Results 1121 - 1140 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# | |||
1121 | Unmarried men pastors? | 1 Timothy | charis | 1282 | ||
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! | ||||||
1122 | Still...can WE know this? | Hebrews | charis | 1265 | ||
My friend, my wife has been telling me for years that I sometimes (often :-) don't get my point across very well. Perhaps this forum can help me with this 'character flaw?' It indeed is a great way for me to use my mother tongue for discussion at this level. Likewise, I treasure our friendship and discussion, and looking up your submissions is always interesting. In Christ. | ||||||
1123 | The headship of Christ | Col 3:17 | charis | 1264 | ||
Dear Ray V.H., Why? For instance, the body of Christ, the name of the Lord. It would not denote a personal name, so no capital. Possibly, "My Head, my Savior?" In Jesus. | ||||||
1124 | Pre Wrath Rapture? | 1 Thessalonians | charis | 1262 | ||
Dear EveryHome, Watch "Left Behind." I am not 'pre-tribulation' per se, but the concept was interesting. (Except the 'empty wombs' bit, implying that all babies are saved) Discuss! In Christ Jesus. | ||||||
1125 | Another Angel Flying In Midheaven | Rev 14:6 | charis | 1261 | ||
Dear SSprin, I agree with your answer. BTW, the scriptures are 2 Corinthians 11:4 and Galatians 1:6. In Jesus. | ||||||
1126 | Enoch's prophesy in OT? | Jude 1:14 | charis | 1260 | ||
Dear bcbloyd, 'The Book of Enoch' is not included in "The New English Bible, with the Apocrypha" and though I do not own a "Catholic Bible, with Apocrypha" I do not think it is there, either. Look at Amazon.com, there were a few good reviews that might help you. One reviewer says that Jude is using a bit of sarcasm there. Blessings in Christ Jesus. | ||||||
1127 | any comments are welcome on this book | Haggai | charis | 1258 | ||
It is in the Old Testament. What are you fishing for? Your move... In Jesus' name. | ||||||
1128 | But can WE know this? | Hebrews | charis | 1257 | ||
An 'admitted' Arminist! Welcome, my friend, to the show that never ends! Though I profess no capital 'A' or 'C' (or 'X' or 'Y' or 'Z') I do agree with your about 'sudden' damnation, in the same way I do not believe that Satan can 'snatch' us away from God. Just to add an anecdote that is (somewhat) relevant: I went to a meeting a few years ago, and the preacher said that he 'cast out several demons from himself using a mirror just prior to the meeting.' Needless to say, I did not stick around for fellowship after the meeting! Very mobile demons! Blessings in Jesus' name! |
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1129 | Still...can WE know this? | Hebrews | charis | 1256 | ||
Dear friend, I stand corrected. You and Harper's both seem to be talking about the theory or theology of the knowledge of God, and I talked about the practical application of this knowledge or lack of it. I do understand that this is a forum for theologians and scholars, but I was writing about and to those who are laymen. Though I am a minister in a local church, I consider myself a layman. Again, I fall into the trap of applying my bent to another's. As an excuse, I can only say that my motive was to speak to all those reading these discussions, not just to you. Please forgive my lack of clarity. I did re-read the submissions, starting with "Could a believer lose their salvation?" then to "Once lost, always lost." Isn't "...is unregenerate..." kind of a statement that 'appraises salvation?' I was under the impression that you were using Hebrews 6:4-6 to express your views concerning "Once lost, always lost." If I am totally 'off the mark' in this, please forgive me. Your protagonist, not antagonist friend, in Jesus. | ||||||
1130 | Only 144,000 virgins in heaven? | Revelation | charis | 1252 | ||
Dear HeirofGod, What did you mean about 'virgins?' As far as I know, some sects of the Mormons also use this number, as well as the Unification Church (the Moonies). It seems that almost all cults that 'use' the Bible for their own purposes point to this number in order to attempt to 'legitimatize' their religion. In other words, theirs is the 'true' faith, and the rest of Christians are deceived or 'faith-challenged.' I find it interesting to note that some of these cults have more than 144k members (even discounting their 'inflation' of the numbers), which causes me to wonder how they account for this to their own people. Are they trampling one another for a 'reservation?' ;-) It seems to me that even Bible-believing Christians can interpret this number to be a 'saved-unsaved' or 'saved-more saved' competition. I do not know exactly what this number depicts, but I do know that is dangerous to focus too much attention on it. In Jesus. |
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1131 | Who has Eternal Insecurity? | Hebrews | charis | 1250 | ||
A true statement of faith, my brother. But (seems like I read that word a lot around here :-), unfortunately, there are a lot of people who have not yet achieved that level of faith. Many Christians I have met in the country of my calling (Japan), and many Christians I have met in the country of my birth (U.S.A.), struggle with their faith. Though 'knowledge' is imparted from the pulpit and in Bible Study, some are not as capable as you and I to apply it to their lives. Those whose faith is weak are dogged by sin, and the world around them desires to steal as much faith as possible from them. It would be easy to just say, "They are weak, maybe they are not of Jesus." But I can find no Scripture that supports my giving up on them. I believe we are to proclaim the Gospel to the lost, and to the weak (some might say 'marginal') Christian alike. It is possible that the fellowship you enjoy contains no 'doubters' or weak-of-faith, that all your brothers and sisters-in-Christ have absolute eternal security. I have met few who could claim eternal security moment-to-moment, day-to-day, for all their Christian life. Yes, I have known those who put on a good facade, but their actions betray them at times. Eternal Security is a doctrine which I believe in, a theology I study, a faith I hold dear in my heart, and a topic I speak of often. Sadly, though, it is not a reality to many. I cannot condemn those who have not yet found this gift, but only encourage them to continue their pursuit of it. It must be real to THEM, not pie-in-the-sky, or for 'others.' I guess it is my method to meet-them-where-they-are, and help them rise up. I know I was blessed by many very patient saints when I was first saved. In Jesus. | ||||||
1132 | Still...can WE know this? | Hebrews | charis | 1243 | ||
Dear JVH0212, I very much agree with you that Hebrews 6:4 seems to say that one cannot be 'born again again.' My question was not disputing this at all, nor was I trying to put words in your mouth. The following: "This much is clear: whoever openly and consciously rejects Jesus Christ is unregenerate even if he seemed to have been saved earlier." (note at Heb. 6:4ff, NRSV Harper Study Bible) was also written in your statement, "Once lost, always lost." This is clearly a statement to us, because of the word 'seemed.' God knows, there is no 'seemed' to Him. Unless I misread this quote from Harper's note, it implies that men with limited knowledge, relying on their senses and instincts, which sometimes fail, are to discern when someone is fallen, by observing if the said person 'openly and conciously rejects Jesus.' My question simply asked if WE have this kind of righteousness? Ideally, the church is made of saints of integrity and Holy Spirit revelation to discern such evil people. But to 'proclaim' them as 'unregenerate' and condemn the possibility of salvation in them seems to be out of our area of authority. When we begin to label people in this manner, we usurp God's vantage, and COULD do a great disservice to someone God MAY forgive. There are several examples in the Old Testament that would back this up (David certainly comes to mind), and I cannot imagine that the New Testament expounds a more severe judgement than the Old Testament. To sum up, I believe that your comments regarding Hebrews 6 are true, but we on earth do not have the authority to act upon this judgement. In Christ Jesus. |
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1133 | Who has Eternal Insecurity? | Hebrews | charis | 1226 | ||
OK, I'll take the bait. Who has Eternal Insecurity? Anyone with sin in their life? Or anyone that says the matter is in God's gracious hands, we cannot know the fact in this life? Is it not a matter of faith, NOT knowledge? Your turn! In Jesus. | ||||||
1134 | Baptism question in Acts 2 and John 3 | Acts 2:39 | charis | 1214 | ||
Dear Bereian, A lot of people from various backgrounds heard Peter preach these words. True, most were Jews. However, suppose it were only for Jews. Then it would only be the Old Testament-Part 2. The fact that we have the rest of the New Testament proves that these words were for all who hear and believe. The alternative is ludicrous. As to the words of Jesus in the book of John, I believe the Lord was speaking clearly about water baptism and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Apparently, thinking of 'water' as being water from the womb is trying to legitimatize the idea that we no longer need water baptism. I think the book of Acts is pretty clear that water baptism is a valid act of faith, a cleansing and a strength to all believers in Jesus. See Acts 8:26-38, 10:44-47, 19:1-5 I pray that these will help you. In Jesus' name. | ||||||
1135 | But can WE know this? | Hebrews | charis | 1212 | ||
Hebrews 6 is very clear, this is true. However, my friend, when can WE say that someone is lost forever? This judgement is made by the Lord. I have heard of a lot of presently bad guys who at one time proclaimed to be Christians, and met my fair share, too! But can I know they are now excluded from grace by their actions? Any more than I can look at a nice, religious man and be sure he will be in Heaven? I don't recall the Lord giving us the power to discern such things. (Though, believe me, the temptation is there! :-) It seems to me that Harper went a step too far. But, maybe my eyesight is not as good as some ;-) In Christ Jesus. | ||||||
1136 | Satisfactory? | Hebrews | charis | 1211 | ||
My friend, you are correct. If I find it a bit of a stretch, I should say why. I find this scripture particularly relevant today, when a lot of externally 'iffy' people are claiming Christ as Savior. My idea is that, though many may not have all the external 'vestments' of salvation, it does us no good to call them 'unsaved.' It becomes our judgement of them from an unqualified vantage. If the word here says they 'know' God and the 'way of righteousness,' I give them the same benefit of the doubt that I would give to a man standing in front of me. I would encourage them to show forth their 'knowledge' by producing the fruit of repentance. In this particular place it seems that they denied that knowledge, and returned to their former ways, with the added burden of forsaking God. Whether or not they were ever saved, I have no CLEAR word from the Lord, nor do I know if they went to Hell. If you have more revelation from the Holy Spirit about their plight, share it with us. The point I was making was 'when we are saved,' not a detailed discussion of 2 Peter. However, concerning THEM, vs 11 says that even angels do not judge them before the Lord. Neither will I. I hope this supports my statement to satisfaction? May the Lord bless your path to Him, in Christ Jesus. | ||||||
1137 | When are we 'securely' saved? | Hebrews | charis | 1209 | ||
Amen, friend! I agree with both statements. The first came from the mind, a result of study and logic. The second comes from the heart, with honesty and humility. In Jesus. | ||||||
1138 | When are we saved? | Hebrews | charis | 1196 | ||
Amen to all. As to the last statement, me, too! Just ask JVH0212. In Christ Jesus. | ||||||
1139 | When are we 'securely' saved? | Hebrews | charis | 1195 | ||
When are we 'securely' saved? Dear friends on both sides, indeed, this question is a bit too 'theological' or 'religious' for this simple soul. As I interpret the Bible, we, as beings bound by time and flesh, cannot KNOW 'securely saved.' We can only discuss eternity in theory. However, we CAN hope and believe in salvation in Christ Jesus today, here. In the Holy Spirit, I can 'know' I am saved by grace, but the 'Final' outcome is in His hands. With this I am at peace, absolutely sure that God is just. My point is that doctrinal or theological 'rightness' does not excuse us from misleading God's people into spiritual arrogance or casual 'feelings' faith. A good balance of study and experience seem to be in order. Finally, to address the above answer, I find it 'a bit of a stretch' to say that the 'knowledge of God' and 'way of righteousness' do not speak 'necessarily' of salvation. Blessing and peace in Jesus' name. | ||||||
1140 | Experience Hell? | Mark 15:34 | charis | 1191 | ||
Friend, though I (obviously) agree with the scriptures you quoted, I asked about the 'experienced Hell' part because I do not think He did experience damnation. I agree that Jesus bore our sins and experienced death. I believe He rose on the third day. But I think His experience in Hell was as a 'Conqueror.' He went down to the abyss specifically to take away the power of death. It was no 'close thing,' but a one-sided rout against Satan's authority. This is just my idea of what happened, and theological statement. In Christ Jesus. | ||||||
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