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Results from: Notes Author: Bill Richardson Ordered by Date
Results		Verse	Author	ID#
1	circumcise on the Sabbath	John 7:23	Bill Richardson	231241
	After the establishment of the Lord's church in Acts 2, the Apostle Paul took on as his personal ministry to be dedicated to bringing Christianity to the Gentiles. He tried to bring Christinaity to his fellow Jewish brethren but the main leadership of the Jewish Nation seemed to hold a grudge against him for leaving their way of life in favor of a new Lord and Master. Now it's very interesting as to how Paul handles this controversy that ends up at a climax in Jersualem, Acts 15. The Judaziers had been following christians around the area, especially Paul, Barnabas, Silas and Mark in preaching the additional requirement of circumcision after people became christians. But in Acts 15, after prayer and much discussion, the Apostles and the elders issued a letter with four restrictions, none of which touched on circumcision. So it was over as far as Christianity was concerned. So you see, it wasn't over as far as the Judaziers were concerned; they kept on preaching their false doctrine. They simply would not accept the idea of a new Era of Christianity, with equal treatment and benefits to all mankind. (I should say at this point, these Judaziers were christians but they were also Jews who loved holding power and prestige over other people like they'd always done.) But back to Paul's innovative way to handle this controversy. He even provided for continuing his ministry after passing from this life. As you may know, he had two "sons of the faith," Timothy and Titus. With Timothy, he encouraged him (and he followed Paul's suggestion) to be circumcised while he vigorously defended Titus' right to NOT be circumcised. Acts 16:1 Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek. 4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily. Gal 2:1 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me. 2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain. 3 Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 4 And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), 5 to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. So we can see Paul's maturity in his foresight. He really did have love for his fellow Jews as shown by bringing up Timothy this way BUT he also saw this obsession with the Judaziers and circumcision for what it was. This obsession took the focus off of Christ and instead gave some small piece of power back to the Jews and of course, that could not be tolerated. So once again, we see that Paul taught his sons of the faith to "become all things to all men, to win some," 1 Cor 9:22. What foresight, huh? Go with God in all His Ways, Bill
2	Are clean jokes still considered lies?	Rom 14:23	Bill Richardson	231203
	Someone has deleted my post with which I input quite a bit of information and Guidance based on the scripture above. (I even reflected my own personal battle with this challenging topic.) But I notice that no one is posting any replacement message to this individual in his plight. Are you all NOT going to do the right thing? Are you all NOT going to offer some sound advice in replacement of my attempt? He's waiting as am I but of course his need is far greater than mine. I'm kinda curious as yo how y'all are going to interpret this scripture and apply the basic to this topic. Anxiously awaiting your response(s); Go with God in all His Ways. Bill
3	make up of the Syrian Antioch Church	Bible general Archive 4	Bill Richardson	231202
	No one has offended me. I just don't understand this obsession about my background. I can't get anyone to explain why my posts to the Forum are being deleted. I have been very diligent to make certain they're all Biblically based, tactful and gracious in demeanor. I've already tried contacting the Lockman Foundation directly and they won't reply to my message. Do you know who has all the power to whom I can discuss all this and plead my case? I'd like to know what is actually wrong with my posts so I can learn and avoid making those same mistakes. I have noticed there are many individuals on the Forum who don't reveal much information about themselves in their User Profile so I'm not the only one. Again I really, REALLY don't understand this obsession about MY background. It seems to be a form of passive-agressive persecution. But I can take it and count myself worth like the Apostles if that is my role in this ministry. I saw the recent posts about the acceptance of denominations "as long as they're based on Bible" and of course mine are, at least as far as I can make them. Can you please assist me in this area? I'm willing to continue this conversation in private, with E-Mails if that's what you'd prefer. Please let me know. I really appreciate your effort to reach out. I sincerely hope you're trying to help me. Go with God in all His Ways. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Bill
4	Is it a sin to not share Gods word?	Rom 14:23	Bill Richardson	231201
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5	When is forgiveness not necessary?	Bible general Archive 4	Bill Richardson	231189
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6	where does your soul go when you die	Bible general Archive 4	Bill Richardson	231183
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7	Balance: Faith and Works	Bible general Archive 4	Bill Richardson	231168
	Quoted for reference: On previous post Bill said, "We should look at our relationship with our Lord and Saviour as our working off a debt as He paid for our sins for our very souls. I think this is made so clear in the Lord's Parable of the debtor in prison, Matt 18. That's why I think it's important for us as christians to adopt a ministry of some kind if it's nothing more than cleaning the building on a regular basis." BradK said: Are you suggesting salvation entails us workig to repay this debt to our Lord? Are you suggesting we to do this in order to maintain salvation? Or, are you suggesting we do this in order to show we are saved (cf Eph. 2:10)? Response: I thought my previous post made this clear. Seems like I said we can never, EVER even begin to think we can gain anything by these "works of faith." We should do them as proof of our genuine faith. James makes it very clear: the conjunction "and" marries these two items for a true christian. Faith and works go together like all the other couples in the Bible. We see that we must "worship God in Spirit AND in Truth," John 4:24. We must love God first and foremost BUT we must also love our fellow man, 1 John 2:9-11. Does this mean our walk with God is like a balancing act? I think that might be an extreme way of putting but to some degree, God does want us to do our best. I do agree with the sentiment of your post; I do think we must always place our faith in God far above our works. It's just that we can't take this position as a license to get out of working for the Lord. BradK said: I hope you're not implying that we do this to merit (earn) any justification before God? Response: No, please don't misunderstand. See above. As a matter of fact, as you alluding to, any hint of such pride in such an attempt to earn might be just the thing that keeps us out of Heaven forever. Prov 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud. 20 He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he. I hope this is an adequate response; gotta go to school and get myself all edumacated. I'll check back with you later this evening. Thanks for the dialouge. Go with God in all His Ways, Bill
8	make up of the Syrian Antioch Church	Bible general Archive 4	Bill Richardson	231159
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9	Balance: Faith and Works	Bible general Archive 4	Bill Richardson	231157
	Yes indeed, I'm in full agreement. It all boils down to our attitude. We can never, EVER think we can approach God Almighty on Judgment Day with the thought that we earned even the lowest badge of recognition for any deed or action we performed. I'm thinking Paul's example is a great one to follow; in spite of all his accomplishments as an Apostle, he still considered himself "chief of all sinners." What a great humble attitude. We should look at our relationship with our Lord and Saviour as our working off a debt as He paid for our sins for our very souls. I think this is made so clear in the Lord's Parable of the debtor in prison, Matt 18. That's why I think it's important for us as christians to adopt a ministry of some kind if it's nothing more than cleaning the building on a regular basis. Again this is clearly depicted in Jesus' Parable of the three men and their talents, Matt 25. It seems so ironic that the word talents has a dual meaning, the one used in the first century referring to money and the way we now use it referring to our skills or abilities to do something well. All of us should look about us throughout our respective congregations and see if there's some hole or ministry NOT being done that can match one of our talents and then go to work. It's ideal if no one else knows or sees our endeavors in such a ministry, as our Lord will reward us in Heaven. Matt 6:1 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Now of course, we should exercise due care and make certain we're taking some ministry away from someone else. It might be OK to approach such an individual and see if they're interested in taking on a partner and rotate so as to share the burden of work. But it's so much better if we can find that something that's NOT being done but needs doing. But as you've said, it's absolutely PARAMOUNT that all of this is done with the proper attitude of complete humility and submission to our Saviour. We must never even think a hint of pride in what we're doing for our Lord. 1 Pet 1:13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; Thanks be to God for His Mercy and Grace. Go with God in all His Ways. Bill
10	Paul's missionary work	Bible general Archive 4	Bill Richardson	231154
	I'm just trying to get this all straight in my mind. Do be patient with me. Thanks in advance. Quoted for reference: Sola scriptura (Latin ablative, "by scripture alone") is the doctrine that the Bible contains all knowledge necessary for salvation and holiness. Consequently, sola scriptura demands that only those doctrines are to be admitted or confessed that are found directly within or indirectly by using valid logical deduction or valid deductive reasoning from scripture. However, sola scriptura is not a denial of other authorities governing Christian life and devotion. RATHER, IT SIMPLY DEMANDS THAT ALL OTHER AUTHORITIES ARE SUBORDINATE TO, AND ARE TO BE CORRECTED BY, THE WRITTEN WORD OF GOD. Sola scriptura was a foundational doctrinal principle of the Protestant Reformation held by the Reformers and is a formal principle of Protestantism today. (All caps above mine for emphasis and clarity.) I think I can live with this statement if I'm understanding it correctly. Go with God in all His Ways. Bill
11	Christians Proselytizing in Prisons?	Bible general Archive 4	Bill Richardson	231142
	Just splunking around the old topics and noticed these few didn't have a very long or thorough set of responses to the original question(s). I've always heard if one person asks a question in a class setting or a Forum such as this, then there's more than likely a second person in the "audience" thinkig the same line of reasoning. As you may have noticed, I do like to stimulate dialouge on my favorite topic, God's Word. I like to assist and inspire my fellow christians to think and get more and more into His Word and then respond with more questions and/or dialouge. Yeah, I guess I like to talk a lot. My wife tells me the same thing. Did you wish to post a question or a statement on this topic? Go with God in all His Ways, Bill
12	Paul's missionary work	Bible general Archive 4	Bill Richardson	231141
	Doc and BradK Apparently I owe you both an apology. I have just looked up all of these new words and downloaded quite a bit of information on all of them. It will, as you mentioned, take me a little while to assimilate all this. I briefly scanned the smaller creeds; I'd like to think they're in harmmony with the Bible but that one Canon of the Council of Orange is huge. I did notice there's been several "updates" to the first 3 creeds. Which ones are approved by your groups? Please advise. Another couple of questions: 1) Are you all saying you believe in the requirement of baptism, as stated in the Nicene Creed of 1988? 2) Are you also saying these creeds and canon are placed on a religious level with the Bible, equal in Power and Authority? Please advise on all the above. Thanks for your patience and Go with God in all His Ways. Bill
13	Adopting a Ministry	Matt 18:30	Bill Richardson	231126
	It's a Bible based college in fellowship with our group. We have several teachers with their PhDs in Bible. I just started this first course a few weeks ago and I'm really enjoying it. Are you going to school? Say, that reminds me; I just gotta ask, how did you get the nickname, Doc? And finally, can I now look forward to some real dialouge on my questions on this thread? Hoping and praying that we can go with God in all things, Bill
14	Paul's missionary work	Bible general Archive 4	Bill Richardson	231125
	Not sure what this word meant so I looked it up on Wikipedia: Universalism, in its primary sense, refers to religious, theological, and philosophical concepts with universal application or applicability. Religion in this context is defined as a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs. Universalism is a term used to identify particular doctrines considering all people in their formation. Universalism in the religious context claims that religion or religious man (sic) is a universal quality. This can be contrasted with nonuniversalist religions. In its secondary sense, a church or community that calls itself Universalist may emphasize the universal principles of most religions and accept other religions in an inclusive manner, believing in a universal reconciliation between humanity and the divine. For example Abrahamic religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam still claim a universal value of their doctrine and moral principles because they feel they are inclusive. A belief in one common truth is also another important tenet. The living truth is seen as more far-reaching than national, cultural, or religious boundaries. In response, I can only say I believe simply what the Bible says from... Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” to John 3:16 As far as God's Plan of Redemption, the scripture below seems to speak for itself... Eph 1:7 IN HIM WE HAVE REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS, ACCORDING TO THE RICHES OF HIS GRACE 8 WHICH HE MADE TO ABOUND TOWARD US IN ALL WISDOM AND PRUDENCE, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. Concerning your query of "Plan B," again I can only respond with more scripture... Gal 1:6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 BUT EVEN IF WE, OR AN ANGEL FROM HEAVEN, PREACH ANY OTHER GOSPEL TO YOU THAN WHAT WE HAVE PREACHED TO YOU THAN WHAT WE HAVE PREACHED TO YOU, LET HIM BE ACCURSED. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. And Jude 3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I FOUND IT NECESSARY TO WRITE TO YOU EXHORTING YOU TO CONTEND EARNESTLY FOR THE FAITH WHICH WAS ONCE FOR ALL DELIVERED TO THE SAINTS. 4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. (All caps above are mine for emphasis and clarity.) So in summary, I certainly don't believe in anything but God's Word for anything pertaining to Heaven, Godliness in accordance with His Word. Are you telling me that your group requires you to believe in some Plan B or this Universalism? I do believe in the one single way to get to Heaven as described by our Lord in... Jn 14:“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I AM THE WAY, I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME." Hope this helps; Go with God in all His Ways, Bill
15	Adopting a Ministry	Matt 18:30	Bill Richardson	231119
	Thanks for guidance. I am taking college level courses in Bible and I have taught Bible to teens and adults for several years. We do have some lively discussions as we encourage that sort of thing whereas I grew up in a fairly conservative church area. But now back to the topic at hand. How about responding to my questions on this thread? Looking forward to your intellectual responses and/or suggestions. What have you experienced? Go with God in all His Ways, Bill
16	Adopting a Ministry	Matt 18:30	Bill Richardson	231115
	I guess that's part of my personality; never have favored the politics that enters into an organization with human beings involved. It's so much more ideal to just simply follow God's Word, agree on Doctrine and maintain options as God allows. That's why our group call ourselves christians; we're all in agreement. We find we get along better by maintain that kind of focus. Does your congregation leadership encourage this kind of adopting a ministry for everyone, especially after being a christian for several years? How does your group get the 80-20 ratio a little closer to 50-50 or better? Anyone else? Go with God in all things, Bill
17	Adopting a Ministry	Matt 18:30	Bill Richardson	231110
	Not sure how that comes into the discussion but I'm talking about the same church in the NT. Thanks for the dialouge, Bill
18	Adopting a Ministry	Matt 18:30	Bill Richardson	231099
	I agree with your statement but assuming that a person is a regular member and is in good standing, what do you think of the basic proposition as stated? Is it something our Lord wants us to do to please Him or is it one of those optional choices He extends to us. Along with the Parable from Matthew 18, I'm thinking the Parable of the folks with talents, Matt 25, is also most instructive. You remember the harsh Judgment from the Lord on the one fella who wasted the one and only talent he had. Tell me what ya think. Thanks for your quick response. Naturally I'm also looking for responses from everyone else. Go with God in all things. Bill
19	The Certainty of God!	Bible general Archive 4	Bill Richardson	231095
	I'm thinking the most powerful statement from God is the very first verse of the Bible. Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. From there the narrative describes the whole story of the Creation. It's far more complete and easier to believe than the other competition from around the world. I understand there are many good solid websites which promote God's Existence, Creationism and Evidences for Christianity. Just insert these kind of words into your Search Engine and you'll find them. Now there's just one problem with the Bible and this topic. The Scriptures don't come right out and prove "beyond a shadow of a doubt" there is a God. Paul does a pretty good job, about as good as anyone else in Romans 1. So we're left with gathering evidence, ie witness accounts from Josephus, the Dead Sea Scrolls and archelogical evidence. Then there's circumstantial evidence, you know the stuff they gotta settle for in a court of law to convict a criminal. When you put it altogether, I'm thinking an objective person concludes with just one thought. Oh and there's books on this stuff. I got one for my library just a couple of days ago, written by a former atheist, Les Strobel. The title: The Case for Christ. I'm looking forward to reading it. After all this, God does tell us one item in warning... Ps 53:1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. You see God wants us to accept Him AND believe Him on Faith. IF we could study all the above and come to an absolute, empirical conclusion there is God, then that would NOT be faith. Remember... Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. That's all I can think to say, partner. Go with God in all things. Bill
20	Lazy man	Bible general Archive 4	Bill Richardson	231093
	In addition to Brad's good suggestions, I must a couple of items. Even upon becoming a christian, God expects a higher level of behavior compared to the world. For example: 2 Thess 3:10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. and 1 Tim 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. Believe me I understand laziness as I'm inclined that way a little since I retired but then my conscience reminds me of my Christian upbringing and get up and do something, first for my Lord, then for my family. Then I usually have a bite of breakfast. Go with God in all things my friend and He'll Bless you. But I also agree with Brad; you need to make Christ your Lord right away.

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