Results 1 - 5 of 5
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | True Disciples - eternal importance | Luke 14:26 | seeking4truth | 101376 | ||
Thanks, Pastor Glenn. I will try to keep those things in mind. But in my particular case, I am not a good discerner of what things are of eternal importance and what things are of temporal importance. As I stated earlier, it seems to very much depend upon who one talks to as to the priority of things. Some would list all of these things as of eternal importance: water baptism, speaking in tongues (otherwise you are not indwelt by the Spirit), using a particular translation (otherwise you don't have the Word of God), doing good works (to prove your faith), keeping the Law, being Reformed, being Calvinist, being Arminian. All these are criteria that some use as eternal "measuring rods." I find it difficult to know which ones are truly valid and scriptural and which ones are not. (Side-note: The Calvinist would say that the Arminian is not saved because the Arminian does not believe in a sovereign God. So his "disbelief in the sovereignty of God" is used to prove that the Arminian does believe in the God of the Bible and, therefore, is not saved. I am just using this as an illustration, please don't anyone take up sides here and pursue this subject in this thread. The subject of this particular thread is much more important to me.) But, Pastor Glenn, if I may, can I demonstrate how touchy this subject of matters of eternal importance can be? Humor me here for a couple of minutes and if you have a good, solid answer, please don't hesitate to share it. Jesus gave some criteria for those who would follow Him (i.e. Christians). We can debate all day long on the standards that WE want to use for judging "true" disciples of Christ. But let's consider what Jesus said: "These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." - Mark 16:17,18 Here in this passage, Jesus Himself list some of His criteria that true believers would be known by. He lists 5 specific things: 1. They will cast out demons 2. They will speak with new tongues 3. They will pick up serpents 4. They will drink poison without ill effect 5. They can heal the sick by the laying on of hands Forum members, please note that I am NOT saying that these are MY criteria. These are criteria that Jesus Himself said would characterize those who believe in Him. Let's look at a similar passage: "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you." - Luke 10:19 Here Jesus says that His followers can tread on serpents and scorpions. And He notes that they have power over who I would take to be Satan. Again, these are not my words. These are the words of Christ Himself. But I have to ask, is this the same criteria we use to judge whether or not others are believers? I don't think so. I wouldn't (just being honest here). I am not going to try to cast out devils, pick up poisonous snakes, drink poison, step on snakes and scorpions, I have never spoken in tongues, and I am very careful what liberties I take in my "authority over Satan." Now, please allow me to demonstrate my dilema. By the standards of Jesus Christ Himself, I am not a true believer. By the standards of most conservative, fundamental Christian, I am not a Bible-believing Christ myself because I do not personally adhere to this teaching of Christ in the Bible nor would I ever exhort anyone on this board to "prove" his/her discipleship through these tests. So what does that make me? I surely don't know. Yes, I've said a "sinner's prayer." But one cannot find that formula in the Bible. To my knowledge, Jesus never once told someone to invite Him into their heart. He knocks on the door of one of His churches in the book of Revelation but that presumes that He is already in their hearts. So I have to confess to God that I don't exhibit the signs that Jesus gave whereby His true followers and disciples would be known. Pastor Glenn, it would seem that being a disciple of Christ is an eternal issue. But, frankly, sir, I don't measure up to Jesus' own criteria. And to be honest, I don't have the faith to prove my discipleship the way that He demands. What am I to do? Sincerely, seeking4truth |
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2 | True Disciples - eternal importance | Luke 14:26 | newoldstock | 101392 | ||
How come none of you that are bible scholars can answer Seeker's questions concerning this post and Mark 16:17,18? I am also very interested in your answers to his questions, BUT no one is answering his questions! You are all witnessing to him and suggesting that he email you on the side. This is a "study bible forum". Let's help him right here on the forum! How many others than him might you help with God glorifying answers? I am embarrassed for this forum for this chain. I would answer myself, if I could, but I do not know the answer to questions; and I am most definitely saved. He makes good points. | ||||||
3 | True Disciples - eternal importance | Luke 14:26 | Aixen7z4 | 101401 | ||
Good points indeed. Here’s an explanation. Because Seeker is new to the forum and has not filed a profile, it has been difficult to determine the real need. We gave priority to the issue of salvation because, frankly, it is the most important, and Seeker seemed to be in doubt of it. But it is clear that his questions are good and should be addressed, and I hope we can do so presently. See a first attempt at the Mark 16 question below. Seeker seems to have one overarching question and several underlying questions. It might be good if he can pose them separately. But again, you make a good point. Those are good questions and they should be answered. I also agree that they should be answered here and not privately. These are not private questions. The answers to each of them can benefit many. |
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4 | True Disciples - eternal importance | Luke 14:26 | seeking4truth | 101433 | ||
Aixen, You wrote: "Seeker seems to have one overarching question and several underlying questions." So true. My main struggle is believing the teachings of Jesus. I admit that. Yes, I want to put whole-hearted faith and trust in Him. And He taught so that others would place their faith and trust in Him as Messiah. But I desire a reasoned faith. The "blind" faith of my childhood has brought me no peace and joy. I feel like Thomas, "Lord, I believe, help Thou my unbelief." seeking4truth |
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5 | True Disciples - eternal importance | Luke 14:26 | Aixen7z4 | 101520 | ||
Dear Seeker: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brother, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish even us. It is good to see that you are also open to receiving help. It will be easy for you to check and see that is was “a certain man” who said “Help mine unbelief”. Thomas was the one who wanted proof. Jesus said to him, “blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed”. And believe me Seeker, you do not want to see. Many saw and did not believe. You, on the other hand, you want to see your faith increase. And faith is the evidence of things not seen. It would not be good to turn this into a therapy session, I suppose, but I think it would be good for you to sort out in your own mind what you are seeking. You have believed in Jesus, and you know you have to trust him for your eternal security. Whom else can you trust? There is no other Savior. You trust that Jesus is telling the truth. You know he said he is the truth. You do not think he is lying. You want a clearer understanding of what he is requiring. You are hindered by the fact there are others who believe on, or say they do, and do not seem to be following his teachings. You find it hard to walk alone with him. And you do not have to. There are many who have not bowed the knee to Baal. But you have to be willing to walk alone. Then the Lord will show you company. There are some things Jesus taught, that people have come to regard as dark sayings. It is interesting that they are not the ones that seem to be troubling you. You do not seem to be bothered even by the ones that his contemporaries called a “hard saying”. I take it you do not find it difficult to eat his flesh and drink his blood. And yet, to “hate” father and mother seems to be a difficult thing for you to accept. It is my sense that you have a deep longing to see the teachings of Jesus in action, in your own life, and in the church. Unfortunately, it is not happening. People do pick and choose what they will obey and/or disobey and/or ignore. Culture and tradition seem to have such a large effect. And yet, this is what you are seeking, the kind of company and reinforcement that the community can provide. It is my hope that this community, this forum, can provide some of that. But sometimes we do have to walk alone with him. I hope you find what you are seeking, and it is, I believe, wholehearted trust in the Savior that you need. Not a “because faith”, but an “in spite of” faith. After all, you do not want to be trusting in your intellect, but in him. He that comes to God must first believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. I say “in spite of” in relation to what people around you do. Faith in God is not unreasonable for any other reason. It seems to me, Seeker, that we have to take everything from God by faith. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”. We cannot reason that out, but it is not beyond reason. We can accept it. It is by faith that we understand. The things which we see were made from things we cannot see. And yet Noah and Abraham and Moses were able to believe even when they knew nothing about atoms or molecules. There is enough, the heavens and the firmament, to cause us to believe. God is speaking to us through these, through our consciences, through his word and through his Son. And faith is believing God. It is clear to me that you believe in God. So what’s next? Jesus said, “You believe in God. Believe also in me.” Let us trust him. If he says we must hate father and mother, let us take the step of faith to do it, and he will lead us. I am afraid that if we demur, he will say you cannot be his disciple. But if you seek to obey, I think you will understand. Hate your mother the way Jesus hated his mother. After all, you are following him! You may find yourself saying, “Woman, what have I to do with you” and still be putting some wine into her life. You may find yourself doing God’s will for her and not her own will. If she accepts it, as Mary did, then there should be no problem. If she rejects God’s will, then your choice is clear. You may find yourself asking, “Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? ”, and saying, “whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother”. You can trust Jesus, and if you do you will accept his teaching. The way is not dark, because we have the light of his word, and the fire of the Holy Spirit keeps us going. The way is narrow, my brother, and few there be that find it. But this is the way. Walk in it. |
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