Results 21 - 40 of 255
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Results from: Answers On or After: Thu 12/31/70 Author: Robert Nicholson Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
21 | Go to Hell after receiving Holy Spirit? | Rom 10:9 | Robert Nicholson | 74418 | ||
Beva: Please forgive me for interjecting these thoughts. I agree that the moment we believe we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and receive eternal life. In John 3:6 Jesus made it clear that we are born of the Spirit or born from above. "God hath sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts" (2 Cor. 1:21) At that moment we became a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). The moment we are saved we are baptised by the Holy Spirit into the church which is his body."For by One Spirit are we all baptised into one body..." 1 Cor. 12:13. We notice that what we have received is all a work of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. This change which he makes within our hearts is permananent and we can accept his promise "I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish..." (John 10:28) In John 5:24 the Lord Jesus shows that the new birth is instanious and that all people are divided into 2 groups: Those who have life or those who have not life. Listen to these words: "Truly, Truly, I say unto you, he that heareth my Word and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation (judgment); but is passed from death unto life"(John 5:24) When we rest by faith on the work of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross, a) We pass from death unto life and we are promised that "we shall not come into judgment". The moment we are in Christ we are safe eternally any other conclusion is an insult to the work of Christ. Why then do we get baptized? 1. Because the Lord Jesus commanded it. In Acts2:41 we read "And they that gladly received his word" This means they were saved "were baptised". In other words we are baptized after we are saved as an act of obedience unto Christ. Our water baptism is an outward picture of what has happened within. In Acts 11 Peter discussed what happened as he preached and points out that those who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ were given the Holy Spirit within: "I as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave the like gift as he did unto us who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; What was I, that I should withstand God?" (Acts 11: 15-17) The Ethiopian Eunuch is another example of a man who was born again before he was baptized. Consider the order: 1. God was working on the man's heart and asked Philip to go to him in the desert. He could not understand Isaiah 53. Philip began at the same passage to preach unto him Jesus. 2. As they travelled along them came to water. The man asked Philip "What doth hinder me to be baptized? Philip said "If thou believest with all thine heart, thous mayest. And he answered "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God". The man was already born again at this point, obviously Philip had preached that a believer should be baptized after conversion. 3. He and Philip went down into the water and he was baptized. The question you originally asked, could a person be lost should they die, if they were born again, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God but were not baptized. The words of Jesus from John 5:24 answer this "Hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation" Robert |
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22 | who were Noah's parents? | Luke 3:36 | Robert Nicholson | 74271 | ||
Greetings Robert: In Luke we read the genealogy of the Lord Jesus tracing back to Adam. As noted in verse 36 we find that Lamech is the father of Noah. Lamech who was the Son of Methuslael took two wives. "And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah." Gen. 4:19 Lamech was 182 years old when Noah was born (Gen 5:28-29 however, I could not find which of the wives were the mother of Noah. I find it interesting at how accurate the timeline of History is in the linkage of the Lord Jesus. Robert Nicholson |
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23 | Questions??? | Matt 27:3 | Robert Nicholson | 74231 | ||
Greetings dabmci: I believe the scriptures would bring us to the conclusion that Judas died unforgiven. Judas made a choice and that choice was to sell the Lord Jesus thinking that silver was more precious than the Son of God. Judas did not appreciate who Jesus was or is, even though he had heard his words and saw his mighty miracles. One would think that such a testimony would have convinced anyone as close as Judas to accept Jesus as the Son of God. In Matthew 26 Jesus says "Woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born." Matt. 26:25 Even at this point Judas asked question "Is it I" somehow thinking that Jesus did not know the choice he had already made. Even with this warning Judas did not change his mind or repent of his deed. He is an example of an apostate, one who has been near the truth, saw evidence of the truth and yet, turned against it. Judas was a privileged man, who in the end kissed the door of heaven and then went into a lost hell. We read in Acts of his suicide, and what the prophets had written of him "For it is written in the book of the Psalms, let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein; and his overseership let another take" Acts 1:20 It was at that time that Matthias was chosen to take the overseership of Judas. Judas is an example of one who knew about Jesus, but turned against him making a choice to betray him which was the ultimate sin of unbelief. Where is Judas? I would ask where are all unbelievers who have turned against the strivings of the Spirit of God in grace and have died in their sins? Peace in his name Robert |
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24 | Help!! | 2 John 1:10 | Robert Nicholson | 74208 | ||
Greetings Dabmci One of the greatest commandments is to "Love our neighbor as ourself" I believe that this would include showing kindness to my neighbor who knows not Christ. If my way of life with my family reflects Christ, than we can spread the gospel by inviting him into our house. The verse you may be looking for has to do with those who would come into your house teaching false doctrine. "If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:" (2 John 1:10)KJV In other words if we cannot allow a false teacher to influence our household. In addition, we do not even bid him Goodbye since this shows us having fellowship with "his evil deeds" 2 John 1:11 Hope this helps In Christ Robert |
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25 | Which John in Revelation? | Rev 1:9 | Robert Nicholson | 74140 | ||
Greetings Dat: The seven churches of God in Asia would know the person writing to them. His name is mentioned 4 times and he refers to himself as "a servant of Christ" chp 1:1, "a brother and companion in tribulation chp 1:9 and that he was exiled to the island of Patmos "for the testimony of Jesus Christ" chp. 1:9. It is interesting that the Lord Jesus told his dsiciple John (who became the Apostle John) that after he was gone to heaven he would send his Spirit who would "show you things to come" (John 16:13b) Although the Bible does not tell us clearly that this is indeed John of John's gospel, Church HIstory reveals that the Apostle John was a leader at the church of Ephesus after the death of Paul. As such John exercises pastoral care over the churches of Asia Minor. Several of the early church fathers wrote about John's exile to Patmos by the Roman emperor Domitian about A.D.95 It would appear that God choose to reveal the deep trues of the Son of God in John's Gospel and in his epistles. It would seem reasonable that he would reveal to his servant "The Revelation of Jesus Christ" Rev. 1:1 In Christ Robert |
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26 | Judgement, Sheol, and Hades | Heb 9:27 | Robert Nicholson | 73656 | ||
Greetings John: Welcome to the forum and thank you for your well written comments and questions. I believe the scripture supports that there are several judgments. The Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Cor. 3:13-15)(2 Cor. 5:10) and (Romans 14:10) In the three references the people involved are believers who will be judged according to their work since they have been saved. You have referred to (1 Cor. 3:13) which is discussing spiritual builders in the church. This work will be tested by fire and only the work which abides receives a reward. In looking at the three references we will notice that motives for our work is judged. However, we find that although we suffer loss for work which does not abide we are saved. This judgment has nothing to do with judgment for sin. The people represented here are redeemed and forgiven by the blood of Christ who bore the judgment for our sins upon the cross. It is interesting to note that the believer who dies is referred to as "those who sleep in Jesus" The Judgment of the Living Nations: We know that at the end of the age the Lord Jesus himself is coming in power and glory and will judge those living on the earth that have rejected him and reward those who have been saved during the great tribulation. As promised in Acts 1:11 "this same Jesus which is taken up into heaven shall come in like manner as you have seen him go into heaven" The feet of Jesus will rest upon the mount of olives from whence he left. It is at this point he will separate the sheep from the goats or the saved from the unsaved.(Matt. 25:33-46) Those who are saved will go into the millenial kingdom and those who are not saved will be cast into hades to await judgment. The Great White Throne Judgment: This is the final judgment of unbelievers who are dead to God. (Rev. 20:11-15) It is the "dead" small and great who stand before God. It is made clear that no unbeliever can escape this judgment. "The sea gave up the dead, death and hades gave up the dead which were in them."v.13 At this judgment the books are open, each is judged according to their works. The Lamb's book of life is open to show that their name is not written there. "whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire"V.15 (this is the second death) In Luke 16:19-31 Jesus holds back the curtain into hades (place of departed spirits) and shows us two men in life and two men in death. I do not believe this is a parable since Jesus names them as a "certain rich man and a beggar called Lazarus. The rich man in question is conciously suffering, has memory and a sense of his awful state. In contrast Lazarus is in Abraham's bosum a place of comfort. Hades is divided into 2 compartments with a great gulf between which prevents anyone from passing over from one side to the other. You ask why would such lost people be called up to judgment at a later day? I believe this is to show the righteous judgment of God, in that day they will agree that they are getting what they deserve. I think that your observation is correct in that God has revealed more truth regarding those who have died through Christ and through his apostles. I do not believe that the scripture supports soul sleep. The body of the Lord Jesus Christ was placed in Joseph's new tomb. He went to paradise which is the equivelant of Abraham's bosum, a place of comfort. The prophecy of Psalm 16:10 speaks of the soul of the Lord Jesus and the body of the Lord Jesus: "For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell(Sheol); neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption." Paul in his letter to the Corinthians speaks about our physical body as being a temporary or "tent" In other words we are not a body with a soul, but a soul with a body. In (2Cor. 5:8) "...willing to be absent from the body and present with Lord" Paul also writes "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:" Phil. 1:23) In both cases Paul gives us the sense that we "are present with the Lord" not in a sense of sleep. Finally, in Rev.6:9) we find that "the souls of them that were slain for the word of God"v.9 are crying out to be avenged. There is no hint of soul sleep here. This is a serious subject which many would mock. God is longsuffering, patient and by his Spirit he works with the souls of humans. The sin which separates humans from God for eternity is the disobedience to the gospel of his grace. Peace in his Name Robert |
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27 | Simon wanting to buy Holy Spirit Acts 8 | Matt 13:20 | Robert Nicholson | 73172 | ||
Del: I would label your question "Motives for professing to be saved" I believe that some profess to know Christ for selfish reasons. Paul reminds in Phil. 1:15-16 "Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of (selfish ambition)not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds" Although we cannot judge a person's motives and the Lord knows those that are his, I known people who have professed to be saved for the following reasons: - to make them acceptable in a romatic relationship. - children at times to please their parents - political gains - false teachers who want to creep in unawares - some have signed a card etc. because they feel a need to belong and yet have not spiritual life. Simon of Acts 8 has caused some debate in the past. It is interesting that the Spirit of God is careful to highlight his past life and his past motives "giving out that himself was some great one"v.9 In fact the people "gave heed from the least to the greatest saying, this man is a great power of God"v.10 God by his grace reached many of these people and they were saved. We then read "Simon himself believed also; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip..."V13 At this point one would wonder what type of repentance did Simon have? On the surface it would appear that he was saved. However, Jesus said "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" ( Matt. 7:16) It would apprear from v. 17-18 in Acts 8 that Simon regarded the laying on of hands and the gift of the Holy Ghost as something to be desired. We could speculate that this would be a great extension to his old work and give him prominance and power with the people. As we know he offered money for "this power" v. 19 Peter's answer to him would make us think that Simon had made only an outward profession of faith. "Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money"v.20 "Thou has neither part nor lot in this matter: FOR THY HEART IS NOT RIGHT WITH GOD.V.22 "Thou art in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity"v.23 These characteristics do not reflect the fruit of the Spirit nor the condition of one who has been truly born again. We do not read about Simon repenting. Del, it is so important that we be very sure that we are anchored on the solid rock which is Christ. Many believe about him, others like the women who followed him to the cross weep for him and the devils believe about him and tremble. Thus, believing in him is much more than simply accepting the historical facts or accepting intellectually the purpose of his death. What is the correct motive for wanting to know Christ? First of all we must know within our hearts that we need him, that he is the only one who can save us as we are lost sinners without strength. This is a truth which is revealed to us by the Holy Spirit through God's word. Rom. 3:23 We must desire to know him as Savior and Lord. Again as we ponder on our hopeless condition, the Lord will open our understanding with the light of the glorious gospel. We simply rest "our all" our very being upon Christ and his finished work on the cross. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, (or Jesus as Lord) and shalt believe in thine heart, that God raised him from the dead thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Romans 10:9-10) We say with the song writer: O glorious hour when God to me A vision gave of Calvary My bonds were snapt, my chains unbound I'm standing on redemption ground. Robert Nicholson |
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28 | diccerence between old test and new test | Heb 8:6 | Robert Nicholson | 72791 | ||
Greetings ladyappleman: This is a great topic, I will give you a few thoughts on it. It has been suggested that the truths in the Old Testament which appear to be concealed, that the same trues are revealed in the New Testament. The events of the Old Testament cover a much greater time than those of the New Testament. It is important to remember that both Testaments are interwoven and would be incomplete seperately. When we consider the Old and New Testaments we find that Jesus Christ is the central figure and the ultimate fulfilment of the scriptures which were written of him. The risen Christ said to his disciples "These are the words which I spoke to you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms (writings) concerning me. In the Old Testament we are shown types, pictures and prophecies concerning the coming Messiah and Savior over a great period of time and in many different ways. The central theme throughout the Old Testament focuses on redemption by blood and is fulfilled in the sacrifice of Christ the lamb of God. Old Testament saints looked forward to the coming promise, they did not see it clearly, but by faith they believed God and died in faith.(Hebrews 11:13) We see here that it is through faith that we come to God whether we are from the Old or New Testament. Christ is the redeemer who died for their sins as well of those of us under the New Testament, who look backward to Calvary by faith. Is the God of the Old Testament different than the God of the New Testament? Some suggest that he is seen as a more loving God in the New Testament compared to the old. God is eternal, he is not subject to time and space. He is Sovereign, in absolute Control, he is Mercy, he is Grace, he is Love, he is Longsuffering, he is Holy, he is Pure, he is Truth, and he is Judge. (I may have missed some) God is infinite in all of his attributes. In the old testament in Gen1:1 "in the beginning God". In the New Testament we read "In the beginning was The Word" In the Old Testament we see his hand in creation, in the New Testament we are reminded of Christ "all things were made by him" In Genesis we see God's desire to communicate with humankind, we see his grace to humans after they became sinners by disobedience. Throughout the Old Testament we see the failure of humans in many ways and God again by his grace provides a way whereby they can be at peace with him. God is righteous and Holy, but sin must be judged. In the Old Testament we see the judgement of those who turned their backs on him and after much longsuffering he brought calamity into their lives. In the New Testament we see his holiness, righteousness and his love at Calvary when he punished his Son on the cross. In the New Testament we are reminded of judgment to come for those who reject Christ. God is still trying to communicate his love to us in these last days in his Son (Heb. 1:2)By his Spirit he deals with the hearts of men, he strives with them and is longsuffering, however, he has showed us by his word that time will end and the opportunity for peace with God will end. Were there specific questions which you had in mind? Peace in his Name Robert |
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29 | When we die do we go directly to Christ? | 2 Cor 5:8 | Robert Nicholson | 72247 | ||
Dear Erusni: In 2 Cor.5 Paul discusses the fact that we have an earthly or (tent) house which is our mortal body. I believe we must remember that we are soul and spirit which have a body not the other way around. Our physical body will eventually die if Christ be not come and this temporary body will return to dust. However, our soul is eternal and will not die. We "the real person" will be with Christ! In v. 2 Paul tells us "we have a building of God" which is eternal and immortal in contrast to our earthly body. However, we will not get that eternal body until Christ comes and we all are changed. Thus "We are confident and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord" This would show us that for the believer the moment we take flight from our body we will be with Christ. Paul yearns for this "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better" (Phil 1:23) Paul wants to be with Christ and yet he realizes the Lord still has work from him. I do not believe that in either instance is there any suggestion of soul sleep. But rather that our soul is separated from our bodies and with Christ. (present) When a christian is promoted to glory the scriptures do not speak of death, but rather that they sleep in Jesus. (1 Cor. 15:51) "we shall not all sleep,(die), but we shall all be changed". In Paul's references to being with Christ, I believe has the sense of conscious knowledge of whom we are with. John in the Revelation of Jesus Christ writes "when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice saying, How long O LOrd holy and true, does thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth" Rev, 6: 9 to 10 These souls are not sleeping nor are they silent and unaware. Some day the silver thread will break, And I as now,no more shall sing, But O the joy when I awake, Within the palace of the King! We look for the Saviour from heaven Robert |
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30 | Jesus' body washed?? | Mark 16:1 | Robert Nicholson | 72239 | ||
Greetings rondc: We do not have many details in the Bible about the buriel of the Lord Jesus Christ. In Matt. 27:57 to 60 we find that a rich man called Joseph(of Armithea) and Nicodemus (of John 3) begged for the body of Jesus from Pilate. "when Joseph had taken the body he wrapped it in clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock" v. 59-60 This action was the fulfilment of Isaiah53:9 "he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth". The disciples had forgotten his words that he would rise again in 3 days. They were treating his body as they would any other Jewish loved one. This is why we find in Mark 16:1 that the women went to the tomb after the sabbath with sweet spices, that they might anoit him" In Luke 23:53-56 supports the idea that they were following the Jewish traditions regarding his body. There was no corruption to his body as prophecied by the psalmist "For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption." Psalm 16:10 More importantly in Luke 24:3 "they entered in, (to the tomb) and found not the body of the Lord Jesus" They were perplexed and were reminded of the words of Jesus "The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again" Luke 24:7 The triump of Calavary is that "he arose" bodily from the dead and that the truth of his resurrection if the foundation of our faith in him. Praise his Name Robert |
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31 | Size of Jerusalem when The Promised Land | Is 60:1 | Robert Nicholson | 72235 | ||
Greetings Bonnie 518 The promised land refers to the promised by God to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. However, it was not until the Exodus from Eygpt that the people of Israel travelled through the wilderness for 40 years under the leadership of Moses. Moses was not allowed to enter the land due to his disobedience to God. God by his grace however, took Moses up into Mount Nebo from which he could see the land which the Lord had promised them. In Deuteronomy 34:1to3 we are given a clear explanation of its boundaries. If you look up the following site at http://biblia.com/jesusm/maps.htm Click on "Old and New testament maps. The map is called Mount Nebo which will give you an idea of the size of the original promised land which stretches out in every direction from what we see today. The time of the Exodus from Eygpt based on Biblical chronology is 1446 B.C. and Moses death which followed his view of the land from Nebo was 1406 B.C. Other dates - the beginning of Isaiah's ministry (the year that King Uzziah died Isa.6:1) was 739B.C. If you look at the map even at this time you will find that the land was smaller due losses. By the time of our Lord Jesus Christ Roman rule prevailed. It was not until about 1948 that Israel became an independent nation again. I hope this helps. |
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32 | Personal conviction? | Rom 14:1 | Robert Nicholson | 69702 | ||
Greetings Guitarmonkey: Romans 14 most certainly deals with things which are open to question as to right or wrong. Although, it primarily deals with meats, drinks and days I believe the principles apply to other areas of life. First of all we are not dealing with the principle of Noah's day "that everyone did what was right in their own eyes. In Romans 14 we are looking at the weak christain and the strong christian and their attitudes toward each other. On things which we do not have a "thus saith the Lord" we are not to dispise or judge the other for the things we may allow. I have seen it work both ways, where a strong brother will intimidate a weak brother causing the weak brother to do or accpet things which he is not comfortable with. Conversely, I have oberserved some who claim to be weak and would us this claim to prevent the strong brother from doing things he feels are right. When dealing with doubtful things we are given instructions: 1. "Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." Is it something we can give God thanks for? 2. If we have doubts about a certain thing than it is sin to allow it v. 22, 23 3. We must be considerate of our brothers and sisters, since we have a responsibility for their spiritual well being. V15 4. We should be willing to give up certain things rather than stumble our brother. We are reminded that such actions destroy "the work of God" A searching question we can ask ourselves "What would Jesus do? What would Jesus think of this? Does my action bring glory to God? Guitar, God did not give us a list of rules to follow, but rather he has given us divine life and he wants us to learn by experience how we may become more like Jesus and serve him until he comes. If we had a list of rules, we would end up with legalism which is sin. A few things to think about Robert |
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33 | What's the "seed" that keeps u from sin? | 1 John 3:9 | Robert Nicholson | 69697 | ||
rebxar: A person who "is born of God" has been made a new creature in Christ. Christ dwells in us by his Spirit giving us new desires and the power to overcome sin. I believe that "His seed" refers to the Spirit of God dwelling within our hearts which will guide us, which convict us, who will teach us what God desires of his children. Romans 6:17 to 18 teaches that "we were the slaves of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered unto you" In other words the Gospel of Christ. In Christ we are "made free from sin, you have become servants of righteousness. We have a new master. We who were slaves to sin are now made saints in Christ. However, we know that until Christ comes we will contend with the old nature which is reckoned to be dead and as such we will sin. However sin should be the accident and will not be habitually practised if we allow the Spirit of God to speak to our hearts and guide our lives. Peace in his Name. |
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34 | wll everyone hear abt jesus before death | Rom 2:13 | Robert Nicholson | 69692 | ||
Bocfloyd Greetings: I would like to cover a few verses which make it clear about the human heart and the way to heaven. The Lord Jesus told his disciples "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no man cometh to the Father, but by me" (John 14:6) Peter reinforces this "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, wherey we must be saved" (Acts 4:12) You raised the possibility of a "person who dies and his conscience and heart is not evil" Again God declares "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9) In Romans 3:10 we read "There is none righteous no not one" and in V. 23 "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Our heart in its natural condition has nothing about it or in it that would merit favor with God. Our sin has separated us from God. Our deceitful heart would try and tell us that we can be saved by own own efforts or our own inner goodness, which is a lie which if we believe it will damn us for eternity. One thing I love about the Lord Jesus was how clear and plain he presented eternal trues. He is the only way and the only name under heaven whereby we must be saved. It is important that this message is spread far and wide with the knowledge that God by his Spirit would bring lost sinners to himself. According to the Lord Jesus Christ there are no alternative ways to be made right before God. Doing the best I can or even if I were to offer my life in religious endeavors, or perhaps spend all the I have on the poor, however, If I know not Christ as Savior all is in vain. God cannot overlook sin and can only offer complete forgiveness to those who will place complete faith in the finished work of Christ. What we sometimes find hard to comprehend is that God does not owe us anything. We as creatures of his creation have no right to question his righteousness from a human perspective. We can only rejoice that by his grace he provided a way of salvation through his son and that by his Spirit he is drawing lost sinners to saving faith in the work of Christ. God bless you Robert |
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35 | what if we don't do the if | John 5:24 | Robert Nicholson | 69530 | ||
Christian 7 I would like to look at Romans 13. I believe that some of our problems with interpretation of scripture is that at times we attempt to make meaning of verses in isolation. It is only within context, moving from the narrow to the wide do we see how these verse fit into God's word. In Romans 13:1 Paul asks "Hath God cast away his people? He is looking at his people nationally not as individuals. In v. 2 he reminds them "God has not cast away his people..." However, from v. 3 until v. 11 he explains that as a nation they have been set aside or broken off because of unbelief v. 20 In v.12 we find that by the fall of Israel "that salvation is come to the Gentiles"v.12 The warnings from v 12 to 24 are aimed at the Gentile nations. They are warned not to be proud v. 18 and if as a nation they fall into unbelief v. 20 they too will be broken off. V.22 "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God:" It is God's perogative to show mercy to whom he will show mercy. This chapter is dealing with God's dealings nationally with Israel and the Gentiles rather than with individual testimony. I believe that we can rest on the promises of God and the Words of our Lord Jesus Christ that he gives unto us eternal life and they will never perish. We must remember that the gift of eternal life which we receive is ours with no strings attached. The idea that a person who belongs to Christ would wish to give back this free gift is ludicrous beyond comprehension. I will look at your (ifs) sometimes we are dealing with the if of argument which means "since" although not in all places. Peace in his Name Robert |
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36 | Is divorce ever God's will? | Gen 2:24 | Robert Nicholson | 69488 | ||
Saint John: In Genesis 2:24 I believe we have a creational truth for all humankind: "for this cause shall a young man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall be one flesh" In other words, it would appear that God intended this relationship between a man and woman to be for life. In fact we are given more light in the New Testament as to the symbolic significance of the truth of the marriage relationship in Ephesians 5: 31,32 in which the words of Genesis 2:24 are repeated and Paul speaks of this relationship as a mystery, "This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church." The permanent relationship between a man and wife is a picture of the relationship which the church has with Christ, we know that this relationship is eternal. The Lord Jesus Christ in Matt. 19:8 in answering the Pharisees tells them "He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so." In addition, the Lord Jesus gives another principle in Matt. 19:6 "...what God hath joined togehter, let not man put asunder." In verse 9 of the same chapter we are reminded " I say unto you whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication (uncleaness), and shall marry another committeth adultry: and who marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery." There two principles thus far: a) From the beginning it was not so, it was not God's intention for divorce. b) The Lord Jesus emphaticallly pronounces "What God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." I believe this is all relationships "which God hath joined together" whether the people involved are christians or not. What about divorce as seen in Leviticus? a) It was allowed in certain circumstances because "of the hardness of their hearts" b) The second part where Jesus seems to summarize the question in Matt. 11:9, this verse is often used to support the purposed "innocent party" theory. The word "fornication" used in Matt. refers to uncleanness as found in Leviticus and does not mean adultery. Why? If a woman were proven to be an adultress under the law her punishment was death, not divorce. Thus the meaning of uncleaness must mean something else. In John 8:11 we are given an account of a women caught in adultry and brought before Jesus. We read thses wonderful words which give us a contrast between law and grace: "And Jesus said unto her, neither do I condemn you: go and sin no more." The key thought here is that we can be forgiven, we can be made new creatures in Christ, but we are expected to turn away from our old way of life. I believe that we need to look carefully at "what God hath joined together" Are there relationships which God has not joined together which are unclean and would thus allow divorce to set things right? Peace in his Name Robert |
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37 | Are christians sinners or not? | Rom 3:23 | Robert Nicholson | 69267 | ||
Greetings: When we are saved our sins are forgiven. However, we forget at times that God's view is eternal. The work of Christ has cleared us from all guilt forever Romans 5:1 On the other hand we read these wonderful words written by Paul, "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." (1 Timothy 1:15) Paul has written much about the daily warfare within the christian. Although, we have been freed from the power of sin, we still have the old nature which we must put in the place of death daily. That is what is wonderful about God's salvation. In ourselves we will never be righteous. However, when we trusted Christ our sins were forgiven and we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ. (2 Cor. 5:21) "If we say we have no sin...the truth is not in us" 1 John 1:8 Robert |
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38 | to learn the truth | Rev 21:1 | Robert Nicholson | 69087 | ||
Greetings FYTRobert: We know that this old earth and the heavens above which I believe does not include the 3rd heaven the abode of God will be destroyed. However, in Rev. 21:1 we read this prophecy: "...I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away..." The seer endeavors to use human language to describe this eternal state. As in all eternal matters human language cannot describe the beauties or the glory of what God has prepared for those who are his. I believe that the safety of angels and old testament saints and the redeemed of all ages we have to leave with God, since we know that they will share this eternal abode with him forever. When we think of heaven as you have pointed out we see it as a beautiful and holy place. It is interesting that the Bible does not really promise to go to heaven, but promises us that we will be "present with the Lord" We will be with him where he is. As this terrible judgment comes upon this ungodly world, those who belong to Christ will be safe in his presence. God is so awesome that in our finite reasoning we cannot comprehend the greatness of his person or his ways. In Christ Robert |
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39 | In Heaven you will not know things of th | Rev 21:4 | Robert Nicholson | 69083 | ||
Greetins Bobbette Cook: If I understand your post correctly you are asking "Do our loved ones who are now in the glory remember earth and the loved ones they have left behind?" I believe that God would have us remember those who have gone before. We read "The memory of the just is blessed..."(Proverbs 10:7) In the scriptures the memory of those who died in faith as found in Hebrews 11 are of great example and inspiration for us. Likewise, the memories which we have with a loved one in Christ, can sustain us and cause us to give glory to God for his love to us. In 2 Cor. 5:8 we read that the person who knows Christ when they die, they will be absent from the body and present with the Lord. I believe the word "present" has the sense of conscious presence with the Saviour. In Luke 16:19-31 the Lord Jesus gives us a glimpse into eternity for two men. The man who was lost definitely had a memory and was worried about his 5 brothers. On the other hand, the man who died right with God was comforted. In Rev. 5:9-10 we read of the song of the redeemed: "They sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book and open the seals thereof; for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue, and people and nation; And hast made us unto God kings and priests..." In this song I believe that when we are with Christ that we will appreciate what he has done for us and will praise him for eternity. However, our focus will be on him and there will be no place for regret or sorrow. When I think of the many loved ones who have crossed to the other shore, I take great comfort in these words "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." (1 Cor. 2:9) There is so much which God has chosen not to reveal to us at this time, but we rest in him by faith knowing that he doeth all things well. God bless you Robert |
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40 | Y was John the Baptist not named Elijah? | Luke 1:63 | Robert Nicholson | 69016 | ||
Dr. X: It would appear that both Elizabeth and Zechariah were given special insight from the Lord regarding the name of their child. God by his Spirit is careful in naming people. John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from his birth. As you have mentioned he is a chosen vessel to announce the coming of the Christ. I do not believe that John the Baptist is a reincarnation of Elijah as some would purpose. John is the fulfilment of Isaiah 40:3 "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord and make his paths straight" (Matt. 3:3) John who came in the Spirit of Elijah is the last of the old testament prophets as prophecied in Mal. 4: 4-6. Jesus statement that "this is Elijah is referring that John brings the ministry fulfilled by Mal. John in John 1:21 makes it clear that he is not Elijah and simply told the people that he is the fulfilment of Isaiah Isaiah 40:3. John is very similar to Elijah, he lived in the wilderness, preached a message of repentance. His life style and dress dramatized the urgency of his message, that the nation must repent in view of the coming Christ. I believe it was God's will that John be named John because he was not Elijah. The name John, "Iwavnnhß" is transliterated "Ioannes" and is defined as:"Jehovah is a gracious giver" Robert |
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