Results 201 - 220 of 277
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Results from: Answers On or After: Thu 12/31/70 Author: charis Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
201 | invitation to salvation/accepting Christ | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 4047 | ||
Dear jrm, In our church we have extended an invitation to accept Christ a few times. However, usually we do not. Mainly, this is because our church is small by American standards. In any case, we are taught to give forth the Good News on our own, and not to rely on 'church' or 'the pastor' to save those whom the Lord has brought to us. I don't know if there is anything wrong with depending on an 'altar call' to present salvation to the person you brought to church, especially if it is a mega-church with thousands of shy saints ;-) As to a scripture that propounds the 'invitation to Christ,' I cannot find any. Also, in my experience, I have seen many abuses of this kind of salvation. The pride of counting 'decisions for Christ' seems popular these days. Especially when they 'broaden' the altar call to include 're-commitments' to Christ. (Opinion: What a charade!) We are all called to preach the Gospel to all mankind. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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202 | invitation to salvation/accepting Christ | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 4048 | ||
Dear jrm, In our church we have extended an invitation to accept Christ a few times. However, usually we do not. Mainly, this is because our church is small by American standards. In any case, we are taught to give forth the Good News on our own, and not to rely on 'church' or 'the pastor' to save those whom the Lord has brought to us. I don't know if there is anything wrong with depending on an 'altar call' to present salvation to the person you brought to church, especially if it is a mega-church with thousands of shy saints ;-) As to a scripture that propounds the 'invitation to Christ,' I cannot find any. Also, in my experience, I have seen many abuses of this kind of salvation. The pride of counting 'decisions for Christ' seems popular these days. Especially when they 'broaden' the altar call to include 're-commitments' to Christ. (Opinion: What a charade!) We are all called to preach the Gospel to all mankind. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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203 | 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 |
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204 | keys to the kingdom | Matt 16:19 | charis | 3582 | ||
Dear Buf, On the Day of Pentecost, when he delivered the first Christian sermon, and revealed the Christ to all. In Jesus' name, charis |
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205 | conscience, conviction, condemnation?? | Rom 8:1 | charis | 3534 | ||
Dear john buchan, Holy Spirit conviction will always lead you to release from the guilt of sin by leading you to repentance. Conviction from the Spirit is never destructive, and replaces sadness and confusion with joy and peace. Self- condemnation is a lie of our enemy that tries to rob you of peace, usually through doubt of your own faith toward God. Often, self-condemnation works when we focus on sin from before we knew Christ. As to demonic condemnation, I do not think that satan or his cronies have authority to condemn a believer in Christ Jesus. (Usually, self-condemnation is more than enough to affect us adversely.) Conscience might be that part of us that is created in the image of God, even before we know Him, but made alive and effective in our spirits after our salvation. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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206 | 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 |
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207 | 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 |
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208 | One religion as good as another? | John 14:6 | charis | 3106 | ||
Dear Hank, I have studied non-Christian religions a bit, and find that they rely upon a mystical relationship with god-gods and-or nature. Hinduism and Buddhism (and their many offspring) do not give any hope for today, only for a far-off 'someday.' Present-day Islam is far from their origins, the faith of Abraham. (I believe the Koran teaches great respect for the 'followers of the Book (the Bible),' which is not adhered to very much these days. As to the Jewish faith, this is more difficult. Thought the nation of Israel has strayed from the faith, I cannot find anywhere that specifically denies individual faith in God through the covenant to Abraham. It is easy to dogmatically deny salvation to all who do not call upon the name of Jesus. But then we make exception for children of believers. Again, how can WE, here, know when faith is applicable in, for instance, the mentally ill? At what point do we accept/deny deathbed 'confessions of Christ?' To answer your question, No, one religion is not as good as another. But how we measure the 'absolute' salvation in God the Father is, in my estimation, beyond our authority. I believe in Christ Jesus, and I will preach the Good News of His victory on the cross to all I know and meet. But to nullify His covenant to Abraham, and claim the ability to 'determine' salvation of others is not my burden. Love in Jesus' name, charis |
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209 | Is Christ now visible and touchable? | Heb 4:12 | charis | 2439 | ||
Dear inhzsvc, Yes, in a metaphorical sense we can touch, taste, smell, hear, and see Jesus. These would seem to come under the awareness of the soul that is turned toward Him. In a spiritual sense, we can know Jesus, and His salvation. Our faith works in this realm, a spirit-to-Spirit relationship. As to the fleshly, physical sense, no, Jesus is at the right hand of the Father in Heaven. He has sent His Spirit to indwell the church, causing us to be the body of Christ, which is beautiful to behold. But individual people and subdivisions of the church are not Jesus, and often poor reflections of our Savior. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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210 | Is retirement mentioned in the Bible? | Deut 34:7 | charis | 2291 | ||
Dear greyfox, No, retirement as a cessation of responsibility is not mentioned. Certainly retirement from a career is not portrayed clearly. As to qualifying for social security, company benefits, or disability insurance, no. Removal of responsibility regarding gifts or ministry, no. Basically, death seems to be the only way to stop doing anything. If you cannot do what you were doing, you do something else. When you are incapable of doing anything, family and church help you until your final 'retirement.' I don't know if this encourages you, or discourages you, I pray the former :-) Keep your eyes (of your spirit) bright! Many blessings in Jesus' name, charis |
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211 | Num 13 and spiritual mapping. Yes or no? | Numbers | charis | 2289 | ||
Dear geoffc, I cannot see that you can get any help from Numbers chapter 13. 10 out of 12 'heads of the sons of Israel' had no faith, and the 'mapping' of the land was for the purpose of killing, enslaving or displacing the inhabitants. Hardly evangelism! Spiritual mapping does take any rocket science; our first 'territory' is our own immediate family (spouse, children), then our extended family (including in-laws). The next obvious group would be friends, acquaintances, coworkers, classmates, etc. Next is the people that 'the Lord sends to you' in your daily walk. We have a responsibility to share the Gospel with those that we know, which is much more difficult than people we do not know. Our most effective tool is the 'preaching' of the Gospel, the power of the Word of God, spoken in faith. The next most effective tool is our example of faith, the 'testimony' of our lives. This 'testimony' is not money or position, but the holy manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit. "Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation." 1 Peter 2:12 NASB. Then you will be effective to evangelize the lost. I am not saying that you cannot go out and evangelize until you have 'saved' all your family and friends. But I look askance at a believer that is 'full of charisma and the 'gift of gab,' brimming with convincing evangelism and enthusiasm, but their natural life is in a shambles. I also wonder about a church that goes to great lengths to 'fill the pews,' but does not shepherd the flock. This is not a judgment on any man or church, just an observation. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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212 | Pure joy in Heaven? | Rev 7:9 | charis | 2189 | ||
Dear prayon, Another great question! I may have an outlook different from many in the US, because in Japan, the chances are that over 99 percent of your loved ones are not in heaven. In addition, there is the 'social responsibility' of ancestor worship. (I say social responsibility because few understand or believe the religious aspect) I battle with this one almost every day, and the answer has to be that God is just, and we will rejoice in His perfection. He will 'wipe away each tear' and turn our 'mourning into dancing.' The present 'emotional' aspect of our relationship with family will be superceded by the spiritual knowledge that God is righteous. Please understand I mean no disrespect toward your feelings. I only say that our Lord and Savior will heal every wound. In the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, we see that the rich man desired to tell his earthly family of their peril. I don't know if there is any 'comfort' in Hell, but it does seem that the rich man would be pleased to know that the rest of his family found the Lord. It seems that those who did not respond to (or were chosen by) the Lord, accept the righteousness of God, so we should, too. Dear sister in the Lord, bless you in Jesus' name, charis |
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213 | 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 |
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214 | How do you define apostle? | Eph 4:11 | charis | 2163 | ||
Dear Xapis, Excellent observation! Actually, I have tried to explain my ideas on this in several other 'threads.' I admit that it was my fault in posting similar questions, but afterwards others were 'cross-threading.' :-) The major problem, as I see it, is that many are adamant that an Apostle must be like Peter or Paul, and a Prophet must be like Isaiah or Jeremiah. APOSTLE (Gk. (apostolos,) a "delegate"). One sent with a special message or commission. In this sense the word is used in the LXX (1KI 14:6; ISA 18:2), and in the NT: JOH 13:16, "Neither is one (who is sent) [apostle] greater than the one who sent him"; 2CO 8:23; PHI 2:25, where persons sent out by churches on special errands are called their (apostles,) or messengers. In HEB 3:1 Jesus is called "the (Apostle) and High Priest of our confession." (New Ungers Bible Dictionary) The Bible describes 3 'types' of apostles; 1) Jesus. 2) The 'Apostles to the Lamb,' also called the 12. Matthai replaced Judas Iscariot, the only 'replacement' apostle in the Bible. 3)The 'post-ascension apostles.' Paul and Barnabas, among others, continued the ministry of 'special commissions' between churches. Sometimes these are referred to as the 'lower sense' of the apostolic ministry. I believe this continues today, although often misinterpreted and abused. I do not think that the present-day apostle equals the missionary, as I know too many missionaries that do not fit the Bible's description. However, some missionaries may well be working in an apostolic calling. Prophet-"But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation." 1 Corinthians 14:3 NASB. Though many definitions demand that a prophet be a soothsayer, I believe that a New Testament prophet will probably speak God's word for the above purposes more than for telling the future. (Though soothsaying is also still possible, this gift must be used carefully, and must be tested before placing spiritual 'weight' upon it) This encouragement should be for the church, not for the 'pumping up' of the people, nor for the edification of the prophet. Both the apostle and the prophet should be servants to the church, in the same manner as the evangelist, pastor and teacher. I have seen abuse and personal use of all 5 ministries, but I have also seen wonderful, godly application of them, too. I pray that the gifts of ministry will be poured upon the church of Jesus Christ in a fuller sense as we come closer to His glorious return. I hope this makes my viewpoint clear. Blessings and peace to you. In Jesus' name, charis |
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215 | Not understanding | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 1971 | ||
Dear KBurgee, Ric was talking about Jeremiah 8:2, where is says of the 'princes of Judah,' "...the sun, the moon, and to all the host of heaven, which they have loved, and which they have served, and which they have gone after, and which they have sought, and which they have worshiped." In Christ Jesus, charis |
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216 | what are you not sure about? | Gen 6:4 | charis | 1968 | ||
Dear inhzsvc, At the end of Brent Douglass' note to you (with comments to me as well), he asked if the CAPITALIZATION was correct. He wrote 'InHzSvc' to you, and 'Charis' to me. Your user screen name is listed as 'inhzsvc,' all small-case, as is 'charis.' I didn't know if you had a preference regarding capitals, but I do, as our friend seemed to want to connect me with Charismatic 'tomfoolery,' of which I have no part. My user screen name is charis, meaning 'grace,' not Charis, as in Charismatic. How you feel about capitalization, I don't know. Bless you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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217 | Anything wrong with dating? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 1964 | ||
Dear JVH0212, I have read the book, and I think it goes a bit overboard...however, unchaperoned, umlimited dating for teenagers is just like playing Russian Roulette, except you have 5 of the 6 chambers loaded with magnum :-) The people who tell me they trust their teens completely must have already played and lost! Chaperoned dates or 'multiple dates' with some ground-rules, might work. Certainly parents must nurture their kids even into their teens, and through them. I say these from experience and the wisdom the Bible gives us. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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218 | Jesus says about children being sacred? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 1963 | ||
Dear rapunzel202020, I don't believe there is anywhere in the Word that exhorts us to idolize our children. Nor does the Bible say that they are pure and innocent and without sin. The Bible does say to be 'like' children. By this we are not being told to regurgitate on Daddy (or worse!) like a newborn, throw a tantrum at Daddy like a toddler, or rebel against Daddy like a teenager. We are being told to respect and honor and have simple faith in Father, like kids of the generation of Jesus. Frankly, I cannot see much in the attitude that mass-media and society-at-large gives our kids today to portray a relationship with Jesus. God often calls US His little children, and talks about us when referring to children on several occasions. As to the care and protection of children, these go hand-in-hand with the responsibility of disciplining them and nurturing them into Christ. In Jesus' name, charis |
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219 | Should women wear shorts/pants? | Deut 22:5 | charis | 1923 | ||
Dear Lee, inhzsvc is right, modesty is the important thing. There are practical reasons for a woman to wear pants, and for men and women to wear shorts. But, there are pants, and there are pants. There are shorts, and there are shorts. Use your brain and your conscience when buying clothes and choosing what to wear. In this same vein, Body language and gestures are just as dangerous as revealing clothing. Same with hair style, makeup, and accessories. We live in a sensual age, and Christians are not without influence. The world is selling it, and unfortunately, many believers are buying. Prudence (not prudishness) and common sense (the kind in the Bible) are to be observed for the sake of the believer. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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220 | Is cremation biblical or wrong to do? | 1 Sam 31:12 | charis | 1915 | ||
Dear Karen, 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! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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