Results 1 - 15 of 15
|
|
|||||
Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | How do we receive Him? As Guest/Owner? | John 1:12 | Mommapbs | 163964 | ||
Thank you Jeff for your response. As I was contemplating this concept of receiving Christ as Guest/Owner a couple of verses came to mind. First, Mark 10:45 "the Son of Man did not come to be served. but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many " which suggests to me that we are HIS guests, He serves us - He brings out His best - Himself. (Recall the woman at the well - a guest asks, an Owner gives - "if you knew Who I am, you would ask me" . . . Jesus gives us Living Water." ) Who are the "many" He gives His life for? The answer is in John 1:12 For as MANY as received Him". How? as THE Owner. You wrote: "He is the "owner" when you make Him so. I disagree. We don't "make" Him Owner, He IS the Owner of everthing! "The earth is the LORD'S, and all it contains,The world, and those who dwell in it."!Ps 24:1 We are His, yet some do not welcome His ownership. Ps 100:3 - It is He who hath made us and not we ourselves - this truth is contrary to the world's mentality as summed up in the pop slogan "You can do it". This also denies what Jesus said in John 15:5, "Apart from Me, you can do nothing! " Some may tell you that they believe that there are many paths to God. In reality, all roads lead to Him, but only one way leads to the Father (John 14:6)- "For as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to be called the children of God, even to those who believe in His name," It is He, the rightful Onwer of all, who will receive us in the end. Some as Father and others as the Judge. To some He will say, "enter into the joy of your Master" (Mt 25:23) Yet to others He will say, "I never knew you, depart from Me" (Mt 7:23) You, the guest, never received Me, The Owner of the house. However along with all this, I suspect that at times we get mixed up and think of Jesus as an invited Guest.(How many times do we try to bring out OUR best? - which apart from Him doing the work, is NEVER good enough!) He can become a "Guest" of our making . . . yet, this is pretty arrogant on our part - for Him to be OUR Guest, it would imply that we are the "owner" of the house; and according to the Scriptures above, we are not, He is. So when Jesus asks us to "receive Him", He's not asking as a guest, but as the owner of us, desiring to give us Himself, to use us for His purposes . . . which often times is to serve others! It is all about Him. My 2 cents fwiw. Blessings, mommapbs |
||||||
2 | How do we receive Him? As Guest/Owner? | John 1:12 | jlhetrick | 163974 | ||
Hello mommapbs, I like your comments. I also believe it is fine to disagree with me. I would ask you to consider though what the bible teaches about this subject. There are many who would teach that we have no part or responsibility regarding our relationship with Christ. This is contrary to the teaching of scripture. Having a "couple of verses" in mind is a good start, however, putting them into context and getting the truth as a result should be the goal. So, disagreeing with me is fine, I am sometimes wrong. But disagreeing with scripture is wrong. We don't take from it a couple of verses and declare a truth that, well, is not true. Your right, Jesus Christ is King, and has authority over all. This includes the damned. Read the first chapter of Ephesians. Who is Paul talking about in the first several verses. Who is he referring to as "predestined"? Pay attention to verse 13. Notice the prerequisite for those non-Jews being included with Paul and the "us" and "we" he had earlier spoke of in the chapter. Those who "heard the word of truth" and "believed". So, when I use the terminology of "making Jesus Lord" know that this is a long-standing language used in the church for hundreds of years to emphasise the individuals responsibility for believing in faith what they have heard from the word of God. No too that there are others who would preach "a different gospel". Beware of them. Jeff |
||||||
3 | How do we receive Him? As Guest/Owner? | John 1:12 | Mommapbs | 164004 | ||
Greetings Jeff - if you have read any of my other posts on this Forum, you would know that I do not subscribe to the notion that "we have no part or responsibility regarding our relationship with Christ." God has given us everything we need for life and Godliness -He has given us the capacity to believe and an awareness of Himself for us to choose to believe in - therefore no one has an excuse (Romans 1) As a man thinks in himself, so is he."(Prov 23:7) What we really believe shapes not only our actions but who we are. However, just because some terminology is "a long-standing language used in the church" does not necessarily make it "gospel." Imo, we must be very careful to examine the Scriptures first (as you have advocated) to see if what we have "believed" is really what God's word tells us is true. mommapbs |
||||||
4 | How do we receive Him? As Guest/Owner? | John 1:12 | jlhetrick | 164007 | ||
Hello momapbs, Sorry, I haven't seen you on the forum before. I have to say that I was trying to be helpful when responding to your original posted and then withdrawn question. After the dialogue though, I'm suspicious as to why you asked the question the way you did. You see, if you hang areound here long enough, you will see many very intelligent people that tend to answer simple questions with a complicated, deep, and technical response. your post presented as one with very limited bible knowledge and as one with some "christian lingo". I was attempting to use your own language to help you understand the truth. I grew up in the church hearing the very same language. My first impulse was to call your language into question but I didn't feel one with such a basic understanding would benefit from that. But then you made a point to disagree with me for using your own language. My mistake. But while we’re back to it (the post) let me try to responsibly understand your position and point. You wrote: “First, Mark 10:45 "the Son of Man did not come to be served. but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many " which suggests to me that we are HIS guests, He serves us” My question is: He has come, and He has given His life, does He still serve you? Or is He your master and you serve Him? In the post I am responding to now you write: “He has given us the capacity to believe and an awareness of Himself for us to choose to believe in - therefore no one has an excuse (Romans 1)” Very good, you are right. But having no excuse isn’t enough (Romans 1:18-20 for example) There is the “believing in faith”, which is each person’s choice and responsibility. As I pointed out, we are only capable of that faith in the first place because God Himself gives us the faith to believe. Also you write: “However, just because some terminology is "a long-standing language used in the church" does not necessarily make it "gospel." Very good again, your on track. I hope I clarified above that I was using your language, not my own. I was attempting to teach you vs. attack your presentation. One last thought to try and help out. You quoted Psalms 23:7 and used it (I believe) to relate to this discussion regarding what we believe and how it shapes us. Remember to always take scripture in context of what it is teaching. These verses are referring to one who is focused on self and not God. Hope this helps you, Jeff |
||||||
5 | How do we receive Him? As Guest/Owner? | John 1:12 | Mommapbs | 164008 | ||
Jeff: You asked. "He has come, and He has given His life, does He still serve you? Or is He your master and you serve Him?" Please explain how anyone serves Him apart from His enabling? John 15:5 If we focus on what we "do" for Jesus, we are focused on the wrong thing- our performance. "Be still, and know that I am God." From this point we begin to see that He does all the work; believers are but the instrument. Indeed, we have this Treasure in jars of clay. There is nothing that I can do except believe - for without faith, it is impossible to please Him. It is in Him we move and have our being . . . it's all about God. He is the Master and He serves through us. Unless God does the work, the laborers work in vain. My 2 cents. mommapbs (Btw, if one is focused on God and not self, doesn't Prov 23:7a still hold true???) |
||||||
6 | How do we receive Him? As Guest/Owner? | John 1:12 | jlhetrick | 164010 | ||
Hello Momma, Your getting closer. Your concept of all that we are and all that we can "do" or offer, is from Him in the first place. We are nothing without Him. Our very breath is given from Him. You write: "Be still, and know that I am God." From this point we begin to see that He does all the work; believers are but the instrument Again, don't take scripture out of context. This verse is not at all speaking of our work or what we do in service. It is speaking to the fear we may feel when all seems to be crubling around us. "be still and know that I am God". You might paraphrase it like this: Don't worry, I am your protector and able to deliver you. It is a contradiction to say "He does all the work; believers are but the instrument." We ARE His instruments, but called to DO His work. You seem to think that by acknowledging this you might be somehow saying that it is of your own accord. This is not the argument. We do His work as He has called us to do, and we do it only by the power and ability that He gives us. IT's not a contradiction. You actually make the point when you write "He serves THROUGH us" (emphasis added). Mark 16:15 15 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. NIV Luke 4:8 8 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'" NIV 1 Cor 15:58 58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord , because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. NIV 1 Cor 16:10 10 If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord , just as I am. NIV Hope this helps, Jeff |
||||||
7 | How do we receive Him? As Guest/Owner? | John 1:12 | Mommapbs | 164013 | ||
Jeff: you wrote: "I'm getting close" - to what? Your views? You state: "I am wise enough to know that my views and opinions are not always right and therefore lovingly accept redirection from the Holy Spirit, the word of God, and Brother's and Sister's where I may be in error." Jeff, as your sister in the Lord I am asking you to please extend some grace to those who do not see things the way you do. mommapbs (It is interesting that you have asked only three questions in less than a year - are you really that open to another point of view?) |
||||||
8 | How do we receive Him? As Guest/Owner? | John 1:12 | jlhetrick | 164034 | ||
Thanks momma, are you referring to yourself? |
||||||
9 | How do we receive Him? As Guest/Owner? | John 1:12 | Mommapbs | 164036 | ||
Jeff, returning to my original contemplation, this is way I see it: Just as there was no room at the Inn, Jesus is not a guest. He was born into this world surrounded by His creation, not into the comforts that man had made . . . Also, regardless of whether we look at this picture from the perspective of a believer or an unbeliever, the principle is the same: Just as He stands at the door and knocks, does He do so as a Guest or as Owner of the house? According to Scripture, there is none who seeks God. All have gone their own way . . . Last I looked, one becomes a guest at the invitation of a host. Who is inviting who here??? It is God who seeks us - we are His invited but alas, not all respond to His invitation. Jesus is Master of the house; all belongs to Him and He set His house in order at the cross . . . no wonder Jesus warned us that the Kingdom of God is at hand, for indeed it is; the Judge is standing at the door and only those who have received Him will be welcomed in. All roads lead to God but only one Way leads to the Father. That Way, God in flesh appearing, was laid in a manger on a bed of straw. And that same Man was also no less God when He willingly laid Himself down on a wooden cross . . . paid the penalty for all sin and triumphed over death when He rose from an earthen grave . . . giving all other "earthen graves" the hope of redemption and new life in Him. God does all the work - He saves us not in response to us but for the sake of His name (Eze 36) Note also, "He restores my soul for HIS name's sake." It is all about God. As soon as I begin to think that it is about me in anyway, I exalt myself. (Did God really say . . .? comes to mind here.) God has given us everything we need for life and godliness, yes, He serves us. (Unless I wash you comes to mind here . . . also Jesus as "guest" at the wedding of Cana certainly did not act as a guest. He responded to the deficiency of the "host" and provided what was needed for all.) And now, all He asks is that use what He has given us to believe - for without faith it is impossible to please Him. Even the tough times, the trials the misunderstandings can be used for His glory if we would but use these as opportunitites to trust, to simply continue to believe IN HIM. Everything we do apart from this faith IN Him is for naught. Our motives can come from two sources: the natural man (the flesh) or the Holy Spirit (the new heart). Those that come from the heart of the believer will always glorify God. Apart from the working out of the Spirit, our service, even these postings, serves only self . . . a little knowledge does indeed puff up, so I'd rather not be wise in my own eyes . . . however, I do believe that God is more than able to redeem our futile efforts and direct our hearts and minds to Him. As our Master and our Host, God gives us Himself. Whatever that is to you, it is sufficient for the day. I do not challenge the Potter here. So yes, please extend to me the same courtesy, as clay in process. mommapbs |
||||||
10 | How do we receive Him? As Guest/Owner? | John 1:12 | jlhetrick | 164047 | ||
Hello again momma, I read your post with sincere interest. I want to start with your ending. First, I apologize if I made you feel that I was anything less than courteous. You had seemed somewhat discouraged that no one had responded to your original post after it had been up for so long and you finally withdrew it. I felt a responsibility to you as a forum member and your brother in Christ and wanted to show respect for your question and give an honest response. I mentioned in an earlier post that I was now suspicious of your original question. That is because your continued posts suggest to me that you have a very good understanding of this topic, so why the question? Was it to solicit a answer that you could then tear down? I hope not and I don’t want to believe that. But again, even in this most recent post you continue to debate against the language that you yourself presented. It was not my language, it was yours. As I have already stated before, I was attempting to use “your” language to help you see the truth. Again, that was my mistake. You make this comment: Just as He stands at the door and knocks, does He do so as a Guest or as Owner of the house? I’m not sure what you mean. I have tried to articulate that Jesus is not the owner, or shall we say the master, of any person until that person receives Him. Perhaps it continues to be the language that conflicts us. Sure He is our creator, and absolutely He has total authority over us. I’m not disputing this. I’m not asking you to take my word for this, I am simply asking you to understand what the Lord Himself has to say in the matter. Jesus said: Joh 8:42 Jesus told them, "If God were your Father, you would have loved me, because I came from God and am here. For I have not come on my own accord, but he sent me. Joh 8:43 Why don't you understand my language? It's because you can't listen to my words. Joh 8:44 You belong to your father the devil, and you want to carry out the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and has never stood by the truth, since there is no truth in him. Whenever he tells a lie he speaks in character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. So you see, your premise, while sincerely presented I am sure, just doesn’t line up with the truth found in the word of God. My intention is not and has not bee to embarrass or call you wrong for sake of arguing with you. My intention has been to redirect your thinking and use of scripture back to what the bible actually teaches, that is, the truth. Again, too often people pull verses from here and there and establish their own statement of truth from it without considering what it is really teaching in the context of which it is found. I would argue that we have all probably done this unintentionally or believed something to be right based on the teachings of others who have done it. With this in mind, let me ask what you meant by your statement: “According to Scripture, there is none who seeks God” This is a definitive statement. Yet I don’t know of this teaching. Am I mistaken, or are you? Pointing me to scriptural support will be helpful. I will end with that for now and some verses that I believe suggest that not only are there those who seek God, but we are responsible for doing so. Lam 3:25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. Deu 4:29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. 1Ch 28:9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. Psa 119:2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. Act 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; Act 17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: There is much more in your post that I would like to address but for sake of time can not. It also would likely be unproductive to post even more in one posting, but, I truly hope this helps you. Again, if I offended you I apologize. It was not my intention. With Sincere Love, Jeff |
||||||
11 | How do we receive Him? As Guest/Owner? | John 1:12 | kalos | 164049 | ||
"no one seeks for God" Romans 3:10-12 (ESV) as it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one; [11] no one understands; no one seeks for God. [12] All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one." Grace to you, Jeff. --Kalos |
||||||
12 | How do we receive Him? As Guest/Owner? | John 1:12 | jlhetrick | 164051 | ||
Hello brother Kalos, Glad you joined. I hope your not using this passage to support the notion that no one seeks God as that is the context of the last post. You are a good bible student and teacher so I'm sure you have researched the quote from Paul referring to several passages of the OT including Psalms and Isaiah. Question, what was Paul's intent when quoting the OT there in Romans 3? What was the context of the statements when they were made in the OT? Do the statements intend to imply and or do they teach that no one seeks God? If your answer to the last question is yes, what do you do with the verses I quoted in my last post and the many similar ones in the bible (keeping in mind to keep those in context as well). Look forward to your answers if you have time. with love, Jeff |
||||||
13 | How do we receive Him? As Guest/Owner? | John 1:12 | kalos | 164087 | ||
Jeff: You had written: 'With this in mind, let me ask what you meant by your statement: “According to Scripture, there is none who seeks God” This is a definitive statement. Yet I don’t know of this teaching.' My only purpose in posting what I did was to point out, in response to the above statement, that the Bible in Rom. 3:10 says that '..no one seeks for God. ' I was not then, nor am I now, participating in the debate. Merely providing factual information in response to your statement that you didn't know of this teaching. Grace to you, Kalos |
||||||
14 | How do we receive Him? As Guest/Owner? | John 1:12 | jlhetrick | 164092 | ||
Thanks Kalos, I did know of the scriptures you pointed out, but I appreciate your contribution. By "teaching" I was referring to mommas presentation of it. Perhaps I'm reading in to her statements but I took it to mean that this was a statement of truth concerning all people of all time. She and I are working it through I believe and I hope to understand her position and make my own clear as well. I hope to learn from her and she from me. Forgive me if I came across cross. To my discredit, I have allowed myself to be on the defensive lately. with love, Jeff |
||||||
15 | How do we receive Him? As Guest/Owner? | John 1:12 | kalos | 164094 | ||
Jeff: You did not at all come across as being cross. No problem! Grace, John |
||||||