Results 1 - 15 of 15
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | charis | 66444 | ||
Dear Cyclist, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Every commentary I have at my disposal identifies the 'little ones' in Matthew 18:6 as disciples of Christ, humble and modest, meek and lowly. This is where I get the idea of 'dependent' on God the Father and Christ the Savior as a child is dependent on his parents. The context of the following verses speaks of 'sheep' and the 'stumbling blocks in life' and 'discipline among the brethren.' Therefore, these same commentators believe that the 'little ones' continues to be the followers of Christ. Some 'public' denominational teachings and authors of Sunday School material like to say that Matthew 18:10 is speaking of 'personal, guardian angels' assigned to each and every child. However, most scholars ('internal' denominational teaching?) agree that indeed the 'little ones' in all of Matthew 18 are faithful Christians. Without meaning to be crude, I must say that if every child has a 'guardian angel,' then these angels are not very effective in keeping all children from sin or from falling into satan's clutches. :-( To many readers, this may 'pop their bubble' about these verses. I'm truly sorry. But the truth about children should encourage us all the more to bring them up in Christ Jesus, honoring the faith and discipline of their parents. Just one man's opinion... In Christ Jesus, charis |
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2 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | Cyclist | 66623 | ||
charis, Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised! Great is the Lord because He is merciful! great is the Lord because He is loving! Great is the Lord because He is kind! Great is the Lord because He is righteous! I've been searching the forum on this subject. I've heard (read) from both sides of the table. Still letting it "soak in". Just an added question while I still think on this. In the verses below, could it be that Jesus is speaking of those that are unbelievers and are pregnant because the babies will be taken at the time of which He speaks? Matt 24:19 "But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 2 Mark 13:17 "But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! Luke 21:23 "Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days; for there will be great distress upon the land and wrath to this people; What do the commentaries say on these verses? Bless you brother! I visited your web sight. Bless you for the work that you do! Cyclist I will bless the Lord at all times! His praise shall continually be in my mouth! |
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3 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | charis | 66629 | ||
Dear Cyclist, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Good question! I did a quick search through e-Sword (my 'physical' resources are in my office, and I'm now at home), and they all say that the pregnant or those nursing babies are not able to flee to Jerusalem on that terrible day. The unborn or nursed babies are not mentioned. When I read your post, the first thing that came to my mind was that these mothers would fear for their unborn or babes. But nobody else said that. :-) Thanks for visiting. We are blessed! Serving Jesus is our joy! Peace to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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4 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | Cyclist | 66638 | ||
Charis, I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart and will glorify His name forever! Glory to the Lord most high! He alone is worthy! Thank you so much for taking time to share with me on this subject. I think that it is wonderful, and I am so thankful, for people like yourself who will take time for one like me who does not have time available, nor the resources, to study the depth of God's word. If you will, please bear with me because I will be asking more questions. Here is another one; Are we born with an awareness of God our creator? In addition, I look forward to a post from you after you have looked over your physical resources regarding my last question. If you are not able to continue our discussion due to other obligations, I understand. It is not my intent to be a burden or to take time away from your work for our Lord. I have prayed that our Father continue to bless you as you share Jesus in your ministry. In Him, Cyclist I will bless the Lord at all times! His praise shall continually be in my mouth! |
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5 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | charis | 66705 | ||
Dear Cyclist, Greetings in Jesus' name! I devote time time to the forum to glorify God, serve my fellows, and (hopefully) gain knowledge and wisdom. It is a joy to share time with you, my friend, because you challenge without rancor, and are honest about your ignorance. I pray that your example will rub off on me! I have a bit of time these past few days because we are between 'seasons.' Soon, however, the demands on my time will keep from much participation. :-( We have a school drama coming up next Spring, and hope to do some interior and exterior remodeling on our church building next Summer. Because I am the only 'handy' person here, I will become busy with these, as well as the usual Christmas-New Years fellowship-evangelism. :-) Enough about me. (and many said 'Amen!') To answer this question first, I do believe that we are born with an awareness of God our creator. First, we are created in His image (Genesis 1:26,27), so our very being gives us a glimpse of His creation. Though not Biblical, there is a saying, "You have but to open your eyes to see the glory of God!" Though we are born under the curse of Adam, the image of God cannot be erased, only veiled. Jesus 'rent the veil' that His chosen may see Him. But awareness of God is not acceptance of God, nor is it a claim to innocence. For even the demons believe, and shudder (James 2:19). Concerning the 'unborn and nursing babes' in Matthew 24:19 (and others), my 'physical' resources continue to focus on the difficulty in fleeing to Jerusalem, as there will be no time to prepare for the journey. This would make the already hasty flight near-impossible for such mothers, thus woe unto them. None mention the plight of the children specifically. Finally, regarding the 'little ones' in Matthew 18, one little side note: There is a tradition that the child that Jesus stood before them was the famous martyr Ignatius, and that the 'example' the Lord used was also prophetic. Other authors consider this tradition to be doubtful... In any case, the unanimous concensus is that the 'little ones' are humble and faithful saints of the Lord Jesus, and the child is but an example. If you come up with any other Scripture or commentary to refute this, I would like to hear it. Many blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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6 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | Cyclist | 66756 | ||
Charis, Great is the Lord our God who say's "heaven is My thrown and the earth is My footstool"! Great is the Lord our God who's eyes are everywhere beholding both the evil and the good! Great is the Lord our God! Praise His holy name! Thank you for bearing with me brother! Here I go again with more questions. If I'm getting carried away or off course, please write to me "OK Cyclist you are now getting carried away and off course." What do you think of this verse? Luke 19:10 "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." If those destined for God's kingdom were not born saved, from what or where were we lost? Surely at some point we were in the flock before we were lost or we would not be lost. At what point do you suppose that was? And what of this verse, Are babies/infants part of the everyone? Heb 2:9 But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. And finally, what do think of theses verses? Luke 9:55 But He turned and rebuked them, [and said, "You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; Luke 9:56 for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."] And they went on to another village. Here's another thing. In the Old Testament, sacrifices were made for the sins of all of Israel. Did that include the infants/babies? And yet another question. If I'm reading correctly, in the Old Testament, those that were under the age of 20 would inherit the promise land. Was 20 the age of accountability then? If I know children correctly, they mimick their parents and may have spoke out against God as their parents did, but, God was merciful to them and allowed them to enter the promised land. Well, time to get ready to jump on the bicycle. In Christ Jesus our Lord, Cyclist I will bless the Lord at all times! His praise shall continually be in my mouth! |
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7 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | charis | 66868 | ||
Dear Cyclist, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Re: Luke 19:10: I think we are 'lost' through Adam's sin. Man was created in God's favor, but lost favor in the fall of Adam. Re: Hebrews 2:9: Without getting involved in a freewill/election debate, if 'everyone' means everyone, then why are ANY lost? The hypothetical 'all children' is more (to me) and emotional issue than anything else. Some really want the 'unborn and babes that die' to be in heaven. So the 'everyone' clause us brought up, but ignored when we ask about those souls that 'choose' death, even though they have no means to hear the Gospel. (more hypotheticals) Or is it that the only ones deserving hell are those that have full use of their mind and memory, the opportunity and ability to hear the Gospel message, and the the physical and mental ability to respond? So...unless one actually mimics the rebellious sin of Adam, we are not guilty or culpable? IMHO, this sounds like the humanist 'fairness' or 'social-correctness.' I prefer to trust that God knows what He is doing, and if He needed to explain 'innocence,' He would have expressed Himself better. Still, I have been offered no Scriptural evidence of 'innocence.' Re: Luke 9:56: If He meant to save everyone, He would have started with His beloved Adam. He has the power to save anyone and everyone. But His ways are NOT our ways. (Thank You, Lord!) Re: Old Testament 'salvation:' Only men were oficially 'saved.' Apparently, women and children are under the 'covering' of circumcised men. (!) The age 20 accountability? I dunno! Youth allowed into the Promised Land? Yes, God's grace is evident even in the Old Testament! Finally, my friend, let me say that I don't 'know,' or even 'believe' that the unborn, or infants, or mentally unfit, or ignorant, etc., are in hell. I am simply stating that there is no convincing Scriptural evidence that they are in heaven. Maybe they are. But I do not place my trust in God according to 'the way things should be according to Randy.' I read the Word, commune with God in prayer, and trust absolutely that He is righteous. I try to stay away from emotion and conjecture. Probably I am not completely successful. But in this issue, I cannot place those in heaven that the Bible does not clearly place. When 'that day' arrives, I will most likely be surprised at some of the choices He made, or did not make. Nonetheless, I will praise the name of Jesus! Because He chose me, not the other way 'round. Hope you had a great ride! I used to ride quite a bit, too (mountain bikes), but back injury now forbids it. :-( Now I ride a 'powered bicycle.' (CS650 Scarver) Blessings and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |
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8 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | Cyclist | 66871 | ||
Charis, I will continue to praise the Lord most high! I will always come before the Lord with a heart of thanksgiving! I will continually get on my knees early in the morning with humbleness and hands lifted in the air to the Lord our God! Blessed be His name forever! Dear brother, thank you so very much for the time that you have given me! Thank you so very much for your kindness and patience! Thank you for all of scripture that you presented in your postings to me! It is time, for me anyway, to bring this discussion to a close. I have thoroughly enjoyed it and have received edification through the word of the Lord our God that is present in each one of your postings. I look forward to sharing with you again! Bless you charis! May God continue to bless your work for Him! Your brother in Christ, Cyclist I will bless the Lord at all times! His praise shall continually be in my mouth! |
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9 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | charis | 66880 | ||
Dear Cyclist, Greetings in Jesus' name! Boy, that was anticlimactic! Perhaps it was my naivete, but I was under the impression that you were accumulating my comments (and the comments of others) for the purpose of drawing some conclusions and sharing it with me (us). Even if you came to totally different conclusions, at least I would have the satisfaction of knowing you were wrong! :-) Well, bless you anyway... (You will understand if I'm a bit shy about spending a lot of time studying to answer your 'hypotheticals' in the future, won't you?) Ride on, Cyclist! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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10 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | Cyclist | 66902 | ||
charis, All glory and honor and praise be to God our Father who created the heavens and the earth and the seas and all that there is therein! And to Jesus Christ His only begotten Son who thought not of himself but gave His life for our sins! Ouch! Your post hurt! Please for give me. I will come to a conclusion on this and post that conclusion in a day or two. Is that OK? I really didn't think that any conclusion that I reached would be of any value to this forum, me being a "lay" person and somewhat "juvenile" in the word of God. But your response to me is fair enough. After all , I did start this thread. Bless you brother! And again, I am truely very sorry! Cyclist I will bless the Lord at all times! His praise shall continually be in my mouth! |
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11 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | charis | 66909 | ||
Dear Cyclist, Greetings in the name of Jesus! No pain intended, but perhaps a mild rebuke. ;-) My friend, this is not an 'elite' forum. Last I counted, we have no 'Gakusha-sama' or 'Parisai-bito' (Scribes or Pharisees). Just folks with a variety of gifts and callings, and a love for the Bible. Any and all questions, answers, notes, ideas and opinions and answers are considered worthy, within the guidelines set by our hosts, and common courtesy and respect. You have met all necessary criteria, so be bold! I, too, am a layperson. Though called to shepherd a flock of his sheep, I am but one organ in His body. "For also the body is not one member, but many." 1 Corinthians 12:14 NASB. read through... "But zealously strive after the better gifts. And yet I show you a way according to excellence:" 1 Corinthians 12:31 NASB. My fellow forumer, zealously strive for more! If you make a mistake, you may be embarrassed, but you will learn. But you will learn little but prejudice if you wait until all things are settled in your mind. I, for one, look forward to your answers and notes. I'm also interested to know if anything I posted had a positive effect! I hope that's not being selfish? ;-) Ride on, Cyclist! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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12 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | Cyclist | 66966 | ||
Charis, I will clap my hands and make a joyous noise to the Lord! I will sng to the Lord with a joyful voice! I will give joyful thanksgiving to Jesus Christ for dying for my sins! Praise the name of the Lord! I plead with you dear forum members, bear with me, this is a long post. First of all Charis, thank you for the mild rebuke. I have received correction from the Lord, hopefully as a good son. I simply cannot participate in this forum that means so much to me as a young boy who tosses a firecracker in the midst of a crowd, and then, stands back watching for the calamity it may have created. Second, thanks to you who participated in this thread with charis and myself(cwade, rextar, Tim Moran, jlpangilinam, One) and, mbooker for your prayers for our dear brother in Christ Tim Moran. Third, before I share with you the conclusion that come to or my "opinion", let me say that I have prayerfully chosen these words, for three reasons. One, we are studying and discussing the word of the Almighty Lord GOD. Second, I must say that if I, even unintentionally, stepped out of the guidelines of this forum and be asked to leave, that I would weep bitterly for days. Third, I do not like to waste other member's time, nor space on this forum, with any of my possibly empty or vain words. Well, finally, to the point! I will start with this verse: Rom 11:34 For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? So then Charis I am as you and others are in understanding His ways. The original question "Do all little ones believe?" was from Matt chapter 18. From the commentaries that you posted, I can see that the majority of the commentators agree that Jesus was using the child as an example for hose who believe in Him. With this I agree. But as is always the case here on the forum, we(I) switched gears and started discussing the salvation of infants/babies. I'm not complaining, just stating a fact. I have this to say about the salvation of infants/babies. Mark 2:17 And hearing this, Jesus *said to them, "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners." I don't read anything in any of the four gospels where Jesus spent time specifically instructing children or infants/babies to repent. The only "children" accounts we read are those where Jesus healed them, raised them from the dead, cast demons out of them, blessed them, and let them come to him when the adults tried to forbid them. Where the children in need of the one true great physician? I would think that if children were in need of the physician, instead of reading that Jesus spent time with publicans and sinners, we would be reading that Jesus was at the orphanages or the children work camps. The other thing that we read about children is this: Matt 21:15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that He had done, and the children who were shouting in the temple, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they became indignant Matt 21:16 and said to Him, "Do You hear what these children are saying?" And Jesus *said to them, "Yes; have you never read, 'OUT OF THE MOUTH OF INFANTS AND NURSING BABIES YOU HAVE PREPARED PRAISE FOR YOURSELF'?" Were these children of the believers only? or were there children of the unbelievers praising the King of kings? We (I) simply do not know. This post is getting long enough, so here is just one more thing. John 20:21 So Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you." John 20:22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them and *said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 20:23 "If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained." So does this mean that if I being a believer in Christ, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, and filled with the Holy Spirit, that I, may forgive the sins of a baby/infant or child and their sins are forgiven since I've read in the postings on this thread that all are born into sin? (continued in the next post) |
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13 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | Cyclist | 66967 | ||
(continued from previous post) And, forgive me, just one more thing. I'm sure this one has been posted before when discussing this subject. James 4:17 Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin. Does a baby/infant know what sin is before they are taught? Finally brother charis, I am not speaking directly to you. I read in one of your posts that you do not believe that all babies/infants are in hell but there is no scriptural eveidence that says that they are all in heaven. Agreed. 2 Tim 2:19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness." You also suggested that I be bold. I will boldly post this: John 3:30 "He must increase, but I must decrease" Thanks again charis! Always your brother in Christ Jesus, Cyclist I will bless the Lord at all times! His praise shall continually be in my mouth! |
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14 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | Robert Nicholson | 66970 | ||
Dear brother Cyclist: Your joyful attitude before the Lord is a blessing to all. As I was reading the posts on this subject I was reminded by brother Ray of the words of the Lord Jesus: "Luke 12:23, "For life is more than food, and the body than clothing. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, and they have no sotreroom nor barn; and yet God/ feeds them; HOW MUCH MORE valuable you are than the birds."...v.27, "Consider the lilies, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you..." It is in these words we see the tender heart of our heavenly Father. He cares far more than we can comprehend and I believe that by faith we can leave our infant children in his care. It is clear in 2 Thess. 1:8 that the judgment of God is against those who obey not the gospel of Christ. When we consider young children and those who are not mentally competent I think that we must realize that they are individual souls which are precious in God's sight. In 2 Tim. 2:15 we read Paul's words to Timothy "That from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" As parents we know our responsiblity is to follow the example of Timothy's mother and grandmother who taught him God's word which eventually resulted in his salvation. I won't side track too much. However, when such difficult discussions regarding judgment of people who fall into a so called gray area, I often think of the words of Abraham as he looked over Sodom and intercedes on their behalf: "shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" Gen. 18:25b. Your brother in Christ Robert |
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15 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | Cyclist | 66975 | ||
Brother Robert, The Lord our God fills my heart with joy and laughter the day long! I will praise Him from the rising of the time I get until the time I lay down to sleep! Thanks for the kind words brother! I must apologize though. I reread my post(s) and noticed some misuse of words and some words left out. I submitted the post from my office and was in somewhat of hurry. Just to share something personal about babies/infants and small children. There is such a strong burden in my heart for them that I lay awake sometimes weeping and praying for them. Don't get me wrong, I am very thankful for this burden because I consider it a gift from the Lord and I am filled with joy just to know that. Just the other night I was walking in the parking lot at the local store and saw a man sitting in his car. He was turned to the child in the back seat pointing his finger in the child's face and he was yelling at the child. In addition, he had a very mean look on his face. This child was a toddler, in a toddlers car seat, about 3 years old I'd guess. I really had to struggle to stay in the spirit of the Lord. You see, I am a black belt in karate and in very good shape and I know what I am capable of if I should loose control in the flesh. I don't say that to brag, just letting you know that it wouldn't pretty, that it is certainly not in the spririt of the Lord Jesus Christ, and I don't want it to happen. How would that man like to have a GIANT point a finger in his face yelling and threatening him! Well anyway, I prayed to the Lord immediately and hung around for a while and the man stopped, then the mother came out and all was calm. I layed awake praying for this little one for over an hour that night. Well Robert, thanks for letting me unload that. I will not make a habit of sharing personal experiences on the forum. Always your brother in Christ, Cyclist I will bless the Lord at all times! His praise shall continually be in my mouth! |
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