Results 1221 - 1240 of 1251
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Results from: Notes Author: mark d seyler Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1221 | Human Power? | John 15:5 | mark d seyler | 128954 | ||
Hi Brad, Even as I wrote that, I had a certain feeling inside that it didn't exactly represent what I believe. Even our faith comes from Him. (Eph. 2:8 ...it is the gift of God) I think of this as my allowing the faith He has put in me to do its work. As I receive the Word, and it mixes with faith (Heb. 4:2), I have the option to continue to (now knowingly) reject God, or to end my rebellion, and allow myself to be brought into the fold. As far as I can determine, the only thing I contribute to my salvation is consent. As I understand the Bible, God will not save those who do not obey (Heb 5:9). It seems to me that God does everything for me, but I have to agree to do it His way. I appreciate your words "as scripture never says this" - I always appreciate any challenge to remain firmly based on His Word. I suspect when we discuss this issue, we use the words that best mean to each of us what we believe. When I say "obey", I mean obey the one I know is Lord. I am guessing when you say believe, (correct me if I am wrong) you are believing in Who Jesus is, Savior, Lord, and so much more. Love in Christ, Mark |
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1222 | Human Power? | John 15:5 | mark d seyler | 128947 | ||
Hi Country Girl, I'm glad you brought this up. To me, this verse (Rev 3:20) ties together several current threads. Salvation IS conditional, and the condition rests with us. God has already said He wants in. IF anyone hears His voice and opens the door... Love in Christ, Mark |
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1223 | can you lose it? | Heb 6:4 | mark d seyler | 128924 | ||
To clarify one small point, I am not saying that those who do not believe as I do are not actually Christians. I am saying that those who appear to lose salvation were not Christians originally, as taught by John. This is not directed at you or any particular individual, as I said, according to Paul's teaching, me must each look within ourselves to see if the Spirit of Christ lives in us, to know if we are indeed saved. "If we say we have no sin" - the condition of sinfulness. You claim that we are not immediately a new creature, that it only comes over time. Are you saying we are slowly saved, that there is a time when we are “half-saved”? You do not include scriptural foundation for your statements. Verses that say we are re-born as an accomplished fact include: 1Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1John 5:10-13 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 2 Corinthians 5:17”Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” These verses all speak of a past tense action. The Pharisees were just people like the rest of us, who wanted to be the masters over their own lives, while masquerading righteousness. Those who submitted , He saved. I agree with you completely that many have overcomplicated the teachings of God’s Word. It is each of our responsibility that what we believe, and what we teach, is founded entirely on scripture. Love in Christ, Mark |
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1224 | The New Birth - A Survey | NT general Archive 1 | mark d seyler | 128921 | ||
Hi New Creature, Passive, but consenting. Love in Christ, Mark |
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1225 | can you lose it? | Heb 6:4 | mark d seyler | 128848 | ||
God’s promise to Abraham to give him the promised land was not conditional. God simply gave it to him. My understanding of scripture is that it teaches very plainly that when we come to Christ, He makes us into something new, that we were not before, that is separate from the carnal creature we were, something not subject to the laws of sin and death, something that lives with Him, and continues to live with Him forever. I John 3:9 says that those who are born of God (a past tense action) cannot sin (poieo – commit a single sinful act). There are many scriptures that make similarly plain statements as well, and if there were in fact verses that disagree with these verses, we might as well hang it up. The fact is, any perceived lack of harmony in the scriptures is our own lack of understanding. The teachings of the Bible are in complete harmony if we just understand what it is actually saying. There are many scriptures that make very plain statements assuring those that have been reborn that they will be with God forever. There are a great many scriptures that make statements that have been misinterpreted to say we can be lost after being reborn. I believe many many people who claim Christianity have never actually submitted to the absolute lordship of Jesus Christ, but instead have had an emotional or intellectual experience, and have no idea what they are missing. It was when I understood how completely saved I was that I actually able to begin to enter into that rest that is promised to His children. I have also learned that the only person whom I can actually know whether they are saved or not is me. My duty before God is to teach the whole truth of His Word, and not to shy away from difficult subjects, but to seek His teaching until I understand it. The nature of God’s relationship with His children is one of the more important subjects in His word. This is obviously a subject too involved to discuss on this forum, and as others have pointed out, has been discussed endlessly in the past. I invite any who are interested to email me (see profile) and I will send you the results of my personal study on this matter. I believe that there is only one truth, and that God means for us to know it. Love in Christ, Mark |
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1226 | Were angels created on day 2 or 3? | Prov 3:5 | mark d seyler | 128847 | ||
The command I had in mind was "study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman who needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." There is nothing in the Word of God that I do not want to know. The greatest passion in my life is to become closer to and more like my Lord Jesus, and His Word is my primary way. I believe that if He said something, there is reason and purpose, and I don't consider it trivial. Again, the idea of when angels were created is not on the same level to me as whether or not my salvation is based on God's faithfulness or my faithfulness. But the truth is, there is no subject in scripture that does not interest me. I want to learn everything that my God wrote to me. Love in Christ, Mark |
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1227 | Will wayward christians be forgiven? | Heb 6:4 | mark d seyler | 128845 | ||
Hebrews 10:26 needs to be read in view of the entire chapter. There remains no sacrifice outside of Jesus. The writer goes to much length to explain the original temporary sacrificial system was of neccessity removed, replaced by Jesus' once for all sacrifice, and you cannot go back, treating Jesus' blood as no better than the blood of bulls and goats. Love in Christ, Mark |
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1228 | can you lose it? | Heb 6:4 | mark d seyler | 128844 | ||
Heb 6:1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits. 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. 7 For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; 8 but if it bears thorns and briars, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned. 9 But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. There are a couple of things I wish to point out in this passage. In verse 1, the writer speaks of dead works and faith toward God. I see this as our live without Christ (dead) and life in Christ (faith). Verse 2 speaks of baptisms (the first works of salvation), laying on of hands (ministering in the body of Christ), resurrection and judgment (the end of the current dispensation). Verse 3 specifies these preceding topics as those the writer wishes to leave behind, separating them from verse 4, which begins a new concept. Verses 4 and 5 speak of people who, among other things, have tasted of the powers of the age to come. I think of this as saying “who have felt the acceleration of a 2010 Ford”. The only ones who can do that are those driving Fords in 2010. The people who have tasted of the powers of the age to come are those who will live in the age to come. The writer continues in this thought in verse 7, speaking of the earth which receives blessing (until the Millennial Kingdom the earth is still cursed), unless the fruit is thorns, becoming near to being cursed. The earth was cursed so that it would produce thorns. In this passage, if it bears thorns, it will be rejected. These things lead me to think that those who will not be able to repent are those who continue in rebellion against Jesus as He reigns Personally and publicly upon the earth. His rule will be public, and their rebellion will be public. Also, viewed in this way, this passage is in harmony with those that tell us God continues to forgive and cleanse us, who have been justified. Love in Christ, Mark |
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1229 | Were angels created on day 2 or 3? | Prov 3:5 | mark d seyler | 128831 | ||
Hi Glory Bound, You have picked a verse I rely upon daily. I know my frailty and inability to choose the right way in which I should go, and need the Lord Jesus to guide me every step. I know His promises to do just that are true and faithful, and I trust Him to lead me. This is an important part of my rest in Him. I do not see how these verses relate to the question I asked, unless it is to say that you are not aware of additional scripture that addresses the creation of angels. This is not an important issue to me, just something I noticed in my reading. Let me know if I misunderstood. Thank you. Love in Christ, Mark |
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1230 | Christians before Jesus came | Bible general Archive 2 | mark d seyler | 128706 | ||
Hi Chesed, If Jesus "was the fulfillment of the OT", was the OT written about Jesus for Him to fulfill? Love in Christ, Mark |
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1231 | Christians before Jesus came | Bible general Archive 2 | mark d seyler | 128703 | ||
Hi Chesed, 1 Pet 1:10-12 "As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven--things into which angels long to look." Remember that even the prophets who wrote the prophecies didn't alway know the full application of the prophecies given by them. I believe I understand what you are saying, and correct me if I am wrong, that the actual words written, in such as Zechariah and Micah and Hosea, referred to others besides Messiah, and it was only later that NT writers gave an additional fulfillment to these scriptures. I take exception to referring to the "original intent" as other than speaking of Jesus. Matt 2 and Hos 11 I think illustrate this very well. It is only by reading Matt. that we understand God's true intent when He spoke through Hosea. John 5:39 "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me;" Heb 10:7 "THEN I SAID, 'BEHOLD, I HAVE COME (IN THE SCROLL OF THE BOOK IT IS WRITTEN OF ME) TO DO YOUR WILL, O GOD.'" As has often been said, in the Old Testament the New is concealled. In the New, the Old is revealled. The theology of the Messiah that I am interested in is that which is revealled by the Holy Spirit. (Yes, I am "Sola Scripura" - a term I had never heard before,but fits me like a glove!) The theology of the Messiah at the time of Jesus was adequately skewwed that they crucified Him! I believe God gave us His word that we may know Him, and that the way we know Him is through Jesus, therefore, it is all about Jesus! Love in Christ, Mark |
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1232 | Generation or Race? | John 5:19 | mark d seyler | 127758 | ||
Hi Tim, Thank you for your confirmation of possible translations. I have always thought the meaning of the verse referred to the last days generation, although I leave the door open until it is actually fulfilled. Love in Christ, Mark |
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1233 | Explanation of Genesis 6:1-6 | Genesis | mark d seyler | 127647 | ||
Hi tgc, Your last paragraph is something I have wondered too. The NT speaks of those "unclean spirits" who, after they are cast out, roam the arid places, returning to the house they have been cast out of. When Jesus cast out the legion, they asked to be allowed to go into the herd of pigs. Why is that? Angels seem to be able to take on human form. Angels are as they were created to be, and so why would they be so anxious to possess a body? However, the spirits of those born in Gen 6, having been separated from the bodies they had, with not resurrection prepared for them, could be these ones that so long to inhabit a body. Pure speculation I know. I think others have addressed your other questions. One more thing I might add is that every time the term "sons of God" is used it refers to that which is a direct creation of God. Adam, angels, and we who are born again. I hope this helps. Love in Christ, Mark |
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1234 | How our Loving God commanded such things | Bible general Archive 2 | mark d seyler | 127536 | ||
When God said in His law "Thou shalt not kill", He chose to use one of several Hebrew words that mean "kill", this one that would be more properly translated "murder". Hebrew has a word that means "kill - to strike unto death", but with no moral implication, and it is used referring to killing an animal, for food or sacrifice. Different words are used to indicate malicious intent, ambush, and manslaughter (you meant harm but not death, nonetheless the victim dies). When the Bible records that God commands the death of people, the word meaning simply "to kill" is used. The Bible does not characturize God's actions as murder, but rather as killing. The primary difference is that the words for murder signify unjustified killing, whereas there is no question of justification when God kills or commands the death of people. When God does something, it is right for Him to do so. So we arrive at the crux of the matter - why? Why does God kill? Why does God command the deaths of innocent babies? The truth is, as high as the heavens are above the earth, so God's way are above our ways. We can only speculate. But we can begin our speculation knowing there must be a good reason. Is it because that particular nation was so riddled with disease? The sexual immorality of these nations that God commanded the complete destruction of was such that this would likely be the case. Or because God knew that if there were survivors, they would grow up in bitterness and rebellion, and cause further harm to themselves and to others? Was He judging the nation for sin, yet saving the innocent by calling them home to Himself? Since "the soul that sins God will blot from His book" (Ex. 32), those babies and young children that have not sinned because they have no understanding of law go to be with God. We ask "how can it be right for God to kill babies?" If we knew all the facts, as God does, we would be saying "righteous and true are Your judgments, O Lord!" The bottom line for each of us is whether or not our names remain written in the Lamb's Book of Life, not whether we are happy or sad here in this world. All this will be done away with, only the world which is to come will remain. All whose names are not in the Book of Life will be thrown into the Lake of Fire, all who are written in the Book of Life will be part of the first resurrection, to be with our God forever. The children of Amelek, who had not sinned for their young age, will be there with us, Glory to God our Lord!!! I hope this helps. Love in Christ, Mark |
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1235 | How our Loving God commanded such things | Bible general Archive 2 | mark d seyler | 127427 | ||
Hello everyone, As I have tried to understand God's love revealed thru wrath, I would have a difficult time putting it any better than Jonathan Edwards did in his 1740 sermon, Sinners in the Hands of and Angry God. Here is a link if you are interested: http://www.geocities.com/rapture77/sinangry.html Love in Christ, Mark |
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1236 | Preterist's view of Zech 14? | Zech 14:4 | mark d seyler | 127053 | ||
Thank you, Emmaus. In spite or your brevity, this gives me a much more clear understanding of this viewpoint. Love in Christ, Mark |
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1237 | How do you view Rev 2:1-7 | Rev 2:1 | mark d seyler | 127033 | ||
Maybe I didn't do this right, because my post didn't link to Emmaus' post regarding the OT correlation to the letters to the churches in Rev. so again - - WOW!!!! Mark |
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1238 | How do you view Rev 2:1-7 | Rev 2:1 | mark d seyler | 127032 | ||
WOW!!!! I just read your post. What a mind-blower! I am in a constant state of amazement of how wonderfully God has given us His Word. Thank you for my latest dose! Love in Christ, Mark |
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1239 | searching for the truth | 1 Cor 11:3 | mark d seyler | 125861 | ||
Hi Country Girl, (and to EdB, I realize my original error in not replying to the original thread, however, now the Country Girl has asked for input, I wish to respond to that) I wanted to give you a more complete response to your question. I hope this helps. The first question is whether spiritual gifts are or are not for today. Some say they are not, because of I Cor 13:10 “But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part (these gifts) shall be done away.” They say “that which is perfect” is the finished Bible. The logic is that since now we have the complete word of God, we are no longer given spiritual gifts, that they were a weaker substitute. What are spiritual gifts for? 1 Cor 14:12 “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church,” and Eph. 4:12-13 “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:” This goes toward answering what “that which is perfect” is. The perfect (complete) man. The gifts are for us until we no longer need them. I become sick, and I need healing. I struggle with difficult scripture, and I need teaching. Before I knew Christ, I needed evangelizing. I become discouraged, and need exhortation. And so on. So I look towards my brothers and sisters to minister to me according to the gifts God has given them. How do we know what are the true gifts, and that they are indeed the work of the Holy Spirit? The Bible gives several lists of gifts, and I would not considers any so-called gift that is not included on these lists. In 1 Cor. 12, Paul compares the giving of spiritual gifts for each of our functioning within the body of Christ as the functioning of the parts of our bodies. In a nutshell, the hand needs to be a hand, and the eye needs to be an eye, each one looking to its own purpose. That is how we need to be. If my gift is administration, I should not try to be an evangalist (I am referring to my primary ministry according to the gifting of the Spirit, not that the Spirit would never lead me to evangalize, or even change my ministry, it is according as He wills, so I do not restrict Him). If the Holy Spirit has set me within the body of Christ as a prophet, and I think I should, or just want to, be working miracles, or helping, or governing, my ministry will not be empowered by the Holy Spirit as if I were performing my given ministry of prophecy. If a person is truly gifted by the Holy Spirit, and they are submitted to God, the fruit of their ministry will glorify Jesus. John 16:14 “He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” Their ministry will be effective. Ephesians 3:7 “Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.” It will be effective because it is God’s power, not man’s effort. 1 Peter 4:11 “if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” As I have stated elsewhere, even if my gift appears effective, yet I lead you to a different god then what the Bible teaches, then you are to ignore me (Deut. 13:1-3). I understand this to include false doctrine, as this then descibes someone who is not the God of the Bible. And finally, the true earmark of the life that is ruled by God’s Spirit is love. If I govern, do I lord over you to make my “kingdom” run my way, or do I serve seeking to give you every benefit and help possible, because you are the King of King’s child? If I prophesy, do I make sure you know what I great saint I am, or am I awed that our Lord would even speak through me? Is my speaking in tongues in pride, or in private? Is my teaching pedantic or patient? After you have received ministry from another, do you feel more or less loved? Have you been drawn closer to Jesus? Are you thankful for the loving care your loving Father has provided you? These are of course subjective determinations, however, love is the defining factor of the Spirit-led life. The true believer who is maturing in the Lord Jesus will increasingly be a servant, and increasingly empowered to serve. God works everything in harmony, and I firmly believe that if I simply submit to God today, He will lead me to serve Him today, in whatever capacity He wishes. When God works in my life, either by your ministry, or by using me to minister to you, that truly is a wonderful gift from His hand! Love in Christ, Mark |
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1240 | searching for the truth | 1 Cor 11:3 | mark d seyler | 125774 | ||
Hi Country Girl, You've asked a rather involved question, unfortunately I do not have much time. However, I believe the true answer to this question to be extremely important to the correct functioning of the Body of Jesus. Moses wrote that if what a prophet predicts happens, but he leads you to other gods, don't go after him. If someone claims, and even demonstrates, abilities beyond what is normal for humans, but leads into doctrines not in the Bible, it's not a gift from the Spirit. God's Spirit gives us abilities to manifest His caring for us, that it would not be me trying to minister to you just as me, but would be God ministering to you through me. This most interesting discussion of the understanding the Bible is an excellent example. We need to identify those who have a true gift of teaching to help us to understand what the Bible is really telling us. We have to check what they teach to make sure that they are really teaching the truth. If we accept that the gifts as named, described, and taught about in the Bible are still for today, (I do), then we need to submit ourselves to God, and He will distribute as He wills. He will lead us in useing them. We can accept by faith that if we are yielded to God, He will not lead us astray. And the Bible is the Final Authority. Jesus said to examine the fruit. Does the use of a particular gift glorify Jesus? Are people's lives being transformed? I have to go now, but I will continue to follow as I am able. God bless you! Mark |
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