Results 101 - 120 of 269
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Results from: Notes Author: Country Girl Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
101 | Do you have to be baptized to be saved? | Rom 6:3 | Country Girl | 129171 | ||
As I mentioned in my post, it seems the verses you've cited at the very least support the idea of questioning the requirement of baptism which I guess you're saying is one of the required acts after being saved. While the verses I've cited give clear and convincing proof that baptism is very important and critically required. So I can only encourage you to study all the scriptures cited throughout the Bible as I mentioned in my previous post, AND encourage you to pray on this matter. We do have very strong assurances that God will judge us in accordance with ALL of His Son's Words. Blessings to you, my friend. Country Girl |
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102 | Human Power? | John 15:5 | Country Girl | 129167 | ||
I guess I didn't make myself clear. I'm talking about Eternal Security, or as most call it "Once saved, always saved." I'd say this concept clearly failed Ananias and Sapphira miserably. Where was their Eternal Security? I'm saying let's see some specific proof of this very focused idea that once you are considered part of God's family of christians, there's absolutely no way you can lose that salvation. Please show me Book, Chapter and verse proving that this is an absolute benefit from God. Of course you understand, I'm talking about God's saving us in spite of what we do after we're in Christ. So for example if a christian goes back to his previous life of sin, mudering, stealing, lying, cheating, etc., God assures him and all of us that He'll just say on Judgment Day, "Come on in, my Son's blood wasn't all that important after all. I really did want all of my children to come home anyway." Or some semblance of that sentiment. I'm hoping this makes my query a little more clear. Blessings to you. Country Girl |
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103 | once saved always saved? | 2 Tim 4:18 | Country Girl | 129076 | ||
Hank, please do me a favor and check out my recent post to Karen, number 129074 and see if that helps answer some of your questions. Thanks I've got some homework to get caught up on. Just got started on a couple of tough classes so my posts to the Forum are few and far between. Blessings to you. Country Girl |
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104 | once saved always saved? | 2 Tim 4:18 | Country Girl | 129074 | ||
I would emphasize John's picture from 1 John depicting christians staying in the fellowship of light from God. You might notice that it's paramount to maintain a proper relationship with all of God's children (fellow christians) in order to keep a good, intact relationship with God. This is very clear from John's writing. The most important point from 1 John applicable to this thread is that of staying within the fellowship of God, represented by light. We could compare this to a common credit account with one of our many creditors throughout America. As long as we maintain a good history record of making regular payments, our credit is good and we're able to enjoy the benefits, including the purchasing power and maybe even a slight bit of prestige when the credit limit is high or the history record is good and long enough. Now in comparison, God bought us back from the devil as our souls were forfeited with all our sins to a hopeless eternal Hell with Satan's angels. He bought us with the most expensive commodity immaginable, His very own son's blood. So now we're in debt to Him, a debt we could NEVER even hope to pay back. So we're obligated to Him to obey Him and comply with all His commands and examples as cited His Holy Word. Now of course, our God is absolutely Perfect and cannot allow sin in His presence including our hopelessly sinful beings...unless we're covered by His Son's blood, thus our need for salvation in accordance with His Son's Last Will and Testament. Now being saved doesn't do away with the sin in our lives so in that respect we're still no different from the most vile sinner on earth. The big, most important difference between these two different groups of sinners is whether or not they're saved, having the blood of Jesus to cover their sins. With that relationship intact with both our God and our fellow christians, then we can look forward to the benefits of coverage by our God even when we're "caught off guard" and die suddenly. As long as we've establish a regular habit of repenting regularly of the sins of commission and omission, we're good to go. That's what the Grace of God is really all about. As long as God knows in our hearts, He's King of our lives and His Grace is continuously active in our lives. Other benefits includes the Holy Spirit's assitance in avoiding the sins in our lives, especially as we mature in Spirit with God and learn to spend more and more of our time with our fellow christians. So in a sense, yes God forgives us over and over again because we are primarily human and are very vulnerable to the temptations of Satan. So we should see ourselves in need of our Lord's assistance in this area. We must never think of this process as earning our way to Heaven. Now, there are certain responsibilities (as you mentioned) like bearing one another's burdens, restoring our brethren. Again, these actions should be looked at as weak feeble attempts to pay our Lord for the debt we owe him. I hope this clarifys a little. Country Girl |
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105 | Human Power? | John 15:5 | Country Girl | 129001 | ||
Quoted for context: 1 John 2:18 Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour. 1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us. There's a slight difference between the folks cited by John and those in Jesus' letter to the Laodiceans. Basically, it boils down to the hypocresy as described by Jesus. The church there was trying to stay popular with the world and yet be in Christ's army against sin. Whereas John was apparently talking about people who had already clearly shown their alligence to the devil as being called part of the antichrist is pretty strong language. But like I stated before and Christ stated as much about the Laodiceans. On Judgment Day, there will be two groups, those decidedly and emphatically in Christ's body and all others in the other group. So to be lukewarm is very, very dangerous ground indeed. That's been my point all along. When it comes to major principles and truths in God's Word, we cannot afford to be wishy washy and take a chance with vauge scriptures on a particular topic when there are other scriptures on that same topic that clearly dictate one way, the Lord's Way. Blessings to you, dear friend. Country Girl |
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106 | once saved always saved? | 2 Tim 4:18 | Country Girl | 128999 | ||
Quoted from Hank's post: And unfortunately the doctrine of the eternal security of the believer (perseverance of the saints) is misunderstood by a number of sincere and well-meaning Christians (and non-believers too), who take it to mean no less than having a license to continue to live a life of sin and get away with it. Hank's Post was a bit much to swallow because of its size and no chunking into paragraphs but I think the quote above is that to which I was referring. HOWEVER, just to be clear, what I'm really saying is: IF the OSAS concept is actually taught and endorsed by the Bible, then why does God spend so much time in that same Bible about christians repenting after becoming a christin? You do realize of course that the whole NT was written to christians about christians but was also written for the benefit of those who might want to become a christians, right? For example, even the Gospels were written after Jesus death and resurrection so that when Jesus said "I will build my church," the church had not been built at the time of his speaking so the Apostles were writing from a historical viewpoint. Anyway, I hope this is clear and blessings to you. Country Girl |
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107 | Human Power? | John 15:5 | Country Girl | 128995 | ||
I'd like to think I could recall several examples but at the moment with my being so tired, I can only recall the one cited below. In Acts 8, we see Simon the sorcerer become a christian and of course this is after he has repented and apparently is trying to turn his life around but he blunders very badly by lusting after the miraculous powers as displayed by Peter. Peter of course rebukes him rather harshly but I guess that's just my weaker side coming out of me. But the conclusion is that all of us start out as "babes in Christ" upon first being converted to God's family. And like all babes, our condition is fragile, that is our faith is young and immature. We're prone to make mistakes in judgments, where to go and with whom to associate. Paul teaches that the stronger, more mature brethren should watch out for the younger christian amongst them so as to not lead them astray. For example, we all know about Paul's admonition not to eat meat that had been offered to idols in front of a newly converted christian that's just come out of that practice, that is offering meat sacrifices to idols. So you see, it's a matter of drawing the proper conclusion from God's Word and using our common sense. But thank you for taking a new and objective look at my post. It does give me "pause for the cause." Blessings to you, my dear friend. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to come knocking. Country Girl |
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108 | Human Power? | John 15:5 | Country Girl | 128962 | ||
I sincerely apologize as I didn't mean to put words in your mouth. The main point of my quoting from that particular passage was also to point out that with God, we can't take the middle ground or staddle the fence on the major issues in the Bible. Our Lord and Savior expects us as His children to study ALL of His Words on a particular topic and draw the proper conclusion considering His intent behind all of it. We also must include the words of His official representatives, the writers throughout the NT. I really thought you were coming down on the Pro side of this Eternal Security issue. As I've stated several times, our salvation individually is an incredibly fragile thing, something we have to work at with much diligence. God of course never waivers or moves in this process as He is the most constant Being in the whole universe. We humans on the other hand are very fickle and moody. We'll say we love our life long spouse at one point and seconds later we'll confess we love our favorite ice cream. At any rate, God certainly does want a life-long relationship with all of us but I believe He also gives all of us complete and total freedom to choose a life with Him or without Him. He also gives complete freedom to change our minds afterwards, just as He did with Sodom, Gomorrah and Ninevah before destroying them. Notice Ninevah repented and changed their ways for a little while at the preaching of Jonah. But according to Nahum, they soon went back to their evil ways and God did such a complete destruction of their whole country, that we didn't even know they existed outside of the Bible until a 100 years ago. Again, I apologize to you. Remember "to err is human, forgive is divine." Blessings to you. Country Girl |
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109 | The New Birth - A Survey | NT general Archive 1 | Country Girl | 128957 | ||
Since repentance is an action of reversing our attitude and lifestyle so that we determine to live a life patterned after our Lord, that would have to be an active role on our part. Of course I believe that we have to repent of our sins on a daily basis, at least those days we're above ground. Blessings to you. Country Girl |
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110 | The New Birth - A Survey | NT general Archive 1 | Country Girl | 128940 | ||
Since you've now re-qualified your question and left out the word "regeneraion," I would have to repeat that yes, very definitely I repented of my sins, confessed my Lord and Savior and was baptized as a teen-ager many years ago. I did all this in a very passive and submissive frame of mind so put me down as passive. Hopefully, you're going to give us the results of your survey with some numbers and/or percentages? I'm looking forward to your results...should be very interesting. Blessings to you. Country Girl |
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111 | once saved always saved? | 2 Tim 4:18 | Country Girl | 128896 | ||
There is of course another side to this argument. As Hank mentioned, it's been fairly well covered in the past on the Forum. I'd like to agree with most of what Hank has said here for indeed, none of us are going to deceive God with a false face of christianity if it's NOT motivated by real and genuine love underneath. I'd like to remind you and everyone else that we've all experienced in our lives putting our faith of some measure into a valued friend who we thought was a good person, maybe even a good faithful christian and this relationship lasted for a long time. I also know that most of us have experienced, at least at one point in our lives, extreme disappointment in seeing one of our dear friends come to a low point in their lives, curse their previous relationships with us or with God and suddenly act like they never knew God. Remember Paul's words from Gal 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. and Jesus words from Matt 18:15 "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that "by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.' 17And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector. Now my question to you: If there's no chance of this kind of thing happening to a christian as Hank is depicting, why would God spend so much time in His Word on this subject? Blessings to you. Country Girl |
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112 | Do you have to be baptized to be saved? | Rom 6:3 | Country Girl | 128894 | ||
It seems we're being just a little hasty to conclude this topic when the Bible has so much more to say about the matter. Among them: 1 Pet 3:18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 19through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison 20who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also--not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand--with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. I agree with you in that some verses in the Bible SEEM to give support to your conclusion but when one does a thorough and complete search for every verse on this subject, it appears the Bible is in conflict but we all know that can't be. So rather than take a chance or gamble on those verses that seem vague in contrast to all the others that clearly state baptism is required like that above, I would recommend an attitude of "erring on the side of caution." What does that phrase mean? When we get to Heaven after being baptized into God's family, we can then ask God and if He says "No, there was no need for you to be baptized to be a christian, that's just a confirmation after the fact." as you've stated in your post. But on the other hand, IF it is correct like I'm saying that Christ does expect us to humble ourselves and get ourselves baptized in total submission to His Last Will and Testament, then all those who approach Judgment Day without that qualification are undone and unprepared. God just might say something like "I warned you that you would be judged by My Son's Words and He told you to repent and be baptized." Given these two scenarios, emphasizing it's Judgment Day and no turning back, which side would you want to make an error? Please be assured there is a tremendous multitude of folks throughout the world who believe just this way. Blessings to you. Country Girl |
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113 | Human Power? | John 15:5 | Country Girl | 128827 | ||
Thanks, I'll check it out. Blessings to you. Country Gir | ||||||
114 | Human Power? | John 15:5 | Country Girl | 128819 | ||
Quoted for reference: Rev 3:14 "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: Rev 3:15 'I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. Rev 3:16 'So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. Rev 3:17 'Because you say, "I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, Rev 3:18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. Rev 3:19 'Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. Rev 3:20 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. Rev 3:21 'He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. Rev 3:22 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'" Obviously, I don't have the education background you show but it seems this letter to the Laodiceans was simple and straight forward like the other six letters to the churches in Asia. Some churches were praiseworthy but most received harsh criticism from our Lord like most of us would if we were all judged today. Anyway, verse 20 is just a simple statement that our God wants to be the center of our lives as shown throughout the rest of Bibles, BUT the Lord's attitude is obvious here. He's NOT going to barge in and thrust Himself on anybody if they don't want Him in their lives. I hope this is clear. Blessings to you. Country Girl |
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115 | Christians before Jesus came | Bible general Archive 2 | Country Girl | 128817 | ||
Quoted from your post: Do you see what I am saying? The NT authors (and Jesus) were using a pesher method to make Jesus fulfill these IT ideas of the Messiah. Zechariah 9 was never intended to do this. What is a "pesher method?" Please explain. Thanks and blessings to you. Country Girl |
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116 | Human Power? | John 15:5 | Country Girl | 128816 | ||
Can you refer me to a Forum post discussing such a Biblical example of eternal security as I described in my previous statement/question? Still hoping. Blessings to you. Country Girl |
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117 | Human Power? | John 15:5 | Country Girl | 128809 | ||
Can you or Doc T show me in the Bible an example where someone established a relationship with God, lost it like King Saul and then God overpowered them and insisted on bringing him/her back into His Good Graces? Just need Book, Chapter and Verse to see this eternal security at work. Thanks. I guess I really open the challenge to anyone else on the Forum. Let's call it "Pick Up and Smear" just like we were kids. But I still pray for God's blessings on you all. Country Girl |
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118 | Christians before Jesus came | Bible general Archive 2 | Country Girl | 128806 | ||
I guess you can call me stubborn but I'm still not convinced. The people in OT times, were obsessed with the physical world. They even wanted their beloved Messiah to come and rescue them from the Roman Empire. How can you say those folks, even the faithful Jews, the ones who really did love God had a mistaken concept of what the Messiah was all about. How could they put faith in such a person? In contrast, I would say that those people did put their faith in God and just left the details to Him. But the biggest area where I disagree in this area is that of the whole world of people who have never heard the name of Christ nor have they even heard of a Bible. They've never heard the name Jehovah, God Almighty, Allah or any of the other names of the one true God as described in our Bible. True enough, this planet and its wonderful beauty does teach a person that there is a Greater Being who deserves our worship. Our inner conscience whispers to us that we know right from wrong at an early age and thus we suspect we should behave in accordance with that conscience or pay the consequences. How can you and EdB think that God is going to condemn to Hell all those who don't know Christ in spite of Paul's simple, straight forward words in Rom 2? I'm afraid it's going to take a little more convincing. But I will check with my Greek resources and friends about this "no one comes" phrase. This seeming conflict is a challenge so I'll get back to you guys. Blessings to you all. Country Girl |
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119 | Christians before Jesus came | Bible general Archive 2 | Country Girl | 128689 | ||
Then how do you reconcile the seeming conflict as I asked EdB? Please keep it simple with scriptures for my simple mind. Thanks and blessings to you. Country Girl |
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120 | Keys to Mature Spirituality | Col 3:18 | Country Girl | 128687 | ||
Did you really mean to say "Mature Spirituality" or is there a particular reason for your turning the phrase around from the other "Keys" in this long list? Blessings to you. Country Girl |
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