Results 741 - 760 of 801
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Results from: Notes Author: jlhetrick Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
741 | Deacon qualifications | Titus 1:6 | jlhetrick | 176017 | ||
Your welcome, glad I could help. God bless, Jeff |
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742 | Got Patient, Need Rest TGIF/S? | Titus 3:9 | jlhetrick | 211371 | ||
Amen brother Steve, well stated. | ||||||
743 | What does "Edens Dawn Light Mean?" | Heb 2:9 | jlhetrick | 200940 | ||
Amen! | ||||||
744 | Do you know a way to get into the Bible? | Heb 8:10 | jlhetrick | 206127 | ||
Imm- welcome to the Forum... Am I understanding you to be saying God would have us read the "New Test, only"? What about the OT? Thanks, Jeff |
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745 | Future sacrifices? | Heb 10:10 | jlhetrick | 170647 | ||
Hi Doc, You wrote: "I exhort one and all to stand on the rock of the clear teachings of the Word over and above the shifting sands of end-time speculation. (cf 1 Corinthians 2:12-13)" I 2nd the motion. Thank you. Jeff |
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746 | 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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747 | 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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748 | With out coporate Prayer what will ? | Heb 10:25 | jlhetrick | 188820 | ||
Amen Azure! At age 42 many might consider me a youngster in the flock so my observations are limited in that respect. With that said, it does seem that there has been and continues to be some degree of "scattering". It should come as no surprise perhapse that our generation is no different than that of Jerimiah's. It should be pointed out though that in our time much has transpired regarding God's revelation to men. Still we have the scattering as an obvious reality. Often times, in my opinion (experience) it is a direct result of the shepherds. Eph 4:11-15 NASB95And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, It's absolutely clear to me that the "unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ" can not be achieved save for the glory and power of God Himself. God bless, Jeff |
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749 | With out coporate Prayer what will ? | Heb 10:25 | jlhetrick | 188862 | ||
Amen sister, and it's interesting that you point out that in a time when that particular shepherd didn't care much for the flock teh bond between brothers and sisters was strong and close. This is common in families. When there is abuse and or neglect from parents siblings often bond and become the protectors of one another. Of course, we realize that the Lord is the true shepherd and regardless of how people approach their responsibilities we can rest in the knowledge that Christ is our good shepherd. God bless, Jeff |
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750 | Quality of faith | Heb 11:7 | jlhetrick | 152699 | ||
Hi terrib, I had a rather long response to your original question but hit back button to make a change and lost it all???? Anyway, I see that Brother Doc has responded but I did want to point you to something specific. As Doc pointed out, salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ only, there is no other way to be saved. So, Refer to Gen. 6:8-9. Even before Noah believed God about the flood and was obedient in preparing the ark, he had favor with God. The bible does not tell us specifically why Noah was considered righteous and blameless "in his time" other than to say that he "walked with God". regarding the specific question in your post here, "did Noah have faith in Jesus Christ" and asking for scripture reference I offer the following: I think it is safe to assume that Noah's above mentioned righteousness and blamelessness would have been directly related to Gen. 3:14-15. I believe this to be scripture referring to the promise of the "seed" Jesus Christ through whom would come salvation from the power of satan and sin. Noah would have had this knowledge of the promise. So, where "quality" might be applied to one's faith, it would only be relevant regarding what one places his/her faith in. A faith in anything other than the promised work of Jesus Christ in old testament times (though they didn't know His name) and the finished work of Christ today, would be a faith lacking in quality (value)and insufficient for salvation. For example: Noah believing God regarding the flood was an expression of faith in that he trusted God. But this particular event of faith lacked the "qaulity" or "value" of being a saving faith in-and-of itself. So, it was not this example of Noah's expression of faith that saved his soul. I believe that this example was an example of faith that resulted in his already having a faith in the promised savior which did have the quality or value of salvation attached. One's faith need not be extraordinary, such as in the examples of Abraham, Job, and Noah, in order to be a faith with value. But rather, a simple faith in Jesus Christ who alone can redeem you. hope this helps. Jeff |
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751 | Quality of faith | Heb 11:7 | jlhetrick | 152703 | ||
Thank you Brother Doc, Whether your words are loving reproof or consenting affirmation, they are always encouraging. thanks again |
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752 | Quality of faith | Heb 11:7 | jlhetrick | 152744 | ||
You wrote: "So, if I were a Jew in the OT and believed in the saving Grace of Jesus Christ I wouldn't have to keep the law?" No more so than you do as a NT believer in Christ. That is, not so far as your salvation would be/is concerned. Rom 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. We don't "have" to keep the law to be saved (then or now) but rather, choose to keep it: 1)because we know the law reflects God's standards of morality and righteousness through making us aware of sin. 2). out of gratitude and love for the God that has chosen to save us. 3) out of a holy reverence (fear) of Him who is able to destroy not only our bodies but our souls as well (Matt. 10:28). 4). out of understanding that our God is a righteous and just God and he deals with sin to include the sins of the saved (through reproof and consequences.) and the list goes on. So, as a result of being saved, it is the power of God working in us that allows us to now uphold the law. Rom 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. P.S. with my schedule it is very hard for me to respond in a timely manner and that is why I rarely post. I read the dialogue between you and Doc and enjoyed it as well as learned from you both. Thanks, Jeff |
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753 | Quality of faith | Heb 11:7 | jlhetrick | 152847 | ||
Hi lionheart, thanks for the encouraging words. I too stand in awe at the wonderful truths revealed in the OT. I spent years mostly avoiding the OT, mostly referring to it when cross-referenced in the NT. I would like to share something. Once I had a dream, you know, one of those crazy kind of dreams that leave you emotionally burdened when you wake, like a nightmare does. I was standing on air with nothing but clouds around me and a man in animal skins stood before me. He was asking me questions as to why "he" should let me go inside. In my dream I knew there were the gates of Heaven beyond the man but I wasn't able to see them. I was feeling pretty good with my answers, you know, confident like. And then the man said. "He wants to know why you don't see fit to read all of the letter he sent you." I was speachless. Suddenly my body started moving away from the man with increasing spead and I remember straining to see the gates that I knew must be there. When I woke, I felt very burdened and in my heart I was convicted. I had read through the NT many, many times start to finish, however, I had never made an effort to read through the OT. I thank God for using my dream to convict me and point me back to His word. I think Him even more for the blessings revealed there. How much I was missing of my Lord. How much more I know Him now. I look forward every day to know Him yet more. Thanks again for the encouragment Jeff |
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754 | Must Christians follow OT Law? | James 2:10 | jlhetrick | 171295 | ||
Hi John, What part of Romans 7 do you base your satement: "What Christians are free from is not the Law itself, but free from the penalty of failing to keep the Law. Romans 7:6 (NASB95) 7:6 (NASB95) But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. The word "released" in verse 6 is translated "delivered" (KJV), "discharged" (Amplified). Would this not clearly teach that Christians have been "freed" from the "Law itself"? If we are, as you accurately put it, "free from the penalty" are we not then freed from the law? If I am free from the penalty of the law, then the law no longer has power over me. I believe this is the teaching here in Romans 7. This is the understanding I have always had regarding Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 6:12 12 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. (NASB) So, my understanding is that; Grace has freed us from the penalty of the law which has freed us from the law. What benefit is the Law to us now? It helps to demonstrate God's character. And the Law, being "holy" "righteous" and "good" (vs. 12) serves to guide us, but no longer to convict us. I invite other's to redirect my understanding in this area. I have struggled with understanding much of this chapter over the years and my above comments are where I am now in my understanding on the topic. Sincerely, Jeff |
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755 | Must Christians follow OT Law? | James 2:10 | jlhetrick | 171335 | ||
Hi Doc, Thanks for responding and for presenting from the london Baptist Confession of Faith. You wrote: "but we are saved unto perfect compliance with the law (we are imputed with the righteousness of Christ)." I have no disagreement here and Scripture plainly teaches this. But to elaborate for others, "perfect" compliance with the Law is what we strive for, but nothing any of us have attained. I don't believe that your were saying we have attained it; as I go from memory; you are not one who agrees with the teaching or notion of "sinless perfection". Just as well, my understanding of having been imputed with the righteousness of Christ is an issue of my right standing with God; by being identified in Christ as one who has received through Grace the gift of salvation. I am justified in Jesus Christ. I relate this specifically to having been freed from the "penalty" of the Law. Phi 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: The issue of "perfect compliance" with the law, as I understand it, is an ongoing work of Grace. It is something God is working in us, and as we agree, something we can only understand in light of having kowledge of the Law. As Paul puts it: "Phi 3:10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, Phi 3:11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Phi 3:12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. So being freed from the penalty of the Law (Justified) the Law no longer has command over us, we are freed from it. As you say, there has not been a change in direction, but rather the law serves a new purpose. Not to condemn, but to guide. Having been justified, and having God's will revealed, we cooperate in the power of His grace to strive for perfection. Phi 3:13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, Phi 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Christ's Love, Jeff |
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756 | Must Christians follow OT Law? | James 2:10 | jlhetrick | 171336 | ||
Hi John, Thanks for responding. Please refer to my post to Doc #171335 as it continues to elaborate on my understanding and position. Sometimes it is the failure to elaborate that brings doubt and question to our statements. Jeff |
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757 | Must Christians follow OT Law? | James 2:10 | jlhetrick | 171351 | ||
Hi Doc, "Day by day". Isn't that the truth; and some days are better than others. As I grow in my understanding of this topic, I confess that I truly become smaller and smaller; while all the while, the grace of God and the true reality of the work of Christ moves more and more into the foreground. This may be off topic a bit; but I can't believe how many years I spent as a Christian before gaining a true understanding of God's sovereignty and God's grace. Not the lip service that is often applied, but the reality of it. The truth is, one can't truly revere God with due diligence before beginning to understand His sovereignty and His gracious way of dealing with men. Thanks for taking the time to contribute to this. Through the dialogue, it appears to me that my understanding and Hobb's understanding are both in agreement, just articulated differently. Fortunately, in the end, Scripture is able to make the point. Christ's Love, Jeff |
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758 | Must Christians follow OT Law? | James 2:10 | jlhetrick | 171371 | ||
I can't imagine though I try. I heard a message this morning on the way to work (Dr. David Jeremiah, Turning Point) "Where do people go when they die". It was part of a current series he is doing on Heaven. Just about the time he had my mind filled with all kinds of wonderful truths, he brought it all to a screaching halt to focus on the most important point. The Lord Jesus will be there. We talk the talk and we work so hard at walking the walk. In the process, He creates a change in us. He is making us new. We are coming to know Him better. But thinnk of it. One day, soon, we will actually see Him. Literally see Him. Talk to Him and hear His audible voice. Will I touch Him? Will He touch me? My best attempts at imagining fall far short I'm sure. God bless, Jeff |
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759 | Kill your brother and drink strong drink | James 2:10 | jlhetrick | 211078 | ||
Pete- welcome to the forum! you wrote: "I do not get drunk with wine or strong drink. I am not a thief, covetous, reviler or swindler. I have never been and never will be a drunkard. When I drink my wine or margarita with my dinner I enjoy a buzz that relaxes me and allows me to feel the goodness of God's blessings. It is a wonderful euphoria to behold the majesty of God's creation." Why would you believe that the physiological effects of alcohol is in any way allowing you to "feel the goodness of God's blessing"? From what portion of Scripture do you believe alcohol intoxification results in or in any way involves "a wonderful euphoria to behold the majexty of God's creation"? What we can be sure of, with nothing left to doubt, is the command of Scripture NOT to involve in this experience, as John pointed out- Ephesians 5:18. You're not disputing the clear teachings of Scripture....are you? |
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760 | Praise and Testimony | James 5:14 | jlhetrick | 172109 | ||
Hey Tim, Thanks for the praise report. We know that God can and sometimes does heal those who are sick. Praise Him when He chooses to do this and when He chooses not to. Thanks be to God on both occassions. Hey, do you know the purpose of the annointing with oil? How does it fit into the healing seen in James 5:14? God bless, Jeff |
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