Results 1101 - 1120 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# | |||
1101 | 5-fold, what do they DO? | Hebrews | charis | 1410 | ||
Amen! EveryHome. I did not expand my thoughts regarding the exhortations in Ephesians 4, but if you don't mind, I will here. The question about these 'five-fold' ministers is not how we 'translate' their Ministry into modern language, but ask, "What do they DO?" An apostle is a "...person(s) sent out by churches on special errands..." Ungers Bible Dictionary. He is a servant between churches. NOT a 'capital"A"' Apostle, a boss, a ruler, or the top of the ladder. The servant part goes for all ministries in the church. Prophets should prophesy God's relevant, living word to those God sends him to. Evangelists should bring forth the Good News, not just to the unsaved, but to those who have not yet become able to live it. Pastors should shepherd the flock, and I mean KNOW them. Teachers should teach the things of God, not just Sunday School, but wherever God sends them. I do believe that when the above ministry returns to the church, we will be closer to the unity of the faith. Friend, I agree that this is happening in many places. And I know that there are many, many servants in His church in America, but it is obvious to this 'outsider' that the church is full of arrogant 'ladder-climbers' and seekers of fame and fortune 'for the glory of God.' Recognizing these 'false' teachers and prophets will bring simplicity and humility and unity to the church. In case you haven't noticed, I preach about 'spiritual unity' now and then :-) In Christ Jesus. |
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1102 | No hope for unity of faith? | Hebrews | charis | 1408 | ||
Dear bjanko, You are right! I suppose that is my point. I cannot tell you how many times I have met people that attend one denominational church or another, but haven't a clue what the history or doctrine of the denomination might be. The sad part of this also bolsters my point, those 'uninformed' can be classified in two groups. 1) Those who don't care which denomination, they desire to be Christians, and 2) Those who are adamant regarding the righteousness of their 'group,' parroting the doctrine in total ignorance, and refusing to pursue any other thoughts. I admire the former, maybe they are the 'invisible church.' but the latter are the 'bigots' of Christianity, emotions (often negative) rule their life. I believe that church leaders are responsible to teach these 'spiritually-challenged' individuals a broader view of faith. I also believe that the leader of ANY church is called by Jesus to first teach and preach Christ, then preach their bent as 'supplementary' knowledge. Your last statement MAY be correct, but I will continue to pursue and teach the unity of the faith with hope in Christ Jesus, nevertheless. I still prefer to say it COULD happen, than it NEVER will. In Jesus' name. |
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1103 | May I Ask Again... Bible Software? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 1389 | ||
Dear EveryHome, I have the NAS Electronic Bible Library and BibleMaster, both by Foundation. Both are very good. The price of the BibleMaster is hard to beat, and it loads into Japanese WinMe O.S. with no problems. I have a few others (sorry, forgot the names) but they were overly complicated, so they got 'put away,' maybe forever. (i.e. I forgot where they are) I use the computer for reference a lot, but still like the printed Bible to read. | ||||||
1104 | No hope for unity of faith? | Hebrews | charis | 1379 | ||
Is there no hope for unity of faith? My esteemed (esteamed? :-) colleagues, I believe there is one possibility. Many years ago a present-day prophet spoke over me that I was a dreamer, but my dreams would come to pass. I envision a day when the Lord does bring us together, maybe even before His glorious return. I agree that this cannot be done by the present system of church organization. (or should I say division?) An appropriate scripture might be, "'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts." Zechariah 3:6-4:10 Now I understand that these are commonly considered post-return scriptures, but I am not quite done. Paul spoke as if there was a method to bring us together. "But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift... And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ...from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love." Ephesians 4:7-16 NASB I read here that just maybe the Lord is able to bring us together by adherence to His original plan of church leadership. I am not suggesting a 'super denomination.' This was not His intent. I am speaking of a simpler situation in which each local church serves the Lord autonomously with some (limited) spiritual oversight from the above ministers. As I said, it is a dream, not something I have 'worked out.' Though difficult to imagine, I believe the Bible says it is possible, AND better than what we have now. I cannot believe that our differences 'will never cease.' (kind of defeatist, don't you think?) I welcome comments. In Jesus | ||||||
1105 | Which question, please? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 1378 | ||
Dear Lady, Which question were you refering to? In Christ Jesus. |
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1106 | Explanation acceptable? | Revelation | charis | 1353 | ||
So, HeirofGod, was my (possible) explanation of how cults view the 144k acceptable? Your use of 'virgins' was number 4 in my Websters, so correct, but a bit unorthodox :-) I also understand a bit about these people, but certainly not ALL. Blessings in Christ Jesus. | ||||||
1107 | The headship of Christ | Col 3:17 | charis | 1347 | ||
Dear Ray V.H., I certainly agree with you about the NIV. It is a bit too 'casual' for me. Possibly they will incorporate your ideas in the NNASB (the New New American Standard Bible :-) Please do publish your comparison, but remember that this feeble brain might have a GPF. Regards in Christ. | ||||||
1108 | What is the point? | 1 Thessalonians | charis | 1344 | ||
Good morning, EveryHome. You are very observant. I DO live in a world you do not live in. As to my sleeping habits, they are just fine ;-) Sorry, my friend, I couldn't help leading you on for a moment...I live in Japan. You see, I am very much aware of Satan's ability to 'sway' Christians from the path. I just don't agree that he can 'snatch' us away from God. If you would use Search for 'Snatch' or 'Salvation' you will find a great discussion on that. Thank you very much for your compliment. In faith, I cannot consider any word more favorable than 'centrist.' I frequently use the capital 'X' thing because I find that many Christians who favor any particular 'proper' adjective describing their faith are not 'something more than Christ,' but something less than Christ.' I am sorry, too, that I left off the first part of 2 Timothy 2:12. It, and the context, are among my favorites. I understand persecution and very much, and I believe that it is in persecution that the church really shines. Remember my situation, less than 1 percent 'professing' Christians, and probably one-tenth that Bible-believing and church-attending. There are no Christian television shows or radio stations (maybe a blessing!) and few of the reference materials you enjoy are translated. Yet, the church shines. I believe the church will shine on that day, or in those days, if you prefer, and Satan will be found to be not as strong as some think. Well, I must go to church. I am blessed to hear your views. Love in Christ Jesus. | ||||||
1109 | What is the point? | 1 Thessalonians | charis | 1331 | ||
Dear EveryHome, Opening up my mail just prior to bedtime is terrible! I read your answer with great interest. Though I 'abstain' from any capital 'X' label, I appreciate your Arminian views. I also believe in the possibility of apostacy, but I don't believe it is very easy. Overall, I must say that I think you are giving Satan more power than he has been given. I think this has always been the case. As a master of deceit, his most powerful weapon is that of confusing and frightening God's people. I stand by my statement that study of God's end-time plan is fine, and 'seeing through' the false prophets and false 'christs' is necessary, but submitting to sensationalism is definitely not productive. It does seem to me that some of these 'false christs' will use the 'rapture' for their purposes. A good end-time teaching will give you the ability to prepare for the coming of Jesus where you are. When they teach you to 'come over here,' I am wary. "...I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day." 2 Timothy 1:12 NASB I am certain that God would not allow Satan to put us through a tribulation that we could not stand. So...live in Christ Jesus. |
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1110 | Ideal, but prerequisite? | 1 Timothy | charis | 1329 | ||
Dear JMR, I detect a strong polarization in the answers to the above question. I agree that the scriptures in Matthew and I Corinthians present a strong argument for unmarried leaders. However, I see them as ideals, and possibly advice to 'those who are able,' not 'guidelines for ministry' or the 'rules of clergy.' Other scriptures clearly talk of ministers being husbands of one wife. What do you think of my above comments about the difference between the study of marriage and family and the experience? Forbidding marriage and requiring abstinence also has its dangers. How do you justify the lack of options? It seems the Bible gave ministers the option of choosing their course. Understand that I mean no disrespect. The theory of 'marriage to the church' is honorable and Biblical, but not prerequisite to service to God. Finally, it is true that Jesus did not marry, and He IS the ultimate ideal. But the Lord was without sin, above temptation, and had perfect knowledge, wisdom and insight. Though His Spirit works in us, we do not have 'command' over these things as He did. Using the example of Christ is invalid in this instance. I look forward to hearing your comments. Blessings in Christ Jesus. | ||||||
1111 | The headship of Christ | Col 3:17 | charis | 1328 | ||
Dear Ray V.H., I do see where you are coming from, very clearly. I keep trying to look at the scriptures in light of your comments, and I do see a temptation to use capitals. I am not a Bible scholar by any stretch of the imagination, so I can't comment on the ideas of the men who have devoted themselves to this task with authority. It does seem, however, that they only used capitals when the meaning and intention of the scriptures was without reasonable doubt. I must say that the verses from Colossians could be a bit ambiguous. I think the NASB is correct in not capitalizing those verses, but this would not stop me from using them in a 'capital' sense when preaching them or teaching about them, for the sake of portraying Christ. Good thoughts and comments! Blessings in Christ Jesus. | ||||||
1112 | What do YOU think? | Haggai | charis | 1327 | ||
OK, no biting, melchizedekau. What do YOU think? 1)about Haggai? 2)about my answer? I am also interested in knowing the ideas and opinions of those in Christ, that the Holy Spirit would use them to teach me, too. Blessings in Jesus. | ||||||
1113 | Sin vs. sins vs. iniquity? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 1326 | ||
I'll get this one off, too. | ||||||
1114 | Sin vs. sins vs. iniquity? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 1325 | ||
Dear me, Apparently, no one could, would, or did answer this question. In case anyone was wondering (but I guess not) I was not talking about singular and plural sin. Sin seems to be in the being, in the heart of man. Sins are the many actions and inactions of man that are not pleasing to God, thus against Him. Iniquity seems to be a judgement of the person, not his actions. Thus, it seems to refer to in-born sin inherited from Adam. Dead works are those things that we do that are not in accord with God's will. Even though they may seem to have some benefit in the perpetrator's eyes, they are selfish in nature, thus sin. Jesus died for our sins and our sin. Though sin is dealt with immediately upon our confession of Christ as Savior, sins are still a part of man until final judgment. Sins will be brought before the Lord, and dealt with at the judgment seat of Christ. | ||||||
1115 | Women speak in church? | 1 Cor 14:34 | charis | 1320 | ||
Dear Dud M3, I like that, and I am sure my wife will, too! Amen regarding authority. There is nothing shameful about obeying God's commands. In Jesus. | ||||||
1116 | any comments are welcome on this book | Haggai | charis | 1319 | ||
Dear melchizedekau, OK, I'll bite. I believe that the Lord wants His people to build His church in the pattern first given, that of simplicity and obedience and faith. Israel wanted to build their religion of self-righteousness and earthly glory. That is why they could not recognize Jesus as the Messiah. He spoke of faith, obedience, and simplicity. I believe that this book represents to us a call to return to the Lord in repentance. Our ways are petty and legalistic, the church is divided in much the same manner as the days of Christ, all believing their complicated sets of rules and doctrines to be superior to all the others. None are willing to receive a suggestion that God's will is simpler than 'their way,' bringing all to an impass. "Let's agree to disagree" is a code for "Let's keep on in the status quo, and stick to our own camps." "'The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former,' says the Lord of hosts,' and in this place I shall give peace,' declares the Lord of hosts."Haggai 2:9 I believe this passage says to us today that the coming age will have more glory (faith, unity, fellowship) than the early church. In Christ Jesus. |
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1117 | Are Christians commanded to eat meat? | 1 Corinthians | charis | 1307 | ||
Dear shorty, No, we are not commanded to eat meat. No, you can choose either way, but meat is a healthy food, and helps balance your diet. No, I believe that the Lord Jesus was blameless before His countrymen. A comment: What is a humane way to kill an animal for food? This is truly in the realm of emotions. Or, perhaps there is a Bible reference to animal 'feelings' or animal 'rights?' These emotions are humanist in origin, and care must be given when assigning our hearts to a non-spiritual issue. Blessings in Christ Jesus. | ||||||
1118 | What is the point? | 1 Thessalonians | charis | 1306 | ||
Why would you want to? Dear EveryHome, I am not making fun of you, or making light of your question. I simply think that examining one's motives for pursuing this is a good thing. I am not Pre-trib, Mid-trib, Post-trib, or even Rapture with a capital 'R,' so I won't be trying to convince you of any of these. I cannot see that any one of these 'theories' is carries the weight of Biblical certainty. I have studied extensively these since watching a movie that had elements of all of these, almost 20 years ago. My conclusion is that, though the topic is worthy of investigation, focusing on it is a diversion. In fact, to some it is a trap and a fixation. Why would you wan to spend a lot of time looking into something that has been expressly hidden from us? "Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time is." Mark 13:33 I look at the context of this and get from it that we are not to go around looking for signs, investigating every earthquake and war. Nor are we to say, "Here is Jesus!" and everyone flocks to this place and that, seeking a 'special' blessing or understanding. No one fellow, group, or place will have a 'special' knowledge of the coming of Christ. Period. Instead, live your life for Christ, NOW! Obey His commandments where He has set you. Preach the Good News that He is Lord, and He will return, not about the return. As I look into the Bible, I can see no 'special' thing we can do to prepare for a rapture of any kind, except to live in Christ to the fullest of the faith-gift given us. All else is diversion and vanity. The phrase 'so heaven-bound that they are no earthly good' applies to many who know 'all' about the end times, but their Christian lives are in a shambles. The good books on the 'end-times' and 'rapture' will give you a overview of the scriptures, Old Testament and New Testament, but then tell you the same thing, "So...Live in Jesus!" That is the 'bottom line.' Blessings in Jesus' name! |
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1119 | Women speak in church? | 1 Cor 14:34 | charis | 1284 | ||
Friend, to answer your short question, YES!, they do. More seriously, I have been to churches where women are literally not allowed to say anything at all in the sanctuary. I thought this was unnnatural, and a bit legalistic. (As I recall, women made up for it elsewhere :-) I believe that Paul was addressing a specific situation in the Church at Corinth, not a general doctrine for every church for all time. I think you are asking whether or not women should be allowed to preach or teach or hold office. As for preaching and teaching, I think that all Christians are called to proclaim their faith and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As to 'office' and the pulpit, I admit I am moderately chauvinistic. Moderate because my church has female deacons, and they (and the elder's wives) preach at times during our evening services, which are usually a bit more informal than Sunday morning worship. Chauvinistic (to some) because I generally believe that the pastor and elders should be men, ideally with (a) wife and family. I think this is the pattern we have been given, and that there is balance in it. However, this said, I would not say, "Never." I am open to other ideas from the Bible. In Christ Jesus. |
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1120 | Unmarried men pastors? | 1 Timothy | charis | 1283 | ||
Dear Dud M3, Welcome! I tend to agree with you that the Bible seems to be recommending ministers to be men with one (present?) wife. I am aware of other traditions and interpretations, but not only does this seem to be the Biblical pattern, but it makes a lot of common sense as well. One issue is the spiritual authority of a man in his own home. Another issue is that unmarried ministers, men or women have a serious, real handicap when dealing with the complications of shepherding the flock, the majority of whom will be married with children. Even married, if you are very young and without children, it makes it difficult to be taken seriously by those who are in need of counsel and spiritual help. A great deal of experience is gained by being responsible for a family of your own that will apply to your spiritual family. By saying these things, I am not trying to discount anyone from service to God, just simply stating a few practical realities. I have met Catholic priests, who last I heard, cannot be married, and though nice fellows and well-trained, I saw obvious gaps in their ability to serve God's people. (I am certain that they may have a different opinion) I have also met many women pastors and leaders, some married and some not. Overall, there seemed to be an unbalance. I don't think I could say anything further that would not be teribly misconstrued, so 'nuff said. (Again, I am certain that they might hold a different opinion!!) In my church, we have women deacons (deaconesses?), and there seems to be a real area of spiritual ministry available to them (not just menial). Again, without getting into trouble, I will just say, "It works." In my opinion, Bible teaching is the literal word, without being Pharisaical, plus a healthy dose of common sense. I am pretty certain that God is sensible. It seems that most departure from the 'married men' norm has been political, financial, and-or emotional; anything but Biblical and practical. Blessings in Jesus' name! | ||||||
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