from, and 2) because it wasn't His job to spoon feed them and tell them where to find everything. Do you recall the praise given to the Bereans? What made them more noble than those in Thessalonica? For no other reason than because "they searched the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true." They didn't ask him to "prove" his references. They searched for themselves. I have been accused on this site of having not quoted Scripture. But, nearly every sentence I've written has been inferred from one Scripture or another. Which means the people on this forum do not know the Scriptures well enough to recognize where I've drawn my information from, or they are too lazy to search the Scriptures and find out for themselves if what I'm saying is true. So far, Hank, I have found nothing on this forum but judgment and condemnation and accusation - which are qualities associated in Scripture with the character of Satan. So far, the responders to my posts have relied on their own opinions, on ancient stupid-stitions, and historical myth-conceptions. It probably wouldn't take long to expose a deeper root of anti-Semitism, as well. One member actually lied to me regarding Forum Policy in order to threaten me with expulsion. Both lies and threats are devices used by the devil... and yet, others applauded him for using those devices. So, I am not convinced that "this forum holds to the doctrine of sola Scriptura." It seems more to me that that they hold to their opinions of what they want Scripture to teach. They strain at the gnat and swallow the camel. They point out the speck in another's eye and miss the plank in their own. They say, but they do not do. And I am sorry to have made their acquaintance. So, you can have your little clique, Hank. I want no part of a community that stands so firmly opposed to the character of Christ. |
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9 | God love the senner but hate the sin | NT general | gospelcompilation | 202779 | ||
Do you understand the doctrine of the Fruit of the Spirit? |
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10 | God love the senner but hate the sin | NT general | gospelcompilation | 202780 | ||
Are only those who agree with your particular interpretation of Scripture welcome to share their views on this forum? Believe me, John, I would've loved to have studied the Bible with fellow Christ-followers on this forum. But I've not yet met any Christ-followers on this forum. I say this to your shame. PRAY FOR YOUR OWN EYES The greatest thing you folks can take away from this brief, but volatile experience is the understanding that God (very well could have) sent me here in order to show you where you fall short. Who knows how many innocent people you folks have offended before I came along. And I think it's fair to say that God doesn't want you to offend anyone, anymore. So (it's very possible that) He sent me here to make you aware of what you're doing and the influence you're having on others, in the hopes that you will stop and correct it. GOD'S PRESENCE This place should be a place of love, first and foremost, John. If it's not, then God is not in this place. And that's absolutely Scriptural, even though I didn't quote Scripture. You'll find where I got that idea, if you search for it diligently. |
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11 | God love the senner but hate the sin | NT general | gospelcompilation | 202781 | ||
No one is ever offended by God's Word, Steve. They are only offended when others use it as a weapon to hurt innocent people. If you were truly a man after God's own heart, you would understand that. An anti-Christian attitude is also a false teaching, that can be spread to everyone every day, and that attitude should disgust you more than anything on earth, because it brings disrepute to the cause of Christ. Especially when it is subtle and comes covered in sugar! That's a Scriptural principle, though I didn't quote a particular Scripture to "prove" it. If you care to search long enough, you'll find it. |
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12 | God love the senner but hate the sin | NT general | gospelcompilation | 202784 | ||
Brad, yours was an excellent response, because you expressed your thoughts clearly, without any harsh criticism. Thank you. So, for the moment, I trust to ask you: How do my statements not align with Scripture? Please quote my words directly, in the context in which they were written, and explain clearly why you think they deviate from the written Word. Again, thank you, and I look forward to hearing your response. |
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13 | God love the senner but hate the sin | NT general | gospelcompilation | 202789 | ||
Hi Doc. As I understand, Sola Scriptura was a Latin term adopted by Protestant Reformers around the fourteenth to sixteenth centuries, when brave clergymen openly protested the Catholic Church's stance on certain practices and beliefs. Their banner (or battle cry, if you will) became "Sola Scriptura!" which means, "Scripture Only!" As I recall, these "Protestor's" believed the Bible was the final word on doctrine and not the Pope; and they ascribed all moral and religious authority to the Bible, instead of the Church. As a result, many of these brave souls lost their lives for protesting the Church. QUESTIONS FOR OUR DAY The question we should ask ourselves today is... how could so many different Christian belief systems arise from the one political banner of "Scripture Alone" (such as Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Mennonite, and Adventist, to only name a few)? How could so many doctrinal views, many of them diametrically opposed, spring from the one slogan, "sola Scriptura"? If all these different religious factions held to the same belief ("Scripture Only"), then how was it possible for them to develop such divergent doctrinal views? Is it because "Scripture Alone" was not enough? Or, is it because Scripture can be taken out of context and used to "prove" what we believe? And, if "Scripture Alone" was not enough to ensure spiritual harmony among Christian believers throughout the centuries, then what makes us believe it is enough to ensure it now on a world-wide Internet website? |
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14 | what can i learn about who God is? | 2 Chr 10:15 | gospelcompilation | 202734 | ||
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15 | what can i learn about who God is? | 2 Chr 10:15 | gospelcompilation | 202804 | ||
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16 | what can i learn about who God is? | 2 Chr 10:15 | gospelcompilation | 202807 | ||
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17 | what can i learn about who God is? | 2 Chr 10:15 | gospelcompilation | 202817 | ||
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18 | what can i learn about who God is? | 2 Chr 10:15 | gospelcompilation | 202819 | ||
Sorry, Lionheart, but I cannot afford to take the time to study Scripture with you, because StudyBibleForum is censoring all my posts. It's not worth my time to really dig into Scripture and write everything out in detail, because they're simply going to erase everything anyway. I'm sorry we're not free to discuss this issue openly, because I think we could have come to an agreement, as well. After all, both our hearts are for God's Word - we probably just express our thoughts differently is all. It's been nice making your acquaintance, Lionheart. |
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19 | what can i learn about who God is? | 2 Chr 10:15 | gospelcompilation | 202915 | ||
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20 | Lord will grant me my needs not my wishe | Ps 115:3 | gospelcompilation | 202733 | ||
I have wrestled with this question myself on more than one occasion, as I am also familiar with how Jesus' words have been interpreted. And I'm not entirely convinced that we've interpreted them correctly. WHAT IS GOD'S WILL FOR US? If I understand the intent of both Scripture and the Gospel message correctly, then I believe God's will is that we "put to death" our character in order to reflect His character instead. As I understand, that is the whole purpose of the Gospel - to transform us into the likeness of His Son - that is, to change us so we may reflect the character of God. I think John the Baptist understood God's will for his life, because he said, "I must decrease, so that Jesus may increase." Some take what he said to mean politically, in that he was to "give way" to Jesus as the primary religious leader... but I think John was talking about his own character. I'm convinced that John knew he needed to become less like himself and more like Christ. I believe Paul also understood this fact, because he said "the Law was our Teacher to bring us to Christ." What was the Law to teach us? The Law was designed to teach us God's character, until the perfect expression of it could come in flesh - which was His Son, Jesus. Now we can look to Christ and learn from Him, as well as have the Law as our backup. FOR WHAT, THEN, DO WE PRAY? You mentioned that we should pray according to God's will. But the question is, What is God's will? Simply put, I believe God's will for each of us is to reflect His character in the world. That is the only way we become the light of the world, is by reflecting His same character. So, if we pray like He prayed, with the same character He had, I guarantee, it will NOT be for ourselves that we pray... and we certainly WON'T ask for material things - not for ourselves or others. Paul gave a beautiful example of this in Colossians 1:9 when he wrote that "we have not stopped praying for you." And what were they praying for? "We ask God to give you complete KNOWLEDGE of His will, and to give you spiritual WISDOM and UNDERSTANDING." Even for others, Paul didn't pray for material things. He prayed that they might know God's will (which is to reflect Christ's character in the world), and that they might have spiritual wisdom and understanding. James talked about prayer for personal gain in the fourth chapter of his letter, verses 2 through 3. He wrote, "you do not have because you do not ask; but when you do ask, you don't receive what you ask for because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures." And James should know what he's talking about, because he was guilty of the same thing. I'm sure he was remembering back on an event that was recorded in Mark 10:35-38. James and his brother, John, went to Jesus and said, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask." Jesus asked them, "What do you want Me to do for you?" and they responded, "Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and one on Your left hand, in Your glory." I'm sure Jesus smiled at their misunderstanding (for they had taken His advice about asking anything in His name literally), and He told them frankly, "You don't know what you're asking." They asked amiss. Because that's not what our Father wants us to ask Him for. Jesus gave us this example in the eleventh chapter of Luke: He said, "I tell you, keep on asking and you will receive what you ask for. Because everyone who asks, receives. You fathers - if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Of course not! If you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give THE HOLY SPIRIT to those who ask Him!" If I understand the purpose of the Gospel, then it seems to me the only thing we should pray for ourselves is that we be filled more and more with the holy Spirit, so that we may reflect more and more the character of Christ in the world. I hope that helps. God-speed. |
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