Results 161 - 180 of 1260
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: charis Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
161 | Juice/wine poll results? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 18766 | ||
Dear Jensen, Greetings in Jesus' name! Trust, my friend, I will not give it too much thought. :-) The 'cup' is referred to as the 'fruit of the vine.' Maybe it's just me, but the alcohol content has never been an issue. I have used the fermented kind and the unfermented kind, to the same effect before Christ (I believe). As to the history, I would guess that the move toward using non-alcoholic grape juice is linked to the teetotalist attitude of many churches. Maybe someone else has some insight about this? As to Cola and Cookies, I find this irreverent. (not blasphemeous :-)) I imagine that to be absolutely 'correct,' we would need to use unleavened bread. I have eaten crackers, wafers, cubed bread, unleavened bread, and whole loaves of white bread. All these would seem acceptable as a 'loaf,' though I prefer to physically break it among one another. On a similar vein, we have the problem with using one cup (or several) and sharing it, or using individual cups (washable or disposable). If we 'seek the Holy Grail,' we should use one cup, and share it, no matter how many attend the service. If we think that the the person handing you the cup is important, then it doesn't matter how many cups are used, as long as the minister, elder or brother is sanctified. If the focus is 'in remembrance of Me,' then even the individual cups are valid. One of the practical issues is the (almost manic) worry about hygiene that is popular today. Personally, I am confident that the Lord would protect us during the Lord's Supper, but some might fret, and not want to drink 'after so-and-so.' Therefore, because I believe that our heart toward God is the intention, I use disposable cups. Jensen, I know that some of the 'quirks' of the churches are hard to understand. Some of it may be viewed as hypocrisy, but from a bit more merciful (and balanced!) vista, maybe we are trying to make church obey common sense and wise (not selfish) compromise. Indeed, the balance between legalism and irreverent or licentious behavior is an issue that each local church must answer before God. Thank you for your patience with this verbose preacher. :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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162 | Milk and meat? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 18768 | ||
Dear casiv, Bleesings and peace in Jesus' name! If I interpret your comments correctly, Jesus is milk and the Father is meat? I, too, am curious about your user screen name. We've had our share of prophets :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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163 | Milk and meat? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 18777 | ||
Dear casiv, Greetings in Jesus' name! What about John the Baptist, John the Apostle, and even Jesus? I agree that Jesus and the Father are one. I also agree that many in this day walk a broad but shallow path. However, I am not sure which 'details' you deem necessary to be considered meat. Friend, your name does not bother me in the least! I am curious about all of the screen names of my fellow forumers. Often these 'handles' have a special meaning to the person that lends understanding of their beliefs. I wish everyone would give a little bit of information about themselves in their Personal Profile so that we can enhance our fellowship on this forum. I pray that I am 'out of the box!' :-) If we know Jesus, we have found the truth, yes? In Christ Jesus, charis |
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164 | apologetics | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 18989 | ||
Dear pgs, Hello again! Your testimony of faith and faithfulness (not blessing and good fortune) are the best evangelism. Show forth the Bible by your walk in Christ, battle against the hypocrisy in your life, serve in His church. Conviction comes from God alone. YOU cannot convince them, only plant and water. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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165 | need definition ASAP | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 19467 | ||
Dear have faith, Greetings in Jesus' name! Though somewhat indirect, you might use 2 Corinthians 19:13-17 where Paul discusses the 'sphere' of influence that was given to him by God to minister to the churches there. I believe that the Lord does give to each believer an 'area' or 'sphere' of ministry to preach and/or portray the Gospel. Sometimes this sphere is smaller than our 'boast.' (Those who claim to have been 'given' a city, a state, a country, or even the 'whole world!') More often, the sphere of our *outreach* is larger than we want it to be! We would prefer to let the evangelists or 'evangelical types' do the evangelism, as if 'normal' folk have no responsibility to share Christ. I pray that this is of some use to you, even if the verse is a 'bit of a stretch!' In Christ Jesus, charis |
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166 | How can we tell figurative from literal? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 19573 | ||
Dear Sir, Greetings, my friend, in Jesus' name! You wrote: 1. The Holy Spirit will tell you. 2. Church leaders will tell you. Neither of these are very objective End quote. If you read the sum of the Word, you will find that these two methods of discernment, when in accord with the Bible, and applied (or received) in faith, are very objective! In fact, they are the ONLY truly objective means to know truth. The alternatives are human knowledge, science, (numbers), quorum, or forum! :-) I'll take the Holy Spirit, and His chosen servants any day! Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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167 | What about those who have never heard? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 19779 | ||
Dear pgs, Greetings in Jesus' name! 1) Though we may be tempted to think of God as unfair or the spreading of His Good News as uneven or incomplete, one of the first things we MUST do is trust God! He is always just! He knows every sparrow, and the number of hairs on every head (Matthew 10, Luke 12), so nothing 'gets by' Him. All who are to know Jesus will know Him, without fail. We can come up with all kinds of hypothetical situations that throw doubt on God's ability to save, but He is always in charge! 2) All men are equally aware of the concept of salvation. There are only those whose will continues to be hardened against God. We cannot know who has a relationship with the Lord Jesus before they die. Only the Lord is fully aware of this. There can be outward signs, but only God knows the heart, good and bad! "Would not God find this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart." Psalm 44:21 NASB. Those who are seeking Him, will find Him. Period. 3) Only God is truly good (Mark 10:17-31) All men deserve hell, but God is gacious to save those whose heart will allow faith to abide. Nothing we do can purchase salvation. Only faith in Christ Jesus, which is a gift from God, will release us from this curse. How God choses is up to Him. I am at peace knowing that He alone is able to make the 'right' decision. Friend, these questions spring from the old nature, assuming that we can know, measure, and judge goodness and righteousness. After 15 years of caring for His flock and spreading the Gospel message, I can only say that we are not given this power. Indeed, it is only by the Amazing Grace of God that we can know Him. Though this is an old message, and frustrating to a generation that must 'know' everything (or at least pretend to!), we MUST give this to God! And then move on to serving the Lord and His church, and speaking boldly His Good News to the lost. Blessings and peace to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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168 | Genesis Creation, a practical example? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 20012 | ||
Dear Sir, Greetings in Jesus' name! Friend, I know your heart when you want to create a 'universally accepted way of determining biblical literalism and biblical symbolism.' I trust that your intentions are of the greatest order. However, historically this is exactly what (almost) every denomination had in mind when they 'split' to make their own distinctive 'method.' Sadly, after a generation or two had passed, and the number of 'affiliated' churches were created or 'grafted in,' the result was a human endeavor. God wants us to trust Him! This means that we are always blessed by the individual local chruch, and it's sole reliance on the Holy Spirit. Some say this is a 'confused' way of doing things, that we have to 'organize' our beliefs. In my humble opinion, every attempt to 'organize' beliefs, no matter how honorable, eventually became yet another (slightly) different human institution. Each of these institutions focuses on a few areas of Scripture, to the detriment of the whole. Some are more 'radical' or 'fundamental' or 'conservative' than others, but the fact remains that there is a certain spiritual bigotry or bent as a result. Many of the saints on this forum clearly show their institutional traditions in their answers. (And few will admit it! :-)) Friend, all I can say is that God never intended for us to have a 'universally accepted way of determining biblical literalism and biblical symbolism,' except the Bible, the (daily unique) moving of the Holy Spirit, and the love, responsibility, and fellowship of the local church. This is, and will always be, enough to please our God. Finally, to those who disagree with this, and claim that denominationalism has 'saved the church' from much turmoil, I can only say that yours is a hypothesis based on not trusting God to curb the 'variances' that man has a tendency to produce. Indeed, each denomination has within itself myriad 'embarrassments' that would negate this argument. Also, from the perspective of the skeptic, the whole church's multiple divisions and sub-divisions and sub-sub-divisions portray a confused, divided body of Christ. I think it is only the grace of God that has allowed our basic faith in Christ Jesus to remain intact, not any human system of 'organization.' In fact, I think that the Lord has protected our faith *in spite of* this man-made divisional system. :-) All this said, maybe we will stumble upon a 'universal' system of interpretation that fulfills God's intentions. (but I won't hold my breath! :-)) Blessings one and all, in Christ Jesus charis |
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169 | Genesis Creation, a practical example? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 20128 | ||
Dear Sir, Blessings to you in Jesus' name! I really do agree with your intentions, and in a perfect forum they would be effective! :-) Friend, I think it boils down to: If all of the participants were to adhere to common sense and common courtesy, took care to maintain Christian dignity (not human pride), gave due respect to others, stuck to the point, made clear comments, and used lucid Scripture references, we would need no 'universal rules,' because the Bible already champions truth. Rules are necessary where sin reigns. (which, of course, we don't have to deal with on a Bible forum, right? :-)) I simply prefer the less rules and less sin. The Holy Spirit will lead us to all truth is we allow Him. After saying this, I really do appreciate your earnest desire to take this motley crew to a higher plane. I just don't think that organizing things will accomplish it. It only takes a few 'unruly' persons to bring out the worst in us all. :-) I like "literal until proven figurative!" This has always been my motto. Plain and simple meaning first, and trusting the Lord in the areas that He has chosen not to speak. The figurative is all to often made prey to human emotions and whim. Peace, my brother, in Christ Jesus, charis |
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170 | Genesis Creation, a practical example? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 20130 | ||
Dear Ed, Greetings, my friend, in Jesus' name! I must strongly disagree that we disagree! :-) After reading your post, and re-reading my post, they agree perfectly! The only difference would be 'revelation of spiritual truths' and 'universal interpretation.' The essence of our 'take' on church history is nearly identical. Peace to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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171 | Genesis Creation, a practical example? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 20131 | ||
Dear Hank, Blessings to you in Jesus' name! Fear not! No wedges at all. :-) I think that the three of us are in more agreement than we would admit! It is good to 'converse' with you again, my good friend. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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172 | Why do people lose interest and leave? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 21470 | ||
Dear Sir, Greetings in Jesus' name! Friend, I am sorry, but I cannot agree with this 'movement' to institutionalize and/or organize this Study Bible Forum. I like it the way is is, :-), including all the the problems. I do not think that we can rid ourselves of such situations and problems by making guidelines and rules of conduct. If you want to talk about a certain book, chapter, or verse, then do so. If I feel I want to include myself in that discussion, I will. In my (sometimes not so) humble opinion, this will take the fun out of this forum, and I would probably not participate. The church already has enough organization and institutionalization, and I don't think any of it ever brought us closer to Jesus. I think it only brings us closer to human religion. I admire your intentions, and agree that we should behave in an orderly manner. But, to me, this would simply be common love, common courtesy, common sense, all led by the Holy Spirit, and in accord with the Word of God. In the book of Numbers, Balaam was called to curse Israel, and would have been well paid if he did. But any angle he looked from, God said that Israel was blessed. Even though God Himself spoke many times of the sin of Israel! This forum, from the eyes of man, may be a mess. But I believe that God is (still) pleased with the simple format that we already enjoy. If we try to institute the reforms suggested, we will only create a schism between those that adhere, and those that don't (for whatever reason). With all due respect, I pass. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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173 | Why do people lose interest and leave? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 21474 | ||
Dear Searcher, Greetings in Jesus' name! I don't think that this will ever work. :-) Even in the 'initial' stages, this would mean the we have 'appointed' leaders. Who appoints? Who controls? Who creates the rules of conduct? Would we do it with Lockman's permission, or without? (think about it!) I agree that we should be very careful with 'expert' commentaries. Though they may be very good, and the product of years of study, they are still just the opinions of man, and ALL are subject to disagreement. I have several favorite commentators, and I disagree with every one of them on one point or another, and they disagree with eachother often. Each has a bent, a 'pet' focus. None are 'right.' Period. So, I think that we should state OUR thoughts, opinions, and show the product of OUR faith and study. My own idea would be to state the 'gist' of an article or commentary, rather than whole paragraphs of another's work. Just some (of my) ideas! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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174 | Why do people lose interest and leave? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 21475 | ||
Dear Loose, (sorry, couldn't help myself! :-)) Blessings in Jesus' name! Good point! I only know that I don't want this 'distinction!' In Christ Jesus, charis |
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175 | Why do people lose interest and leave? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 21477 | ||
Dear Tim, Greetings in the name of Jesus! And I agree! I think that book, chapter or verse studies are wonderful, and I think that our sponsors are thrilled that we 'stumbled upon' this *novel* idea! :-) But to organize it, appoint leaders, and set rules is not our place. In other words, I think that what you are saying, and doing, is very much in synch with the vision that the Lockman Foundation had in the first place. Friend, frankly I think that we will always have the 'unruly' in the church, and on this forum. It is not my place to 'iron them out,' but to respond in love, or ignore, as the case may be, but always show a good example of Christ. Thank you always for your co-participation. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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176 | Only seal and horse in same verse Rev6:5 | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 21498 | ||
serenetime, praisemaster and wife, and casiv, It seems that if we talk to one, we talk to all! So, I say to all. Please, stop with your curses and spirtual threats! I have stayed away from your cocky, arrogant, wacko posts, mostly because I couldn't figure out what you were (all) talking about. But now you (all) have belittled so many of the faithful saints of this forum, I must speak. If you are as much higher than the rest of us as you seem to think you are, please go elsewhere! We 'infants' can do without your tutelage, thank you very much! God bless you somewhere else. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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177 | Only seal and horse in same verse Rev6:5 | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 21507 | ||
Dear Serenetime, To begin with, charis is as in charis, a Greek word. You might find it in Strong's. I am not Charismatic. :-) As an individual I address you, but you must understand that you have posted under your husband's name, and he has posted under casiv's name, and it is YOUR actions that have caused the confusion. Please know that I am not kicking you off this forum. You are correct, I do not have this authority. I am, however, suggesting that you might be happier elsewhere. After all, you, your husband, and his student have all said that the members of this forum are ignorant of the Word and of the Father, and that chaos and confusion reign here. You claim understanding and knowledge, but are reticent to share it with us in simple terms, and clothe your 'explanations' in verses that none of us seem to be able to comprehend. Maybe you would be more satisfied with a forum of like-minded people? Actually, it is quite easy to use bless you and somewhere else in the same sentence. I truly hope that God will bless you, and I truly believe that the sum of your participation has been non-edifyiing. I know that you believe that everyone else is to blame for this, but that just underscores my point! You stated that you understand the Bible to be simpler than we know it, but at the same time admit that you are a bit harder to understand. Why is this? You, and your fellows keep saying that you are "focusing on working together for a better understanding of the Bible." But all I can see from your posts is a desire to teach us what you already know. This is almost an exact definition of 'arrogance!' One last point, which concerns your husband's student, casiv. (at least, I think it was him) He stated that God will save ALL people, regardless of their beliefs. I must say that this doctrine is not in accord with the Bible. Jesus Christ alone is the Light of Life! Jesus is Lord and Savior. Period. Well, one thing you are right about; I shouldn't need to respond to any of your posts. Goodbye and God bless you. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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178 | Should music be allowed in church? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 21603 | ||
Dear Roe, Greetings in Jesus' name! Welcome to the forum! I'm sorry for your keyboard problems. Don't worry, many of us have abundant experience in deciphering unintelligible posts! :-) I agree with you that the Bible says to show forth your joy! I don't see anywhere in the Bible that tells us to stop clapping and dancing and using instruments. Nor does it tell us to get serious and somber. This is the day that the Lord has made! I will rejoice and be glad in it! Amen! If you click on my name, 'charis' in the author column below, you will find my address. If you cut and paste that into your mail program, you should be able to send me your name and address, and I will send you a keyboard. I have lots of parts laying around, like any good geek. :-) (now before anyone asks, NO! I don't have a Pentium 4 CPU laying around! :-)) Blessings to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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179 | Why do people lose interest and leave? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 21623 | ||
Dear Sir, Greetings in Jesus' name! I'm glad there is no punishment! :-) My comment about 'taking the fun out of the forum' was meant to refer to rules of conduct, leaders, and rigid organization. As I thought I clearly stated, I am all for the idea of book, chapter or verse discussions, and I am sure that our sponsors would be pleased to have this kind of interaction on the forum. This would be a nice addition to the 'freestyle' format we now enjoy! Blessings, my friend, in Christ Jesus, charis |
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180 | So when did "evil" start? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 22585 | ||
Dear LisaMarie, Greetings in Jesus' name! I really don't know where the 'minister of music' thing came from, as that was K Burgee's post. Sadly, he has not been posting to the forum for quite a while. As to the 'first evil act,' you might be correct if we were to say what is the first evil that occurred between men. But then, Eve offering Adam a bite wasn't very nice, yes? :-) Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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