Results 121 - 140 of 253
|
||||||
Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Unanswered Bible Questions Author: charis Ordered by Verse |
||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
121 | How about faithful Jews? | John 14:6 | charis | 1818 | ||
Dear SLSAltsman, I asked a question a while back, "Covenant to Abraham revoked?" what do you think? Is Genesis 17:7, the 'everlasting covenant' to Abraham and his descendents nullified by the New Covenant? Did God renege the Old Covenant and revoke from Israel salvation from Hell? If He did take away this 'privilege' of salvation by faith (Abraham's descendents), when was it taken away? Please give specific Bible direction. In Christ Jesus. charis |
||||||
122 | So...covenant to Abraham nullified? | John 14:6 | charis | 3102 | ||
Dear Sgt_Z_Squad, Is your answer,then, that the Old Covenant has been done away with? That the everlasting covenant of faith to Abraham has been nullified? Trust, friend, that I am not a Jew, nor do I defend the lack of faith toward God that the Jewish nation repeatedly manifest. However, though I understand the inability of the Law and blood sacrifice to save, the covenant with Abraham was a covenant of faith established long before the Law. Please show me scripturally where God reneged on His promise to Abraham that those individuals who have faith toward God are in His favor (His face shines upon them). Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
123 | No more Israel? | John 14:6 | charis | 3158 | ||
Dear Sgt_Z_Squad, Yes, friend, I did look at the Bible. Yes, that is what Hebrews 8:8 says, but nobody is sure that Paul wrote the book of Hebrews. Yes, in the New Testamant, Jesus speaks in the context of the kingdom of God, that the gate is small, and the way narrow. However, when God makes an everlasting covenant, I still suspect that He means what He says. Your analogy is interesting, but could it not be that the sign says, "Old bridge ahead, but new (better) bridge turn toward Jesus."(?) If the Lord God made a bridge, it would last an eternity. My fellow saint, you seem to have made up your mind on this issue. By the way, does it not seem to you that Israel plays some part in the end-time? Are all those references pre-New Testament Israel, or 'spiritual Israel,' the church of Christ? I do not find an absolute answer on this one, so I give it to God. When I meet Him, I'm sure He will make everything clear. In the meantime, when I meet a Jew (not many in Japan :-), I will tell him there is a better covenant in the Lord Jesus Christ. Love in Jesus' name, charis |
||||||
124 | 'Seed' salvation? | John 14:6 | charis | 29743 | ||
Dear Servant7, Greetings in Jesus' name! Thanks for clearing up my confusion. (It was getting late at night on this side of the globe.) Please explain what you mean by 'Abraham's seed.' I understand that 'seed' usually means the blood-descendents, but I am not sure I that this would be applicable in this case, fo the following reasons: From word one, the covenant with Abraham was a covenant of faith. "Then he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness." Genesis 15:6 NASB. Israel, the blood descendents of Abraham were not faithful to God. "You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did." Acts 7:51 NASB. The house of Israel served foreign gods and took foreign wives, adulterating the line of Abraham. 'Then Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, "You have been unfaithful and have married foreign wives adding to the guilt of Israel."' Ezra 10:10 NASB, and "It shall come about when they say, 'Why has the LORD our God done all these things to us?' then you shall say to them, 'As you have forsaken Me and served foreign gods in your land, so you will serve strangers in a land that is not yours.'" Jeremiah 5:19 NASB. While it is true that there are many instances of Israel's repentance recorded in the Bible, there are MORE instances of sin and rebellion! For this very reason God sent His Son, Jesus. I do believe that God, in His perfect mercy, may honor the faith of the faithful descendents of Abraham in accord with His covenant with Abraham, but not the blood 'seed.' I understand that this would be an 'extra-Gospel salvation,' so I am not willing to state unequivocably that it is so. Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
125 | Is there no volition? | John 15:4 | charis | 524 | ||
Is there no volition? My friend, does coming to Christ make us devoid of all will and self? Is the only reason I believe because the Spirit makes me? The only reason I obey is because I am coerced? The only reason I fellowship is because it is the only path set before me? It is my opinion that we still have a will, and that matching our will with God's will is pleasing to Him. Certainly the Holy Spirit is the Helper and Comforter, but I do not think He is the Puppetmaster. I know that works that glorify me are dead, but my obedience glorifies God. When we, of our own free will, choose to depart from sin and serve Jesus (with help and leading of the Holy Spirit), heaven rejoices. The reason I cannot accept unconditional election and the total depravity of man is that it leads to sin being a sign of non-election. If someone sins, it must be because he was not truly chosen. This is an extremely arrogant stance for those who are convinced of their own election. Is it possible they cannot see their own sin? Also, if we start weeding out all who have sinned as being non-elect, heaven will be a very lonely place. Finally, if there is no post-salvation grace, who will be saved? I believe that Jesus is the Author and Perfector of our faith. Our initial faith was a gift from God according to His grace, we can claim no credit. However, I also believe that we participate in some (admittedly small) way afterward, the as a pilgrim. James makes this all clear. He was used to dealing with legalistic Jews who had mapped out a path to God in the flesh. Faith and works are both essential. | ||||||
126 | What is prayer? | Acts 1:14 | charis | 6018 | ||
Saints, What is prayer? Describe the act of prayer. What is the effect? How often? In Jesus' name, charis |
||||||
127 | How to choose ministers? | Acts 1:26 | charis | 5246 | ||
Friends and colleagues, What does the Bible say about ministerial succession? How are we told to choose a pastor, elder, or deacon? In Jesus' name, charis |
||||||
128 | Chosen by what method? | Acts 1:26 | charis | 5253 | ||
Dear Steve, Indeed, these are the qualifications for elder and deacon. I also agree that 'dynastic succession' is dangerous, and we have precious few examples in the Bible that worked well. Please, in what manner should these ministers be chosen? The Scripture above speaks of drawing lots. | ||||||
129 | Business world or Holy Spirit? | Acts 1:26 | charis | 5338 | ||
Dear JVH0212, Good answer! According to the Bible, what were the ways that Christ's sheep heard and knew His voice, in order that they may follow and obey? The Biblical terminology would include the gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as prophecy, word of knowledge, word of wisdom, etc. to allow us to be led by God. However, these gifts are not acceptable or dead in the opinion of many. Is this why we have 'boards' and 'votes' to determine succession? Does this not sound more like the business world rather than the direction of the Holy Spirit? Food for thought... In Jesus' name, charis |
||||||
130 | Church Age? | Acts 2:17 | charis | 1763 | ||
Friends and colleagues, is this scripture talking about the 'church age?' After reading Peter's sermon explaining their behavior, it seems that his quotes from Joel and David are talking about the 'church age' until the last days. Peter testifies that Joel's prophecy was about then and now, and until the return of thew Lord. Comments? | ||||||
131 | OT church? | Acts 2:17 | charis | 3976 | ||
Dear Sam, Don't you think that the Old and New Covenants speak of two distinct salvation experiences? Though both operate through faith, does not the new covenant speak of the cross and the blood of Christ? Were these working before in Abraham and Moses? I'm not sure I understand your view that the church is applicable to Old Testament saints. Please explain. In Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
132 | Only Israel? | Acts 2:17 | charis | 60991 | ||
Dear Searcher, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Friend, I am not sure what you mean here. Do you mean that Peter's sermon on the Day of Pentecost was only for those of Jewish descent? Or that Joel's prophecy was only for Israel, and Peter was telling the hundreds gathered around him that "this which you see and hear" is only for Jews of another era? I am under the impression that this sermon was for Christians, both Jew and Gentile, from that day forward. Please elaborate. While I'm asking, when do you see the fulfillment of this prophecy? Pre-Christ, the Day of Pentecost, today, or some future event? I believe we are seeing a portion of this now. In Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
133 | Who is God talking to? | Acts 2:17 | charis | 61016 | ||
Dear Searcher, Greetings again in Jesus' name! Honestly, who cares who Peter was talking to? Regarding the Bible, who is God talking to? I am of the opinion that the Lord is addressing me (and YOU!), and all that call upon His name! To say that the Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost is not for us today, and that his quote from the prophet Joel is only for a certain race of people is ludicrous. This is akin to saying that the words of Jesus were only for His audience at any particular time. For instance, only Pharisees, only the Twelve, only the Jewish multitude, only hypocrites, only lepers, etc. The entire Bible is for Christians, now, and until He returns. I cannot compartmentalize parts of books or prophecy or sermons to suit my doctrine, but must use the whole counsel of God to teach me His ways. Either the Spirit of God is, and always has been, active in the church, or He is not. We cannot deny the Spirit to suit our needs, or because some abuse His name. Again I ask, "Do you mean that Peter's sermon on the Day of Pentecost was only for those of Jewish descent?" This is much more important than which parts of Joel are for a specific situation. Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
134 | Will you join me? | Acts 2:33 | charis | 4912 | ||
Dear saints, The above verse, preceded by "This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses." Acts 2:32 NASB, speaks clearly of the Tri-Une nature of our God, or the Trinity. In the statement of faith of our sponsors is written, "We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only Begotten Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary." This is a clear statement of the Three-in-One God. Call it what you will, but this is the faith of Christianity from the very beginning of the Lord Jesus' ministry on earth. Any attempt to 'unify' or 'combine' this basic, ubiquitous doctrine into 'One Entity' is not in keeping with the Bible, nor with the creed of our sponsors and purpose of this forum. I am forthwith boycotting any further discussion of the 'Oneness' or 'Jesus-only' topics. Further consideration of this line is without merit, and will only hurt this forum, and the saints in this fellowship. Will you join me in stopping this unwise waste of time? Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
135 | What is a creed? | Acts 2:33 | charis | 5036 | ||
Dear Jim, First let me make it clear that though JVH0212 and I have had some lively discussion about the name into which we are baptized, and several other subjects, neither of us have ever touched on denial of the Tri-Une nature of God. Regarding creeds, they in no way supercede or replace Scripture. There are many creeds, most of them quite short. They were made by groups of men who studied the Scriptures, served God and His church with all their being. These men all had thoughts and a 'hungry heart' before God. They discussed, argued, prayed, fasted, and gave a significant portion of their lives to identify what any Christian should agree on. The results were always a 'Lowest Common Denominator' of faith in God. You are not the first to have a 'hungry heart.' But beware that your heart not be influenced by emotion and-or the conviction that you have a 'special revelation.' This is the trap of sectarianism. The Apostle's Creed, the Atanasian Creed, the Chalcedonian Creed, and the Nicene Creed (381 A.D.) are all in basic agreement on the fundamentals of Christian faith. I have also looked at the Creed of Orthodox Christian Faith and the Doctrinal Statement of the Lockman Foundation. The internet will lead you to many more. The creeds that are long-winded are always controversial and denominational, while the short creeds invariably speak to the heart and the mind the knowledge of Christ. I have read carefully your arguments, read and prayed over the Scriptures you have quoted, and find that they do not measure up to the Bible or the creeds that virtually every Christian holds as truth. Nor does the mystical belief of 'oneness' (or any variation) speak to my spirit. In Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
136 | Jesus' name baptism? | Acts 2:38 | charis | 257 | ||
Apparently the apostles baptized in the name of Jesus. Was this a revelation from the Holy Spirit after Jesus said in Matthew 28:19 to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? | ||||||
137 | Does Jesus' name satisfy Matt 28:19? | Acts 2:38 | charis | 284 | ||
Does it not seem that the "fuller" formula does not call upon the name of Jesus? Col 3:17 says '...do all in the name of the Lord Jesus...' Fuller seems neuter, and TV agrees. Father-Son-Holy Spirit is not metioned after Christ's resurrection, But Jesus' name invoked often. Though brief, Jesus' name seems powerful, and apparently satisfies Jesus' command in Matthew. | ||||||
138 | Without the Spirit? | Acts 2:38 | charis | 2133 | ||
Dear inhzsvc, Talk about a 'blast from the past!' I am sure that you win the 'answers to previous postings' prize, and I congratulate you :-) On a more serious note: How can you forget the importance of the pouring out of the Holy Spirit? This is truly the only time I have heard anyone deny the 'creation of the church' on the Day of Pentecost. Your 'few reasons' (16, no less!) are thorough and well-presented. I would have a hard time arguing against any of them, except for one thing. Israel had all the facilities and functions and organization to be called a 'church,' too. Indeed, Christ "...chose us in Him before the foundation of the world..."Ephesians 1:4 NASB, but without the Spirit, nothing could begin! Nothing! That is precisely why He had to send the Comforter and Helper. We needed this "Power from on high." Luke 24:49 NASB The glorification of the church started on the Day of Pentecost. (It's like having a Ferrari without gasoline, or a 1 GHz notebook PC without a charged battery, useless, though very impressive :-) Friend, if I read it right, all that was to prove that we have to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit? What about anything else we do? In the name of Jesus, or otherwise? Blessings to you in Jesus' name, charis |
||||||
139 | Pre-Forum thinking? | Acts 2:38 | charis | 4734 | ||
Dear Ray, I am truly sorry if you are led away from water baptism because of our discussion. I don't know your age or salvation experience, but what was your thinking pre-Forum? If you have read my postings, you should be aware that I am not (at least no longer) hung up on the name, but the faith in the work of God. I think it is obvious that the Bible does not consider baptism to be a 'Jewish thing,' but a Christian act of obedience. Indeed, water baptism does not seem to be prerequisite to salvation, but sustenance is not abundant life. Though there do seem to be 'minimum requirements' to sustain Christian life, is not abundant Christian life better? Please do find a church that baptizes by faith, and submit in faith. I have seen in the Bible evidence that obedience to this and other 'optional' commandments brings forth fruit in keeping with our faith. Go for it, friend! As to the 'Great Commision,' (which is not witten in the Bible, but a human term) I don't believe it refers so much to being baptized and having demons cast out of you as it does to going out and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Peace upon you in Jesus' name, charis |
||||||
140 | Trinity? | Acts 2:38 | charis | 29514 | ||
Dear RevRobert, Greetings again, in the name of Jesus! My friend, you will find that some here are a bit sensitive about the issue of Oneness, Modalism, and Jesus-Only doctrine. So far, I do not think you have stated clearly that this is your way of thinking, but if it is, please be frank. The result of many postings on this forum is that the overwhelming majority of saints here believe in the Trinity, or Triune nature of God, in accord with the Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed. While a majority seem to ascribe to water baptism in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, there are some (like me) that trust in baptism in the name of Jesus. But few here will tolerate a denial of the Trinity. Some might equate water baptism in Jesus' name as synonymous with Oneness Pentecostalism, but I know that it does not have to be so. Just a 'heads up,' FYI. :-) Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
Result pages: << First < Prev [ 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 ] Next > Last [13] >> |