Results 541 - 560 of 729
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Results from: Notes Author: charis Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
541 | Releases from tithing 10 per cent? | 2 Cor 9:7 | charis | 22423 | ||
Dear Johnny, I am not trying to 'disprove' your statements. If I have heard you correctly, your church believes only in the 'love offering.' Is this correct? I do not say this is wrong. OK? I would, however, like to ask you, how often do you collect this offering? How often do you remind the people that they are required to give these offerings? What happens to those who do not give 'love offerings?' Does your church know the identity of those who 'give big' offerings? I'm just curious. By the way, if you ask me what Scripture I use when I teach New Testament giving, they are: "Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7 NASB, and... "And in His teaching He was saying: "Beware of the scribes who like to walk around in long robes, and like respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues, and places of honor at banquets, who devour widows' houses, and for appearance's sake offer long prayers; these will receive greater condemnation. And He sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the multitude were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. And calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on." Mark 12:38-44 NASB. I then explain the Old Testament (our tutor) tithe and offering system. I say that we are no longer under the obligation of the Law, but it is a good basic measure that is wise and full of grace. The people in my church never hear 'appeals' for money, and know that they are not 'required' or 'watched' by anyone (but God). Please, stop 'challenging' me. I am weary! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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542 | Releases from tithing 10 per cent? | 2 Cor 9:7 | charis | 22437 | ||
Dear Johnny, Mabuhay! I take it then that you have no regular time of offering during your times of fellowship. I have seen this method, and can appreciate it. I am pleased to know that there is no special recognition for those who have more money. Adiyos Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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543 | Releases from tithing 10 per cent? | 2 Cor 9:7 | charis | 22505 | ||
Dear Johnny, If you click on my name 'charis' below, you can find out much about me. But I did not mention that I am an American citizen. I have spent most of my adult life in Japan, though, almost 30 years. Please give some information in your 'user profile,' too! Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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544 | Faith promise scripture? | 2 Cor 9:7 | charis | 83931 | ||
Dear prayon, O gentle soul, the flak jacket is not for YOU! :-) Btw, after spending time websearching this term, I can only come to the conclusion that it is "marketing speak," i.e. yet another way to "try to milk a milked cow." How many ways can you say 'tithes and offerings?' Apparently a LOT more! One last thought... If we ask God, "How much?," He is faithful to tell us, "This much." If we ask man, "How much?," you can be sure the answer is, "More." Peace and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |
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545 | Three different heavens in the Bible? | 2 Cor 12:2 | charis | 4177 | ||
Dear prayon, Though I doubt seriously that our fellow saint is thinking along Mormon lines, I must admit that I see little practical use for dwelling on the meaning of 'thid heaven.' However, there is a 'recorded event' in Paul's life that could match this statement. "Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep." 2 Corinthians 11:25 NASB. When someone was stoned, it was to death. There was no 'partial stoning.' Therefore, Paul could be talking about an experience of going to heaven and returning to life. We are not told, so no one knows for sure, but this is a possibility. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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546 | Examine yourselves! | 2 Cor 13:5 | charis | 7329 | ||
Dear JVH0212, The first thing that comes to mind is the fruit of the Spirit. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22,23 NASB Bear in mind that false versions of all of these are available in the world. For instance, smug, self-satisfaction in place of peace; Emotions or carnality in place of love; drink or drug-induced joy, etc. The fruit of the Spirit is lasting, and not dependent on external circumstance, but the indwelling of the Spirit of God. I am sure there are more, and I look forward to hearing from others. In Jesus' name, charis |
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547 | God can use woman in the ministry? | Gal 3:28 | charis | 3430 | ||
Dear jim, you are correct, all believers have ministry. Indeed, many women have been used by God to do His will. You will note that I never said 'never.' However, the Bible pattern is clear, and the four circumstances I outlined speak for themselves. It is true, if a man will not speak for God, He will use another. In the case of pastoral authority, I believe God will choose another man. Any pastor will tell you that his wife is invaluable to him in shepherding the flock given to his care, and any wise pastor will use women to help in the church. No one is diputing this. (Well, maybe some would not want women to even talk in church, but this is the fringe element) In my church we have deaconesses and prophetesses. The pastor and elder's wives serve diligently, and it could even be called a 'co-ministry.' Ladies, there is no shame in obeying the patterns of the Bible. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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548 | God can use woman in the ministry? | Gal 3:28 | charis | 37139 | ||
Dear OldTimer, Greetings in the name of Jesus! With all due respect I will have to disagree with the term 'pastoral team.' I sense that you mean it as something like Aquila was a pastor, and so was Priscilla. This is not the Scriptural pattern. Yes, Aquila was a pastor, and Priscilla was his wife. Yes, Priscilla was a very special woman. Yes, her name precedes her husband's name 3 of 5 times. It is quite possible that she was more effective in portraying the Gospel than her husband! But this does not nullify God's pattern of authority. I am certain that Priscilla was submitted to the authority of Aquila, or the Bible would not give her such prominence, attibuting great faithfulness. My friend, don't misunderstand me! I admire Priscilla (Prisca) enough to name my daughter after her! :-) But I teach my daughter that there is great honor and dignity in fufilling the role God has given, without the 'modern' desire for 'equality.' I have a wonderful helpmate. Her name is Junko (June-koh), and I would be helpless without her. Truth be known, I listen very carefully to her opinion and trust her knowledge and wisdom in many areas of shepherding our flock. Indeed, she may be more 'effective' than I in many situations. But the authority and responsibility rests squarely on me! I can never go before God and say, "But Junko said...!" I cannot blame her for faults, nor can I lift her into a 'position' not specified by Scripture. Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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549 | Gender distinction in the Kindom of God? | Gal 3:28 | charis | 37143 | ||
Dear OldTimer, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! I have visited your homepage, and was impressed with the layout. I know that you have put much effort and study into it! Question: "Does 'husband of one wife' disqualify women from being elders, deacons or bishops?" Answer: No. Women cannot be husbands. :-) More seriously, this is not the 'sticking point' for barring women from pastoral ministry. It is indeed 1 Timothy 2:12, which reads, "But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet." (NASB) (I believe you were using 1 Timothy 3:2, "An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife..." (NASB) for your question, right?) Allow me to state my church's policy concerning the role of women in ministry. We believe that the ministries of authority not recognizing women are apostolic and pastoral. This would include elders of the church. Equally spiritual, but not authoritative over men, are the prophetic ministries (encouragement, 1 Corinthians 14:3), evangelical (sharing Good News), the ministry of deaconess (helps), and teaching (i.e. Sunday School, Bible Studies, education of our children.) All these ministries are invaluable to the church, and spiritually effective and fulfilling. By the way, we do not belive that women are to be silent in the church, as in the church building or for a specific time slot! It is a spiritual command linked to 'usurping authority,' IMHO. I have seen that this kind of physical limitation only leads to 'church parking lot' ministries! :-) Peace and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |
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550 | God can use woman in the ministry? | Gal 3:28 | charis | 37145 | ||
Dear OldTimer, Greetings and blessings in Jesus' name! I am happy for you regarding your denominational stance. I didn't know there was a denomination that has 'always' been indiscriminate in there ministerial positions. Which is it? Would you please refrain from citing the Bema Seat judgment about this issue? You see, in some ways this could be considered a curse. I am sure that you did not mean to curse your fellow Christian. As to whether you have 'done your best' to help my understanding, I hardly consider one post to be much of a attempt! Please be patient with me. :-) You see, I, too, have read the Bible to come to the conclusion I hold. Peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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551 | Making converts to your own opinions | Gal 5:1 | charis | 6769 | ||
Dear JVH0212, My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers is one of my favorite devotionals. Wisdom, faith, hope, love and the Word of God every day! Thank you for sharing this apropos thought. In Jesus' name, charis |
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552 | Automatic Holy Spirit? | Eph 1:13 | charis | 27261 | ||
Dear Sutepano, Greetings to you in Jesus' name! I don't disagree with the flow of your conclusions, my friend, but I do not see from the Scripture references that the indwelling or baptism of the Holy Spirit is synonymous and synchronous with the moment of salvation. In fact, the term 'refilling' seems to negate a 'sealing' of our relationship with God. If we are indeed 'sealed' by the third person of the Godhead, this should be permanent, right? It should not run out like gas tanks or wallets, and should not wear out like soles or paint. Personally, I think that my thoughts on the 'security of the believer' are more secure and permanent than some! :-) But I cannot *equate* saving knowlege of/by God with our pursuit of/ obedience to/ and reliance upon the Holy Spirit. These two relationships seem to be connected, but not the same thing. If I may say so, this seems similar to your phrase 'we are not using Him like we should,' though some (not me!) might take offense at the word 'using.' I agree with you that we can lose fellowship with God, and even some or all of our 'reward' in Him, but not our relationship with Him, which was soley initiated by Him in grace. (I Corinthians 3:14,15) Blessings, my brother, in Christ Jesus, charis |
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553 | Automatic Holy Spirit? | Eph 1:13 | charis | 27331 | ||
Dear Nolan, Greetings in the name of Jesus! My friend, you are right! As 'karlgraff' noted, the Bible is for OUR assurance, not for measuring the salvation of others. I share this assurance, this holy confession with you. :-) I know that some will say, "Hymns are not the Bible," but I would share this hymn with you and our forum fellowship. When Rev. A.H.Ackley had his faith in Christ sneered at by an atheist, he was unable to answer. Defeated and depressed, he went home and wrote on the back of an envelope: I serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today; I know that He is living, whatever men may say, I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer; And just the time I need Him, He's always near. In all the world around me I see His loving care, And tho' my heart grows weary I never will despair; I know that He is leading thro' all the stormy blast. The day of His appearing will come at last. Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing. Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King! The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find. None other is so loving, so good and kind. (chorus) He lives. He lives. Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life' s narrow way. He lives, He lives, Salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart. Nolan, my fellow saint, I would put this song of faith, this confession of Christ, right up there with a thousand pages of 'Bible commentary!' (Unfortunately, this still does not answer my question about the Bible clearly making the indwelling or baptism of the Holy Spirit synonymous and synchronous with salvation or justification. :-)) Blessings to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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554 | Automatic Holy Spirit? | Eph 1:13 | charis | 27341 | ||
Dear karlgraff, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Great observation! If I may add only that the Bible does give us some outline on how to be led by the Holy Spirit to discern (not judge!) the hearts of others for the purpose of shepherding and care in the church. These gifts of discernment are never to be used for 'private' purposes or boasting, but for the glory of God in His body. For this we are given the authority and responsibility of godly discipline in the church. As you state, this is not a telescope! (or a microscope! :-)) Peace and love to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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555 | Automatic Holy Spirit? | Eph 1:13 | charis | 27350 | ||
My friend kalos, Greetings and love to you in the name of Jesus! I know! I know! :-) If we were to only have this one Scripture to describe the relationship between the indwelling or baptism of the Holy Spirit and our salvation (or justification), it would be cut and dry! And there are several others, too! "For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for He gives the Spirit without measure." John 3:34 NASB, for instance. But there are many, many Scriptures that link the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the ongoing work of sanctification, with our walk in Christ. I see so many that have gone before God on their knees with tears and confession, yet their subsequent walk is anything but Spirit-led. I cannot glibly 'write them off' as not-yet-really-saved. Many of these, do come to a place of 'conversion,' at which time the fruit of the Spirit begins to manifest itself. Then I have seen those that bear much evidence of salvation, yet fall away due to one testing or another. I guess I am saying, my good friend, that though I DO see the Scripture pointing to regeneration by the Holy Spirit upon justification, I see little temporal evidence to support it. And, as a minister of the Gospel, I cannot lightly deny salvation to those that are not presently showing forth the fruit of the Spirit. Do I have an all-encompassing 'conclusion?' No, I don't. I will trust that the Spirit is upon all who confess Christ, but that many are not walking in accord with He who is with them. I also (paradoxically?) believe that all believers should pursue an 'immersion' into the things of the Holy Spirit. To me, the alternative is to believe in 'one or the other' to the exclusion of many Biblical tenets. Thank you for being the first to clearly and Biblically answer the original question! :-) Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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556 | Automatic Holy Spirit? | Eph 1:13 | charis | 27423 | ||
Dear Nolan and Hank, Greetings in Jesus' name! Friends, I cannot help but agree with you that there is evidence of the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives that leads to salvation. Otherwise, who would receive 'credit' for our justification? However, I still do not see this as a synonymous and synchronous 'done deal.' There is too much empirical evidence that many of those who are touched by the Lord to confess Christ are not yet partakers of the gifts and the fruit of the Holy Spirit. While there are those that have deep conviction and faith in God from 'moment one,' there are just as many (more?) that struggle with literally every step in their walk with the Lord Jesus. They manifest little or no evidence of what the Bible describes as the fruit of the Spirit. Some battle for years until a 'breakthrough,' some gradually 'clean up their act,' some are in and out of church all their lives, and some walk away and return to their physical point of origin. Yet many of these continue to lean on the everlasting arms of Jesus! Are they saved? I cannot deny their salvation! Are they filled with the Holy Spirit, and immersed in Him? It would be hard to prove! After several years ministering to the homeless, the mentally-challenged, the elderly, and the infirm, then coming to a heathen nation and dealing with social hostility and anti-Christian bigotry, I cannot see this doctrine as clear-cut as you might. I would either have to deny salvation to the weak (little faith means no faith?) or proclaim a glorious relationship with God that had no evidence whatsoever. Please understand that I am NOT saying (as some Pentecostals would) that the indwelling or baptism of the Holy Spirit is completely separate from salvation, and that certain external signs or rites are necessary for salvation (i.e. tongues or water baptism). I am simply saying that I do not see it as synonymous and synchronous, that God's sense of time is different from our own. Well, that's it for me. Blessings and love to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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557 | Automatic Holy Spirit? | Eph 1:13 | charis | 27473 | ||
Dear Joe! Greetings in the name of Jesus! My friend, I am afraid that what you ask is like asking to clarify our entire salvation experience in absolute, concrete terms. I don't think it is possible, though some are convinced that they have 'worked it all out.' You agree that they are not synonymous, but that they are both integral parts of a whole salvation experience, right? (Much like other mysteries of the Gospel, i.e. the Tri-Une God) At least, I believe that is a fair representation. Might I add to that 'whole' experience, Justification, Sanctification, Regeneration, Conversion, Repentance, Conviction, Final Judgment, Eternal Reward, and probably a few others I have either forgotten or don't know the correct dogmatic nomenclature. From the vantage of our God in heaven, these would speak of His plan for the salvation of the individual believer. Each of these concepts are Biblical representations of certain aspects of His entire work in our lives. Men have been divided about the 'timeline' of these events, combining them in different 'recipes' and 'formulae' into what often becomes the hallmark of their respective denominations or bent. In my sometimes humble (sometimes confusing?) opinion, a great deal of our quibbling is over the manner in which these 'pieces' fit into the whole. A major problem is that we are locked into an absolute 'time' system, and God is not. So, we are really concerned about synchronous and asynchronous events, while God is not. If I am awake (coffee is in my system, but not yet fully 'active' :-)) and making any sense, maybe the rest will come together. So, My point is that I do not see any 'empirical' evidence that men are regenerated and baptized in the Holy Spirit the moment that they respond to the quickening of the Holy Spirit to confess Christ as Lord and Savior. I find that to claim instantaneous 'whole work' does not fit in with the Biblical encouragement to 'work out your salvation in fear and trembling' (Philippians 2:12) and 'seek after the Holy Spirit' (Luke 11:9-13). Again, vantage and time perception are the issues I am exploring. I pray this was lucid enough to explain my thoughts, even if you don't agree with them. :-) Have a great Christmas, my friend! Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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558 | HS manifestation needed for salvation? | Eph 1:13 | charis | 27795 | ||
Dear Haggisheid, Greetings from Japan in the name of Jesus! Thank you for a very good answer! I agree with all you posted here. You asked a a few posts later why I was asking this question, and I think you will find out if you browse through the 'above' thread entitled "Automatic Holy Spirit?" I have been searching for a clear, Biblical answer as to whether the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a 'finished work' upon confessing Christ as Savior, or a 'progressive work' of sanctification. I lean toward the latter (as you seem to be leaning), but many have spoken as if it is synchonous and 'done,' or just not answered that part of the question. So... I posted a more direct question. Please read the other thread and tell me if we still might be on the same wavelength. (?) BTW, in what part of Scotland do you rest your heid? I have a good friend in Bo'ness, and have been to see Nessie. (but he was not about at the time :-)) I receive your blessings, and send mine to you and yours this bonnie season! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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559 | Is salvation a process or onetime event? | Eph 2:5 | charis | 16849 | ||
Dear Steve and Bill, If I may: I also believe that salvation, from our point of view, is a process with an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. (remember Public Speaking or Composition?) From God's lofty vantage, beyond the boundaries of location and time, it might be taken as one 'event.' Thus the seemingly different Scripture references. Steve, to add abit to your 'shipwrecked' theme: First you are saved from the immediate danger by a Provident 'plank,' then onto a 'vehicle,' which brings you to your safe doorstep, then into your 'home,' and the company of loved ones, and the Loving One.' The 'plank' is the Gospel, the Good News of hope in Christ Jesus. The 'vehicle' is the church, under the capable piloting of the Holy Spirit. Finally we arrive 'home' to the eternal assembly of the faithful, and the arms of our loving God. We know not if our return home will be to heaven, or if we shall meet Him in the air, but what a day that will be! The culmination of our salvation experience. Friends, this is the limit of my 'poetic' side, but this melody sings in my heart. In Jesus' name, charis |
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560 | Thanks, but what about....? | Eph 2:5 | charis | 35652 | ||
Dear zach†, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I take it that you have not served in an inner city mission for the homeless, or in a country without a Judeo-Christian foundation. Even a few weeks of serving meals and preaching to the derelicts and addicts and 'professional welfare recipients' will either give you a hope for their salvation, or condemnation for their inability to walk out their salvation in Christ Jesus. Another few weeks in Japan or China would confirm that hope (or condemnation). If we say that you have exactly one chance to grab that lifeline, and if you let go, hell awaits you, then 90-percent of mission work is in vain. Even in the my present place of service to God, many seeking salvation are those that have previously 'accepted' Jesus as Savior and walked away. What are we to do? Perhaps keep a record of those that have recited the "Sinner's Prayer," and if they fall away but try to return, we refuse entry to church? I don't know how you got saved, my friend, but a great many souls on this celestial ball have nigh-impossible barriers (plural) to overcome in order to serve Christ. I must say that this philosophy could only be viable in America! :-) (or perhaps another 'civilized' nation) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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