Results 201 - 220 of 253
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Unanswered Bible Questions Author: charis Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
201 | Scripture please? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 1481 | ||
Dear bjanko, Scripture please? I wrote a pretty good (in my humble opinion) reply and asked for some references. Perhaps you didn't like my tone, and for that I apologize. Or, perhaps you forgot, or didn't want to answer. Then, I take back the apology :-) Please, friend, the question was 'hanging' until Lady Magdelon accidently 'answered' it. In Christ Jesus. | ||||||
202 | Personal Introduction Service? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 1464 | ||
Personal Introduction Services? Dear Cking_Hisface, Though this is in the 'questions' column, that is for the purpose of letting all the participants of this forum see it. I am listing my Hotmail address so that any of you may contact me. I am volunteering my services to act as contact manager. If you want to contact me, or any other saint or saints in this forum that have sent me their personal email, I will forward messages anonymously, without publishing it to this forum. That is what 'Nakoudo' means, a go-between. If you have specific instructions about how to use or protect your address, please tell me your preferences. In Christ Jesus, charisjapan@hotmail.com |
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203 | Who is NOT saved? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 1439 | ||
Who is not saved? My friend, if you interpret the scriptures as saying that all children are saved (not under the curse of Adam) and unbelieving spouses are 'automatically' saved, then add Acts 16:31 "And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you and your household (automatically)." (my parentheses) Since I have heard that 'household' means up to second cousins, this means allmost no one will go to hell! I agree about 'parental covering,' but Bar-mitzvahs are for Jews. The age varies, probably after 10 years old at the earliest, that's all we can know. As to 'automatic' salvation-by-kinship or marriage, that is not the entirety of the Bible. In Christ Jesus. |
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204 | 0-fold ministry? | Hebrews | charis | 1427 | ||
Dear rcscroll, Then Paul was saying what? 3-fold ministry? Paul called himself an apostle 16 times, so he was at least number 14 after Matthias. Then there was Barnabas, Andronicus, Junias, and James, the Lord's brother. Jesus was a prophet after John the baptist. In Acts 15, Judas and Silas are called prophets, and Paul speaks of prophets and prophecy as for the church in 1 Corinthians and Ephesians. Shall we also do away with 'pastors,' as the word only occurs once? 'Evangelist' comes up three times, and 'teacher' as a ministry only twice. You see, my friend, you cannot legitimatize ministry based on your own traditions. All five ministries are listed for a reason, and I think all are 'under-utilized.' As a matter of fact, many spiritual gifts (ministries are gifts) are misunderstood and 'under-utilized.' I believe that many today shun or disregard the spiritual gifts because they focus on the abuses. I will be the first to admit that these gifts are misused, abused and sometimes just plain false. However, I have witnessed these spiritual gifts being used in an orderly manner, bestowing blessing and guidance, edifying the church, and lifting high the name of Jesus. Would you also deny miracles, healing, and guidance by the Holy Spirit? Yes, indeed, these will help in our pursuit of unity. Obviously, knowledge and scholarship have not led us to unity, yet. I understand a dearth of balance these days, on both sides, but to do away with some of our most powerful weapons is unwise. Peace to you in Christ Jesus. | ||||||
205 | Hotmail anyone? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 1411 | ||
Dear Fellows, Hotmail anyone? I read earlier a suggestion about using Hotmail for personal communication and fellowship. No one has come forth, and I can guess why. I have asked our host about it but received no answer one way or the other. I offer my hotmail address below as a means of introducing one to another. I cannot guarantee flawless or eternal service :-), and cannot bear legal responsibility for any problems that could occur (even among Christians), but I will try to honor your trust and respect your wishes. (This sounds like the 'Nakoudo.' or Japanese matchmaker :-) If you want to send your address to my Hotmail account, remember to give me instructions about how you want this information used. In Christ Jesus, charisjapan@hotmail.com |
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206 | 5-fold, what do they DO? | Hebrews | charis | 1410 | ||
Amen! EveryHome. I did not expand my thoughts regarding the exhortations in Ephesians 4, but if you don't mind, I will here. The question about these 'five-fold' ministers is not how we 'translate' their Ministry into modern language, but ask, "What do they DO?" An apostle is a "...person(s) sent out by churches on special errands..." Ungers Bible Dictionary. He is a servant between churches. NOT a 'capital"A"' Apostle, a boss, a ruler, or the top of the ladder. The servant part goes for all ministries in the church. Prophets should prophesy God's relevant, living word to those God sends him to. Evangelists should bring forth the Good News, not just to the unsaved, but to those who have not yet become able to live it. Pastors should shepherd the flock, and I mean KNOW them. Teachers should teach the things of God, not just Sunday School, but wherever God sends them. I do believe that when the above ministry returns to the church, we will be closer to the unity of the faith. Friend, I agree that this is happening in many places. And I know that there are many, many servants in His church in America, but it is obvious to this 'outsider' that the church is full of arrogant 'ladder-climbers' and seekers of fame and fortune 'for the glory of God.' Recognizing these 'false' teachers and prophets will bring simplicity and humility and unity to the church. In case you haven't noticed, I preach about 'spiritual unity' now and then :-) In Christ Jesus. |
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207 | No hope for unity of faith? | Hebrews | charis | 1379 | ||
Is there no hope for unity of faith? My esteemed (esteamed? :-) colleagues, I believe there is one possibility. Many years ago a present-day prophet spoke over me that I was a dreamer, but my dreams would come to pass. I envision a day when the Lord does bring us together, maybe even before His glorious return. I agree that this cannot be done by the present system of church organization. (or should I say division?) An appropriate scripture might be, "'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts." Zechariah 3:6-4:10 Now I understand that these are commonly considered post-return scriptures, but I am not quite done. Paul spoke as if there was a method to bring us together. "But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift... And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ...from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love." Ephesians 4:7-16 NASB I read here that just maybe the Lord is able to bring us together by adherence to His original plan of church leadership. I am not suggesting a 'super denomination.' This was not His intent. I am speaking of a simpler situation in which each local church serves the Lord autonomously with some (limited) spiritual oversight from the above ministers. As I said, it is a dream, not something I have 'worked out.' Though difficult to imagine, I believe the Bible says it is possible, AND better than what we have now. I cannot believe that our differences 'will never cease.' (kind of defeatist, don't you think?) I welcome comments. In Jesus | ||||||
208 | Which question, please? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 1378 | ||
Dear Lady, Which question were you refering to? In Christ Jesus. |
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209 | Explanation acceptable? | Revelation | charis | 1353 | ||
So, HeirofGod, was my (possible) explanation of how cults view the 144k acceptable? Your use of 'virgins' was number 4 in my Websters, so correct, but a bit unorthodox :-) I also understand a bit about these people, but certainly not ALL. Blessings in Christ Jesus. | ||||||
210 | Ideal, but prerequisite? | 1 Timothy | charis | 1329 | ||
Dear JMR, I detect a strong polarization in the answers to the above question. I agree that the scriptures in Matthew and I Corinthians present a strong argument for unmarried leaders. However, I see them as ideals, and possibly advice to 'those who are able,' not 'guidelines for ministry' or the 'rules of clergy.' Other scriptures clearly talk of ministers being husbands of one wife. What do you think of my above comments about the difference between the study of marriage and family and the experience? Forbidding marriage and requiring abstinence also has its dangers. How do you justify the lack of options? It seems the Bible gave ministers the option of choosing their course. Understand that I mean no disrespect. The theory of 'marriage to the church' is honorable and Biblical, but not prerequisite to service to God. Finally, it is true that Jesus did not marry, and He IS the ultimate ideal. But the Lord was without sin, above temptation, and had perfect knowledge, wisdom and insight. Though His Spirit works in us, we do not have 'command' over these things as He did. Using the example of Christ is invalid in this instance. I look forward to hearing your comments. Blessings in Christ Jesus. | ||||||
211 | What do YOU think? | Haggai | charis | 1327 | ||
OK, no biting, melchizedekau. What do YOU think? 1)about Haggai? 2)about my answer? I am also interested in knowing the ideas and opinions of those in Christ, that the Holy Spirit would use them to teach me, too. Blessings in Jesus. | ||||||
212 | What is the point? | 1 Thessalonians | charis | 1306 | ||
Why would you want to? Dear EveryHome, I am not making fun of you, or making light of your question. I simply think that examining one's motives for pursuing this is a good thing. I am not Pre-trib, Mid-trib, Post-trib, or even Rapture with a capital 'R,' so I won't be trying to convince you of any of these. I cannot see that any one of these 'theories' is carries the weight of Biblical certainty. I have studied extensively these since watching a movie that had elements of all of these, almost 20 years ago. My conclusion is that, though the topic is worthy of investigation, focusing on it is a diversion. In fact, to some it is a trap and a fixation. Why would you wan to spend a lot of time looking into something that has been expressly hidden from us? "Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time is." Mark 13:33 I look at the context of this and get from it that we are not to go around looking for signs, investigating every earthquake and war. Nor are we to say, "Here is Jesus!" and everyone flocks to this place and that, seeking a 'special' blessing or understanding. No one fellow, group, or place will have a 'special' knowledge of the coming of Christ. Period. Instead, live your life for Christ, NOW! Obey His commandments where He has set you. Preach the Good News that He is Lord, and He will return, not about the return. As I look into the Bible, I can see no 'special' thing we can do to prepare for a rapture of any kind, except to live in Christ to the fullest of the faith-gift given us. All else is diversion and vanity. The phrase 'so heaven-bound that they are no earthly good' applies to many who know 'all' about the end times, but their Christian lives are in a shambles. The good books on the 'end-times' and 'rapture' will give you a overview of the scriptures, Old Testament and New Testament, but then tell you the same thing, "So...Live in Jesus!" That is the 'bottom line.' Blessings in Jesus' name! |
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213 | Still...can WE know this? | Hebrews | charis | 1243 | ||
Dear JVH0212, I very much agree with you that Hebrews 6:4 seems to say that one cannot be 'born again again.' My question was not disputing this at all, nor was I trying to put words in your mouth. The following: "This much is clear: whoever openly and consciously rejects Jesus Christ is unregenerate even if he seemed to have been saved earlier." (note at Heb. 6:4ff, NRSV Harper Study Bible) was also written in your statement, "Once lost, always lost." This is clearly a statement to us, because of the word 'seemed.' God knows, there is no 'seemed' to Him. Unless I misread this quote from Harper's note, it implies that men with limited knowledge, relying on their senses and instincts, which sometimes fail, are to discern when someone is fallen, by observing if the said person 'openly and conciously rejects Jesus.' My question simply asked if WE have this kind of righteousness? Ideally, the church is made of saints of integrity and Holy Spirit revelation to discern such evil people. But to 'proclaim' them as 'unregenerate' and condemn the possibility of salvation in them seems to be out of our area of authority. When we begin to label people in this manner, we usurp God's vantage, and COULD do a great disservice to someone God MAY forgive. There are several examples in the Old Testament that would back this up (David certainly comes to mind), and I cannot imagine that the New Testament expounds a more severe judgement than the Old Testament. To sum up, I believe that your comments regarding Hebrews 6 are true, but we on earth do not have the authority to act upon this judgement. In Christ Jesus. |
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214 | Who has Eternal Insecurity? | Hebrews | charis | 1226 | ||
OK, I'll take the bait. Who has Eternal Insecurity? Anyone with sin in their life? Or anyone that says the matter is in God's gracious hands, we cannot know the fact in this life? Is it not a matter of faith, NOT knowledge? Your turn! In Jesus. | ||||||
215 | But can WE know this? | Hebrews | charis | 1212 | ||
Hebrews 6 is very clear, this is true. However, my friend, when can WE say that someone is lost forever? This judgement is made by the Lord. I have heard of a lot of presently bad guys who at one time proclaimed to be Christians, and met my fair share, too! But can I know they are now excluded from grace by their actions? Any more than I can look at a nice, religious man and be sure he will be in Heaven? I don't recall the Lord giving us the power to discern such things. (Though, believe me, the temptation is there! :-) It seems to me that Harper went a step too far. But, maybe my eyesight is not as good as some ;-) In Christ Jesus. | ||||||
216 | Satisfactory? | Hebrews | charis | 1211 | ||
My friend, you are correct. If I find it a bit of a stretch, I should say why. I find this scripture particularly relevant today, when a lot of externally 'iffy' people are claiming Christ as Savior. My idea is that, though many may not have all the external 'vestments' of salvation, it does us no good to call them 'unsaved.' It becomes our judgement of them from an unqualified vantage. If the word here says they 'know' God and the 'way of righteousness,' I give them the same benefit of the doubt that I would give to a man standing in front of me. I would encourage them to show forth their 'knowledge' by producing the fruit of repentance. In this particular place it seems that they denied that knowledge, and returned to their former ways, with the added burden of forsaking God. Whether or not they were ever saved, I have no CLEAR word from the Lord, nor do I know if they went to Hell. If you have more revelation from the Holy Spirit about their plight, share it with us. The point I was making was 'when we are saved,' not a detailed discussion of 2 Peter. However, concerning THEM, vs 11 says that even angels do not judge them before the Lord. Neither will I. I hope this supports my statement to satisfaction? May the Lord bless your path to Him, in Christ Jesus. | ||||||
217 | When are we 'securely' saved? | Hebrews | charis | 1195 | ||
When are we 'securely' saved? Dear friends on both sides, indeed, this question is a bit too 'theological' or 'religious' for this simple soul. As I interpret the Bible, we, as beings bound by time and flesh, cannot KNOW 'securely saved.' We can only discuss eternity in theory. However, we CAN hope and believe in salvation in Christ Jesus today, here. In the Holy Spirit, I can 'know' I am saved by grace, but the 'Final' outcome is in His hands. With this I am at peace, absolutely sure that God is just. My point is that doctrinal or theological 'rightness' does not excuse us from misleading God's people into spiritual arrogance or casual 'feelings' faith. A good balance of study and experience seem to be in order. Finally, to address the above answer, I find it 'a bit of a stretch' to say that the 'knowledge of God' and 'way of righteousness' do not speak 'necessarily' of salvation. Blessing and peace in Jesus' name. | ||||||
218 | So, not separated from the Trinity? | Mark 15:34 | charis | 1189 | ||
So, not separated from the Trinity? Truly, friend, I am not trying to be picky. It is just that some people would receive that phrase as 'from a scholar,' and abuse it. I ask only for the sake of clarification. By the way, good answer! In Jesus. | ||||||
219 | When are we saved? | Hebrews | charis | 1186 | ||
When are we saved? This seems to be the axis of the merry-go-round. I guess from God's point of view that we are saved from the eternal past to the eternal (glorious) future. Here, where I am now, I tend to think of my salvation experience starting (initially) when the gospel was presented to my heart for appraisal. Then there is the point at which I confessed that Jesus Christ is Lord of my life and Lord of all. (Here, there are many 'formulae' some of which are just plain legalistic and based on the traditions of man, and some that smack of 'cheap grace,' i.e. "After you repeat after me this little prayer, you are saved, born again, filled-with-the-Spirit, forever sinless, and going-to-heaven-no matter-what." I find these both a bit extreme. (Especially when someone is counting the 'decisions-for-Christ' for boasting in their pulpits and newsletters) Then there is the 'battle,' the 'race,' the 'walk.' I like to call this the Christian life. I consider this the present-day pilgrimage, the "...work out your salvation with fear and trembling;" of Philippians 2:12. I consider this to be a valid portion of our salvation experience. I understand that to someone who considers salvation to be an absolute in God's eyes, this smacks of 'works,' but the Bible does seem to say that we participate, though certainly all glory goes to God in Christ Jesus. In this life, I think you are right, a saved person can 'attempt' to renounce their salvation, and theoretically, could 'achieve' it by blaspheming the Holy Spirit. Indeed, many 'backsliders' or 'fallen' would appear to have accomplished the feat, at least on the surface. The reality is beyond what we can know for certain. Personally, I prefer to deal with real, normal people in the here-and-now. To tell them that they are (maybe) elected, but you have to wait until you die to find out for sure, is destabilizing for many people. It gives them no hope to overcome the sin that dogs them. They can say, "I guess I'm not saved after all," and give up serving the Lord. It also makes those who consider themselves to be 'relatively' sinless to get arrogant. On the other hand, the 'popular' Christianity of the day proclaims salvation to those who have shown absolutely no "fruit of repentance." They say, "I'm a baby on Daddy's knee," and never even attempt to grow in Christ. They continually sin from every 'orifice' of their being, at the same time being told by 'feel-good ministers' that they are perfect in every way. I tend to be wary of people who make 'decisions for Christ' almost every weekend. After all that 'preaching,' I will answer your question. It appears that 2 Peter 2:20 and the context are speaking of those who have believed in Jesus, but returned to their old ways, becoming even worse than before knowing Jesus. Though I agree that it speaks of 'renouncing' their salvation, only God knows if they truly 'lost' it. "But the righteousness based on faith speaks thus, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?' (that is, to bring Christ down), or' Who will descend into the abyss?' (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead)." Romans 10:6,7 NASB Instead, I simply try to pursue Christ, speak Christ, and portray Christ. I pray this helps any who read. In Jesus' name. |
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220 | Snatch? | Hebrews | charis | 1175 | ||
Snatching? Snap decisions to turn away from salvation in Jesus? Great semantics war! If I read this tit-for-tat correctly, one of you (I forget which) states that you cannot lose your salvation, because if you lost it you never had it. The other is saying that losing your salvation is a theoretical possiblity, but no one would purposely throw it away. It started with 'snatching.' Aside from the 'theological, theoretical, emotional' side of things, I would like to interject a few comments. 'Snatch' implies that Satan has the ability to steal you away when God is not looking. This is impossible! As to the eternal viewpoint, from God's eyes. We can't know what will happen. God has not revealed to us who is saved, and who is not. So, talking about a hypothetical 'saved, then backslidden, then repentant, then...' and trying to identify a person's eternal 'situation' is academic and moot. As to throwing away your faith, it DOES seem possible, but not like, "Here I am, a servant of God... but wait! All of a sudden I feel like I don't want to be saved anymore!" Deception, pride, and subtle change of direction CAN lead a saved person away from God. In the most extreme cases, maybe even to the point of denying the Holy Spirit. I think this is very difficult, nigh-impossible, but the Bible does say the possibility exists. How many have 'fallen' in this manner (if any) is known only to God. I am at peace with this. It satifies the Bible. Satan cannot 'snatch,' but he can whittle pretty well. There are too many practical examples of real-life Christians who have forsaken their faith, and sometimes fallen into abominable sin to discount the possibility of blaspheming the Spirit. Tell me what you think? I must go. Real life beckons :-) In Christ Jesus. | ||||||
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