Results 101 - 120 of 1773
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: John Reformed Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
101 | Is God subject to change? | Bible general Archive 2 | John Reformed | 102780 | ||
Dear Ed, The two lines are 'The soveriegty of God" and "The responsibility of man". Both exist simultaneously. How this can be...only God can tell. His ways are not our ways. Who has known the mind of God? His thoughts are infinitely higher than our own. If I have gone too far one way, it is in reaction to what I see as others going too far the other way. It is not a bad thing that we wrestle with one another over these great doctrines, for it forces us to prove our doctrines by diligent study of Holy Writ and prayer. The way I see it is that God has for-ordaned to occur allthings which do occur. I also believe that man is responsible for his words deeds and actions. I can (without twisting Scripture) prove that the Bible holds both of these positions simultaneously. They are both true...I just can't say how they can be true. No creature can. God bless, John |
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102 | Why do you say, "No creature can"? | Bible general Archive 2 | John Reformed | 102793 | ||
Dear Ed, You said "God has decided that he will repent of the punishment planned when man repents of his sin. Why can't we accept that?" I appeciate your answer but, it seems, we still have the same problem of the two lines. For it is God who must GRANT the repentance that leads to the knowledge of the truth. 2 Tim 2:25...That brings us back to square one. John |
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103 | Then it's all settled? | Bible general Archive 2 | John Reformed | 102796 | ||
Dear Noble, Acts 11:18 When they heard this, they quieted down and glorified God, saying, "Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life." I must confess to enjoying our debates with one anotheron the forum. However, I don't know as if I'd define as fun :-) But they do serve to challenge our pre-suppositions. For instance, it seems that you pre-suppose that Acts 11:18 indicates repentance for "all" Gentiles. In return I would ask, why then does it not lead them to the knowledge of the truth? There is also the problem that not all gentiles are repentant. Do you see what I mean? John |
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104 | Then it's all settled? | Bible general Archive 2 | John Reformed | 102804 | ||
Dear Hank, It is possible for us to debate without rancour. We have been doing so quite succesfully on the topic of God's immutability. Nary a harsh word has been spoken (Praise God!). There is no reason why two christians cannot disagree without becoming disagreeable. In fact it's a good witness. And who knows, we each may come to know God better than we had. John John |
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105 | Then it's all settled? | Bible general Archive 2 | John Reformed | 102806 | ||
I've just been informed that my membership has been revoked. While saddened by this I accept it as God's will. Good bye my friends, I pray God will lead you and bless you all. John Reformed |
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106 | Then it's all settled? | Bible general Archive 2 | John Reformed | 102810 | ||
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107 | God Intentionaly Made Bible Difficult? | Bible general Archive 1 | John Reformed | 31676 | ||
The difficulties I experience in understanding the scriptures arise from at least two weaknesses of mine. First:I am a sinner. This means that from time to time what the bible says is not what I want to hear and so instead of accepting the plain sense of the text, I twist it to suit myself. I must remember to pray and ask God to enlighten my mind thru the ministry of The Holy Spirit. Second: I'm not that knowledgeable about the culture and history that existed at the times the books of the bible were written. I therefore rely heavily on commentaries and study Bibles that help to fill in the blanks in my education. However I must bear in mind that the opinion of a commentator is not scripture itself. It's my resposibility to be a good Berean and prove what is said by the word of God. That being said there are many good resouces on the net. I like Matthew Henry an John Calvins commentaries. Knowing Scripture by R.C. Sproul is also a very good and inexpensive book. May the Lord bless you in your pursuit of Christ thru His word. |
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108 | fortunetellers in the new testament?? | Bible general Archive 1 | John Reformed | 35970 | ||
Dear EdB, Exellent post. Although I'm a "newbie" on the Forum, I've been greatly blessed through my involvement. To God be the Glory, John Adams |
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109 | Why can God kill when he tells us not to | Bible general Archive 1 | John Reformed | 36008 | ||
Dear TBTG, The short answer is because He is God and we are not. I know that sounds like a wisecrack answer, but if you don't believe me (who could blame you), this is what the Scripture says (and we better all believe it): Dan 4:35 "All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, But He does according to His will in the host of heaven And among the inhabitants of earth; And no one can ward off His hand or say to Him, 'What have You done?. Is God unfair? Rom 9:14,15: What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there? May it never be! For He says to Moses, "I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION." Some one may ask, what gives God the right to even say such things? Rev 4:11 "Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created." God is Holy, Just, Merciful, Allwise, Allmighty, Allknowing, Omnipresent and works all things all things according to the cousel of His own immutable and righteous will. We are a sinful, wicked race of people and are in no position to question God Almighty. Although even christians (myself included) do so on a daily basis. Your Friend, John |
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110 | How do I deal with Hatred toward God? | Bible general Archive 1 | John Reformed | 36361 | ||
Dear Gnuhart, Your friend is probably just more honest than most unsaved people. The world in it's fallen condition is at war against God and they hate Him for who He is. They want no part of a God that demands absolute obedience to His law. The fact that He holds their lives in His hand, drives them into fits of fury. We all have been guilty of hating God at sometime or other. He is no different from any other person whith whom you may proclaim the Gospel of Christ. Reread the first 3 chapters of Romans, it will give you an exact profile of those who need to hear the Good News. That having been said, it is obvious that some folks are easier to talk to than others. Some will be willing to listen, because they are polite. Others just enjoy winning arguemets. And there are those who claim they already love god (the god of their own creative imaginations). But as you know Christians cannot be too choosey in the types of people to whom we share the Gospel. However, God does expect us to use the brains He gave us, before we open our mouths: Matt 10:16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. I for one am relieved that the task of bringing lost souls to Christ is that of the Holy Spirit. We're just the instruments He uses. I pray He will use you greatly in His service. Your Brother in Christ, John Adams |
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111 | Speaking in tongues...not saved? | Bible general Archive 1 | John Reformed | 36373 | ||
Dear Raven, Perhaps it was just a slip, but in your reply to Nedra you wrote: "The bible says obediance to the Gospel and the culminating act of baptism saves us. Did you really mean to say that in addition to faith in Christ, we must be baptized before our salvation is recieved? Your Brother John |
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112 | Speaking in tongues...not saved? | Bible general Archive 1 | John Reformed | 36376 | ||
Dear Nedra, The idea that we are saved by anything other than God's grace is wrong, wrong, wrong. Your friend is being seriously misled. Read Galatians. Eph 2:8,9 "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." Acts 16:31 "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved". I don't see any mention of tongues, or baptism for that matter, in these or any other verse in scripture. Study His Word for yourself and do not rely on the teaching of mere men alone! God Bless Nedra, Brother John |
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113 | Speaking in tongues...not saved? | Bible general Archive 1 | John Reformed | 36447 | ||
Dear Raven, Thank you for responding to my post. I agree with you, when you said: "You can't dispute what the bible says no matter how hard you try. Picking and choosing certain scriptures to make a point." False teachers do this all the time. They take scripture out of context and twist it. This wicked practice will lead to their destruction! I would suggest that we read Paul's letter to the Galatians to help us understand the nature of our salvation. Then perhaps we can dicuss what we have learned from this particular book. God Bless Raven, John |
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114 | Speaking in tongues...not saved? | Bible general Archive 1 | John Reformed | 36472 | ||
Dear Raven, We were talking about the necessity of baptism. Is it necessary for salvation or not? You say it is and I say it is not. I suggested reading Galatians as a way of finding out what Paul says about faith and works. Your reply to me was about the salvation of babys. I never mentioned babys or offered an opinion about where they go if the die. I would be happy to discuss the question that Nedra asked, so can't we stick to that? John |
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115 | What if God did not join them tohether? | Bible general Archive 1 | John Reformed | 39186 | ||
Dear Rainbowmaker, We all are guilty of attempting to get around God's commands. The world, the flesh and the devil are more than happy to supply us with all the phoney excuses we want. Our problems arise from our unwillingness to accept God's rule over our lives. We look for loopholes and exceptions to His written Word. It is hard to go through trials and tribulation. So we seek a way to escape from them. We ignore the plain teaching of Scripture and look elsewhere for "easy" answers. I would encourage unhappy couples to turn to Christ, repent of their sins against one another and to pray for grace to perservere til the end. "For without faith it is impossible to please God". Climb up out of the swamp by using the promises of God as your stepping stones. "having done all to stand; stand therefore". God Bless, John |
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116 | What if God did not join them tohether? | Bible general Archive 1 | John Reformed | 39187 | ||
Dear Rainbowmaker, We all are guilty of attempting to get around God's commands. The world, the flesh and the devil are more than happy to supply us with all the phoney excuses we want. Our problems arise from our unwillingness to accept God's rule over our lives. We look for loopholes and exceptions to His written Word. It is hard to go through trials and tribulation. So we seek a way to escape from them. We ignore the plain teaching of Scripture and look elsewhere for "easy" answers. I would encourage unhappy couples to turn to Christ, repent of their sins against one another and to pray for grace to perservere til the end. "For without faith it is impossible to please God". Climb up out of the swamp by using the promises of God as your stepping stones. "having done all to stand; stand therefore". God Bless, John |
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117 | church on Sunday? | Bible general Archive 1 | John Reformed | 40207 | ||
Dear Shelly, I'm a bit confused. Would you mind restating your question more fully? Thanks, Brother John |
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118 | Show in the Bible once saved always | Bible general Archive 1 | John Reformed | 41562 | ||
Dear New Creature, Where did you get the idea of a "partnership" with God? Certainly not from the Bible! Paul called himself a slave, a bond servant, an apostle but never a partner. We are God's workmanship, creatures created by Him for His good pleasure. He may dispose of our lives any way He sees fit. You cited Jude 1:21 as an example of our responsibility to keep ourselves in Christ. But a few verses later we are told: Jude 1:24,25 "Now to HIM who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen." I fail to see where we may find reason to boast of our good works in this passage. He keeps us from stumbling; He makes it possible for us to stand before God. Any good works God is pleased to perform through us have already been prepared from eternity, and they will be done. Not because we're so hot, but because He has ordained them to take place! We must not confuse the means of grace with "works" that we must do to remain saved. When Jesus surredered His spirit to the Father, He said "It is finished". At that moment all the sins of all the people (past present and future) were atoned for by Christ and settled forever. The notion that a blood bought child of God could fall and perish is unthinkable. Those who profess to know Christ but die in their sin were never His at all. His work on the cross, like everything else He has done, is perfect. It accomplished the salvation of every person the Father had given Him. He never fails! I caution you, as a brother in Christ, to re-examine your conception of who God is and who you are. To God be the Glory, John Reformed |
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119 | Show in the Bible once saved always | Bible general Archive 1 | John Reformed | 41606 | ||
Dear Newcreature, Do you really believe that God Almighty is dependent on people? Please show me a plain statement from scripture to verify your claim. Does God stand helpless before His creatures, hoping they will "do the right thing"? As far as our being puppets (a schoolboy's arguement against God's absolute soverignty), I do not hold to that idea nor do I need to in order to defend my doctrine. If you would like to post it as a question on the forum, I would be glad to answer it in full. It is plain to me that your conclusions are based upon a misunderstanding of the God's intent in exhortation. Throughout His word He commands us to carry out certain actions or to adopt particular attitudes toward others, ourselves, sin, sanctification, satan, and God Himself. These are the means He has chosen to accomplish His will. He has not left us in the dark and He does not force anyone against their will to comply. Consider Acts 4:26-28 "THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST." "For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur." Here we are told that evil men committed evil deeds and that it was Gods plan from the beginning. How can this be? My theology provides a reason that is consistant throughout scripture. It is this: Those who sought the death of Christ did so out of an evil desire. God had planned it and He brought good out of evil without violating or forcing the evil men. I will continue later, God willing. John Reformed |
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120 | Show in the Bible once saved always | Bible general Archive 1 | John Reformed | 41645 | ||
Dear New Creature, In reply to your Q:" Is a man predestinated by God to salvation because he believes in Christ or is he enabled to believe in Christ because he is predestinated?" If God predestined someone based upon His foreknowledge of their "accepting Christ" the term predestined would be meaningless. Rom 8:29,30 "For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified." (this also supports God's preservation of the elect) As you can see from these verses predestination is preceeded by foreknowledge. The arminian proclaims that "foreknew" refers to God's foreknowledge of those who would (in the future),of their own free will, choose Christ. This is isogesis (forcing into scripture something the interpreter wants it to say). Armenian theology demands that foreknew must mean what they say it means, regardless of the context. Has God not foreknown every man whom he has or will create? Are all men called? If so all must be justified. Are all justified? No. That leasds us to the calvinist position which is that God foreknew those He would call, justify and glorify because He predestined them (the elect) before the foundation of the world. The arminian says that this is unfair, that for God to do this would be injust! God replys: Rom 9:20 On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, "Why did you make me like this," will it?" John Reformed |
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