Results 141 - 160 of 177
|
||||||
Results from: Notes Author: Bill Mc Ordered by Date |
||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
141 | Does this apply to Christians? | Matt 6:15 | Bill Mc | 15365 | ||
Dear Nolan, Thanks for your response, brother. I appreciate your clarification on your position. And, Nolan, my comments about "some on this forum" were not aimed specifically at you. 1 John 1:9 comes up quite often in the queue, as I'm sure you know, and the 'keeping short accounts' is usually the reponse. Please permit me to clarify my view of repentance. I do believe in repentance, brother, but I think that true repentance is changing your mind concerning what you think about God and Jesus Christ and what He has done. Why do I think this? Because until we see God for who He really is, Christ as our total righteousness, and ourselves (before salvation) as dead in sin, we will not come to Him. Most of the scriptures you listed for repentance support this idea. As I understand it, repentance is much more than making promises to God that we will not sin. Why? Because, if we are honest with ourselves, as long as we are in these unredeemed bodies and being 'matured' in Christ, we still have the capacity to sin and we will do so (prayerfully less and less as we walk in the Spirit). So if repentance is a measure of how much or how little we sin, we will NEVER, on this earth, truly repent of every sin. If all I am concerned with is 'cleaning up my act,' it will never be totally clean. I believe that true repentance is allowing God to change our minds through the renewing of it by His Word. Paul said, "Walk in the Spirit (allow Him to be your complete source) and you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh." He didn't say that the desires of the flesh would go away (I assure you that they do not) but we WON'T fulfill them AS we walk in the Spirit. Only as our minds are exposed to the truth of God will our actions follow. Otherwise, Satan keeps us so busy 'keeping our sins confessed' and 'staying right with God' that all we ever focus on is ourselves. Christ calls us to come to Him and His sufficiency. Our actions may or may not change overnight. It is different with different people. The changing of our actions is involved in the process we frequently call sanctification. That is different from repentance. Repentance is seeing God's truth and accepting it. Sanctification is the 'working out' of the truth. If all we focus on is outward actions, then the Pharisees were righteous. But Jesus buried them. He said that God is primarily concerned with our hearts. As our hearts are changed, our actions will follow. Thanks for your comments. As I previously stated, I don't believe 1 John 1:9 should split Christian brothers and sisters. There is so many questions on this passage because of the double-talk we give to people about forgiveness. What I do have a problem with is the 'altar call' attitude of "come forward, get ALL of your sins forgiven, and get in fellowship with God. Now that you've accepted Christ and His forgiveness, you need to keep yourself forgiven through confession or you'll lose that fellowship with God." That's double-talk. If we want to preach that in our churches, we should tell all of it. If that if what we believe, we should tell people, "Come forward and get only your PAST sins forgiven. All your future ones still need to be confessed and forgiven. And, fellowship with God? Well, you will be doomed to being in and out of it for the rest of your earthly life because, as you know, you will never completely stop sinning until Christ calls you home." That kind of a message is not 'good news.' And I don't believe it is the truth. Christ did so much more for us than we often give Him credit for. Why not tell people, "I've got some good news for you. You were born dead to God, separated from Him. But Christ has done a wonderful thing! He has reconciled you to God. Your sins will no longer keep you from God. And if you believe it to be true, then God Himself will come inside you and LIVE there. He will never leave you, He will never forsake you. And nothing shall separate you from His love. Nothing. Will He change you? You bet. He loves you to much to leave you the way you are. Allow Him to do it." Now that's good news! Blessings in Christ, Bill Mc |
||||||
142 | Does this apply to Christians? | Matt 6:15 | Bill Mc | 15306 | ||
Dear Debbie, Sure it's OK to tell God you're sorry when you goof up. He knows your heart (even better than you do). The fact that you're sorry is evidence that you do indeed have God's Spirit in you. Want to know the truth? **whisper** sometimes my flesh even enjoys sin - but it makes me miserable afterward. And God knows that too. He is grieved when we sin. Why? Because He is holy? Sure, but also because sin hurts someone that He loves even more than His own life, whether myself or a fellow believer or a sinner I may know. And sin NEVER satisfies my soul like Jesus and God's Word does. But, Debbie, because Christ has dealt with all our sins, His Holy Spirit never leaves or forsakes us. What a wonderful salvation we have! God indwelling us! Do I tell God I'm sorry when I goof up? Yeah, then I tell Him that I'm probably not always as sorry as I should be and that I am SO THANKFUL that Christ has allowed my sins to be behind the back of God, as far as the east is from the west. As one other person posted, he who is forgiven much is the most thankful. In EVERYTHING give thanks. When I do sin, it ALWAYS shows me my need for Christ. So, dear sister, "be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God IN CHRIST also has forgiven you." Don't forget to forgive yourself also. If God has forgiven you, and you KNOW that, then you can forgive yourself, too. Blessings in Christ, Bill Mc |
||||||
143 | Does this apply to Christians? | Matt 6:15 | Bill Mc | 15304 | ||
Dear Radioman, Thanks for the post. I do not have an 'amplified' Bible, so I found your post very interesting. It sure makes the translation 'fresh.' See, even an old dog like me can be taught a new trick occasionally. The 'divine sperm' is a little wierd but I understand the meaning of it. I am thankful that you don't view me or my view as a threat. I honestly do try to balance what I feel is the truth with love. But I sometimes have little patience with legalists. Unfortunately, many people hear what they want to hear (myself included) and sometimes all they "hear" is, 'Bill is saying that he doesn't sin and that he has no need for God's forgiveness.' or 'Bill is saying that a Christian does not confess his sins.' That is so far from what I believe that I sometimes don't know where to go to even start to counter it. A true Christian (by even your translation) has God's Spirit within Him and that Spirit ALWAYS confesses (agrees) with God. I may not immediately turn from my sin when convicted, I may even try to (hopelessly) justify it, but I NEVER deny that it is sin. And I never deny that I will ALWAYS, while I dwell in this body, have a need for God's forgiveness. God knows that I have personally broken the '70 times 7' limit many times in my 42 years on this earth. I don't ALWAYS feel forgiven. In fact, I don't ALWAYS feel saved. But my feelings are not the determining factor for where I stand with God. His Word is. I am gradually learning to rely upon God and what He says instead of my own understanding and feelings. Radioman, could you do me one more favor before leaving this subject? I would greatly appreciate it if you could post 1 John 1:8-10 in the 'amplified' Bible here for myself and other readers to see. Ultimately, each one of us must decide for himself/herself what the truth of the issue of forgiveness is. That is where the Spirit will lead us into (not always instantaneously impart) ALL truth. Blessings (even forgiveness) In Christ, Bill Mc |
||||||
144 | Where are the scriptures, believers? | Matt 6:15 | Bill Mc | 15300 | ||
Radioman, Thanks for your comments. Maybe sometimes ignorance IS bliss (sorry, no scripture reference for this) :) We love labels and classifying people, don't we? In Christ, Bill Mc |
||||||
145 | Where are the scriptures, believers? | Matt 6:15 | Bill Mc | 15283 | ||
Dear Tim, I don't know what an Arminian or a Calvinist is. I know enough to know that they seem to be at odds or war or something. I know it sounds stupid but I haven't studied either one. Nevertheless, I agree with your statement, 'in the atonement, everyone's sins are forgiven. But, it is only when we respond to the gospel that we receive the benefits.' Complete forgiveness is provided for everyone but it is part of the package when we receive Christ - "In Him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sin." "God was in Christ, reconciling the WORLD to Himself, not counting men's sins against them." - 2 Cor 5:19 "In Him we have received the reconciliation." - Romans 5:10,11 (I think that's the reference) I believe that God has reconciled the world to Himself because, well...He said so. That's why Paul says, "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself...so we beg you on behalf of Christ, BE reconciled to God." God has done it, so believe it and BE it - accept that it is true. I feel the same way about the forgiveness issue. "In Him, we HAVE redemption, the forgiveness of sins." God has forgiven us IN CHRIST so BE forgiven. God has done it, so believe it and BE it - accept that it is true. Take care, Tim. Rest in His love, Bill Mc |
||||||
146 | Where are the scriptures, believers? | Matt 6:15 | Bill Mc | 15280 | ||
Dear Tim, You right, James 5:15 is a difficult passage. Here's what I believe. James was addressing problems in this body of believers. One of them is that they couldn't get along. See James 4:1. I understand James 5:15,16 to be forgiveness between members. (I could be wrong, that is why I ask to be challenged. The truth will survive serious scrutiny.) He says in verse 16, confess your sins to one another (not to God) so that the relationships can be healed. We still very much need to do that. Why? Because we do not often offer each other the unconditional love that Christ offers us. The antithesis of James 5:15 would be, "his sins won't be forgiven." This just doesn't fit with the rest of the scriptures about forgiveness and what, I believe, Christ has done. But, thanks for the challenge. I really do appreciate it. I will definately have to look at the book of James closer. That, believe it or not, was what I was seeking - some scripture that doesn't line up with my 'theology.' Now, where's my commentaries...? ;) Thanks for the honest reply without labeling me a heretic. In Christ, Bill Mc |
||||||
147 | Where are the scriptures, believers? | Matt 6:15 | Bill Mc | 15277 | ||
Dear Nolan, "Are you, Bill, completely sinless and without sin?" In my spirit, my true identity, I have been joined to Christ's Spirit. I am in spiritual union with Him. Because of that union, my identity has been changed from 'sinner' to 'saint.' So, my spirit, joined to Christ can NEVER sin. My soul (my mind, emotions, and will) can still sin. It is in the process of being sanctified and is not perfect or sinless. My body still has what Paul calls 'indwelling sin.' As Paul says, it is in me but it is NOT me. Left to it's own, it will sin. My body (unfortunately) has not yet been redeemed. But it only houses my soul and spirit. "What happens if you do sin?" If I commit a sin, the Holy Spirit convicts me of that sin and says, "Bill, you just...fill in the blank. Don't you know that you are acting contrary to your new identity in Christ? You don't have to sin anymore. Christ has set you free." So I confess (agree with God) that sin is sin and ask Him to show me where my mind needs to be renewed (exposed to the truth of God's Word). As He renews my mind (a process), my actions follow. "Do you, although you are a believer, not ask for Christ to forgive you of your sins, which were done after you accepted Christ?" No, I don't. If you look at all the verses I posted about forgiveness, you'll see that they are all past tense or present tense. I.e. forgiveness is something we received when we received Christ and we NOW currently possess it. Just as I don't, when I sin, ask God to save me, reconcile me to God, redeem me, justify me, etc. In Him, I have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. So, Nolan, if I don't ask God for it, then what do I do? I thank Him for what I already have. I thank Him that He died to forgive that sin and ask Him to conform He in my soul and body to the spiritual image of Christ that is ever present in my spirit. Do you, Nolan, ask God to save you when you sin? Why not? Because He has already done it. Do you ask Him to redeem you when you sin? No, He has already done it. Forgiveness is the same. Asking God for what you already have is not faith. It is unbelief. Asking God to forgive you when you commit a sin is saying that you don't believe He did at the cross. And yet, we will turn right around and tell a sinner, come forward and get ALL your sins forgiven. What we mean is, come forward and get only your past sins forgiven. I have news for you, my friend. Every sin that you ever committed, currently commit, or will ever commit has been paid for at the cross. If Christ blood didn't take away your future sins, then it did nothing with your past sins either. God is outside of time and not bound by our feeble view of it. Christ dealt with sins ONCE and FOR ALL. I'm sorry if you don't believe that. Maybe we should change our hymns and sing: He Took Some of My Sins Away Jesus Paid It Some What Can Wash Away My Sin, Nothing But My Confession Calvary Covers Only What's Confessed Turn Your Eyes Upon Your Sin It Is Almost Finished Praise God, My Sins Are Nearly Gone Talk to the writer of "It Is Well With My Soul" when you get to heaven and tell him he was wrong when he wrote, 'My sin, not in part, but the whole, is nailed to the cross. I bear it no more. It is well with my soul.' Maybe he never read 1 John 1:9. I don't mean to be sarcastic but we have so little understanding of what Christ has done for us. We are so concerned with our sins that His grace eludes us. We are no different that the Jews who had to keep going back to the Day of Atonement, year after year, and asking for more forgiveness. We have them beat. We ask it day after day, sometimes hour by hour. Do you think God is pleased with our lack of faith when Christ said, "IT IS FINISHED! PAID IN FULL!"? In Him, Bill Mc |
||||||
148 | Does this apply to Christians? | Matt 6:15 | Bill Mc | 15272 | ||
Dear fellow believers, I have stated my view of the forgiveness issue and 1 John 1:9 as briefly and 'apologetically' as I can. I do appreciate everyone's feedback and responses. I would like to say that I DO NOT feel that this issue should divide the church. I do not regard anyone as 'mislead' if they do not believe the same way that I do concerning this issue. The difference can be summed up as follows: 1) I believe that I am a forgiven person as are ALL believers. I do still sin but my sins ARE forgiven. My sins were ALL forgiven at the cross 2000 years ago only by Christ shedding His blood, not by my confession of them. I had committed none of those sins 2000 years ago when He died, but I believe that the cross was an eternal act of God (Christ was slain before the foundation of the world) and that He saw and bore ALL my sins in His body back then. And that His blood washed them ALL away. In other words, it is a done deal just like my redemption, reconciliation, justification, etc. I believe that I have been (past tense) reconciled to God and that, because of Christ sacrifice, my sins are no longer held against me. 2) Some on this forum believe that forgiveness must continually be asked for as sins are committed. They infer that Christ administers forgiveness only at repentance, whether believers or not. They also feel that if a Christian doesn't forgive others, then they will not be forgiven. They believe in keeping short accounts with God so that they do not lose fellowship with Him. While I disagree with this view, I do understand it and used it to keep myself clean before the Lord and in fellowship for 30 years (or so I thought). I, obviously, no longer hold to that view for reasons that I have stated here. But, believers, the bottom line is that only Christ can forgive sins. I think we all agree to that. We just disagree as to the timing of that forgiveness. That's Ok. It's time to move on... Blessings in Christ to all, Bill Mc |
||||||
149 | Darkness vs. Light | Matt 6:15 | Bill Mc | 15271 | ||
Amen! | ||||||
150 | Darkness vs. Light | Matt 6:15 | Bill Mc | 15269 | ||
Nolan, please consider Hebrews 10:14-18: Heb 10:14 For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. Heb 10:15 And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying, Heb 10:16 "THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART, AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL WRITE THEM," He then says, Heb 10:17 "AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE." Heb 10:18 Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin. Please refrain from using the Old Covenant to answer a New Covenant question. In Him, Bill Mc |
||||||
151 | Where are the scriptures, believers? | Matt 6:15 | Bill Mc | 15268 | ||
Dear Nolan, I requested examples of believers AFTER the death of Christ (when the New Covenant went into effect) asking God for forgiveness. Let's see what you offered: "If you contend that we should not ask for forgiveness (believers) in light of our sin, then how do you handle these passages: Matthew 7:11, John 14:13, 15:16, 16:23,26 that seem to say that the Father will honor our request and forgive us if we will only ask Him?" None of these passages are talking about forgiveness. Do you then, Nolan, use these passages to ask God for redemption, reconciliation, sanctification, or a new Cadillac? "A New Testament example?" Acts 3:19 - Peter is refering to what the prophets foretold, that Messiah would wipe away sins. See verse 20 - "that He may send Jesus" Did He do this or not? Acts 8:22 - Spoken to Simon (an unbeliever at the time - he was trying to buy God's power) Acts 17:30 - Paul is speaking to the men of Athens, very religious, but certainly not Christians Acts 26:20 - That the Gentiles (unbelievers) would repent and turn to God. Again, not to Christians Rev. 2:5, 2:16,21-22, 3:19, - Obviously, written to churches made up of, then as now, both unbelievers and believers. This is the same way as the churches that received John's letters. Churches have both believers and unbelievers in them. You have not proven your point or answered my questions. And, the 'ask anything in My name' passages are all taken out of context. Frankly, as knowledgeable as you are about scripture, I'm surprised you resorted to that. But you did surprise me. I've never seen anyone use those scriptures to substantiate 1 John 1:9. Let's try an easier one. What does 1 John 2:12 mean to you? This is the same author, the same audience EXCEPT he is addressing his 'little children.' "I am writing to you, little children, because your sins HAVE BEEN (past tense) FORGIVEN you for His name's sake. Also, compare 1 John 1:8 - 'the truth is not in us' with 1 John 2:21 - 'you do know it (truth). These MUST be two different audiences, his 'little children' and the gnostic element. Nolan, if you can't answer my questions without pulling verses out of context, then it would be best to let someone else reply. Thank you. In Him, Bill Mc |
||||||
152 | What is eternal life? What is saved? | John 6:37 | Bill Mc | 15209 | ||
Dear Sister D, you can 'hush' if you feel the need to. But, it's been a pleasure conversing with you. Keep seeking Him. In Christ, Bill Mc | ||||||
153 | What is eternal life? What is saved? | John 6:37 | Bill Mc | 15197 | ||
Dear Sister D, you said, "If I am wrong I am open to God to show me different..." Hmmm, I wonder how He would do that? :) | ||||||
154 | What is eternal life? What is saved? | John 6:37 | Bill Mc | 15180 | ||
Dear Sister D, I guess we will just have to agree to disagree. I agree with most of what you say in your prior post. What I don't agree with is that you do not believe in the eternal life that Christ offers us. You believe in a 'temporal' life - only good until you sin again - though you may not use those exact words. You don't believe that eternal life is eternal. In your view, it can be lost, or walked away from. That makes it temporal. And that makes your salvation dependant upon you and your actions instead of upon Christ and His actions. Though God makes it clear that it is eternal life, and that the Holy Spirit lives in us forever - 2 John 1:2, you don't accept that. Even though the Word of God says that we have been made alive in Christ, you think that we can still 'die in our sins.' You don't truly believe that when Jesus said, "It is finished," that He meant it. That, dear sister, is your choice. You'd do well, dear one, to choose to have faith in what God has done and said. Working out our salvation is 'living out' what God has already done for us. You seem to feel that salvation is 'not sinning.' You seem to imply then that one is never truly sure of being saved until they physically die. That's too bad, Sister D. 1 John 5:13 says that John wrote about eternal life so that we would KNOW (present tense) that we HAVE (posess) eternal life. What church I attend is irrelevant. I belong to the body of Christ, the church made up of born again believers throughout the world and the ages. Where I chose to attend has no bearing whatsoever to my identity in Christ. I am a child of God because He has shown grace to me and caused me to be born again by His Spirit. Go in grace. In Him, Bill Mc |
||||||
155 | How is Jesus Satan's God? | Matt 4:7 | Bill Mc | 15131 | ||
Amen! NM | ||||||
156 | Is the Jesus the Lord and God of Satan? | Matt 4:7 | Bill Mc | 15111 | ||
Steve, an important consideration of this topic is the fact that God is God and Jesus is Lord whether we (or Satan) acknowledge it or not. I.e. no one 'owns' God. But the Bible makes it clear that 'knowledge' of God is not enough to provide salvation. Satan knows good and well that Christ died for the remission of sins, that Christ was buried and rose again, and that Christ is Lord of lords and exalted at the right hand of God. These are facts known to him. In fact, he still accuses us in front of God. However, he is not born again because he exercises no faith in that, what God did, God did for him. If, as many churches teach, a mere mental assent to the facts of Christ's work is enough to save (head knowledge), than Satan has just as much right to be a member in good standing in our churches as anyone else. The deciding factor is, did Christ die for YOU? Did He take away YOUR sins? Did He rise again to impart new life to YOU? Is He now YOUR life and righteousness? I believe that Jesus existed 2000 years ago and that He was crucified, buried, and ressurected. But this is not salvation. Salvation is KNOWING that He was crucified, buried and resurrected for ME and that He lives in MY heart. Satan (as smart as he is) does not KNOW this because it can only be revealed by the Spirit of God. In Him, Bill Mc |
||||||
157 | Name of first Chirstinas 0-33 AD? | Acts 11:26 | Bill Mc | 14756 | ||
Good catch, Steve, they were indeed refered to as belonging to the Way. In fact, many people in the world still consider us as 'in the Way' :) In Him, Bill Mc |
||||||
158 | How can Christ return be imminent? | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 14715 | ||
Dear Debbie, The study of the rapture and Christ's second coming is, as you know, surrounded by much debate. And it's difficult to 'convince' anyone by just citing one or two verses and saying, "see there?" That is why, after looking at ALL the verses that deal with this subject, I found that the prewrath theory is the only one, for me, that stands up to close scrutiny. But I will try to answer your questions in brief. I'm at work, so I won't be able to list all the verses necessary to support this view. But one of the sources of confusion in this topic is the labeling of events. If we look at what scripture has to say, the 7 week period is NEVER called the Tribulation period. It is called Daniel's 70th week and it is divided into two three-and-one-half periods. The first 3.5 years is the time Christ calls 'labor pains'. The last 3.5 years contains what Christ calls the 'Great Tribulation' and the Day of God's Wrath. The great tribulation is also known as the time of Satan's wrath - against the church and the nation of Israel. This time period is cut short by God's wrath upon Satan and unbelievers. But before God's wrath is poured out on the world (the 7 bowls), believers, as you rightly discerned, His children are pulled out (the rapture). God's children are NEVER subject to His wrath because Christ took it for us. So, we will be spared the wrath of God. And, as you said, God performed the plagues in Egypt and delivered His children (Jews) from them. God performs the plagues in the Day of the Lord, and He delivers His children (believers) from them. My friend, this is only a summary and not at all comprehensive. If you would like to check out a couple of books that go into detail on this view, click on my name, email me, and I'll be happy to share them with you. Or email me if you would just like to discuss it further. Take comfort in the fact that we are never destined for God's wrath. I personally believe that God will protect most Christians through the time of Satan's wrath (the great tribulation) unless they willing step forward to proclaim the gospel and willing lay down their lives for the Savior of their own accord. I hope and trust that I didn't further confuse you. In Christ, Bill Mc |
||||||
159 | How can Christ return be imminent? | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 14670 | ||
Greetings CDBJ and Tim, same here. Pre-wrath is the only position that lines up with all scriptures dealing with the second coming and rapture. I was pretrib for most of my life just because that's what I was taught. One of the problems I have with explaining prewrath to my fellow brothers and sisters who hold to pretrib is that they want to view the rapture and the 2nd coming as 2 separate events. I try to explain it this way: What did the 1st coming of Christ entail? 1. His birth 2. His earthly ministry 3. His death 4. His burial and resurrection 4. His ascension. All separate events but they together constitute His first coming. Likewise, His 2nd coming will entail: 1. the rapture 2. the great tribulation 3. the wrath of God/start of the Day of the Lord 4. the battle of Armeggedon 5. His triumphal return (White horse) 6. Setting up the millenial kingdom. All separate events but together they constitute His second coming. What do you think? In Christ, Bill Mc |
||||||
160 | Sir Pent and GeneralWas, notice please. | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 14607 | ||
GeneralWas, thanks for your confirmation. To make your search easier, the web site link is www.christinyou.net You make a very good point about the "search for truth." To me, truth is what God says. God says that we would know it because the Spirit would take the things of Christ and make them known to us. There are many wonderful Christian brothers and sisters that post on this forum. But there is also a tendency for some to reply to questions with a 'cut and paste' answer from their commentaries. While I agree that a commentary can be a great tool, it can also become a crutch. As you said, the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth of scripture interpretation as we rely on Him to reveal the meaning. In my opinion, many Christians know what scripture SAYS but they are clueless as to what it MEANS to them because they rely on the theologians and commentaries first instead of letting the Spirit and other scripture interpret scripture. Continue to be a Berean and thanks for your reply. In Christ, Bill Mc |
||||||
Result pages: << First < Prev [ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ] Next > Last [9] >> |