Results 101 - 120 of 266
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Results from: Answers On or After: Thu 12/31/70 Author: John Reformed Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
101 | Commentary on Psalm 19 | Ps 19:1 | John Reformed | 84090 | ||
http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/1020.htm | ||||||
102 | Was lazarus in heaven? | Ps 145:4 | John Reformed | 82557 | ||
Question : If lazarus was in heaven, why did jesus resurrect him? wasnt lazarus happier there? Answer: It was God's will for Lazurus to be resurrected, not primarily for Lazurus' sake, but, so that Christ should be glorified. Question: "and if he was in heaven, why doesnt lazarus say anything about His experiences there?" Answer: Since it is not recoded in the Bible it must have been God's will for this Q to remain unanswered. You stated: " Some people who believe in the mortality of the soul say that lazarus was aware of nothing when he was dead." My response is that mere speculation is dangerous and foolish when it is done to form docrtrine. Doctrine must be founded on Scripture alone. Hope this helps, John Reformed |
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103 | oralsex sin? or not? | Proverbs | John Reformed | 97414 | ||
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. We must be careful not to add to God's Word. On this subject the Bible is silent. Just because it seems sinful to you as an individual does not mean it is actually sinful. On the other hand talking to others about what takes place in the marriage bed between husband and wife does seem to defile the sanctity of sexual union. Heb 13:4 Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled... We all might be better off if we stayed out of one anothers private lives, especially what they do in bed! It is a shame to even hear these things. Tell your friend that it is her and her husbands (and the Lord's) business what they do. NOT YOUR'S! John |
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104 | How may faith be made stronger? | Prov 3:5 | John Reformed | 50309 | ||
Hi Hank, This is not an easy question. It causes me to ponder the relationship of Faith and Grace. If I understand Ephesians 2:8 (For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;) then: Faith is a gift from God. This gift of faith is not static but can grow: 2 Cor 10:15 not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men's labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you, 2 Thess 1:3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, We are told: James 1:3 "knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance." So having our faith tested is a good thing. It is not necessarily a sign of weakness. But it still leaves the question of how do we enlarge our faith unanswered. Perhaps the answer lies in our use or neglect of the means of grace God has provided: Study of Scripture, The Lord's Supper, prayer, worship etc. What do you think? Brother John |
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105 | Who is the just? | Prov 13:22 | John Reformed | 31990 | ||
The just are those who have faith in Jesus Christ(Ro 3:20-26). | ||||||
106 | How can I do this? | Prov 13:22 | John Reformed | 31995 | ||
The greatest inheritance I can leave my children and grandchildren is the knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If they have Christ they are in possesion of the most precious treasure anyone could dream of.(Matthew Chapter 13) Jesus said " Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt" but "store up for yourselves treasures in heaven"(Matthew Chapter 6). May God grant you grace and peace. |
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107 | Don't understand Jesus's view on alcohol | Prov 20:1 | John Reformed | 84820 | ||
Dear mrc0026, There is no prohibition in the Bible against the moderate use and enjoyment of alcohol. Neither is it a sin to refrain. On the other hand to drink after a gluttonous fashion is strongly forbidden. 1 Cor 10:31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. John Reformed |
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108 | time? | Ecclesiastes | John Reformed | 37358 | ||
Dear Angel1, It would be interesting to determine, whether or not Einstien (independently and by by means of scientific inquiry), came to the same conclusion as Soloman. But, the more important question (at least itseems to me)is: What does this passage teach concerning the nature of God Himself? What is your understanding of the soverign rule of God over His creation? God Bless Angel1, Brother John |
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109 | satans real name | Is 14:12 | John Reformed | 89602 | ||
Hello Sara, The name "Lucifer" does not appear in the NASB. However, it is in the KJV. Why this is so, I don't know. You may want to ask this of the forum Isa 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [how] art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! God Bless, John Reformed |
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110 | memories and forgiveness | Is 38:17 | John Reformed | 37466 | ||
Dear Rmhall, I doubt if there is one christian whose face does not blush with shame, when they think on past sins. Our response to such feelings of regret should cause us to look to Christ, the object of our faith. If we look inside ourselves we will never find the righteosnness we seek. Look to Jesus. He is all the righteouness we need. We are in Christ, which means when the Father looks upon His child he sees Jesus. He has provided us with a robe of righteousness. Remembrance of our sins should serve to bring forth praise to our blessed Saviour for the things He has done. God Bless, Brother John |
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111 | What is the glory of God? | Is 42:8 | John Reformed | 87383 | ||
Great Question Momapbs, The WESTMINSTER SHORTER CATECHISM begins with: Q. 1. What is the chief end of man? A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever. Perhaps the best place to start is with the definition from a Bible dictionery (Easton's). Glory - (Heb. kabhod; Gr. doxa). (1.) Abundance, wealth, treasure, and hence honour (Ps. 49:12); glory (Gen. 31:1; Matt. 4:8; Rev. 21:24, 26). (2.) Honour, dignity (1 Kings 3:13; Heb. 2:7 1 Pet. 1:24); of God (Ps. 19:1; 29:1); of the mind or heart (Gen. 49:6; Ps. 7:5; Acts 2:46). (3.) Splendour, brightness, majesty (Gen. 45:13; Isa. 4:5; Acts 22:11; 2 Cor. 3:7); of Jehovah (Isa. 59:19; 60:1; 2 Thess. 1:9). (4.) The glorious moral attributes, the infinite perfections of God (Isa. 40:5; Acts 7:2; Rom. 1:23; 9:23; Eph. 1:12). Jesus is the "brightness of the Father's glory" (Heb. 1:3; John 1:14; 2:11). (5.) The bliss of heaven (Rom. 2:7, 10; 5:2; 8:18; Heb. 2:10; 1 Pet. 5:1, 10). (6.) The phrase "Give glory to God" (Josh. 7:19; Jer. 13:16) is a Hebrew idiom meaning, "Confess your sins." The words of the Jews to the blind man, "Give God the praise" (John 9:24), are an adjuration to confess. They are equivalent to, "Confess that you are an impostor," "Give God the glory by speaking the truth;" for they denied that a miracle had been wrought. "Secondly, God does not give His glory to another, but I'm wondering are there times when man attempts to "share" it? (mommapbs) A better question might be "are there times when man DOES'NT atempt to share God's glory with himself?". "What are some of the ways men "share God's glory" and how might you recognize this in yourself or others?" Adam and Eve sought to usurp the glory, which is God's alone, by partaking of the forbiden fruit which they believed would elevate them to God's level of being. A truly heinous crime against the rightfull Soveriegn of all. I see this in the church when man attempts to take credit for his own salvation. Of course we deny that we do such a thing, but if God simply makes salvation available and man is the one who holds the key to it's actual manifestation, then man has something to boast about!(I do not say that all who hold the doctrine of free will are guilty of such a sin. In fact as a free willer myself at one time, I knew in my heart that it was God who changed me so that I could believe. Nevertheless, this doctrine opens the door to boasting). I see it in myself when I bring a newcomer to church and find myself wondering if anyone has noticed the number of newcomers I have brought in. At times like this I thank God for Romans chapter 7. I look forward to reading the responses from others on this very important topic. Thanks for asking it. Soli Deo Gloria, John Reformed |
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112 | May I ask | Is 57:1 | John Reformed | 46234 | ||
Dear Friend, I hesitate to answer your question for fear of being misunderstood. I certainly would not wish suffering on any one. Neverthless, I will reply as best I can. The death of a loved one. A child perhaps. I was a member of a Pentacostal denomomination for 10 years. During that time untimely deaths of children did happen. Godly parents prayed and put every ounce of faith in Christ they had and the children died anyway. We had a person who signed for the deaf so that they may recieve the Word from the pulpit. They remained deaf despite the laying on of hands, the annointing with oil and the ministry of the elders. One young woman went forward for healing many times over a period of years. I prayed for her healing (as many others must have) as we watched her struggle down the aisle on her severely crippled and deformed legs. The last time I saw her she was limping badly back to her seat. She fell and struck her head on the edge of the pew. You may ask: How does God recieve glory from that? Well, I'll tell you. That wonderfull young woman was a power of example for every one who watched and prayed for her. She believed God. She demonstrated her faith to all byher perservearevce. The fact that she was not physically healed did not diminish her faith. I believe God does heal people. But that He does so in accordance with the eternal purpose He set before the foundation of the world. God did not save us to live painless lives. He saved us so that we may glorify Jesus. Who do you think has brought more glory to God: The young woman I spoke of or the preachers who tell folks like her that they needed more faith? John Reformed |
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113 | Question | Is 57:1 | John Reformed | 46309 | ||
Dear Scribe, God brings glory to himself through suffering as well as healing. Some ot he greatest revival in history took place during the period of the Roman persecutions of the Church. Read Foxes book of Martyrs sometime. John |
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114 | Greetings Searcher | Is 57:1 | John Reformed | 46395 | ||
Dear Sister Booker, Mark 16:17 'And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them, they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover'? This verse has caused me a great deal of trouble over the years. The reason why is because although I believe each and every word is God's truth, I never saw it fulfilled in the lives of the saints of today. I was a member of a pentacostal denomination for many (about 10) years. Our Pastor preached and believed Mark 16:17 as well as the other verses that apply to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. As a congregation, we fully expected to see God work signs and wonders through His followers as they ministered to the sick and handicapped. Yes, their were people who did recover from serious illnesses, and we praised God and gave Him all the glory. But most healings came as a result of the means of modern medicine and surgery in a hospital or on a sick bed not at the alter. It was certainly God who healed them and all His works are miraculous, but it was not a "miraculous healing" in the sense of Mark's verse. Sister, I never saw healings take place like they did in the New Testament and I doubt that you have either. Does this mean that His Holy Word is untrue? God forbid! Let God be true and every man a liar. I will continue, God willing, in my next post. Your Brother, John |
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115 | Greetings Searcher | Is 57:1 | John Reformed | 46400 | ||
Part 2 Hello Again Sister M. Many people seem to think that the Bible is one long story of miracle after miracle, from beginning to end. Miracle workers, they think, were always a part of God's dealings with His people. But even a casual observing of the Bible reveals that such is not at all the case. Historically, miraculous gifts were only given occasionally. This pattern suggests that they were never intended to be permanent fixtures in the church. The Bible records basically three periods of miracles. Moses and Joshua The first period of miracles was during the time of Moses and Joshua (c. 1400 BC). The incidents of the plagues of Egypt, the parting of the sea, water from the rock, the quick and immediate judgment on Korah, the fall of Jericho, the long day, etc., are all very familiar. Before the time of Moses and Joshua, however, and even after, miracles are virtually unheard of. To be sure, there are sporadic miraculous events (such as during the period of Judges), but the presence of a miracle worker, one who could at will cause the miraculous, was not enjoyed. Elijah and Elisha Not until the time of Elijah and Elisha (c. 870 BC) is there any real miracle worker. With the ministry of these men, rain was withheld, fire was brought from heaven, a widow's food was supernaturally supplied, a boy was raised from the dead, the Jordan River was crossed again, a leper was cured, and on and on goes the list (at least eight miracles each). But again, with the passing of these men, miracles cease; miracles recur occasionally (as in the time of Daniel), but the ability to perform them is gone. Christ and His Apostles The next and last great period of miracles surrounds the ministry of Christ and His apostles. The four gospels seem to never end in their record of the unsurpassed miracles of Christ, conquering demonic forces, diseases, and even death. His apostles were given similar power, although not to the same extent. They too performed an abundance of miracles. The pattern of Biblical history then repeats: with their passing, again there is silence. Miracles do appear evident from time to time, but the presence of one who can at will heal diseases and raise the dead is conspicuously absent. Conclusion The point which stems from this evidence is obvious: miracles are not the norm, and there is no reason to expect them to be. They are the exception to the rule. The claim that the church today should expect to experience any blessing enjoyed in the early church is completely without foundation: the facts of the Biblical record speak clearly to the contrary. Miracles occur only occasionally and temporarily. Anyone today claiming that miracles should be operative himself bears the burden of proof, for the pattern of Scripture clearly shows otherwise.(Fred Zaspel) Does this mean that God changes? No! He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He does, however, change the way in which He deals with mankind. For instance: He changed the Covenants. Heb 8:13 When He said, "A new covenant," He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear. Your thoughts, Sister? Broher John |
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116 | First Question | Is 57:1 | John Reformed | 46487 | ||
Hello Sister M, You asked "if you had seen it fulfilled in the lives of saints today, do you think your views would be different?" Absolutely yes! 1Th 5:21 "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." 2 Cor 7:14 "For if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I was not put to shame; but as we spoke all things to you in truth, so also our boasting before Titus proved to be the truth." I would be worse than a fool if I saw christians healing the sick, raising the dead, and doing signs and wonders even greater than those Jesus performed. In John 14:12, the Lord made a fascinating promise: "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also, and greater works than these shall he do". Does this mean (as some teach) that believers today can expect to perform greater miracles than He performed? If so, the promise has fallen to the ground unfulfilled, for no one today can do what He did. His miracles are in a category all to themselves. No one today can feed thousands of people with a small lunch. No one today can bring a man to life who had been dead four days. Nor can anyone still a storm or walk on water. His miracles simply can not be surpassed. What did he mean, then? He was referring to the church's ministry of meeting men's basic needs, completely and permanently. His miracles, while they were great, only met men's superficial needs -- physical healing, food, etc.-- and that only temporarily, for men healed again became sick, and men fed again became hungry. But in ministering the gospel of Jesus Christ, believers today can meet the basic and essential need of men and meet it permanently. Charles Haddon Spurgeon addressed this subject with characteristic eloquence: "He sent them forth to work miracles as well as to preach. Now, he hath not given us this power, neither do we desire it; it is more to God's glory that the world should be conquered by the force of truth than by the blaze of miracles. The miracles were the great bell of the universe which was rung in order to call the attention of all men all over the world to the fact that the gospel feast was spread; we do not need the bell now . . ., for the moral and spiritual forces of truth to work by themselves, apart from any physical manifestation, is more to the glory of the truth, and the Christ of the truth, than if we were all miracle workers, and could destroy gainsayers. Yet still, though we work no miracles in the physical world, we work them in the moral and spiritual world." The point here is this: this promise clearly prophesies that His ministry of miracles would be supplanted by something else, a ministry of spiritual healing. This greater ministry has replaced the other.(Fred Zaspel) Grace and Peace, Brother John |
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117 | First Question | Is 57:1 | John Reformed | 46555 | ||
Good Morning Sister M, You wrote: "I have heard that explaination before, 'that went away with the early church'. I want to be sure I am not making excuses for why 'this or that' isn't manifested in my life when scripture says 'this or that' should be manifested in my life." First of all, let me assure you, I believe in the Divine inspiration and the inerrancy of God's Holy Word. When there appears to be a contradiction in Scripture, I know it is because of a basic misunderstanding of it on my part. The plain truth is: Some things are more difficult to understand than others. Most of the time (after having sought God for illumination) the answer comes from looking carefully at the context of the verse or verses in question. If the immediate context does not help my understanding, I must look to other verses on the subject for interpretation. I also look to teachers that God has gifted, and they have proven to be of great value as well (but we must be good "Bereans" and prove their teaching by scripture). The Qualifications Of Apostleship The first and perhaps most obvious evidence for temporary gifts is found in the qualifications for the gift of apostleship. When the eleven disciples sought a replacement for Judas Iscariot, the stipulations were clear: "Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection" (Acts 1:22-23). Notice two requirements: 1) company with Christ during His earthly ministry until His ascension, and 2) witness of the resurrected Lord. These were the qualifications which had to be met by the new twelfth apostle, who, as it turned out, was Matthias. Clearly, this eliminates any present day apostleship. It seems that the second qualification is what the New Testament specifically emphasizes. Paul cited it in defense of his own apostleship: "Have I not seen Jesus Christ?" (I Corinthians 9:1). This would also reveal that these requirements apply not only to that elite group of "the twelve," other apostles excepted, as it is sometimes argued. The qualification stands for all who would claim apostleship. The requirement is clear: no man can be an apostle who has not been a witness to the risen Lord. So unless someone is willing to claim that his age is more than twice that of Methuselah, there is no gift of apostleship today. The qualifications for it simply cannot be met.(Fred Zaspel) God Bless Sister M, John Already it is clear, then, that we cannot just assume that all the first-century gifts be given today. |
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118 | Good morning Bro. John! | Is 57:1 | John Reformed | 46556 | ||
Hello Sister M, I sent you a post on Apostleship just before I got this post from you. In it I spoke of paying attention to context. With context in mind, I ask you: Who was Jesus speaking to in John 14:12? Brother John |
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119 | Phillip | Is 57:1 | John Reformed | 46579 | ||
Dear Sister M, If you want me to prove beyond a doubt that we are not promosed to have the same (and even greater) power that Jesus possesed (pertaining to signs and wonders), I will then ask: Where is it evidenced in the life of any saint since the New Testament times. The burden of proof is upon those who preach "signs and wonders" are for today. I have given you what I believe to be some biblicaly based reasons for why I believe John 14:12 does not apply to saints in general but to the apostles only. If every single believer in the new testament was able to ask in faith, believing that God would give them whatever they had the faith to believe for: 1) why were so many persecuted and killed? 2) Why did Paul have to suffer the "thorn in is flesh? 3) Why did Paul tell Timothy to take a little wine for his sick stomach? Why, why, why. I could spend days asking why. In fact I spent years in under pentacostal teaching asking these questions of why this or why that, without any explanation except that I did'nt have enough faith. Talk about a guilt trip! I must go to work now, but would like to continue our exploration of God's truth with you. God Bless Sister M., John |
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120 | Phillip | Is 57:1 | John Reformed | 46910 | ||
Dear Sister M. Sorry it took so long to reply to your Q. Foundational Gifts Apostles and prophets, for example, are foundational gifts (Ephesians 2:19-20). The church is built on this foundation, the apostles and prophets. The nature of a foundation is that it is built upon; a builder does not continue to construct a foundation, but rather having laid that foundation, he proceeds to build upon it. Once the foundation is laid, there is no need to build another. The church, in Ephesians 2:19-22, is pictured as a great building, a temple, in which God dwells. The foundation of this building is "the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone" (verse 20). The apostles and prophets were unique in their position: their teaching is foundational to the church in that without it, the entire edifice would collapse. The truth given to us by God through the apostles and prophets (Ephesians 3:5) supports the church. This is anticipated in Christ's statement to Peter in Matthew 16:18-19 which presents Peter, the representative of the apostles, holding the keys of the kingdom as the rock on which Christ will build His church. The apostles were foundational to the church; Christ was the chief corner stone. This is implied also in Revelation 21:14 which states that the apostles' names are on the twelve foundation stones of the wall in the New Jerusalem. In recording for the church the life and teaching of Christ, the apostles and prophets are foundational. Christ is the chief corner stone: to His redemptive labors nothing can be added. But the apostles and prophets do supplement that work in the sense that they bear witness to it. With that foundation intact, the gifts which make up the foundation are no longer needed. I hope this excerpt from an aticle by Fred Zaspel helps. It sure hs helped me in my quest to discern God's truth. To God be the Glory!!! Brother John |
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