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Results from: Answers On or After: Thu 12/31/70 Author: charis Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | What day are we COMMANDED to gather? | Heb 10:25 | charis | 220503 | ||
Though the DAY is not specified, assembling together is commanded by the author of Hebrews: Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25 NASB The tradition of gathering on the first day of the week, Sunday, the day of Jesus' resurrection, comes from Acts 20:7 and I Corinthians 16:2 where Paul spoke of bringing collections. For those determined to undermine the necessity and blessing of gathering together, they DEMAND to see the word COMMAND. But the above Scripture is abundantly clear that we are to gather together, even though "some" have a different habit. Peace in Christ Jesus! charis |
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2 | Paul our pattern to follow, not Jesus? | 2 Tim 3:16 | charis | 169606 | ||
Dear Bereaniam, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Long time, no post, but... After reading the many and various answers to your question and your subsequent posts, I can't help but state the obvious... "...for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake." 1 Thessalonians 1:5 NASB If any Christian is relying only on personal interpretation of Scripture, then they will inevitably have a bias. Every denomination or other form of division I know of is biased in this manner. The work of the Holy Spirit is to bring us beyond personal understanding of what we read, or even the preached word. "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." John 14:26 NASB I think the main question is if we are taught of the Holy Spirit or not! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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3 | Does abandoning make you an unbeliever | 1 Cor 7:15 | charis | 113139 | ||
Dear JuanMas, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I did not come to THAT conclusion. I was answering the question regarding this particular Scripture (I Corinthians 7:15), which is clearly speaking of the relationship between a believer and an unbelieving (unsaved) spouse. As to a Christian man that abandons his wife, he may still be saved, but his actions are certainly not pleasing to God. My friend, I have read some of your other posts on this issue, and it seems that you are battling with a neighbor that takes a rather severe stance on the issue of divorce. I, personally, trust that "once-saved, always-saved," with VERY few exceptions. (otherwise, few would be saved!) However, you did make one statement that is a bit disconcerting: "They've made all kinds of excuses why this passage should not apply to their lives and divorce and remarry, with the blessings of the Church, to their hearts content." I suppose if you mean heart as "a spiritual man, led by the Spirit of God, and in submission to a responsible shepherd of the church, " I might lean toward agreement. But if you mean heart as "a man led by his emotions, angry and impatient with his Christian wife, unwilling to submit to pastoral counsel," then that's not right. Another possibility regarding this matter is, who is abandoning whom? If a spouse has abused the marriage, has been unfaithful to the responsibilities of marriage as outlined in Scripture, is recalitrant toward the partner, the church, and the pastor shepherding them, then it would lead one to question their commitment to marriage, and even the validity of their walk with Christ. Of course, only the Lord knows the absolute answer to this question, but merely making a "public confession of Christ" does not necessarily confirm salvation. Bearing the fruit of repentence, and showing forth the fruit of the Spirit are important ways to manifest a salvific experience. In any case, the idea that divorce negates salvation is hard to support in the light of the grace of God. It is more probably based on the traditions of a denominational stance. Blessings to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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4 | How do I help a 'know all' adolescent? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 112478 | ||
Dear Tren't Greetings from Yokohama in the name of Jesus! Welcome to the Forum. While it may be true that an internet forum cannot replace true spiritual counseling from a committed shepherd, there ARE some things that must occur in order to bring hope to this situation: In the Lord, there is not any difference between biological and foster father, as long as the child is brought up in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord." (KJV) "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4 NASB "Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart." Colossians 3:21 NASB As has been said, mother and father should be of one mind, one faith, one church, one shepherd, one opinion about child-rearing, and one Lord. Though God is full of grace, every area of disunity, ignorance, and-or confusion is an oppotunity for the enemy to wreak havoc in the home. Another point, according to the above Scriptures, is that fathers (AND mothers!) must recognize that they can (AND DO!) provoke anger in their children. None of this 'I did my best, but...' stuff. We must always humbly admit our weakness and inadequacy before the Lord before He can effectively work in our lives. Otherwise, we run the risk of blaming God for rebellious children. (don't do THAT!) The same goes for when we seek pastoral counsel. You cannot be counseled if you blame the church or pastor for the failure in your home. Go before God and His chosen servant with a contrite heart, and there is ALWAYS hope for renewal of the home. Finally, realize that growing up is HARD! So many Christian parents, in their religious self-righteousness, forget that the teen years are rough. They forget their own rebellion at that age. They forget that we live in a dark age, full of temptation and sin. They also forget that, though they may have made a nice "Christian coccoon" of their lives (nice home, church, and maybe even work atmosphere), they allow their kids to fellowship with the world in movies, TV, the mall, school, etc. And then, they say, "I can't figure out where he-she gets these ideas!" Go figure. My friend, it may seem too late at 19 years old to change the situation, BUT IT IS NOT! First, the parents need pastoral counsel. Next, they must, together, seek reconciliation with this "party animal." If she is still living under their roof, eating their food, wearing their clothes, they must (wisely! patiently!) remind their daughter that they love her, but her actions and attitude are unacceptable. In all these things, they must call upon the name of Jesus for strength. "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Colossians 3:17 NASB Blessings and hope to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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5 | Are churches preaching cheap grace? | Heb 12:11 | charis | 85416 | ||
Dear holy warrior, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Yes, many churches are preaching 'cheap grace.' As the above Scripture says, we are to be disciplined and bear fruit. Many churches seeking numbers, fame and mammon (whatever their claimed motive), are willing to forego preaching discipleship, repentance, sanctification, commitment and responsibility. They teach that we are forever a 'baby on Daddy's knee.' Well, just as in the natural, God wants His children to grow up and get potty-trained and care for themselves and eventually share in the chores of the household. Of course, other churches go too far, and begin to teach that we become independent of God's grace, and say that our salvation depends on works and organization. There is no amount that we can pay to secure or maintain that grace. We are always dependent on His grace. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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6 | Faith promise scripture? | 2 Cor 9:7 | charis | 83927 | ||
Dear prayon, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I have spent some time searching the internet and e-Sword for some kind of Bible reference for "faith promise giving." I found none. Virtually (no pun intended) every Google hit cited II Corinthians 9:7 "Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (NASB) However, none of these websites seem to be able to substantiate any Scriptural basis for the term. In a nutshell, faith promise giving simply means a commitment to missions. The thing that stikes me as odd is that many ministries make a big point that this is NOT a pledge. Well, as far as I can see, it is a pledge. Without "raining on the parade," I must say that I long for the simplicity of a pure tithe plus giving as the Spirit leads, and spiritual men that seek the face of God for proper disbursement. IMHO, mission boards and missionaries need more faith and commitment, and less politics and 'organization.' (I am wearing my flak jacket! ;-)) Where God sends you, GO! Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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7 | how can a person be born into sin? | 1 Cor 6:11 | charis | 83825 | ||
Dear Lee Lee, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! The sin of Adam, iniquity, is part of our nature. We are set free from this curse through the blood of Christ, cleansing us from that inborn sin. "For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive." 1 Corinthians 15:21,22 NASB "For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned--" Romans 5:10-12 NASB. "And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach--" Colossians 1:21,22 NASB "And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus," Ephesians 2:1-6 NASB Blessing and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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8 | How do we Trust Christians again? | Hebrews | charis | 81795 | ||
Dear Emily, Greetings in the name of Jesus!! My sister in Christ, I guess it's time to pack your bags and come to Yokohama! ;-) Seriously, I am sad, and somewhat shamed by the things you have experienced. I hear of these kind of things often, and can only say that many churches seem to be more interested in serving man than serving God. Worse, serving 'man' usually equals serving self! Another factor seems to be the desire of so many ministers (thus, churches) to create large, wealthy and progressive organizations that 'can do so much for God' at the expense of the sheep. I, for one, have endeavored to 'seek after the lost sheep,' sometimes depriving the 'ninety-nine' of a 'democratic (socialist?) full church experience.' (Luke 15:4) The result is that, by grace, our fellowship is blessed with peace and love, though perhaps lacking in the 'bells and whistles' that so many churches deem necessary. So, my prayer is that the Lord would lead you to a simple, 'early church' church. One that meets the needs of ALL those sent by the Lord. Seek a shepherd who can discern the needs of God's flock, this is more important than services and programs and amenities. Strangely, the whole flock is fed when the least among them is ministered to. For those that point to 'the needs of all' and 'orderliness' as primary, I can only say these are for politics and religious institutions, not the church of God. "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another." John 13:34 NASB Peace to you. I am so sorry that you missed an Easter Sunday fellowship with the saints. To answer your original question, "What happens if there is no church in our area?," I say either check again to see if you have missed one, or move! For what circumstance makes you stay in an area without a church? Job? Mortgage? School? Relatives? According to the Bible, should any of these things prevent you from serving the Lord in His body? I don't think so! Please email to the address in my User Info if you want a more personal discussion. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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9 | Bible Versions Galore: Good or Bad? | Acts 26:24 | charis | 68932 | ||
Dear Hank, Greetings in the name of Jesus! 'While Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, "Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad."' Acts 26:24 NASB. My dear friend, I feel sometimes as if we are going mad with the intense investigation of virtually nonexistent differences. First, I do not own an TNIV. Neither do I own a Lotus or a Porsche. This does not mean I can never discuss the differences between the two! I have driven both, and have read a lot about them. In fact, because of my study of cars in general, my wide experience in driving many vehicles, and a better-than-average understanding of engineering and mechanics, I know more about them than the average owner! Ownership does not necessarily imply familiarity. :-) To answer your questions: Not so much confusing as a waste of Christian resources. The differences I see in many recent translations are minor at best, and trivial at worst. No 'superior, more-readable, hyper-accurate' translation will replace a few good 'standard' translations (my picks: NASB, KJV, Amplified), an exhaustive concordance, a few varied study Bibles, and the knowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior! "But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ," Philippians 3:7,8 NASB. I think 'gender-neutral' is idiocy. I cannot judge the motives of all Bible publishers, but much of what I see definitely seems to be 'minor model changes' and 'badge-engineering.' No need. I prefer literal, but use both. Because. ;-) I don't know about 'Tower of Babel,' but "Am I looking at the right verse?!" expressions of anxiety abound! LOL None will 'prevail.' Instead, they will soon be like computer software; v.4.0.134b ;-) As I said, a few good ones. Yes, study Bibles and commentaries give us the insight of men of faith over many centuries. We should not ignore the wise counsel of these saints. NASB. I suppose one (honest) reason is that I was saved into a church that used the NASB. But also because I find it the most accurate overall. I can add the poetry in my heart! Bless you Hank! Great questionnaire! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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10 | Sorcery justified? | Matt 13:34 | charis | 68864 | ||
Dear biblesearcher, Greetings in the name of Jesus! "All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables, and He did not speak to them without a parable." Matthew 13:34 NASB Parable - from Latin and Greek 'comparison' - a usually short fictitious story that illustrates a moral attitude or a religious principle. M-W Dictionary. These two series were written to portray to children the battle between good and evil. They are both fantasy, but never show sorcery as good. In fact, even sorcery used for good purpose has consequences. I enjoy both of these, and my children do, too! To me (and my girls) the imagery leads to understand more about God, as well as dignity, honor, love, vision, purpose, responsibility and respect. These attributes are always lifted up as good, and temptation, greed, lust and deceit are always called evil. I think that we must be careful with ANY publication! I have read some recent 'Christian' novels that I thought were more dangerous than these two works of fiction. Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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11 | What is a false prophet? | 1 Cor 14:3 | charis | 68811 | ||
Dear n8sauce33, Greetings in the name of Jesus! And welcome to the forum. "But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation." 1 Corinthians 14:3 NASB The above Scripture is one of the clearest references to the work of a prophet in the New Testament. In this sense, there is still a valid ministry of prophecy in the church today to encourage the saints with a word from the Lord. Therefore, a false prophet is one that misleads the church or individuals, or causes them to stumble by misrepresenting the holy counsel of God as presented in the Bible. If you mean 'false prophecy' as in inaccurate future-telling, then yes, if a person says, "Such-and-such will happen, thus saith the Lord," and it doesn't happen, this is a false prophet. Either way, God is not in the business of providing future information for the purpose of personal gain or 'profit for prophets!' :-) Blessings to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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12 | Is marriage when you sign a paper ? | Heb 13:4 | charis | 68697 | ||
Dear Pris, Greetings again in Jesus' name! I have been praying for you since I answered your post. I cannot help but feel you are unable to find Godly, pastoral counsel where you are. Though I cannot shepherd you in the true sense, if you want to talk more privately, please contact me by my hotmail address in my personal profile. (just click on 'charis' below to find it) You can see my homepage there, too. If not through me, please get some good help from a minister of the Gospel near you. May the Lord grant you discernment and guidance by the Holy Spirit. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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13 | Is marriage when you sign a paper ? | Heb 13:4 | charis | 68676 | ||
Dear Pris, Greetings in the name of Jesus! The above Scripture guides us to honor marriage! This would include pastoral counsel, a wedding before God and witnesses, and consent of parents. With all due respect, does your boyfriend want an honorable wedding or not? Is he saved? Otherwise, you could be unequally yoked. "Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?" 2 Corinthians 6:14 NASB. Get some pastoral counsel on this before you are talked into something you might regret. Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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14 | Is there a book in the bible SIRACH? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 68298 | ||
Dear churchlady, Greetings in the name of Jesus! As our good brother Emmaus has told you, this is a book of Apocrypha (meaning secret or obscure), and not in the Hebrew canon. It is included in the Catholic Bible, but not recognized by most non-Catholic groups. You can find the Apocrypha on a free computer software called e-Sword (www.e-sword.net) in the KJVA and RSVA versions. The verse you referred to is: "A faithful friend is a strong defence: and he that hath found such an one hath found a treasure." Sirach 6:14 KJVA Though not generally recognized as Scriprure, the poetry is beautiful! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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15 | Clarification | 2 Tim 2:19 | charis | 68123 | ||
Dear Pris, Greetings from Japan in Jesus' name! NO! I have no opinion on a dual-sex hypothetical! :-) I merely say that if a hermaphodite (a truly rare natural situation for a human being!) came to the Lord, He would know his (her) 'orientation' through pastoral counsel under the leading of God. This would solve the 'dilemma' of the mate-date. If this were an unnatural situation, as in homosexuality (even with a sex-change operation!), then the 'orientation' MUST be according to the Lord's selection of physical sex. Whatever hypothetical we can think of must differentiate between the saved and the lost. This usually simplifies things immensely! The saved will submit to God and His Word! The lost are just that! Whew! No mas! 'Mou ii!' (enough!) :-) Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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16 | Is alcohol is the only drug mentioned? | Eph 5:18 | charis | 68122 | ||
Dear Pris, Greetings in Jesus' name! You won't find anything more specific in the Bible. But is this person saved? I can't imagine a saint needing artificial euphoria. If they are not saved, any amount of Scripture will be ignored. No, marijuana is not specifically mentioned. No L.S.D., no cocaine, not even Scotch or 151 proof Rum. Honestly, what does it matter? One look at someone 'high' tells you all you need to know, whatever the drug. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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17 | Are hermaphrodites sinners? | 2 Tim 2:19 | charis | 68113 | ||
Dear Pris, Greetings in the name of Jesus! God knows who are His. If a person is apprehended by God, given the gift of faith to believe, and the grace of God poured into their life, then God will direct the path of any who name the name of Jesus! This path will invariably be in accord with the Bible. Do you know any hermaphrodites? I don't mean plants or snails! :-) Or is this just a hypothetical? If you truly know someone with this dilemma, and they are trusting in God for an answer, then they should submit themselves to the authority of a local church pastor, and obey his advice. God will lead His shepherd throught the Word and the Spirit, and the Holy Spirit will lead the afflicted in the path of righteousness. Out of curiosity I ask, what do you mean by 'married or dating?' If you are talking of sexual 'orientation,' then follow the above steps. Otherwise, you are probably talking of promiscuity. Peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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18 | Is drug use a sin against God as well? | Eph 5:18 | charis | 68110 | ||
Dear Pris, Greetings in Jesus' name! The above verse speaks against getting drunk, instead be filled with the Spirit of God. Marijuana is not mentioned in Scripture. Are you trying to justify the use of marijuana, or to discourage someone from using it? Anyone who knows the Lord Jesus will have no need of euphoria, we have eternal life! Except for certain medicinal uses, marjuana use is just another form of drunkeness, and considered foolishness. My own experience with those that are users is that it gives a false sense of well-being, and can impair judgement and reflexes. Those that tell you different are either deceived or deceivers, maybe both! Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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19 | Divorce is not allowed? | 1 Cor 7:15 | charis | 68054 | ||
Dear Michael, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I'm sure you mean Matthew 5:32. No, you cannot make such such a broad statement without some qualification. Surely, God hates divorce! (Malachi 2:16) And nowhere is it glibly 'allowed' or encouraged. But the Bible does grant special situations, under pastoral guidance and much seeking of the Lord. "Yet if the unbelieving one leaves, let him leave; the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us to peace." 1 Corinthians 7:15 NASB The above verse speaks clearly about 'abandonment.' This must be discerned with great care, and cannot be declared as a 'convenience.' Thank you for posting the link. Indeed, it seems a fine ministry. Would you please provide some background information in your user profile? This would help us all to know where you are coming from. :-) Please also note that all Christian counseling should be done with the oversight of a local church shepherd. This is proper. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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20 | Is no action as bad as evil action? | Rev 21:8 | charis | 67763 | ||
Dear TBays, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Perhaps you are looking for Revelation 21:8. John speaks of the 'cowardly and unbelieving,' and the word for cowardly is 'deilos,' which means 'timid.' I could not find anything else close to this associated with the 'lake of fire.' May the Lord give understanding of His word for His purposes! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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