Results 41 - 60 of 62
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Results from: Notes Author: cwade Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
41 | What does "perish" mean? | Acts 8:13 | cwade | 69461 | ||
I am not taking you too harshly or too softly. I know that the question of eternal security creates a strong emotional response in people. Again, it was not my intention to enter into that debate:-) In answer to your question; I base my belief on Scripture. Please do not take these words harshly, but for me, to say salvation is not eternal is to call both Jesus and Paul a liar. (Please note: I am not accusing YOU of doing that, just saying that for ME to say salvation is not eternal would make me feel that way). We both know all the scripture quoted on both sides of this issue, and doing so again is not going to change either of our minds... so could we agree (in love) to disagree? As to Simon's "repentance"... asking someone to pray for you does not mean you have repented. ALL of Simon's actions were self-serving and self-promoting. He was worried about himself, not the sin he had committed. |
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42 | What does "perish" mean? | Acts 8:13 | cwade | 69469 | ||
Thank you Hank. I always appreciate the time you take to mentor your weaker brothers. As I have said before, I have learned much from reading your posts. In regards to my original question on this thread... do you have a comment? I have reached a conclusion, but want to seek the counsel of more learned brothers before posting it. Prayerfully, cwade |
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43 | What does "perish" mean? | Acts 8:13 | cwade | 69470 | ||
Steve, thank you brother. Could you expound a little further on what "no longer of this world" might mean. Do you infer that as meaning Simon would die? (Maybe like Ananias and Sapphira did after lying to the Holy Spirit)? I've often wondered about that event too. Did they go to Heaven when they died? Was Ananias, Sapphira, and Simon the Sorcerer's faith genuine? Was their faith true saving faith? If not, this opens the door to some pretty serious discussion about what the word BELIEVE means, doesn't it? Thank you for your response. In Christ's love, cwade | ||||||
44 | What does "perish" mean? | Acts 8:13 | cwade | 69474 | ||
Steve, thank you and God Bless You! Forgive me if it seems that I might be belaboring this point, but I am struggling with a question in my mind. May I present a hypothetical situation for your Scripturally based opinion? -- Is it possible for a person to "believe" in Christ and be baptized without ever truly repenting of their sins. And if so, is that person saved? I wonder if this was possibly the situation with Ananias, Sapphira and Simon. Early church tradition holds that Simon (the magician) went on to start a cult, founded Gnostism and later persecuted Paul. I would find it difficult to believe that a person capable of those things was ever really saved to begin with. (I realize I must tread carefully here)! Your brother in Christ, cwade | ||||||
45 | What does "perish" mean? | Acts 8:13 | cwade | 69476 | ||
Dear brother, thank you for bearing with me. Please know that I am in no way doubting Scripture! I am just trying to reach a more complete understanding. There is a "life application" reason for my need to fully understand this situation concerning Simon the Sorcerer. -- We know that even the demons "believe" in Christ. Even Satan "believes" and shudders (which as a pastor once said is more than some Christians do:-))-- Scripture says Simon believed and was baptized, but makes no mention of repentance accompanying the belief. Nor was there a change in his lifestyle. Is it disrespecful of me to ask if it was possible that Simon's belief was not genuine, (since there was no evidence of a changed life)? I promise, this is the last time I will bother you with this tonight! | ||||||
46 | What does "perish" mean? | Acts 8:13 | cwade | 69572 | ||
John, I absolutely agree completely with everything you said. I have always believed in eternal security! (My wording here may not have made that clear). I know salvation is a gift from God and that man does nothing more than accept the gift. If I had to rely on MYSELF alone I too would fear getting out of bed. | ||||||
47 | I have a related question for anyone... | Acts 8:13 | cwade | 69611 | ||
dgregg, that is what I was struggling with, and the reason for my original question. I was trying to determine if this is a case where Scripture describes someone as having "believed and was baptized" when that person had not actually received salvation. I have personally witnessed people who have "accepted?" Christ, and were baptized, joined the church, etc, etc. but exhibited absolutely no change in their lifestyle. I have been aware in certain cases that those people's "motivation" for gettin saved was suspect; i.e facing a jail sentence and needing support from family members, the church, etc. I wondered if the verses I originally quoted were "proof" that this sometimes happens. I am always hesitant to doubt anyones' salvation, but often feel compelled to ask these people to search their hearts concerning their motivation, repentance, belief, etc. Whenever I do this, I am usually told: "I'm not worried, my salvation is secure". I was wondering if the verses about Simon's "conversion" were applicable in those situations. Prayerfully, cwade |
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48 | I have a related question for anyone... | Acts 8:13 | cwade | 69833 | ||
Hank, I've been following this discussion between you and Tim (to the best of my ability) and I have a question regarding Hebrews 10:26. Was this not a warning given to Jews who were deliberately rejecting Christ's offer of salvation? Would correlating verses be: Numbers 15:30,31 "But those who brazenly violate the Lord's will, whether native Israelites or foreigners, blaspheme the Lord and they must be cut off from the community. Since they have treated the Lord's word with contempt and deliberately disobeyed his commands, they must be completely cut off and suffer the consequences of their guilt." And since blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the only unfogivable sin, was the author telling the Jewish people that to reject Christ's sacrifice (after fully understanding it) meant that there was no other way for them to be saved? Hank, forgive how basic this question is, but I sometimes get a little confused trying to keep up with you and Tim. Thanks for bearing with me! cwade |
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49 | I have a related question for anyone... | Acts 8:13 | cwade | 69847 | ||
Hank and Ray, thank you both. That clears it up(confirms) it for me. Once again I thank God for the opportunity to particpate in and learn from my elders on this forum! cwade. | ||||||
50 | How do I make sense of the context? | Acts 8:13 | cwade | 69856 | ||
Hank, it's me again... just wondering if my thinking is correct here... Adam's sin is imputed to all of us right? So we are all guilty even before we commit specific acts of sin...correct? (To some, this might seem unfair), But THANK GOD!!! it's not, because our salvation works the same way, doesn't it? Believer's sins are also forgiven by imputation. God held Jesus accountable for ALL our sins (repented of, and not repented of)... (just like he used to find us guilty of sins committed and not committed). That seems "fair" to me! The reason God wants us to repent of sins, is so that we realize we have sinned and learn from our mistakes...right? | ||||||
51 | How do I make sense of the context? | Acts 8:13 | cwade | 69860 | ||
David, my dear brother, do you pray for the lost? If you do, do you expect that your prayers will be answered? If so, are you not (in effect) asking God to override that lost person's "freedom to choose"? | ||||||
52 | How do I make sense of the context? | Acts 8:13 | cwade | 69866 | ||
Brother, from your response it is obvious that we stand on the precipice of some pretty deep issues here: The Soverignty of God, Predestination vs. Free Will, etc, etc... All of these have been debated ad nauseum on this forum and throughout the ages. There are many brothers on this forum who are far more qualified than me to discuss these issues, and I urge you to read previous posts on these topics. I have had my eyes opened by paying attention to my elders here!! (We may get yelled at for taking up space on these issues:-)) I do just want to say that I believe God is absolutely and totally in control. I believe satan cannot, and never has, taken a breath without God's permission (note I said PERMISSION, not APPROVAL!!! They are 2 different things!) I also believe that coming to accept Christ is revelational because our ability to independently discover has been destroyed by sin. "We are no longer detached, disinterested observers". Belief is something that is granted to us (Philipians 1:29). It is God's leading that causes our belief to happen. God doesn't animate your arms and legs, He changes your heart, knowing what you will do in response. | ||||||
53 | How do I make sense of the context? | Acts 8:13 | cwade | 69869 | ||
Greetings brother Ed! I suppose I could respond to your question by saying... "Yeah! what Joe just said:-)!!" But you probably wouldn't let me get away with that. So, I'll do my best.. I pray for the lost, my brother, because Scripture commands it. Do I understand why a Sovereign God wants me to pray for those He already knows will or will not be saved? Nope. I just do as I'm told. Now... you said: "We should be praying that God will bring His Holy Spirit into their lives to convict them of their sins and someone to tell them of Jesus, opening their eyes to the truth". My dear brother, if God can override someone's "free will" and change their heart, and open their eyes "a little bit" why can't He change their heart a whole bunch? Merry Christmas to you and yours brother. In Christ's Love, cwade |
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54 | How do I make sense of the context? | Acts 8:13 | cwade | 69871 | ||
Joe-- thanks for posting those websites. I'm sure they will be very helpful to me. For now, I'm turning this discussion over to you. My tiny little brain is tired:-) Your brother in God's Sovereign Love and our eternal salvation, cwade |
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55 | How do I make sense of the context? | Acts 8:13 | cwade | 69990 | ||
Joe -- I have a question for you. (Please keep in mind that I am only 2 years old in Christ and still spiritually immature, but have a tremendous desire to learn). Intellectually, and in my heart - after careful study, I agree with your position on predestination. I was wondering if the issue has ever been approached from this perspective: We are adoptive children of God, correct? Isn't it true that adoptive children are chosen by their parents and not the other way around? Thanks for taking the time to respond. cwade | ||||||
56 | Unforgivable sin | Romans | cwade | 66787 | ||
Hank, I am striving for a more mature understanding of the Bible. I'm sure that many of these disagrements on points of doctrine are really just contrasting sides of the same truth. Maybe we should all try to reconcile the differences between what appears to be contradictory doctrine by searching for a way to better understand both sides. For example, on this issue of baptism; Is it Required for salvation: NO. But a true believer out of love for the Lord and a desire to please Him will always be baptized. Does this not make the point moot? Am I right in this way of thinking? | ||||||
57 | Does God think negative thoughts. | 1 Cor 2:16 | cwade | 86220 | ||
I just want to add a comment to this thread from Jeremiah 29: 11, “For I know the plans (thoughts) I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.” God does not think negative, harmful thoughts about YOU. His thoughts are good - and full of hope (expectation) for you! |
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58 | Doubt their salvation? | 1 Cor 5:11 | cwade | 84672 | ||
Yes, this was helpful, thank you! I will keep loving my friends yet hating their sin. And I will continue praying that God's will be done in their lives. In His Light,cwade |
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59 | Does God REQUIRE new believer to divorce | 1 Cor 7:24 | cwade | 66182 | ||
GOD BLESS YOU JOE!!! It is so nice to encounter someone who embodies the truth of God's love, God's grace and God's mercy! Sadly, many "Christians" have tried to tell us we need to cause heartache, devastation and destruction in our lives, and the lives of our children and get divorced because we are "living in sin." I would not want to be a part of a "religion" that really required something like that! God has blessed us and our marriage so much. He has answered all of our prayers and we both feel the constant presence of His Holy Spirit working in our lives. In our hearts we knew those "Pharisee and Saducees" who said we should divorce where wrong. They were damaging our faith! God bless you brother, you have "set us free". Now, are thee any children of God out there who disagree with Joe? | ||||||
60 | Does God REQUIRE new believer to divorce | 1 Cor 7:24 | cwade | 66215 | ||
Beautiful, Biblical answer Hank. Thank God for believers like you and Joe. I was starting to wonder if there were any out there. | ||||||
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