Results 181 - 200 of 277
|
||||||
Results from: Answers On or After: Thu 12/31/70 Author: charis Ordered by Verse |
||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
181 | Does abandoning make you an unbeliever | 1 Cor 7:15 | charis | 113139 | ||
Dear JuanMas, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I did not come to THAT conclusion. I was answering the question regarding this particular Scripture (I Corinthians 7:15), which is clearly speaking of the relationship between a believer and an unbelieving (unsaved) spouse. As to a Christian man that abandons his wife, he may still be saved, but his actions are certainly not pleasing to God. My friend, I have read some of your other posts on this issue, and it seems that you are battling with a neighbor that takes a rather severe stance on the issue of divorce. I, personally, trust that "once-saved, always-saved," with VERY few exceptions. (otherwise, few would be saved!) However, you did make one statement that is a bit disconcerting: "They've made all kinds of excuses why this passage should not apply to their lives and divorce and remarry, with the blessings of the Church, to their hearts content." I suppose if you mean heart as "a spiritual man, led by the Spirit of God, and in submission to a responsible shepherd of the church, " I might lean toward agreement. But if you mean heart as "a man led by his emotions, angry and impatient with his Christian wife, unwilling to submit to pastoral counsel," then that's not right. Another possibility regarding this matter is, who is abandoning whom? If a spouse has abused the marriage, has been unfaithful to the responsibilities of marriage as outlined in Scripture, is recalitrant toward the partner, the church, and the pastor shepherding them, then it would lead one to question their commitment to marriage, and even the validity of their walk with Christ. Of course, only the Lord knows the absolute answer to this question, but merely making a "public confession of Christ" does not necessarily confirm salvation. Bearing the fruit of repentence, and showing forth the fruit of the Spirit are important ways to manifest a salvific experience. In any case, the idea that divorce negates salvation is hard to support in the light of the grace of God. It is more probably based on the traditions of a denominational stance. Blessings to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
182 | giving your tithe | 1 Cor 9:16 | charis | 6268 | ||
Dear fliha, I am a believer in the tithe simply because it makes more sense than a church having to ask for money all the time. Fund-raising becomes a primary occupation. People that give much are often put on pedastals (or their name is put on plaques) Tithing is indeed, pre-Law and not 'required' in the New Testament, but it certainly simplifies the matter of deciding 'how much?' Friend, that you are struggling with this particular tithe is my concern. It sounds as if you do not trust your church to use this bonus-tithe properly. Does your church have outreach ministries? Do they allow you to say (suggest) where you feel God wants this money to be used? I think that you must review in your heart your feelings toward your local church, and either give in faith or ask your leadership for clarification of their financial doctrine and policy. Peace to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
183 | real presence or symbolic presence? | 1 Cor 10:16 | charis | 3531 | ||
Dear dschaertel, It seems that you are trying to make the Lord's supper into either full mystical transubstantiation, or a mere symbol. The scriptures support much more than a mere symbol, and never attempt to suggest a physical transmutation. Partaking in the Lord's Supper is a spiritual reality, with spiritual consequences in this life. This is imputed by the Holy Spirit when accompanied by the faith of the believer that he is participating again in the communion with Christ. It is commanded of us, and imparts true, real blessing upon those who receive in faith. In the same manner, false motives will impart real danger to the unholy partaker. However, it is not like an Indiana Jones movie, with instantaneous effect. God's timing is God's timing. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
184 | What are these spiritual gifts? | 1 Cor 12:8 | charis | 4173 | ||
Dear RWC, JVH0212 gave a good definition. Practical application of these gifts could be 1) in the preached word, or sermon, to reveal wisdom and truth to the congregation. 2) in holy counsel, to give encouragement and direction to those seeking God's personal counsel through His chosen vessel. 3) in our witness to the saved and unsaved, to know what to say at the appropriate time, in order to glorify God. These would assume that God is now active via His Spirit, working in His people, which I believe. On a side note, the use of these to 'Wow' folks and impress others is not proper, or in keeping with the blessed nature of these holy gifts. This is not an exhaustive representation, just an outline. In Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
185 | how are you guided? | 1 Cor 12:9 | charis | 25731 | ||
Dear dbec5, Greetings in Jesus' name! And welcome to the forum! Yes, I'm still around! :-) My interpretation of the Bible comes from reading It. A lot. I don't know if I have a conscious 'order of importance,' but I add the experience and responsibility of service to His church; the experience and responsibility of serving in my home as husband, father, and son-in-law; my fellowship with those in my local church as well as with other Christians (including this forum); a desire for wisdom and common sense; and the sincere hope that the Holy Spirit is in charge of all of the above, even when my flesh interferes. Blessings to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
186 | The Writings of the Apostles? | 1 Cor 12:27 | charis | 13156 | ||
Dear Tim, and saints, Yes, the Twelve Apostles were special. Nobody is arguing that (that I am aware). They were chosen by God for a special purpose. God did write through them (some of) the Bible. Some other writers of the New testament are not identified as apostles. God also chose soem of their writings (is this a trick question?), in the sense that it is very possible that these men wrote other things in their lives-ministries. If we try to say that every word written by these men was inspired by God, then where are they? The canon is finished, so we can assume that subsequent letters cannot be 'found,' nor can we assume that God 'lost' them. Ministers minister, but office-holders don't office. (they administer) Ephesians is very clear that God gave (ministerial) gifts to men, but not necessarily every Christian, but not exclusively to only the Twelve, plus Paul, plus others named as apostles. Ephesians speaks about the need for these ministries until the church is 'done.' Some of my respected colleagues have postulated that the church is 'done' because the canon is finished. I strongly disagree. The canon is finished, but the church is not! "Notice that the text uses plural nouns." Of course! Notice that some have deleted one or two of these five. One of the problems with the church is that we have allowed the ministries within he church to degenerate into 'offices.' No believers were called to an office, including the (mistakenly exalted) apostles to the Lamb. Almost every commentator I have read states that there are three uses of the word 'apostolos' in the Bible. 1)Jesus 2)the Twelve (Matthias was the only 'replacement') and 3)the 'other' apostles. These are sometimes called 'minor,' 'lesser,' or 'general' apostles. But they are called apostles nonetheless! Some have different ideas as to where Paul fits in. Some say that they did not 'self-perpetuate,' but do not back this up in the Scripture. Mostly, it seems that they must admit the existence of these ministers, but their tradition or religion does not allow them to be around today. All of the Bible references to their exclusivity are referring to the Twelve, not the 'others.' Brother, and brethren, I would ask that someone would give me a Biblical definition of 'office,' it's 'institutional' and-or 'organizational' meaning, as compared to a minister, a servant. The crux of the matter is that 'office' denotes an organized religion, closer to the Pharisees than I am comfortable with. Yes, we have a difference of opinion. I chose a simpler, faith-based church that is (still) being led by the Holy Spirit. Some may insist that this means disorganized and irresponsible, but I challenge you to come to Yokohama and see that it is possible to be orderly AND filled with the Holy Spirit. Just because you have never seen it does not mean it is non-existent :-) Peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
187 | What is the role of a prophet in 2001? | 1 Cor 14:3 | charis | 21850 | ||
Dear mincc, Greetings in the name of Jesus! "But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation." 1 Corinthians 14:3 NASB Some may require a prophet to be a perfect 'voice of God' and a 'future-seer' in order to be bona fide. Others might say that the prophets ended with the Old Testament, John the Baptist or maybe with the 'closing of the canon.' I think that the above work of prophecy is still in effect. I believe that the Old Testament prophets and New Testament prophets both, were normal human beings (with the notable exception of Jesus the Prophet, Priest and King!) that had a ministry that was under the leading of the Holy Spirit, thus were not 'perfect' all the time. I think that the Holy Spirit still does give supernatural insight and direction, but it is not at the prophet's 'beck and call' as some may claim. Therefore, I believe that there IS a role for the present-day prophet, but this ministry is much abused and misrepresented. May the Lord continue to give His gifts and ministries until His glorious return! In Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
188 | What is a false prophet? | 1 Cor 14:3 | charis | 68811 | ||
Dear n8sauce33, Greetings in the name of Jesus! And welcome to the forum. "But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation." 1 Corinthians 14:3 NASB The above Scripture is one of the clearest references to the work of a prophet in the New Testament. In this sense, there is still a valid ministry of prophecy in the church today to encourage the saints with a word from the Lord. Therefore, a false prophet is one that misleads the church or individuals, or causes them to stumble by misrepresenting the holy counsel of God as presented in the Bible. If you mean 'false prophecy' as in inaccurate future-telling, then yes, if a person says, "Such-and-such will happen, thus saith the Lord," and it doesn't happen, this is a false prophet. Either way, God is not in the business of providing future information for the purpose of personal gain or 'profit for prophets!' :-) Blessings to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
189 | Women speak in church? | 1 Cor 14:34 | charis | 1284 | ||
Friend, to answer your short question, YES!, they do. More seriously, I have been to churches where women are literally not allowed to say anything at all in the sanctuary. I thought this was unnnatural, and a bit legalistic. (As I recall, women made up for it elsewhere :-) I believe that Paul was addressing a specific situation in the Church at Corinth, not a general doctrine for every church for all time. I think you are asking whether or not women should be allowed to preach or teach or hold office. As for preaching and teaching, I think that all Christians are called to proclaim their faith and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As to 'office' and the pulpit, I admit I am moderately chauvinistic. Moderate because my church has female deacons, and they (and the elder's wives) preach at times during our evening services, which are usually a bit more informal than Sunday morning worship. Chauvinistic (to some) because I generally believe that the pastor and elders should be men, ideally with (a) wife and family. I think this is the pattern we have been given, and that there is balance in it. However, this said, I would not say, "Never." I am open to other ideas from the Bible. In Christ Jesus. |
||||||
190 | Babies and young children a distraction? | 1 Cor 14:40 | charis | 7235 | ||
Dear Nolan, Children are a blessing, no doubt! But we cannot regulate infants and toddlers to the point that they will not 'steal the show' from spiritual proceedings. I believe that we can begin to discipline children at a very young age, and have had some success in this area. However, the wills and needs of young babies confound the best intentions of parents, relatives and friends :-) In my church we provide a nursery for children up to the age of 3 years. The nursery workers are all parents and volunteers in rotation, paired with youth workers. This has a manifold purpose. It allows parents, especially mothers, to pay attention to the Lord approximately 3 Sundays a month. Most mothers have have 'babes-in-arms' and 'pulling-their-skirts' on a full-time basis for several years per child. They deserve a break! A few free hours on Sunday can truly bring refreshing. In this manner, a father can have a chance to worship the Lord with his 'Honey' without distraction. Conversely, a father gets the opportunity to change diapers and pull his hair out once a month. Taking care of his own child, and other children brings new appreciation of his wife :-) By requiring young people (approximately 12 to 16 years old) to participate in nursery under adult supervision, they gain responsibility and wisdom. This is a great way to prepare them for reality! I have been to churches where children have little or no supervision. Mothers are oblivious to those around them. We should be praising God and listening to the preaching of the word, not 'cooing' babies or being annoyed by them. I once went to a church that mothers would nurse their babies in the sanctuary. Honestly, though it is 'natural,' it blessed no one but the baby. Sorry if any are offended by this opinion. In Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
191 | Christ raised on 3rd day in OT? | 1 Cor 15:4 | charis | 305 | ||
Artwolf, See Matthew 12:40 and Jonah 1:17. | ||||||
192 | replies from persons or "bots"? | 1 Cor 15:10 | charis | 28066 | ||
Dear Motherturtlewood, Greetings in Jesus' name! Though I am not part of the staff, I have been her a while, and I can assure you that we are all what we are! :-) As far as I know, no artificial intelligence is being applied on this forum. As a matter of fact, I sometimes wonder about the UN-artificial kind! ;-) Blessings to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
193 | Can a christian be cremated? | 1 Cor 15:50 | charis | 17276 | ||
Dear prican1, Greetings in Jesus' name! Threads regarding this subject can be found by using the 'search' button on the left, and typing 'cremation.' Below is what I wrote before: Good question! The only instance I find in the Bible is the reference above regarding Saul and his sons. It is not portrayed as good or bad, but seemed necessary in this situation. As a Christian, believing in God's ability to resurrect our earthly bodies, I cannot see that it makes a difference. The Word seems silent on this issue, but traditions and emotions come into consideration. Also, the laws of the land, i.e. in Japan, cremation is required by law. Since I am sent by God to serve Him here, there is a good chance I will be cremated. It doesn't bother me at all. (unless I am the victim of an Agatha Christie-type poisoning, and the evidence is annihilated :-) Truly, I am convinced that God will raise me up on that day! end quote In Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
194 | Releases from tithing 10 per cent? | 2 Cor 9:7 | charis | 22144 | ||
Dear prayon, Greetings in the name of Jesus! My friend, I am afraid that you are (possibly) asking the wrong question. :-) All of the answers you are getting seem to be from those who: 1) Don't want to give as much as 10 percent to their local church. 2) Don't want to give as much as 10 percent to God. 3) Are willing to give but want to do it THEIR way. 4) Are just being argumentative. 5) Are hung up on legalism regarding the Law :-) 6) Are not comitted in their hearts to their local church, i.e. their pastor, their leadership, their fellowship. 7) Are hung up on free will, they don't want anyone telling them anything for any reason. 8) Are so poor that they cannot afford to give 10 percent or more of their meager income. 9) Are better than their leadership, and cannot trust their own church to use their hard-earned money without express consent. 10) Are so rich that their taxes are so high that their remaining income is so little that the cannot live after tithing. 11) Any or 9 out of 10 of the above! Tithing to your local church is not a difficult conclusion to come to, whether you have specific Scripture to be 'required to' or not. It takes a certain amount of money to serve God's people. Period. People, by nature, are not very faithful when it comes to money. So, you can decide upon a simple tithe/offering from the heart situation, or you can ask for money all the time. I prefer the former. Frankly, IMHO, the latter 'milking' or 'fleecing shorn sheep' method is less effective; more of a burden on the faithful-but- monetarily-challenged, and more of an opportunity to 'lift up' the 'humility-challenged' rich who publicly come up with money to meet the appeal only after the 'lesser' folks have given 'til it hurts. Instituting the simpler method, and then giving it unto the Lord, and not harping on it, makes more sense, and makes all feel better (except maybe greedy ministers). So, the real question might be, "What is a sensible way for Christians to give their monetary offerings to God?" I submit this idea to all for approval/disapproval/indignant outrage. In Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
195 | Faith promise scripture? | 2 Cor 9:7 | charis | 83927 | ||
Dear prayon, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I have spent some time searching the internet and e-Sword for some kind of Bible reference for "faith promise giving." I found none. Virtually (no pun intended) every Google hit cited II Corinthians 9:7 "Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (NASB) However, none of these websites seem to be able to substantiate any Scriptural basis for the term. In a nutshell, faith promise giving simply means a commitment to missions. The thing that stikes me as odd is that many ministries make a big point that this is NOT a pledge. Well, as far as I can see, it is a pledge. Without "raining on the parade," I must say that I long for the simplicity of a pure tithe plus giving as the Spirit leads, and spiritual men that seek the face of God for proper disbursement. IMHO, mission boards and missionaries need more faith and commitment, and less politics and 'organization.' (I am wearing my flak jacket! ;-)) Where God sends you, GO! Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
196 | Is it possible to love God as commanded? | Gal 3:24 | charis | 2166 | ||
Dear Brent Douglass, Your question has as a scripture reference, Galatians 3:24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. Is this part of your question? In answer to the question, I believe that it is impossible to have 'perfect' love toward the Lord. Though it would be nice to believe that you do completely love Him, I don't think I have ever met anyone who obeyed every commandment, and treated every member of His body, the church, with love, or loved those for whom He died, the world, with perfect love. The part about "merely an impossible command designed to humble us in our sinfulness" might be a bit stronger than I would state it. I think that, like infinity or perpetual motion, the "near-perfect' attainment is a worthy goal, to be pursued with zeal, but the 'perfect' is reserved for our Lord Jesus. Indeed, as you state, we should be humble enough to acknowledge that Christ Jesus will always be perfect, and we will never be capable of 'catching up' or 'passing' Him, which was the sin of Lucifer. The encouragement of the Holy Spirit is to never stop trying. Good question. Blessings in Jesus' name, charis |
||||||
197 | God can use woman in the ministry? | Gal 3:28 | charis | 3332 | ||
Dear dpettway22, Being a male minister, you might consider my answer biased, but let me state my opinion. I think that, except for extenuating circumstances, it is unnatural for a woman to assume the ministry of pastor or elder in the church. (Some 'modern' churches have multiple pastors, giving out ministry 'wholesale.' I do not mean this kind of 'ministry') There is the scriptural direction, well stated by my colleagues. There also is the practical. There would be 4 possibilities; 1) an unmarried woman- I do not believe she would make an effective shepherd to the flock, even if she has a 'diploma.' 2) a married woman- she would have pastoral authority over her husband, not a scriptural pattern. 3) a divorcee- I suppose there are hypothetical situations that could make this plausible, but I would think that it would not be God's first choice. 4) a widow- I have known of widows whose husbands were pastors, and the 'filled the gap' after his death. I think that this is one of the most possible situations, but still not a permanent ministry for her or the church. I am sorry if you believe this to be chauvinistic, but I think it is God's will, and the scriptural pattern for a shepherding minister to be a man, preferably wed and with children, to assume this kind of authority and responsibility. Indeed, there is neither male nor female in Christ Jesus. No Christian in his right mind would deny this. But to 'open the doors' to women simply for the sake of opening the doors to job opportunity is unwise and unscriptural. As I said, extenuating circumstances are always possible, but the pattern is clear. Whenever possible, we should please God by following the patterns He has given us in His word. Finally, if service to God and to His people is the goal, I see nothing to be ashamed about serving without the 'title.' Many men also serve without one. Sadly, many men shame the 'ministry' by not serving God in it. Blessings to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
198 | Gender distinction in the Kindom of God? | Gal 3:28 | charis | 6643 | ||
Dear Louder, Happy First Birthday sometime soon, and welcome to the forum! Great question! JVH0212 was correct that in God's sight gender is not an issue. In our relation to Him, the issue is moot. However, in the government of His kingdom, the practical application of authority in home and church, there does seem to be a division of responsibility. Though it would be hard to claim an *absolute* segregation of ministry in home and church, a *general* segregation is clearly suggested. Shepherds (pastor and elders, though some say deacons as well. I believe in the ministry of deaconess) seem to be men, while most other ministries seem to be open to women. The basic qualifications should remain the same (except 'husband of one wife :-) In special situations, this may be altered, but the pattern is clear in Scripture. In the home, there is a clear distinction of responsibility, but not a 'higher-lower' or 'superior-inferior' type of difference. It only makes sense that one is given final reponsibility, because a committee will not work. A woman's submission to her husband will only truly work when he is submitted to God and the requirement to love his wife. For precisely this reason, a shepherd should be married with children. (Again, an ideal, not an absolute) By his understanding the responsibility of a home, he will have a better understanding of the responsibility of shepherding God's flock. More specific answers are available in the above 'thread' entitled "Can God use woman in the ministry?" and also "Unmarried men pastors?" I pray that this is helpful. Blessings upon you in Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
199 | How do we do the How? | Gal 5:16 | charis | 4046 | ||
Dear Lionstrong, Read the word, fellowship with the saints of God, commit yourself to a local expression of the body of Christ (a good church), submit to pastoral care and nurture, honor and respect the brethren, and preach the Good News to the lost with patience and love, Pray for peace and wisdom, Thank God in Jesus' name continually. Not neccessarily in this order, and there are surely more, but this will give you a good start. These are but a few practical ways to walk in the Spirit. Any more, anyone? Love in Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
200 | Rightly Divided | Gal 5:22 | charis | 15422 | ||
Dear Learning, Greetings to you in the name of Jesus! The answer is the fruit of you life in Christ. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22,23 NASB If you have correctly discerned the Word of God, and applied yourself to living according to Word, the reward (fruit, for those who dislike this word :-) is what Paul wrote to the church in Galatia. Thus, you are the 'determiner.' As to the Final Determination, this is in the capable hands of the Lord Jesus. In Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
Result pages: << First < Prev [ 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 ] Next > Last [14] >> |