Results 101 - 120 of 1260
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: charis Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
101 | Is baptism a work? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 66445 | ||
Dear Tim, Greetings in the name of Jesus! In the verses from Colossians, the phrase 'buried with Him in baptism' makes it pretty obvious that Paul is speaking of water baptism. Trust, my friend, that anyone really reading any contribution I have made to this thread should be able to tell that I am not adding water baptism as a requirement for salvation. Quite the contrary, I have always been a champion of salvation by grace through faith. But I do believe that obedience to all the commandments in the New Testament pleases our Lord, and it is for this obedience that we hear the words, "Well done!" from God. (Matthew 25:21) We do not hear "Well done" for being saved by grace through faith. As to your personal experience, I can hardly stand judge. God will do that. Brother, I add no 'requirements' to salvation. But sanctification doesn't 'just happen.' We are called to "work out our salvation in fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12), and pleasing God takes some effort. We should not become so afraid of the word 'works' that we forget to 'serve' God. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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102 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | charis | 66444 | ||
Dear Cyclist, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Every commentary I have at my disposal identifies the 'little ones' in Matthew 18:6 as disciples of Christ, humble and modest, meek and lowly. This is where I get the idea of 'dependent' on God the Father and Christ the Savior as a child is dependent on his parents. The context of the following verses speaks of 'sheep' and the 'stumbling blocks in life' and 'discipline among the brethren.' Therefore, these same commentators believe that the 'little ones' continues to be the followers of Christ. Some 'public' denominational teachings and authors of Sunday School material like to say that Matthew 18:10 is speaking of 'personal, guardian angels' assigned to each and every child. However, most scholars ('internal' denominational teaching?) agree that indeed the 'little ones' in all of Matthew 18 are faithful Christians. Without meaning to be crude, I must say that if every child has a 'guardian angel,' then these angels are not very effective in keeping all children from sin or from falling into satan's clutches. :-( To many readers, this may 'pop their bubble' about these verses. I'm truly sorry. But the truth about children should encourage us all the more to bring them up in Christ Jesus, honoring the faith and discipline of their parents. Just one man's opinion... In Christ Jesus, charis |
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103 | Is baptism a work? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 66434 | ||
Dear Tim, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Brother, I am very familiar with the phrase 'outward sign of and inward grace.' To a certain extent I agree with the statement, in that Jewish circumcision is an 'outward, physical sign' of the 'inward' covennant relation relationship with God in the Old Testament. Then we are told that God will 'circumcise our hearts' for a better relationship with God. This seems, to me, to be connected in: "...and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead." Colossians 2:11,12 NASB. But even if ministers and theologians know that this phrase denotes a work of the Spirit, the teaching is often more 'JUST an outward sign of an inward grace,' i.e. unnecessary religious ritual. Worse, many use baptism as a 'membership' show, nothing more. Well, Sunday morning! (Bless the Lord!) I'm off to church. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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104 | Accountable for every commandment? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 66433 | ||
Dear inmyheart, Greetings in Jesus' name! I 'believe' that every believer should be water baptized. This, to me, is the ideal set forth in Scripture. It is not, however, an absolute. If it were, there would be little room for grace. As it is, there is LOTS of room for God's grace. So, I 'believe,' not 'know,' many things of the Bible. The only time I would use the word 'know' is when I say, "I know Jesus!" "For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." 2 Timothy 1:12 KJV. Blessings and peace this day of the Lord! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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105 | Is baptism a work? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 66412 | ||
Dear Tim, Greetings in Jesus' name! Sorry, but this seems just too convenient. They are called 'disciples.' If they were disciples of John, this would have been stated. Also 'all are NOT in agreement!' :-) Most, however, agree that they were not converted by PAUL's ministry. When asked, "When you believed...," this doesn't seem to be talking about believing in John, but Christ. Just as the Twelve and other disciples of Christ prior to the Day of Pentecost, 'John's baptism' of repentance in preparation of the coming of the Messiah was the norm. This does not make them ignorant of Jesus the Christ. More likely they were ignorant of the events of the Day of Pentecost and the up-to-date teaching of Paul. Baptism in the name of Jesus is not mentioned prior to the Day of Pentecost. Brother, I admit your scenario is POSSIBLE, but not probable. There is little Scriptural evidence that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is automatic upon belief, or synonymous with belief, but more likely often 'concurrent,' as water baptism SHOULD be. Sometimes the 'way things should be' and 'the way things are' is different. (like Christians!) :-) Good night! (really!) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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106 | Is baptism a work? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 66407 | ||
Dear Tim, Greetings again in Jesus' name! It's even later now, but when I saw your post I had to respond. :-) You wrote: "Paul also makes it clear in Gal. 2:5 that the Holy Spirit is received when one believes the Gospel message:" But that does not agree with the following: "It happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus, and found some disciples. He said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they said to him, "No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit." And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" And they said, "Into John's baptism." Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus." When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying." Acts 19:1-6 NASB. It seems to me that this passage gets ignored a lot! Peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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107 | Is baptism a work? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 66403 | ||
Dear Tim, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Thanks for a (as usual) good post. However, I must comment on one thing you said: "No one on this forum has argued that Christians should not be baptized." It's too late, and I'm too tired to look for them, but I recall a few posts that claimed that we are now baptized in the Spirit, and water baptism is no longer necessary or valid. Also, when you factor in those that practice infant baptism, I think there is a rather large portion of Christianity that does not believe personal faith is necessary for valid water baptism. Their stance is that baptism is not a personal spiritual work, but a proclamation or church ritual. Blessings to you and yours. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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108 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | charis | 66394 | ||
Dear Cyclist, Greetings again in Jesus' name! I forgot to answer your question! :-) No, I don't think that all little ones believe in Jesus. I cannot think of anything in the Bible that leads us to think that all children are born 'saved,' then at some point all become 'lost!' (the 'age of accountability' theory) How would we describe the point at which they stop believing? Where would sharing the "Good News" fit in? ("I once was saved, but now am lost, I hope I can get saved again!") I know it is popular to consider all children as 'innocent,' but isn't that doves? :-) I guess I back to 'ogre' status! :-( In Christ Jesus, charis |
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109 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | charis | 66393 | ||
Dear Cyclist, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I can only hope that I don't sound like an ogre, but... My own observation of children leads me to believe that they are not 'little angels.' From a very young age, they manifest selfishness and willfullness toward authority. Most children are not naturally giving, or sharing, and most of their 'happiness' is when they are satisfied and entertained. Now that the majority of humanity and virtually every mother on earth considers me pond scum, let me say that I love children! Really! I thoroughly enjoyed raising my own two daughters, and continue to rejoice in them, one one almost-16 and the other a college-sophomore-18. Our home is always full of 'extra' babysat babies and children, friends over, and slumber parties. Our church is blessed with children, and we have had a church school for 8 years, almost unheard of in Japan. When I see the sin in children, I am only being honest, so that I can correctly bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4) To call a kid cute when they are rotten is mutual deception. :-) When I read the above Scripture, I believe that the Lord is exhorting us to be "as children," i.e dependent on God as a child is dependent on parents. Please also note that there is a good chance that there was a lot more discipline in the home, and in society in general, 2000 years ago. Yes, I'm sure that 'kids were kids' even then. But I doubt seriously that the present-age public tantrums and outward disrepect were anywhere near as prevalent as now. Jesus was talking about faith and trust in God, not the nature of children. For... "Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest." Ephesians 2:3 NASB. You can see what we do here at www.charisjapan.com Blessing and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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110 | Accountable for every commandment? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 66387 | ||
Dear inmyheart, Greetings in the name of Jesus! As you probably know, I think that every believer should be baptized. I am curious, if baptism is commanded by God, therefore a requirement for salvation, how many other commandments must we obey in order to be saved? Trust me, I am not being facetious. The New Testament contains many, many commandments. If we say we are accountable to every one of these commandments, I assure you that not one person is saved! We are commanded to sin no more! We are commanded to be perfect! We are commanded to be humble! We are commanded to love our brother as ourselves! I have yet to meet a Christian that obeys every commandment of the Lord. So... I suggest that maybe "strongly recommend for our own good, for our sanctification, and in order to please God and earn the praise of our Master, 'Well done!'" as a more realistic rendering of the term. Perhaps we could shorten it to "command," and take away the connotation of "or else you are not saved." Just a thought... In Christ Jesus, charis |
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111 | Is baptism a work? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 66386 | ||
Dear Cyclist, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Brother, I commend you on your enthusiasm and manifest joy! I, too, wonder where the 'works,' 'requirements,' or 'neuter' ideas about water baptism come from. I feel that anyone with faith in God, the courage to ignore the traditions of men, and the conviction to read the Bible without prejudice, would come to the same conclusion as you and me. Jesus set the example for His followers, and they responded in obedience while under His tutelage, and later in the leading of the Holy Spirit. God is well-pleased with those that desire earnestly to please Him! I wonder if it pleases the Lord when a believer is water baptized only because he is told 1)"Otherwise, you're not saved!" (i.e. fear!) or 2)"It's just an outward show of what has already happened!" (i.e confirming religious ritual)? Or can the Lord be pleased when His people refuse baptism, saying, "Who cares?"(!) or "The early church needed it, but now our faith is 'mature!" (Yeah, right!)? I say an emphatic "NO!" in both cases. We NEED water baptism for our sanctification, not salvation. And it must be administered and received in faith, not ritual. The result is indeed, "WOW!" My friend, I wish my experience was as 'poetic!' :-) Though I knew the Bible recommended (I know, commanded) water baptism, I was putting it off. Then, one day I found myself standing at the top of the stairs leading into a baptistry. (I blame [BLESS!!] my wife for this predicament :-)) There were no trumpets trumping or angels singing (at least, not in MY ears), but I can solemnly proclaim that a washing took place that changed my life! Blessings and peace to you and yours. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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112 | Is baptism a work? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 66374 | ||
Dear Teacher, Greetings in the name of Jesus! With fear and trepidation I wander yet again into the quagmire of this topic. I pray that I can simplify the issue, not muddy it up! :-) The Bible speaks of three baptisms in the New Testament. All three are for our cleansing (washing), so it seems to me that they all are for our sanctification while we walk the 'pilgrim path.' This path starts when we are apprehended by the Lord and given the gift of faith to believe on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The path ends when we meet God after our death or 'in the air.' First let me outline my thoughts on salvation and sanctification. I personally believe that we are saved (in time-limited human terms) from the moment recognize His Lordship. However, the Lord knew us from before our birth, and knows the outcome of our life in eternity. So, from God's vantage, our salvation is secured and complete. But from our lowly viewpoint, limited by time and situation, we make (feeble) attempts to explain eternal things. This is where our earthly sanctification 'process' enters the picture. Upon recognition of our favor in God's sight, we are called to please Him. God rejoices when we continue in the path of repentance from our ways into His. This is called by many names, but is in effect a washing away of the old man of sin and death, and becomeing the new creation He longs to see. True, we are already 'clean' at the moment of salvation (even before!), but I have yet to meet a Christian who is complete in man's eyes. The tools we have at our disposal are the washings (baptisms) that God provides. These are 'available,' but not really at our 'beck and call.' In fact, only water baptism allows us any real, physical choice. Baptism in the Spirit and baptism of fire seem to be wholly according to God's will. But is even water baptism just a ritual or tradition? I don't think so. I think that water baptism is connected with the 'circumcision of heart' prophesied in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 10:16, 30:6, Jeremiah 4:4), and confirmed in the New Testament (Colossians 2:11,12). The Lord gives opportunity, and rejoices when we are obedient to submit to water baptism. It is not a 'requirement' for salvation, but acceptable and pleasing in God's sight. In the same manner, recognizing the cleansing work of the Holy Spirit, being sensitive to His immediate presence in our life gives God pleasure. Finally, when the cleansing fire of the Lord is applied to our lives for reproof, we must submit in humility and repentance, and this further sanctification is granted us. I understand fully that my 'model' gives complete authority for our salvation and sanctification to the Lord. It does not make a place for man to 'choose' his fate. I believe that God chose me, not I chose Him. But now, after knowing of His plan for me, I make every attempt to gain His approval. I long to hear His words, "Well done, faithful servant. Enter into My joy!" (Matthew 25:21) I entrust my 'reward' unto Him! (1 Corinthians 3:10-15) Simple, huh? :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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113 | tithing | Acts 13:39 | charis | 66370 | ||
Dear Johnny, Greetings in Jesus' name! Friend, I did read the thread very carefully. The only person in this thread that equates tithing with 'requirement' or 'absolute amount' is you. Please tell me, in your church, are even the very poor encouraged to give 'love offerings' to God? Is it taught that even a small portion (say, 10 percent, which is less than most governments require of their citizens) of a small salary is a door to many blessings? Are all the saints in your fellowship, both poor and rich, exhorted to receive the following Scripture?: "Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:6,7 NASB If the answer to these three questions is 'Yes,' then you are also teaching the principle of the tithe, even if you do not call it by that name. If, however, your church preaches that the poor are exempt, and the rich are to support the church, then you rob the poor of their blessing, and exault the rich, thereby stealing their blessing, too. Giving must not be tied to circumstance! Brother, the term 'tithe' is a 'rule of thumb' or 'basic suggestion,' not an exact amount. It just so happens that this is about the minimal amount that any Christian could give, but enough that those who have a hard time parting with their cash would be tempted to claim as 'too much.' As to those who can afford to give more, they are required by God to ask how much He wants. These 'fortunate' souls must never 'announce' their giving record, and the pastor should never reveal these things to the congregation. The rich are always tempted to be proud of their money. Truly, we should not 'require our members to tithe,' but encourage our members to give. If asked what that means, I always answer that 'entry-level' giving according to Bible precedent is 10 percent of your whole income, given from the heart without pressure from man. I have never heard of 'Heaven Can't Wait.' Please answer to me about your church's teaching of 'love offering.' In Christ Jesus, charis |
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114 | Why doesn?t God just show himself to tho | Mark 11:22 | charis | 66368 | ||
Dear cwade, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Pardon me for interjecting my own comments here. Please know that I am not answering for my good friend Hank. (in fact, I would like to know his thoughts on this matter.) When in a position of speaking the Gospel, you must follow the leading of the Holy Spirit! There is no set 'way' to it. If you get yourself into a 'rut,' you will not be able to minister effectively. Use the senses (and sense!) that God gave you to measure circumstance and the 'target' of your ministry. Listen carefully to hear what this person (or persons) is seeking. Always pray that the Lord would guide you. (I often pray at the start of my day that He would lead me to those who need Good News, then give me the appropriate words for that person or persons) If you find yourself saying the 'wrong' thing, take a breath and ask for the 'right' one. Finally ask that all you say and do be to the glory of God. There are times that we think we 'blew it,' but it is the Lord that works in the heart, not our 'explanations.' There are also times that we thought we did great, only to find rejection. If we speak with humility and faith, it is the Lord who is rejected, not us. Be at peace. Learn to speak with humility and faith, repent of unseemly behavior, and be at peace that we are not 'responsible' for the salvation of the world. (Never take credit for salvation, either!) God is well able to save those He calls, and not one will 'slip through His fingers.' As to whether or not to 'use Scripture,' it really depends on the 'audience.' Some are receptive to 'quotes from the Bible' because they are familiar with them, i.e. brought up in a Bible-believing home, so they have honor for the Word. Some have rejected the Bible for one reason or another, and need to hear common sense. (Notice that I did NOT say logic or philosophy! Though these words sound 'authoritative,' both are usually just emotional 'vehicles' for opinion.) Many will be more impressed by the testimony of your example than any words you say. Remember that a true testimony is the sum of your life in Christ, not a specific story or event. My brother, I hope these few musings would be of help to you. Many blessings to you and yours. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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115 | Should I resign from the Forum? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 66306 | ||
Dear mommapbs, Greetings in the name of Jesus! No, there is no reason to resign. If we all resigned the moment we did not live up to another participant's standards, there would be no forum! :-) btw, I do not believe that you did anything wrong at all. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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116 | tithing | Acts 13:39 | charis | 66292 | ||
Dear Johnny, Mabuhay and blessings in Jesus' name! Friend, we have discussed this one before, but I feel that again I must clarify something: Few ministers that 'teach the tithe' REQUIRE it or consider it an ABSOLUTE amount. In fact, I have never met a minister that did either. You seem to be really focused on these two aspects of tithing, while nobody else is! I have never been to a Christian church that made members legally bind themselves to give to the church. This is REQUIREMENT. Nor have I ever been to a Christian church that preached 'ten-percent, no more, no less!' This would be an ABSOLUTE amount. Now, please calm yourself about this issue. When a (responsible, caring) shepherd 'preaches the tithe,' he is well aware that some cannot meet this REQUIREMENT every week or month, and that some can afford well over the ABSOLUTE amount. A good minister also knows that people can deceive themselves concerning money. By preaching 'freewill offering' only, many who could give, do not. They always have another 'need' that is more important than their church. Another problem with 'freewill giving' is that many are very careful to let everyone else just how much 'freewill' they have! Those churches that practice 'freewill giving' are often ruled by those with the most 'freewill.' :-) Johnny, the tithe is Biblical, but not in the narrow, legalistic manner in which you portray it. Our brother EdB is indeed a preacher of the Gospel, and you would be wise to look more carefully at his posts. Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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117 | Why Rabbi? | Eph 5:33 | charis | 66290 | ||
Dear Rabbi Mark, Greetings in Jesus' name! Jesus said, "Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven." Matthew 23:9 NASB Jesus also said, "But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers." Matthew 23:8 NASB Friend, you do not supply any information in your personal profile, so I don't know if you are a Jewish rabbi or a Christian wanting to call attention to your ministry of teacher. That is exactly why your (mis)quote of Jesus' words caught my attention. At the same time, I must say that though you claim no teaching authority, your posts (yea, even THIS post!) certainly SEEM to assert authority over others in this public online forum. Mark, I appreciate your Biblical commentary and personal opinion, but toning down the 'advice' portion of your posts would go a long way toward amicable discussion. :-) I hope to get to know you better, and a little 'bio' would help. Blessings upon you and yours. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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118 | Do you know Jesus? | Gen 1:26 | charis | 66143 | ||
Dear zerotheory (or whatever name you want) Blessings in Jesus' name! Friend, you have caused me no grief. And I cannot think of a word I wrote that could mean that you are unwelcome here. The desire of my heart is that you know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I do not condemn you, but you own lofty opinion of yourself shows clearly that you do not want Jesus in charge of your life. Opinions are fine, but this forum is dedicated to those who trust that the Bible is the inspired word of God, and that therein lies salvation in Christ Jesus. It cannot be 'just another way' to know about an impersonal, multi-religion god. It is THE way to come to the knowledge of the one and only God, and His only begotten Son, Jesus. The Bible shows us the history of fallen man, and outlines what we must do to be saved from this perverse generation. Nowhere in the holy Bible are intellectual or philosophical 'paths to enlightenment.' Only a convicted heart and a humble spirit will grant you the knowledge of God. I have given you Scripture that shows the folly of philosophy, and also that there is no other name by which you can be saved. Trust in these words and put yourself in a place to be known by God, and you will be truly wise. Zerotheory, you were only a 'charlatan' in your own sight. Few here would find your 'theory' any more than empty philosophy. I will not be proud you are gone in my prayers. I will pray that the Holy Spirit would touch you with more peace than you could ever find by 'thinking.' The 'real' you? :-) Please! Unless you are a great liar, you will be known within 3 posts! And if you are a great liar, you won't like any of the answers you find here anyway! No, I don't think you are 'wise to my ways,' or you would be repentant, not angry. btw, 'zerotheory' committed intellectual suicide WAY before he came here. :-) Peace to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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119 | Do you know Jesus? | Gen 1:26 | charis | 66023 | ||
Dear zerotheory, Blessings from Yokohama in the name of Jesus! While pondering your above post, I decided to read your posts to other forum members. I could not understand how a Bible-believing follower of Christ could place so much importance on such a pointless philosophical rigmarole. Seeing that you never capitalize the word Bible, that you do not mention the Lordship of Christ Jesus, that you refuse to answer about your true convictions, that you equate intellectual exercise with faith, that you continually use non-Christian interpretation of Scripture, and your relentless pursuit of 'zero,' I can only conclude that you do not trust the Bible as the holy word of God, and that you are not seeking Truth, but truth. After spending many wasted years seeking truth, I found that Truth apprehends the true worshipper, the humble 'needer' of God, rather than the other way round. My prayer for you is that you stop this arrogant, self-serving pursuit, admit your sin, and wait upon God. Calling upon the name of Jesus is the most intelligent thing you will ever do! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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120 | Quotes from where? | Gen 1:26 | charis | 65941 | ||
Dear zerotheory, Greetings in Jesus' name! I'm sorry to say this, but your post is gobbledegook. Please answer the questions about the origins of your 'quotes.' You asked: "Is your love of God worthless?" The answer to this philosophical question is moot. God alone is worthy of all honor and praise and glory! Blessings and peace to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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