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Results from: Notes Author: charis Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
361 | Is there middle ground? | Romans | charis | 21770 | ||
Dear Nolan, and forum friends, Greetings, brother, in Jesus' name! I'm not quite sure what you mean by "I believe that there can never be any such "middle" ground or "truce" between Calvinism and Arminianism. To do so would be to compromise the Blood of Christ."? Frankly, this sounds like a very embarrassing situation for the faith known as Christianity. It also sounds as if you believe that this has been 'ordained' by God, and that we are required to believe one way or the other. I respectfully decline to be placed under either category! If one side is 'right' and the other side is 'wrong,' then we have accepted that (either way) a great portion of the faithful are living in delusion and gross error. I would ask where in the Bible we see any hint that this is the case? In any case, what is this morbid desire to know the theoretical extent of the application of the blood of Christ? I know that the blood of Christ covered MY sins, because the Bible clearly tells me so. I also know that in the realm of MY influence on others, each individual can claim that the blood of Christ covered THEIR sins, because the Bible tells THEM so. But I do not know all the 'elect,' nor do I know the whole world. DO (any of) YOU? Whichever your bent, are you personally responsible for all those people? Or are you, just like me, aware of and responsible for those in your 'sphere' of influence and experience. This debate may well last until the Lord returns, but it is moot nonetheless. The main reason I may be labeled 'middle ground' is simply because so many insist on polarizing the issue, not because I am 'straddling a fence.' My salvation was not due to either bent, and for the longest time I never even knew we were 'required' to pledge allegiance to one or the other. If 'ignorance is bliss,' then I choose to remain 'unaligned.' Shame, shame on the intellectual pursuit of salvation 'theory,' to the end of degrading their brother. There is no Calvinist or Arminian in the 'practical' evangelism of the lost. What a fatalistic viewpoint! As for me, leave me out of the shadow... :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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362 | Is there middle ground? | Romans | charis | 21760 | ||
Dear Tim, Blessings, my friend, in the name of Jesus. Indeed, 'tis hallowed ground... When we walk with the Lord In the Light of His Word What a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will He abides with us still And with all who will trust and obey. Trust and obey, for there's no other way To be happy in Jesus, But to trust and obey. I'm just simple enough to think that this will work! :-) It does for me! Yokohama is getting below 40F in the eves, but we rarely get much below 30F. I've lived in Bunker Hill, IN and Pittsburgh, PA, and remember well the 'negative teens!' But I still like winter! The typical Japanese home has unintentional 'flow-through ventilation,' and my home is more typical than most! :-) At least our church building is insulated 2x4, and comfortable year-round. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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363 | Is there middle ground? | Romans | charis | 21741 | ||
Dear Tim, Greetings and peace to you in Jesus' name! Count 1) This would be basing everything on the assumption that we on earth can fully know the mind if God. I do not! I simply know that the Bible has given MEN ample ammunition to disagree with one another about the details of the sovereignty of God. But God cannot contradict Himself, and the Bible is God's Word to us. We can (and HAVE!) debate(d) this 'formally' (code for 'humanly') until we are all blue or livid. But we cannot KNOW the extent of His sovereignty, or more correctly, the amount that He chooses to orchestrate His creation. Even the staunchest Calvinist (usually :-)) would not state that the Lord manipulates every action, every scratch of the head. Therefore, they 'stand in the middle.' Even the staunchest Arminian would not deny that God is *ultimately* in charge of His creation. They, too, 'stand in the middle.' The argument seems (IMHO) to be about the *degree* of sovereign intervention towards salvation, yet each wants to state their case as an *absolute.* I, personally, do not have a 'hotline to God" that would allow me to know, unequivocally, God's mind on who He will save. After reading many, many statements from those that claim to know this very thing, my conclusion is, "You don't know, either!" (I don't mean you, personally, brother :-)) We are not privy to this knowledge, and the polarist approach (one or the other, period!) does not serve God's purposes. Friend, I do not claim to *know* the 'middle ground,' but I think that trusting God in this thing is more desirable than endless argument. My answer? The 'middle ground' is trusting God, and obeying His commandments for life, in the Holy Spirit. Trusting God implies that He is sovereign. Obedience implies that He sets two paths before us, and desires that we choose life. Both are (equally) possible in the Holy Spirit, but impossible though human endeavor. Count 2) Please know that I was not 'accosting' you personally. Indeed, I have seen a great deal of balance in your posts! However, my friend, as you pointed out yourself, you 'merely' *strive* to be contextual, which is different from accomplishment. No one is perfectly contextual or perfectly balanced. I, too, *strive* to know God! Though I am thought to be 'over-merciful' at times, I think it preferable to the alternative, 'over-legalistic.' IMNSHO :-) Never fear! I don't want to debate this 'dead horse' either. :-) I humbly give my definition. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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364 | Is there middle ground? | Romans | charis | 21738 | ||
Dear Tim, and forum saints, Greetings in Jesus' name! Can there be a middle ground? It depends, my friend, on whose viewpoint you take. If you are looking at things from God's lofty vantage, then obviously there is only one position. God's. Then, all other viewpoints would be left/right or N/S or E/W. The problem is the arrogance of man to believe that he has 'ascertained' the mind of God, then label it according to his fancy. Man has a tendency to 'overshoot the mark' when he is bent on proving his point! I usually don't have that much problem accepting the 'proof Scriptures' of A or C (or XYZ :-)), but it is the 'reproof Scriptures' that often get both sides in trouble. These are the Scriptures that are 'explained away' in order to prove their 'counterpart' wrong, often to the denial of the literal application of the Word of God. Man's zeal to prove his brother's mistake often leads HIM astray. Now, is there middle ground from man's lowly point of view? Apparently not! Or this debate (which has gone on for ages before WE started discussing it :-)) would have been settled long ago. So, Tim, it is my opinion that there IS truth, and I doubt seriously if is bound by the same logic that you have stated in Options 1-4. You have sided with Linonstrong that it MUST be 2 or 3, but I disagree. There are so many human interpretations of both 2 and 3 that would shoot this logic down. Which brings us back exactly where we started! Deja vu all over again! :-) "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants," Deuteronomy 30:19 NASB. "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10 NASB. So really, all you have concluded is that either God is absolutely sovereign, man does not participate in his salvation at all, OR, man solely decides his own fate, and they are mutually exclusive. Frankly, I feel that both positions deny a great deal of the Bible. Just one opinion. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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365 | Why do people lose interest and leave? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 21623 | ||
Dear Sir, Greetings in Jesus' name! I'm glad there is no punishment! :-) My comment about 'taking the fun out of the forum' was meant to refer to rules of conduct, leaders, and rigid organization. As I thought I clearly stated, I am all for the idea of book, chapter or verse discussions, and I am sure that our sponsors would be pleased to have this kind of interaction on the forum. This would be a nice addition to the 'freestyle' format we now enjoy! Blessings, my friend, in Christ Jesus, charis |
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366 | Is there middle ground? | Romans | charis | 21616 | ||
Dear Lionstrong, Greetings in Jesus' name! To answer the original question, there is no middle ground. There is truth, and men have a tendency to stray from it, some to extremes. Friend, the Bible is truth, and Arminians and Calvinists are both straying from it by denying much of the Bible in order to 'prove' their bent. You speak of everything that happens as if we might be able to fathom it! Both Calvinist and Arminians can spew forth scads of Scripture to back their opinions, and spend a huge amount of effort to tell the other side why their Scripture doesn't mean what it says. Both deny the other as foolish, ignorant, or blasphemous. Both 'bend' the Word to meet their agenda, and strip away the simplicity of the Bible with long, complicated, convoluted arguments, and reams of 'proof.' And both are unbending, dogmatic and bigoted. In order to prove MY statement, I invite you to use search to look for hundreds of posts dealing with this issue. Then, if all were as 'cut and dry' as both sides claim, one side would 'win' and the other side would be 'un-Biblical' and 'out of God's will.' How easily we claim righteousness. I have found few 'Calvinists' that accept the 'extremist' position, and few 'Arminians' that accept their 'extremist' position. Then we have the 'Neo-', 'Modified-', 'Pseudo-' whatever groups. I find it very easy to accept that God is sovereign, AND allows, yea, desires His workmanship to choose good works in the Lord Jesus. The Bible is clear that our God is sovereign, AND has set before us two paths. Who are we to continually argue about the *amount* of sovereignty and choice, as if we would know it, anyway! Shout at the typhoon! (Oriental interpretation of Job :-)) And peace unto you, in Christ Jesus, charis |
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367 | heaping coals | Rom 12:19 | charis | 21604 | ||
Dear j.smart, Greetings in Jesus' name! Good answer! If I may add, never think that you can 'heap coals of fire' on an enemy by blessing them! :-) I have heard this quite a few times, and it just doesn't work this way. If you don't cleanse yourself from a heart of vengeance, the coals may be heaped in your direction! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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368 | Should music be allowed in church? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 21603 | ||
Dear Roe, Greetings in Jesus' name! Welcome to the forum! I'm sorry for your keyboard problems. Don't worry, many of us have abundant experience in deciphering unintelligible posts! :-) I agree with you that the Bible says to show forth your joy! I don't see anywhere in the Bible that tells us to stop clapping and dancing and using instruments. Nor does it tell us to get serious and somber. This is the day that the Lord has made! I will rejoice and be glad in it! Amen! If you click on my name, 'charis' in the author column below, you will find my address. If you cut and paste that into your mail program, you should be able to send me your name and address, and I will send you a keyboard. I have lots of parts laying around, like any good geek. :-) (now before anyone asks, NO! I don't have a Pentium 4 CPU laying around! :-)) Blessings to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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369 | what is "blaspheme"? | Matt 12:31 | charis | 21600 | ||
Dear blessedcookie, Greetings in Jesus' name, and welcome to the forum! Please! The Holy Spirit is a He, not an it. He is the third Person of the Godhead, therefore God. Indeed, the Bible states very clearly that blaspheming the Holy Spirit is an unforgivable sin. Also, the Bible speaks that those in Christ Jesus are sealed unto Him. Some would say, therefore, that it is impossible for a Christian to blaspheme the Holy Spirit, and that any who say things against Him were never saved. I find this to be a scary doctrine, allowing us to 'disown' from Christ any that don't meet OUR standards. I, personally, prefer to say that it is 'nigh impossible' to lose your salvation, and give all the hypothetical situations to the Lord, trusting HIS judgement. If it is fairly easy to blaspheme the Holy Spirit by 'grieving Him' or 'displeasing Him,' the none of us will be worthy of His gift of salvation. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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370 | Only seal and horse in same verse Rev6:5 | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 21507 | ||
Dear Serenetime, To begin with, charis is as in charis, a Greek word. You might find it in Strong's. I am not Charismatic. :-) As an individual I address you, but you must understand that you have posted under your husband's name, and he has posted under casiv's name, and it is YOUR actions that have caused the confusion. Please know that I am not kicking you off this forum. You are correct, I do not have this authority. I am, however, suggesting that you might be happier elsewhere. After all, you, your husband, and his student have all said that the members of this forum are ignorant of the Word and of the Father, and that chaos and confusion reign here. You claim understanding and knowledge, but are reticent to share it with us in simple terms, and clothe your 'explanations' in verses that none of us seem to be able to comprehend. Maybe you would be more satisfied with a forum of like-minded people? Actually, it is quite easy to use bless you and somewhere else in the same sentence. I truly hope that God will bless you, and I truly believe that the sum of your participation has been non-edifyiing. I know that you believe that everyone else is to blame for this, but that just underscores my point! You stated that you understand the Bible to be simpler than we know it, but at the same time admit that you are a bit harder to understand. Why is this? You, and your fellows keep saying that you are "focusing on working together for a better understanding of the Bible." But all I can see from your posts is a desire to teach us what you already know. This is almost an exact definition of 'arrogance!' One last point, which concerns your husband's student, casiv. (at least, I think it was him) He stated that God will save ALL people, regardless of their beliefs. I must say that this doctrine is not in accord with the Bible. Jesus Christ alone is the Light of Life! Jesus is Lord and Savior. Period. Well, one thing you are right about; I shouldn't need to respond to any of your posts. Goodbye and God bless you. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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371 | Only seal and horse in same verse Rev6:5 | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 21498 | ||
serenetime, praisemaster and wife, and casiv, It seems that if we talk to one, we talk to all! So, I say to all. Please, stop with your curses and spirtual threats! I have stayed away from your cocky, arrogant, wacko posts, mostly because I couldn't figure out what you were (all) talking about. But now you (all) have belittled so many of the faithful saints of this forum, I must speak. If you are as much higher than the rest of us as you seem to think you are, please go elsewhere! We 'infants' can do without your tutelage, thank you very much! God bless you somewhere else. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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372 | "Herodians" who were they? | Matt 22:16 | charis | 21496 | ||
casiv, What are you talking about? schwartzkm made a fair comment. Your answer to DavidB was, in a nutshell, "Read the Bible with a Strong's, and you'll find out yourself." This was no answer, and was rude to boot! Now you are rude and condescending to schwartzkm! casiv, if you don't know the answer, please sit down and hold your tongue. If you know the answer to a question, or think you do, then state it clearly and succinctly, preferably backing it up with relevant Scripture. Please stop the rambling and the curses! Finally, stop acting like you are enlightened, and all of us are ignorant fools. You could hardly say that Jesus is pleased with this kind of behavior. I say this with love in Christ Jesus, charis |
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373 | Why do people lose interest and leave? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 21477 | ||
Dear Tim, Greetings in the name of Jesus! And I agree! I think that book, chapter or verse studies are wonderful, and I think that our sponsors are thrilled that we 'stumbled upon' this *novel* idea! :-) But to organize it, appoint leaders, and set rules is not our place. In other words, I think that what you are saying, and doing, is very much in synch with the vision that the Lockman Foundation had in the first place. Friend, frankly I think that we will always have the 'unruly' in the church, and on this forum. It is not my place to 'iron them out,' but to respond in love, or ignore, as the case may be, but always show a good example of Christ. Thank you always for your co-participation. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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374 | Why do people lose interest and leave? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 21475 | ||
Dear Loose, (sorry, couldn't help myself! :-)) Blessings in Jesus' name! Good point! I only know that I don't want this 'distinction!' In Christ Jesus, charis |
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375 | Why do people lose interest and leave? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 21474 | ||
Dear Searcher, Greetings in Jesus' name! I don't think that this will ever work. :-) Even in the 'initial' stages, this would mean the we have 'appointed' leaders. Who appoints? Who controls? Who creates the rules of conduct? Would we do it with Lockman's permission, or without? (think about it!) I agree that we should be very careful with 'expert' commentaries. Though they may be very good, and the product of years of study, they are still just the opinions of man, and ALL are subject to disagreement. I have several favorite commentators, and I disagree with every one of them on one point or another, and they disagree with eachother often. Each has a bent, a 'pet' focus. None are 'right.' Period. So, I think that we should state OUR thoughts, opinions, and show the product of OUR faith and study. My own idea would be to state the 'gist' of an article or commentary, rather than whole paragraphs of another's work. Just some (of my) ideas! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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376 | Why do people lose interest and leave? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 21470 | ||
Dear Sir, Greetings in Jesus' name! Friend, I am sorry, but I cannot agree with this 'movement' to institutionalize and/or organize this Study Bible Forum. I like it the way is is, :-), including all the the problems. I do not think that we can rid ourselves of such situations and problems by making guidelines and rules of conduct. If you want to talk about a certain book, chapter, or verse, then do so. If I feel I want to include myself in that discussion, I will. In my (sometimes not so) humble opinion, this will take the fun out of this forum, and I would probably not participate. The church already has enough organization and institutionalization, and I don't think any of it ever brought us closer to Jesus. I think it only brings us closer to human religion. I admire your intentions, and agree that we should behave in an orderly manner. But, to me, this would simply be common love, common courtesy, common sense, all led by the Holy Spirit, and in accord with the Word of God. In the book of Numbers, Balaam was called to curse Israel, and would have been well paid if he did. But any angle he looked from, God said that Israel was blessed. Even though God Himself spoke many times of the sin of Israel! This forum, from the eyes of man, may be a mess. But I believe that God is (still) pleased with the simple format that we already enjoy. If we try to institute the reforms suggested, we will only create a schism between those that adhere, and those that don't (for whatever reason). With all due respect, I pass. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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377 | Where are muslims in the Bible? | Ex 20:3 | charis | 21115 | ||
Dear mincc, Blessings, my friend, in the name of Jesus! With all due respect to my esteemed colleague, Searcher56, he gave you the POPULAR answer. The BIBLICAL answers remains that the Bible was written hundreds of years before the life of Mohammed, the writing of the Koran (Quran), and the formation of the Islamic religion. There is no mention of any of these things in the Bible. By the way, you will find that the Muslim interpretation of the events of the Old Testament are somewhat different from the actual Genesis account, and certainly their view of the New Testament is totally different. Therefore, if you want know more about the Islamic religion, you might as well leave the Bible out of it. :-) You may have asked peacefully, and Hank answered peacefully, but your reply to him was not exactly peaceful. :-) Peace to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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378 | Where are muslims in the Bible? | Ex 20:3 | charis | 21085 | ||
Dear mincc, Greetings in Jesus' name! The only connection between the Muslim religion and the Bible is conjecture on THEIR part. And THEY twist the Bible to their agenda. Allah is one, which is said very pointedly, so they deny that Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are of the Triune God. Also, Mohammed, their prophet, is worshipped in a way forbidden by the Bible. Are you fishing for conjecture on OUR part? So, as Hank very clearly stated, there is NO connection. Mincc, rudeness is unbecoming a servant of Christ. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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379 | Animal Intelligence Isn't Rational | Gen 3:1 | charis | 20877 | ||
Dear Lionstrong, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Well said. Now if I can only figure out how my Papillon, Sophie, can con Mom, Pop, and Kid out of three dinners without the others knowing she was already fed! I know it wasn't the sin in her life. :-) Also, though I am giving this thing fully unto the Lord, it would be nice if she could warm my lap eternally. :-) Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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380 | Animal Intelligence Isn't Rational | Gen 3:1 | charis | 20854 | ||
Dear Sir, Greetings in Jesus' name! I have enjoyed going over this thread. If I may, I would like to put forth a few thoughts. As an animal lover, and one who is known to be 'good with animals,' I must say that it is true that animals in general (and pets in particular!) seem to have thought processes higher than 'non-rational' beasts. Indeed, their ability to learn (conditioned response) goes beyond stupid. However, by only arguing about the term 'rational,' we do not get to the point. I have been teaching children for 25 years. One of the mains thing that shows that a child is no longer an 'infant' is that (hopefully) pre-kindergarten 'leap' of reasoning. This the difference between men and animals. In our school, we have to teach the parents how to teach their children to make this leap. That is, the ability to hear, accept, and perform three distinct commands. (in these days, 'requests' :-)) Example: Find your sister, tell her to start the dishwasher, then bring me a cup of water. This is amazingly complex, and impossible with animals. (and not because of the lack of voice or hands!) If you watch a sheepdog do its work, it is fantastic! But...it is all conditioned response, and obedience to various commands, voice, hand signals and body language. It does not involve reasoning. There is definitely something different about man. Let's not argue about terminology! :-) Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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