Results 1 - 9 of 9
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | What's really going on? | 1 Thess 5:18 | XRing | 125106 | ||
I agree with Prayon that as believers, we MUST exercise and walk in great faith, regardless of the circumstances. After all, that's what "walking by faith, and not by sight" means. However, mommapbs brings up an equally valid point in that God's plan and purposes are much higher than what we can know at the time they're unfolding. I mean, Lazarus DIED after being sick... not from a lack of faith, but because it was God's plan that Jesus would raise him in front of many witnesses (including Pharisees), that God would be glorified. I believe exercised and growing faith is vital to all believers in their walk with Jesus Christ. And I believe Jesus Christ is still very much the Master Physician and Healer. His plan may include a season of illness or crisis - but it's for our own good to be sure. Isaiah 38:17 - after King Hezekiah's life was extended, and he had been very close to death, responded: "Indeed it was for my own peace that I had great bitterness; but You have lovingly delivered my soul from the pit of corruption, for You have cast all my sins behind Your back." Abounding in His grace, XRing |
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2 | When you die, what happens exactly??? | John 3:16 | XRing | 124364 | ||
Amen, TKBjork! Glory to God for His amazing grace! I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, but I can rejoice with you that we'll see him again - and we'll all worship Jesus around His throne forever! Abounding in His grace, XRing |
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3 | Homosexuality and Christianity? | Leviticus | XRing | 124361 | ||
Yes, God is a God of amazing love. Romans 5:8 tells us that God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Because of the Cross of Christ, He's already paid for ALL the sins of all the world. It's no longer a sin issue. God's love for US isn't really the question. It's man's love for HIM that ushers in the great separation. You see, man cannot say with his mouth and mean it that he "loves God" if at the same time he's proud and unrepentant of his sin. Does God still love this person? Of course. But you can't hang on to sin and the Cross at the same time. Believers in Christ are to show and share His great love as well; not judgment or condemnation. That goes for homosexuality as well as ALL other issues that keep the unrepentant heart from God. It's a matter of the condition of the human heart toward what God has done. Not a matter of sin. The issue is what we do in RESPONSE to the great love God has already shown us. Not IF He loves us... Accept it, receive it and let us change us to be conformed into His likeness, or reject it and keep our grasp on our sin. Only two choices we have. Abounding in His grace, XRing |
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4 | What are the essentials | NT general Archive 1 | XRing | 124172 | ||
I couldn't help notice Hank's excellent response to question of recited creeds versus preaching the Gospel. It's unfortunate that there exists today churches that do not preach and teach the full counsel of God's word, the finished work of the Cross of Jesus Christ, and the Gospel message. However, there are still many churches that do. Reciting a creed, any creed, just like reciting anything else - while it may be a beautiful experience to behold - won't amount to much eternally if souls are not being won to Christ. Being under the sound teaching of the Word of God, where the Holy Spirit of God is invited in and moving in people's hearts to salvation of the lost, and edification of the saints - THAT's what the church should be consumed with. I am not "against" creeds mind you, but they should in no way replace sound Bible doctrine teaching. For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the hearts. Hebrews 4:12 Abounding in His grace, XRing |
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5 | did Jesus do something to children when | NT general Archive 1 | XRing | 124171 | ||
I see this question much like the question about the siblings of Jesus Christ. But an interesting point that may (or may not) shed some light on the matter is from the culture of that day, and of generations before Jesus Christ walked the earth as a man. In Hebrew culture, children under the age of 12 years were not counted. Not in geneologies, not in censuses - young children simply "did not count." This very likely why the Gospels share nothing about Jesus' childhood, and I won't address what non-Biblical writings say, because you right to understand they have been "rejected." However, at age 12 - in the Temple, Jesus is likely being "confirmed" - a Hebrew custom of the day. NOW, we learn more about what Jesus is doing. NOW He "counts" and is recognized. Not before that. Make no mistake, however, that because children under 12 yrs were not counted doesn't mean they had no value. That would be a false assumption. But, given the perspective of the culture and kids under 12 yrs of age, now look at Matt 18:2-5. The disciples are trying to determine who among them is the greatest. Jesus responds by taking a "little child" (v.2) and telling His disciples, "unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." And in V.4 "whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." People often like to think of "little cutesy" encounters with Jesus and young kids - and because of His compassion and grace, I'm sure Jesus was adored by kids. However, this is not the point Jesus is stressing to His disciples. He's telling His disciples essentially, "hey look! Stop worrying about which of you is the greatest, and START becoming like one of these little kids that don't even count for anything." Humbling to be sure, but that's how He wants us! Abounding in His grace, XRing |
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6 | God, spouse, children, work, church? | Bible general Archive 2 | XRing | 124169 | ||
Thank you, Ray, for the thoughtful greeting. The Zeph 3:17 scripture wasn't intended to be a part of the post, but simply a cherished scripture to go along with my name - a "signature" if you will. I apologize for any confusion that may have caused. As for preferred translation, I like both you listed. Afterall, God's character and nature as "Mighty One" and "Victorious Warrior" are synonomous. Even Exodus 15:3 - in the Song of Moses - YAWEH is called "a man of war." I am thoroughly in awe and filled with wonder at the majesty and power of such a Mighty God, who is yet so gentle and loving. I guess that's why I love that verse! Abounding in His grace, XRing |
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7 | Is The Sabbath On Sunday Or Saturday? | Lev 23:32 | XRing | 124162 | ||
Do I keep one day separate unto Him? Well, yes and no. That is to say, I worship God in His house (AKA Church) on Sunday. BUT – I also worship Him in church on Wednesday and Friday nights. I go soul-winning on Saturdays. I attend other functions and Bible Studies at various times and days during the week. So yes, I separate days unto Him, but no – not just one. They are ALL His. The supporting scripture given of the Day of Rest (Ex 16:28 and Ex 20:8) are both wonderful verses to be sure. True, the practice of honoring God with a day of rest was implemented before the Law was given, and greatly defined after the law was given. However, in both instances, this is addressing a people BEFORE the Cross of Calvary. Do we still honor the Sabbath and keep it holy? Sure we do. Or, I pray we do. Does it then really matter what calendar day we join together to honor and worship God? I’d like to think the calendar day is not nearly as significant as some seem bent on stressing. Why? First and foremost, because of the Cross of Jesus Christ. When Jesus said, It is finished, (John 19:30) He meant His purpose for coming was complete. Jesus Christ fulfilled the law (Matt 5:17), and set us free – those who believe by faith and receive Him. Jesus fulfilled ALL of the law, and by His perfect blood, we now have a new covenant. So, why is there striving and disputing over the law – which Jesus Christ fulfilled – when Titus 3:9 tells us such striving is UNprofitable and useless? 1 Tim 6:20 instructs us to AVOID such contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge. (Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.) How does bickering over Saturday or Sunday glorify God? A house divided cannot stand. Holy day or holiday? For our own pleasure, or His? These are great questions, and the root of which reveals much. The Isaiah 58:13-14 scripture is wonderful. I love those verses. Delighting yourself in the LORD as V.14 tells us is the key we can carry on AFTER the Cross of Christ. (Bearing in mind He fulfilled and freed us from the law.) Psalm 37:4 and 7, Psalm 40:8, and Matt 6:33 are verses which speak to delighting yourself in the LORD and putting His pleasure ahead of our own, and resting in the LORD. In seeking first the kingdom; in delighting yourself in the LORD and His word – we do two things. First, we respond to His initiations in His word, which is what delighting means. And this leads to the second thing – and that is the submission that reveals that doing His will becomes our will and our pleasure. We find His rest there. It’s a beautiful thing, and beautiful place to be – when we delight in His word and His will, and rest in Him. This of course speaks to the vertical relationship with the Living, reigning Son of God – not merely a religious practice for two hours per week that profits nothing. By way of example, Jesus Himself INTENTIONALLY healed people on the Sabbath multiple times. Was Jesus dishonoring the Sabbath, or making a bigger point? The Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:28) was making a point to the religious legalists – who knew the law and were filled with knowledge, but were FAR from God’s heart of grace and love. Point being, if your heart is hardened and you are self-centered and prideful, it doesn’t matter if you remember the Sabbath by attending services every day, OR which DAY you remember. God isn’t fooled by it, and men probably see through the show as well. Notice how many times through out the book of Acts that the first Christians gathered to worship God and study His word. On the Sabbath, as was their custom? Yes – and that’s likely why and how such tradition carries on 2,000 years later, BUT other times as well. Daily even. They were not limited to or by the old letter of the law with their worshipping God. Nor should we be. Matt 11:28-30 speaks to the true rest that only Jesus Christ provides. This rest is not limited to or by parameters of man’s temporal calendar. Hebrews 3:11 speaks to the promise of rest God gave His people, and because they were disobedient and hard-hearted, they DID NOT enter into His rest. Hebrews 4 carries on further, explaining that the promise of God’s rest is achieved by FAITH – not by works or legalism. The obedient children were permitted to enter into the land of promise (Canaan) and Joshua led them according to God’s plan, and they found rest. Today, thanks to the Cross of Jesus, believers are born-again INTO the land of promise and rest (Heb 4:9-10). There are no works, there are no hurdles – by faith we receive this, thanks to the Cross of Christ – the Lord of the Sabbath – in whom we have rest, every single day. The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Mark 2:27. Worship God in Spirit and truth. (Every day.) Abounding in His grace, XRing |
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8 | God, spouse, children, work, church? | Bible general Archive 2 | XRing | 124126 | ||
The Divine institutions given to man by God as revealed all through out Genesis and on through out His word are: 1) Free will: (Gen 1:26,27 and Gen 2:7,16,17) With that free will we either honor God, or deny Him. 2) Marriage: (Gen 2:17-24) God created Adam from the dust of the earth, but God created Eve from Adam's side, because that's her place as his helper.(Gen 2:18) Not behind him, or in front of him - but right next to him. And Eve is Female, not another male... just for clarification. 3)Family: (Gen 4) The family comes after the marriage, but before the church. 4) The Church: (Exodus 25 and 26) God's people now free from Egypt, make the Ark of the Testimony, and the Tabernacle, acknowledging God's presence among them. Solomon would later construct the first Temple in Jerusalem, and the early Christians would hold "services" anywhere and everywhere - because "church" is not about stacks of rocks with pretty windows, it's about the gathering of God's people to honor Him and study His word. 5) National sovereignty: (Deut 30:20) Of course, there are ample verses and accounts of nations and governments beyond Israel claiming the Promised Land, but it's safe to say this Divine institution does not preceed the other four. So, I don't mean to sound too contradictory to the earlier proclamation - but God's Word DOES show us these priorities. Abounding in His grace, XRing Zeph 3:17 |
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9 | Is The Sabbath On Sunday Or Saturday? | Lev 23:32 | XRing | 124125 | ||
Born-again believers have Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Sabbath, living in their hearts. And because God desires mercy over sacrifice (Hos 6:6), EVERY day is the Sabbath day. (Matthew 12:1-8) While some choose to worship on Saturday, and others on Sunday, the believer's heart should be in a continual state of Sabbath worship, as we are continually in His presence, and because of the finished work of Calvary. We enter into faith rest - not a calendar day of rest, but a positional truth. We are able to rest because Jesus completed the work. | ||||||