Results 201 - 220 of 253
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Unanswered Bible Questions Author: charis Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
201 | A Third Name? | Col 3:17 | charis | 1131 | ||
Doctor emery, I presume? :-) Am I correct in saying that you are proposing that a third possibility exists in proper usage of the name of the Lord? That of YaHWeH? I must admit that it is an interesting hypothesis, but, though the name is valid, the argument is gobbledegook to me. It sounds more like the Jehovah's Witnesses at worst, or, at best, trying to legitimatize the Messianic Jews as something 'more than a Christian.' Giving you the benefit of the doubt regarding your motives, I would have to say that I can see no practical reason why God would be this cryptic. It would take a doctorate to figure out the proper name for living in the Lord! The verse above, and about 900 other entries, proclaim that His name is Jesus. Though this could be Y'hoshua, Ie_sous, Y'heshua, Joshua, (Iesu, in Japanese) or whatever your translation says, it is not YaHWeH. I cannot help but think that God would be much more clear if He intended us to call upon His Old Testament moniker. Thank you for the brain-teaser! In Christ Jesus | ||||||
202 | 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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203 | 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. | ||||||
204 | Shipwrecked faith? | 1 Tim 1:19 | charis | 19729 | ||
Fellow saints, How is our faith 'shipwrecked?' What does this phrase mean? How can we avoid this disaster? In Christ Jesus, charis |
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205 | 491 Club? | 1 Tim 4:1 | charis | 33405 | ||
Dear 10EC, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I hear what you are saying. I consider this to be true. My question is, "Just how easy (or difficult) is it to commit this unforgiveable sin?" I know a man in Yokohama that owns a pub (Trust that I do not frequent such places any longer! My relation with said fellow is B.C.) named the '491 Club.' This person is quite familiar with the Bible, but not a Christian. His *statement* is that Christians believe in grace, but many limit it! Thus, *491* is the 'unforgiveable sin.' (7 times 70, plus 1!) Except that this 'falling away' is but a 'theoretical' possibility, how can we measure it? I do not believe we can, nor should we dwell on this 'possibility.' This I why I am "once saved, always saved!" In Christ Jesus, charis |
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206 | The measure of death? | 1 Tim 4:1 | charis | 33433 | ||
Dear 10EC, Greetings from Japan in the name of Jesus! You are correct that we probably have much more in common than we do not! :-) The problem is (to me!) quite simple. If we claim that salvation is 'loseable,' we must bear the burden of knowing how it is lost! It is very convenient to say, "That's easy! Whenever we deny Christ, or deny the Holy Spirit (depending on which 'proof-Scripture' we are using), we are separated from His grace by our willful departure." But the hard part is being more specific! This is why I use the word 'theoretical.' According to most popular methods of accounting, some of the greatest men of faith (Moses and David come to mind, as well as Paul by self-confession) deserve death. Yet God has a different method of accounting that we can never fathom. I have given this completely to the Lord. I see your Scriptures, and I see the 'opposing' Scriptures that claim proof of absolute assurance. Both parties (camps) lead to a form of legalism that I do not see substantiated in the Bible. To give an example of said legalism, the 'loseable' side usually ends up having to decide on a 'measure' of saved/unsaved, which does not bear up under the historical record of the Bible. The 'unloseable' side does fine until someone starts acting unsaved, which inevitably leads to 'not saved from the beginning' or 'that was false salvation' judgement. I KNOW the measure of life, but can I know the measure of death? If I err, I err on the side of salvation and grace, placing my life in His capable hands for measure. If you are right, I plead mercy to He who is merciful! Thank you for your kind regards! My blessings to you as well! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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207 | Double honor? | 1 Tim 5:17 | charis | 19727 | ||
Saints, What is the 'double honor' that these faithful servants deserve? In Christ Jesus, charis |
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208 | What DO you mean, then? | 1 Tim 6:20 | charis | 7424 | ||
Dear Lionstrong, as pardoned author of many convulsions, I must ask, "What DO you mean, then?" Please, make it short and simple for this humble mind. I am afraid that the depth of what you have been trying to say escapes me totally. (Especially sola scriptura thermodynamics, mathematics, and astrophysics :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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209 | Who guards our faith? | 2 Tim 1:12 | charis | 31275 | ||
Friends and saints, Paul, who spoke of the battle between the old nature and his new self, seems to be saying that there is blessed assurance that God would keep, would guard his faith until that day. Is there a disclaimer here about Paul forsaking God? (i.e. as long as he keeps his faith) Is Paul not ashamed because he knew he was so strong in his ministry? Until what day? (Yes, these ARE loaded questions! :-)) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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210 | Vilest of character? | 2 Tim 2:23 | charis | 7487 | ||
Dear Sam, Vilest of character? Come now, brother, isn't that overstating it a bit? (vile - morally despicable or abhorrent. Webster) I should be posting to JVH0212, but I thought your comment demanded response :-) What does another really believe? Only God can truly answer that question. We feeble humans try to understand one another by interaction and communication. (and among Christians, hopefully, fellowship) This is difficult to do on an internet forum. Especially when no user profile is available. We must come to certain conclusions based on the actual question, answer, or note, the thread itself, the person's previous history of commentary. It is difficult to truly know someone, even in your own church. Of course it is much more difficult to glean from minimal (given) information what a colleague on a forum believes. My point is this: Indeed it may be 'unfair' to challenge another with limited understanding of their motive, but a good deal of the responsibility for that situation is upon the participant. What is posted is all we got to go on! If we demand full understanding of one another, there would be no forum. By definition, I am responsible to portray my beliefs, and the same goes for all. Means of sharing more intimate knowledge of one another are available: Personal Profile in one, and posting an email address for personal contact is another. Other than that, "Ya takes yer chances..." :-) Blessings, Sam, in Jesus' name, charis |
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211 | 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. | ||||||
212 | 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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213 | 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. | ||||||
214 | 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. | ||||||
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 | 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. | ||||||
217 | 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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218 | 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 | ||||||
219 | 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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220 | 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. | ||||||
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