Results 121 - 140 of 257
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Results from: Notes Author: Brian.g Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
121 | Does this mean God is the author of sin? | 2 Sam 12:11 | Brian.g | 15865 | ||
Joe First, when I speak, I am speaking as a Catholic. My position is one of not just repeating the Catholic philospophy, but of evaluating the topic and personally agreeing with the Catholic Churches principles. When I speak of Satan's influence, I abbreviated my terminology to represent the total causes of sin (i.e.: ignorance, infirmity, malice, suggestions, persuasion, temptation and bad example). I agree that man is not morally neutral. But, I believe that man, as a creation of God is good and not naturally 100 percent driven by sin. If man is given proper guidance from birth, then, he should REMAIN good and by the time he reaches the age of reason, that man will be more inclined to understand salvation, accept Jesus and live his life accordingly. Here I use the word inclined, because I feel the final action will be that of a free will decision on the part of the man. But, if a man is not given proper guidance (i.e.: bad examples from parents, etc), it will influence his actions in the opposite direction as he grows. Those actions will be sinful. The key is that man is not starting from a morally nuetral position, but one of goodness - and affected by other influences - internal and external. Romans 8: falls into the category that man cannot serve two masters. I believe that if man is taught to follow the correct master from a young age, then he will be more inclined to follow God, but there is no guarantee. Romans 8:5, the prelude to 7-8 which you referenced, doesn't imply man is sinful from birth, it refers to those who have chosen the path of the flesh - again, free will. |
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122 | Does this mean God is the author of sin? | 2 Sam 12:11 | Brian.g | 15918 | ||
Joe I'm not sure as to why you are focusing on good works getting people into heaven, that was not my point. You have no argument from me that good works alone is not the key to salvation. Believing and accepting Christ and then living your life accordingly is what I think we are both saying. My only point is that it is easier to see, understand and accept Christ, when people are given proper guidance to do so, from an early age. And, in addition, I believe that, by nature, people want to and are willing to follow Christ, but are side-tracked by other influences in our life. But, the bottomline is, if you don't accept Christ by the time you're ready to move on, then don't hold your breath waiting for good things to happen in the next life. Brian |
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123 | Does God ever change his mind? | 2 Kin 20:6 | Brian.g | 84641 | ||
lovly2me1 In one of your posts, you asked: Why could Jesus never answer a simple question with a simple answer? Because, even though God openly offered a loving relationship with each of us, we must constantly seek and build and strengthen our relationship with God. The only people who strive to understand the parables are those seeking a relationship with God. As you are seeking a relationship with God,your efforts will be guided by the Holy Spirit - but you must make the effort! John 16:13 But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth ... Matthew 16:17 Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. Proverbs 28:5 Evil men understand nothing of justice, but those who seek the Lord understand all. I found some thoughts about prayer and our relationship with God in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which I would like to share with you. According to Scripture, it is the heart that prays. If our heart is far from God, the words of prayer are in vain. The heart is the dwelling-place where I am, where I live; the heart is the place to which I withdraw. The heart is our hidden center, beyond the grasp of our reason and of others; only the Spirit of God can fathom the human heart and know it fully. The heart is the place of decision, deeper than our psychic drives. It is the place of truth, where we choose life or death. It is the place of encounter, because as image of God we live in relation: it is the place of covenant. Thus, the life of prayer is the habit of being in the presence of the thrice-holy God and in communion with him. Through prayer, open your heart to God and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit. In the mean time, when reading Scripture - remember CONTEXT and a good dictionary. Malachi 3:6 about God and change - wrong interpretation. Start reading at Malachi 3:1 and it speaks of God sending a messenger (John the Baptist) and in 3:6 God is reaffirming that He is not changing His covenant with the people of Israel - He is simply sending a messenger. Gen 17:7 I will maintain my covenant with you and your descendants after you throughout the ages as an everlasting pact, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. Next, Jeremiah 42:10 Repent means regret, regret means sorry. God was sorry He had to punish the people, but He did not change His mind about the need for the punishment. Last, Exodus 32:12 The significance of the story is this: we see many situations in the Old Testament which are there to help us prepare for and understand, Jesus. Jesus has often been compared to Moses - and in this case, Moses was the only possible intercessor between God and the people. Next, you stated that your faith is being challenged as never before and now you're not sure if there is a God, etc. Is the strength of your faith like the people of Moses, who turned away from God everytime things didn't go right? Instead, as life gets harder - strive to get closer to God, through prayer. Psalm 50:14-15 Offer praise as your sacrifice to God; fulfill your vows to the Most High. Then call on me in time of distress; I will rescue you, and you shall honor me." Pray with all of your heart and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit, God is always with you. Brian |
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124 | Does God ever change his mind? | 2 Kin 20:6 | Brian.g | 84656 | ||
lovly2me1 One gift God has given us, is each other. I believe that the time has come in which you should, for now, end your involvement with this forum - not out of heresy, etc. But, in order to spend it with people whom you can see and talk to and seek guidance. People, through whom, you will again experience the strength and love of God, as you did with your late fiancee. You mentioned that you went to two different church services in one day seeking guidance or revelation - instead go to one pastor and let God help guide you, through that person. Man does not find God through isolation and solitude, but through and with, other people. Its time to turn off the computer. And I assure you, the prayers of each member of this forum will be with you on your journey. Brian |
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125 | Two prophets? | Job | Brian.g | 33275 | ||
Prophecy (prophesy) takes on two distinct meanings, yet they overlap with purpose: the first referring to the Old Testament prophets (prophecy): · The inspired declaration of divine will and purpose. · As the term is used in mystical theology, it applies both to the prophecies of canonical Scripture and to private prophecies. Understood in its strict sense, it means the foreknowledge of future events, though it may sometimes apply to past events of which there no memory, and to present hidden things which cannot be known by the natural light of reason. · Correct/guide the path of the church and her people The second definition (prophesy), which I will refer to as New Testament prophets: · (Prophesy) To give instruction in religious matters, preach · (Preach) To urge acceptance or abandonment of an idea or course of action. · (Edify) To instruct and improve especially in moral and religious knowledge · (Evangelize) To preach the gospel to and/or to convert to Christianity · Correct/guide the path of the church and her people With that, the Prophets of the Old Testament received Divine Inspiration (knowledge and understanding) directly from God, with the purpose of keeping the people and the church on the correct path toward God. Prophets of the New Testament, serve the same purpose. However the source of their knowledge is from the teachings of Jesus and, their understanding of the teachings of Jesus, is clarified and enhanced with guidance from both, the Holy Spirit and the Church. In Paul’s letters to the Corinthians and Timothy (1 Corinthians 14, 1 Timothy), he spoke of the gift of prophesy whose purpose was to build up the church. Expanding on this, the role of a prophet of the New Testament has multiple responsibilities, which include: evangelize, preach, edify, moralize, guide, instruct and educate other members of our community. This is conveyed or passed along by his words, as well as by his actions. The focal point of the efforts of a prophet, is to assist his fellow man towards a stronger, more positive, direct and personal relationship with God through Jesus. And, in order to aid in the first, help effect a fuller understanding as to the true meaning, purpose and ways of the church – as an instrument created by Jesus, with the purpose of guiding man to Jesus. In addition to basic knowledge, the following are pit-falls of which any prophet will always need to be conscious: · Speak and act with humility. Lack of humility leads to loss of focus, accuracy and assistance to the people being served – a prophet would then be speaking only for his own benefit. · Having the wisdom to give the correct and proper guidance to help enhance an individual’s devotion to God without misleading or creating debate or confusion. · Conveying the message in a manner which will be understood, without alienating · Continue to be conscious that his words and actions are viewed as representative of the Church, his ministry, and Christianity and that his words and actions can have a negative influence more powerful, than his other efforts can have as a positive influence. · To be conscious of the phase which each person is at, within their faith development · To constantly insure that his words are, in fact, the truth and not just an opinion, conjecture or rambling. · Not to lose sight of his role and responsibilities in proper service to God. Brian |
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126 | Two prophets? | Job | Brian.g | 33477 | ||
Ezra Thank you for the very kind compliment. However, there are many other people on this forum who are much more qualified to teach, such as Kalos, Hank, Tim Moran, Charis, Reformer Joe, Makarios (or whoever he is today) and many more - and more joining everyday. Each person has a different spin on things, but overall - keep your heart and learn from the group. Brian |
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127 | Let's crucify Ezra Brown | Job | Brian.g | 34155 | ||
SRN It would be great if you could also give us some profile information about yourself. It just gives everyone a chance to know each other a little better. Brian |
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128 | Advise on contradictions found in bible | Ps 25:4 | Brian.g | 17664 | ||
Sir Pent Thanks for the clarification. Actually, I enjoyed it. Brian |
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129 | Please provide any commentary on Ps 84:5 | Ps 84:5 | Brian.g | 17604 | ||
Sorry for the previous entry, I selected the wrong question Brian |
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130 | Should we Divorce? | Mal 2:16 | Brian.g | 31632 | ||
pricefhome You and I both understand that the Bible provides an infinite amount of guidance. You spoke in general terms in your previous posts and I believe that if you would share this information with the forum, more specific assistance can be provided. In turn, you will be able to receive even more assistance from this forum and its many caring members (most who are much more knowledgable than I am), as well as from the Bible, itself. Will you let us help you, as one Christian brother to another? Brian |
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131 | Should we Divorce? | Mal 2:16 | Brian.g | 31670 | ||
What do you mean when you say your issue is codependacy. Define how your family life was dysfunctional. Tell me 3 or 4 things about your about your wife which you don't respect. Does your wife still work Brian |
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132 | Should we Divorce? | Mal 2:16 | Brian.g | 31791 | ||
You came to the internet to seek advice as to whether you should divorce your wife. If you would like assistance, I am willing to assist, but not without some background information. The answers you are seeking are to important to the lives of you, your wife and your children. I think you realize that the Bible offers more guidance than just: when, where, and how to divorce your spouse. If we can find those parts of the Bible which are better able to address the source of the problem, then maybe you won't have to address the question of divorce. I'm here if I can be of any assistance. If not, I will wish and pray for nothing less than the best for you. Brian |
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133 | Should we Divorce? | Mal 2:16 | Brian.g | 31812 | ||
Thank you Brian |
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134 | Should we Divorce? | Mal 2:16 | Brian.g | 31818 | ||
pricefhome I have many years of experience related to the situation and problems which you discussed. If you would like to discuss them further, please email me at brian.g@mail.com Brian |
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135 | Was Mary a virgin her whole life | Matt 1:25 | Brian.g | 48087 | ||
jawz I've always understood Romans 5:19 to refer to orignal sin being passed down from through the generations. Can you offer any insight to this Thanks Brian |
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136 | Was Mary a virgin her whole life | Matt 1:25 | Brian.g | 48092 | ||
joe I'm not trying to be argumentive or turn this into a debate, I would just like to understand your viewpoint. I have always agreed that Scripture is the inspired word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17), but doesn't the Protestant viewpoint completely disregard the truth and wisdom of God, brought to us through the ongoing relationship between God and man through the Holy Spirit? Also, where does the Bible specifically say it is the ONLY source of teaching? 2 Timothy 3:16-17 does not say it is the only source of teaching. Last, for many, many years, there was no New Testament. All teaching was based upon traditions of the Apostles. Where in the Bible is it written that the traditional teachings of the Apostles were no longer valid and should not be used in conjunction with the written New Testament, once the written New Testament was compiled. Brian |
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137 | Was Mary a virgin her whole life | Matt 1:25 | Brian.g | 48136 | ||
kalos Do you feel that God, the Father, is stained with sin. I'm sure we both agree the answer is no. Jesus is God and would not be stained with sin. In order to accomplish this, it was neccessary that original sin was cleansed from His mother. On that basis, the Catholic Church considers Mary to be the first person saved by Jesus. She was cleansed of all sin (including original sin), in order to prepare her body for her son. So that, her Son (God), was born free of all stains of sin. Mary received the same cleansing that is offered to each of us, at Baptism. Although she was saved before the birth of Christ, in accordance with God's plan. Brian |
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138 | Where is the TRUTH found? | Matt 1:25 | Brian.g | 48307 | ||
Joe By proclaiming the excellencies of God, we are proclaiming the truth of God. When people hear the truth of God and understand that God is truth, people will desire to be brought into a closer and more personal relationship with God. And, all people who know and understand the truth of God will desire to be one, not only with God, but with each other - for which Jesus prayed John 17:20-26 I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me. Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them. Jesus created the Church to continue His mission of helping man achieve a closer and more personal relationship wih God, through Jesus - and with each other, through and with God. Yes Joe, I agree with 1 Peter 2:9 - Proclaim the excellencies of Him... Brian |
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139 | Where is the TRUTH found? | Matt 1:25 | Brian.g | 48331 | ||
Mommapbs Do you trust your pastor and the teachings of your church? Brian |
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140 | Where is the TRUTH found? | Matt 1:25 | Brian.g | 48357 | ||
Mommapbs I am not trying to be rude or argumentive, but why do you continue to attend a church which is not helping you reach a closer relationship with God. Brian |
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