Results 101 - 120 of 257
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Results from: Notes Author: Brian.g Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
101 | Is not Love The Greatest Commandment? | John 3:16 | Brian.g | 31526 | ||
Lamplight I have taken the time to read each of your posts and I'd like to share some of my thoughts with you. Each person who has found Christ, like yourself, has a feeling of exuberance which they want to share with their fellow man. It is easy to see this feeling within your writings. When entering this forum to share your happiness with your fellow man, you are now in a position in which many people are listening to each word you say. You are taking on the role of a teacher. It is very easy to find a passage from the Bible and interpret it in your own manner to justify a position. But, as a with any teacher, accuracy is of the utmost importance. In one of your replies, you commented for someone to go read Revelations, that's a broad, easy statement. You would be of more service to that person, as a teacher, if you directed them to a specific part of Revelations - and then helped them understand what they were reading and specifically how that is relevant to the question. But, before you post your guidance, you have a responsibilty as a teacher to double and triple check your recommendations, your interpretations, even your typed answers. Take the time to teach, correctly. People are coming to this forum for guidance, not just a flip answer. By the way, the people on this forum whom I have found to be the best qualified teachers, on whom you can trust are: Hank, Nolan, Tim Moran, Charis, Reformer Joe, EdB and a rookie to the group, Emmaus. There are others. Each represents a slightly different perspective and, at times, will disagree among themselves. But, they are good people and they take their teaching responsibilities very serious and I think, in time, you will appreciate them. Also, teach - but teach with the understanding of your responsibility to your student. Quality is always more important than quantity. I know you have many great things to contribute to this forum and I look forward to hearing what you have to say. Brian |
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102 | Is 'once saved always saved correct? | John 6:37 | Brian.g | 31473 | ||
Hank I am never uncomfortable speaking with you. I have to much respect for you. Recently you asked a question regarding the one year anniversary of this forum. Time prevented me from answering, but I would like to answer now. This forum has demonstrated to me that Christianity, by its own hand has created a generation of lost and confused seekers. By that, I mean that each day, we are seeing more and more new denominations and non-denominations being created. Each proclaiming that they offer something which no other form of Christianity offers. Each then recruits their members from other Christian denominations. And, all to often these new churches are lead by unqualified people who are not capable or properly trained to be teachers or guardians of the faith. Thus, confusing and misdirecting to many people seeking God. In addition, even the major, more established denominations do a less than desirable job of educating - even my Church. As a result of past practices among the major denominations, compounded with the driving need for membership and self-justification from the new denominations - any resemblence of tolerance of other Christians ceases to exist. In reality, the opposite expands. Each person feels obligated to publicly justify why they are no longer part a different denomination. The only way most can vocalize their decision is through criticism of their previous choice. In addition, they are expected to spread the Gospel by "evangelizing", in reality they are just recruiting new members to their "team". The evangelizing isn't about Christ - its about their new denomination - and most don't even realize that is what they are doing - because they have not been properly educated to "evangelize" in the manner of Paul. How often I had heard that this or that denomination is the true way to Christ - for no other reason than its better than the last church the seeker was at. Then, after a few weeks, months or years - the seeker decides that the pastor hasn't served them properly and they move on, seeking a new church - while they, themselves have not contributed to the spiritual growth of the church. With each move to a new church, the seeker carries with them partial ideas from the old mixed in with ideas from the new, and on and on. Until, there is no cohesive understanding of Christianity. We are witnessing a situation of the blind leading the blind. This forum has shown us the need for tolerance, by demonstrating intolerance. This forum gives us the opportunity to speak to many people on a scale never before imagined and to present the truth. This forum can do more for Christianity than can be imagined because it gives people opportunities to converse, debate discuss and sometimes, yell at each other - but through it all - the truth is present and it makes itself known. It's time for Chrsitianity to unite to the point of ending the battles of which denomination is best - each legitimate denomination is rooted in Jesus. This forum will play a role in educating and shaping the direction for many seekers if they listen with their hearts. And many of the people who come here, do just that. As are all of us here, I am yours in Christ. Brian |
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103 | Is 'once saved always saved correct? | John 6:37 | Brian.g | 31447 | ||
Kalos I wish to congratulate you for an excellent post. At first glance, it sounds as if you agree with the old Catholic Church guidelines that people should not read the Bible because it would cause to much confusion. I realize that's not what you mean. But, to me, it reinforces the need for a teaching authority within each denomination that formally states - this is what something means by our denominations standards - period - trust us, we have diligently researched the topic in question and this is what our denomination interprets that topic to mean. For us Catholics, we have the Magisterium, the teaching authority of the Catholic Church. And its role is just that - to teach Catholics what the catholic faith believes. I think every denomination can benefit by such a teaching authority. Brian |
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104 | Is 'once saved always saved correct? | John 6:37 | Brian.g | 31423 | ||
Kalos Just as a point of reference in Catholic religion: When Jesus ordained the Apostles as priests of the New Testament, He gave them the authority/power to forgive sins. John 20:19-23 I hope this helps Brian |
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105 | What about those who never heard of JC ? | Bible general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 30940 | ||
Joe Do you believe that God intentionally made men knowing full well that salvation was absolutely never obtainable for them. That is the original question asked and which I answered. I offered 11 points of my reasoning. If you feel I am wrong, specifically - which of the 11 points, by number is/are wrong. Brian |
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106 | What about those who never heard of JC ? | Bible general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 30934 | ||
Joe You're making statements that I'm judging God and that I'm calling God and Jesus liars. I suggest that you: 1. Calm down 2. Take a minute and reread my post. 3. Then, if you still feel you are interpretting me properly, please discuss it in a manner which will help me understand which points you are commenting. I honestly can't decipher which points you disagree with from your response. Brian |
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107 | The Spirit and the Word: How Related? | Rom 8:11 | Brian.g | 29580 | ||
Joe Here's a section of the Cathecism of the Catholic Church. This is what the Church teaches. 817 .... But in subsequent centuries much more serious dissensions appeared and large communities became separated from full communion with the Catholic Church - for which, often enough, men of both sides were to blame." ... Here's a comment from the documents of Vatican II. On the other hand, Catholics must gladly acknowledge and esteem the truly Christian endowments from our common heritage which are to be found among our separated brethren. It is right and salutary to recognize the riches of Christ and virtuous works in the lives of others who are bearing witness to Christ, sometimes even to the shedding of their blood. For God is always wonderful in His works and worthy of all praise. Joe, this is as far as time allows for me to work on this today. Regards, Brian |
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108 | The Spirit and the Word: How Related? | Rom 8:11 | Brian.g | 29557 | ||
Joe Why debate history. We all know the Church is conservative and sometimes, slow to move. And, like very other Church, it's imperfect. The Church constantly renews itself and hopefully, for the better. I agree with a lot of what Luther said, I just didn't like the way he handled the debate and I agree with a lot of what the Church said, but I don't like the way the Church handled the debate. Together they caused a major split in the Church - which caused Christian to be pitted against Christian. In reality, they were both right and they were both wrong. But the truth of the matter is, that it happened 500 years ago. And there ain't nothing I can do about it except move forward with people like you, where we work together to establish mutual respect and acceptance. And, together, in our own way - help guide people to Jesus and God. Because the truth of the matter is when Jesus returns - all Churches will cease to exist and all that will be left are those that have a proper relationship with Jesus and those that don't. If we can do that, then I'd say we've done good. Brian |
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109 | How important is your Church? | Bible general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 29537 | ||
moedee Thank you very much for your insight and assistance. Brian |
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110 | The Spirit and the Word: How Related? | Rom 8:11 | Brian.g | 29534 | ||
Joe As we see here on this forum, proper Biblical understanding and intrepretation requires proper guidance, that's all the Catholic Church was trying to provide, in our way of doing things. It was thought that, left on their own, the average person would not properly understand the Scripture, that it would cause more confusion than clarification and that it was the duty and the responsibility of the clergy to provide a proper, accurate and consistent interpretation - to be the teacher. Personally, I am glad that the Church enhanced the method of teaching the Bible by creating the study Bible and giving each person more freedom to study at their own pace, or in conjunction with clergy. Brian |
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111 | How important is your Church? | Bible general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 29526 | ||
Bob You have obviously given this some very serious thought and I sincerely appreciate your sharing it with me. You and I both know that, at best, the different denominations will respect each other and that a single Christian denomination will not occur. With that, do you feel a Christian has the responsibility to regularly and actively participate within a single local congregation - with the purpose of enriching and enhancing the relationship other church-members have with Christ. Just for clarification: your role in the local church is to gain a closer relationship with Christ, by serving your fellow church-member in enriching his. Is that a duty of a Christian? Brian |
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112 | The Spirit and the Word: How Related? | Rom 8:11 | Brian.g | 29420 | ||
Joe and Emmaus In 1943, Pope Pius XII insisted that it was important that Catholics began reading and studying the Bible. With that, his first step was to make sure Catholics had a properly documented text from which to work and study. From this, the Church put together a team of 25 Biblical experts (about 15 Catholic and the remaining from other Christian denominations)to create an accurate and consistent study Bible for Catholics. http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/bible/index.htm In addition, the Church also felt that in order to fully insure that the Catholic interpretations were/are correct, Catholic Biblical scholars were required to work from as many of the orginal documents as could be accessed in order to eliminate language translation errors. This process of refinement continues today. Brian |
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113 | How many local churches have you tried? | Heb 11:8 | Brian.g | 29410 | ||
Joe Thank you for the amount of thought and effort in assisting me. I appreciate it greatly. Brian |
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114 | How important is your Church? | Bible general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 29366 | ||
Art Thank you very much for your open and honest answers. Regards, Brian |
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115 | How many local churches have you tried? | Heb 11:8 | Brian.g | 29352 | ||
Joe I am familiar with what you described as the "seeker-sensitive" model. Some people equate this style of service to when Paul said: 1 Corinthians 3:2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. And, some people are ready for, and need solid food. With only the "milk" type of service, the long term problem becomes: Hebrews 5:13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness How do you feel a local church can satisfy both, those needing milk, as well as those needing solid food? Brian |
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116 | How important is your Church? | Bible general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 29349 | ||
Art Thanks for the response. While you were in Jr High, how active were your parents in your search for the right church. Was it a family search or you, individually. Brian |
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117 | How many local churches have you tried? | Heb 11:8 | Brian.g | 29336 | ||
Retxar How is it that the two families came to start a new church, and am I correct in thinking that this is a non-denominational church? What makes your church unique from all of the other churches already in existence? How do you gain new members? What are the qualfications of the pastoral staff of your church? Thank you for your assistance to me. Brian |
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118 | How important is your Church? | Bible general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 29333 | ||
Art I would like to ask another question: How many local churches have you been a member of within the past ten years. And, if more than one, why. Brian |
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119 | How important is your Church? | Bible general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 29323 | ||
moedee Thank you for response. And, I have another question: As a Deacon, you see the membership from a different viewpoint than most people. And, you have seen people come to your congregation, spend time there, and then move on decidng that yours was not the "right" church for them. What are your thoughts when you see this happen? Brian |
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120 | How important is your Church? | Bible general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 29322 | ||
Bob As an example, in Chapter 14, Paul speaks of prohesy in which the members of the church teach with words and actions, to other members of the church - in order to build up the church into a stronger faith community. The purpose being, each member gains a closer relationship with Jesus by the association with other Christians within the close-knit faith community. Wouldn't a person need to be actively involved within a single church, in order to do what the Bible is asking of us? I'm not sure how stopping into a random church, perdiocally, would enable a person in this task. What are your thoughts on this? Brian |
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