Results 121 - 140 of 277
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Results from: Answers On or After: Thu 12/31/70 Author: charis Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
121 | Where was God? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 16844 | ||
Dear prayon and saints, God was, and is, and shall always be completely in charge! He is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent, so none of this *surprised* Him or *got by Him.* Unbelievers can and do ask this question, because He is not where it matters, in their hearts. We cannot change the past, only repent and hope for today, and the future. Yes, this can be a lesson, but we cannot 'predict the future of the past.' Let's not 'whip ourselves,' but change. For those wh know Him, repentence is a gift from God, a chastening in love, a cleansing from sin. It is not an angry bludgeoning or wrathful punishment. May we become sensitive to His Word, and to His Spirit, and honestly look at His church, and we will be blessed. Blessings, my friends and colleagues, in Jesus' name, charis |
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122 | Did we witness a miracle this week? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 16675 | ||
Dear Brian, Backwards prognostication? :-) In Jesus, charis |
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123 | Are there stillborn Christians? | 1 Pet 2:2 | charis | 16549 | ||
Dear CDBJ, Greetings in Jesus' name! I don't know about the proper Greek grammatical construct of this verse, but to answer the question, "Are there stillborn Christians?" I would have to say no. This is from God's point of view. One is considered a Christian when you, in summary, "... confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved;" Romans 10:9 NASB. (This seems to be the Lowest Common Denominator for Biblical salvation.) This is an awesome thing, not to be taken lightly, or parceled out wholesale! While the Gospel is to be spread in every possible manner, the reciept of the Good News is an event on the order of childbirth, with the same responsibilities. I recommend a bit of 'pre-natal' and 'post-natal' instruction to over-anxious believers. We live in an age of 'cheap grace.' Many churches are anxious for as many 'souls' added to their statistics as possible. It is called 'zeal,' but they so desire numbers that they water down the Gospel. I have witnessed many times that salvation is reduced to 'a threat or a bribe.' After the 'sinner's prayer' is repeated, a person is declared 'saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost.' Though I am aware that this IS possible, I have seen unfruitful aftermath too many times. I have spoken to church leaders about this, and invariably they say, "but some ARE saved, and Jesus is happy for even ONE!" While this is certainly true, I strongly believe that the same results, or even better results, are available through a more personal, more patient form of evangelism. In fact, for all those that are 'victims' of this 'cheap grace,' they find their hearts are further hardened against Jesus because of the impersonal, rushed showtime atmosphere, and the hypocrisy of the leadership. In the Parable of the Sower, there is one type of 'stolen' seed, two types of unfruitful seed, and one type of fruitful seed, bearing a normal crop. I believe that the church is responsible for sowing, watering and reaping. 30, 60, or 100-fold crops are normal to any farmer that knows his business! Another problem I see is that 'altar calls' are watered down by 'rededications.' I cannot tell you how many times I have seen a church or special meeting proclaim a 'call to the lost' that had only a few come forward. As it becomes obvious that not very many will come forth, the call is 'broadened' to include those who are 'not right with God,' and 'those who have sinned toward a brother,' and so on. Sometimes it gets ridiculous! Finally, just about everyone there is 'blackmailed' into coming forward for 'renewal' or 'rededication.' Then, after the meeting, they are counting up how many got 'saved' that night. Does the Bible really speak of 're-salvation' as a common occurrence? I have asked, "How many times a person can be saved?" The answer is, "You don't have any faith!" :-) Can Christians be stillborn? NO. Can people be duped? YES. How many times can a Christian be saved? ONCE. Is that enough? YES. What should be done? The church should act like the church, and chuck the 'prime-time' antics and circus acts. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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124 | and a jezebel spirit..? | Rev 2:20 | charis | 16535 | ||
Dear Cate, Greetings in Jesus' name! According to the New Ungers Bible Dictionary: Jezebel was a woman in whom were united the sternest and fiercest qualities inherent in the Phoenician people. The wild license of her life and the magical fascination of her arts and of her character were known throughout the nation (2 Kings 9:22). Long afterward her name lived as the byword for all that was detestable. In Revelation 2:20 she is used as a type of those who encourage immorality and false teaching, in the same way that she engulfed Israel in idolatry. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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125 | Tying a rope around priest's ankles? | Heb 7:23 | charis | 16525 | ||
Dear Nolan, Brother, this was a challenge! I have heard this before, too, but have never heard a Scripture reference. Apparently, the tradition started after the Law, and before the New Testament. "And the former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers, because they were prevented by death from continuing," Hebrews 7:23 NASB and, "...who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins, and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself." Hebrews 7:27 NASB. It seems that some of the sacrifices offered for their own sins were not accepted! This is a good starting place. Anyone else? In Christ Jesus, charis |
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126 | Is Israel still chosen? | Deut 6:4 | charis | 16492 | ||
Dear wahine, Aloha from Japan in Jesus' name! Your pastor is correct in that Israel, as a geographical location, a political entity, or a human bloodline is not God's 'chosen.' (This is not to say that He will not honor the above three!) From the very beginning, Abraham's relationship with God was one of faith. Though the Lord did bless the 'seed' of Abraham starting with Isaac, it is obvious that God desires faith, not religion, not sacrifice, not places, and not progeny. The New Testament is a 'natural progression,' you might say, of the Old Testament. The reason I say this is the many, many prophecies and promises of a purely faith-based relationship with God. This was realized in Christ Jesus, In Jesus' name, charis |
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127 | Is man still created in God's image? | Gen 5:3 | charis | 16231 | ||
Dear Bill, Greetings, my friend. Now that a few terms have been clarified, I have to be careful how I word this :-) I continue to believe that all men are conceived by God's miraculous power, as compared to just a biological result. We are known by God, therefore precious in His sight, and potential 'knowers' of God. This is God's reason for creating mankind, a mutual relationship. For reasons beyond our ability to understand, God chose beforehand which would know Him. I do not (can not) grasp this part of His plan. Whatever an individual's works, God will know whom He wills to know. I cannot, and therefore do not, judge who knows or will know the Lord. You wrote: "So if you want these terrorists punished by death, than you will be killing what God created, right?" No, I do not *want* them to be punished. Yes, I admit anger at seeing the TV broadcast, even from the other side of the globe (Yokohama). But, as time passes, my spirit resumes predominance, and I can pray for these misguided, lost souls. But I cannot absolve them of responsibility. Only God has this ability. Therefore, I believe they *must* be brought to justice, and face the consequences of breaking society's laws. If these people repent before God, then God have mercy on them. If they are belligerent to the end, then God have mercy on them. Meanwhile, they cannot be allowed to mock justice, or more injustice will follow. That these men are conceived in the image (form) of God, with the potential of salvation, changes not the consequences of their actions. Even if we administer capital punishment, or they die while fleeing justice, God will know whom He will know. There is no 'premature' death. In Jesus, charis |
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128 | Dear charis, could you clarify this? | Gen 5:3 | charis | 16148 | ||
Dear Bill, Good point! I was thinking as I was writing, then for got to say that our spirit (small 's') is not yet holy, but carries the full potential, or hope, of holiness. When we recieve the gift of the Holy Spirit, AND begin to obey Him, then the potential is released resulting in regeneration, a work that has a beginning, and a continuation, until we meet the Lord. I'm afraid that I am not sure what you mean by the 'soulishly discerned' question. Are you referring to Hebrews 4:12 'heart?' Blessings and peace in a confused age. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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129 | Did you forgive the Tuesday terrorists? | Matt 6:14 | charis | 16138 | ||
Dear Steve, Frankly, I do not think that letting these people know these things while they are free is of any consequence. We are not talking about being slapped on the cheek by a brother, but an avowed enemy of all that we believe. I doubt that these hardened hearts would be impressed. When they are in custody, and able to see their victims and be seen by their victims, it is possible that shame could enter in to their souls, leading to a heart open to repentence. We should, at that time, let them know that Jesus is Lord, and could forgive their sins. At that time, we also should be able to control our anger, and replace it with compassion for the lost. Prior to this, we cast pearls before (loose) swine. Justice demands the rights of their victims be upheld. If it is God's will, they could come to a saving knowledge of Him. At their execution (to execute, or effect justice) they would be commended unto the Lord for His righteous judgment. Finally, have I, personally, forgiven them? I am not in a position to forgive them their sins. I can only say that their actions are cowardly and despicable, and that I am outraged by their perverted thinking. I will answer you when I see them disarmed and in chains. In Jesus' name, charis |
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130 | Is God still creating man in His image? | Gen 5:3 | charis | 16131 | ||
Dear Bill, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I believe that we all are (even now) created in the image of God. "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." John 4:24 NASB It is my belief that man is body, soul and spirit. Our spirit is created in His holy image, but not yet turned toward God because of the influence of our fallen nature, which is flesh and soul. Flesh is earthly, and totally selfish and corrupt. Our soul, including emotions and conscience, is 'undecided' or 'capricious.' This is the part of us that knows good and evil, and allows us know (be known by) the Lord and recognize His image in us, or conversely be led by our earthly body. This is where the 'confusion' that Paul speaks of takes place, even after conversion. Fortunately, the closer we cling to Jesus, the more stable our soul becomes, and our regenerated spirit reigns in our inner being. This would be the *mature* Christian, one that trusts the moving of His Spirit in our spirit. Fellow saints, this is my personal thinking. I believe it satisfies the realities that we all witness in the 'human condition,' and his quest for sanctification in Christ Jesus. There are many that believe in the 'bipartite being' of man, and that soul and spirit are one. This does not satisfy the Word as spoken in Hebrews 4:12 NASB, "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." As to criminals, they are unregenerate, and so turned toward their selfish desires that they are 'unreceptive soil.' As to the final decision of salvation or condemnation, this is in the capable hands of God. My humble brother, that we do not deserve to boast of being 'in the image of God' continues even after knowing Him. But, praise the Lord, we have a new, restored hope within us that one day that part of us will completely reign in our being, and the corrupt will be vanquished! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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131 | can the abused wife (spouse) remarry? | 1 Cor 7:15 | charis | 15984 | ||
Dear bobbiejean, Greetings to you in Jesus' name! This has been discussed at length in several threads that can be accessed through the 'Search' function. The keyword 'remarry' will get you 20 links, and from there, several threads are available. The short answer, in my opinion, is that ther is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, and that there is indeed Biblical precedence for divorce. As Scriptural divorce is a dissolution of the marriage covenant because of unfaithfulness or desertion (an abusive spouse has certainly deserted you), then getting married (again) should be acceptable before God. I hesitate to used the word 'remarry,' because before the Lord it is simply marriage. But, there are legal and emotional issues tied to the marriage covenant which cannot be ignored. Of course, this action cannot be taken lightly. Patience, prayer and spiritual counsel (not necessarily professional counsel) are absolutely necessary. Both of you would need to be committed to the same church, and under the care and counsel of the same shepherd, in order to confirm this (admittedly controversial) step. Even if you are convinced that you 'belong to one another,' you must put yourselves in submission to holy authority to insure that you will not fall victim to the trap of 'deja vu.' Your own (both of you) emotions must be healed, and you must be prepared for a certain amount of prejudice, from the world, and (sadly) from the church. But, there IS hope, and it CAN work! May the Lord Jesus give you wisdom , patience and peace. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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132 | removed | Ex 20:7 | charis | 15923 | ||
Dear khmeraver, What would make you post this link on the forum? It has nothing at all to do with the Bible or the Lord Jesus. Shame on you! In Jesus' name, charis |
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133 | Can A Christian disown Christ? | Matt 10:33 | charis | 15877 | ||
Dear Steve, and fellow saints, This question is similar to 'once saved, always saved?' My answer (opinion) to this is, Yes, for all intents and purposes. There are places in the Bible that speak of 'falling away' and the 'unforgiveable sin.' Without becoming too deep for my own good, I will just say that there *seems* to be a possibility of disowning Christ, but it is remote! (Praise God!) In fact, it is so remote that I, personally, discount it, and place that decision in God's capable hands. (some may have noticed that I like that phrase!) The alternative seems to be that we on earth have some insight into the heart of man regarding his relationship with God. For instance, if we believe that we can (relatively easily) lose our salvation, few would 'make it.' Or, that those that seemingly 'fall away' were never saved in the first place, which is absolutely frightening. Is there going to be an earthly test? NO! The results are known only 'off-site!' "You shall know them by their fruits?' Who is 'you?' And are 'you' going to tell 'us?' All I can say is that these alternatives stink! I preach and portray the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray for those I meet and know, regardless of my view of their 'status' with God. I serve them, knowing that if they are saved, I must serve them as His, and if they are not, I must serve them His promises. The only time I am 'off the hook' is when I could be 'casting pearls before swine.' Even then, my prayer is that another might be more effective in giving forth the Good News. I have several acquaintances that once served Christ with me years ago, that now are not doing so. I have no Biblical foundation for condemning them to Hell. I did my best to dissuade them from worldly ways, but was unable to do so. Are they unsaved because I don't see their salvation? Sorry, but that's not my department! Can a Christian disown Christ, (and thereby be stripped of salvation?) I HOPE NOT! What do you hope? What do you know? Blessings and much grace. In Jesus' name, charis |
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134 | The bible is a work of fiction - discuss | Gen 1:1 | charis | 15455 | ||
chimaera, Obviously you are at the wrong forum. Pseudoatheists.com or worshipmyself.org awaits you. I'm sure that you think the screen name is clever, but it only shows your confused, incongruous nature. A Freudian slip, perhaps? We who believe in Jesus, at least know how to spell belief. (At least, most of us :-) Have a nice day... elsewhere. In Jesus, charis |
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135 | Is eternal life possible right now? | Heb 1:1 | charis | 15448 | ||
Dear amadeuse, Could you please tell me the True Name of God? Though I do believe that the Holy Spirit reveals Christ to believers, this revelation is always in accord with the Bible. You have decried the church of God, and His servants in a railing judgment! Though I, too, see many areas in the church that need repentance, your vision borders on folie de grandeur, or megalomania. Please, seek help. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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136 | Rightly Divided | Gal 5:22 | charis | 15422 | ||
Dear Learning, Greetings to you in the name of Jesus! The answer is the fruit of you life in Christ. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22,23 NASB If you have correctly discerned the Word of God, and applied yourself to living according to Word, the reward (fruit, for those who dislike this word :-) is what Paul wrote to the church in Galatia. Thus, you are the 'determiner.' As to the Final Determination, this is in the capable hands of the Lord Jesus. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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137 | Doesn't it say that God would cause evil | 2 Sam 12:11 | charis | 15413 | ||
Dear RWC, I have been through this one before. My only question is, why would anynone, in their pursuit of God, want to *know* that God is the root cause of evil? What purpose is served, and how are we able to use this *knowledge* in our comission to preach the Gospel to all creation? Surely, the Holy Spirit within us speaks to our hearts that God is good! For me this is enough, and philosophical conjecture of the *source* of evil is moot, and indeed destructive of faith, our own and those around us. In my humble opinion. In Jesus, charis |
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138 | How inspired is the NAS Bible today? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 15412 | ||
Dear Sir, I would tend to agree with you that the third perspective is closer to the truth. My reasoning actually goes a step further. The Holy Spirit continues to inspire the hearer (reader) to follow God's will. This would be His divine will for all men, with His church as the result, as well as each individual part, with their participation in His church. The Word of God is alive and active today, in the hearts of those who believe, and it is the unction of the Holy Spirit that causes the Word to be effective. "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 NASB Therefore, these so-called 'mistakes,' 'discrepencies' and even myriad translations (yes, even Ray's! :-)are of no (bad) consequence to the hearer of God's holy Word. Even if you become a scholar of the original languages of the Bible, if you do not have faith your study is for naught. Inspiration continues! Thank You, Lord! In Jesus' name, charis |
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139 | is Lillith and Adam mentioned in bible | OT general | charis | 15008 | ||
Dear foreverfriends, I could not find this in any Bible translation I had here at home. (I will try again at my office tomorrow) According to Encarta: 1. predecessor to Eve: in Hebrew Scripture, the first woman, believed to have been created before Eve 2. evil spirit of a woman: in Jewish folklore, an evil spirit of a woman, believed to lurk in deserted places and attack children Another commentary on Jewish tradition speaks of Lilith as being the *first* created woman of Genesis 1:27 "And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This is supposedly a separate event of the *dual* record of Adam's second partner, Eve, in Genesis 2:20-23. Few seem to take this seriously, and usually consider it a merely a folk tale. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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140 | Are women allowed to teach/preach? | 1 Tim 2:12 | charis | 15004 | ||
Dear frogg197, Greetings in Jesus' name! Much has been said of this in previous threads, and the 'search' button at the top left will lead you to it by using key words like 'women, ministry, authority' etc. If you will allow me, I will quote myself: quote Great question! JVH0212 was correct that in God's sight gender is not an issue. In our relation to Him, the issue is moot. However, in the government of His kingdom, the practical application of authority in home and church, there does seem to be a division of responsibility. Though it would be hard to claim an *absolute* segregation of ministry in home and church, a *general* segregation is clearly suggested. Shepherds (pastor and elders, though some say deacons as well. I believe in the ministry of deaconess) seem to be men, while most other ministries seem to be open to women. The basic qualifications should remain the same (except 'husband of one wife :-) In special situations, this may be altered, but the pattern is clear in Scripture. In the home, there is a clear distinction of responsibility, but not a 'higher-lower' or 'superior-inferior' type of difference. It only makes sense that one is given final reponsibility, because a committee will not work. A woman's submission to her husband will only truly work when he is submitted to God and the requirement to love his wife. For precisely this reason, a shepherd should be married with children. (Again, an ideal, not an absolute) By his understanding the responsibility of a home, he will have a better understanding of the responsibility of shepherding God's flock. More specific answers are available in the above 'thread' entitled "Can God use woman in the ministry?" and also "Unmarried men pastors?" I pray that this is helpful. end quote Blessings upon you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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