Results 681 - 700 of 1239
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: jlhetrick Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
681 | 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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682 | 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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683 | 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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684 | 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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685 | 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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686 | 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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687 | 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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688 | 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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689 | Does Matt 28: 18 infer to do what Europe | Matt 28:18 | jlhetrick | 192147 | ||
John- humbled... asked a good question and BradK gave sufficient response to Matt 28:18. I agree with BradK that dealing with political issues as well as legal ones would be beyond the scope (and intent) of the forum. Your post leaves a lot (too much) to speculate on regarding your intent and/or your need in questioning the forum. If by "conservative denomination" you are referring to a Christian denomination then I would expect that you are thankful that the European settlers spread the gospel to this contenent. If that's your point then I would respond that it's not a matter of what Jesus would have done, but rather, what Jesus commanded to be done. The church is still about the business praise the Lord. God bless, Jeff |
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690 | Does Matt 28: 18 infer to do what Europe | Matt 28:18 | jlhetrick | 192181 | ||
Jesusman, Can I get clarification from something you wrote? In your previous post you wrote: "Now .. notice he didn't give them any "authority" .. just "power". He told them what to do. Go and teach, and he gave them the ability to do so." My understanding is that when Christ commissioned the disciples it was in fact with "authority" that He did so. It's not possible to separate out the authority by which He gave from the authority by which they proceded. Otherwise, it would be by their (and our) own authority that the good news was/is preached. Your reference to Acts was a good one. It shows in fact that it is the Holy Spirit from whom the "power" is received. The Scripture is clear that the "authority" was and is given and from Christ who had received in Heaven and on earth from the Father. It's the reason why Christ clearly established that the "authority" was the foundation for going out. "Go therefore..." vs. 19. Therefore referring back to "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth" vs 18. As I understand it, the disciples were absolutely given the authority to go out and as we see from the appropriately referenced passage in Acts, it is the "power" given by the Holy Spirit that enabled them (and us) to do so. So the disciples were sent out with the authority given by Christ and accomplished their work through the power given by the Holy Spirit. You wrote that He gave them the "...ability to accomplish what He wants them to." My point is that the ability was a result of having been given both the authority and the power. Illustration: When I was a soldier I was sent on countless missions. In each case, as with the disciples, I was given clear orders. In each case I went out (by virtue of my orders) with the authority of my government and my commanders. I was able to accomplish those missions as a result of the training and equipment (power if you will) I had also been provided with. Mine was simply to be obedient in fulfilling my mission. The authority and power had been given. Was this helpful? Jeff |
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691 | Does Matt 28: 18 infer to do what Europe | Matt 28:18 | jlhetrick | 192187 | ||
Jesusman- You make some excellent points friend; but I'm afraid you draw conclusions far from the biblical context. Certainly a person (to include a military soldier) can behave in a way that is outside the scope of his/her authority (to include legal authority). That's not at all a problem when discussing authority. If we act in any way contrary to or in addition/beyond the authority given us, like I said before, it becomes our own authority that we act on. In that case, we only have our own power by which to carry out our action. No offense is intended, but your argument is not logical. Perhapse another illustration. I was once a police officer. When I arrested a citizen and took him/her into custody (sometimes by force) I did not do that on my own authority. I did that by the authority of the established law as that authority was imparted to me through the governor of the land. If I were to act on my own authority, in anway outside of the system of law and parameters of my given authority I would be wrong. This fact has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that I was given authority by the states governor, city mayor, police chief. Make sense now? So certainly, I had authority- yes indeed. In the context of this thread, the question has not been posed as to whether some might act outside of the authority given them. History shows us that some do, even in the name of God. Not at all the theme or question of this thread. I might suggest to you also that logic and common sense be applied to the whole issue of "going...teaching.. baptizing... etc. etc." Without the AUTHORITY to do so, the power has no substance. The milkman might go... he might teach... and he might even baptize... But if he's not a man of God acting within the AUTHORITY that Christ has given, none of his activities will produce fruit. Power without authority is nothing more than a dangerous reality. Like a young teen who drives a large truck. He has the power, but has not been granted the authority. I hope I'm not on the same roadway. Perhapse this will be helpful. "Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them AUTHORITY over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness" Matthew 10:1 NASB(emphasis added). "And He called the twelve together, and gave them POWER and AUTHORITY over all demons and to heal diseases. Luke 9:1 NASB (emphasis added). "And He appointed twelve , so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach, and to have AUTHORITY to cast out demons." Mark 3:14-15 NASB(emphasis added) My hope is that this emphasizes the importance of always considering the text within both immediate and wider context of other Scripture. We should never rest our conclusion on a generic and brief lookup of a word or two in the original language. This happens all too often on the forum. With today's point and click technology I'm afraid it's often tempting to attempt the short road to the answer. So when we look up one or two words in a passage, we do well; but we do better to consider all else that is written on the topic. I trust that this has been helpful, God bless, Jeff |
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692 | Does Matt 28: 18 infer to do what Europe | Matt 28:18 | jlhetrick | 192196 | ||
Thank you sir. I had hoped that it would rest on the AUTHORITY of Scripture :-) | ||||||
693 | Please explain "Corban" in Mark 7 | Mark | jlhetrick | 240058 | ||
Hi and welcome to the Forum! 14th century : a sacrifice or offering to God among the ancient Hebrews (Merriam-Webster, I. (2003). |
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694 | how would you exegete mark 1:1-15 | Mark 1:1 | jlhetrick | 188812 | ||
Hello harper, Welcome to the forum! Will you please be a little more specific? Do you have a particular question regarding the passage? God bless, Jeff |
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695 | how is .... | Mark 1:1 | jlhetrick | 188816 | ||
Hello again Harper, First things first; please accept this as my attempt to be helpful and not punitive or argumentative. First, once the original question is asked and received a response a “Thread” has begun. Please tag all additional posts as a “Note”. That way the dialogue continues in the single “Thread”. Otherwise, if you tag your next response as a “Question” it shows up at the top of the Home Page and stands alone – it is no longer a part of the ongoing thread. In other words, your response can actually be a question but hit the radio button for “Note” so it stays with the ongoing conversation. Finally, please limit a single post to manageable parts. Your question I am responding too is actually five questions, each of which might be expanded on in some detail. Again friend, please take this as helpful. We each had to become adjusted to the format when we first began to participate. God bless, and answers will be forthcoming, Jeff |
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696 | how is .... | Mark 1:1 | jlhetrick | 188817 | ||
Hello again Harper! To get started with your questions I’ll offer some brief input. Others will no doubt give additional response. To start- the “Son of God” title denotes the divinity of Christ. Christ is the “third person” of the triune God. I don’t want to make any assumptions about what you do and do not understand regarding God’s word. I’ll keep this one short with a copy and paste. If this is too basic please let me know. “Trinity — a word not found in Scripture, but used to express the doctrine of the unity of God as subsisting in three distinct Persons. This word is derived from the Gr. trias, first used by Theophilus (A.D. 168-183), or from the Lat. trinitas, first used by Tertullian (A.D. 220), to express this doctrine. The propositions involved in the doctrine are these: 1. That God is one, and that there is but one God (Deut. 6:4; 1 Kings 8:60; Isa. 44:6; Mark 12:29, 32; John 10:30). 2. That the Father is a distinct divine Person (hypostasis, subsistentia, persona, suppositum intellectuale), distinct from the Son and the Holy Spirit. 3. That Jesus Christ was truly God, and yet was a Person distinct from the Father and the Holy Spirit. 4. That the Holy Spirit is also a distinct divine Person.” (Easton's Bible dictionary) This definition by Easton's Bible dictionary with the included Scripture references should be a bit to chew on if you are not already very familiar with this. God bless, Jeff |
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697 | how is .... | Mark 1:1 | jlhetrick | 188818 | ||
Harper- Scripture tells us that John’s baptism was a baptism of “repentance”. Mt 3:1-2 NASB95 Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, “REPENT, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (emphasis added) Lk 3:2-3 NASB95 in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness. And he came into all the district around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins; God bless, Jeff |
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698 | how is .... | Mark 1:1 | jlhetrick | 188824 | ||
Your very right. I've always understood christ to be the second person of the Trinity and believe that is what Scripture teaches. Thank you for correcting me. I believe I got ahead of myself as I was typing and thinking of a response to the question of regarding the baptism of the Holy Spirit (who is the third person). A very important correction brother; thank you sincerely, Jeff |
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699 | how is .... | Mark 1:1 | jlhetrick | 188825 | ||
Harper, Please see humbledbyhisgrace's post 188823 and my response to him. He corrected me on a very important point. Forgive my misstatement on this important issue. I stated that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the third person of the Trinity. Scripture presents Him clearly as the Second person of the Trinity, not the third. thanks again Steve for clarifying that. Jeff |
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700 | how is .... | Mark 1:1 | jlhetrick | 188860 | ||
Harper, Sorry I have been slow getting to my emails and I spent time with the wife lastnight so didn't get a chance to respond. I trust that the response from CDBJ is sufficient to answer you question. God bless, Jeff |
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