Results 21 - 40 of 277
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Results from: Answers On or After: Thu 12/31/70 Author: charis Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
21 | What are the Kingdoms | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 4983 | ||
Dear Car 14, where am I?, What a name! Does this have anything to do with "Car 54, where are you?" There is only one kingdom in reference to our God. Since our God is the Lord of all, His kingdom would include everything. Our little place here on Earth is just a small part of His realm. It only makes sense that His authority reigns over Hell, too. Though many have tried to clearly differentiate between the ways to say kingdom, they invariably end up more complicated than need be. "Kingdom- a realm or region in which something is dominant. An area or sphere in which one holds a preeminent position." Websters Blessings to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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22 | How did evil arise? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 5392 | ||
Dear Cephas, Lucifer (Satan) is the first being to manifest evil recorded in the Bible. He is the 'origin' of evil. He did not 'create' it, he simply allowed his 'self' to come before God. Rather than glorify the creator, he glorified the created thing (himself) and initiated the maelstrom of evil. Please, do not say that God allowed it, so God made it! Because if you say this, then you have determined to make God into a yin-yang God, leading only to mysticism and the absolution of man. This is dangerous, and mocks our Lord and Savior. Please accept that God is absolutely good, and evil came only from the 'evil one.' If you are going to continue, please tell us what your purpose is, your ulterior motive? Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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23 | Is whate'er my God ordains right? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 5422 | ||
Dear Lionstrong, Sir or Ma'am, the first two questions are Yes and Yes. The third question makes me question your faith in God. The fourth question is nigh blasphemy. Even if I give you all the benefit of the doubt and say you are playing the devil's advocate, why are you questioning the unquestionable? Any proclamation of faith in God through Christ Jesus should answer these questions without subjecting us to them. Please refrain. In Jesus' name, charis |
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24 | What about Ex. 4:11 does that apply? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 5634 | ||
Dear EdB, I have looked at Exodus 4:11, and concluded that it does not change my answer. One reason would be that the context could easily mean simply that God allows us to see, hear, and speak in accord with His will, regardless of the functionality of these physical organs. Then, of course, there is the literal understanding of this passage meaning that God makes us physically handicapped. I either case, I submit to the sovereignty of God, saying that He is good. His purposes are never evil. He is incapable of evil, even in the perspective of our own selfish viewpoint. I have a minor physical handicap, the result of an accident at a job site (I used to work as a carpenter). It hurt! It also impaired my ability to work in the exact manner that I had been. It also humbled me a great deal, especially in the area of physical prowess (I pray that the humility worked into my spirit, too :-) There was a tendency in my soul (emotions) to want to blame God, but I knew that He could hold no blame. I still believe that, absolutely. I can find no fruit in assigning any kind of evil to my Lord and Savior in the light of His overwhelming goodness. It would only make Him into a mystical puppeteer, creating us for amusement. This is unacceptable to my faith. Thank you for your question, as it encourages me in my trust in God. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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25 | Am I being censored? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 5652 | ||
Dear Cephas, No, you are not being censored. Only the Lockman Foundation could do that. You are being censured by your peers, as is acceptable in a public forum. Please, no 'weird' questions. The word means magical and connected with witchcraft. In a way, this is a 'cosy club for insiders,' as you suggest. We all know and trust in the Lord Jesus, and are 'inside' His grace. If a non-Christian were to visit this site, I would hope to show him trust in God, the lively fellowship of the saints, and wisdom and even wit. Not unedifying rhetoric, speculation about our God's motives, or stiff-necked argument. This is my prayer for this online forum. It would appear, my friend, that you have brought out the worst in some of the brethren, by questioning the foundations of faith in Christ Jesus, who is God. Peace upon you, in Jesus' name, charis |
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26 | Is infant baptism Biblical? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 5654 | ||
Dear Nolan Keck, You should seek to be baptized. There is no 're-baptism' if there is only one (water) baptism, as clearly stated in Ephesians 4:5. As you well, know, I am not a Conservative Mennonite, but their Anabaptist roots come from a restoration of truth to the church. Infant baptism was simply a method of insuring membership in a denomination of the church, a convenience. They believed that the church was salvation, not personal faith in Christ. Your faith is your faith, not your parent's faith any longer. Infant baptism is a 'christening' or naming ceremony, a prayer offered in hope that the child will grow up into Christ Jesus. Nothing more, and nothing less. I do not 'condemn' this practice, but do put it into Biblical perspective. I pray that you will make a holy decision based on the Spirit that indwells you, and the Bible that tells you, not on the traditions of your church. In Jesus' name, charis |
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27 | Babies in heaven when they die? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 5932 | ||
Dear Nolan, I can find no direct reference to babies and children going to heaven. Often, babies are referred to as 'cherubic.' As to the salvation of children, it becomes a bit sticky. First, children of the unsaved: Regarding children, unborn or born of the unsaved, there is little Scriptural indication that they are considered 'innocent.' In fact, the Word says we are "by nature children of wrath." There is the place where Jesus says, "Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." in Luke 18:16, but this Scripture is often quoted as speaking of believers, not literal children. Suggesting a dual-meaning could be dangerous. Verse 15 might mean the literal children of believers, while verse 17 leads us to a figurative meaning of believers in Christ, but neither seems to mean 'all' children. In the book-movie "Left Behind," all children, born and unborn, of saved and unsaved were 'raptured.' I find this hard to support Biblically. Please, I am not being unfeeling, judgmental, or proclaiming that children of the unsaved will go to Hell. I am just saying that the *assumption* that all children are innocent and all deserve to go to heaven is hard to back up. God will save whom He will save. Next, children of the saved: The main scripture that might give hope to parents is 1 Corinthians 7:14 "...but now they are holy." MacArthur writes: 'They would be unclean if both parents were unsaved, but the presence of one believing parent exposes the children to blessing and brings them protection. The presence of even one Christian parent will protect children from undue spiritual harm, and they will receive many blessings, and often that includes salvation.' My personal hope is that it guarantees salvation. If we try to say that children are saved through infant baptism, then the unborn or unbaptized would not be saved. (Note: not an argument against infant baptism, only against baptism required for salvation) It is my belief that if our children are saved, they will be in heaven. Finally, when are they no longer children? I do not believe there is a set age. My experience with kids suggest that they can really know Jesus (as compared to know about Jesus) between 12 and 15. (Please, people with 11 and younger children, don't jump on me! Every Christian parent wants their children to be personally saved earlier than that :-) But truly, children are children until they begin to shoulder the burdens and responsibilities of adult life. This would include marital, financial, parental, social, church fellowship, and spiritual burdens. Those who are 'in between' phases, are just that, and God is much more aware of their situation than anyone else. They are His. Trust God to do the right thing. "Let God be true...!" In Christ Jesus, charis |
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28 | Would you explain your action? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 6006 | ||
Dear EdB, I did not vote on this thread, but the idea behind voting was to have a way to point out a *remarkably* biased or controversial opinion. The leadership at Lockman can use this as a way to 'feel the pulse' of the participants. I think that many times it is not the content so much as the attitude that would bring one to *remark* on a posting. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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29 | What is the point of the flags? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 6047 | ||
Dear EdB, I guess the point is that Lockman has made available a means of expressing our feelings toward a thread of postings or an individual's opinions. After all, only one vote (per posting) was cast, and look at how easy it was to change the color with another vote :-) Some people are impervious to confrontation, some dread it. You and orthodoxy are still free to continue your thread, nobody is stopping you. We have been given the choice of replying or not, reading or not, and voting or not, none of which take away the privilege of others. Peace and blessings in Jesus' name, charis |
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30 | NAS like the NWT??? I HOPE NOT! | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 7110 | ||
Dear roverjbh99, Where did you see this chart? That sounds ridiculous! Please do not put your NASB down, as it is widely considered to be one of the most accurate English Bibles available. (In my opinion, THE most accurate) Could it be that the JWs or Mormons made this chart? You know da kine, eh? Aloha in Christ Jesus, charis |
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31 | Will we see God's face? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 7228 | ||
Dear JVH0212, I believe that we will see Him face to face one day! "...but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away... For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully just as I also have been fully known." 1 Corinthians 13:10-12 NASB. (I am aware that this may not be a direct reference to meeting our Lord, but one might want to capitalize 'Perfect' (Ray, take note!) in order to understand the things to come. Obviously, we have not experienced the 'perfect' anything, yet.) "Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is." 1 John 3:2 NASB. As Nolan pointed out, "No longer will we be 'imprisoned' by this body of sin that we dwell in, but Christ will be exalted!" In us! Amen! In Jesus' name, charis |
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32 | Is Hollywood biblically accurate? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 7242 | ||
Dear Nolan, You actually asked two questions. 1) Is Hollywood faithful to the Bible? No. Generally speaking, Hollywood is more concerned with making money by satisfying the majority's perceived notions of the Bible, and not offending anyone, no matter how perverted they are, than being faithful to the teaching of the Word of God. 2) Is it possible to do so? Yes. There are a few Christian movies that place more emphasis on the convictions of faith than making money or a 'poll-approved' movie. Can 'Hollywood' do this? I seriously doubt it. The director and-or producer would be considered a renegade and 'heretic' for choosing faith over mammon. Finally, the definition of 'accurate' would be subject of the whims of many. This forum is (unfortunately) an excellent example of the division of opinion among Christians. You may like one of the above movies, but another may consider it an abomination. On your 'questionable' list, another might consider a movie 'valid artistic representation.' :-) Good question with a volatile answer. In Jesus' name, charis |
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33 | Bible quotes | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 7266 | ||
Dear Josh, Any reasonable Bible translation is acceptable for quotation here. Of course, we see a lot of NASB, but many others, including the KJV are represented. It seems the next most popular Bible to quote from (after the NASB) would be the MacArthur Study Bible in the NKJV. Other study Bibles we see are the Ryrie Study Bible and the Scofield Bible. There are several fans of the ASV, too. (I have an ASV arriving by courier day after tomorrow. My wife's friend is visiting us and bringing it :-) Oh, yes! The Amplified is another favorite, while the NIV and Living Bible don't seem to get much 'air time.' In Christ Jesus, charis |
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34 | Is Entire Sanctification Scriptural? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 7356 | ||
Dear Tim, I am not quite sure how you are defining the term 'entire sanctification,' but I'll give some of my thoughts and some of the references I've found. 'Entire Sanctification' proponents: "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 NKJV It was "the grand depositum which God has lodged with the people called Methodists; and for the sake of propagating this chiefly He appeared to have raised us up." John Wesley believed the doctrine of entire sanctification was Methodism's distinctive gift to Christianity. He called it "the great promise of God," Christian perfection, holiness of heart and life. On the other hand, Charles Finney's "Systematic Theology" speaks out against 'perfect holiness' in this life. He said that we could not live on earth in this state. My personal thoughts. The idea of 'entire sanctification,' 'perfect holiness,' ' attaining sainthood,' and 'walking in the perfect will of God' all speak of perfect goal, a holy pursuit of sinless life. However, we are told this is impossible with man. '...as it is written, "There is none righteous, not even one;"' Romans 3:10 NASB, and 'But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."' John 8:7 NASB. Only Jesus walked a blameless life on this earth. 'For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.' Hebrews 4:15 NASB. The Bible says that God sees us in our perfected state, because He knows the result of His holy plan. The Word of God exhorts us to seek perfection with all our being. Jesus spoke, "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:48 NASB. But I can find no record or reference in the Bible that says any man *attained* perfection. Honestly, it sounds more like a Buddhist search for earthly *enlightenment* than trusting God to perfect us in resurrection. I hope this helps, brother. (and I hope you are not a strict Methodist! :-) If so, I beg your pardon.) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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35 | Tithes and offerings designation | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 7518 | ||
Dear retxar, Basically speaking, the Old Testament pattern was for tithes to be used for the livelihood of the Levites, who did not have a portion in the Promised Land. Offerings were for the upkeep of the Temple. Though tithes and offerings are not specifically required by the Lord Jesus, I think they make more sense than the church just relying on 'good will' or a constant barrage of 'appeals' for money and 'special offerings.' The congregation has a right to know the overall financial situation, but not the details. (Unless, of course, there is evidence of misuse or abuse, then an accounting is appropriate) As to the designation of offerings: an offering is from your heart through the leading of the Holy Spirit. By definition, you should have some say in how it is used. However, the final decision should be in the hands of the eldership. God blesses a cheerful (trusting) giver. Make known your feelings about the offering, but don't usurp the leadership's authority. They are required by God to correctly discern the needs of the church. (If they are wrong, God will deal with it!) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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36 | Finding a Church? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 8177 | ||
Dear roverjbh99, I, too, am looking for a church in Hawaii. Not for me, but for my daughter, who will be going to college in the fall. You have received some good advice, most of which I agree. Indeed, pray! Pray that you would be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Pray in thanksgiving for where He has set you. Pray in belief that He has a local fellowship for you. I disagree that you must find a church near you. (I know that the advice was 'if possible') If you are on Oahu, you could travel 'to the ends of the earth' every Sunday in less than 2 hours :-) I find it appalling that some Christians chose convenience over God's choice. Go where you must to be in His will. You may even move your domicile to be close to the fellowship God has reserved for you. To me, church comes before work and career. A local church must have commitment to God and to one another, or it is not a church. A church without shepherding is not a church. Commitment and shepherding are NOT programs and staff! Sheepskins on the wall are not the mark of a shepherd (pun intended!). Find a local church that will both serve you in Christ, and have a place of service for you in Christ. Do not chose a church by their 'worship team.' Music can be had on the radio, and pageantry can be found on TV. Holy fellowship is ONLY available in the local church. Much too much emphasis is given these days to 'extracurricular activities.' God wants you in a church that preaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This would be new hope for the lost, and daily faith for the saved. A church must be evangelizing the neighborhood, and each member's family, including their own children. So many focus on just adding to the membership, or on a certain 'category' of potential people. True evangelism is to all you know and meet. Finally, my friend, trust the Lord. He wants you to be a 'living stone' in the dwelling place of His people. 'Living stones' are not raw materials, but active parts of the structure known as His church. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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37 | Will it be our generation? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 14778 | ||
Dear CDBJ, No, none of us will be truly ready in our own strength. But in Him we can do anything! The Spirit will give us what we need at the appropriate time. I don't think that dwelling on end-time prophecy will help much, but honestly looking at church history and the present-day reality is a start. Read "The New Foxe's Book of Martyrs' for a bit of (grisly) history of faith in persecution. This updated version is in readable language and has a section on more recent trials of the faithful all over the world. Indeed, those in 'major power' nations have a hard time understanding what it takes to profess Christ for a good portion of the 'rest of the world.' Preparation for serving Jesus starts 1)in our own home, establishing our ability to show forth the Christ within to those close to us. The next battle is 2)serving our local church. (and I don't mean Sunday attendance or the envelope on the offering plate! Wash someone else's dishes, change the diapers of other's children, bless the person in the next row in the name of Jesus!) When we (finally) get these two down pat, then 3)bring food to the bowery, help at the nursing home, volunteer for prison ministry, give your vacation to a foreign church (out of your own pocket!), and heed the calling of the Holy Spirit if He calls you to a less-comfortable venue. When you have performed 1 and 2, and are working on 3 for a while, you will be ready for any number 4 that Jesus gives you! Blessings in Jesus' name, charis |
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38 | How inspired is the NAS Bible today? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 15412 | ||
Dear Sir, I would tend to agree with you that the third perspective is closer to the truth. My reasoning actually goes a step further. The Holy Spirit continues to inspire the hearer (reader) to follow God's will. This would be His divine will for all men, with His church as the result, as well as each individual part, with their participation in His church. The Word of God is alive and active today, in the hearts of those who believe, and it is the unction of the Holy Spirit that causes the Word to be effective. "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 NASB Therefore, these so-called 'mistakes,' 'discrepencies' and even myriad translations (yes, even Ray's! :-)are of no (bad) consequence to the hearer of God's holy Word. Even if you become a scholar of the original languages of the Bible, if you do not have faith your study is for naught. Inspiration continues! Thank You, Lord! In Jesus' name, charis |
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39 | Did we witness a miracle this week? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 16675 | ||
Dear Brian, Backwards prognostication? :-) In Jesus, charis |
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40 | Where was God? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 16844 | ||
Dear prayon and saints, God was, and is, and shall always be completely in charge! He is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent, so none of this *surprised* Him or *got by Him.* Unbelievers can and do ask this question, because He is not where it matters, in their hearts. We cannot change the past, only repent and hope for today, and the future. Yes, this can be a lesson, but we cannot 'predict the future of the past.' Let's not 'whip ourselves,' but change. For those wh know Him, repentence is a gift from God, a chastening in love, a cleansing from sin. It is not an angry bludgeoning or wrathful punishment. May we become sensitive to His Word, and to His Spirit, and honestly look at His church, and we will be blessed. Blessings, my friends and colleagues, in Jesus' name, charis |
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