Results 1 - 12 of 12
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: seeking wisdom Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Phil 4:10-11What does this mean? | Phil 3:10 | seeking wisdom | 80438 | ||
There is a confusing understanding and teaching in the church today that being a follower of Christ is only about peace, joy, and our personal happiness and fulfillment. Your Question: "If we HAVE to go through sickness, opression etc, why did He die?" He died to make a Way for us to God the Father. He didn't die to end sickness, oppression, war, etc., although we do look forward to the time when these things will be no more in the day of Christ. Romans 5:1 states: "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" There are those who have refered to such verses as meaning that as Christians our lives should be peaceful. This is an incorrect understanding. This is refering to peace with God, our sins having been justified by the sacrifice and blood of Jesus, means our relationship with God can be one of peace. This does not mean our lives will be peaceful. Paul's life as reflected in Acts and in many of his letters was not "peaceful"; he suffered persecutions, shipwrecks, imprisonment, etc. But his relationship with the God of all creation was one of complete peace, thanks to Jesus Christ, his Lord and ours!!! In fact, Jesus promises us problems in this life--He says, "In the world you have tribulation" (John 16:33); and He speaks of the world "hating us" (John 15:18; 17:14; 1 John 3:13) In this way we "share in His sufferings" and this is what Paul refers to. THE GOOD NEWS IS: John 16:33 "In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD" and 1 John 5:4,5 "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" Take courage, but don't misunderstand--We don't overcome the world by being removed from the reach of sickness and oppression, we overcome the world by going through such things clinging to the blood and promises of our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that the Holy Spirit which Jesus sent to us will guide your heart and mind in understanding. |
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2 | Living with the world's hatred?? | John 17:14 | seeking wisdom | 80430 | ||
A DIFFERENT RELATED ? --isn't it odd that we aren't more hated by this world when Jesus tells us over and over again that the world will treat us like it treated Him!!! Perhaps we are living too much like the world, and too little like our Lord?!?! | ||||||
3 | Word of Truth or word of truth? (#78193) | John 17:14 | seeking wisdom | 80429 | ||
That is a difficult distinction to make. Of the 3 occurances I find of word, the last is the easiest: v.20-"I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those alo who believe in Me through their word." This is clearly referring to the word or testimony of those who were physically there with Jesus--the writings of the disciples and apostles. Jesus is clearly THE TRUTH; and I believe He is referring both to Himself and to the Scriptures we now are privileged to have access to. v. 17-"Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth" refers in fullness to the word/Word of God. It seems to encompass the idea of Jesus as Word/Truth and yet clearly this is applicable to both Scripture and Jesus Himself--we are sancified through Jesus Himself, but also by means of the written or spoken word known as the Bible. v.19-"For their sakes I sanctify Myself that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth." Jesus here seems to use the word "truth" to refer back to Himself. He is the only man in history who could ever say, "I sanctify Myself"--and we come to Him for our sanctification. v.14-"I have given them Your word...." Jesus came that we might know God (see v. 3 of this chapter). All that He did and said when He walked this planet was from God the Father-all that He said and did and His very being is the Word of God. He gave us Scripture; He gave us Himself; both are clearly and uniquely tied together--You cannot really separate the word of God from the WORD of God. |
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4 | Unity in Truth??? | John 17:21 | seeking wisdom | 35528 | ||
I do believe we should always stand for truth-"speaking the truth in love"-but, as this verse states, Jesus prayed that we would be one, "so that the world may believe" that the Father did send the Son. In my study of the Bible, this has become a challenge to my faith. This whole prayer of Jesus is about the oneness between Himself and the Father and His followers--yet we don't appear to have the oneness He prayed for. I continue to seek out true followers of Christ and continue looking for His Church. I do have a group of believers that I fellowship with. But I am challenged by myself and by unbelievers I have contact with that we do not reflect this oneness. When Jesus himself stated that this is how the world will know His followers; This is an identifying characteristic that His followers should have. I would never advocate unity apart from Truth. I just want to know why we don't have the unity that should be found in Truth??? Thank you for answering me. I just don't see the Christian world living up to this and it is definitely been a stumbling block in my life, and now continues to be a stumbling block to unbelieving friends. |
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5 | Divisions and disunity?? | John 17:21 | seeking wisdom | 35458 | ||
Is it any wonder that the world doesn't believe--with all the divisions between those calling themselves followers of Christ? | ||||||
6 | Our need for God's protection | John 17:15 | seeking wisdom | 27916 | ||
Jesus has left us in the world to be light and salt. He never asked the Father to take us out of the world, but sometimes I just long for the Father do to just that. How desparately we need this prayer of Jesus'---that God will keep us and protect us for as long as we are here. | ||||||
7 | Living with the world's hatred?? | John 17:14 | seeking wisdom | 27915 | ||
The world has hated those Jesus has called. Sometimes it seems like the world hates me, that is for sure. I used to be quite worldly myself, and still can be at times, but how do you handle it when it seems like so much/so many are against your belief about God, Jesus, salvation, the way to live, etc.? Sometimes in my life, I have been faced with a very "negative" reaction to my belief in Christ and my desire to follow Him with all my heart. Of course, then when I have those moments of weakness when "all of my heart" isn't truly involved--I can get pounced, emotionally/mentally. I don't know how those who are physcally persecuted do it. I know I'm weak--and I call upon Christ to be my strength. But I feel like such a weakling when it comes to standing firm in the face of ridicule or taunting. Sometimes I stand firm, sometimes I seem to falter; sometimes I can continue to act with love towards those who are giving me problems, sometimes I just get angry and discouraged. This word Jesus has given us is precious and a source of "food" and direction--but it is so hard to live it??? in the face of the world's hate--am I alone in this? | ||||||
8 | What day do YOU attend church? | Col 2:16 | seeking wisdom | 25577 | ||
casiv, I'm glad you have chosen not to let that spirit of discouragement send you on your way!!! What would happen if every voice which is truly seeking or speaking the Truth left this place?!?! As I mentioned before, we will be known by our fruits. Your understanding and compassion speak loud and clear. | ||||||
9 | what sabbath does it refer to? | Col 2:16 | seeking wisdom | 25573 | ||
Thanks | ||||||
10 | what sabbath does it refer to? | Col 2:16 | seeking wisdom | 25536 | ||
Thank you for replying to my question. Unfortunately your reply doesn't help me because I am neither a Greek nor a Hebrew scholar. I am merely a student of the scriptures--and my only language is english. I will continue to seek my answers elsewhere. It was kind of you to at least answer my question considering all the weird communication around here. | ||||||
11 | What day do YOU attend church? | Col 2:16 | seeking wisdom | 25535 | ||
I've spent 2 days reading this whole discussion--all the notes on this verse-as a matter of fact. I came seeking understanding of scripture--not this unfortunate *war* going on. There is nothing wrong with desiring a simple, direct answer to your questions--but don't assume you will get it. Unfortunately, it is clear that some of us need to seek more wisdom from above--see James 3:13-17. I feel sorry for those who merely stumble upon this nonsense seeking answers-especially those who might not have the discernment to weed through all that has been said here. We believe we have autonomy through the *net*, but we will still all be known by the fruit of our *keyboards* | ||||||
12 | what sabbath does it refer to? | Col 2:16 | seeking wisdom | 25489 | ||
You stated (more than once) that, "THIS VERSE DOES NOT CONDEMN SABBATH-KEEPING AS IS COMMONLY CLAIMED. IT ISN'T EVEN TALKING ABOUT THE SEVENTH-DAY SABBTH IN THE FIRST PLACE." I agree, this verse states that "no one is to act as your judge in regard.... to a Sabbath day"--which kind of leaves the concept of condemnation out of any individual's hands. But my question to you is...if it isn't talking about the seventh-day sabbath, then *what* sabbath is it refering to?? |
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