Results 141 - 160 of 244
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Results from: Notes Author: Robert Nicholson Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
141 | The Shepherd is My Lord! | Ps 23:1 | Robert Nicholson | 47552 | ||
Dear fellowbelievers: It has been suggested that Psalm 23, Psalm 24 and Psalm 25 are a trilogy. God by his Spirit caused David to write these prophetic Psalms. 1. Psalms 22: The Good Shepherd gives his life for the Sheep. (John 10:11) We read in graphic detail the sufferings of the Lord Jesus upon the cross which are further proofs of the inspiration of scripture as we see these prophecies fulfilled by Christ at the hands of Roman soldiers who knew nothing of prophecy regarding Christ. Psalms 23: The Great Shepherd "brought again from the dead through the blood of the everlasting covenant" (Heb. 13:20) who tenderly cares for the sheep. Because of calvary we belong to him, he is our Lord, the one who governs our life. We have confidence as we feed upon the green pastures of his word. Serinity fills our soul as he leads us by his Spirit beside the still waters. We are safe in him as we walk through this world of death and are guided by his rod of correction and rescued from danger by the crook of his staff. Even in the midst of our enemies he cares for us, greater is he that is in us then he that is in the world. Our cup runneth over with his love which he has given each believer by his indwelling Spirit. We know that his goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives, we are totally dependent upon his grace. Our hope is sure that when our days of life are over that we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Praise his precious name. Psalms 24: The Chief Shepherd who appears as the King of Glory to own and reward the sheep (1 Peter 5:4) These are a few musings which I have enjoyed. Words fail us when we discuss our Lord and Saviour. Robert |
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142 | Romans 10:9: is it too simple? | Rom 10:9 | Robert Nicholson | 47376 | ||
Dear brother John: Paul could say "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Gal.6:14 I think that when many seriously consider what has happened in our lives when we were saved, we would agree that the work was all of God. When we heard the gospel as lost sinners it was God by his spirit that brought the word to us and convicted us of our need of Christ and our sinful and lost condition. It is by his spirit that we were made to realize the exceeding sinfulness of sin and it was by his Spirit and in his time that the truth of the substitutionay work of Christ was revealed to us. It was God by his spirit who gave us confidence that we were born again and changed our lives from within. Even after we are saved by his grace, we are still without strength within ourselves, and it is God who empowers us to live for him. Robert |
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143 | Romans 10:9: is it too simple? | Rom 10:9 | Robert Nicholson | 47292 | ||
Greetings in our Saviour's name. Thank you for your thoughful response. I agree that we often frustrate the simplicity of the word of God. The Lord Jesus set the example by being clear and true in whatever he said. In Isaiah 35: 8 we read of the way of holiness and the statement is made "...the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein." May God bless you Robert |
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144 | The "Permissive Will" of God | Rom 12:2 | Robert Nicholson | 45164 | ||
Greetings Karlos: An excellent question. I have also heard the "will of God" expressed as his "sovereign will" which refers to his plans and purposes which are not known to humankind. On the other hand, we have the will of God as it applies to our lives and is given to us by his Spirit through his word. Does not the idea of the permissive will of God refer to events which he allows to happen and despite the failure of humankind, he brings about his plans and purposes. For example: Was it God's will that the entire world population would be destroyed at the time of Noah. Or do we see God's grace which despite the sinfulness and disobedience of humankind, he picks Noah to continue the human race through whom the redeemer would eventually come? The reason I ask this question is that I believe "that God is not willing that any should perish, but all should come to repentance" 2 Peter 3:9 If or since God does not will any to perish, Why do they perish as in the day of Noah? It would appear that God allowed them 120 years to repent and yet they choose disobedience instead. I look forward to your response Robert |
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145 | One sacrifice for sins forever ! | 1 John 2:2 | Robert Nicholson | 45036 | ||
Dear friends: I have been enjoying the words of the woman of Tekoah found in 2 Samuel 14:14 "For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him." It would appear that from this verse we are made to understand our mortality, our weakness and that their is nothing special in us that God should favour us. Yet God in his grace has "devised a means whereby his banished be not expelled" That means is found in the sacrifice of his Son who provided the way and means that those who are banished by sin be not expelled forever. "And he is the propitiation for our sins; but not for ours only but for (the sins) of the whole world. 1 John 2:2 What we read here is very deep truth. I believe it sets before us the sacrifice of Christ from a God-ward side. The sacrifice of Christ has satisfied God's holy throne against sin. The sin question as viewed from the throne of a holy and righteous God is settled through the sacifice of his Son. In the old testament times we see proitiation as the mercy seat, wherein once a year the priest entered for the people, not without blood, and sprinled the mercy seat with the blood which covered the sin of the people for another year. Because of the blood they had a seat of mercy rather than a seat of judgment. This of course, was a type which represented the sacrifice of Christ when he would offer himself without sin unto God once and for all. What does propitiation mean? It means that a holy God is satisfied with the sacrifice of the lamb of God for our sin. His throne of righteousness is satisfied. The sacrifice of Christ is what God's holy throne demanded and nothing less. Through Christ God now has a ground upon which he can righteously grant pardon or forgiveness to lost sinners. Is this not God's side of salvation? His throne is fully satisfied with Christ and his work on the cross, even if all reject him as saviour? This should humble us before God? Especially, when we realize that God by his grace has offered forgiveness to those who accept Christ through faith. Christ died for all. Forgiveness is offered to all.( Romans 3:22) However, forgiveness is only realized by those who will accept God's terms which is to acknowledge our need (repentance) and to rest by faith in Christ, in other words we must rest where God has rested. Robert |
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146 | Left Behind in error w 2 Thess. 2:7-11? | 2 Thess 2:12 | Robert Nicholson | 44451 | ||
Mommapbs: I appreciate the amount of thought and study you have put into this subject. Their are some things that only eternity will reveal. I agree that the rapture is not the second coming of Christ to the earth when he will come in Power and glory and will put down all who are against him. I also agree that their will be millions saved including Jew and Gentile after the rapture, during the great tribulation. Having said that, it would appear from 2 Thess. 2 that after the rapture, the wicked one will be revealed. V.8 abd ub v9 "even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power, signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness" V.10 Not only will these people be deceived by the wicked one "God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie; That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."V11-12 We Jesus takes the church away, there will be many who know the truth and in fact have rejected the truth. As I said in an earlier post I do not think we have a second chance once we miss God's salvation either by dying in our sins or missing the rapture of the church. We know that God is going to turn back to his people in grace and this grace will reach out to people from every nation who have not rejected the truth. I fear for those who in this day of grace when God by his Spirit deals individually with the hearts of humans, such privilege also brings accountability. We must answer Pilate's question "what shall I do with Jesus which is called Christ?" Thank God for Calvary, rather thank him for our Saviour who gave his all that we though unworthy and sinful, might be redeemed and made acceptable to God in him. Praise his precious Name! Thanks for chatting Robert |
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147 | who is the man child? | Rev 12:5 | Robert Nicholson | 44365 | ||
Mommpbs: I would like to share my thoughts with you I believe that the church is taken away before the tribulation. (1 Thess.4:16) I tell you this so that you will understand where I am coming from. In Rev. 12 we read of the woman about to give birth. I believe that the woman represents the 12 tribes of Israel. We find in v. 4 that the dragon (satan) is ready to devour the child as soon as its born. This I believe is referring to Christ at his birth as Herod waited to destroy him. In Verse 5 "She brought forth a man child" this speaks of Christ at his birth. "who was to rule all nations with a rod of Iron" That is God's ultimate purpose for Christ. "her child was caught up to his throne" Christ did not rule at that time, rather he died, arose and was taken up to the throne of God. V.6 "The woman fled into the wilderness" This would reminds us of the dispersion of Israel after the death of Christ. "Where she had a place prepared of God" A remanent of Israel will be perserved, she will be protected from the beast. In V. 14 "The woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time" God is going to protect those whom he has saved out of the great tribulation. In Chp.14:1 we find that they have the "his father's name written on their foreheads in contrast to the lost who have the mark of the beast.Chp. 13:16 In Rev. 13 we are in the last stages of the great tribulation. God has allowed the beast to have power over all on earth. Keep in mind the remanent (the woman) are protected. It is here that we see the fate of those who have turned against God and refused Christ. In V.14 "he deceives them" by his power and demands their total worship and controls them with his mark. In 2 Thess. 2:11-12 we read "For this cause shall God send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrigheousness." These people are beyond the cleansing power of the blood of Christ. In When Christ comes in power and glory with his saints we have an earthly company saved out of the great tribulation who enters into the earthly kingdom and a heavenly company (the church) who rules with Christ over the earth. These are very difficult scriptures to understand and I do not pretend to have all the answers. Robert |
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148 | When does the Baptism occur? | John 7:38 | Robert Nicholson | 44188 | ||
Greetings Ray; I appreciate your response, but I must admit that I am not sure of where you are coming from. I have always believed that the Holy Spirit is a person of the Godhead and agree with you that he indwells the believer the moment he rests in Christ for salvation. Please explain what you mean by the holy spirit? I have always differentiated between being indwelt by the Spirit and being filled by the Spirit. ( I don't understand your view on capitalization) As we have already agreed, all believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. I have looked at being filled with the Spirit as the willingness of a Christian to allow the Spirit of God to have his way in their life. We are warned not to quench the Spirit of God and not to greive the Spirit of God. I look forward to your response. your brother by his grace alone Robert |
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149 | How did sin originate | Is 14:12 | Robert Nicholson | 44184 | ||
Greetings New Creature: According to Eph 2:1 "we were dead in tresspasses and in sins before we were made alive in Christ." Adam and Eve were placed in the position of spiritual death the moment they disobeyed God. In fact they were ashamed of their nakedness and try to cover themselves with fig leaves. Gen. 3:7 Even though they were dead, "they heard the voice of God" They were dead and could not change their situation (helpless), but they were not deaf to the call of God. This is where the idea of free choice verses God making the choice to call them. God knew their condition, he knew their need, but he wanted them to acknowledge that need before he would take the next step in restoring them to himself. God asked two questions which apply to sinners even today. "Where art thou?" and to Eve "What is this that thou hast done?" Gen 3:10-11 They acknowledge their sin and need "I was afraid, because I was naked and I hid myself" V.10 We find that God makes a covenant with them with a promise in V15 in of a redeemer through the seed of the woman speaking of Christ. God covered their nakedness with coats of skins. This is a picture of a sinner being clothed by God in the righteousness of Christ and made fit for God's presence. The only choice which Adam and Eve made was to sin. It was God who made the choice to call them and redeem them bringing them back into fellowship with him. We must remember that the plan of salvation for lost sinners was all of the grace of God. Humankind in his sinful state did not seek after God. Romans 3:11. The only choice we could make as humans was to continue building sin upon sin. Even the things which we did before we were saved which may have been kind works or goodness to others, none of this could earn us any peace with God. Do lost sinners have the ability to choose right from wrong. I believe that according to Romans 1;20 God has not left humans without a testimony of himself in creation. In Romans 2"14-15 we find that the Gentiles who know not God, "do by nature the things contained in the law" which would show us that the law is written in their hearts, in other words they have a conscience. The fact that they have this testimony of God and have a conscience which would convict them of wrong only makes them more responsible before God. However, as I have referred to Rom.3 a person in their natural state "does not seek after God." How then do we ever receive salvation? It is God by his Spirit who strives with sinners and shows them their utter, hopless condition. It is God by his Spirit through his word whether written or spoken who opens the understanding of lost sinners to the truth of the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ for our sins. The moment we rest, trust or believe this truth, it is God by his Spirit who indwells the believer giving them assurance of eternal life, a new nature within and power to live for Christ in our daily lives. What I am trying to show in the above paragraph is that eternal life is a free gift given to us by God and that he is the one who calls us, who convicts us, who enlightens us, who saves us and who keeps us. We are totally dependent on him. At one time I thought that I had made certain choices before I was saved. Yet in retrospect, I can see that God was in it all. It was no accident that a preacher from many miles away visited our farmhouse and brought the gospel to people who had never heard it before. It was no accident that my father was gloriously saved and immediately spread the good news to his family. I can see now that when as a young boy I learned about my sin and my need to be born again, that it was God by his Spirit who used my father and others to get that important fact across to me. I learned by bitter experience that I could not get saved whenever I wanted to. I thought I believed the gospel and God's promise to save those who believe and yet I was not saved. The day that I came to know Christ, I was alone on the roadside after school, I was in torment over my dilemma, not saved. I tried to believe and yet it seemed that there was only darkness in my soul. I got down on my knees and cryed to God "please help me to get saved" It was only moments later as my mind went over John 3:16 that God revealed to me the truth that I was the whosoever for whom Christ died. I took him at his word "that I would not perish but have everlasting life" On the other hand, we have many scriptures which invite sinners to come to Christ. We have examples of those who came to him in their need when he was on earth and had their sins forgiven and their bodies healed. Even Jesus warned of the urgency in coming to know him. "Strive to enter in at the strait gate" I have told my friends that if they are being convicted of their sin, if God is dealing with their soul be thankful for it and do not trifle with his call. Robert |
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150 | How did sin originate | Is 14:12 | Robert Nicholson | 43961 | ||
New Creature: I knew you were going to ask this question! I would ask "What cause Eve to disobey God and why did Adam wilfully disobey God? They both knew the consequences at least at an intellectual level. I believe if we can understand the process which humans went through, we will have some understanding of the mind of the tempter. In Genesis 3 we find that the first thing the serpent did was question the word of God "Hath God said? Gen. 3:1 We find that Eve knows what God has commanded and the consequences of disobedience. However, we find that she is taken in by the serpent's part truth. He told her "you shall not die, for God knows that your eyes will be opened, and ye shall be as god knowing both good and evil. Consider the process of disobedience. First of all she allows a seed of doubt to form regarding God's word. Secondly, she is tempted by the look of the food of the tree that it appeared to be good and would make one wise. At this point she partakes of the tree and gives to her husband who eats willingly. We know the rest of the story. That "by one man sin entered the world and death by sin, so that death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" Romans 5:12 Why did two people who were sinless allow themselves to disobey God? They made a personal choice because of their desire to be more than God intended them to be. No one forced them to disobey God. How does this relate to the serpent or Satan? Satan is referred to as "the annoited cherub that covereth; I have set thee so: Thou wast upon the Holy mountain of God; Thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in all thy ways from the day thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. Ezekiel 28 :14-15 Satan appears to have had a place of leadership under God. He was exceptionally wise and yet from within his mind came the desire to be equal to or above God. Lucifer was judged by God and was cast down from his heavenly position. However, his final Judgement will not come until the end of the great tribulation at which time he is cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10) When we meet Satan as the serpent in the garden of Eden, he is one of the most beautiful and crafty creatures who is judged after his temptation of Eve to the level of a loathsome reptile. We must remember that Satan has many guises. However, back to your original question? I believe that the process that brought Lucifer down was similar to that which came upon humans. Lucifer had observed the Holiness of God, in fact he was created for God for a heavenly service. Within his mind with all his wisdom he coveted that which was never intended to be his, and that was to rise himself above the throne of God in rebellion. Lucifer made a choice and as in the case of man no one forced him and that choice brought about horific consequences. More importantly, we must remember that Satan is alive and well on planet earth and his objective is always to destroy the things and people of God by whatever means. Paul in writing to the Corinthians reminds us of his subtile ways: "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices." 2 Cor. 2:11 This is a very difficult question and I hope I have been able to shed some understanding. May God richly bless you Robert |
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151 | is jesus god? | John 1:1 | Robert Nicholson | 43853 | ||
Juthcrst1 The Bible makes it very clear that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. The subject of the Godhead is an awesome truth which transcends the capablitity of finite minds. Nevertheless, God in his word has shown us that " For there are three which bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three are one (1John 5:7) At his baptism, as the Lord Jesus was lifted "out of the water, the heavens opened, and Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Mark 1: 10,11) Jesus demonstrated that he is God manifest in the flesh in the fact that he was able to forgive sins. In Mark 2:5 Jesus declared to a man sick of palsey, "Son thy Sins be forgiven thee". Immediately the scribes reasoned in their hearts, accusing Jesus of blasphemy and in their derision spoke the truth "who can forgive sins, but God only: (v8) Jesus responded with an answer to their reasonings, "That you may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins" (V10) He then healed the sick man of his palsy. The writer of the Hebrews writes "Who (Jesus) being in the brightness (effulgence ) of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high (Heb. 1:3) The Son of God is co-equal and co-eternal, indeed he could say "he that hath seen me hath seen the father" (John 14:9b) Why did Jesus not tell people directly "I am God"? Jesus had nothing to prove, his walk on this earth and his fulfilment of those things written of him in the Law, the Prophets and the Psalms proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is the "Christ of God" To the human mind his incarnation is a mystery. "Who being in the form of God, thouht it not a thing to be grasped at to be equal with God" We then read of his lowly stoop into humankind "he made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of me..." Phil. 2: 6-9 Robert |
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152 | When will Christ come in Kingdom Power? | Mark 9:1 | Robert Nicholson | 43791 | ||
I believe that Christ will come in power and glory at the end of the great tribulation as seen in Rev. 19 :11-21 At this time he will crush the beast and his armies. We find that the Beast and the false prophet are cast into a lake of fire and Satan is bound for a thousands years. Rev. 20:3 At this time Christ will judge the nations of earth and reign in righeousness for 1000 years Rev. 20:6 |
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153 | When does the Baptism occur? | John 7:38 | Robert Nicholson | 43788 | ||
Dear brother Markarios: I believe there are events in the early days of the church which were transitional as in the case of receiving the Holy Spirit. In Acts 8:14-17 we read "When the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, who when they were come down prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (for as yet he was fallen upon none of them only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." Another example was in the case of Saul of Tarsus who in Acts 9:17 received the Holy Spirit when Ananias laid hands upon him. However, in Acts 10:44 "While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them that heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit. We find as I mentioned in V47 that after they had received the Holy Ghost they were baptised in the name of the Lord. In the early examples we have believers who were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus and later received the Holy Spirit by the Laying on of hands. I believe however, that my last reference shows us the order in which things happen today. They hear and believe the Word, are immediately indwelt with the Holy Ghost and then baptized in the name of the Lord. When we by the Spirit of God are made to see our need of Christ and except him as our saviour we are born again or born from above, we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit making us new creatures in Christ. I look forward to your response your brother in Christ Robert |
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154 | Does being saved negate the Law? | Bible general Archive 1 | Robert Nicholson | 43551 | ||
Dear Searcher: A believer because of his privilege in Christ has a definite responsiblity to obey the Moral and eternal laws of God. Would you not agree that because we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit that we are enabled to walk in way well pleasing to the Lord. In contrast to those under the Mosaic Law who were motivated by fear to keep the commandments. I also agree with your points on the purpose of the Law. I agree that with James 2:17 that faith without works is dead. This is comparable to an apple tree without apples. There must be divine life for the fruit of the Spirit to be evident and is shown by our obedience to Christ and love toward others. I believe however, that Christians have been brought into a special relationship with Christ and as such we are his 24 hours a day and 7 days per week. Each day is his day and what ever we do, we do unto the glory of the Lord. "But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." James 1:25 Robert |
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155 | Does being saved negate the Law? | Bible general Archive 1 | Robert Nicholson | 43496 | ||
Searcher56: What is your take on Paul's writings to the Galations? In Galations 4: 19 -31 Paul explains that the systems of law and grace cannot co-exist. He speaks of the two covenants as represented by the bondwoman's son and the free woman. The wondwoman's son represented bondage in contrast the the freewoman's son promise. In Gal. 4:28 Paul writes "Now we brethren as Isaac was, are children of promise" and In v. 30 "Nevertheless, what sayeth the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman an her son for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman. The problem with the Galations, their were some who were trying to bring those who were free in Christ back under the law. That is why the emphasis in Gal. 5:1 "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free and be not entangled with the yoke of bondage" Freedom in Christ brings responsibility. "For brethren , ye have been called to liberty; only use not liberty as an occassion to the flesh: but love serve one another. For the Law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" Gal. 5:13-14. The believer is not asked to wall after the law but "Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" V16 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. In other words those who walk in the Spirit will display the fruit of the Spirit and their lives through obedience to Christ will transcend the law. Peace in our Saviours Name Robert |
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156 | Do you forgive Judas? | John 13:11 | Robert Nicholson | 43349 | ||
Dear brother Ray: Thank you for your kind response. I agree with the principle of scripture that "the Lord knoweth them that are his". I did not intend to set myself up as judge of Judas, but rather give my observations as seen in the scripture. I agree that the sacrifice of Christ was for all but according to Romans 3:22 it is "upon all them that believe". I believe that before the cross there were many who rejected Christ as seen in many of the religious leaders of the day. "He came unto his own but his own received him not, but as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on his name" John 1:11-12 It is interesting that the scripture gives us detail about Judas. He was a privileged man called by the Lord Jesus as a disciple. He was a thief John 12:6. He was indwelt by satan in the end Luke 22:13, John 13:27. As you have rightly pointed out, Judas was no different from any other sinner, all of these sins could have been forgiven because there is forgiveness in Christ for all who will accept him as saviour. However, as in the case of Israel the Lord Jesus mourns over their rejection of him even though he had offered himself to them Matt:23:37 and pronounces their judgment "because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation" Luke 19:44. The reason I refer to these scriptures is that it appears that people of privilege have a time of visitation and that if they slight the privilege they may miss the blessing. In John 17:12 we read the words of the Lord Jesus as he prays to his father "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled." I believe the son of perdition is in reference to Judas. Ray I believe we can accept the words of John 3:36 which you have referred to "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him" Upon Calvary's cross Christ died for the sins of the whole world and offers forgiveness to all who will rest in his finished work. The sad reality is that many refuse this forgiveness and remain unforgiven. The example of Judas does not give me joy, but rather a deep sense of sadness when we consider that others are following the same path in that other things are more important than Christ. God bless you Robert |
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157 | eternal security | 1 John 5:11 | Robert Nicholson | 43206 | ||
dear farout: I rejoice in the truth of eternal security. However, we know that Christians can not live in sinless perfection as long as we have to contend with the World, the flesh and the devil. Nevertheless, it should be our exercise before the Lord that we would allow his Spirit to give us wisdom and strength to avoid the pollutions of the world. I know from my own experience that a Christian can get cold and away from the Lord. Yet deep down in my soul I always had a sense of his presence and conviction for those things which were not pleasing to himself. Peter is a good example of one who denied the Lord as he sat afraid at the worlds fire. However, when the Lord looked on him, that look melted Peter,s heart and he wept in bitterly in repentance. We know that Peter went on to be a great soldier of the cross and in contrast to the man who was once afraid of being associated with Christ; he was horribly martyred for the sake of the one he loved. I agree with you last paragraph. We must rest on what God in his word declares and not become obsessed with our own subjective opinions or feelings. I love the words of an old hymn: "On Christ salavation rests secure, The rock of ages must endure, Nor can the faith be overthrown Which rests upon the living stone! Praise his precious name Robert |
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158 | How can God let us go through pain? | 1 Pet 2:24 | Robert Nicholson | 42866 | ||
I believe there are two types of suffering a Christian can experience. 1. Suffering which is the consequences of our own choice. For example if I smoke and end up with heart disease of lung cancer I can hardly blame God. If I abuse alcohol, I cannot blame God for the turmoil in my life, within my family or the cirrosis of my liver. If I insist on driving beyond the laws of the land I cannot blame God if I suffer loss, injury or death of loved ones who ride with me. 2. However, I believe that God allows trials in our lives which shape us into what we are today. He wants us to be changed into the image of our Lord Jesus. Paul is a good example of one who suffered. In 2 Cor. 12:7 we read that he was given a "thorn" in the flesh lest he be exalted with pride. He asked the Lord 3 times to take it away. His answer from God was "My Grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness" 2 Cor.12:9 Many trials in our lives bring about empathy within us and allow us to be a blessing to others going through a similar trial. I can speak from experience that if we do not set priorities in our lives with Christ in first place, that because he loves us he will bring about circumstances which eventually bring us closer to himself. The comfort we have is found in 1 Cor. 10:13 "There is no temptation (trial) taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted (tested) above that ye are able; but with the temptation also make a way to escape , that you may be able to bear it" I believe that he scriptures make it clear that when we pray even for healing it should always be "if the Lord will". We have no right to always assume that it is the Lord's will for a person to be healed, in fact it may be God's plan in the case of a Christian to take him/her home. Peace Robert |
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159 | Do you forgive Judas? | John 13:11 | Robert Nicholson | 42855 | ||
Dear Myah: I respectfully disagree that Judas will be part of the 12 who will judge the 12 tribes of Israel. Judas died unforgiven. Judas made a choice and that choice was to sell the Lord Jesus thinking that silver was more precious than the Son of God. Judas did not appreciate who Jesus was even though he had heard his words and saw his mighty miracles. One would think that such a testimony would have convinced anyone as close as Judas to accept Jesus as the Son of God. In Matthew 26 Jesus says "Woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born." Matt. 26:25 Even at this point Judas asked question "Is it I" somehow thinking that Jesus did not know the choice he had already made. Even with this warning Judas did not change his mind or repent of his deed. He is an example of an apostate, one who has been near the truth, saw evidence of the truth and yet, turned against it. Judas was a privileged man, who in the end kissed the door of heaven and then went into a lost hell. We read in Acts of his suicide, and what the prophets had written of him "For it is written in the book of the Psalms, let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein; and his overseership let another take" Acts 1:20 It was at that time that Matthias was chosen to take the overseership of Judas. Judas is an example of one who knew about Jesus, but turned against him making a choice to betray him which was the ultimate sin of unbelief. Where is Judas? I would ask where are all unbelievers who have turned against the strivings of the Spirit of God in grace and have died in their sins? God bless you Robert Nicholson |
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160 | Show in the Bible once saved always | Bible general Archive 1 | Robert Nicholson | 41390 | ||
Brother Joe: I agree that the terms which you have mentioned may not appear in a word search. However, I think that the meaning of each can be found in the scriptures. Trinity: In the scriptures we read of the "Godhead" (Acts 17:29)(Romans 1:20)(Colossians 2:9) which we see in 3 persons: God the Father, God the son and God the Holy Spirit. An example of this is found in Matthew 3:16-17 When Jesus was baptised: the Spirit of God descended and rested upon Jesus, the father called out of heaven "this is my well beloved Son in whom I am well pleased". Susitutionary Atonement: This is just a fancy term for "he took my place". A coupe of scriptures which show us this truth include: a) 2 Corinthians 5:21 "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." b) 1 Peter 3:18 "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit" Joe in the first example we see that Christ was made sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God through him. In the second example, it is the Just for the Unjust. When Christ died on the cross he offered himself as a sacrifice unto to God on our behalf. God punished him in our stead. When we accept this fact by faith we are forgiven. Deity of Christ: This simply means he is God. There are many verses to support this: a) Hebrews 1:3 "Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high" "Who being" this term means who was, who is and who will always be. b) John 1:3 " In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. It is in this verse that we find that the Word is was God and the Word is God in fact he is the creator of all things. And yet we find in Verse 14 that "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." Here we find that the eternal Word is Christ. He was made flesh at his incarnation. See Philippians 2:5-11 Second Coming: Hebrews 9:28 "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation". We have his coming in 1 Cor. 15:51-53 and in 1 Thess. 4: "15-18. for those who are his. In 2 Peter 3:4 we find that "his coming" is referred to by mockers who say "Where is the promise of his coming?" His first coming was as the meek and lowly Jesus. When he comes again he will come in Power and glory. See 2 Thess. 1:7-10. Once saved always saved? Your original question. I believe that God's Word is true and that it can give us assurance that we are born again. In John 3:16 "that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" The words eternal and everlasting do not allow for the idea of something which is temporary. May God bless you Robert |
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