Results 121 - 140 of 407
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Brian.g Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
121 | "Once Saved Always Saved" | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 24618 | ||
Joe If I did that, then it would significantly reduce my chances for a Council of Brian, and I really liked the idea. Talk to you soon. Brian |
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122 | "Once Saved Always Saved" | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 24646 | ||
Norrie I do believe you received all A's in religion in grade school. But, at that time in your life you were learning about God, the way a child learns about God. It was taught to you, the child, as a child. To a child and to some adults, Jesus and God, at times, seem so large and sometimes, beyond reach. To these people, the Church presents Christians who have gone before us and Mary, as role models. Not as figures to be worshipped, but role models. Because of a child's relation with their own mother, sometimes it is easier for the child to relate to the mother of Jesus - which in turn, gently brings the child in Jesus' world. Some children need this, some don't. The Saints, well - I like to think of them as the super heroes of Christianity - they are great role models for children to look up to. By seeing how these role models have applied there Christian values to their own lives, gives a child an opportunity to understand Christianity in more human, and easier to understand ways. This does bring the child closer into the world of Jesus. Again, some children need this extra step in understanding Christianity, some children don't. What becomes a problem, is when children become adults, but they still continue to view these role models, the relationship with Jesus and their responsibilties, through the eyes of children. As an child, I should look up to these role models of the Church, to help develop my relationship with the Father. But, as an adult, I should be living my life as a peer to those that came before me; I should now be the role model for the next generation of children. It is a difficult, when an adult still looks through the eyes of a child. Their understanding of their religion is incomplete, they tend to glorify saints beyond the high-level of respect to which they are entitled and in general, their understanding and perspective is very limited. Commandment #4 being #5 - to the adult, the important part is that people know the 10 commandments. To the child, the order is equally important. Norrie, I am happy you have found a relationship with Jesus - that is the important thing. I sincerely hope that it is giving you the peace and happiness within your life, which you deserve. Brian |
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123 | "Once Saved Always Saved" | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 24669 | ||
I believe that Martha, your story, reinforces that it is responsibility and duty of every parent to be actively involved in our childrens lives. For a 9 year old girl to be sent out a religious education class, and not even know that she didn't make it - for the months of time required to prepare for first communion - is terrible. It is obvious that your parents did not allow God into your home. And then, to put that same 9 year old into a situation in which she makes an adult decision to leave any church and wonder aimlessly until adult. Why Martha - it just proves that when parents abandon their responsibilities - anything can happen Thank you for sharing your story with us. Brian |
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124 | "Once Saved Always Saved" | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 24670 | ||
Norrie I'll end this discussion with a thought. As I mentioned earlier, the Catholic Church isn't even close to finding the new expanded boundaries created by Vatican II - there is much opportunity for us to open the Church to more people. You were around during Vatican II. I am around to implement Vatican II. You lost something when the Mass was changed from Latin to the language of the community - Catholics all over the world gained, when they could now understand and participate in the celebration. A child likes the melody of the language - an adult values the content. Brian |
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125 | "Once Saved Always Saved" | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 24855 | ||
Hank I believe that you may have taken Hebrews 6:4-6 out of context. In Luke 17:1-4, Jesus taught the Apostles (and us) forgiveness is infinite - with true repentence. Luke 17: 1 Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. 3 So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. 4 If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, "I repent," forgive him. ---------------- Hebrews is a letter intended to to reinvigorate a dying church, and chapters 5-10, are specifically addressed to the priests of that church and their sacred responsibilities as teachers. With that thought in mind, I would like to invite you to read the continuous text beginning with Hebrews 5:11 all the way to Hebrews 6:6. Hebrews 6:4-6, Here, salvation is lost by sin. But because the priest has lost his church for lack of his enthusiasm, commitment and the improper teaching of the members of his church have left him. AND - it will be twice as hard for the next priest/teacher to try to re-introduce Christianity to these same people. Not everyone who listened to the first teacher, will listen to the 2nd - and those who will not listen to the 2nd teacher - will have lost salvation because they are no longer a member of the Church of Christ. This is the same message which Jesus gave to Peter about heavens loss, in Matthew 16:19 "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven." The teacher must teach the exact message of Jesus. This is why a priest/minister/teacher will be judged harsher by God, because his lack of thoroughness can prevent people from entering heaven. This truly is a sacred responsibility which each minister has accepted from God and it must be done right. Brian |
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126 | "Once Saved Always Saved" | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 24915 | ||
Kalos As a novice, I think you're doing a fine job! One thing that was drilled into my head early on, was that when reading the Bible, try to understand to whom, the writer was orignally speaking, the environment in which the writer was in and the circumstances which may have prompted the writing (other than motivation by the Holy Spirit). For example: in Paul's letters to Timothy (2 Timothy): The tone here is more personal than in First Timothy, for this letter addresses Timothy in vivid terms (2Ti 1:6-14; 2:1-13) and depicts Paul's courage and hope in the face of discouragements late in the course of his apostolic ministry (2Ti 1:15-18; 3:10-17; 4:9-18). Indeed, the letter takes on the character of a final exhortation and testament from Paul to the younger Timothy (2Ti 4:1-8). Paul is portrayed as a prisoner (2Ti 1:8,16; 2:9) in Rome (2Ti 1:17), and there is a hint that Timothy may be in Ephesus (2Ti 2:17). The letter reveals that, with rare exceptions, Christians have not rallied to Paul's support (2Ti 1:15-18) and takes a pessimistic view of the outcome of his case (2Ti 4:6). It describes Paul as fully aware of what impends, looking to God, not to human beings, for his deliverance (2Ti 4:3-8,18). It recalls his mission days with Timothy (2Ti 1:3-5; cf Act 16:1-4). It points to his preaching of the gospel as the reason for his imprisonment and offers Timothy, as a motive for steadfastness, his own example of firmness in faith despite adverse circumstances (2Ti 1:6-14). The letter suggests that Timothy should prepare others to replace himself as Paul has prepared Timothy to replace him (2Ti 2:1-2). Paul urges him not to desist out of fear from preserving and spreading the Christian message (2Ti 2:3-7). It presents the resurrection of Jesus and his messianic role as the heart of the gospel for which Paul has been ready to lay down his life (2Ti 2:8-9) and thus not only to express his own conviction fully but to support the conviction of others (2Ti 2:10-13). This letter, like the preceding one, urges Timothy to protect the community from the inevitable impact of false teaching (2Ti 2:14-3:9), without fear of the personal attacks that may result (2Ti 3:10-13). It recommends that he rely on the power of the scriptures, on proclamation of the word, and on sound doctrine (2Ti 3:14-4:2), without being troubled by those who do not accept him (2Ti 4:3-5). The letter poignantly observes in passing that Paul has need of his reading materials and his cloak (2Ti 4:13) and, what will be best of all, a visit from Timothy. |
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127 | "Once Saved Always Saved" | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 24928 | ||
Kalos My point to Hank was that I believe Hebrews 6:4-6 specifically is referring to people who have never been saved in the first place, because of the poor leadership and training by the minister. These people were never saved, in the first place. As such, this reference was not relevant to this point GloriaLynn was making. Brian |
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128 | Parable fo the Good Samaritan - Evaluate | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 25539 | ||
I would appreciate comments on this interpretation of the Parable of the Good Samaritan The Good Samaritan Main characters: · Levite – a high ranking representative of Judaism · Priest – a high ranking representative of Judaism · Samaritan – from a community, which was considered, at the time, to be the equivalent of satanic religion (John 8:48, demonstrates the general opinion of Samaritans). This could be compared to modern day attitudes towards Muslims. Comment, this parable: 1. Presents characters representing the extremes in their formal relationships with God 2. Can be focusing on Church attitude, as much as individual attitudes Location of the Parable 1. In Luke 10 – According to the introduction of Luke in the New American Bible, Luke was written for the Churches: with concern for the continuity between the historical ministry of Jesus and the ministry of the apostles is Luke's way of guaranteeing the fidelity of the Church's teaching to the teaching of Jesus. Basic Theme of the Parable 1. The two members of the community most expected to have helped the injured man, did not. 2. The least likely person (perceived to be the furthest in a formal relationship with God) actually helped the person 3. The person, who most exemplified Gods desire for mercy and compassion, was the person who was perceived as being the most distanced from God. This is the person who had no formal training in or introduction to Scripture – or in today’s world, not introduced to the Gospel. Comments 1. The person, who, by all formal measures, should not be eligible for heaven, is in fact, by his actions (although not by his profession of creed), the one closest to what God desires from man. 2. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church ("Outside the Church there is no salvation”) CCC: 847 This affirmation is not aimed at those who, through no fault of their own, do not know Christ and his Church: Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience - those too may achieve eternal salvation Summary 1. It is our sincere actions (as opposed to ‘good works’), which pleases and honors God, more than our knowledge of Gods Law Application of this Parable By the actions of the Samaritan, which today can be equated to a Muslim, and Jesus’ subsequent approval of the Samaritan, we can conclude that in today’s world, even a Muslim, can also be pleasing to God. Therefore, it is within God’s plan that a Muslim (non-Catholic, non-Christian) can receive salvation. With this, in Vatican II, the Catholic Church has accordingly embraced a relationship with non-Christians, as discussed in CCC 839-845. |
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129 | "Once Saved Always Saved" | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 25545 | ||
There I would like to consolidate your post to me with this post to LisaMarie. First, Catholics do not require other Catholics to define whether we are Roman Catholic, etc. Catholic means universal and we accept and respect each other, without question. I would hope Lisa does not dignify your question with an answer. Second, people seem to forget that freedom from government domination - which we enjoy, but was fought for, in many battles, by the Catholic Church. In these battles, the Church did make compromises - but I feel the Church has corrected these compromises. Unfortunately, the memory of some of these compromises still exist. The history behind the compromise is gone, and the interpretation of the compromise is now out of balance to the facts. I assure you my confidence in John Paul II and the Catholic Church, is significantly higher than in Prince Charles and the English government. Next, today when people are learning, they can go to a Bible class, or a bookstore, and gain an education. When the Catholic Church was carving out Christianity, they were preaching to people who lived in caves and huts, and no concept of a written language. The same concepts which this forum debates - day-in and day-out - needed to be taught to these people, 1,000 plus, years ago. The concept had to be conveyed in a manner which could be understood, without altering the purity of the message. Tell me, in a world where infant mortality was 60 to 70 percent, people lived in huts, had no written language, sanitation and education were unknown concepts, no theology, picture Europe 1,500 years ago - how would you explain were a childs soul goes, if the child dies before they are baptised. The Church has long recognized that it must continuously adapt the method of conveying the message of Christ, to the community in which the message is being heard. Example, the Mass was changed from Latin, to the language of the community - English, Spanish, and so on. Today's method of teaching the word of God, would never have been comprehended 500 years ago. Let's look at Christian theology. Every Christian religion today is built upon the theological principles defined by the Catholic Church over the past 2,000 years. Was the theology completely correct - no, but the Church was constantly asking the questions, and still is, to fullfill its role. I don't mind discussion and debate. The Church is an imperfect and finite tool of God, it accepts questions of its role, and it can withstand any criticism coming from this forum. For the 'former' Catholics in this forum, while the Church may have done a poor job of teaching you, you did have the responsibility to try to understand the Catholic Church - above and beyond your grammer school education. I believe that, with effort on your part, many of the misconceptions brought out in this forum, could have been avoided. Brian |
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130 | Parable fo the Good Samaritan - Evaluate | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 25666 | ||
Joe Prior to reading this interpretation, my understanding of the parable has always been as yours - salvation is through Jesus. Instead of us approaching Jesus for salvation - Jesus reached out and hand-picked the person He felt deserved salvation. Just as He embraced the Samaritan - would He embrace a non-Christian for salvation? Are we correct in attempting to deny God the right, to decide to whom He will offer heaven? I was hoping to gather a bit more food for thought here. Thanks Brian |
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131 | Parable fo the Good Samaritan - Evaluate | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 25695 | ||
Hank I know that, it was a rhetorical question. But isn't that what we would attempt to be doing by denying this interpretation? What are your thoughts on this interpretation which I ran across.Do you feel it has any validity? If not, why Brian |
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132 | Parable fo the Good Samaritan - Evaluate | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 25837 | ||
Joe I think the world is a better place having good Christians, like you. Brian |
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133 | Parable fo the Good Samaritan - Evaluate | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 25841 | ||
Hank Just a final thought... Always through Jesus - no disagreement, at all. We reach up to Jesus to lift us up into heaven. Jesus reaches down to pull us up into heaven. Thanks for your insight Brian |
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134 | Parable fo the Good Samaritan - Evaluate | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 25853 | ||
Joe It was a fine interpretation. Just one question: In your post, you listed the following paragraph: Conclusion: If we consistently treat every human being who crosses our path with the same self-sacrifice and compassion that the Samaritan demonstrated for the victim here, abandoning all thoughts of our own safety, going miles out of our way to render aid, thinking of our own finances as completely inconsequential in the interests of a stranger who has never even spoken to us (and under most circumstances, would have never spoken to us in the first place), and making sure that his/her future needs are taken care of by you personally, then you are fulfilling God's law. Raise your hand if that is your attitude toward every human being who comes across your path... Completely disregarding a mans religious affiliation - if one man, other than Jesus, could truthfully raise his hand (and, I assure you, it wouldn't be me raising my hand): How do you feel God/Jesus would respond to that man? Thank you for an excellent discussion. Brian |
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135 | Catholic church and church of England | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 44359 | ||
Fudges I am only prepared to speak on behalf of the Catholic Church. Catholics believe: The Christian home is the place where children receive the first proclamation of the faith. For this reason the family home is rightly called "the domestic church," a community of grace and prayer, a school of human virtues and of Christian charity. Next, the following are Jesus' words on the union of marriage Mark 10:11-12 Matthew 19:9 Luke 16:18 And Paul: 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 However, there are circumstances in which the Church will grant an annulment of (or nullify) the marriage. Brian |
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136 | what are the 12 stages of crucificion | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 114152 | ||
From: www.NewAdvent.com Formerly their number varied considerably in different places but fourteen are now prescribed by authority. They are as follows: 1. Christ condemned to death; 2. the cross is laid upon him; 3. His first fall; 4. He meets His Blessed Mother; 5. Simon of Cyrene is made to bear the cross; 6. Christ's face is wiped by Veronica; 7. His second fall; 8. He meets the women of Jerusalem; 9. His third fall; 10. He is stripped of His garments; 11. His crucifixion; 12. His death on the cross; 13. His body is taken down from the cross; and 14. laid in the tomb. The object of the Stations is to help the faithful to make in spirit, as it were, a pilgrimage to the chief scenes of Christ's sufferings and death, and this has become one of the most popular of Catholic devotions. It is carried out by passing from Station to Station, with certain prayers at each and devout meditation on the various incidents in turn. It is very usual, when the devotion is performed publicly, to sing a stanza of the "Stabat Mater" while passing from one Station to the next. Brian |
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137 | where did cain and able find wives 4 fam | Genesis | Brian.g | 14230 | ||
There is currently an ongoing discussion. Please go to the left hand column and under 'Show Me", click on Notes and look for the topic to participate. |
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138 | Having problems with my faith. | Genesis | Brian.g | 34622 | ||
Chynna I have read all of your postings to this forum, and you ask some excellent questions. I don’t know if I can answer your question, but I would like to share an assortment of the thoughts that came to mind, as I read your collective posts. Maybe we can build on these thoughts. By the way, these are just random thoughts and not everything will flow together smoothly. Man's relationship with God can be difficult to comprehend, because God is so magnificent that we just can't always grasp everything about Him. Two things demonstrate God’s compassion: Genesis 3:21 and 4:6-7. Adam and Eve had just sinned, but here God is making clothes for them. In Gen 4:6-7, God had just told Cain He didn’t approve of Cain’s sacrifice. Then God spoke to Cain with love and encouragement that he, Cain, can do better. Here are two cases in which God was angry/disappointed, but still very concerned and loving towards His children. In Job 38-39, God describes himself. Take your time and read this. It puts into perspective the greatness of God. God created everything and then, out of His love for man, simply gave it to us (Re: Genesis 1:28) As God has dominion (supreme authority) over man, God gave man dominion over all other creatures. Ours is a jealous God. Now, in addition to being a magnificent, loving and compassionate God, ours is a jealous God. That means simply, is that God is intolerant of unfaithfulness. (Re: Deut 4:23-24, 5:8-9, and 6:14-15) Let’s talk about sacrifice, sacrifice means: to devote irrevocably to the worship of God by a solemn ceremony. Holocaust means: a sacrifice consumed by fire. The first time we see a sacrifice in the Bible is in Genesis with Cain and Abel. It does not say that God required a sacrifice. Why was Abel’s sacrifice pleasing to God, two reasons: First, it truly was to devote, irrevocably, to the worship of God. As a symbol his devotion to God, Abel selected the best firstling (look it up) of his flock. Why an animal? Abel’s job was to raise animals for food. And Abel offered God the best food he had. Abel had complete devotion to God and he did not keep the best for his own consumption. There is no purer sign of love, honor and devotion among mankind, as when a child picks the prettiest flower and gives it to his or her mother. Although, the mother did not require this act of devotion, she accepts it because it is pleasing to her. At this time, the relationship between the mother and child is one of complete devotion and is perfect in goodness and righteousness. It is holy. (Re: 1 Peter 1:14-16) Why burn the offering, how else will it be received by God? Offerings were burned, evaporated or decayed. The sweet aroma of the sacrifice – it is meat and in my house, a roast does smell nice when its cooking. However, this term is used symbolically in the Bible. Why did God look down upon Cain’s offering? Cain was a farmer and he offered to God the results of his efforts as a farmer. However, note in Genesis that Cain did not offer God the best firstling of the crops. It appears that Cain kept the best for himself and made to God, an inferior offering. Now, the second child, not understanding the full significance of giving flowers to the mother, grabs a handful of plants from the garden, which includes broken flowers and weeds, and gives them to the mother. The mother, who still loves the child, will explain why this is not a good gift (because it is not from the heart) and with the hope/expectation that the child will properly honor her love and their relationship, the next time. (Re: Genesis 4:6-7) God, in all of His magnificence, creates all things and with all love and compassion for us, He simply gave it to us. Then, man goes and creates false gods and idols to worship. As said earlier, ours is a jealous God. And when man created idols and worshiped them with sacrifices, our God said, no. Man has only one God and if we want to make a sacrifice, it will be to Him. (Re: Deut 32:16-19) Notice that God hasn’t demanded that man makes sacrifices, but if man is going to worship a god, it is going to be our God. First and foremost, it is pleasing to God when man does demonstrate his love and devotion to God. Second, God will not tolerate man making this devotion to a false god or idol. Third, God does expect the honor to be proper, which is Leviticus. In Leviticus, God also thought it good that man joins together in the celebration of the sacrifice. Together worshipping God, lead by a priest who insures that all join together to worship God, properly. This, in turn, helps build the unity of the family of God (Re: Job 36:22). Does God require sacrifices, let alone blood sacrifices of animals? Read Psalms 50:5-23, and pay particular attention to lines 5, 8-13 and 23. (Psalms 50:23 Those who offer praise as a sacrifice honor me; to the obedient I will show the salvation of God."). Sacrifices/Sacraments are pleasing to God. Brian |
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139 | who did cain marry? | Gen 1:1 | Brian.g | 14099 | ||
There may be merit to your answer. Let's look at Genesis in a little bit different order than it is written. After God confronted Cain about his brother, God banished Cain to the Land of Nod (which means Land of Wandering - Nomadic living). Cain was terrified of this punishment and in Genesis 4:14, Cain states that whoever finds me will kill me (whoever as in man, not whatever as in animal). To that, in Genesis 4:15, 15 But the LORD said to him, "Not so[5] ; if anyone kills Cain, he will suffer vengeance seven times over." Then the LORD put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him Again, God is protecting Cain from people, not animals. Now, with that understanding that other people did exist in the world, by the time Cain was banished from Eden, is it possible that what Genesis is saying is that Adam and Eve are the first people God made, but not the only people God made. If that is the case, Cain had plenty of opportunity to meet and marry a non-relative. |
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140 | who did cain marry? | Gen 1:1 | Brian.g | 14102 | ||
Radioman In answer to your question, does it have any bearing on the Trinity, etc. My answer to you is yes, it does. The Bible is a guide for man to learn about God and to help us live our lives, as God wants us to live. The Bible is a living document of Gods love for man. As more people learn the Bible and in turn, learn about Gods love and then, have the desire to live our lives as Jesus has taught us, then every problem you have listed will go away. Sometimes, it starts with a small simple question. But I am thankful that the question is being asked, I am thankful that there are people willing to answer and I am thankful that the one simple question is helping people lives to be guided along the path of God. We have tried to outlaw sin, it doesn't work. The problems you have listed, and many more, will not be changed or eliminated by more man-made laws and politics. But, they will be elimated by one person at a time following God. Jesus taught us that we need to reject sin. As you have rejected these sins because of your faith, so will others. Radioman, continue to trust God and help teach others to reject sin, answer each of their questions and help guide others to God. By the way, I listed a really good theory on Cains wife, do you want to hear it? |
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