Results 181 - 200 of 729
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Results from: Notes Author: charis Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
181 | Strong AND gentle? | Phil 4:5 | charis | 33595 | ||
Dear Emmaus, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! BINGO! :-) Meekness does not equal wimpy! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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182 | Why did Elisha have to see Elijah taken | 2 Kin 2:9 | charis | 33594 | ||
Dear Searcher, Greetings in the name of Jesus! No, not 'another twist.' You commented on the usage of 'anointing,' and I gave Strong's meaning. Yes, it IS Greek! But it bears out the present-day use of this Scriptural issue. The words I wrote can be used in a similar fashion, and in fact are sometimes interchangeable when discussing the servants of God. My post was to say that in present-day language, the spirit of Elijah means his ministry, his anointing (chosen by God), his gift, his mantle, his endowment from God. I pray that this is not twisting things too much. :-) I, too, hope that you have been strong AND gentle. Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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183 | Why did Elisha have to see Elijah taken | 2 Kin 2:9 | charis | 33568 | ||
Dear Searcher, Greetings in Jesus' name. Point out error you may, but please do so in a gentlemanly manner, and with love and tolerance in your heart, not self-righteousness or indignation. Elijah . . . cast his mantle upon him--This was an investiture with the prophetic office. Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary. Strong's 5545 chrisma khris'-mah from 5548; an unguent or smearing, i.e. (figuratively) the special endowment ("chrism") of the Holy Spirit:--anointing, unction. ...therefore Elisha's request was, simply, to be heir to the prophetic office and gifts of his master. Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary So I add to the list of similar words 'gifts,' 'endowment' and 'office,' even though I am personally not fond of 'office.' :-) Yes, yes, many of us here investigate Scripture, and sometimes come to different conclusions. I don't believe you have a monopoly on *rightness.* My friend, these words CAN be used with similar meaning. Applying *petty* semantics to argue a trivial point makes me weary. :-) Peace and joy to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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184 | Why did Elisha have to see Elijah taken | 2 Kin 2:9 | charis | 33560 | ||
Dear Searcher, Greetings in the name of Jesus! My friend, in the pursuit of perfection and (self) righteousness, you are being very unkind to prophet ezra brown. Elijah heard Elisha's request, and agreed (in the Holy Spirit) that it would be so if he met the condition of being at his side when he was taken. Elisha was there, and did receive a double-portion of Elijah's spirit as promised. He received the mantle of authority and anointing (chosen by God), the same mantle cast upon him when Elijah found him. Mantle, spirit, authority, and ministry are all acceptable ways to express God's gifts to His chosen vessels. Let's not get too wrapped up in semantics or perfection, or you could be the next 'target.' :-) Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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185 | fall upward? | 1 Tim 4:1 | charis | 33447 | ||
Dear zach†, Greetings to you in the name of Jesus! I hear your words and voluminous argument, but my opinion remains that you tread a path of judgement reserved to God Almighty. Again, your theory is fine, and the Scriptures are valid, but the practice of this method is beyond MY ability, and maybe beyond yours. Many blessings and much peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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186 | do we have any free will? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 33402 | ||
Dear zach†, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I am not Calvinist (or at least the Calvinists wouldn't accept me! :-)), but I cannot agree that we make the choice to be saved or not. You wrote "He chose us. He is the author of our salvation." The key would be that *us* and *our* would be impersonal terms, denoting that God chose everyone, but it didn't become personal salvation until we (personally, individually) received Him. I believe that He knew *me* (not *us*) and called *me* to His feet, and THAT is salvation. I prefer to put that eternal decision (judgement) in God's capable hands. Honestly, I *choose* not to get into a more detailed explanation than that. :-) Just a thought. The *church* (ecclesia) is the 'called out' assembly. This, IMHO, denotes that Someone did the calling out from the 'crowd' of potential candidates (the lost). To me, God called me personally, not generally. Otherwise, the church would be the 'deciders' or the 'chosers' or the 'receivers' or the 'confessors' of God. I do believe that we must confess Christ, and live in Him in order that His sanctification would continue to work in our lives until we meet Him. But my salvation rests solely on His personal choice of me. Now I serve Him. I can never 'return the favor!,' but I want to please my Savior! One man's opinion. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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187 | Two prophets? | Job | charis | 33328 | ||
Dear Jensen, As a resident of the New Testament, I tend to put all things in that perspective. Though some may see the Old Testament as rigid and without tolerance or grace, I see it differently. The Law is indeed firm, and *apparently* without leniency, but in reality, God practiced grace from the Book of Genesis. My witness is God's gracious dealings with His chosen servants from the early days of recorded history. Therefore, though the Law is our tutor, setting a standard of absolute perfection, the love and grace of the Lord has always been our bulwark. As Paul so clearly spoke, we cannot *depend* upon this love as an excuse for sin, but we CAN completely trust in His salvation. I cannot condemn the actions of any Christian except a clear and obvious case of denying the Holy Spirit. I would not want to be in the shoes of a false teacher, but I do not hold the command of their condemnation. As to our brother and colleague, prophet ezra brown, I do not consider his ideas of prophecy to be solely Old Testament in nature. I am familiar with many types of Christian *religion,* and I see that our forum fellow does uphold many aspects of New Testament prophecy. Though I might disagree with him on style and format, I would imagine that in his fellowship the saints are encouraged in their faith by his message. You may see it as false, but then again, I don't know the style and format of prophecy in YOUR fellowship. :-) Indeed, we shall meet again! Until that time I remain your friend in Christ Jesus, charis In Christ Jesus, charis |
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188 | Two prophets? | Job | charis | 33278 | ||
Dear Brian, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! Well said, my friend, well said! (If I recall my Bible history, Israel was supposed to stone the false prophets, but killed all the true prophets for a fact!) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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189 | Two prophets? | Job | charis | 33264 | ||
Dear Jensen, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Colossians 3:17 NASB. I have agreed with you that any prophet that speaks presumtuously in the name of the Lord is out of order. If he persists, ignore his prophecies, perhaps even censure him. This is the responsibility of every pastor of every church. If a prophet leads people astray, it is because the pastor is not doing his job. In addition, the saints of God have some responsibility to discern false prophets, and beware of them. To this extent I agree with you. If you rant and rave about false prophets, then it is VERY PERTINENT to ask about true prophets. You, sir, are the one that has been dancing around this side of the issue. My point (since the 28th of January) is that there ARE true prophets today, and that their spiritual gift and ministerial gift is closely tied to that of the other gifts given to the church. Prophets encourage the church, as is clearly stated in the Bible, and you have ignored totally: "But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation." 1 Corinthians 14:3 NASB. There are no more Old Testament prophets. There are only New Testament prophets. The do exactly what the Bible says they do. They do not bring new future revelation from God to the universal church (i.e. add to or re-write the Bible). They encourage the (local) church at the ministerial level, and their gift compliments (perfectly!) the other gifts given to the church. That there are false prophets does not take away one whit the purpose and necessity of the prophetic ministry. This same logic would deny us every gift and ministry in the church, because there are charlatans masquerading in every level of church activity. No, my friend, I do NOT know that I am missing any mark. I am simply stating an opinion based on my study of the Bible and experience in the ministry. Your "for the lack of 'accuracy'... the Kingdom of God fell" argument is very intersting! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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190 | Politics source? | Mark 13:28 | charis | 33195 | ||
Dear SRN, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I am aware that politics played a role in this event. But weren't you talking about some specific group? I am still interested to know the meaning of "Your Spirit in the Spirit" (?) It is unique! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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191 | Two prophets? | Job | charis | 33177 | ||
Dear Searcher, Greetings in the name of Jesus! "They cannot ever vary from the Word of God." Like Moses, David, Jonah, John or Peter, right? This is an admirable standard, my friend. I can only pray (for you) that your measure is correct. Peace and love in Christ Jesus, charis |
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192 | Seeking a prophet, or not? | Job | charis | 33117 | ||
Dear Jensen, Greetings in Jesus' name! If you are NOT seeking a prophet of God, you will never find one. :-) You did not answer my question, again. Do you demand that every minister of the Gospel meet YOUR standard of perfection? Pastor, preacher, evangelist, counselor, Sunday School teacher, etc.? (while I am asking, does the same apply for family, friends, and brothers-in-the-Lord?) Dyslexia is a terrible condition. I gently suggest you do something about that. :-) I never said that I agree with YOU. I said, quite clearly, "If we are speaking of fortune-telling or future-telling..." The *IF* denotes a portion of your stance, not in toto. I agree with you about charlatans, self-serving frauds, and 'para-church' monomaniacs. I do not, and have never agreed with you that there are no longer any prophets in the church. I am sorry that you have seen instances and situations of abuse of the gifts of the Spirit. I have too! But that is the fault of irresponsible shepherds who do not practice order and common sense in their churches. It is also the responsibility of sheep to have some discerning, and not be so greedy for 'blessings.' Circuses "Give 'em what they want!" Churches should give what they NEED! Overall, my friend, I see the problem as what YOU stated at the end of your diatribe, "...*my* reading of the Scriptures." (my emphasis*) It seems that your experiences rule your bias in the interpretation of the Bible. "Take a stand."(?) I HAVE taken a stand! "This debate never was about anything other than how to discern a false prophet." (?) Well, if you are so worried about discerning FALSE prophets, then my explanation of what a TRUE prophet is should be of some help! :-) "...kissed and made up." (?) Don't get mushy on me! "TEST all things..." Trust me, I do! All the time. Peace and joy to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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193 | Are Modern Prophets Always Accurate ? | Job | charis | 33007 | ||
Dear trykkleif, Greetings in the name of Jesus! No, you are not right. A TRUE PROPHET does NOT have to be a hundred percent right! His prophecies spoken in the name of the Lord cannot be spoken presumptously. This particular Scripture is clearly speaking of revealing future events. Prophets in the New Testament do more than write the Bible (which is finished) and tell the future. "But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation." 1 Corinthians 14:3 NASB. We cannot measure the above ministry to the saints in terms of 100 percent right or totally false. Otherwise, all of the other gifts and ministries would come under the same (impossible)scrutiny. This would leave the church without ANY guidance. The Bible is written, and all of the future events that the (universal) church needs to know are revealed. What remains, Scripturally, for the present-age prophets, is the encouragement of the saints and the God-given guidance to individuals and the local church. A shepherd without any prophetic ability is useless in counseling and setting the course for his flock. Otherwise, the church can only depend on intellect and training. While this may be enough for some, I prefer a Spirit-led church. Surely we use natural abilities, but all under the unction of the Holy Spirit. By the way, I would ask your motive for making this assertion. Are there no more prophets? Which other gifts and ministries are done away with? Which remain in your walk with Jesus? Blessings to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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194 | Truly searching for a prophet? | Job | charis | 32945 | ||
Dear Jensen, Greetings in Jesus' name! (a) No, prophecy will always be in accord with Scripture. And there is no NEW revelation of God's will for the church. The Lord may speak to the individual or to the local church for vision or direction, but His message to the whole church is finished with the Scriptural canon. (b) Please be careful that you do not consider yourself in perfect communication with the Holy Spirit. That is precisely why we need the Bible and the gifts and ministries working within the church. Harmony is NOT a personal opinion. :-) I think we are closer than you may think, but I kind of get the idea that you alone will judge whether a person is a prophet or not. (?) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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195 | Are you truly searching for a prophet? | Job | charis | 32916 | ||
Dear Joe! Greetings, my friend, in the name of Jesus! I couldn't agree with you more! (except that the modern punishment for modern false-prophecy is not quite so extreme! :-)) Indeed, these Old Testament qualifications for prophets should serve as a deterrent for hasty prophecy! Sadly, they do not. I, too, have witnessed the 'run-of-the-mouth' prophecies, endless, pointless and Spirit-less. I have also heard the 'blessing upon blessing' prophecies that are so exciting to hear, but are only vapor. I have heard the 'Alterenate Revelations (sic)' prophecies that claim detailed information about the 'End Times.' I've even heard the 'magical, mystical' prophecies that no one understands, but seem soooooo deep. So what do we do? Deny prophecy as described in I Corinthians 14:3? "But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation." (NASB) If we were to do away with anything that men abuse, then there would be no drugs (penicilin?), food (McDonalds? MandMs?), television (any sitcom!) or forums. :-) Virtually every good thing has been abused by sinful men, Christian and non-, including the Bible and the church. My answer to this dilemma is that all men who desire to serve God and His people in the gifts and ministries MUST submit to the qualifications set forth in the pastoral epistles. (it seems to me that too many are claiming 'waivers' in this area! :-)) "Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few." Ecclesiates 5:2 NASB. "When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise. The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver, The heart of the wicked is worth little." Proverbs 10:19,20 NASB. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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196 | do we have any free will? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 32866 | ||
Dear Zach, Greetings in the name of Jesus! The theory of freewill salvation depends on the 'input' of the individual. However, as you have said, God initiates this, so He is the sole Author of our salvation. It is not repent and believe, but be apprehended by God, believe, then repent. Without God-initiated faith, repentance is impossible. After this, we have *responsibility* and *enabling* to serve the Lord, not 'freewill.' He chose us, not the reverse. Peace and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |
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197 | Truly searching for a prophet? | Job | charis | 32851 | ||
Dear Searcher56, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! At the end of your post you write, "All of this is bad." If you are saying that we should not listen to the preachers of the Word, I disagree. Though we must all read and study the Bible, even the saved need to hear the preaching of the Gospel. The preached word is not only the Gospel of salvation, but the Good News of present and eternal life in Christ Jesus. As to wanting to know God's direction for their individual life and a vision for the future of their local church, I cannot find fault. Of course I do not think that we should dabble in fortune-telling or have an inordinate interest in asking for details. But we should all seek a vision from God, and He still does use His servants to give guidance and direction in order that we may serve Him and His people. My friend, it is our attitude that is the problem, in my opinion. If we ask with wrong motives, then you are correct. If we prophesy, preach, or misuse the gifts, then God is not pleased. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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198 | Truly searching for a prophet? | Job | charis | 32838 | ||
Dear Jensen, Bigotry, not bogotry! :-) Sorry. I noticed that in a recent post that you asked, "Do you think God must back up His Word with the Bible?" My answer to that is, "No, God doesn't HAVE to, but He DOES anyway!" The Lord often employs reiteration, confirmation, and affirming witness of His word to us. This is because we are so self-righteous, so stiff-necked, and so DENSE! Even the Bible backs Itself up again and again. The preached sermon MUST be confirmed with Scripture. Our testimony is dependent on the Bible. The shared Gospel is founded on the written Word. Nowhere do I find a job description that says prophets must write the Bible. The Bible is written! Prophets then and now have other jobs, too! And the words they speak will always be in accord with the Bible, and be harmonious with the Spirit that speaks to your heart. (unless, of course, your heart is hardened to hearing His servants!) Peace, my friend, in Christ Jesus, charis |
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199 | How can I submit to fallable clergy? | Ex 20:14 | charis | 32778 | ||
Dear alreadytaken, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I agree heartily that all believers must take the time to be still before God and hear His voice. But you must understand that when you listen in submission to an approved (by God) man of faith, called to shepherd the flock of Christ, you ARE listening to the counsel of God. In the same way that reading the words on a page are nothing until the Holy Spirit causes the Bible to be life to the believer. Yes, God does speak to us in our hearts, but this can be just as unreliable as false (self-serving) teachers or miappropriated Scripture. You (and I) need all three means to hear the voice of God. Truly, if they are the voice of God, they will be in harmony. Note carefully that we are *responsible* to entrust ourselves to men of God. It is not an option! To say, "I like the church (the worship, the teaching, the youth group, whatever) but I can't stand the pastor/leadership!" is not something God would be pleased with. Yes, shepherds must be held accountable! But sheep must be shepherded! Period! If you are not a partaker in this tri-fold counsel of God, you are in grave danger of walking out of God's counsel. When a minister of the Gospel speaks in the authority of the name of Jesus (preaching, teaching, counseling), he is more than 'just a human.' Truly, he cannot be called infallible or perfect, but by heeding his words in faith and submission, God will honor His servants. And He will honor you! Peace and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |
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200 | Good-bye, NIV | 2 Tim 3:16 | charis | 32643 | ||
Dear Hank, Greetings from Yokohama in Jesus' name! I said good-bye to the NIV about 20 years ago! I felt that they had been influenced by the spirit of the age to sacrifice accuracy for 'readability.' I think that my (prophetic? :-)) feelings have been confirmed! On my 'oft-used' bookshelf over my desk, I have several translations (including 3 Japanese!), Study Bibles, and the Pulpit Commentary. In a 'more remote' bookshelf I DO have an NIV, next to the RDB (Reader's Digest Bible :-)). On a sweeter note, my daughter Naomi is sending me a copy of the ESV (with CD-ROM), and I expect to have it in a week or so. Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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