Results 161 - 180 of 729
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Results from: Notes Author: charis Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
161 | Visit other churches? | Rom 16:16 | charis | 34129 | ||
Dear Brian, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Friend, it sounds like a good thing you do! Especially the part about being with someone that can answer questions. Questions are good, IMHO. Re: Just for the record: 1. Amen! (except for one or two instances, in my case) 2. Great! 3. Please don't! (at least, not on MY account! :-)) It DOES help! If you would, please browse through the recent additions to this thread to find my reasons for asking and some good answers and comments. Let me know what you think? In Christ Jesus, charis |
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162 | Visit other churches? | Rom 16:16 | charis | 34127 | ||
Dear Makarios, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! Thank you for your reply and testimonial of commitment! I pray that the result glorifies God! I have been trying to answer some of the (very good!) replies I received, but cannot explain everything to everyone. Please accept my apologies. If you get an opportunity, browse through my 'raison d'etre' for this thread and the resulting comments and let me know how you feel? In Christ Jesus, charis |
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163 | Visit other churches? | Rom 16:16 | charis | 34126 | ||
Dear Emmaus, Greetings in Jesus' name! Thank you for your reply. I can see that your 'outreach' ministry is pretty courageous! I have explained the reasons for this question (poll) to some of the others. I'm very sorry, but because I am running out of time I will just humbly ask you to peruse this thread and let me know what you think about my thoughts on this issue and the results. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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164 | Visit other churches? | Rom 16:16 | charis | 34125 | ||
Dear Searcher, Greetings in Jesus' name! I am always glad to hear the word 'committed!' I don't hear it very often these days. In your last paragraph you stated that "One should be able to move on..." Do you believe that your pastor should be included in this decision-making process? The reason I ask is that I have seen an attitude of: "We" make our decisions for "us" with little or no input from our shepherd. This is a bit scary to me! Let me know what you think about this? In Christ Jesus, charis |
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165 | Visit other churches? | Rom 16:16 | charis | 34124 | ||
Dear EdB, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I have had similar experiences, and must add one more: If I sign is as a minister, they don't consider me 'potential member,' and often ignore me. Worse, though, is the looks of fear that I am a 'wolf' on a 'sheep-stealing' foray! :-) There is so much suspicion among churches, how sad. :-( I, too, find good in many other fellowships. (Please everyone, my middle name is NOT Pollyanna!) On the whole, I have come to the conclusion that this attitude is better that the common alternative, fear and loathing! Peace and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |
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166 | Visit other churches? | Rom 16:16 | charis | 34122 | ||
Dear heisthe1, Greetings in Jesus' name! What you said is true of the universal church! Do you think that we should be committed to a local church? I have posted answers to several others that have answered my question. If you get a chance, browse through them and tell me what you think? Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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167 | Visit other churches? | Rom 16:16 | charis | 34121 | ||
Dear Debbie, Greetings and blessings in the name of the Lord Jesus! My apologies for not getting back to you before I tried your patience! :-) Thank you for your reply. Do you feel that the church you now attend is one that you could commit yourself to, and that they would be committed to you? I really think this is God's will for all His sheep. In the local church His Word and His Spirit (should) give abundant life! By the way, I have since answered some of the other forumers. Take a peek and tell me what you think? In Christ Jesus, charis |
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168 | Visit other churches? | Rom 16:16 | charis | 34120 | ||
Dear CDBJ, Greetings in Jesus' name! Soapbox?!?! This IS a forum! :-) We are ALL soapboxers. No apologies necessary. Do you mean that there are churches full of people that carry their Bibles to church? To be perfectly honest, I have not seen that phenomenon very much! To be fair, most of my travels are to the West Coast and Hawaii. :-) One shocker was when in Northern Georgia visiting my big brother. I went to this little Catholic church and most people were carrying Bibles! And we opened It, too! You could have knocked me and my bigotries over with a feather! :-) (my apologies to our Catholic brethren, but you have to admit that it IS a bit rare!) Brother, I agree that there are many churches that are focused on their own agenda more than the Word. I find this so in both categories that I described to Hank and John Reformed. God cannot be pleased! Trust that if you visit Yokohama, there is a church that YOU can enter! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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169 | Visit other churches? | Rom 16:16 | charis | 34118 | ||
Dear John, Greetings in Jesus' name! Sorry, I was a bit busy (Sunday comes a bit earlier here than the US) I wrote to Hank (twice) to explain the reason behind my question. Please take a look at 'Dear Hank' February 9. A quick personal reply would be that I see a trend in the universal church toward two poles. Mind you, this is not every church, every Christian! But there seems (to me) to be those who are a bit 'xenophobic,' and those who are quite 'loose' in their commitment to a local church. I find both categories to be distant from the relationship of God's people to His church as described in the Bible. I see from your answer that you have not fellowshipped in another church for some time. Please answer honestly: Do you feel you have a healthy respect for the faith and actions of other Christians? Are you knowledgeable of other practices without judging them? From where do you get your information about other styles of worship? Do you feel you have a certain amount of (Biblical) tolerance toward others? Friend, none of my questions are veiled personal accusations. I am truly interested to know what motivates the bi-polar trend I see. I have been part of a church that was very well-informed AND open-minded toward other faiths, but over a period of 10 years became very legalistic and xenophobic in their outlook. I became a casualty of their fear of outsiders after serving faithfully in the mission field, finding myself (quite literally!) excommunicated! On the other hand, I look toward the 'opposite-lock' of (dare I say it?) Charismatic and Para-church Christianity, and am very uncomfortable there. I see that there is a great amount of emnity toward one another from both of these camps. Is this God's will? I doubt it! Wasn't that short! :-) Many blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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170 | What is Free Will? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 34059 | ||
Dear Curt, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Friend, I am sorry for doubting you! :-) I apologize for 'painting you with the wrong brush.' But wait, weren't you a 4-point Calvinist with reservations? Ummm...which brush was that? :-) 14-17 hours ahead of the 'rest of the woild' gives me the advantage of being able to read all the previous day's postings while all you folks are still snoring. The disadvantage is that I wake up and get to my church/school office with sometimes over 100 postings to sift through. When I read something that gets me excited, I sometimes reply without doing a 'background check.' The result of my belated investigation is that you are indeed without a freewill bone in your body and exonerated from my baseless charge! And I apologize for my 'hastiness.' :-) Peace to you this blessed day! Enjoy His presence! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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171 | Visit other churches? | Rom 16:16 | charis | 34017 | ||
Dear Hank, (and I guess this will have to do for all the others that replied, because our Sunday morning service will start in an hour :-)) Greetings in Jesus' name! I realized that I did not make any comment about why (or why not) we might visit other churches. I am in favor of visiting other churches once in a while. In fact, in the summer months we do not have evening services, and I encourage our fellowship to visit a variety of other churches in our neighborhood. Of course, here in Japan there are few other churches. :-( My belief is that we should see how others worship and fellowship in order to broaden our own relationship with God. Though I am far from 'loose' in my doctrine, I do believe that it is difficult to practice the 'tolerance' and 'patience' toward the brethren encouraged in the Bible if we only go by heresay and bigotry. Another reason is the 'competition for souls' I see in this day of seeking bigger and bigger congregations. There is a spirit of 'vying' I see that reminds me of K-mart and Wal-mart. Sadly, I do not see the remaining contender as the victor! One other thing I have seen that shocks me is that when someone goes on vacation, they don't go to church. I hear many reasons for this, but none seem very faithful. (to me) Please note that I don't think any of the above (or other post) is an excuse for not being a faithful, committed member of a local church. The 'extra-curricular forays' I am talking about are for the benefit of Jesus' church! When we visit another assembly, it should not be to measure, judge, or 'prove our ideas.' We should go with an attitude of humility, blessing them, thereby enhancing our knowledge of God and His people. In a way, this forum has done so to me! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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172 | Visit other churches? | Rom 16:16 | charis | 34010 | ||
Dear Hank, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! I just woke up this fine Sunday morning (weather-wise a bit cold and dreary, but the day of assembly before God!) to 7 (count 'em!) answers to my question! As you are the first to ask 'the question' you will be the first to receive 'the answer.' (I wonder how long I can stretch this out without making someone upset?) Now, the problem is that if my answer is not sufficiently profound, I might get 'booed!' ...where was I?... :-) Actually, the main reason asked was because I was curious, as stated. It has to do with a 'theory' that has been formulating in my heart (brain?) about the state of the church in this present age. I have sensed a bipolar movement of relationship to the local church of either 1) allegience to a 'religious entity,' often part of a larger denomination, or 2) little or no allegience to anything but whim, circumstance, job, and a personal understanding of 'God's will.' The first, I do not find to be 'wrong,' except that some (not all!) of this type do tend to be a little 'xenophobic' and judgemental toward 'other' Christians, especially those of different creeds. Another type of person in this category can be guilty of worshipping their leaders(s) or their 'creed' to the exclusion of any other assembly, and sometimes to the point of not loving (or denying) their fellow Christian. These extremes do not lead anybody to the 'unity of the faith.' The second type is a bit scary, where each man 'walks his own path.' Many of these are disenchanted members of the first category, but because of one situation or another have done a 'radical pendulum-swing' against the authority and blessing of the local church assembly. (makes you wonder what kind of 'weight' was on their pendulum or plum-bob!?) Some churches even cater to this kind of behavior (marketing?) and have made a way to get plenty of money with no strings attached, i.e. responsibility. In any case, my friend, I completely agree that the church needs faithful, committed sheep, and sheep need a faithful, committed church, complete with a conscientious, holy leadership! My 'poll' was no reflection on any particular member of our forum fellowship, but I do think that this past year of 30K plus postings show some of this attitude in the church. Of course, most of those that are 'committed' here, are (or should be!) committed to a local assembly. Many blessings to all, and thank you for your patience with me this past year! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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173 | Double portion is really only two-thirds | 2 Kin 2:9 | charis | 33946 | ||
Dear Indy, Greetings from the Far East in the name of Jesus! My friend, I agee with you! That is precisely why I sometimes write like the Amplified Bible. :-) I did that this time and found that one of my 'amplifications' was totally unacceptable to some folks for reasons I could not fathom for some time! Theological significance!? Yeah, right! :-) I don't envy your arguments about 'chaste.' At least we have settled THAT one in our local church. But, we don't have many (any) theologians, either! Good luck! If I may say so, I have never had such 'discussions' in Japanese. Maybe English has too much (convoluted) history, and too much 'poetic license!' In my second language (first after 30 years?) of Japanese, this entire thread is summed up as, "American Christians sure have a lot of free time on their hands!" :-) I sometimes try to explain to my congregation the 'issues' portrayed on this forum, and all I get is a dumdfounded stare. From a former Hoosier. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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174 | What is Free Will? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 33931 | ||
Dear Curt, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! My friend, I hold you in the highest regard, but I must respectfully disagree that the Bible says anywhere that we choose salvation. After spending some time looking at 'choice,' 'choose,' and 'chose,' 'elect' and 'select,' I cannot find even one Scripture that says we choose to be saved. However, the same word search will show many that clearly say that God chose us for. Now I understand that if you just say that every instance of plural usage (us, we, all) means the whole world, you 'seem' to prove that Jesus died for all mankind, but only those who choose Him get saved. But then wouldn't there be at least a few Scriptures saying 'we chose Him' or 'we chose salvation?' Granted, there does seem to be Scriptural evidence that *some certain* individuals have chosen to 'reject' Christ. As far I can see, these cases are not common, in fact uncommon. (my opinion, downright RARE!) IMHO, the CHOICE for salvation is completely in the sovereign hands of God. The CHOICE to serve this SAVIOR is in fallible human hands, but led by, and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, the Bible and the (local) church. With this kind of inspiration and stimulation, few can deny or reject the salvation that has already been freely given by God's gracious choice. That we must choose to serve the Lord, I do not argue with you at all. But our service unto Him is never good enought to get us saved. It pleases Him, and that (should!) please us. I know that it pleases me! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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175 | Anoint? | 2 Kin 2:9 | charis | 33779 | ||
Dear Searcher, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I quote from Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary: This request was not, as is commonly supposed, for the power of working miracles exceeding the magnitude and number of his master's, nor does it mean a higher endowment of the prophetic spirit; for Elisha was neither superior to, nor perhaps equally great with, his predecessor. But the phrase, "a double portion," was applied to the first-born [Deu 21:17], and therefore Elisha's request was, simply, to be heir to the prophetic office and gifts of his master. (end quote) Brother, I find it hard to believe that this whole thing, calling me a 'Scripture-twister' and all that was simply to prove your point about the semantic difference between the the 'anointment' in 1 Kings 19 (i.e. the pouring of oil on the head by God's representative) and my use of the word 'anointing' as in 'endowed with gifts from God.' As far as I am concerned, you win the legal battle, and gain the crown of triviality. :-) Many, many blessings to you in the abundant life that our Lord gives. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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176 | *Practical* not *ethereal* | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 33767 | ||
Dear Dino, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Friend, I believe you have misunderstood my post to you. Trust me that I have no problem with grace at all, and see no need to do anything to reinforce it. I was merely asking you to 'quantify' your understanding of how we might lose our graceful salvation. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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177 | Anoint? | 2 Kin 2:9 | charis | 33755 | ||
Dear Robert, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Friend, I am a layman, a carpenter and PC technician by trade, a minister of the Gospel by calling. Forgive me for being so dense, But WHAT is it you agree with our fellow forumer Searcher? I agree with your definition from Strong's. I used the Greek equivalent in my post more than once. Anoint means consecrate (unto God) for the purpose of serving the Lord. It seems (to me) that the Hebrew and the Greek agree on the basic meaning. I have said that I believe that Elisha was anointed to the ministry of prophet. He succeeded Elijah, took up his mantle, was endowed with the gifts necessary to perform his calling. I have NOT said that I agree with the doctrine or all the posts written by our colleague 'prophet ezra brown,' but that we owe him the dignity of counting him among the brethren of God. I simply said that I agree with Brother Brown that the spirit of Elijah was indeed passed to his heir, Elisha. I also agree that the 'double' part of 'double-portion' is not a numerical 2X. It means that the legacy was passed on. With all due respect to you, and to my esteemed (steamed?) colleague, Searcher, what is the ado about? I can't find a thing in your post that I disagree with, except the 'I agree with Bro. Searcher... part. I don't even know what HE is so upset about. :-) I hope not to put you out of joint, too! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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178 | Why did Elisha have to see Elijah taken | 2 Kin 2:9 | charis | 33620 | ||
Dear Searcher, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Brother, as you said earlier, 'anointing' (Strong's 5545) comes from 'anointed' (Strong's 5548) chrio khree'-o probably akin to 5530 through the idea of contact; to smear or rub with oil, i.e. (by implication) to consecrate to an office or religious service:--anoint. This, IMHO, is applicable to the situation. Elisha asked that Elijah's spirit, mantle, anointing be passed to him. Certainly God did the choosing, the consecrating, the anointing, and Elisha was the recipient of this blessing, this gift. Elisha was anointed, and took up the mantle of prophet. Frankly, I don't get what you are saying about 'no relation.' Could you explain? In Christ Jesus, charis |
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179 | Strong AND gentle? | Phil 4:5 | charis | 33603 | ||
Dear Searcher, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! Indeed, Jesus was meek, both strong and gentle. I think we have to be careful when we use Jesus' example, though. When Jesus used strong language, He had the advantage of knowing the heart of the person that was being addressed. We cannot discern at the level of the Lord, and do not know the hearts of men. So, it seems to me that we are to be more careful with our tongue, because our assessment of someone could be wrong. We cannot say, "Jesus was angry, and so am I!" :-) I think that we must sacrifice some of our strong words for the sake of trusting the Lord. It seems to me that our 'strength' should remain hidden for the most part. "Speaking the truth in love" should never be rude or impatient. (sometimes we are, though, even the best of us!) The kanji (Chinese characters) for strong and gentle mean about the same thing as the English words. However meek (nyuuwa) is closer to 'weak' than 'gentleness in strength.' In other words, more akin to the popular 'wimpy.' In Christ Jesus, charis |
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180 | Strong AND gentle? | Phil 4:5 | charis | 33599 | ||
Dear Lionstrong, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Well put! And well received! If I may add, and *un-gentle* attitude could betray a lack of strength and confidence (in the Lord). Blessings to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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