Results 21 - 40 of 495
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Results from: Notes Author: Aixen7z4 Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
21 | Where do I find Paul's death in Rome? | Bible general Archive 2 | Aixen7z4 | 100643 | ||
It is the best of callings. It is the worst of callings. The best times are the ones in which one can combine the two. The worst times are the ones when neither one is appreciated. Often, when I am with other psychologists, they think that I am a preacher masquerading as one of them. Sometimes, when I am with Christians, they think that I am too much of a psychologist and not enough a person of faith. One can come to think that psychology is the most fascinating subject there can possibly be, because it is the science of human behavior. It is the realm we get into when we want to understand why human beings do what they do. It is even more interesting, if you can accept it, when one tries to explain why Christians behave the way they do. Those who are not psychologists say it is impossible. Those who are say it is the most fascinating, challenging, and rewarding field of study. If I give a lecture on The Positive Uses of Stress, I think I am doing something useful. If I preach a sermon on Reconciliation to God, I feel it is the very best way to spend my life. If I speak to a group on What Happened to the Soul at the New Birth, I feel that life could not be better. The hard part is when both parts are rejected. The best part is when they both are. But actually, the best times are the times when one can know he is doing the will of God. It is wonderful to be able to help another human being to establish a personal relationship with God or to adjust their behavior, to actually do God’s will. It is wonderful to meet with others who seek his face, and worship him. But actually, the best times are the times when one is alone with God. He is the one who deserves attention, and honor, and praise. |
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22 | Searching for thr truth | Bible general Archive 2 | Aixen7z4 | 100746 | ||
Dear John: I think Robert misspoke a little bit. He did not mean to say that keeping those two commandments would get us into heaven. Did you Robert? Let's agree that we could not keep the commandments, no matter how God broke them down and spelled them out for us. So Jesus came and died and paid for our sins. We repented and trusted in him, so we are saved. We are on our way to heaven. Now, what happens after that? The love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts. We are able to love God. We are able to love our brothers. Let us do it, not in order to be saved, but because we are saved. Let us love him because he first loved us. And beloved, let us love one another. We can do it. It is a little child who needs to be told, "Don't hit your brother", "Don't push", "Hold his hand". A mature person hears "Love one another" and that's enough. Now, a mature brother has immature brothers and that makes the job harder. But we can do it. |
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23 | Searching for thr truth | Bible general Archive 2 | Aixen7z4 | 100749 | ||
I agree. Let us put the emphasis on Jesus. Let us give him all the credit. Without him we are nothing. Without him we can do nothing. It is God who works in us both to will and to do his pleasure. God is doing his part. Let us do our part. And to him be all the glory. | ||||||
24 | What is an Apostle? | Bible general Archive 2 | Aixen7z4 | 101967 | ||
Brother Tim: Well done. A more perfect answer I can hardly imagine. There were twelve apostles (Apostles, if you will) chosen by Jesus. These are "the twelve". There were other apostles, sent out by the church. I hope I do not spoil things by stating the belief that there are still twelve Apostles, since Judas by transgression fell and was replaced by Paul. Men today can call themselves apostles or missionaries or whatever they will, as they are sent out by the church. But they are not like the original twelve, and they are no substitute for them. | ||||||
25 | Then it's all settled? | Bible general Archive 2 | Aixen7z4 | 102799 | ||
I see that it is hard for you to stop doing something you enjoy. I want to encourage you by saying, "You can do it". You're almost there. Because I have no presupposition, refusing to be indoctrinated, refraining from reading all those extra-Biblical books, I understand that Acts 11:18 says the privilege of repentance has been granted to the Gentiles, period, just like it says. I assume, while reading there, that privilege had been given to the Jews before that, and indeed I find that the history of their relationship with God is replete with his pleas to them to turn, and his offer that he would help them to turn, and that he would receive them. Now that the Gentiles are included, everyone's included? “Why does (his opening up the opportunity) not lead them to the truth?”, you ask. I reply that it has. Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. They are without excuse. They knew God, (but) they glorified him not as God. They are without excuse. Not all Gentiles are repentant. Not all Jews are repentant. That’s where their responsibility comes in. I think it was John Reformed who recently said, ‘The two lines are 'The soveriegty of God" and "The responsibility of man". Both exist simultaneously.’ The possibility and the privilege of repentance has been opened to Jews and Gentiles. Now they should act responsibly and take advantage of it. Let us encourage them to do that. I think we can leave it there. You have confessed to finding enjoyment in debating. If I may, I’d like to suggest that you repent of it. There is pleasure in sin, but sin can be forsaken anyway. (Take Moses as an example. See Hebrews 11:25). If you have doubts as to whether debating is a sin, then see Paul’s instruction to Timothy (2:24) “The servant of the Lord must not strive”. You know that. You recently quoted the verse that follows. Though I have undertaken to answer your question, let this not be taken as part of the great debate. I think there is nothing to defend here, except it be something that a sect has said. Sectarianism, as you know, is wrong (1 Corinthians 1:10). Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. |
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26 | Are we supposed to observe the Sabbath? | Bible general Archive 2 | Aixen7z4 | 103443 | ||
Kathy, Kathy: You should know that there is someone standing by and listening to this madness and wanting to help. But what's to be done? This is a forum where they refuse to assign moderators. So anyone is free to attack anyone even when, as here, it makes no sense at all. And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth. Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And the Lord saith, Kathy, Kathy, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Be strong, my sister. Do not go away. I imagine you must be bewildered by the way this conversation has gone. But let it be. Take a deep breath. Take a time out and come back strong. That is the way it is, that the best people with the best intentions and the greatest contributions tend to leave. Please don't let it happen to you. Show us that his grace is sufficient. I know that you believe it. ---------------------------------------------- Searcher, I think you can review this thread and find that something was lost in the communication. Your sister is not against Scripture and she is not against Christ. “jOye; de; sabbavtwn, ... Schabbath … Sabbath”. Say what you will. These words do not impress and they do not edify. They do not teach, and they do not comfort anyone. I hope we do not feel a need to squabble over these latter words. A strife over words does not profit. I charge you therefore, before the Lord, that you strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. It does not profit, and as you see, it may puzzle and discourage. I am confident that this post is not as good as it might be, not strong enough, I am afraid, to be persuasive. It may itself be subject to attack. But I would beseech you instead to be kind. Try to understand what the person is trying to contribute. Try to appreciate that a person may make a mistake without evil intent. It may be difficult even to assign blame when one person quotes another. It may be wise to exercise patience and to try to discern and to see the essential point, and the good in what is said, rather than to take the slim chance to point out a mistake. As James would say, “swift to hear, slow to speak”. On this forum all the folks are free to talk. I hope they also take the chance to listen. |
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27 | Are we supposed to observe the Sabbath? | Bible general Archive 2 | Aixen7z4 | 103451 | ||
OK, this is painful to watch. Why hold a sister's feet to the fire till she defend a statement that did not even originate with her? I beseech these two that they be of the same mind in the Lord. Perhaps you can say that the author's reasons for making one day special are clear, but that those reasons may have in some cases been non-scriptural. That is par for the course in human commentaries. Perhaps we can take the wheat, leave the chaff, and move on. |
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28 | Are we supposed to observe the Sabbath? | Bible general Archive 2 | Aixen7z4 | 103453 | ||
"Trivializing" is one possibility. One can also read in the statements a sense of befuddlement and amazement, especially now that we know they presaged a decision to leave. The decision itself seems to justify that assessment. Laughing out loud can mean many things, and we should be discerning. But what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Only Kathy knows what she was feeling. I for one regret that she was made to feel uncomfortable, but I see I am not alone. We sensed the sweet spirit in our dear sister, and her love for the Lord. I trust she finds the strength to be back. Imagine this was church! |
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29 | Are we supposed to observe the Sabbath? | Bible general Archive 2 | Aixen7z4 | 103602 | ||
Dear Searcher: Please think with me. We are spending time here on things that do not matter; and in the process we are causing harm. Can you take a moment to think about it? We are discussing whether we should keep the Sabbath or not. Some say we should, and by the was the Sabbath is Saturday. Some say we should, but the Sabbath is Sunday. Some say we should take time every day to reflect and to worship the Lord. Some claim the freedom God has given us and we will use that freedom. We will not be dictated to by anyone. We believe that that would mean being entangled with the yoke of bondage again. So why does this discussion go on and on? In the meantime, in the discussion is a sister who believes, like most, that Sunday is the day to worship. She tries to justify that stance by quoting a brother who believes that way. The statement that the brother makes is weak and unconvincing. But now we hound the sister for having quoted him. The sister is confused and embarrassed and discouraged. She begs, “Please get off my back”. But we won’t. We hound her right off the forum. Now I know we may say, “No we didn’t”, “It’s her fault”, etc. But I say it’s because we do not stop to think what we are doing. You say, “she quoted ... and she didn't check if it was true”. For you, that means she is against Christ. Please. You say, “Attributing something to Him that is not true is a problem that I have”. If I may, I’d like to suggest that you do not mean to say, “Attributing something to Him that is not true is a problem that I have”. That may communicate that you are the one “attributing something to him that is not true”. Of course, that is not the case. You have a problem when you perceive that someone else is attributing something to Him that is not true. Your problem, in this case, is a problem we all have. It is the problem of expressing ourselves clearly. The Lord has left it this way, I think, to give us an opportunity to employ patience and love, and honor, giving the other person the benefit of any doubt. In other words, imagine she is not expressing herself clearly. Imagine she has not understood the person she is quoting. Imagine that she is using a useless premise to justify a correct action. That might be harder, but it is more loving than to assume that she is blaspheming and speaking against Christ. And language, language, language. Most of us have so much problem with the English language. We compound, I think, by bringing in the Hebrew and the Greek. “sabbavtwn means the end”. What does that mean? But you say, “sabbavtwn means the end is not correct”. Meanwhile, most of us have no idea what you are talking about. You may say we should go learn Greek, but listening to all of this, we are not convinced that it would help. Take this thing about passive tense. Someone wants to tell us that “They are gathered” means something different from “They have gathered”. Does that mean that “They have gone” is also different from “They are gone”? We need not try to adorn this presentation of language facts with any robe of piety or religiosity. These disputations over words are not productive. There is a negative side, however. They are causing some of our brothers and sisters to stumble. Once again 2Timothy 2:14. I (No, Paul. No, the Lord does) remind believers about these things, and warn them in the sight of God not to quarrel over words. Quarreling doesn't do any good but only destroys those who are listening. So I say, “Enough already”. I think it is not good English, but I hope it communicates. Let us not judge one another. Let us not put an occasion of stumbling before one another. Specifically, in this case, I think you should apologize to Kathy for judging her and for expressing that she is against Christ, that she was proclaiming another gospel, etc. Was the gospel even in question here? To say, “… you are against Christ …”! O, how that must have hurt! About that, I am guessing. Kathy is not talking any more, and only she knows for sure. There is not doubt, however, about the reason for her leaving. She stated it. We could say we know her heart better than she does, that the real reason … But I say, “Enough already”. Leave people alone. Let them worship God whenever they will. Aren’t you glad they are worshipping God? You may not agree that they are. But the word says, “He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord”. The sister is worshipping the Lord on Sunday. It is probably the same for you. So what is the cause to offend her? The words she used to justify it? “Don't say anything that would hurt another person. Instead, speak only what is good so that you can give help wherever it is needed. That way, what you say will help those who hear you” (Ephesians 4:29). I trust that this post does that. |
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30 | why should i bring people | Bible general Archive 2 | Aixen7z4 | 104367 | ||
Kalos, Makarios, Tim: Might this be a case to be handled a little more gently? I get the impression this is a person who has just begun to attend a meeting. They seem to have asked him to bear a burden he is not able to bear. So he comes here for help. Can we help him? We may want to do more than to point out his duty, I think, for in so doing we may also be highlighting his inability to meet it. I am impressed that among Christians it is very easy to tell someone what he ought to do. It is more difficult, but necessary, to help them to do it. This person has apparently had experiences that taught him that other people do not care. Likely, he has had little experience with people caring for him. He asks, “why should i care about others, when they never cared for me ever!” Brothers, it is my impression that this person needs someone to care for him now. And maybe the Lord has led him to you. I suggest that you care for him, and make him feel cared for, instead of pointing out a dozen things for him to do. May God guide us. We do not know if this person is even saved? But he is seeking the Lord’s will. He attended a meeting. He is asking a question. He is revealing something of his past which shows a need. We give him passages to read and we don’t know of his reading capacity. And may I suggest that writing reflects reading? I know that you are trying to help this brother. I am only suggesting that you use a lighter touch. I am suggesting that our friend may not be ready for words such as “Be perfect", and "unwholesome talk” and “selfish ambition” and “vain conceit”. Perhaps we need to begin at a more elementary level. Remember what Paul said to the weak ones: “I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified“. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. And may the Lord give you wisdom in responding. |
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31 | why should i bring people | Bible general Archive 2 | Aixen7z4 | 104371 | ||
Mikeness, Hank, Kalos: I have a thought. Might this be a case to be handled a little more gently? Put yourself in this person's situation. I get the impression this is a person who has just begun to attend a meeting. They seem to have asked him to bear a burden he is not able to bear. So he comes here for help. Can we help him? We may want to do more than to point out his duty, I think, for in so doing we may also be highlighting his inability to meet it. I am impressed that among Christians it is very easy to tell someone what he ought to do. It is more difficult, but necessary, to help them to do it. This person has apparently had experiences that taught him that other people do not care. Likely, he has had little experience with people caring for him. He asks, “why should i care about others, when they never cared for me ever!” Brothers, it is my impression that this person needs someone to care for him now. And maybe the Lord has led him to you. I suggest that you care for him, and make him feel cared for, instead of pointing out a dozen things for him to do. May God guide us. We do not know if this person is even saved? But he is seeking the Lord’s will. He attended a meeting. He is asking a question. He is revealing something of his past which shows a need. We give him passages to read and we don’t know of his reading capacity. And may I suggest that writing reflects reading? I know that you are trying to help this brother. I am only suggesting that you use a lighter touch. I am suggesting that our friend may not be ready for words such as “Be perfect", and "unwholesome talk” and “selfish ambition” and “vain conceit”. Perhaps we need to begin at a more elementary level. Remember what Paul said to the weak ones: “I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified“. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. And may the Lord give you wisdom in responding. |
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32 | What is it, about Jehovah's Witnesses? | Bible general Archive 2 | Aixen7z4 | 104375 | ||
I suspect, Brother Scribe, that some regulars on this forum have learned whose answers they can trust. They may not be looking for theologians but for people who have demonstrated a knowledge of the Bible. I hope so. I have to believe that people look for these names to find answers, because each of these threads can be very long. It would take a long time to read through one and a longer time and something else to separate truth from error. I doubt that people read through a whole thread looking for answers or before providing their own. I do not doubt that some cult adherents come here with an intention to teach or to convert someone to their group or to their way of thinking. It is against the Forum's rules, I know. And yet, I hope that someone would be able to give a direct answer that might redirect the questioner. When Nicodemus came to Jesus, the Lord did not ask, “Are you a Pharisee? Yes or No”. He gave him the truth, and I would hope that we could do so here without getting into a debate with a cultist. I suggest that the one who is wise enough to recognize the cultist should also arm himself with an appropriate answer. |
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33 | why should i bring people | Bible general Archive 2 | Aixen7z4 | 104403 | ||
All these men are really good brothers. They may go above your head sometimes because they know the Bible through and through. And sometimes they don’t take too much time to explain. But if you ask a question, they will answer. Try to explain what you mean. Like if you are reading something and can’t understand it, tell us what part of the Bible you’re reading. You will sure find some answers here. Talking about the Holy Spirit! They will tell you that he Holy Spirit never really leaves you. He is always there. But sometimes he fills you up, and then you feel the joy and the power. One of the other things he does in just to lead you, day by day, and that is what happened with that men's meeting. The Holy Spirit just led you there. So enjoy it. And share with us what's happening. And if you have any questions, just ask them. That's what this forum is for. It's like another meeting place. So welcome Brother Buddy. If you want to tell the guys in the men’s group about the forum, tell them. We are just some more Christian friends. By the way, if anybody treats you badly here, just hang in there. Some of the guys can be rough, but they’re nice people, just like in church. Good to have you. Hang in there. And God bless you, man. |
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34 | Are your answers authoritative? | Bible general Archive 2 | Aixen7z4 | 104784 | ||
Isn't interesting, though, that the site is not very popular. It does not generate nearly as much traffic. Would you say that people are more interested in expressing their views than in listening? And yet, people can ask questions there. The answers are reviewed by a committee to be sure that they are scriptural and trustworthy. They may even be edited. Anyone can ask a question, but even that may be edited for clarity. Those who are willing to go through that process monitoring in order to maintain the quality of the information, they are invited to write. So why don’t you try it? My apologies to those who resent this type of “advertisement”. Perhaps we can start a discussion as to whether this idea of “sharing” is appropriate. |
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35 | why are some christian people cruel | Bible general Archive 2 | Aixen7z4 | 124142 | ||
I fear that an answer like that will encourage acceptance of all types of behavior and discourage the person who is seeking Christ or still a babe in the faith. We ought to say, I think, that a characteristic such as cruelty does not belong in the life of a believer. Cruelty may be typical of some sinners, but even sinners have a sense that it is wrong, and many sinners are kind, not cruel. But what if every unsaved person was cruel? Paul says (Ephesians 4) that we should not be content to live like sinners; “that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk … that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, … and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted …". Many of us were cruel before we got saved but, even if we are still sinners, we are taught to give it up. “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived,… living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, … he saved us … that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men (Titus 3). I do not know if the person asking the question is a Christian. But it is clear that they are puzzled and disappointed by seeing cruelty in the life of a professing Christian. But they have a right to expect something different. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2). I know that Emmaus is a good man, and I think he might like to reconsider his answer. |
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36 | Can Satin read our minds?Chaser. | Bible general Archive 2 | Aixen7z4 | 138640 | ||
You seem to have good intelligence and good study skills. You also seem to have the ability to do critical analysis. So you should be able to figure out all of this by yourself. I commend you for recognizing that the Bible does not focus extensively on the person and work of Satan. You should also be commended for the insight that his influence in the Old Testament is pointed out and explained in the New Testament. With that, I am confident that you are able to do some searching and that by so doing you will be able to answer your own question. When it is all done, I trust you will be able to recognize and resist his influence. |
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37 | How many times is love in the bible. | Bible general Archive 2 | Aixen7z4 | 150204 | ||
I like your point, if I understand it. I like it a lot. I am amazed, and sometimes amused, at our love for words, as distinct from ideas, and at our focus on words, for words have no meaning except in context. “How many times is love in the Bible?”, the person asks, and I wonder. Is that person interested in a word count, or do they want to know to what extent the Bible deals with love; love for God, love for one another, how to recognize love or give love, for example. I wonder how many times the word “love” is preceded directly, or followed, by the word “not”. But the idea that we can love the uppermost seats with an agape love is stunning. Let us how it shocks us into looking at words, not myopically, or under a microscope, but in context. |
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38 | What is the best version of the Bible? | Bible general Archive 1 | Aixen7z4 | 42138 | ||
The best version of the Bible is ... all of them (1 Cor 3:21). Bible translators try to balance accuracy with readability and this balance is difficult to achieve. Young's Literal Translation tries to live up to it's name but is so awkward it has not been updated. The NASB has a reputation for accuracy. The New Living Translation is the choice for readability and is fairly accurate. The Amplified Bible tries to leave no stone unturned, and gives shades of meaning. Thank God for Web sites which make many versions available. This writer says, use them all. It is perhaps by combining them that you will arrive at the best sense of the word. You may arrive at a favorite, but you should keep the others around for reference. | ||||||
39 | A different translation...HELP | Bible general Archive 1 | Aixen7z4 | 89828 | ||
It is strange that the above article does not even mention the New Living Translation of the Bible which has been available to us since 1996. It is the best translation I have found, combining the accuracy, elegance and readability that the author of that article suggests should be there. He suggests that every Christian should own several Bibles. For those who cannot affort it, I suggest the New Living Translation. | ||||||
40 | When did the catholic church go wrong? | Bible general Archive 1 | Aixen7z4 | 115077 | ||
My Dear Brother: I do not have a question, or I would have asked it. Nor am I able to answer the three you asked. I will let my post stand as is. |
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