Results 141 - 160 of 257
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Results from: Notes Author: Brian.g Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
141 | 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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142 | 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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143 | 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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144 | 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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145 | "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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146 | "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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147 | "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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148 | Heb 6:4-6 What does it mean...? 6:4 | Heb 6:4 | Brian.g | 24865 | ||
Kalos Please accept my apology for joining, I did not realize that this was a private thread Brian |
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149 | Heb 6:4-6 What does it mean...? 6:4 | Heb 6:4 | Brian.g | 24859 | ||
Kalos Hebrews is a letter (some think written by Paul) intended 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 who have left his church without fully understanding the message of Jesus. 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. Brian |
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150 | "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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151 | "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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152 | "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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153 | "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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154 | "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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155 | Catholics and Evangelicals | Rom 4:5 | Brian.g | 24613 | ||
Nolan LOL I'll tell you what, e-mail me at brian.g@mail.com and I promise not tell anyone Brian |
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156 | Catholics and Evangelicals | Rom 4:5 | Brian.g | 24611 | ||
Nolan What's on the last page: yes, no or maybe? Brian |
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157 | "Once Saved Always Saved" | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 24604 | ||
O.K. Brian |
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158 | "Once Saved Always Saved" | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 24582 | ||
Norrie "The priest told her that life is a gamble, we gamble on whether we're getting to heaven or not" I suspect either the priest was misunderstood or his words did not properly convey his thought. There is a passage from Paul in which he stated that Ministers of Christ have an extra responsibilty for proper teaching and they will be judged harsher by God, than the average person. I honestly question whether God could judge a Minister any harsher than he is judged by his congregation. By the way, the role of a Bible teacher is to teach the word of God. Why does yours spend so much time performing a comparative analysis of the Catholic Church - I urge you to help that teacher refocus on his responsibility to his students. One last thing, Good Works in Catholocism means - living and acting as Christ would - act as a Christian - which Christian Church holds a different view point to that. Don't just proclaim your Chrisitanity - live it. Now, you can teach your teacher. Brian |
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159 | "Once Saved Always Saved" | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 24578 | ||
Joe When I said unimportant, read it as (relatively unimportant to this discussion). The Catholic Church believes it is 100 percent correct in it's sacred responsibility. While the core beliefs of the Catholic church are never changing, the Catholic Church is a dynamic entity which is constantly evolving to make the Gospel meaningful and applicable to each generation. It is constantly seeking ways in which to reach out and communicate the Gospel. I have never been in major disagreement with any of Martin Luthers 92 points. I don't agree on how he presented his disagreements, which lead to governments manipulating the situation for their own good, and playing the Church against, itself. But - what Luther said and the Council of Trent caused the Church to rethink itself. Joe, did you know that these Councils meet quite often - why we've have two in the last 150 years alone! in the 1870's and the 1960's - the last, being known as Vatican II. The purpose of the Vatican I and Vatican II was EXACTLY the same as the Council of Trent.And, I assure you, Vatican II was significantly more than just changing the Mass from Latin to English. The Church still has not reached the new boundaries opened up with Vatican II. The core belief of Catholicism has never changed one bit during the past 2000 years. But, the Churches relationship with itself, its members, other Churches, other religions, and so on, are re-evaluated. Here is what the Church says, with regard to its relationship with other Christian Churches: 838 "The Church knows that she is joined in many ways to the baptized who are honored by the name of Christian, but do not profess the Catholic faith in its entirety or have not preserved unity or communion under the successor of Peter." Those "who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are put in a certain, although imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church." With the Orthodox Churches, this communion is so profound "that it lacks little to attain the fullness that would permit a common celebration of the Lord's Eucharist." Did you get that part in the middle: Those "who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are put in a certain, although imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church." From day one, Christian Churches have been arguing over who's the better Christian. If we Christians spent half the time proclaiming the Way the Christ, as we do fighting among ourselves - the world would run out of non-Christians - because every non-Christian would have heard the Truth. But, instead Rome fights with Jerusalem, East with West, Brian with Joe. When the Churches all agreed that the Apostles Creed REPRESENTED the main focus of what Christianity is all about (and eating Kosher foods, etc was not the important part of being a Christian) Once this division was resolved, the Churches focused their energies on proclaiming the word of God.And look at how quickly Christianity spread throughout the world. It is my responsibility to defend the Catholic Chuch (read that as defending Christianity), but I should not have to defend it against other Christians. I should be working side-by-side with other Christians in showing non-Christians, God's plan of salvation. As long as the core belief of Chrisianity is present as the minimum needed for salvation, anything extra, which any Christian Church may believe in or practice, is just that - extra. And, extra doesn't hurt - to you it may not help - but it doesn't hurt. Council of Brian - I like it. I don't think the Bishop would appreciate it, but I like it. Brian |
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160 | Is this the 'Complete Christian'? | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 24515 | ||
Hank The only word I changed in the Apostles Creed, was in article 9 (Catholic, which means universal) to remove a barrier and let people read it the way it was intended. This was the unifying Profession of Faith used by the early Christian Churches as early as the year 50. They recognized that as long as any Christian Church fully agreed with these 12 points, any other differences between the Christian Churches were insignificant. I agree with you 100 percent - they did it right. Brian |
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