Results 141 - 160 of 190
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Bill Richardson Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
141 | Saved by Grace or Acts? | Lev 6:2 | Bill Richardson | 230801 | ||
But Brad, wouldn't you agree that we as obedient children of God MUST comply with the terms and conditions of Jesus' Last Will and Testament as reflected in... Heb 9:16 For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17 For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives. If we're agreed on that then we must agree to God's other Commands as given by His Son and His Apostles listed in... Matt 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. and Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” I agree with you Repentance in of itself doesn't save us just like the act of Baptism doesn't save us. It's the fact that we're willing to humbly submit ourselves to God's Requirements so that we can receive the Gift of Salvation. This is made so clear by Jesus Himself in... Jn 14:21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered and said to him, “IF ANYONE LOVES ME, HE WILL KEEP MY WORD; AND MY FATHER WILL LOVE HIM, AND WE WILL COME TO HIM AND AND MAKE OUR HOME WITH HIM. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. (As usual, all caps above are mine for emphasis.) I don't see how God's Word could make it any more clear. Repentance is most certainly REQUIRED of us IF we want to be saved from our sins. Go with God in all things, Bill |
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142 | Saved by Grace or Acts? | Lev 6:2 | Bill Richardson | 230812 | ||
Yes Beja, I agree with your statement. Very well said. Our faith MUST be real and genuine. As you say, it must be shown to be genuine to our God by our deeds as His obedient children. As you mentioned James makes this so very clear. BUT also, just as clearly you mentioned, we must NEVER think we can reach the point whereby we've earned this salvation or justification. If we start to develop that attitude, it leads to following the wrong path which leads away from our God and to certain eternal death. God Bless you my brother. Bill |
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143 | Did Adam have blood before fall? | Lev 17:11 | Bill Richardson | 230638 | ||
I have to agree with the answer above. We're not given much detail but we at least know that Adam and Eve were aware of their nakedness and differences between their bodies. Their bodies had to have been fully functional and mature in order to "tend to the Garden" as instructed by the Lord. They were also equipped to reproduce and bear children, without any further changes from God. So their bodies were completely human in every way as are our bodies, thousands of years later. Go with God in all things, Bill |
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144 | is 70 years what is promise man | Ps 90:10 | Bill Richardson | 230740 | ||
I have to agree with Azure's good answer but I just gotta add some little something. We see from the first few chapters of Genesis that men back then lived several hundred years yet we've all known of many people who don't even live through maturity or even puberty. So that plus the fact there's no mention of any promise from God of any certain age for us mankind. It seems almost ironic as Azure alludes that Moses wrote this Psalm and then lived almost twice this timeframe. I'm thinking the two most powerful bits of advice are as follows... 1 Thes 5:1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 FOR YOU YOURSELVES KNOW PERFECTLY THAT THE DAY OF THE LORD SO COMES AS A THIEF IN THE NIGHT. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. Ja 4:13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. FOR WHAT IS YOUR LIFE? IT IS EVEN A VAPOR THAT APPEARS FOR A LITTLE TIME AND THEN VANISHES AWAY. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” 16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. (All caps above mine for emphasis.) We all need to be prepared to meet the Lord and His subsequent Judgment Day in the blink of an eye as He suggested in His Parable... Matt 25:11 “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ 12 But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming." Go with God in all things, Bill |
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145 | King Soloman | Eccl 12:13 | Bill Richardson | 231112 | ||
It does seem that a Godly portion of His Wisdom dumped into a human mind was too much for any human to handle. I agree with you to a certain degree, Solomon did get to be a little too full of himself. And followed exactly that which he recommended NOT to do. Throughout the Book of Ecclesiastes he seems to be describing his life. He seemed to enjoy any pleasure, any kind of sin he could possibly get into. He married at least 700 women, most of them from other countries who had no knowledge of God and didn't have such a desire. He also enjoyed at least 300 concubines (mistresses). Can you imagine trying to keep all these competing women happy? All that wisdom and what a fool. It does seem he didn't take full advantage of the wisdom with which he was blessed. Ecc 12:8 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “All is vanity.” 9 And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yes, he pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs. 10 The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright—words of truth. 11 The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. 12 And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh. 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil. I've always wondered whether we'll see Solomon in Heaven. Did he finally repent like his father, David did? Who could know but God, the Father of us all. Go with God in all things, my friend. Bill |
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146 | Were the Jews doomed? | Is 58:2 | Bill Richardson | 230609 | ||
The answer above is good but I just wanted to make certain I understand correctly. It seems to me that Yes, of course, the Jews were all doomed to suffer the same fate as ALL mankind. Paul made this clear in Rom 3:23 for ALL of us are human and have a great irresitable urge to NOT live the absolutely perfect life like Jesus. So from the very beginning upon kicking Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, God knew that we would all need His Son as the Perfect Sacrifice to take care of our sins, thus His Plan to send Jesus for that purpose, Gen 3:15. All the heros of the Bible, even Abraham, Moses and all the others made mistakes in their lives and thus needed this avenue to make it to Heaven. Without Christ's Blood to cover our sins, any person on Judgment Day is doomed to spend eternity in Hell. 1 Pet 1:2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied. 1 Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. Bill |
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147 | what kind of person was ezekial | Ezekiel | Bill Richardson | 230715 | ||
From Wikipedia: The author of the Book of Ezekiel shows himself as Ezekiel, the son of Buzi,[Ezekiel 1:3] born into a priesthood (Kohen) lineage of the patrilineal line of Ithamar, and resident of Anathoth. The author dates ages, prophecies and visions by making references to the lengths of time King Jehoiachin of Judah was in exile. Under the direction of Nebuchadnezzar II, Babylonian armies exiled three thousand Jews from Judah, deposing King Jehoiachin in 597 BCE. In reference to Ezekiel being in his "thirtieth year... during the fifth year of King Jehoiachin’s exile",[Ezekiel 1:1, 2] it could be determined that he was born c. 622 BCE. According to Matthew Henry, Ezekiel is also believed to have been known as Nazaratus Assyrius, a teacher to Pythagorus. However, James Ussher, in his writings of the Ussher chronology, republished as "The Annals of the World" claims that this is a mistake, basing his opinion on the writings of Clemens Alexandrinus. However, Sir William Smith, in his "Bible Dictionary," points out that John Selden, among others, consider it a possibility. In the book "Pythagoras: Greek philosopher" it states; "Nazaratus, the Assyrian, one of Pythagoras' masters, was supposed to be the prophet Ezekiel, and Thomas Stanley's Life of Pythagoras says that Ezekiel and Pythagoras flourished together. We have to remember all of God's prophets were inspired by Him to communicate His Message of Love and Concern for His people, His beloved Israelites. In spite of all their wonderful history of miracles done before the very eyes of their ancestor, they as a nation had such an extreme habit of being unfaithful to their God. They would repent for a little while but then they would return to their sinful ways. Ezekial was a little more visionary than most and described many unusual scenes in his writings. But we must remember that all of this was written to a specific audience. Some of the symbols don't mean much to us and are difficult to interpret so there's some controvesies as to their meanings. Are theses writings applicable to us in this century? Absolutely. They give us some indication of just how wonderful Heaven will be and how much our God truly loves all mankind. He inspired so many different kinds of men from all walks of life to write from their background and communicated in a tremendous variety of writing styles but God is consistent with one idea. And that is that He loves His Creation of human beings above all else, Jn 3:16. Go with God in all things, Bill |
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148 | what to do when wrongly accused? | Matthew | Bill Richardson | 230809 | ||
I would follow the Lord's advice from... Matt 5:23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. IF you're not able to be reconciled then you should follow His Procedure from... Matt 18:15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector. IF on the other hand, you're referring to a disagreement with an unbeliever or a non-christian, then you're left to your own devices for the most part. I can recall a few more verses for reference but it's pretty clear the Lord is making Suggestions and not issuing Commands. Matt 5:25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny. Also... Matt 10:16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Of course, all of these thoughts are coming from me, while sitting in a nice, comfy chair where it's a little easier to be objective. But I have dealt with some difficult people in my time. My best advice to pray about it, pray often and pray with great earnest. One bit of advice that was given to me is to pray with your adversary, while holding hands and facing each other with your heads bowed. This gives both of you your best chances for an outcome on which our Lord will Smile. God bless you in your efforts. We'll all be praying for you. Bill |
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149 | Was Matthew a carpenter? | Matt 9:9 | Bill Richardson | 230664 | ||
life, Maybe you're confusing two prominent figures in the Bible: 1) Jesus Christ who most certainly was a carpenter following in the footsteps of His earthly father and 2) Matthew who was a tax collector as Azure has mentioned already. So once again such a mix-up is easily resolved with just a little Bible study. You really need to spend some more time His Word. Go with God in ALL His Ways and all areas of your life and God will bless you. Bill |
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150 | matthew 11 | Matt 11:7 | Bill Richardson | 230786 | ||
Do you have a question or a statement, an opinion about something you wish to discuss? Please advise. Thanks. Go with God, study His Word and He'll Bless you in all things. Bill |
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151 | Adopting a Ministry | Matt 18:30 | Bill Richardson | 231094 | ||
Got a question for you. Do you all believe it's required or is it just a good idea to adopt a ministry of some kind? I've tried to promote this idea to our group but we still experience the 80-20 principle of getting things done. (Of course the 80-20 could vary as a ratio in your part of the country but I've found the principle to be part of human nature. It seems the Jews weren't the only ones to practice the Remnant Theory.) Anyway a ministry can be as simple as cleaning the building or as challenging as sharing Christ with one's friends and neighbors. I'm convinced it's important to adopt a ministry of some kind in light of Jesus Parable of the debtor in prison, Matt 18. Tell me what ya think and Go with God in all things, Bill |
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152 | Adopting a Ministry | Matt 18:30 | Bill Richardson | 231099 | ||
I agree with your statement but assuming that a person is a regular member and is in good standing, what do you think of the basic proposition as stated? Is it something our Lord wants us to do to please Him or is it one of those optional choices He extends to us. Along with the Parable from Matthew 18, I'm thinking the Parable of the folks with talents, Matt 25, is also most instructive. You remember the harsh Judgment from the Lord on the one fella who wasted the one and only talent he had. Tell me what ya think. Thanks for your quick response. Naturally I'm also looking for responses from everyone else. Go with God in all things. Bill |
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153 | Adopting a Ministry | Matt 18:30 | Bill Richardson | 231110 | ||
Not sure how that comes into the discussion but I'm talking about the same church in the NT. Thanks for the dialouge, Bill |
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154 | Adopting a Ministry | Matt 18:30 | Bill Richardson | 231115 | ||
I guess that's part of my personality; never have favored the politics that enters into an organization with human beings involved. It's so much more ideal to just simply follow God's Word, agree on Doctrine and maintain options as God allows. That's why our group call ourselves christians; we're all in agreement. We find we get along better by maintain that kind of focus. Does your congregation leadership encourage this kind of adopting a ministry for everyone, especially after being a christian for several years? How does your group get the 80-20 ratio a little closer to 50-50 or better? Anyone else? Go with God in all things, Bill |
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155 | Adopting a Ministry | Matt 18:30 | Bill Richardson | 231119 | ||
Thanks for guidance. I am taking college level courses in Bible and I have taught Bible to teens and adults for several years. We do have some lively discussions as we encourage that sort of thing whereas I grew up in a fairly conservative church area. But now back to the topic at hand. How about responding to my questions on this thread? Looking forward to your intellectual responses and/or suggestions. What have you experienced? Go with God in all His Ways, Bill |
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156 | Adopting a Ministry | Matt 18:30 | Bill Richardson | 231126 | ||
It's a Bible based college in fellowship with our group. We have several teachers with their PhDs in Bible. I just started this first course a few weeks ago and I'm really enjoying it. Are you going to school? Say, that reminds me; I just gotta ask, how did you get the nickname, Doc? And finally, can I now look forward to some real dialouge on my questions on this thread? Hoping and praying that we can go with God in all things, Bill |
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157 | Bible verse needed, I can't find it. | Luke 22:61 | Bill Richardson | 231071 | ||
Welcom to the Forum, Fjord1901. I believe this is that for which you're looking: Luke 22:54 Having arrested Him, they led Him and brought Him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed at a distance. 55 Now when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. 56 And a certain servant girl, seeing him as he sat by the fire, looked intently at him and said, “This man was also with Him.” 57 But he denied Him, saying, “Woman, I do not know Him.” 58 And after a little while another saw him and said, “You also are of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” 59 Then after about an hour had passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, “Surely this fellow also was with Him, for he is a Galilean.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are saying!” Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” 62 So Peter went out and wept bitterly. Yes the famous Peter, impulsive like so many of us, ready to fight for Jesus but afraid to stand up for Him when He just wants our alligence. Most sermons on this subject contrast this story and Peter's subsequent meeting with His Lord in his underclothes as he was in the water fishing, John 21. The most beautiful aspect is Peter's repentance and restoration to His Lord, later that same chapter. Now the most powerful contrast is shown with the tragic role of Judas. Sure he betrayed His Lord but he too could have repented and been restored but he couldn't forgive himself and instead commits suicide, Matt 27:5. What a tragic yet powerful contrast showing the two basic ways to respond to the Lord's invitation. Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. BTW, this is our preferred manner of responding here on the Forum where everyone can see and participate. We're all interested in getting your input and open a dialouge on this subject. Tell us what motivated you to ask this question. Also, for your reference and assistance in the future, all you need to do to look up a passage in the Bible is use the Search Engine to the right of your screen. I prefer the BibleGateway website. In this case I just inserted "Peter turned" and found the passage in spite of the fact that it was Jesus who turned His Head. That's one of the amazing features; it looks for those two words in the verse. Makes it easy for all of us. Let us know how we can help you further. We're your servants. Go with God in all things, Bill |
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158 | circumcise on the Sabbath | John 7:23 | Bill Richardson | 231241 | ||
After the establishment of the Lord's church in Acts 2, the Apostle Paul took on as his personal ministry to be dedicated to bringing Christianity to the Gentiles. He tried to bring Christinaity to his fellow Jewish brethren but the main leadership of the Jewish Nation seemed to hold a grudge against him for leaving their way of life in favor of a new Lord and Master. Now it's very interesting as to how Paul handles this controversy that ends up at a climax in Jersualem, Acts 15. The Judaziers had been following christians around the area, especially Paul, Barnabas, Silas and Mark in preaching the additional requirement of circumcision after people became christians. But in Acts 15, after prayer and much discussion, the Apostles and the elders issued a letter with four restrictions, none of which touched on circumcision. So it was over as far as Christianity was concerned. So you see, it wasn't over as far as the Judaziers were concerned; they kept on preaching their false doctrine. They simply would not accept the idea of a new Era of Christianity, with equal treatment and benefits to all mankind. (I should say at this point, these Judaziers were christians but they were also Jews who loved holding power and prestige over other people like they'd always done.) But back to Paul's innovative way to handle this controversy. He even provided for continuing his ministry after passing from this life. As you may know, he had two "sons of the faith," Timothy and Titus. With Timothy, he encouraged him (and he followed Paul's suggestion) to be circumcised while he vigorously defended Titus' right to NOT be circumcised. Acts 16:1 Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek. 4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily. Gal 2:1 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me. 2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain. 3 Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 4 And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), 5 to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. So we can see Paul's maturity in his foresight. He really did have love for his fellow Jews as shown by bringing up Timothy this way BUT he also saw this obsession with the Judaziers and circumcision for what it was. This obsession took the focus off of Christ and instead gave some small piece of power back to the Jews and of course, that could not be tolerated. So once again, we see that Paul taught his sons of the faith to "become all things to all men, to win some," 1 Cor 9:22. What foresight, huh? Go with God in all His Ways, Bill |
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159 | Safe passage from Earth to Heaven | John 14:6 | Bill Richardson | 230645 | ||
I have to agree with Azure. The OT is dominated by the thread of prophecy about the coming Messiah and is completely fulfilled in the NT. So the Bible is indeed God's telling all mankind He does want us to return to Him and now He has provided a road map. We MUST comply with Jesus' Instructions: Jn 14:15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. 19 “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. 20 At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. 21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” So this also means we must follow the sacred Guidance from the Holy Spirit as reflected through His Representatives, the Apostles throughout the whole NT. Go with God in all things, Bill |
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160 | why did the angel tell cornelius to send | Acts | Bill Richardson | 230889 | ||
It's very curious that you've answered your own question. This passage presents a fantastic story, especially for us military. Are you really interested in discussing this story and its implications for the whole world? If so, I'd be interested in such a dialouge. Go with God in all things and you'll be Blessed. Bill |
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