Results 201 - 220 of 232
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Results from: Notes Author: Grace and Truth Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
201 | The gift of Tongues | 1 Corinthians | Grace and Truth | 49948 | ||
Holy Spirit still works miracles Every devout Bible student is aware of the fact that miracles have been employed by God in the divine scheme of things. By means of miracles, the creation and organization of the Universe were effected (Gen. 1; Psa. 3:6-9; Heb. 11:3). Additionally, when Jehovah commenced his process of progressive revelation, communicating his will to the human family, he documented the authenticity of the message with supernatural phenomena. Miraculous signs were designed to validate the written message (cf. Mk. 16:17-20). But the fact of the matter is, God is not exhibiting his power today in a miraculous fashion, and that is demonstrated by the following line of argumentation. 1. There is no occurrence in today world that even remotely resembles the kind of signs that are common to the New Testament record. Where is the person with an amputated body-part that has had such instantaneously and perfectly restored (cf. Lk. 22:51)? Where is the individual, four days dead, who has come forth from the grave (Jn. 11:44)? Who pays his taxes these days with funds recovered from a fish mouth (Mt. 17:27)? An examination of so-called modern miracles will reveal that they have virtually nothing in common with the type of signs described in the Bible 2. The allegation that the Holy Spirit is working miracles today is contrary to the explicit biblical teaching relative to the purpose for which miracles were given. As indicated earlier, signs were designed to validate the revelation of God1s will for mankind (Mk. 16:20; Heb. 2:2-4). When the revelatory process was concluded with the completion of the New Testament record, miracles were no longer needed, hence, passed away (see 1 Cor. 13:8-13). No one can consistently argue for miracles today without also contending that divine revelation is on-going, and the New Testament is incomplete. 3. The means for the reception of spiritual gifts in the Christian age are not operative today. Gifts, in the first century, were bestowed by means of Holy Spirit baptism (Acts 2; 10), and through the laying on of the apostles1 hands (Acts 8:17, 18; 19:6; Tim. 1:6). Since there is no Holy Spirit baptism today (Eph. 4:5; Mt. 28:19, 20), and as there are no living apostles, it is obvious that, so far as biblical evidence is concerned, no spiritual gifts are being given to believers today. 4. As suggested earlier, the New Testament explicitly affirms that the early church1s endowment with miraculous gifts was to be temporary; when revelation was completed, supernatural signs were to pass away (Eph. 4:11-16; 1 Cor. 13:8-13). See Jackson, 1990, pp. 114-124. Direct operation in conversion Denominationalists frequently contend that the Holy Spirit, in a direct and mysterious fashion, operates upon the sinner in the process of conversion. In his debate with N.B. Hardeman, the celebrated Baptist preacher, Ben M. Bogard, affirmed: The Bible teaches that in conviction and conversion the Holy Spirit exercises a power or influence in addition to the written or spoken word (p. 7). If the Holy Spirit operates upon the soul of the sinner independent of the written Word of God, why is it that not a solitary Christian has ever been discovered in those locales where the gospel has not been proclaimed? Why is it that tribes in primitive regions know nothing regarding the Lord Jesus, apart from the influence of biblical revelation? This circumstance is inexplicable in light of the foregoing theory. Certainly it is true that the Holy Spirit is instrumental in the regeneration of those who are lost. But his influence is exerted through his revelation, the Holy Scriptures (see Eph. 6:17), and not apart from these documents. For example, it is by the Spirit that one is led to be immersed into the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13). Correspondingly, it is through the word that this identical result is effected (Eph. 5:26). In the conversion process, which is symbolically designated as being born anew (Jn. :3), it is by the agency of the Holy Spirit that the begettal is initiated. Yet note this affirmation: Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently: having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God. (1 Pet. 1:22, 23). James declares: Of his own will he begat us with the word of truth (Jas. 1:18). With this fact, Paul agrees. The apostle describes the Corinthians as those who had been washed, sanctified, and justified by the Spirit (1 Cor. 6:11); and yet, he could declare in the same epistle: I have begotten you through the gospel (4:15). Clearly, the Holy Spirit, in leading honest people to the Lord, exerts his influence through the gospel message. To affirm that something additional is needed for salvation, is to rob the gospel of its power in the redemptive process (Rom. 1:16). |
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202 | Should women be allowed to preach? | Galatians | Grace and Truth | 50301 | ||
The BIBLE IS RIGHT! The passage could be said in this way " that a woman should not try and be a bossy nag over her husband. " (Your View) now this is a truth that all would agree with, it was a problem for women then and it is also still today. This problem has it's roots in fear. The woman who is afraid of adversity will find that she will try to take control by trying to control her husband and her family. This is ban against usurping the authority of the husband, not a ban on teaching the Gospel to all that have hears to hear. All saints are called to teach the Word as the Spirit leads. (This above statement is wrong as two left shoes, and is taking God's word out of context, we need to let God be true and every man a liar! If God or Jesus wanted to use women as preaches He would have made it clear in his word)! The Bible is very clear about the woman role in the church and no one can change that, and those who seek to justify women being (PASTORS,DEACONS,ELDERS OR ANYTHING OVER THE MAN IS WRONG! DEAD WRONG!). 1Tim 2:12 means exactly what it saids. How many women Apostles did Jesus choose? How many were chosen in Acts 1? The women were there from the begining, but God did not choose them to preach then or now! |
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203 | Should women be allowed to preach? | Galatians | Grace and Truth | 50582 | ||
I agree that a woman can teach someone God's word, but not in a congregational setting where men are, this is what Paul is saying, women can teach children, women and as did Priscilla with her husband. But to be a Pastor or Elder, deacon in the Lord's church is not and will never be scriptural! 1Tim 3:1-13 gives the qualifications of bishops and deacons, and we know bishops and pastors and elders are one and the same, and have always been and still need to be men in this office, Acts 20:17; Phil 1:1 and many places in the new testament. Believe me I know women are just as important as men in the church, I didn't set the rules God did, and we need to follow them. In Acts 6:1-6 is something very interesting where the church had a problem with the Grecians and Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. vs.3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. vs. 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: Here a chance to choose leaders in the Lord's work to help widows, and the multitude chose men to lead the work not women. Why? Were there any women there? I'm sure they were. But the Lord would have the men to step up and lead the work, and that how it should be today. When men want to have it their way, they change the word to God to fit their desires! |
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204 | catholic and protestant salvation view | Eph 4:3 | Grace and Truth | 50106 | ||
Why don't you try searching the scriptures for the answer to your questions on this matter! This is something all should be asking. Does Jesus care what we are religiously? When the books are open will we be found in it. Salvation is (in) Christ Jesus 2Tim.2:10 is what the bible teaches, can we be a Catholic or Baptist or Lutheran, Presbyterian, or what ever we want to be and go to heaven? The bible makes christians only and the only christians! I can't find a Catholic or Baptist or any other in the bible, So my question is where are they in the bible? Matt 7:21-27 The doctrine that you follow does make a differance. | ||||||
205 | catholic and protestant salvation view | Eph 4:3 | Grace and Truth | 50113 | ||
John 5:39 said we best search the scriptures. 2Peter1:10 to make our calling and election sure: Matt 15:9 the doctrine cannot be of men. |
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206 | catholic and protestant salvation view | Eph 4:3 | Grace and Truth | 50122 | ||
The Restoration of First-Century Christianity by Wayne Jackson Article Description Should we try to restore the New Testament pattern of Christianity? When Martin Luther visited Rome in the fall of 1510, he was appalled by the spiritual laxity he observed – even in the priesthood. His dissatisfaction with the Catholic Church would eventually lead to his challenge of that system, which was culminated when he nailed his Ninety-five Theses to the door of the cathedral in Wittenberg, Germany on October 31, 1517. But Luther simply wanted to reform the church of his day; he had no vision of leaving it. Professor Harold O.J. Brown has written: “[I]t was not Luther’s intention to found a new church, but simply to purify the old one...from the time of the Reformation there were new churches – first the Lutheran, then the Reformed, and finally the Anglican. From its beginning, the Reformation created new churches as no other movement had suceeded in doing” (Heresies, Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1998, p. 311). The church of the Middle Ages, however, was far too corrupt to yield to any “band-aid” reformatory process. Though men like Luther, Calvin, Wesley and others were, perhaps moved by noble motives, they erred by thinking they bettered religious conditions by establishing new religious movements. These movements carried much of Rome’s theological baggage. |
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207 | catholic and protestant salvation view | Eph 4:3 | Grace and Truth | 50123 | ||
Happily, however, by-and-by men would arise – both in Europe and in America – who would grasp the concept of restoring Christianity to its primitive status, free from the stifling encumbrances of sectarianism. The ideal was to start afresh. Honest souls, in humble fashion, would embrace nothing but the pure gospel of Christ, unveneered by human tradition, and follow the New Testament as their only rule of faith and practice. What a breath-taking concept it was – indeed still is, at this very hour! The “restoration” ideal There are two basic attitudes regarding the Christian religion. 1. One disposition affirms that Jehovah, across several millennia of history, meticulously prepared for the initial advent of Christ, and the spiritual system – Christianity – that He would inaugurate. This ideology argues that the divine format of the Christian system – as such existed in the first century under the guidance of inspired teachers – was exactly what God intended it to be. Moreover, this view asserts that this sacred plan, as designed by the eternal and omniscient Creator, would be perpetually relevant, thus age-lasting (cf. Dan. 2:44). Those who advocate this concept maintain that if the world is ever to be saved, it must conform to the mold of primitive Christianity – and that the reverse should never prevail (cf. Rom. 12:2). 2. On the other hand, there is the adverse theory which alleges that the Christian religion was not designed to be static. Proponents of this credo argue that aside from a few “core” components (e.g., the fact that Jesus is the Son of God, and that He died for the sins of humanity, etc.), the advocates of “Christianity” are free to alter its forms and rites, fashioning them anew as cultural peculiarities fluctuate. Supposedly, the Christian movement is free to experience an “evolutionary” development. It is thus suggested that the “Christianity” of today may be vastly different from that of the first century – yet still enjoy Heaven’s approval. Which of these concepts is valid? |
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208 | catholic and protestant salvation view | Eph 4:3 | Grace and Truth | 50124 | ||
Anyone with more than a smattering knowledge of Scripture should know that the first view is the correct one. And yet, amazingly, the second proposition is being advocated by an increasing number of people – even a growing number within the church of the Lord. It is not at all surprising that society finds the “new Christianity” appealing. We have been brainwashed to believe that anything “new” is also “improved.” The marketplace is flooded with “new and improved” products. And so, many reason, why doesn’t the same principle apply in religion? The world of sectarianism has long operated on the premise that Christianity may “change” as circumstances demand. Catholicism employed this rationale as the basis upon which it adopted many pagan practices (e.g., the use of the Rosary, the worship of the Virgin Mary, etc.) in order to attract heathen converts (Mosheim, p. 105). Allegedly, this made the pagan feel more comfortable in his new “Christian” environment. The Roman Church makes no apology for the fact that she can modify her doctrine as the times or culture changes. Many can remember when it was considered sinful for Catholics to eat meat on Friday. Today, it is not even a matter of conversational interest among many. The Protestant sects, in actual practice, subscribe to a similar “evolutionary” approach to Christianity. For example, a popular creed book states: “It is most likely that in the Apostolic age when there was but ‘one Lord, one faith, and one baptism,’ and no differing denominations existed, the baptism of a convert by that very act constituted him a member of the church, and at once endowed him with all the rights and privileges of full membership. In that sense, ‘baptism was the door into the church.’ Now, it is different...”(Hiscox, p. 22; emp. WJ). |
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209 | catholic and protestant salvation view | Eph 4:3 | Grace and Truth | 50125 | ||
Why is it different? Who made it so? Certainly not God. Rather, arrogant men have assumed they have the right, and the wisdom, to renovate the divine scheme of redemption. The very attitude is an atrocity. Not only has mainstream denominationalism contended that it is permissible to change the original forms and ceremonies of New Testament doctrine, it has even radically altered its concept of morality. Several decades ago there could not be found a solitary religious body, remotely professing Christian principles, that would endorse homosexuality. Now, the defenders of sodomy are disgustingly numerous. If Christianity may be re-designed with reference to its religious dogma, why not re-write its moral code as well? The very idea is absurd. Problems within churches of Christ The brotherhood of churches of Christ has become sorely afflicted with the “change” mentality over the past several decades. More than a third of a century ago, Carl Ketcherside and Leroy Garrett were creating a stir in many Christian congregations with radical notions of ecumenism, as advocated in their journals, Mission Messenger and Restoration Review. At that time, however, these gentlemen were considered to be a fringe-element aberration. Eventually, though, along came Integrity, Image (now defunct), and finally, Wineskins. These journals, in concert with several “Christian Scholars Conferences” on campuses like Abilene Christian University and Pepperdine University, flung the doors wide open to radical changes within the fellowship of God’s people. The drift has been gradual. At first, the concept of the “restoration plea” was merely questioned – under the guise of honest investigation. Then it was overtly challenged. Finally, in the waning days of this century, it is shamelessly ridiculed by those who have thrown off all attempts to disguise their ambitions. Some of our digressive brothers take unusual delight in mocking the church, while their sectarian audiences roar with laughter and applaude the barbs that wound the body of Christ. |
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210 | catholic and protestant salvation view | Eph 4:3 | Grace and Truth | 50126 | ||
Rubel Shelly, of Nashville, Tennessee, has been one of the most vociferous critics of the restoration movement in recent years. His speeches at the Christ Church Pentecostal denomination in Nashville (April 13, 1994), at the 1995 Tulsa Workshop, and at the Florence (Alabama) Spiritual Renewal Conference (April 19, 1996) are but a sampling of this misguided brother’s hostile mood. (Note: For further discussion see the author’s article, “Contemporary Attacks on the Restoration Principle,” The Spiritual Sword, Vol. 23, No. 1, October, 1991, pp. 40-44.) The biblical platform The fact is, the Bible teaches that when the Creator establishes a system of religion, its obligations are to remain intact until God Himself provides evidence that it no longer is operative. No one is to presume to modify the divine arrangement. The Old Testament emphasizes this principle repeatedly. Surely no clearer example of this concept can be found than that of the sad case of Jeroboam I, the premier king of northern Israel. His apostasy from the Mosaic pattern is carefully documented in 1 Kings 13. Note the following: 1. He changed the object of worship from the invisible God to golden calves, which were to represent the Lord. 2. The monarch switched the sacred center of devotion from Jerusalem to Bethel and Dan. 3. Priests could be selected from tribes other than Levi. 4. A new feast was inaugurated to rival the feast of the tabernacles. Modern “Jeroboams” doubtless would endorse these alterations as quite refreshing; after all, we can’t be stifled by “traditionism.” Jehovah’s attitude, however, was radically different. In approximately twenty-one passages the Old Testament refers to Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, who “made Israel to sin” (cf. 1 Kgs. 14:16). Innovation is transgression! “Restoration” defined When one speaks of a “restoration” plea, several things are implied. First, there is the suggestion that there is a divine “pattern” for human conduct. Second, God expects conformity to that pattern. Third, in the nature of things, rebellious and frail men will digress from that heavenly way. Fourth, it is the responsibility of those who revere the Lord’s will to restore, the primitive order, and call their fellows back to the “old paths” (cf. Jer. 6:16). There are numerous New Testament passages which stress these truths. Let us consider a few. |
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211 | catholic and protestant salvation view | Eph 4:3 | Grace and Truth | 50127 | ||
1. The early church is clearly a model for us in that it “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching” (Acts 2:42). Why was that an important point for Luke to make if the pattern of the “apostles’ teaching” is irrelevant? Moreover, the multitude of believers “were of one heart and soul” (Acts 4:32), suggesting a unity of practice in their Christian decorum. 2. Paul reminded the saints in Rome that they had been made free from sin due to the fact that they had been obedient to a certain “form” [pattern] of teaching (Rom. 6:17,18). Can such a passage yield any sense if there is no pattern? 3. The Christians in Rome were admonished to “mark” (be on the look-out for) and turn away from those who were causing divisions “contrary to the teaching” which they had learned (Rom. 16:17). If there is no pattern of New Testament doctrine, how could one ever be required to “turn away” from those who do not conform to it? 4. The inspired Paul instructed the brethren in Corinth not to go “beyond the things which are written” (1 Cor. 4:6 ASV). This clearly demonstrates that spiritual activity is regulated by the Scriptures. 5. The primitive Christians were warned repeatedly about “falling away” from “the faith” (cf. 2 Thes. 2:3; 1 Tim. 4:1ff; 2 Tim. 4:1ff). The expression “the faith” has to do with a body of doctrinal truth. If there is no doctrinal “pattern,” how could one ever “fall away” from the faith? Note also that identifying marks of apostasy went beyond so-called “core” matters, such as the deity of Christ. They concerned things like the forbidding marriage and prohibiting certain foods (1 Tim. 4:1ff). 6. Paul spoke of the “pattern of sound words” (2 Tim. 1:13) which the early Christians were being taught and in which they were to “abide” (2 Tim. 3:14). These truths were to be passed on to others (2 Tim. 2:2), and men were to be charged not to teach a “different doctrine” (1 Tim. 1:13). How in the name of common sense can men read these passages and not know that there is a body of sacred truth with which we must not tamper? |
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212 | catholic and protestant salvation view | Eph 4:3 | Grace and Truth | 50128 | ||
1. The writer of Hebrews affirmed that Moses, in constructing the tabernacle, was warned by God that he must “make all things according to the pattern,” which was shown to him at Horeb (Heb. 8:5). Do we, as recipients of the “better covenant” (Heb. 7:22; 8:6), sustain a lesser responsibility as we minister to God in his church – of which the tabernacle was but an inferior type (cf. Heb. 9:1-10)? It is unbelievable that anyone would dare to argue such. 2. John unequivocally states that those who go beyond the “teaching of Christ” have no fellowship with God (2 John 9). Conclusion All of these passages, and numerous others, forcefully reveal that there is a divine standard to which men are accountable. The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of God, with its inscribed obligations, abides (cf. 1 Pet. 1:24-25). In physics there is a law known as the Second Law of Thermodynamics. It suggests that things proceed toward a state of degeneration. It might also be argued that there is sort of a Second Law in the spiritual realm as well. Men tend to drift; the pure frequently becomes contaminated. Such was never more clearly indicated than in the current status of the church of God. This is not the time to relax the call for a restoration to the ancient order of Christianity. We are truly at the crossroads! |
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213 | Mechanical Instruments? | Eph 5:19 | Grace and Truth | 51978 | ||
You are dead wrong, when you decide you can add to God's word as you have in this text. First you want to take away from what God said by the Holy Spirit, and now you want to add to His word. What's up it that? Matt 26:30 where were the instruments in this text? Acts 16:25 what instrument did they use? Heb 13:15 where are the instruments in this text. |
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214 | Mechanical Instruments? | Eph 5:19 | Grace and Truth | 51988 | ||
Show it by scripture, as I have Hank, from the apostles! | ||||||
215 | Mechanical Instruments? | Eph 5:19 | Grace and Truth | 51990 | ||
You've tried to insult the Church of Christ a few times on this forum, I throught that was agaisnt the guide lines of this forum! Paul never taught the use of instrumental music in any of his letters. Jesus never mention the use of them, so where do you get your authority? | ||||||
216 | Mechanical Instruments? | Eph 5:19 | Grace and Truth | 52031 | ||
What your post show is that you can't answer, so you chose not to respond, John 12:48 comes to mind, you can reject the truth with me, but you will have to answer to Jesus! | ||||||
217 | Mechanical Instruments? | Eph 5:19 | Grace and Truth | 52052 | ||
John 1:17 Tells us that grace and truth came by Jesus Christ, that's what were all about, sharing God's grace and truth. I asked this question before, can we have God's grace without his truth? and no one gave a answer. You say we in the Church of Christ pitt our goup against this forum and it's members, and you say it's discord, but the book of Jude tells us to "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints", so I don't consider myself or members of Church of Christ as doing something wrong! I believe that is the purpose of this forum, to bring out the truth in God's word. It's not against you personally, but it is against false teaching that's running like a wild fire through this forum, and if nobody is aware of it, it won't be stopped. It's not about converting anyone to the Church of Christ, It's about shinning the light of the truth! Here's a thought, we are going to be judged by the things that are written in the bible right! So why not make your calling and election sure! Why not contend for the faith down to the last second, if you sat down with a true member of the Church of Christ, you would find that we only want the best for you and all men, because we know that God is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentence, this is why I am involved in this forum, because I care about the souls of men. The bible teaches that men should hear the Gospel of Christ and believe it, repent of their sins, confess the name of Jesus, and be baptized for the remission of their sins, and live faithful unto death. THAT'S ALL WE IN THE CHURCH OF CHRIST WANT TO DO IN THIS WORLD, IS TELL THE TRUTH! | ||||||
218 | Mechanical Instruments? | Eph 5:19 | Grace and Truth | 52054 | ||
If you are capable of giving a scripturally based answer, then why don't you do it. Matt 21:25 The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? The the same for Mark 16:16 | ||||||
219 | So I ask you again, where do you get you | Eph 5:19 | Grace and Truth | 52055 | ||
So Tim, are you saying that you are going to play phyiscal instruments in heaven, those thing seen in heaven are not what we have down here, and I know you know that. LIFTING UP HOLY HANDS, is not the same as hands with a guitar in it, the holy hand were empty. | ||||||
220 | Mechanical Instruments? | Eph 5:19 | Grace and Truth | 52115 | ||
Hank, Tim, and all on this forum, For some reason unkown to me, some think that I come accross as a know-it-all nasty and rude person, from justme, Steve and others I been told that I have disrespected Hank, and that was never my intention, Hank I am very, very sorry if I have offended you in any way, I get excited about the word of God and lose myself. Please forgive me! And to all on this forum forgive me in the name of Jesus. It is hard for me when I read something on this forum, about salvation, the church, the Holy Spirit not to speak the things that I know the bible gives clear answer to. Look at all the subjects on this forum, they are all good, but the most important ones are: Salvation, the Lord's church and it's worship, and the Holy Spirit. The bible is not a hard book to understand, It become hard to understand when we try to interpret it ourselves, we should let scripture interpret scripture, then we will have less problems understanding it. My best times on this forum have been talking with Tim Morgan, He never insulted me or the church I'm a member of, and I hope that I haven't offended him, and if so I'm sorry Tim. |
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