Results 121 - 140 of 729
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Results from: Notes Author: charis Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
121 | Apostles Spirit-led? | Acts 2:38 | charis | 38921 | ||
Dear Tim, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Brother, your commentary is NEVER and intrusion! Let me begin by stating to you and Joe!, and of course all the forum saints, that my convictions regarding water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ are NOT to the exclusion of water baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. I, too, consider both 'utterances of faith' (or 'phrases' or even 'formulae') to be equally effective. In fact, as Hank expressed so well, the words of the 'baptizer' ('baptist'?) are not nearly as important as the heart of the recipient of God's cleansing work! So please do not misunderstand my position as one of 'my way is right, all other ways are wrong.' I simply write my own convictions on this matter. :-) Now, your points about the 'not-so-clear' Scriptures: 1) I have a hard time swallowing the 'abbreviation' theory. The Word of God is that by which we know God, and this explanation implies a somewhat 'sloppy' revelation of His divine will. There are at least four places describing the baptism of believers, and though not narratives, they are quite descriptive. In addition, there are other places that the name of Jesus is invoked, and they ARE narratives. It would be difficult to imagine Peter's command to be healed 'in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit' with '...the Nazarene' tacked on. I believe that the baptismal descriptions and the other Scriptures expressing the authority of the name of the Lord Jesus must be taken together. In most of those 'non-baptism' Scriptures, replacing the 'abbreviated' phrase with the 'full' phrase does not make sense. 2) While this is possible, the same things I wrote in 1) apply. 3) This is the closest to my thinking. I would even say that the name of Jesus is not only 'sufficient,' but fully valid. Certainly, the apostles used the name of the Lord Jesus to full effect in other areas of ministry, so why not baptism? To answer my own question, I see that this is a matter of tradition to some, with some good measure of emotions involved. Many of these emotions seem to be directed to countering the doctrines of the 'Oneness' folk. Well, gotta get to the building site. We're almost done! Praise God! Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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122 | Apostles Spirit-led? | Acts 2:38 | charis | 38794 | ||
Dear Joe! Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! In my opinion, Acts 2:38, 8:12-16, 10:48, and 19:5 are pretty clear. I would agree that Romans 6:3, "Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?", is somewhat ambiguous. By the way, I do not believe the phrase 'Jesus-ONLY' is applicable to my interpretation. It implies that I agree with the 'Oneness' or 'Modalism' folks, and you are well aware that this is not the case. To satisfy your curiosity (:-)), I will put forth my conjecture on how the apostles arrived at this utterance of faith. (I don't like the word 'formula') The Great Commision commanded at the end of Matthew 28 takes place at Galilee (vs 16), while the acension took place at (or toward) Bethany (Luke 24:50). Jesus spoke to the apostles for forty days concerning the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3), finally commanding them to remain in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit, then ascended unto the Father. It may be that the Lord spoke to the apostles of the authority and efficacy of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ between Galilee and Bethany. Certainly, the apostles did find a new authority in His name! 'But Peter said, "I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene--walk!"' Acts 3:6 NASB. "And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all." Acts 3:16 NASB. "men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Acts 15:26 NASB. "This became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who lived in Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all and the name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified." Acts 19:17 NASB. "Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God." 1 Corinthians 6:11 NASB. "always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;" Ephesians 5:20 NASB. "so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth," Philippians 2:10 NASB. "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Colossians 3:17 NASB. "so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Thessalonians 1:12 NASB. My friend, I completely agree with you that there is no disagreement between Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I believe that the Holy Spirit led the apostles to FULFILL the command of the Lord, in the name of Jesus! Otherwise we must conclude that exactly one (1!) 'crystal-clear' Scripture, Matthew 28:19, invalidates all of the above 'not-so-clear' (?) Scriptures. Joe!, you have said time and again that we must let Scripture interpret Scripture... This is what I am attempting to do! I love you, brother! Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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123 | Apostles Spirit-led? | Acts 2:38 | charis | 38763 | ||
Dear Joe! Greetings in the name of Jesus! :-) Friend, you know that I hold you in high regard, so please do not be offended if I say that this is one of the weakest arguments I have ever heard you make. To relegate the Book of the Acts of the Apostles to 'unclear' status is unlike you! I heartily agree that the 'Oneness' folks are off-base concerning the Triune nature of God, but I am compelled to follow the (IMHO) clear example for baptism set forth by the apostles in the post-ascension early church. I can only pray that my Lord and Savior will be gracious if I am mistaken, and hope that this same grace applies to others if I am found faithful. Peace and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |
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124 | O.T. Israel salvation? | John 6:49 | charis | 37819 | ||
Dear Greg Martin, Greetings in Jesus' name! My friend, you illustrate my point exactly! Only God knows the heart, so only God knows whether one is saved or not. We can try to point to a person's works (actions or inactions) and discern their 'position' in God's sight, but there is no accurate practical means for man to measure another's salvation. The only starting point we have for ascertaining someone's salvation is their own testimony, and according to your post, subsequent denial of Christ is not a measure of one's eternal situation. I agree with this position. I know of some that are not presently serving God, but at one time did confess Christ as Savior. In the same way that I trust Christ for my own salvation, even though I fall short, I will trust in His salvation for those not 'keeping up' their salvific works. To me, this is 'once saved, always saved.' All this said, God is sovereign! If He should choose to 'break His own rules' and take away salvation from those who were once saved, that is His business. I trust that this is a rare occurrence, and is completely in accord with His infinite wisdom and knowledge. This, IMHO, would satisfy the Scriptures that seem to speak of 'lost salvation.' In any case, we on earth, are not privy to any specific knowledge. Peace to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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125 | God can use woman in the ministry? | Gal 3:28 | charis | 37145 | ||
Dear OldTimer, Greetings and blessings in Jesus' name! I am happy for you regarding your denominational stance. I didn't know there was a denomination that has 'always' been indiscriminate in there ministerial positions. Which is it? Would you please refrain from citing the Bema Seat judgment about this issue? You see, in some ways this could be considered a curse. I am sure that you did not mean to curse your fellow Christian. As to whether you have 'done your best' to help my understanding, I hardly consider one post to be much of a attempt! Please be patient with me. :-) You see, I, too, have read the Bible to come to the conclusion I hold. Peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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126 | Gender distinction in the Kindom of God? | Gal 3:28 | charis | 37143 | ||
Dear OldTimer, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! I have visited your homepage, and was impressed with the layout. I know that you have put much effort and study into it! Question: "Does 'husband of one wife' disqualify women from being elders, deacons or bishops?" Answer: No. Women cannot be husbands. :-) More seriously, this is not the 'sticking point' for barring women from pastoral ministry. It is indeed 1 Timothy 2:12, which reads, "But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet." (NASB) (I believe you were using 1 Timothy 3:2, "An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife..." (NASB) for your question, right?) Allow me to state my church's policy concerning the role of women in ministry. We believe that the ministries of authority not recognizing women are apostolic and pastoral. This would include elders of the church. Equally spiritual, but not authoritative over men, are the prophetic ministries (encouragement, 1 Corinthians 14:3), evangelical (sharing Good News), the ministry of deaconess (helps), and teaching (i.e. Sunday School, Bible Studies, education of our children.) All these ministries are invaluable to the church, and spiritually effective and fulfilling. By the way, we do not belive that women are to be silent in the church, as in the church building or for a specific time slot! It is a spiritual command linked to 'usurping authority,' IMHO. I have seen that this kind of physical limitation only leads to 'church parking lot' ministries! :-) Peace and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |
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127 | God can use woman in the ministry? | Gal 3:28 | charis | 37139 | ||
Dear OldTimer, Greetings in the name of Jesus! With all due respect I will have to disagree with the term 'pastoral team.' I sense that you mean it as something like Aquila was a pastor, and so was Priscilla. This is not the Scriptural pattern. Yes, Aquila was a pastor, and Priscilla was his wife. Yes, Priscilla was a very special woman. Yes, her name precedes her husband's name 3 of 5 times. It is quite possible that she was more effective in portraying the Gospel than her husband! But this does not nullify God's pattern of authority. I am certain that Priscilla was submitted to the authority of Aquila, or the Bible would not give her such prominence, attibuting great faithfulness. My friend, don't misunderstand me! I admire Priscilla (Prisca) enough to name my daughter after her! :-) But I teach my daughter that there is great honor and dignity in fufilling the role God has given, without the 'modern' desire for 'equality.' I have a wonderful helpmate. Her name is Junko (June-koh), and I would be helpless without her. Truth be known, I listen very carefully to her opinion and trust her knowledge and wisdom in many areas of shepherding our flock. Indeed, she may be more 'effective' than I in many situations. But the authority and responsibility rests squarely on me! I can never go before God and say, "But Junko said...!" I cannot blame her for faults, nor can I lift her into a 'position' not specified by Scripture. Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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128 | O.T. Israel salvation? | John 6:49 | charis | 36749 | ||
Dear Greg Martin, Greetings in Jesus' name! Trust me, my friend, I AM thinking! Even before your 'tongue-in-cheek admonishment.' :-) There are several ways to make the "†" symbol, bu the easiest is to copy-and-paste it into the post, just like you did! Greg, I am not being ambivalent at all. I am being honest enough to admit that the 'saved-by-faithfulness' team has a point. There ARE many Scriptures that seem to say that salvation can be lost. My stand is that it is 'nigh-impossible' to lose salvation, that for all intents and purposes our salvation is secure. On the other hand, your method of saying that, "We are absolutely saved, BUT if we act like we are unsaved then we were never really saved!" is a cop-out. You end up saying the exact same thing as the 'salvation-by-maintained-faithfulness' crowd. In fact, I think they are more honest in their judgement! At least they admit that they are making an earthly judgement on a heavenly decision. :-) Peace to you, my brother! I think my 'ambivalence' gives God all glory and sovereignty, gives the believer assurance that God is in control, yet makes room for God to alter His judgement if He sees fit! Why would God do this? I don't know, and honestly don't lose sleep over it! I preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost and the saved. I preach holiness, but not out of constant fear of hell (though that possibility exists! but 'once lost, always lost!'[?] 'one-shot grace!' [?]), but to please God! To me, pleasing God is a worthy (and holy!) endeavor, If you want to see and hear how I balance these things, you will have to come to Yokohama! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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129 | O.T. Israel salvation? | John 6:49 | charis | 36745 | ||
Dear Greg Martin, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! My point about Israel being 'baptized in the cloud and in the sea' were that they were saved out of Egypt, then 'cleansed' (baptized) by the water and the Spirit. Paul likens the Exodus, the cloud of the 'presence of God' and the miracle of the parting of the Red Sea to his (our) present-day salvation experience. If this can be interpreted as such, then ALL Israel was saved! But many (most, including Moses) were displeasing to God, and laid low (died) in the wilderness. Were they 'unsaved' as in 'never really saved' or did they lose their salvation? I, personally, think they were saved, but displeasing to God. Does this mean they went to hell? I don't think so. If they did, Moses would be included, wouldn't he? Yet I believe that Moses is saved. Now, if we accept that grace through faith was salvific in the Old Testament (like Abraham, though he made his own mistakes), then is this not similar to our present situation? Yet you seem to be saying that if a person claims salvation, but sins (doesn't have his heart right), then he was never saved to begin with. Is that right? Friend, I am well aware that there are abusers of grace, including some very well-know Biblical men. (interestingly, not too many unfaithful women! :-)) We of the present generation do not have a monopoly on sin or unfaithfulness. I have to ask, can a person have his heart right (enough) to get saved, but fall into a sinful lifestyle? Is he not still saved by grace? Or are we judged always by the 'state of our heart' immediately prior to death? I see this thread as leading to a situation that we are saved by grace through faith, but we are required to 'maintain' our faith through outward faithfulness. I cannot agree to this. The Bible tells me that God continues to love those who believed in Him, even if they fall into temptation or sin. Of course, God is well-pleased with those that are faithful to Him! And, He is displeased with those that are weak or unfaithful. But does He take back His grace? I don't think so. Blessings to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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130 | who did cain marry? | Gen 1:1 | charis | 36711 | ||
Dear Love Fountain, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Friend, what answer would you like to hear? The most reasonable answer, simple and Biblical, though immoral by today's standards, has been given. Cain probably married his sister. If you want an alternative answer, they abound! Cain could have married a non-Adamic woman, of a race not mentioned in the Bible at all. The only basis for this would be a 'dual-creation of man theory.' This is not very popular. :-) Another alternative would be female angels in bodily form. Frankly, I've never heard this one before, but it is a possibility on this forum. Aliens, cherubs, and some kind of 'mystery woman' might round out the other possibilities. Love Fountain, do you have an idea that has not been discussed? We all know that the Bible does NOT state who she was. None of the possibilities are 'comfortable.' :-) Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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131 | O.T. Israel salvation? | John 6:49 | charis | 36610 | ||
Dear Greg Martin, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! "For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and all ate the same spiritual food; and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased; for they were laid low in the wilderness." 1 Corinthians 10:1-5 NASB. I, personally, believe that if you are saved by faith, you are saved by faith. You cannot lose your salvation. Nor do I think it is easy to 'forfeit' salvation, thought there is some Biblical evidence that it is possible. Now the salvation by faith of Israel is a type of our New Testament salvation. Was Israel saved or not? Or are you saying only some were saved? (remember, ALL were baptized in the cloud and the sea!) Does displeasing the Lord cause a believer to lose salvation, as in laid low? As I see it, Moses was also displeasing to the Lord, and was laid low in the wilderness. However, I believe that Moses was saved. (by grace, through faith) His faith may have been imperfect and 'spotty,' but isn't ours? Who is worthy to enter heaven on their own merits? No one I'VE ever met! :-) Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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132 | O.T. Israel salvation? | John 6:49 | charis | 36604 | ||
Dear Greg Martin, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Brother, with all due respect, I have to ask if you have read any of my posts at all. (?) I have been championing the sovereignty of God, the efficacy of faith and the assurance of the believer for some time on this forum. Please do not accuse me of trying to thwart God. Please explain where I doubt the power of God before you cry, "Shame on your arrogance!" Perhaps you have me confused with someone else? :-) Peace and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |
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133 | Are we bringers of peace or division? | Luke 12:51 | charis | 36034 | ||
Dear Joe! Greetings in the name of Jesus! Tis late Sunday eve for me, but I would like to put forth a thought on this topic: "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. Brother I do see that we must reconcile these two outwardly different commands. I think that the answer is that the Bible, in conjunction with the Holy Spirit is able to divide the spirit (made in the image of God) and the soul (the emotions, often influenced by the flesh) of men, which can bring peace when correctly discerned. The tension between these two parts of man (as lamented by Paul) is often the cause of people not even able to be honest with themselves, much less with others. With that (somewhat fuzzy) thought, I shall sleep on it, allowing others to comment. I, too, think this is an interesting area to explore! Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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134 | Is God ONE or is God THREE? | James 2:19 | charis | 36032 | ||
Dear Jesusman, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! Please allow me to begin by saying that I believe in the Tri-Une nature of God. Indeed, the Great Commission commands us to baptize in the name (not names) of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. The 'teach' part of Matthew 28:19 is more correctly 'make disciples,' and has nothing to do with the name of God. However, subsequent Scriptural history (i.e. the post ascension church) shows that the disciples baptized in the name of Jesus Christ or the name of the Lord Jesus. Either the disciples were baptizing incorrectly, or the Scriptural account is inaccurate, or the diciples WERE baptizing correctly and in accord with the will of God by baptizing in the name of Jesus. (NOT Jesus-*only*) "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Colossians 3:17 NASB. Nonetheless, everything you said about John 1 and the deity of Christ Jesus is exactly right. Thought the word 'Trinity' is not in the Bible, you cannot deny the Three in One nature of God clearly portrayed in Scripture. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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135 | Are all at the white throne judg. lost? | Revelation | charis | 36014 | ||
Dear CDBJ, Greetings in Jesus' name! One more: "He brought us out from there in order to bring us in, to give us the land which He had sworn to our fathers." Deuteronomy 6:23 NASB. Friend, I have been to the woodshed, too! He chastens us because He loves us, and desires that we enter into the land of blessing that He has prepared. "Blessed is the man whom You chasten, O LORD, And whom You teach out of Your law;" Psalm 94:12 NASB. Some may say that Egypt represents hell (enslavement, captivity) and the Promised Land represents heaven. But what of the wilderness? Are all but two in hell? Only if we include Moses for his transgression of not circumcising Israel and striking the rock. I think that our tutor unto Christ, the Old Testament, teaches that unmerited grace abounded then as now. As far as I can see, there is no record of anyone returning to Egypt. (Those that tried didn't get far! :-) Indeed the context of the above verse from Deuteronomy speaks of diligence. But see that the diligence is to enter in, while God brought them out. What we must decide is whether the 'wilderness' is still hell, or not. If it is, then Moses is in hell. If it isn't, then maybe there is more hope that some have! (if I may say it, those that speak of 'losing' salvation seem to have plenty of hope for THEMSELVES, but not as much for OTHERS. :-)) Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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136 | Are all at the white throne judg. lost? | Revelation | charis | 35994 | ||
Dear CDBJ, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Friend, I would have to agree with you. I can see no reason for us to be judged again. We have been justified, counted as righteous, by faith. "For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 NASB. We shall meet the Lord for His judgement of our walk *in Christ.* The judgement as to whether we are in Christ or not has already been made! In Christ Jesus, Praise God! charis |
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137 | Thanks, but what about....? | Eph 2:5 | charis | 35778 | ||
Dear zach†, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! My friend, I apologize for being cynical. As soon as I posted it, I felt that what I said questioning your ministry in the body of Christ was not in keeping with the spirit of this forum. I am sorry. That said, I must strongly agree with your last sentence! "Finally Cultures may change, but Jesus never changes. (Christ Jesus the same yesterday, today and forever Heb. 13:8) Jesus can transcend cultures." In fact, I will even 'up the ante' and say that Jesus DOES transcend cultures! ALL issues are evangelical. That is, if we understand the word to mean 'of the preaching of the Good News.' The saved are as much in need of Good News as the lost, IMHO. However, if we consider evangelism as being for the sole purpose of presenting salvation to the 'lost-who-were-never-saved' as compared to the 'lost-who-decided-to-be-saved-but-later-decided-not-to-be-saved-and-are-now-permanently-and-irrevocably-lost' (let me catch my breath! :-)), then I can see your point. So...I disagree. The God I serve is the same One that saved Moses, David, Peter and Doubting Thomas. He saves those that don't deserve salvation, and His salvation is indelible and irrevocable. Personally, I have no problem reconciling this enduring salvation with the (few) Scriptures that clearly speak of 'lost' salvation. These are aberrations, examples of extreme willfulness that few could achieve even if they wanted to. The alternative, relatively 'easy' loss of salvation, turns us into judgemental, arrogant, and myopic Christians. Again, one man's opinion. My ministerial gift is to shepherd His flock, and encourage the saints. My method is perhaps more graceful than, "One strike and your outta there!" :-) Actually, my church is quite orderly, and WYSIWYG. (What you see is what you get) In my few years of experience, the mature need grace in exactly the same quantity and quality as the newborns. It just works in different areas and is more subtle. :-) I gotta go. Grace, peace and love to you as well. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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138 | Study the Word, Calvin, or Aminian??? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 35742 | ||
Dear Galileecr, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! Amen! Indeed, we (all) know in part (only)! Though few would claim to 'know in full,' it certainly appears that many assume to 'know fuller than OTHERS do!' :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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139 | Thanks, but what about....? | Eph 2:5 | charis | 35652 | ||
Dear zach†, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I take it that you have not served in an inner city mission for the homeless, or in a country without a Judeo-Christian foundation. Even a few weeks of serving meals and preaching to the derelicts and addicts and 'professional welfare recipients' will either give you a hope for their salvation, or condemnation for their inability to walk out their salvation in Christ Jesus. Another few weeks in Japan or China would confirm that hope (or condemnation). If we say that you have exactly one chance to grab that lifeline, and if you let go, hell awaits you, then 90-percent of mission work is in vain. Even in the my present place of service to God, many seeking salvation are those that have previously 'accepted' Jesus as Savior and walked away. What are we to do? Perhaps keep a record of those that have recited the "Sinner's Prayer," and if they fall away but try to return, we refuse entry to church? I don't know how you got saved, my friend, but a great many souls on this celestial ball have nigh-impossible barriers (plural) to overcome in order to serve Christ. I must say that this philosophy could only be viable in America! :-) (or perhaps another 'civilized' nation) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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140 | Is Limited Atonement Bibical? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 35478 | ||
Dear Charlene the Mom, Greetings from Yokohama in the name of Jesus! I am now hosting some Tennessean volunteers for a mission building project here. They are from the Nashville area. If they stay much longer, I think I'll talk funny like them! :-) You wrote: "The problem that I see with Calvinistic doctrine is that it “sounds” like the elect are in like Flynn, and the others don’t have a chance in Hades. And whether we like it or not, the reality is that this presents a huge stumbling block to many in and outside the faith." With all due respect, I must say that just as many are turned away from Christianity by the thought that God allows us to choose to go to hell. In addition to these, I have heard many, many reasons for not serving Jesus. According to the Bible, Jesus Himself is the stumbling stone to those who do not believe. "Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, just as it is written, "BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE, AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED." Romans 9:32,33 NASB. I think you will find that Jesus can be a Rock of Offence to followers of Calvin and Arminus alike! As for those in the world, ANY excuse to deny Christ is welcome. But if the Holy Spirit is working in their spirit, the life-quickening call of love and freedom is effective to save any lost soul. This is my experience, my testimony! I was against all things Christian, and the name of Jesus was a curse to my lips. But one sweet day He called my name and touched my spirit in the very midst of my anger and rejection, and I was His. I battled against the Holy Spirit, and swore not to serve God, but my will was no match for His. Hallelujah! I do not give this a fancy name or connect it to any moniker or bent. But irresistable was my calling, and I was a good resister. Some may want the credit for 'choosing' Jesus, feel it was their 'decision' that saved them. They may even feel they have the ability to maintain this grace. Yet I know that Jesus initiated my salvation, and the victory is His alone! (Please don't liken Jesus to a judge in a beauty pageant. Actually, the idea that our choice or our works will sway Him to save us is much more like this worldly method!) Friend, if God did not know you first, individually and personally, you would not be able to really know Him for who He is! The Author and Finisher of your salvation. Just a bit of the 'other side.' :-) Peace and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |
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