Results 921 - 940 of 1239
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: jlhetrick Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
921 | Paul's evil practices Pre or PostJesus | Rom 7:19 | jlhetrick | 169368 | ||
Addendum to my last post I wrote: "I say this because the bible adequately teaches both the continuation of our trials in the flesh; and the freedom of sin through Christ." Changing to: I say this because the bible adequately teaches both the continuation of our trials in the flesh; and the freedom FROM sin through Christ (no longer slaves to sin). Hope this clarifies, Jeff |
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922 | Paul's evil practices Pre or PostJesus | Rom 7:19 | jlhetrick | 169365 | ||
Hello John, My thoughts as well, but with some additional thought. I'm not sure that I agree that this issue compromises the foundation of our regeneration; no matter which way we understand it. I say this because the bible adequately teaches both the continuation of our trials in the flesh; and the freedom of sin through Christ. So if Paul is speaking of himself before, or after his regeneration, this is only one portion of scripture. The truth of both conditions (pre- and post regeneration) is adequately addressed in the big picture. Just wanted to add some thought. Christ's Love, Jeff |
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923 | Church membership scriptural? | Heb 10:25 | jlhetrick | 169356 | ||
Hi Doc, Thanks for the information. I will not have time to look into this for a couple of weeks. My daughter and grandson are visiting from out of town and I will be traveling out of town myself the following week. So, I will likely not comment on this post; after having taken your advice to read through the confession again. I will probably email you after that time since the topic will be "old" on the forum by then. But I do appreciate your time and feedback. One thing I will say now, however, is that you have helped me to remember something. That is, that even when things ARE organized according to biblical principles, it doesn't mean that men won't still mess it up at times. You wrote: "Since we lack the proper respect for authority, it should not surprise us when we see these abuses". I think you've hit the nail on the head here. I'm not sure that many in the church today see the pastor, decons, and elders as having authority. I'm not speaking of everyone, but in my personal experience, it seems to be true of many. In any case, your post has helped me to consider this issue with a new perspective. Afterall, I never want to find myself in opposition to what is happening in the church; and certainly not if it is in accordance with principals of scripture. I will read the Confession as you have suggested and evaluate the scriptures that it is drawn from. I most likely will end up having a better feeling about it all after that. Again, thanks, Christ's love, Jeff |
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924 | Church membership scriptural? | Heb 10:25 | jlhetrick | 169330 | ||
Hi Doc, Great point. I want to tag a question on to the end of the thread here. I have been following along with interest. Is it scriptural for there to be a "vote" by the lay membership of the church regarding the decisions and overall course the church takes? I ask this for the following reasons. Having traveled somewhat, I have been a member of several churches, and have also considered myself a "member" of more than one church that didn't have official membership. What I have seen in those churches of my experience that have membership, is that the majority is the leader. That is, the function of the church has become a democracy in which the majority vote rules. I personally have seen Pastors powerless to effect the corse and powerless to make decisions regarding when and how money is spent, who will hold positions of leadership in the local church, etc., etc. Is this scriptural. If God has called someone to pastor a church, does that not mean that God has called that person to lead the church? I personally have seen major decisions made in the church that were contrary to the pastor's and the majority of the decons desired direction. Why? Because the majority of the lay-persons voted differently. This is very often an issue of popularity, or even of rebellion because long-time members are unsatified with the pastor regarding something that has nothing to do with the vote at hand. Sometimes it is a unsatisfaction regarding a personal issue and not a church matter at all. If this approach is scriptural, I will submit to it gladly, but as I currently understnd the scriptures, it is not scriptural. I find no notion of a democracy in the church body presented in the word of God. Where we do see a system of voting, it is the leadership doing so as a process of replacing the lost Judas. And then it is not a vote, but a casting of lots (which was accepted at the time as a way of determining the will of God). And then only after Peter (who we might rightly consider the pastor of this congregation) gave the criteria (without a vote) of who could be considered. (Acts 1 beginning in verse 15). Is there any other example of voting, and does it include lay-persons voting major decisions? I appreciate feedback from everyone who has something constructive to say about this. Thanks in advance, Jeff |
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925 | Every NATION or every PERSON? | Matt 24:14 | jlhetrick | 169328 | ||
Hello Brother Tim, Thanks for the book recommendation. I actually have four books I am reading right now, but I will definately put this on my to read list. Thanks, Jeff |
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926 | Every NATION or every PERSON? | Matt 24:14 | jlhetrick | 169315 | ||
Hi Kalos, Yes, I agree. One thing I am thankful for is that the Lord is making a change in me. I believe He is helping me to be more patient and more diligent in my search for the truth. He has also blessed me, along with a lot of others, with the forum. It has truly been a help to me in my learning and coming to a better understanding. You are one of those who have helped me greatly. Along with Doc, Mark Seyler, humbledbyhisgrace, Tmoran, Searcher, and others. Not that I always agree with you and these others, as they do not always agree with me. But the love and patients on the forum creates a safe environment to get it wrong and be redirected and nurtured in a loving Christian way (most of the time). I realize that God did not reveal His truths to us in a way that one must be a highly educated person with a command of the original biblical languages. But to have so many who have put time and effort into different areas, come together in one place; is a good example of what God intended concerning our call to serve one another. Thanks for all that you contribute here for the forum, and for me personally, Jeff |
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927 | Every NATION or every PERSON? | Matt 24:14 | jlhetrick | 169279 | ||
Hi Kalos, I agree, and not only the ordinary definitions, but how the bible defines them and what it teaches regarding them. Thanks, Jeff |
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928 | Every NATION or every PERSON? | Matt 24:14 | jlhetrick | 169251 | ||
Hi Kalos, thanks. This explanation is something I am familiar with. I guess the question here would be; does God decree something He does not desire or wish to happen? The answer may be yes. I don't know. Another question might be, where concerning God, would we assign meaning to this as being no more than His "mere wish"? I would agree with you that the single verse you quoted supports your premise. However, there continues the problem. The doctrine of election does not allow for choice as I am understanding it at this point. What you state you believe based on this verse (not saying that you don't have much more context that supports your belief) is in conflict also with the doctrine of salvation by grace alone (again, as I am understanding it at this point). That is, God's grace is not enough unless coupled with my choice. Actually, this is exactly how I grew up hearing it and believing it. But as I continue to study the doctrines of Grace, Predestination, Election, and God's Sovereignty, I am having problems putting it all together. Thanks again for you input, and thank everyone for your patience, Jeff |
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929 | Every NATION or every PERSON? | Matt 24:14 | jlhetrick | 169246 | ||
Your right Mark, Thankfully we can rest in the knowledge that we do have. That God is perfect and His ways are perfect, and He didn't miss any details. I believe that when we are finally with Him in eternity, many of us will likely be surprised at how much of it we actually had wrong. Regardless of this particular issue, I believe that God has called me, and whether my choosing has anything to do with it, I freely choose Him anyway. I'm thankful. I'm grateful. Peace and Love, Jeff |
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930 | Every NATION or every PERSON? | Matt 24:14 | jlhetrick | 169243 | ||
Hello Mark, Thanks brother, for the input. This seems to illustrate my point, or should I say, my struggle in understanding; an apparent contradiction as seen through the eyes of this fallible man. I rest in my confidence in the scriptures, however, that there are no contradictions, only lack of knowledge and understanding on the part of men. You write: “So then why oh why would He not choose all of those whom He would like to be saved for salvation? The only way this makes sense is if there is another criteria involved in God's election beyond His independant wish for man. There must be another qualifier. “ ”Some will raise the cry that this offends His sovereignty, but not if He has decreed it to be that way. He always plays by His own rules.” I would agree with you that there is no imposition on God’s sovereignty if in fact He did decree “another criteria….beyond His independent wish…” But do we find this in scripture? Thanks for your insight and the verses for consideration. Of course, I have considered these verses along with many more. For example, here is another that seems to suggest that there is no other criteria, and that God’s decree was and is consistent with the commonly held understanding of the doctrine of predestination/election. Acts 13:48 48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and AS MANY AS WERE APPOINTED to eternal life believed. ESV (emphasis added) Acts 13:48 48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and AS MANY AS WERE ORDAINED to eternal life believed. KJV (emphasis added) This one is tough to explain in contradiction with the doctrines of election and predestination. Personally, I haven’t seen anyone try. God bless and continue to work toward deeper understanding as I do also, Jeff |
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931 | Every NATION or every PERSON? | Matt 24:14 | jlhetrick | 169232 | ||
Hello AO, Always feel free to "butt-in". I always appreciate any feedback I can get. Yes, this was my point. What you have presented here, including the verses, is one side of the difficulty. I appreciate your input. But you wrote: "Please excuse my butting-in, but I believe the reconciliation of God's desire for all to be saved and the fact that few are is explainable by one thing: choice." But that was not what I indicated as my struggle. My struggle is reconciling the issue between God's will for all to be saved, and the doctrines of election and predestination. The general question being: If God desires that all be saved, then why is it that all were not elected/predestined to salvation? Please understand that I ask the question as a starting point for my own search for understanding (and because it is legitimately there in my mind), and not as a means of bringing doubt on any established doctrine; and certainly never in an attempt to call something contradicting. The word of God has no contradictions in so far as the Truth is condidered. So, Choice, Free Will, Election, Predestination, etc., etc., All are taught in the bible. All are true. How they all work together, or, what is true about them as they relate, is the understanding that I am working toward. I have spent years considering these issues. I have spent a significant amount of time under various preachers and teacher, and have read a considerable amount of literature that comments on these things. Much of it has become clear to me and my understanding grows continually. But many mysteries remain. Finally, on the surface your "reconciliation" appears logical and has some basic scripture to support it. Are you aware that there are a considerable number of bible scholars and theologians that disagree with your findings? Furhtermore, are you aware that long-established christian doctrines diagree with you? Thanks again for your post, Jeff |
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932 | Math chpt 5. need blance..... | Bible general Archive 3 | jlhetrick | 169223 | ||
Hello Mark, Great post. You explained the essence of grace and love very well. Jeff |
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933 | getting a tattoo and is this a sin? | James 4:17 | jlhetrick | 169209 | ||
Hello ck, Welcome to the forum. God bless you. It is a good thing that you desire a way to show your faith in God. However, to echo others, how would a tattoo do that? I want to give an example of how your question presents itself. The bible says thou shalt not lie. Does this mean I can't lie? This is really a foolish question in light of what I know about what the bible says, wouldn't you agree. Of course, the answer is, NO. It does not mean I can't lie. It means I should not lie. It means that if I do lie I dishonor and disobey God. It means that if I do lie I sin. As Christians we are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:6). This does not mean we will never sin, it means that we no longer have to obey the sinful desires of our flesh. We have, through the power of God, the Holy Spirit living in us, the ability to resist sin. We best honor God and best demonstrate our faith in God when we live in accordance with His will. We learn what His will is for us by reading and understanding what the bible says to us; not by looking for an angle around what is written. Someone said it is a "personal" choice or decision. He was right. It is your choice to let what is written be your guide, or to find away around what is written. Which do you believe honors God and best demonstrates your faith? One more thing. It is likely that you already know the answser to your own question. I base this on the fact that you are struggling with this decision. Why do you think that is? Might it be that you already know in your heart that this is really something you want for yourself, and not really something you believe will honor God and demonstrate your faith? Just asking, not accusing. God loves you. Love Him back in the best way you can. A good place to start is to honor Him and demonstrate your faith in Him by following what is written in His word the best you can. I hope this helps, Jeff |
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934 | Every NATION or every PERSON? | Matt 24:14 | jlhetrick | 169183 | ||
Hi Kalos, Thanks for the response. It's interesting; you write: "it is my view that commissioning a thing and enabling us to do a thing does not guarantee that the thing will get done by everyone and to/for everyone for whom it is meant. God has commanded and enabled us to do many things, but are they accomplished universally, i.e. in or by every believer? No, they are not." It is along these lines that I continue to have one of my most significant struggles with understanding something about God and scripture. In the bible it says that it is God's will that all be saved. Yet we know from the bible that all will not be saved. How can this be, that God's clearly stated will, will not come to pass? And when we consider the doctrines of election and predestination, how do we reconcile them with God willing that all be saved? I have read the commentaries, books on theology and doctrine, forum posts, and been involved in many face-to-face discussions. Certainly I have grown in my understanding, but honestly, a lot of what I believe in a lot of areas, is based on faith alone, and not a clear understanding of how certain doctrines have been arrived at. I am completely secure with my belief that the bible is the very word of God and our only source for truth and revelation of God. There is still so much that I don't grasp. I trust that He will reveal what He intends to reveal to me in the appropriate time and servings that He knows is best. That's comforting. I can only continue to work toward a deeper level of faithfullness in my study and seeking Him. Look forward to continuing to follow your postings, Jeff |
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935 | Matt Chtp 5 | Bible general Archive 3 | jlhetrick | 169178 | ||
Hello again Leia, I could offer a generic answer like "everything happens for a reason" but I wont. I can appreciate your situation, and I don't want to appear to be blowing you off, however, the forum is not desgined or intended to provide counseling or recommendations along these lines. Your situation here may require many levels of intervention, possibly including legal advise. With that said, one obvious and essential inclusion is that of prayer and seeking the direction of God. Things do happen for a reason, but sometimes the reason is caused, or set in motion, or in some way contributed to by the evil forces that we war against as Christians. What we can be sure of, is that God is in control, even when things don't seem to be going our way. Col 1:16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him. Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. We have to continually learn to trust God and the scriptures teach over and over again that this learning sometimes comes through the hardships we face in life. Mat 6:31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' Mat 6:32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Mat 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. I hope you are able to grow from this experience. Don't let bitterness take root in your heart. Continue to seek the will of God and to praise Him for all that He has blessed you with and brought you through already. Hope this helps, In Christ's love, Jeff |
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936 | Promises of God listed in the Bible. | Bible general Archive 3 | jlhetrick | 169167 | ||
Hello Psalm 139:13, I don't have a list, it will be interesting to see one though. Welcome to the forum. I'm not knowing what your goal is for having this information, but while you wait for the list, I thought it might be helpful to consider: Not every promise made by God in the bible is a promise for you and for me or for the church in general. Some promises were to individuals, and some to specific nations, such as Israel. You probably already know this, but if not, I thought it might be helpful. Again, welcome to the forum. Also, if your not aware, you can create a profile to let the other members know a little about you. God bless, Jeff |
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937 | Every NATION or every PERSON? | Matt 24:14 | jlhetrick | 169156 | ||
Yea, what you said. This is a good example of how we can become focused on something that is not really the essense of what the apparent point, or message is. As I hoped my previous post pointed out. It is of no consequence whether what was heard was a voice, sound, or whatever. What we now know after looking a little deeper here, is that they were not communicated with as Saul was. And as for opinion as to which English word is best for the translation, we are safe to disagree there too. After all, the translators of the various bible versions chose different words, and they are/were all far more capable of translating the Greek than the both of us. Keep up the good work and always helpful contributions to the forum. In Christs Love, Jeff |
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938 | Every NATION or every PERSON? | Matt 24:14 | jlhetrick | 169153 | ||
Dear brother Steve, I meant to include this in my last response to you, and clicked submit before adding it. I just wanted to say that I truly appreciate your posts. whether your are asking a question or offering a response, your posts are always uplifting and encouraging. You are among those on this forum that truly represent the love and grace of our wonderful and holy God. You are a blessing to me, and to the forum. Sincerely, Jeff |
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939 | Math chpt 5. need blance..... | Bible general Archive 3 | jlhetrick | 169152 | ||
Hello Leia, If I'm understanding your question, the answer is no. We are not called to behave in accordance with biblical teaching in order to make us "stepping stones". We are called to obey/behave accordingly in order to glorify God. This sometimes calls for "turning the other cheek". As for my understanding at this point in my christian life, the bible never teaches us to resist and/or rebuke others for the sake of self. That is, to defend our own pride or honor. Where we are to give a rebuke, is in the defense of the gospel and in declaration of the truth of God. Not that the gospel, or any part of God's truth needs or requires our defense. But we are taught in scripture to be ready to give an answer for our faith and what we believe. Hopes this is helpful, Jeff |
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940 | Every NATION or every PERSON? | Matt 24:14 | jlhetrick | 169150 | ||
Hello brother Steve, Thanks for reading my post and responding. This is one of those passages (like so many others) that require some word study and context to really get a grip on. In Acts 9:7 we might have a common use of language that is misinterpreted (according to which version you are reading). The KJV for example, agrees with you in using the word "voice" to describe what those with Saul heard. The NIV, on the other hand, translates the word "sound". this would not necessarily be inaccurate on either translation nor a contradiction. For example. If we were in a room togther and you heard a knock on the door and recognized it as a knock, yet I heard it but did not recognize it as a knock at the door; you might later explain that we both heard the knock at the door. I maight report that I heard a "sound". In any case, here is how Strong's explains the word in question here. NT:5456 NT:5456 phone (fo-nay'); probably akin to NT:5316 through the idea of disclosure; a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language: KJV - noise, sound, voice. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.) So the word might rightly be interpreted in the English as "noise", "sound", or "voice". As for biblical context: We have a clue why voice may not be the best choice of interpretation. Acts 22:9 9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. KJV So when considering this event in light of what else scripture (and Paul himself) has to say about it specifically, we find that, in fact, those with Paul did not hear what Saul heard. They did hear a sound, whether it was recognizable as a "voice" is not what is important regarding the essence of my previous post. What we do know, is that whatever they heard, there was no communication to them in the hearing. They did not understand it. This should sufficiently answer your last question regarding whether these others were called or not. They were not, at least at that time, as Paul articulates in Acts 22:9. We might note, however, that these same men escorted Paul to Damascus and very likely continued with him for a time. It's possible that some or all of them were eventually called and saved (this may be referred to in scripture but I am unaware of it). Hope this helps clarify my understanding. Jeff |
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