Results 101 - 120 of 255
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Results from: Answers On or After: Thu 12/31/70 Author: Robert Nicholson Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
101 | How to connect old with new testament | Luke 24:44 | Robert Nicholson | 37876 | ||
It has been said "that the Old Testament is the New concealed and the New Testament is the old revealed. From Genesis to Revelation the theme is redemption through Christ. In Luke 24:44 the risen Christ tells his disciples "These are the words which I spoke unto you when I was yet with you. That all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me" Luke 24:44 In order to try to understand any scripture we must try to see through the eyes of those to whom it first was given. We can only accomplish this by knowing their history and culture. Some people have difficulty with the structure of the old testament which was originally in Chronological order in the Hebrew version at the time of Christ. I have found in my old testament studies that when I try to see Christ in the various type and shadows, I become better equipped in understanding the new testament. The old testament provides us with specific prophecies which Christ fulfilled in the new testament times and will continue to fulfil in the future. The grace and love of God is seen as God deals with humans who seem bent on disobedience. I agree that in the new testament we see God manifest in the flesh in the person of his son. The Lord Jesus fulfilled the law and bore its awful curse on the cross, thereby bringing to all a dispensation of grace. Just a few thoughts Robert |
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102 | prophecies jesus filled where in bbl? | Luke 24:44 | Robert Nicholson | 67375 | ||
Greetings finalife: Christ after his resurrection said this to his disciples: "These are the words which I spake unto you while I was yet with you, that all things might be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses, in the prophets, and in the psalms concering me" (Luke 24:44) In other words Jesus is telling us that throughout the entire old testament, God is telling us in prophecies and showing us in Old Testament shadows and types: his Son Jesus Christ. A) One of the first pictures of Christ is found in Genesis 3:21 Adam and Eve were naked and ashamed, they tried to cover themselves with their own works by making coverings from fig leaves. However, they were not covered until God covered them with the coats of skins. This is a picture of the righteousness of Christ which clothes is person who has been redeemed by his blood. B) The first direct prophecy is found in the same chapter of Genesis when the Lord says "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thous shalt bruise his heal. (Gen 3:15) God is making a promise here that the seed of the woman (which is fulfilled in Christ) would be bruised by satan and yet in that bruising of Christ upon the cross satan and his kingdom would be crushed. This is the first promise of a redeemer. Others: C) Gen. 12:3 the promise to Abraham "in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed" Fulfilled in Matt 1:1 were we read of "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham" Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham and the way whereby God has blessed all the families of the earth. D) Micah 5:2 "But thou Bethlehme Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of the shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruller in Israel: whose goings forth have been from old, from everlasting" The fulfillment is seen in the birth place of Christ in Luke 2:4 E) Isaiah 7:14 concerning the birth of Christ. "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. This is fulfilled in Luke 1: 26, 30, 31 and chp. 2: 7, 1nd 21 It is here we read of his virgin birth and his name Immanuel or "God with us". F) Jerimiah 31:15 "Thus saith the Lord; a voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping; Rachel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not (they were dead) Jeremiah 31:14 This is fulfilled by Herod who in his attempt to kill Jesus, "slew all children that were in Bethlehem, and all the coasts thereof, of two years and under" Matt. 2: 16-18 G) Hosea 11:1 "When Israel was a child, then I loved him and called my son out of Egypt. This is fulfilled in Matt. 2: 13-15 in which Joseph was warned in a dream to flee to Eygpt for the safety of the child. Thus, when they returned the scripture was fulfilled "Out of Egypt have I called my Son?" The amazing thing about this prophecy like many others we had to wait for the fulfillment before we could understand the original prophecy. Others: Psalm 2:7 fulfilled Matt. 3:16 Psalm 78: 2-4 fulfilled Matt. 13: 34, 35 Isaiah 61: 1-2 fulfilled in Luke 4:17-21 Isaiah 53:3 fullfilled in John 1:11 Zechariah 9:9 ful in Matt. 21: 6-9 Psalm 8:2 ful in Matt. 21:15-16 Psalm 41:9 ful in Matt. 26: 41-15 Psalm 35:11 ful in Mark 14:55, 56 Isaiah 53:7 ful in Mark 15: 3-5 Isaiah 50:6 in Matt. 27: 26-31 Isaiah 53:12 in Luke 23:32-33 Zechariah 12:10 and Psalm 22:16 in John 20:27 I would suggest you read Psalm 22 in its entirety and compare it to the sufferings of Christ on the cross in the four gospels. I have only just begun the list. I hope that when you read these references that you will be able to appreciate Christ. When we look at such a subject we are like a child with a sand pail trying to empty the ocean. However, I would be happy to discuss any of the above or to provide many more. In Christ Robert |
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103 | The origin of life | John 1:3 | Robert Nicholson | 34267 | ||
Greetings JK316 In Gen.1:1 "in the beginning God" Before this universe came into being "God". It is difficult to comprehend a Source without beginning or end. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This is a dateless past. In Gen 1:2 "Now the earth was without form; and darkness was upon the face of the deep and the Spirit of God was brooding over the waters. We have no idea how long the earth was this way. Some have suggested that the earth became this way due to the judgment of God on a past civilization. The uprising and fall of Lucifer have been suggested as the cause to such a catastrophe. v.3 "God said let there be light and there was light" from this moment on we see how the earth was renewed to what we now enjoy. We realize that the creatures of God were brought forth after their kind. I think that we find in most species that over time they may adapt or change, but do not cross over kinds. The created earth is constanly changing and is much different today than it was in the day of Adam. As I am sure you are aware that today, we have people who believe in a young earth, whereas there are others which accept the old earth. Personally, I favour the old earth due to the facts of the fossil record and the evidences of the geological ages. I believe however, that behind it all "is God" Creator and Sustainer of all things. Another thing to consider in Genises, that we are not told how long Man was on the earth in total fellowship with God before sin entered the world. I certainly do not think it was just a few months I look forward to hearing your thoughts Robert |
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104 | A Man In Need. | John 3:1 | Robert Nicholson | 62803 | ||
Nicodemus by world standards was a good man, a teacher of the teachers and a searcher for the truth. I understand that as a Pharisee Phd. (so to speak) he would have memorized the first five books of the old testament along with many of the Psalms and Prophets. He believed in God and knew that God had promised a redeemer to his people. Nevertheless, Jesus points out his need "ye must be born again" As you have pointed out even Nicomdemus needed to be born again. To be born from above, it is a work of God which is received by faith. I love verse 16 which God has used to bring many people to Christ. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life." Robert |
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105 | what does water refer to? | John 3:5 | Robert Nicholson | 57287 | ||
Greetings New Creature: When I was a young Christian we were taught that the "water" of verse 5 is the Word of God. In Eph 5:26 we have the term "washing of water by the word" However, I believe it could refer to the physical birth. This is a view which I favor. In verse 4 Nicodemus who does seem to understand what it means to "be born from above" V3. refers to the natural birth V4. In Verse 5 the Lord Jesus parallels these thoughts: Born of water and born of the Spirit. In verse 6 we have the same parallel: born of the flesh and born of the Spirit. Nevertheless, in verse 7 Jesus emphasis the need to be "born from above" In verse 8 Jesus uses the metaphor of the wind to explain how the Holy Spirit works. As we continue on in chp. 3 the emphasis continues on being born again by believing in the Work of Christ. I do not think that the water of Verse 5 refers to believer's baptism which is not the topic. In verse 15 and 16 the Lord Jesus makes it abundantly clear that the new birth is available to "whosoever believeth in him". It is interesting to notice the Amplified rendering" Exept a man be born of water even Spirit". This rendering would should the Holy Spirit symbolized by the word. When we look at the message of the Gospel presented by the Lord Jesus in John 3 and in John's gospel we know that the Spirit of God applies the word of God to our soul and leads us to faith in Christ at which time we are born again. I am aware that there are differing opinions on this verse which is sometimes used by some to support baptism by water as necessary for salvation. Robert |
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106 | How does a person get into the spirit? | John 3:6 | Robert Nicholson | 143624 | ||
In our natural state we cannot get unto the Spirit or build a relationship with God. In Romans 3:11 we read "there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. In other words our sin has made us dead to God spiritually and it is only God who can make us alive in Christ. Jesus in talking with Nicodemus made it clear: "that which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not, that I said unto you, you must be born again" (John 3:6-7) We can only know God through Christ. We must place faith in the finished work of Christ upon the cross as the only way of salvation. It is Christ who brings us into a family relationship with God. "Jesus said Iam the way, the truth and the life; no one comes unto the father but by me. (John 14:6) |
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107 | Is not Love The Greatest Commandment? | John 3:16 | Robert Nicholson | 31475 | ||
Dear Lamplight: Greetings from snow covered Ontario Canada. Jesus in answering the Pharisees as to which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus said, "you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and foremost commandment. And the second is like it, you shall love your neighbour as yourself" (Matt. 21:37 to 39) We must have the love of God in our heart first and then we will be able by his grace to love our neighbour. Would you not agree that the love of the Saviour himself was demonstrated in his compassion, his kindness, concern, sensitivity and truth. His greatest act of love was when he offered himself a sacrifice unto God for our sins, that we who are so unloveable might be forgiven. The love of God and of Christ is pure and unconditional toward us. He reveals to us our need and unworthiness before him in addition to the great provision which he accomplished for us on the cross. What I am trying to say, is that I would not be loving to my neighbor if I withheld the truth from him. It is a sad thing to live day by day with fellow travellers to eternity without warning them of the downward road they are travelling on. I agree that we turn people away with argument and needless legalism. We must "live Christ" and look for his guidance in our dealings with others who have not yet come to know him as saviour. Paul in speaking to Timothy said, the servant of God must not strive" It is amazing joy and yet an awesome responsibilty to those who are saved by the Grace of God, that we are intended to reflect Christ to those around us. Arguing "religion" will never bring a soul to Christ. Spreading the good news by our example and message will allow God to bring sinners to himself by his Spirit. We have nothing in ourselves to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. I think in fairness to faithful believers, that at times unbelievers criticize them because the truth hurts. I believe the Love of God and the Holiness of God are equal. That is way Calvary was an absolute necessity when we consider that God in all his love can never overlook sin. It was on the cross where "heavens love and heavens justice met" May the love of God fill our hearts A sinner saved by his grace Robert |
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108 | Does God soften hearts, or do we? | John 3:16 | Robert Nicholson | 43553 | ||
brother searcher: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9. I do not think that we as fellow travellers to eternity cannot create one anxious thought in the heart of a lost sinner. However, I believe that God uses his people as instruments to provide the words which he will use in softing a hard deceitful heart. Paul writes "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase" 1 Cor. 3:6 In this verse we see that there is planting and there is watering, but it is only God who can give life. "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." 2 Cor. 4:7 I think the amazing thing is, that God has entrusted to us his word and his gospel message and he expects us to spread the word that he might bless it as he has promised. Robert |
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109 | how to be baptize'd do you need holy | John 3:16 | Robert Nicholson | 43844 | ||
The order given in the scripture is as follows: Repentance, which is a change of mind about ourselves and our sin. In other words we agree with God that we are helpless and sinful in need of his cleansing. At this point the Holy Spirit will reveal to us the truth that Christ has died for our sins upon the cross. When we put our faith or trust in his finished work we are born from above or born of the Spirit (John 3:6, 16) The Holy Spirit enters our heart and makes us new creatures in Christ (2 Cor.5:17 At this point we are forgiven and we have eternal life. Believers baptism was commanded by the Lord Jesus and practiced by all who were saved. Acts 2:41. Baptism is outwardly symbolic of what has happen inward. In other words when I am baptised I am proclaiming to all, that I belong to Christ and that by his grace I intend to live for him for the rest of my life. He is my Lord and my saviour. We must remember that the Holy Spirit is a person and that he indwells the believer the moment they are born again. To see his work in our lives we must be willing to submit to the word of God and allow him to lead, teach and protect us. May God bless you in your life Robert |
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110 | Is Hell everlasting?Rev 20:15 | John 3:16 | Robert Nicholson | 50503 | ||
Greetings Grace and Truth: I would like to make a brief reference to the English word hell which I believe as used in the scriptures has at least 3 meanings. In Luke 16:19-31 Jesus speaks of two men in life and two men after death. I do not believe this is a parable since the names of both men are given. The word hell in this passage is the word "hades" which is defined as the place of departed spirits. We find in this account that the wicked are in concious torment and the righteous are comforted in Abraham's bosum and that between the two sections there is "a great gulf fixed" which does not allow movement from one to the other. "Hades" is also used in reference to the Lord Jesus after his death. "For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption." Psalm 16:10 and Acts 2:27 We know that after three days the Lord Jesus was raised from the dead. In 2 Peter 2:4 we read concerning the angels that sinned "For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;" The word for hell in this verse is "tartarovw" which is defined as the lowest place of the wicked dead. It is noteworthy that this verse tells us they are reserved for judgment which would suggest this is not their final place for eternity. The Lord Jesus warned of hell or "gevenna" which refers to the "Gehenna of fire" which was the ever burning garbage dump South of Jerusalem. This is fitting imagery to the Lake of Fire of Rev. 20 We must be careful to differentiate between the meanings of the word hell when we discuss it. In Rev 20:15 we read of the final judgment for those who have rejected Christ. The "second death", the lake of fire mean eternal separation from God forever. We see from Rev 20:13 that hades is emptied at the final judgement. Is the second death forever? We read of those who have rejected Christ and received the mark of the beast: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. I believe that the Bible teaches that we will be either with the Lord or separated from him forever. The Lord Jesus gave his life that "we should not perish, but have everlasting life" John 3:16 Robert |
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111 | Can a christian go to heaven | John 3:16 | Robert Nicholson | 52515 | ||
Greetings Ann: If a person is a Christian or in other words one who has been born into the family of God by faith in Christ, there is nothing which can separate us from the love of God. Romans 8:35-39 The only sin which will keep a person out of heaven is rejection of the gift of eternal life which God gives to each one puts faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross. Divorce in the life of a Christian spoils the picture which marriage represents which is the realationship between Christ and the church. However, there are many things which we do as Christians which are equally distressing and yet we place the keeping of our souls in Christ who said "I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish" John 10:28 Robert |
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112 | What about John 14:15? | John 3:16 | Robert Nicholson | 63901 | ||
Dear brother welldigger: John 14:15 I believe is teaching us that we cannot become a new creature of Christ without having the desire to keep his commandments. In 1 John 5:1-3 we read the true signs of someone who love God"For this is the love of God, and we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous". The Lord Jesus said "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Matt.11:29 In John 10: The Lord Jesus emphasizes the security of those in him "I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish..."v.28 , but he also tells us "my sheep hear my voice and they follow me" v. 27 If I profess to be his sheep and do not hear his voice and follow him, it is likely that I am not his at all. Our desire to be faithful and obedient to the Lord after we are saved is the outward proof of our inward change in him. As we hear his voice through his word we obey his commandments given to us throughout the scriptures out of love and devotion to him. As Hank pointed out in his post "We are sanctified (being increasingly conformed to the image of our Lord Jesus Christ) through obedience" I think were some seem to differ is that some see our works as somehow our payment to keep our salvation, whereas, I believe that Christ has secured my salvation by his work upon the cross and my works are an evidence that he lives within me. In other words I can justifify my profession of being in Christ by my obedience to him. In Christ Robert |
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113 | Are you saying that you do follow him? | John 3:16 | Robert Nicholson | 63978 | ||
brother welldigger: I know that Christ is my Savior and my Lord based on the promises of his precious word. He is the one who purchased my redemption at such a cost. It was God who drew me to him when I was lost in sin, it was God who revealled to me the significance of the sacrifice on Calvary and it was God by his spirit who indwells the believer and brings about changes which we could never change ourselves. We are born into his family forever, and as such we can say we are his, he is our heavenly father. You ask "do I follow him and do I keep his commandments?" That is a searching question? While it is my desire to follow Christ and bring honor and glory to his name I would be deceiving myself to make a claim of total obedience. John teaches us "that if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" 1 John 1:8-9 As far as keeping the law, meaning the ten commandments James makes it clear of our inablility to keep the law "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." The Lord Jesus Christ is the only man who kept the law, who fulfilled the law and who bore the curse of the law upon Calvary's cross. In Romans 3 we are given a picture of how far short we come of God's glory and "that by the deeds of the law shall there be no flesh justified in his sight; for by the law is the knowledge of sin" Rom.3:19 In Galations we are told that in Christ we have been made free. We have been called into liberty which does not alleviate responsibilty. "For brethren, you have been called unto liberty: only use not your liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even this,, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" Gal. 5:13-14 The Mosaic law brought bondage, it showed us what God demands and how far short we fall of his glory, it shows us our sinfulness and our total inability within our selves keep it. On the other hand in Christ, we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, we have been given his love within which allows us to love others and by his grace to live for Christ. Peace to you in his Name Robert |
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114 | helping someone to believe? | John 3:16 | Robert Nicholson | 65613 | ||
We must remember that "salvation is of the Lord" Jonah 2:9 There is nothing you are I can do except present the gospel clearly to a lost sinner. It is God who by his Spirit strives with them and if they should turn in repentance it is God who reveals to them Christ as Saviour. It may be that Romans 5 would help an analytical person as it goes into detail how we are justified by faith. However, if a lost sinner is going to come to Christ, they must give up on analysing and doing and rest in the finished work of Christ by faith. We cannot help someone to believe, we can only present the reality of the One who is believeable, our Lord Jesus Christ. It is difficult for us to realize that within ourselves we are less than Zero, and yet our souls are so precious to God in that he was willing to give his Son to die for our salvation. I pray that your friend would stop trying to analize God and know what it is to place simple child-like faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ upon the Cross. He alone can save. God bless you Robert |
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115 | John4:35-38 and John 4:36 | John 3:36 | Robert Nicholson | 64896 | ||
Brother Sweet: John makes it clear that humans are divided into two groups: Those who believeth on the Son and those who believeth not. There is no sense that work is involved here. Eteranl life is a gift from God. It is not based on our work, but on the work of Jesus Christ upon the cross. If God is satisfied with his work, why should we not be satisfied with him? I love the promise of this verse. "he that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life" Our faith in Christ results in the free gift of everlasting life in him. It is not dependent on anything else. Sadly, "He that believeth not the Son shall not see life" If we do not obey the gospel of Christ than we do not have life. We can work our fingers to the bone, but if we do not know Christ our efforts are in vain. Not only do we not have life, but "the wrath of God abideth on him" This is the condition of every person who does not know Christ. They are guilty in the law court of God and his wrath hovers over them. Their only refuge is Christ, who with open arms says "Come unto me all you that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest" Matt. 11:28 The important thing to remember is that either: We have eternal life or we do not have eternal life: there is no inbetween. May God open our eyes. Robert |
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116 | what was Jesus message to us and for us? | John 4:27 | Robert Nicholson | 63609 | ||
bbetty72: A great question! However, it is very difficult (for me anyhow) to come up with a neat statement of one sentence to answer your question: Why did Jesus come into this world? "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" Luke 19:10 "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Mark 2:17 "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." What is his message to us? "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matt. 11:28-30 The greatest message of the gospel is given by Jesus in John 3:16 I believe the message of the gospel is that God has sent his son into the world to save sinners and that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. He wishes to forgive us through faith in his finished work. He wants our life, our heart our all. In John 17:3 he shows his hearts desire for his own "This is life eternal, that they may know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I apologize for not doing this question justice. I rejoice in the words of Paul: "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." 1 Tim. 1:15 What did you have in mind? Peace in his name Robert |
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117 | harvest time and seed | John 4:35 | Robert Nicholson | 63707 | ||
Nikki Watson: The Lord Jesus in his time said "the fields are white unto harvest" We see in the verses below that both he that sows and he that reaps both rejoice at the fruit of the harvest. "Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth" (John 4: 35-37) In 1 Cor. 3:6 Paul reminds us of this principle: "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase" The time of planting and harvest is now "behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Cor. 6:2) The Holy Spirit of God is who works up the soil of our heart to prepare us for the seed of the gospel. However, God by his grace has choosen his people to spread and water the word. More importantly it is only God who can gives the increase. Robert |
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118 | what if we don't do the if | John 5:24 | Robert Nicholson | 69530 | ||
Christian 7 I would like to look at Romans 13. I believe that some of our problems with interpretation of scripture is that at times we attempt to make meaning of verses in isolation. It is only within context, moving from the narrow to the wide do we see how these verse fit into God's word. In Romans 13:1 Paul asks "Hath God cast away his people? He is looking at his people nationally not as individuals. In v. 2 he reminds them "God has not cast away his people..." However, from v. 3 until v. 11 he explains that as a nation they have been set aside or broken off because of unbelief v. 20 In v.12 we find that by the fall of Israel "that salvation is come to the Gentiles"v.12 The warnings from v 12 to 24 are aimed at the Gentile nations. They are warned not to be proud v. 18 and if as a nation they fall into unbelief v. 20 they too will be broken off. V.22 "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God:" It is God's perogative to show mercy to whom he will show mercy. This chapter is dealing with God's dealings nationally with Israel and the Gentiles rather than with individual testimony. I believe that we can rest on the promises of God and the Words of our Lord Jesus Christ that he gives unto us eternal life and they will never perish. We must remember that the gift of eternal life which we receive is ours with no strings attached. The idea that a person who belongs to Christ would wish to give back this free gift is ludicrous beyond comprehension. I will look at your (ifs) sometimes we are dealing with the if of argument which means "since" although not in all places. Peace in his Name Robert |
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119 | help me understand | John 6:66 | Robert Nicholson | 57964 | ||
Dear Dasev: There are some basic trues which we must consider: First of all the Lord Jesus Christ made one sacrifice for sin forever, and has sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high.(Hebrews 10:12 On Calvary's dark cross he cried "Finished!"(John 19:30) and bowed his head and died. What was finished. He finished the work his father gave him to do. He offered himself without spot unto God a sacrifice for sin. (Hebrews 9:14) His sacrifice superceded all other sacrifices which were merely a type or picture of the Lamb of God who was to come. (Hebrews 10:1-12) The whole of idea of transubstantiation is from the dark ages. What did Jesus mean in John 6:53? He is making it clear that we must be partakers of him in order to have eternal life. How do we become partakers of him? In John chapter 6 the people wanted to know how they could be partakers. This idea is supported by Paul in 1 (Cor. 10:17) In v. 29 of John 6, the Lord Jesus said "believe on him whom God hath sent" Some would say what about the sacrament? Or other terms to describe the rememberance of the Lord Jesus. We know that on the night that he was being betrayed, when the supper was ended that he took bread, brake it and blessed and gave it unto his disciples and said "this is my body which is given for you. And that likewise he took the cup and blessed it and said "this is the cup of the new covenant, drink ye all of it. It is clear in this passage that he was introducing the emblems which would be used to remember his body which was given and his percious blood which would be shed on Calvary's cross. Has God given us an further revalation on this subject? Yes! Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:23 writes of this revalation given to him of the Lord "For I have received of the Lord that which I also deliver unto you" Paul is telling them that without prior information that Christ revealled this truth to him. What was this truth? He reminds them of the night which Jesus was betrayed " When he ( Jesus) had given thanks and said "this is my body, which is given for you, this do in rememberance of me" As they each took part of the bread they remembered that precious body that was given for them at Calvary. After the same manner he took the cup, when he had supped saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, this do yea as oft as you drink it in rememberance of me" V25 Paul then unfolds the meaning of this feast. "For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup you do proclaim the Lord's death until he come" V.26 What does this mean? It means that as believers join together and partake of the emblems of bread and the cup, they are acknowledging the death of Christ on the cross and the value of his sin cleansing precious blood. In addition, they are proclaiming to all that they will continue to remember him until he come. In other words they are witnessing to all around that Jesus is coming for those who have trusted in him and rested upon his finished work on the cross. To suggest that each week we eat of the emblems to somehow be born again is ludricous, we can only be born from above once and that is when we put our total trust in the finished work of Christ. In fact it reminds us of the offerings of old which had to be offered contiually for the people. To suggest we need something more is an insult to the Son of God. You have mentioned the function of the Priest. Again and according to God's word we have a great hight priest who provides us access to the presence of God by his own precious blood. "Hebrews 10:19-21) The person who is a partaker by faith in Christ is encouraged to approach God with boldness, because we approaching not on our own merit, but on the merits of the precious blood of Christ. God's word makes it plain "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5) God does not assign any substitutes to stand in for his dear son. The scriptures are very clear that those who have eternal life are those who have rested their all upon the finished work of Christ on the cross. All other ways are sinking sand. Robert |
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120 | When does the Baptism occur? | John 7:38 | Robert Nicholson | 43536 | ||
dear brother Markarios: I agree that the moment we are born again or born from above,(John 3) that we are indwelt or sealed by the Holy Spirit and are "baptized into one body" 1Cor.12:13 which is often referred to as the church which is his body. Believers baptism as you have indicated is the outward profession of the inward change, identifying us with the Lord Jesus Christ. In the times of the early church, for a believer to make this outward proclaimation, "that I belong to Christ and am set apart to live for him" placed them in a place of ridicule and persecution. I enjoy the thought given by Paul "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Cor. 5:17 This verse would teach us that the moment we are in Christ, the Spirit of God changes us. This is one of the proves that we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God. In reference to your initial verse John 7:38 I believe we have the promise that once a sinner by faith drinks of the living fountain, that from within will flow outward the fruit of the Holy Spirit in their lives. One last thing, do you not think that we have to recognize that immediately after the cross was a time of transition when we find the Holy Spirit was imparted by the laying on of hands by the apostles. We see however, that by Acts 10 that as Peter preached to the Gentiles that the Holy Spirit fell upon them when they heard the word. In Acts 10:47 we see the order "Can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" God bless you brother Robert |
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