Results 101 - 120 of 277
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Results from: Answers On or After: Thu 12/31/70 Author: charis Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
101 | What's going on? | Revelation | charis | 18577 | ||
Dear eschaton, Greetings and love to you in Jesus' name! I am not a scholar, but a student of the Word. I am now a lay-minister in Japan, but have had a 'colorful' past like yourself. If the Lord Jesus can apprehend one such as me, I am sure that He has you in mind, too! What is going on? Life as usual in a perverse generation. Is there any specific relationship with the Revelation of Jesus Christ to John? No, probably not one we will know until it is history. The reason is that we are unable, even forbidden to know the exact day of His glorious return. So many eschatological arguments and meaningless words of absolute conviction. For those in Christ Jesus, we are His. Frankly, my friend, I wonder how much 'conversion' you need! It seems that you have more faith in Jesus Christ than many 'religious' people I know. I pray that you will put away all the 'noise and trash' that confuse you, and focus yourself on that which you (already seem to) know to be truth. Eschaton, return to Jesus, and put away your 'mind temptations.' I say this as one who has 'been there, and done that.' :-) The forum works fine for me, but you can contact me through the address in my personal profile. Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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102 | How to Grow spiritually | Acts 2:38 | charis | 18575 | ||
Dear superdude, Greetings in Jesus' name! "What should we do?" Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38 NASB. After this, read the Bible, find a Bible-believing, Bible-preaching church. Submit yourself to the spiritual authority of the pastor, and commit yourself to the fellowship of that local body of Christ. There, you should be able to see a holy example of the leading and indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Though you will also probably see some imperfections, the Holy Spirit will guide you to discern the difference and follow the good examples. As to the baptism of the Holy Spirit, there is great division regarding this. One man's opinion: You do not 'get' it, nor is it automatically poured upon all upon 'accepting' Christ. It is a gift from God that is part of our sanctification (cleansing or washing). The baptism is according to God's sovereign will, though we should earnestly desire this gift. There should be no pressure or requirement on man's part. This is in God's hands, and He is faithful. Yes, indeed the Holy Spirit will lead us to all maturity in Christ Jesus. If you desire the fruit of the Holy Spirit, you will certainly be baptized in Him. Blessings and goodness to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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103 | Can a wife live seperate from husband? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 18535 | ||
Dear buckiii1, Blessings and peace to you in Jesus' name! The simple answer is 'No.' The reason is that living separate lives means that one has abandoned the other, and the marriage is effectively negated. This is not God's will. While there may be a case for work separating a husband and wife, these are special situations, exceptions to the rule. More often than not, we 'create' exceptions, and this is also not God's will. It is God's desire that all married couples live their lives together, with one faith, and one purpose, to serve Him together. On a side note, it is the man's spiritual responsibility before God to love his wife and create a way and an environment for unity. That is not to say that women are never responsible for separation/divorce. However, though I disapprove of gambling, the odd's are that the man's priorities are misplaced. :-) A general answer for a general question. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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104 | Bible tell a wife to love her husband? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 18534 | ||
Dear buckiii1, Greetings and blessings in Jesus' name! Brother, I get the idea that you feel that your wife has abandoned you. Before I denounce your wife for not loving and following you, thereby 'leaving' you, let me ask a few questions: 1) Do you and your wife share a unity of faith and basic doctrine? 2) Were you attending the same church? 3) As the head of the home, and pillar of Biblical authority, were you committed to this local fellowship, and submitted to the spiritual authority of the pastor? 4) Was this 'move to Wisconsin' guided by the Holy Spirit, founded on Biblical obligation, and under the spiritual counsel of your pastor? 5) Have you and your wife asked for spirtual help and counsel? After getting a feel for your situation from the answers to these questions, a public forum may be able to give you some sound advice, and/or answers to your question. On the other hand, maybe acting upon MY questions will give you the WHOLE answer. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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105 | Possible Lockman Forum Improvement #3 | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 18301 | ||
Dear Sir, Blessings in Jesus' name! Thank you for doing all this work, brother. #1 Symbols would be nice, including emoticons! :-) I suspect there is a reason for the inability of this Answer-Note Box to recognize certain keys. If Lockman has to spend a lot of money to upgrade the software in order that I can use the percent symbol, I am against it. The reason is that their primary goal is to bring the Gospel to many, including translating to other languages. This forum is hosted free-of-charge, and has one of the best interfaces I've come across. I have also seen many improvements made in the short time of its existence. I know that Lockman is doing their best, and I know that supporting a forum like this is a LOT of work! It also must have cost them something to make what we have and enjoy. If this improvement is a software 'tweak' with minimal expense, yes. If this would use resources that are better used elsewhere, I can wait, and in the meantime invent ways to express myself :-) #2 Spell Checker would be nice, too, but same applies as #1. In the meantime, I always have e-Sword and Websters Dictionary running in another window. This is not a race, and I always try to improve my mind by checking my own spelling. I still have to look up 'ei' and 'ie' though. The challenged (myself included) should not be lazy, yes? #3 I think a chat room would be nice! If it is not a big expenditure, I would enjoy it. The problem for (selfish) me is that I am sleeping when most of you are active. Well, I can catch you in the morning or later in the evening. :-) (should we have Cal-Arm chats? Horse-Seal? Pre-Mid-Post-Wrather? Cain's-Immediate-Family? Just kidding!) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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106 | Possible Lockman Forum Improvements #2 | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 17993 | ||
Dear Sir, I agree that we all need netiquette, chatiquette, forumiquette, common sense, and Christian manners! (also, when the horse is dead, stop beating it! :-)) I'm with you! Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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107 | Can a woman pastor a church? | 1 Tim 3:1 | charis | 17980 | ||
Dear dmom, Greetings in Jesus' name! 1) Any ministry, including pastor, should be decided by God. Therefore, the real question is "Can we know God's will on an individual, personal basis?" I believe that we CAN! God's 'general' will for all His people (those who have received and been embraced by the Gospel) is clearly written in the Bible. We are to bear much good fruit (of the Spirit). Then the Bible also gives guidelines for more specific adherence to His will, including situation and gender. Then the Holy Spirit provides direction directly into the heart of each person, with the balancing effect of local church participation and pastoral oversight. You cannot have balance without the church and shepherd! It is all too easy to mistake feelings for the Spirit. Now this is the ideal. If your church does not provide Biblical fellowship and shepherding, you are in a dysfunctional church. 2) This has been discussed at length, so if you use the 'Search' button and type 'women ministry,' you will find several interesting threads. No, it is not 'written between the lines.' For a woman to usurp authority over a man (or men) is not God's primary will. Can I ask you a few questions? How would we justify an unmarried woman to shepherd a flock and keep God's primary will? How about a divorced woman with or without children? How about an older unmarried woman? The only woman that *might* come close to holding the authority written in the Bible is (maybe) the widow of a minister. Even this, IMHO, is not a long-term answer. True, in Christ there is male nor female, but we are speaking of authority and responsibility, not salvation. May I ask a personal question? Would you become a pastor, and hold authority and spiritual responsibility over your husband? If his job required another move, would you quit your 'job?' Shepherding is NOT a job! If it were a job, then women would probably be BETTER than men! :-) Bless you, dmom, in Christ Jesus, charis |
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108 | Possible Lockman Forum Improvement #1? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 17878 | ||
Dear Sir, Blessings, my friend, in Jesus' name! I'm sorry, but I am afraid this task is probably too much to ask. The amount of reading and correlating would be an enormous task! An A.I. (artificial intelligence, software) solution is nearly impossible, and an H.I. (human intelligence, fleshware? :-)) solution would cost the Lockman Foundation a fortune. This kind of brings us back to an editing-censoring problem, which has been thoroughly discussed. I have an alternative idea, though: Unfortunately, a great deal of the problem is in the users. Sometimes (maybe not always :-)), there are duplicates because of our own impatience with the Forum's server, our own provider, and the internet in general. Because it takes time, i.e. longer than we think it should, to process our post, we press the 'submit' button more than once. (many would prefer to think the 'machine' is at fault) If at all possible, it would be nice if Lockman could upgrade the server hardware. This, too, costs money, so be patient with our gracious hosts. Another user 'modification' would be for us to only chose to answer one of the duplicates. Granted, this would not allow us quite as much 'limelight,' but we could make a difference. Before you jump on my case, I know that sometimes it is hard to find which is the 'real' thread. As soon as both duplicates are answered, this suggestion is 'round-filed.' :-) I am certain that the saints at Lockman are aware of the problem, and are working on it to the best of their abilities and resources. Patience and peace are my answer. (p.s. I am not in Lockman's employ! I simply understand their technical situation.) Blessings on and all, in Christ Jesus, charis |
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109 | TAKE CARE OF PASTOR AND BE BLESSED | 1 Tim 5:17 | charis | 17868 | ||
Dear DMW, Greetings in Jesus' name! "...that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors." 1 Corinthians 16:16ff NASB. It is true that shepherds must SHEPHERD! But these days many sheep are not SHEEPING! If you believe in Christ and the Bible, you must also trust that God will use that servant to lead you to the place of His choosing. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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110 | tongues: are there 2 kinds? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 17644 | ||
Dear Mike, Greetings in Jesus' name! Actually, I think the Bible teaches that there are more than two kinds of tongues. I would include singing in tongues as well: "What is the outcome then? I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind also; I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also." 1 Corinthians 14:15 NASB. As to the two you mentioned, I might add that there are times when speaking or praying in tongues in a holy assembly is allowed. As long as things are done properly and in order. (1 Corinthians 14:40) I am not a fan of the term 'private prayer language,' as it sounds hokey. It is simply speaking in an unknown tongue, understood by God, edifying the speaker, and sometimes interpreted for those around them. The reason that so many deny the present-day speaking in tongues is 1) "I asked for the gift, but didn't receive it, so there must be no gift." or "I don't do it, so it must not be of God." 2) The wacky, disorderly, and irresponsible actions of some groups. 3) They try to understand something called 'unknown' by a sovereign God. 4) Religious tradition has created bigotry in their hearts, robbing them of the desire to seek after a Biblcal gift from God. 5) Linkage- trying to 'connect' gifts and manifestations, instead of accepting the sovereign things of God as they are given, on an individual basis. (i.e. "if you speak in tongues, it has to be THIS (our) way!") I am of the opinion that every Christian should seek after all the gifts that God has generously provided. But not with anxiety, impatience, or religious pressure! Churches that 'require' tongue-speaking actually limit God in the same manner as churches that forbid it. Instead, return sovereignty to God and He will pour out His Spirit as He sees fit, when He sees fit. Do not quench the Spirit, and do not create a false 'spirit,' either. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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111 | Advise on contradictions found in bible | Ps 25:4 | charis | 17549 | ||
Dear Benjibabs, Greetings from Yokohama in Jesus' name! Friend, the 'contradictions' listed in your question are commonly used 'darts of doubt,' and virtually every one of them can be dealt with simply by looking at the context. I guess the first thing I must ask is what do you think? Did you open your Bible and read the passages and the surrounding context? Do you think these are valid contradictions? Is the 'someone' that sent you this list a Christian? What was the purpose of sending it to you? I could go to the bother of reading these passages and outlining the context for you, and I several books that explains the 'contradictions' of the Bible, and I could quote from them. But what is your heart? Are you 'receiving' this list? Or do you believe that the Bible is the Word of God? Rather than say, "The guys at the Bible Forum said...," I think it is better for you to say I read the Bible, and I believe it is true! If after a few hours of reading the context of these verses you still think there are contradictions, ask again, and I am sure that the saints will be happy to answer you. Open your Bible, and the Lord will lead you to the Answer. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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112 | Can a christian be cremated? | 1 Cor 15:50 | charis | 17276 | ||
Dear prican1, Greetings in Jesus' name! Threads regarding this subject can be found by using the 'search' button on the left, and typing 'cremation.' Below is what I wrote before: Good question! The only instance I find in the Bible is the reference above regarding Saul and his sons. It is not portrayed as good or bad, but seemed necessary in this situation. As a Christian, believing in God's ability to resurrect our earthly bodies, I cannot see that it makes a difference. The Word seems silent on this issue, but traditions and emotions come into consideration. Also, the laws of the land, i.e. in Japan, cremation is required by law. Since I am sent by God to serve Him here, there is a good chance I will be cremated. It doesn't bother me at all. (unless I am the victim of an Agatha Christie-type poisoning, and the evidence is annihilated :-) Truly, I am convinced that God will raise me up on that day! end quote In Christ Jesus, charis |
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113 | Christian-alcohol and smoking is it ok? | 1 Tim 5:23 | charis | 17272 | ||
Dear Friend, Hello, again! Now that you have heard the voice of tolerance...:-) Drinking and smoking are two completely different things, and must be treated separately. Drinking is in the Bible. 1) the spiritual use of the Cup we drink for the Lord's Supper. 2) Paul's exhortation to Timothy to drink wine for the sake of his health. 3) In the Gospel accounts Jesus often shared wine with others, during meals and other gatherings. Other places in the Old and New Testaments describe drinking wine as a common occurrence. 4) Abuse, drinking to excess, and drinking 'hard' stuff. Only 4) is discouraged, often strongly, and those who abuse it are fools. The other instances are either tolerated or encouraged. Smoking tobacco (or anything else, for that matter) is not written in the Bible. The closest we could come to that is "You shall not murder." Exodus 20:13 NASB (long-term suicide or second-hand murder), and "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?" 1 Corinthians 6:19 NASB. Now we get to today, and how these apply to us. First, alcohol: As the Bible does not forbid the consumption of alcohol, we need to focus on what IS forbidden or discouraged. Abuse is when the use leads to anger, accidents, loose lips and loose hearts, foolish actions and behavior not becoming a Christian. Those who have a tendency to abuse or lack self-control (a fruit of the Spirit to be pursued!) are wise to stay away. Even those who CAN control themselves should be aware of those around them, and take care not to give bad influence to the young or the weak in faith. In other words, use your head! Next, tobacco: As it is not (clearly) in the Bible, we have to use a little commom sense, and common courtesy. I smoked cigarettes for over ten years, so I've been there. Tobacco is a filthy, smelly habit, it is addictive and expensive, wastes your time, steals from your boss, spouse, kids, friends, and eventually could steal your life in an agonizing death. Young boys look stupid, and young girls look ugly when a cigarette is in their hand or hanging from their lips. There is no measurable enjoyment, stress relief, or 'cool' factor in smoking. Those who know Jesus should have no need of this crutch, this handicap, and should be led in love to 'kick the habit' as soon as is spiritually (not humanly!) possible. My own experience is several years of 'trying' to quit, knowing it was foolish, but never 'really' willing to quit. When I came to know (be known by) Jesus, I asked Him for grace, and it was granted immediately. Yes, there was an 'empty space' for a while. So many 'little rituals' revolved around cigarettes. But the Lord Jesus is able to overcome this, and any other frailty! The other 'helpers' are your family and church. Don't let the influence of worldly people be stronger than the influence of those that love you! In my humble opinion and experience. In Jesus' name, charis |
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114 | USA a Christian nation? | Acts 11:26 | charis | 17241 | ||
Dear onnig, Greetings in Jesus' name! No, America is not a Christian nation. Truly, it never was. No nation ever was. Only individuals or churches can be named Christian. Frankly, even a whole church would have a hard time living up to this standard, but grace is applied to the local gathering of living stones being fitted together, by faith, into a family of God. No nation in history has been successful in creating a true religious state. To try and force this faith upon all inhabitants dilutes the faith, and turns it into dead religion. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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115 | Body piercing acceptable by Christians? | Ex 21:6 | charis | 17160 | ||
Dear Friend, Greetings in Jesus' name! Yes, in the Old Testament this was a rite of a slave to show submission to his master. Is it OK? Well, I suppose it is better than other nonsensical things. Frankly, it turns my stomach to see pierced navals, eyebrows, tongues, noses, etc. It reminds me much more of a pagan ritual or self-punishment than the act of a follower of Christ. I have a lot more understanding of women piercing their ears (one per, please!) to show tasteful and graceful ornaments that compliment their natural beauty. Yes, pieced with swords and to the heart with conviction. No differences that I know of. As the father of two teenage girls, I must say that I sense a lot of social pressure to mutilate yourself these days. Go figure. Same with tattoos, grotesque makeup, weird and complicated hair styles and colors, and outrageous clothes made more for shock value than comfort or attractiveness. In my humble opinion, those in Christ Jesus should be able to be more self-assured than to need to resort to 'gross-me-out' fashion. This has been discussed quite a bit. If you click the 'Search' button on the left and type 'pierce,' you will find some interesting threads on this subject. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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116 | When God directs..is it always perfect? | Gal 5:22 | charis | 17139 | ||
Dear Sister, Greetings in Jesus' name! No, life is not so simple as wanting, then receiving things and situations. In fact, often these things end up being chains around our necks like Bob Marley. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:10 NASB I find that the *things and situations* so many Christians desire, and pursue, and even demand have nothing to do with abundant life in Christ Jesus. Often the job is a snare, keeping you from serving Jesus and His church by greed and promotion. Often the dream house has a mortgage that strangles you, and steals your offerings and service to God. The true gauge and measure of a life in Christ is in the bearing and keeping of the fruit of the Spirit. All of these fruit have their 'opposite number,' and if you find yourself swinging emotionally between the true and ther false fruit, then you are not truly bearing them. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22,23 NASB Many of those that I see claiming 'abundant lives' also bear much anger, anxiety, and wanton sin, as well as dysfunctional marriages and families. Reevaluate the definition of blessing, and you will have your gauge. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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117 | Ending prayers in Jesus Nane. | Col 3:17 | charis | 16949 | ||
Dear farout, I don't know if there is a specific Scripture that says to end your prayers in Jesus' name, especially to the effect that it won't be heard for failing to do so. I use the above Verse often, not because it is legally required, but because I enjoy it, and I believe it! I love to greet a Christian brother or sister in Jesus' name. I enter the home of a believer and give my blessings in Jesus' name. I receive my meals in Jesus' name. I begin my prayers to the Father, in Jesus' name, and end in Jesus' name. (If you start that way, you can safely fall asleep! :-)) I have been told that I overdo it, but I feel it is not enough, considering the above exhortation. TV and movies only speak Jesus' name as a curse or exclamation. Many churches 'wiggle around' that holy name, saying just about anything BUT Jesus' name! My personal feelings are that speaking His name with reverence increases our faith, and reminds us of His salvation. Whenever I speak or write His wonderful name, it makes me pause and think, and focus. In the name of Jesus, charis |
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118 | Where do we draw the line? | Matt 10:14 | charis | 16924 | ||
Dear Bill, Greetings from Yokohama! Oops! That's what I get (and you get) for trying to say something lucid past my bedtime after a long day. With a bit more sense, I say... These verses can NOT be applied to entire countries or religions, only on a more personal basis. Even 'towns or cities' would be difficult to justify considering the size of today's mega-cities. Regarding the missionary, I can only say that some (not all) are where they are because they have a holy burden for that people that was given by God. They devote their lives, and the lives of their family, to the land specified by the Holy Spirit. Whether their life is long, prosperous or 'effective' is not important. Even if it cut short, or they don't meet a 'quota,' they serve a Divine purpose. I , personally, cannot imagine 'quitting' this place, though I have not seen people or blessing flowing in. I have, however, seen a few bright lights of faith, and experienced more than a few victories for Christ. To be fair, I have had to 'stop throwing pearls' a few times, and had to 'shake the dust off my sandals' on a few doorsteps. Sadly, this includes a few church doorsteps. But I do not strike them from prayer, or pronounce a permanent ban. (more later) *We* don't send them, if they are true missionaries. God sends them! Historically, preaching the Gospel is potentially dangerous. We can't stop! Now, as to morals, we do have a problem. Brother Andrew, Open Doors ministries, etc. basically state that the call of God supercedes any political ban. I agree to some extent, but indeed some ministers-ministries are a bit too 'sneeky' for my taste. Many churches in Japan have no legal status, and do lie to the government. I do not condone this, as there are ways to preach the Gospel legally. (I do!) In some countries, this is impossible. Perhaps the Lord is gracious to those whose zeal overcomes honesty when the situation demands. :-) Is there a balance? YES! What exactly is it? I don't know! But each person answering the call of God must find that balance himself, and "Follow Him wherever He goes!" As to the permanence of 'giving up' on a person , place or situation, I do not think this is of God. In the Lord, *we* can never pronounce a permanent curse. That is His business. We can 'give unto the Lord' and-or 'give to another's care,' whoever that may be. Ours is to follow the leading (away) of the Holy Spirit, not pronounce the judgment. The time of repentance is not up to us, only the discernment of the present. I hope that this makes my opinion a bit more understandable, my friend. I am almost awake! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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119 | Should we shake the dust from our feet? | Matt 10:14 | charis | 16877 | ||
Dear Bill, Greetings in Jesus' name! I think that "Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces." Matthew 7:6 NASB, can be applied to countries or religions. Only with individuals or households can we discern this, and even then not a permanent judgment. We are to be wise AND gentle. Sometimes it is wise to discern a (presently) inpenetrable wall, and pray for the Lord to deal with it while we move on. There may come a time when the door for ministry is open. As to whether these verses can be applied on a larger (country) scale, I don't think it would work. We would 'give up' and surrender an entire nation or religion to the devil. Even in Afghanistan and North Korea there are faithful saints. Japan has an extremely low proportion of Christians for an 'advanced' nation, but I cannot give it to the enemy. I have had a few times when I have put certain individuals 'on hold.' In a few cases, doors were opened at a later date that were effective to salvation. Even 'don't throw pearls' and 'shake off the dust' are not permanent, but temporary or giving them unto another vessel for ministry. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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120 | Thanks, but what about....? | Eph 2:5 | charis | 16866 | ||
Dear Bill, Your questions are valid, especially to those who have little faith that God is bigger than *our* understanding of salvation. The only way I could attempt to explain that would be to say that what God starts, He will finish. As I said, from His lofty vantage, salvation is a single event. This illustration was simply to expound on the path to Christ, not to take it apart. On the other hand, the explanation that salvation is a 'done deal' the moment we publicly 'accept Christ' is just a open to skepticism. I guess the answer is to discern the attitude of the hearer, and explain as the Spirit of God leads. Frankly, I like my version better. It gives God complete sovereignty, while explaining the things we perceive as creatures bound by location and time. I am certain that there is no power that can come between the receipt of the Gospel and 'Home,' and that the Holy Spirit can handle any storms that assail us on the way. (we will NEVER be delivered to the 'wrong shore!') Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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