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Results from: Notes Author: Bob Y. Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | How important is your Church? | Bible general Archive 1 | Bob Y. | 29610 | ||
I agree that a united Christian church will probably not happen soon, but if the Lord waits a while to come, I believe it will eventually happen. I don't push this concept very hard but I find many Christians I run across thinking along these same lines. These days I believe people are dividing more along the lines of traditional and contemparary music rather than strained legal interpretations. I know because the Bible says that we have a responsibility to assemble with fellow believers on a regular basis. I'm not really sure that that responsibility is to the same group all the time. I can see where it may be beneficial to fellowship with other local Christians. It seems that it would be well within Scripture to meet very regular in a home with the same small group, sharing fellowship, Christian growth and accountability but rotating your large meeting with several surrounding local churches. Maybe even some churches that are predominantly another race from your own. Christians seem to like to divide up in races (again reflecting what the world does) and this is definately not Scriptural. We have a special kind of responsibility to anyone whose faith is in Jesus Christ. The responsibility we have toward unbelievers is to show love and try to be sensitive in how the Spirit will use us to witness or plant seeds. The love and responsibility we feel toward all other (believing) Christians is a whole different perspective that shouldn't be isolated to a group within one building. We have Jesus Christ as our common bond all else is unimportant. 1Cr 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Do I feel a duty as a Christian to be loyal to one denomination? Absolutely not! 1Cr 1:10 Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. Rejoice in the Lord, Bob |
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2 | How important is your Church? | Bible general Archive 1 | Bob Y. | 29470 | ||
Hi Brian, I don't have any problem with going to the same church group regularly. I just said that taking "membership vowes" is not scriptural. I also don't really see why someone who had the gift of prophesy would have to always go to the same group. I could learn from anyone who had a gift to understand God's word and teach it, even if they just came by once in a while. On another note, I believe you said something important when you said "stronger faith community". That is probably one of the big problems with the format that the Christian church has taken. We are split up into so many denomenations, each one looking for some unimportant periphrial difference in interpretation of scripture that God's people find it difficult to get together as a body. The original reformation movement was vital to getting the true message of the Gospel to the masses and to break away from Catholic dogma. Now people have easy access to great and accurate interpretations of the Bible (like the ones available on this website) and understand that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone. I believe it is time to go back to the churches of the "community" spoken of in the book of Acts. I can't see the practical use of having million dollar church buildings owning hundreds of acres of land in every corner compeating for "vowed members". We are all members of the same body with Jesus as the head. To be split up in so many directions just seems like a terrible waste and irresponsible stewardship of the resources that God has given his people. To me it seems that the corporate church becomes too much of a reflection of the corporate business. Each church (inc.) looking at their dollar bottom line along with their material assets and not at the true profit of any Christian church which is in the spiritual growth of all people within it's reach as a community. Proof of this is when we see social statistics within the church the same or worse than what is in the world. New Christians see no difference between the church and the world and become discouraged, many throwing the baby (Jesus) out with the bath water. All they can see is a street corner church anxious to build additions on to their building, high pressuring and burdening it's members for added donations and not focusing on the message of the Gospel (they can't serve two masters). Older Christians become discouraged in the direction that the church is going and long for the time when it did focus on God's word. Eventually many of them can be seen leaving and searching for new churches. I don't see why true Christians can't toss aside the denominations, meet weekly (or more) to worship and pray in small home groups and maybe monthly in a large Christian community gathering at a large hall funded by God's people in that community. This would end the battle for "vowed members" and begin a common outreach and concern for the whole community, believers and unreached alike. Too many preachers graduate from seminary looking forward to seeing their name on the lighted sign out front and the pride of having their very own church. I guess they would have to humble themselves a little in order to preach next to other enlightened preachers and teachers who may have even greater biblical understanding. Well, Brian, you asked what I thought. You probably didn't want to read all that. Your brother in Christ, Bob |
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3 | Call those things that are not | Bible general Archive 1 | Bob Y. | 29294 | ||
Mat 21:21 And Jesus answered and said to them, "Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it will happen. Mat 21:22 "And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." Hi, M.S., I don't know who Joyce Myers is but I have heard the above passage being misinterpreted very simular to what you wrote. There are some passages that certain "sects" which sometimes call themselves Christians like to quote out of context a lot. This seems to be one of them. Following is a little context for it: Mat 26:39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will." 1Jo 5:14 This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 1Jo 5:15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him. What we ask must be according to His will. We cannot know His will unless we have His Spirit and His word within our hearts. John 10:34 is another one they love to misinterpret out of context. (Ooooh they love that one!) ;) Love and peace in Jesus, Bob |
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4 | How important is your Church? | Bible general Archive 1 | Bob Y. | 29252 | ||
Brother, all of God's word has direct bearing on my life and, on my part, I feel more than a sense of responsibility to it. It is the foundation of all that I believe. As I become enlightened more and more by God's word, I look to His power for strength to bridle my flesh in a way that will conform to what He has revealed in my spirit. Please let me know what in particular you are refering to in 1 Corinthians. Thank you, Bob |
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5 | How important is your Church? | Bible general Archive 1 | Bob Y. | 29171 | ||
You brought up some good points. From my experience I can enter into any group of saved believers and feel the love and family bond that comes with the common faith in Jesus Christ. Taking "membership vowes" in a particular church group is not even scriptural as far as I can see. |
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6 | Homosexuality and Christianity? | Leviticus | Bob Y. | 29162 | ||
Tim, I just want to say also that your post is very good. You brought up a good point that I had not thought about that way in point (b). We are all born with a predisposition to what is stated to be sin in God's word. That is a big part of the message of Scripture. Very good! |
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7 | Consequences of premarital sex? | 1 Cor 6:16 | Bob Y. | 29073 | ||
Nuff for me. | ||||||
8 | When will I speak/pray in tongues? | Acts 2:6 | Bob Y. | 27940 | ||
Thank you, brother, for your encouragement. God bless you too and have a wonderful holiday and coming year. Bob |
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9 | When will I speak/pray in tongues? | Acts 2:6 | Bob Y. | 27939 | ||
Your point for the record is respectfully acknowledged, ashestobeauty. I think what concerned me was an appearance of "belief" in Jesus Christ being placed at a level of comparison to "belief" in an understanding of tongues. Of course belief in Jesus Christ is a conviction, belief in the use of tongues is an opinion. My intent is simply to clearify to anyone who may be browsing through this forum looking for guidance on this subject, that the use of "tongues" (in this manner) is a tool that is beneficial only on an individual basis (1Cr 14:4) and may even be a hinderance when used this way by some believers. It cannot be used as a measuring stick for the maturity of a believer, the "quality" of a person's salvation or the "filling" of the Holy Spirit within a believer. Ashestobeauty, please don't think that I'm implying that you would do this, because reading your responses I'm sure you don't. Unfortunatley there is those that do, and in doing so confuse the real message of the Gospel for many. I read what you wrote concerning how it has helped in your spiritual growth and as a result opened your life to more fully receive God's blessings. First I want to tell you that I rejoice with you in this and praise God for the wonderful blessings and growth you are experiencing. I know that God will continue to richly bless you and your family. One reason that I've been thinking using tongues in this way (as a tool) may work for some people is that it may help them to take their focus off the clutter within their mind, that is a natural result of living in this world with a busy life and schedule, and help them focus on God's leading in their prayers (Psa 46:10) . This being the case, it could be a great tool for some. I have several brothers and sisters in Christ that practice this kind of tongues and I don't question their sincerity. I only find it disturbing when people let it become a distraction for others or use it to exalt themselves. But then it is always unfortunate when you see the church imitating the world. Rejoicing in our Lord, Bob |
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10 | When will I speak/pray in tongues? | Acts 2:6 | Bob Y. | 27828 | ||
Hi ashestobeauty, With respect to your (and many others) feelings on the interpretation of the scriptural meaning of tongues, I feel we have to be careful as Christians in questioning the salvation of a brother or sister on the basis of peripheral views or understandings of tongues or anything else other than belief in Jesus Christ. Rom 14:3 The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him. Rom 14:4 Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. The only requirement for the gift of grace that God has given for the healing of our souls and eternal life is belief (Gk.pisteuo- commit to, trust in, cleave to, and rely on) by faith in Jesus Christ. Belief in the redemptive sacrifice He made for all people on the cross and in His resurrection to the right hand of God will bring a right relationship and eternal life. Rom 3:22 Namely, the righteousness of God which comes by believing with personal trust and confident reliance on Jesus Christ (the Messiah). [And it is meant] for all who believe. For there is no distinction, (Amplified) When those who feel they benefit from speaking in an "unknown" tongue place this requirement on other believing Christians, claiming that they are more "filled" with the Holy Spirit than their counterparts, they label the salvation of fellow Christians as substandard and exalt themselves to a position of higher spiritual understanding of God. This goes against all biblical principals. Ps 35:26 Let them be put to shame and confusion together who rejoice at my calamity! Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor who magnify and exalt themselves over me! (Amplified) Acts 15:19 Therefore it is my opinion that we should not put obstacles in the way of and annoy and disturb those of the Gentiles who turn to God, (Amplified) There is liberty in Jesus to pray and worship Him in any way that will aid us in spiritual growth. 2 Cor 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom). [Isa. 61:1, 2.] (Amplified) Pray in whatever way you feel comfortable,ashestobeauty, but don't let it become a distraction for others and don't make it a burden on others. We are responsable as mature Christians to correctly use The Gospel to guide those who need salvation or brothers and sisters who seek spiritual growth by not adding certain practices as obsticles that, although it may aid in ones private personal growth, will be a distraction from the real message. 1 Cor 14:23 Therefore if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues, and ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad? There is much controversy on the subject of understanding what is ment by tongues, but this I know, anyone who believes that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior and the Son of God is saved with the only salvation there is and will spend eternity with Him in Heaven. Rejoicing in Jesus, Bob |
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11 | Definition of worldly sorrow? | Eph 4:30 | Bob Y. | 27821 | ||
NAV Your very welcome, brother. God bless you and your loved ones and have a wonderful Christmas. Rejoicing in Jesus, Bob |
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12 | Shroud OK? | Bible general Archive 1 | Bob Y. | 26878 | ||
I believe the Shroud is an interesting curiosity and nothing more. I have never heard anyone use it to support the Gospel. If I did I would have to believe that they were not, themselves, convinced of the resurrection of Jesus to have to use such a feeble means of persuasion. Like Nolan, I'm always interested to hear something about the Shroud. In Christ, Bob |
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13 | Did Moses seen God face to face? | Ex 33:20 | Bob Y. | 26869 | ||
I am sure retxar is right. God the Father is referred to as invisible and Jesus is His image. In the Old Testament, what was seen was the preincarnate Son of God as "the angel of the Lord". Col 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: Gen 16:10 Moreover, the angel of the LORD said to her, "I will greatly multiply your descendants so that they will be too many to count." Gen 16:13 Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, "You are a God who sees "; for she said, "Have I even remained alive here after seeing Him?" Like retxar says, Jesus is God and He always has been, even before He was known to us as Jesus. Rejoice in the Lord, Bob |
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14 | Is paradise hell? | Ephesians | Bob Y. | 26734 | ||
I agree with EdB. Abraham, Moses the prophets and saints of the Old Testament could not have entered into Heaven until Jesus made Himself the perfect sacrifice that could forever cover their sinfulness, since each of them had been using animal sacrifices during their life to cover their sins before God. Since they could not enter Heaven and be in the presents of God, they had to be in a sort of holding area refered to as "Paradise" or "Abraham's bosom". I believe that, from the cross, Jesus decended into this holding area and preached the salvation He was providing to them by his sacrifice. They accepted Him as their savior and were released into Heaven. 1Pe 3:19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Mat 27:52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, Mat 27:53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Mat 8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. Now this holding area is empty. The only ones that are in Hell now are there awaiting the "White Throne Judgement" of Revelations 20:11-12 and the second death. Press toward the mark, Bob |
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15 | "am I wrong in thinking that you pray to | Bible general Archive 1 | Bob Y. | 26372 | ||
Emmaus my friend, My faith does not take the liberty to accept as truth other than what is written in the Word of God. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. God born as humanity who was sacrificed on the cross to redeam humanity to God from the slavery of sin that results in death. Jesus was raised from the dead and exalted to the right hand of God. Because of faith in Jesus Christ alone a Christian has been saved and is not judged under the law or by Sabbaths (Col 2:16). God exist as the Father, the Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit. I believe in the inerrancy of the Bible which is God's word. Because this is my faith, I cannot be compared to Adventists and Jehovah Witnesses. Never the less, if the Bible says we sleep in Jesus then I have to believe that, although it is not exactly "sleep" as we know it, it is a type of sleep from which God will raise us up. I don't see anything in scripture that indicates otherwise. I believe, like many, that the twenty-four elders with white robes and victor's crowns are representatives of the raptured church and they hold the prayers of the saints. Since the church has been raptured there is no saints on earth in preparation for the judgement to come of which the church is spared (and is a result, to a great degree, of the prayers of the saints.) 1Cr 6:2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? When I read something from early church history and it doesn't agree with what the Bible says, (or it adds to what it says)I am forced to believe that what they believed is wrong and what the Bible says is right. This is a decision I made early on and if it's wrong then I guess I'll answer to God for it. Moses and Elijah might very well have been asleep and awakened by God for the Transfiguration. Angels through out the Bible are messengers. The fact that the angels of children are always in the face of the Father just says that they will report any offence toward the children to God, not that we are to pray to angels as intercessors. Thank you, Emmaus, for your response and the love of our Lord be with you, Bob |
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16 | Speaking in tongues? | 1 Corinthians | Bob Y. | 25890 | ||
Retxar, I agree with you completely. I believe your first scriptural referance 1Co 13:1 says it. Does it matter whether we speak languages of men or of angels, if we don't have love are we not just a noisy gong? Those who show the attitude of “look what God gave me and not you” are not displaying an attitude of love and concern for fellow believers For every scripture reference concerning tongues there are arguments for both views, but what is important is that we encourage people to believe and grow in Jesus, not trying to falsley make them feel that their relationship with Him is in some way substandard because they are not showing one gift or another. Thank you for your responses, brother. Grace and piece to you, also. Bob |
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17 | Speaking in tongues? | 1 Corinthians | Bob Y. | 25752 | ||
Retxar, there is also no scripture evidence that proves it is not an earthly language. According to Strongs it is "the language or dialect used by a particular people distinct from that of other nations" I'm not critizing those who use it as an aid to their prayers. I do critizes those who claim to other believers that because they do use it in that way they are more "filled" with the Holy Spirit than their counterparts telling them that it is a requirement to being filled with the Spirit. This is nonsense! It is also most definately against Scripture and is being used for self exaltation. I have Christian brothers and sisters that I love very much that practice tongues in this way but never claim it is a requirement for being filled or more filled with the Spirit. 1Cr 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 1Cr 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. Gal 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Rejoice in our Lord, Bob |
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18 | "Once Saved Always Saved" | NT general Archive 1 | Bob Y. | 25745 | ||
I believe the Lord's supper is also done to remind us that He is alive within us by the Holy Spirit. We "eat" His flesh and "drink" His blood to remind us of His presents in the temple of our bodies. I can understand why the early Catholic church didn't want people reading the Bible. God bless you, Bob |
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19 | how can I eat flesh | Gen 9:4 | Bob Y. | 25743 | ||
It's God again watching out for us because it is also safer in relation to our health, also. Bob |
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20 | how can I eat flesh | Gen 9:4 | Bob Y. | 25742 | ||
Hi Retxar, I agree with you but the way I look at it, you were not off base since the law was "revealed" to Moses but existed from the beginning since God revealed the law to expose man's sin or the fact that man was already breaking the law. "for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin." (Rom 3:20) God might have been giving Noah a little preview. Rejoice in Jesus, Bob |
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