Results 201 - 220 of 1260
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: charis Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
201 | Thanks, but what about....? | Eph 2:5 | charis | 35652 | ||
Dear zach†, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I take it that you have not served in an inner city mission for the homeless, or in a country without a Judeo-Christian foundation. Even a few weeks of serving meals and preaching to the derelicts and addicts and 'professional welfare recipients' will either give you a hope for their salvation, or condemnation for their inability to walk out their salvation in Christ Jesus. Another few weeks in Japan or China would confirm that hope (or condemnation). If we say that you have exactly one chance to grab that lifeline, and if you let go, hell awaits you, then 90-percent of mission work is in vain. Even in the my present place of service to God, many seeking salvation are those that have previously 'accepted' Jesus as Savior and walked away. What are we to do? Perhaps keep a record of those that have recited the "Sinner's Prayer," and if they fall away but try to return, we refuse entry to church? I don't know how you got saved, my friend, but a great many souls on this celestial ball have nigh-impossible barriers (plural) to overcome in order to serve Christ. I must say that this philosophy could only be viable in America! :-) (or perhaps another 'civilized' nation) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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202 | should Christian children have boyfriend | 1 Thess 4:3 | charis | 35602 | ||
Dear aduvukace, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Inasmuch as the world's view of dating/going steady is pretty much linked to having a sexual relationship, or at least private physical contact, I would say that it is better to abstain. Especially if, as your post seems to say, it is a relationship between a born-again Christian and a non-Christian. Even among two Christians, you (they) walk a tightrope of temptation with a huge chasm of potential problems with the slightest misstep! "For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God;" 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 NASB. Never underestimate the power of the flesh! Period! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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203 | Tabernacle/Sacrificial Animals? | Heb 8:5 | charis | 35594 | ||
Saints, Greetings in Jesus' name! A friend asked me the following questions: 1. Was the tabernacle constructed before Moses went up to Mt. Sinai or when he came back down? The scripture shows that the tabernacle was pitched at the base of the mountain before the golden calf problem, but then afterward it sounds like they are just beginning to construct it. Was that scripture kind of a review of the first description of the building or was it actually being constructed after the golden calf was destroyed? 2. Why were only the innards and the legs washed before being sacrificed and not the rest of the animal? 3. Why were certain parts of the different animals sacrificed on different sides of the altar? In Christ Jesus, charis |
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204 | Is Limited Atonement Bibical? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 35478 | ||
Dear Charlene the Mom, Greetings from Yokohama in the name of Jesus! I am now hosting some Tennessean volunteers for a mission building project here. They are from the Nashville area. If they stay much longer, I think I'll talk funny like them! :-) You wrote: "The problem that I see with Calvinistic doctrine is that it “sounds” like the elect are in like Flynn, and the others don’t have a chance in Hades. And whether we like it or not, the reality is that this presents a huge stumbling block to many in and outside the faith." With all due respect, I must say that just as many are turned away from Christianity by the thought that God allows us to choose to go to hell. In addition to these, I have heard many, many reasons for not serving Jesus. According to the Bible, Jesus Himself is the stumbling stone to those who do not believe. "Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, just as it is written, "BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE, AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED." Romans 9:32,33 NASB. I think you will find that Jesus can be a Rock of Offence to followers of Calvin and Arminus alike! As for those in the world, ANY excuse to deny Christ is welcome. But if the Holy Spirit is working in their spirit, the life-quickening call of love and freedom is effective to save any lost soul. This is my experience, my testimony! I was against all things Christian, and the name of Jesus was a curse to my lips. But one sweet day He called my name and touched my spirit in the very midst of my anger and rejection, and I was His. I battled against the Holy Spirit, and swore not to serve God, but my will was no match for His. Hallelujah! I do not give this a fancy name or connect it to any moniker or bent. But irresistable was my calling, and I was a good resister. Some may want the credit for 'choosing' Jesus, feel it was their 'decision' that saved them. They may even feel they have the ability to maintain this grace. Yet I know that Jesus initiated my salvation, and the victory is His alone! (Please don't liken Jesus to a judge in a beauty pageant. Actually, the idea that our choice or our works will sway Him to save us is much more like this worldly method!) Friend, if God did not know you first, individually and personally, you would not be able to really know Him for who He is! The Author and Finisher of your salvation. Just a bit of the 'other side.' :-) Peace and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |
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205 | Is all new doctrine false doctrine? | Titus 1:9 | charis | 35424 | ||
Dear Listener, Greetings in Jesus' name! "Is all new doctrine false doctrine?" No. Not any more than all old doctrine is true doctrine! If we say that 'doctrine' equals the traditions of men, then all doctrine is false. "BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN." Matthew 15:9 NASB. However, if we say that 'doctrine' equals the Word of God, then all doctrine is true. Actually, in this interpretation there is no old or new, only truth. "That which has been is that which will be, And that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one might say, 'See this, it is new'? Already it has existed for ages Which were before us." Ecclesiastes 1:9,10 NASB. New doctrines are not 'developed,' but only re-discovered. Sometimes a person will come forth and say that he has a 'new revelation' from God. This is impossible! However, there are forgotten *previous* revelations from God. Usually they are only forgotten in that particular group! :-) God's entire Word is alive and complete right now! The problem is that nobody has it all together. (though many claim it!!) Please try not to be too harsh on those that claim 'new revelation' of truth. Most do not really believe they have something that nobody ever had before. (though I admit that some do!) I count this error to be in the same league as those that claim 'complete revelation' of truth. :-) Peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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206 | Are there compartments in heaven or hell | John 14:2 | charis | 35411 | ||
Dear kadgaley, Greetings in the name of Jesus! "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:2,3 NASB. While it seems to be clear that heaven has many dwelling places, or mansions, I am not so sure that hell has the same type of accomodations! :-) In any case, as Christians, it seems that there is 'rank in the kingdom' that is awarded to us for our faithfulness to God. (NOT for our faith in God for salvation!) "Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 NASB. As to clear reference about 'levels' in hell, who cares?! The most comfortable place there is not comfortable! Neither is the worst place there any more damned! Surely it is necessary for us to know the consequence of unbelief, and the state of unregenerate man, but don't 'dwell' on it! (pun very much intended! :-)) Peace and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |
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207 | The Ministry of the "Walking Wounded" | 1 Tim 4:6 | charis | 35230 | ||
Dear Makarios, Greetings in Jesus' name! I was asked this same question by another brother on the forum recently. Following is an excerpt of my own experience. I can only pray that it helps our little community to understand some of the things that pastors go through to serve their flock: …you asked about my 'excommunication' experience. You may recall I sent you 'my testimony' last year explaining my salvation in Pittsburgh and my coming to Japan. Well, my pastor had about that time become involved with overseeing a few other churches in Alabama, Ohio, Hawaii, England, Brazil, and South Africa. He would visit each of the churches about once a year, encouraging us, and ministering the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It was always done in order, and giving honor to the local pastor. Well, in his own church, his first-born had come of age, and my pastor's wife was kind of anxious to get 'Junior' into the ministry, more specifically, the pastor's chair. This would mean my pastor would have to become 'Senior Pastor,' which is fine, I guess (but not in the Bible). Then, he created an 'Apostolic Team' and started to make noise that we must pay homage to this new entity. I was not asked my opinion about this, but I went along, more by shutting my mouth than agreeing. Well, it escalated into a pseudo-denomination, and I was getting very uncomfortable. This all happened just as we were about to celebrate our 10th anniversary. I went all-out, and invited all of my co-workers, their wives, and of course, my pastor. Well, he was taken ill, and could not come, so sent his son as representative. Then he told me that our celebration would be a great opportunity for a 'Pastor's Conference.' I disagreed. All was fine until everyone arrived, and the 'young pup' called me to carpet, explaining that this WAS a 'Pastor's Conference,' and that any guest that was not a pastor (I invited, at my expense, several good friends) was not invited to the proceedings. Well... I told him (very nicely!) that it would not happen that way. Well, we had a great 10th Anniversary anyway, and I smoothed things over with my pastor after 'Junior' went home. All was OK for almost a year, until they had some problems at my home church. There was an ugly split that ended with 25 percent of the 400 people there leaving the church. I was uninvolved, but someone (I still do not know who!) said I was on the side of the dissenters. He asked me to give him my 'allegiance.' I said that he was my pastor, and Jesus is my Lord, that should be enough! He said, "You're outta here!" and cut communications with all the people in the church and other churches. That was over 3 years ago. There is a lot more detail, but that just about wraps up the basics. I have left a door open, and have never bad-mouthed my pastor, but he is adamant. He is also very sick, and this situation saddens me much. But, my job is not politics, and I am no longer a resident of Pittsburgh, so I do what God has given me to do! Many blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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208 | O.T. Israel salvation? | John 6:49 | charis | 35148 | ||
Dear zach†, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Friend, even if you did trap me with your questions, I could always plead stupidity or temporary insanity! :-) I do see what you mean. And I probably know most, if not all of the many other verses you could quote. I could also quote to you a good many verses that speak of the sovereignty of God and His graceful election, but I won't. :-) I strive to keep the commandments of Jesus, that I may show my love for Him. But neither my keeping them, nor my love for Jesus save me. "Don't these verses teach us something about the importance of our responsibility to obedience to the faith?" Yes, they do, and I pray that our obedience is noted. But I do not think that this obedience will save my soul. I sometimes think that there will be those that are sure their works were 'gold, silver and precious stones,' but on that day find that much was but 'wood, hay and stubble' in God's sight. They will be burned up, and he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. On the other hand, some that is considered trash by others, may be considered valuable in God's measure. Well, I must retire. It is late, and I am working 'double-shifts' these days. Oyasumi-nasai (Good Night) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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209 | O.T. Israel salvation? | John 6:49 | charis | 35143 | ||
Dear zach†, Greetings from Japan in the name of the Lord Jesus! "After reading that, I ask, when you say "not without our submission" that makes me believe that individuals must take some responsibility in the surrendering and yielding process. Your thoughts?" My friend, my thoughts are simple, and without contradiction. (at least in this instance. :-)) Submission, surrender and yielding are all part of the sanctification process, and pleasing to God, perhaps to be rewarded. But not anything to do with our salvation from hell and damnation. As to victory, I do not agree with Jerry Bridges. If we consider 'Victory' to be victory over death and the grave, nothing we can do, even obedience, can gain it. Jesus alone holds this distinction. Peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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210 | O.T. Israel salvation? | John 6:49 | charis | 35134 | ||
Dear zach†, Greetings from Yokohama in the name of Jesus! Friend I hear you, and I am well aware that Jude, James and, depending on interpretation, several other writers of Scripture could be thought of as saying that we are responsible for finishing (maintaining to the end) our faith. However, the sum of Scripture speaks to my heart that we can never merit salvation from hell and damnation, only reward on earth and in heaven. To my way of thinking, salvation is not a reward, but a gift without price or mortgage. After this gift has been bestowed, I do believe that the Bible speaks of reward on earth for *faithfulness* (not faith). This reward is something that God desires to give, but He will not without our submission and sensitivity to His design and will. This reward is given to some in life, according to His will, and to all upon the final judgement. In death we are fully humbled, and eternal reward is given in God's perfect reckoning, all positive, no negative. (thus no tears or dissatisfaction in heaven, all questions are answered, all accounts are settled, His sovereignty and peace rule all!) So, in my estimation, the answer is, "No, we cannot claim any part in our salvation from hell and damnation." The difference between us appears to be that I segregate faith and faithfulness. I am well aware that my stance has holes in it! :-) I pray they are filled by grace. The alternative is to believe in one argument or another, but both seem to be human in nature, not of God. When one is a clear 'victor,' I may reconsider, and align myself. :-) (I'm not holding my breath!) In the meantime I will remain 'simple,' praying that His grace is sufficient for me. I have another 'thought,' and I don't know where to put it, so I will close with it. As a minister of the Gospel, and a shepherd of those that hope in Christ Jesus, I have not found a practical way to segregate those that are still 'of faith' and those that are 'fallen.' If 'manifest faith' is the measure, then many I pray for are lost. I know of many that have tasted of the heavenly gift, and then departed from serving Christ. Some have returned, some have not. I cannot find a clear passage that tells me to give up on people just because they are not in church. I mean this in a personal, individual sense. Truly, there may be 'general' Scriptures to this effect, but none that speak to my heart. Maybe I am too soft? :-) (those that have heard me preach would never accuse me of this!) Nonetheless, I will continue to believe that God still loves these 'wayward' brethren, at least until the Lord convinces me otherwise. Joy in Christ Jesus, charis |
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211 | O.T. Israel salvation? | John 6:49 | charis | 35090 | ||
Dear zach†, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! My friend, I appreciate your thoughts on this important topic. I trust that we are not too far from one another, indeed closer than we may imagine! Let me preface my comments with this: I am no scholar, nor am I a deep thinker. Perhaps there was a time in my past that I sought for such monikers. Personally, I find the Bible, and Jesus Himself(!) a stumbling block to such endeavor. My humble attempt is to see the entire Gospel from a step back. I can never claim to see from God's perspective, but getting too close to either the 'words' of the Bible or to 'personal experience' seems to lead to a 'three-blind-men's-view-of-an-elephant' type of situation. My thoughts are that our salvation from hell and damnation are wholly dependent on God's love. Therefore your Point 1 is how I view my salvation. As to whether this love is to all mankind, or only for the elect, I don't know. The 'words' of the Bible could support either or both, as His grace is truly amazing, and beyond the full comprehension of mortal man. If asked to 'prove' my faith in His grace, I am at a loss. After almost one year participating in this forum, I have not seen either 'side' prove their 'point' either! :-) The sum total of the Word of God seems (to me) to say that God chose His people, Old Testament and New. On that I simply trust Him. Your Point 2 about relationships is not, IMHO, speaking of what we are saved *from,* but what we are saved *into.* Please do not misunderstand me! I am not speaking of a two-tier or multi-tiered salvation. In my thinking, our salvation from hell and damnation IS salvation. But after that entirely God-started-and-finished work is initiated, we are encouraged (NOT obligated) to serve our Savior and His church. The direction that I had hoped to go in my original question above was the situation of Israel after they were saved from Egypt. They (apparently ALL Israel) were chosen and led forth from captivity. But they did not serve God, and all but two died in the wilderness. Their relationship with God was far from good, but His grace and love continued 'for His name's sake.' Even those that wanted to return were not allowed, though rebellion was dealt with severely. In the present age, we are saved (from damnation) by God's love and grace. He desires that we serve Him, and encourages us to do so in His Word and in His church. This would be the New Testament 'Promised Land.' Even if we fall short, he will not send us back to where we came from. Some may try, and (very few) may actually succeed! I think that some may 'appear' to have forsaken God, but He is still gracious. But for all practical purposes, we are saved! The intricacies of how to go back to hell are beyond my comprehension or interest. Brother, I have no 'systematic theology' for this theory, this hope. It is just what I hold in my heart. I believe that the 'sum' of Scripture supports my path, and so far no other 'bent' answers this hope. Blessings and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |
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212 | O.T. Israel salvation? | John 6:49 | charis | 35077 | ||
Dear zach†, Greetings in the name of Jesus! In answer to your questions: 1) "Are unilateral relationships something that must be maintained?" No. Our relationship with God is not a 'fair' one. We have nothing to offer that could even come close to what He did for us. The sum total of any amount of effort on our part will never pay for His sacrifice. 2) "Are they something that requires some effort on the parties involved in that relationship to keep it going?" No. Otherwise unilateral grace is not unilateral grace. It makes our relationship a bilateral one, a barter arrangement. Whatever we 'do for Christ' must be done with the absolute knowledge that we can never repay this debt. It keeps us humble! All of our effort must be simple and total submission of our will to Him. It is service, not mortgage. 3) "Is a persons involvement in any relationship passive?" No. (again) We actively serve our God and His people with the hope that we can see Him one day. "For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day." 2 Timothy 1:12 NASB. He initiated my salvation by quickening my spirit by His Spirit. The Spirit continues to lead me on a path of sanctification, in accord with the Bible and in relationship with His church. All I can do is believe. And one sweet day I shall see Him in all of His glory, this earthly body glorified. Any service I render unto God in the meantime is purely incidental, though He may give reward based on His interprtetation of my actions. "For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 NASB. My friend, salvation by grace is a surety, but losing that salvation is but a possibility, with no measurable means to achieve it. As long as there is no way that I can know what is necessary to reject or deny Christ, I see no point in dwelling on that (IMHO, very SLIM) possibility. Much ado about nothing. :-) Zach†, I am not a 5,4,3 or 2-point anything, so I have no absolute position to defend. :-) I can see your point about the possibility of losing salvation. I know that this is a public forum to discuss Biblical theory and opinion. But I sure hope that this point is not a daily part of your life or a foci in your evangelism of the lost or encouragement of the saints. Saved by grace through faith is so much more comely! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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213 | O.T. Israel salvation? | John 6:49 | charis | 35041 | ||
Dear zach†, Greetings in the name of Jesus! So...'Once lost, always lost?' This would definitely lead back to a question I asked in another thread, "How easy is it to lose your salvation?" My friend, I have been reading the 'salvation maintenance' posts, and just cannot accept that way of thinking. (Sorry, I have not had the time to answer your questions) From what I have heard, we chose to accept Christ on our own initiative, then we must maintain a standard of excellence and perfect repentance in order keep that relationship, and now, we cannot stumble or we lose our salvation, never able to find Christ again. WOW! To be perfectly frank, I doubt if I know anyone worthy of this particular flavor of salvation. I must sleep! Busy day tomorrow! I will try to get back to this if I can. Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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214 | O.T. Israel salvation? | John 6:49 | charis | 35025 | ||
Dear Greg, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Is this verse (then) telling us that in Moses' time, those saved from Egypt crossing the Red Sea soon 'lost' their salvation? (except for Joshu and Caleb) Even Moses died in the wilderness. Did some 'lose' their salvation, then 'regain' it? I'm sorry that I wrote such a broad question. :-) You were speaking of Israel after the revelation of Christ, but what about the salvation of Israel in Exodus? in Joshua? What part does the Promised Land play in the salvation of Israel? Israel was saved "out" of Egypt, but this entire generation (except two) were not saved "into" the Promised Land. The wandered in the desert for 40 years. Were they 'un-chosen?' In Christ Jesus, charis |
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215 | Was Israel saved, or not? | John 6:49 | charis | 34986 | ||
Saints, Good sermon today! Was Israel saved or not? In Christ Jesus, charis |
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216 | Please pray, and Love to Ray | Eph 4:12 | charis | 34796 | ||
Dear Saints and Friends, Greetings from Yokohama in the name of Jesus! I may not be online much for the next month or so, as I am helping another Yokohama church rebuild their building and parsonage. I am coordinating an inter-denominational volunteer team in this work of service in conjunction with the Macedonian Mission Service. Please keep us in prayer as we build for the New Covenant Baptist Church of Yokohama, and for the Lord Jesus Christ. I would also like to add that we (Kanto Christian Church) are praying for you, my dear Brother Ray! Get well, friend and gentle sir, and may the peace of God be upon you and your family. Blessings to all my forum fellowship! I may be looking in once in a while, and even post if I get real excited! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis (Randy) |
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217 | God to kill Moses | Ex 4:24 | charis | 34638 | ||
Dear Jenny, Greetings in then name of Jesus! Moses MAY have been unaware of these laws in the case of his son. However, the excuses ran out when he allowed ALL ISRAEL to commit the same sin! "For all the people who came out were circumcised, but all the people who were born in the wilderness along the way as they came out of Egypt had not been circumcised." Joshua 5:5 NASB. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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218 | Visit other churches? | Rom 16:16 | charis | 34602 | ||
Dear Joe! Greetings to you in Jesus' name! Brother, I do not condone the actions that you describe in your 'autobiographical sketch.' Nor do I engage in such actions. I think they are scandalous. But... I see scandal in every type of church. If I may quote Joe!: What makes a church or denomination a Christian one? (a) Belief that the Bible alone is the sole authority of faith and practice; (b) belief that we are saved from our sinfulness against a holy God by God's grace ALONE through faith ALONE in Chirst's sinless life and subsitutionary death and resurrection ALONE. (end quote) I agree with the above. I think that most Christians do, too. What you are saying is that the (a) part, specifically the 'faith and practice' part must be in line with 'approved' methods in order to be real. But part (b) is the clincher, right? Why anyone would subject themselves to such charlatans, and foolish behavior is beyond my understanding. But they do, willingly! And, many are those were in a structured church, and didn't like it. Go figure! Joe!, God's people go to these type of churches and are blessed and satisfied. Some have little or no education, some are intimidated by order, some are outcasts, some are rebels, some are terminally liberal, but most go because they chose to. If they are saved by grace through faith, then...? As to bringing 'false ministers' to justice, I don't know how to do it. If you think that by 'educating the masses' we can stop them, think again. Most are not there because they are duped, but know about 'orderly' churches and chose the 'disorderly.' Joe, you are 'preaching to the choir' here! I agree with much of your stance, but my observations hold! Much of each side's actions are reactions to the other side. Your view of the Type 1 church is the *ideal,* and your particular church may be very close to this *ideal,* But reality is often not what we want it to be. The reality is that many Type 1 churches are un-Biblically rigid and judgmental, and make no room for Christians that do not fit their mold, often sending these saints to Type 2 churches. This (also!) is not pleasing to God. Anyway, I promised to stop, didn't I? :-) I love you, brother, and enjoy your posts very much. We shall meet again! In Christ Jesus, charis (Randy) |
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219 | Unexpected source? | 2 Pet 3:16 | charis | 34422 | ||
Dear JMSCOTT, Greetings from Japan in Jesus' name! Actually, I use Kodansha's Dictionary usually, and it tells ma that Jesus' name in Japanese is Iesu. This is the pronunciation I commonly use. What is your point? Most Americans cannot pronounce Hebrew words and names, and the Japanese have an even worse time with foreign monikers. Jesus is a perfectly acceptable name for our Lord and Savior! So is Iesu. Neither is UN-acceptable! By the way, this same logic would forbid you to say 'Japan.' It is 'Nippon.' And you can't eat 'Sukiyaki' unless you say it right! :-) I'm already at tomorrow! You'll just have to catch up! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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220 | Visit other churches? | Rom 16:16 | charis | 34418 | ||
Dear Joe! Greetings in the name of Jesus! Friend, I must say that just about everything you wrote supports, yea exemplifies, my anthropological hypothesy. :-) Not every Type 2 (I'll use this for brevity) pastor wears a mustard-yellow jacket! I, for instance, sometimes wear a rather subdued Salmon jacket from Penney's Stafford Collection! (VERY appropriate!) :-) In addition, wearing a 'less conservative' jacket does not make one Type 2. This is exactly the kind of bias (bigotry) that encourages the centrifugal trend I am theorizing. Type 1s are becoming more entrenched in their Type 1-ness, and Type 2s are doing likewise. The Type 2 camp may have the more 'outrageous' examples of extremism, like the tomfoolery you spoke of, but the Type 1 camp has their fair share of 'anti-Type 2' propaganda! My point is that, overall, the Type 1 pole is just as far from the center as the Type 2 pole. One thing is certain; both claim to BE the center, with the other the 'fringe.' Truly, Joe!, the Word and the Spirit SHOULD be in conjunction. This ideal is clearly written in the Bible, and the Spirit certainly speaks to my heart that this should be so! But the church is not bearing this out, which is exactly my concern. I see that one side claims the Spirit in the Word, and the other claims the Word in the Spirit. But I do not see either with a monopoly on truth. Friend, I am not trying to convince you, or tell you your error. I am speaking of trends, and you DO kind of fit in! :-) One of the reasons I visit other churches is to corroborate or refute the (biased) claims I have heard over the years. One of them is, "Type 2 preachers do not know the Word, and do not preach the Bible." Thought there might be a certain amount of truth in this (like Cretans!) it is not any more true that to say that Type 1 churches are full of intelligent, orderly people. Certainly Type 2 ministers do not own greed and lust, with Type 1 ministers free from such sin! Some amount of 'cross-fellowship' may actually be productive, though 'uncomfortable.' :-) Anyway, my good friend, and worthy colleague, I will rest may case with this. Much more, and 'centrifugal force' might strain our fellowship! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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