Results 21 - 40 of 169
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Results from: Notes Author: Aspiring Overseer Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
21 | The unpardonable sin? | Bible general Archive 2 | Aspiring Overseer | 102070 | ||
Radioman2, How do you mean? I would like your feedback. AO |
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22 | The unpardonable sin? | Bible general Archive 2 | Aspiring Overseer | 102071 | ||
Momma, I enjoy the forum and appreciate your viewpoint. Thank you for your gentle spirit. AO |
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23 | Is God subject to change? | Bible general Archive 2 | Aspiring Overseer | 102237 | ||
Gentlemen, Just a note on whether God is surprised by anything: Jer 19:3-5 4"Because they have forsaken Me and have made this an alien place and have burned sacrifices in it to other gods that neither they nor their forefathers nor the kings of Judah had ever known, and because they have filled this place with the blood of the innocent 5and have built the high places of Baal to burn their sons in the fire as burnt offerings to Baal, a thing which I never commanded or spoke of, nor did it ever enter My mind; NAS Some things God never conceived, because of the gross immorality involved. It “never entered (His) mind”. AO |
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24 | The unpardonable sin? | Bible general Archive 2 | Aspiring Overseer | 102238 | ||
Tim, In re-reading your post, I understand your belief that salvation is a past completed action and that this is instrumental to your faith. Your post stated, “Titus (3):4 - " But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life." Every action of God in this verse (is) in the tense of past completed action. We aren't being saved. We aren't hoping to be saved. We are saved, justified, and have already become heir of eternal life.” Consider this regarding your comments: Titus 3:7 states that we “might” become heirs having the “hope” of eternal life. These words are not definite, but conditional. Furthermore, we should continue reading this chapter: Titus 3:8 8This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. NAS Paul directs Christians to speak confidently of those things they have learned to encourage all Christians to WORK! Christians must be careful to engage in good deeds! We also must note that this concept of serving God is a process of “being saved”. 1 Cor 1:18 18For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. NAS As long as a Christian is working to do what God desires of him, he is saved. If he is lazy, he should expect no better treatment than what scripture affords the lazy slave in the parable of the talents. If you desire to explore this further I am at your service. AO |
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25 | Is God subject to change? | Bible general Archive 2 | Aspiring Overseer | 102269 | ||
Steve, I understand your interesting point of God being upset with His creation going so far astray from His will. Why would God choose to comment that these things never came to His mind? Would it not have been sufficient to merely say these were terrible sins? Yet, God specifically chose to go further. Could it be that God chooses not to know some things? AO |
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26 | Is God subject to change? | Bible general Archive 2 | Aspiring Overseer | 102281 | ||
By your questions are we to infer that you can know about something and not foresee it? AO |
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27 | Is God subject to change? | Bible general Archive 2 | Aspiring Overseer | 102282 | ||
Then, John, why did God say what He did in Jer 19:4-5? AO |
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28 | Is God subject to change? | Bible general Archive 2 | Aspiring Overseer | 102285 | ||
John, If only one Christian soul successfully entered heaven, would Christ's death been in vain? Of course not! Just because God created man with the ability to choose does not mean His plan is ever changing. God's plan is for all to be saved, but it is for man to uphold their end of the bargin. AO |
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29 | Is God subject to change? | Bible general Archive 2 | Aspiring Overseer | 102287 | ||
Radioman, I can not answer the question unless I understand what you perceive the difference to be in knowing all things and foreseeing all things. Is that not reasonable to ask? AO |
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30 | What is considered an Idol | Bible general Archive 2 | Aspiring Overseer | 140728 | ||
Tim, Your assertions do not simply square with reality. Simply argueing that God will consider the display of "WWJD" braclets and "Christian fish" as something different than "deeds to be noticed by men" (MT 23:5) is, at best, wishful thinking. AO |
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31 | What is considered an Idol | Bible general Archive 2 | Aspiring Overseer | 140754 | ||
Lionheart, I appreciate your intent in what you wrote. I think the following verses are key in Romans 14: Rom 14:16-20 16Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; 17for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19So then let us pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. NAS If all foods are acceptable for consumption, but a Christian brother has yet to reach that understanding, should the mature Christian eat those foods considered by the immature to be unclean? I would expect you would agree that the mature should not do something that will create a barrier between himself and a brother. Why then would the mature wear a symbol which might be considered a sin? Is this to demonstrate their love for their brother or flaunt their disregard? How does this foster God's command that we be of the same mind in spiritual matters? In the end, Chrisitians must know what is acceptable to God and act accordingly. We refrain from creating any stumbling block to others in Christ, because we serve the Lord, not ourselves. We are our brother's keeper, however, so act to turn the brother who sins back to God. AO |
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32 | Scriptural support? | Bible general Archive 2 | Aspiring Overseer | 140777 | ||
Kalos, The difference is THEY were commanded by God. AO |
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33 | What is considered an Idol | Bible general Archive 2 | Aspiring Overseer | 140802 | ||
Colin, If I understand you correctly, your question is whether it is a sin to visualize an image of a crucifix within your mind. My first reaction is, "Why would a person want to do this?". If the common method of execution during that time had been the electric chair, would we wish to visualize a chair? I understand that the significance of the cross is the symbol of Christ's death; mankind's only avenue to salvation; but the physical cross, itself, is nothing. Thus visualizing a cross within your mind, while lawful, may be less than profitable. AO |
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34 | need for a bible-anyone | Bible general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 50344 | ||
A few notes on faith. See He 10:37-38. The attribute of Faith is having complete trust, confidence, reliance and loyalty in God. Faith is shown by a person’s willful obedience to God’s law and is not the simple belief that God’s law exists without need of any future consideration. To have faith means you act upon your belief! We understand God’s word is truth and that we live under a New Covenant. What is our obligation under that covenant? Why is the Law of Faith one that calls for action rather than passivity? Why is faith in God always associated with work? What is Faith? - See He 11:1-2 –Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval... -Faith is the unquestioning belief that underlies a person’s response to a duty or obligation. Each of the many examples of Hebrews demonstrate how God’s people of the Old Covenant proved their trust in God. -“the men of old gained approval” through their righteous actions: -Abel offered a better sacrifice v. 4 -Enoch walked with God, because God found him “pleasing” (v. 5) -Noah built the ark (v. 7) What is belief? - Belief is defined by Webster’s’ New World dictionary as “to take as true”. To believe something as true does not automatically lead to action. JA 2:19 (….the demons also believe and shudder.) -Cain believed his sacrifice was as good as Abel’s, etc. What separates us from Demons? -Faith. Christians are called to be faithful to fulfill our obligation to God. See Col 1:1-29 Where does faith come from? -From hearing the word of God. See Ro10:17, but also above. Why is this important? -The world preaches, “all you must do is believe and you’ll be saved. No action is necessary. Work was required in the past, but no longer”. Numerous passages throughout the N.T., however, speak of the action God commands of a Christian as proof of their faith. -Rom 12:1-2 12:1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. NAS James 1:21-22 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. NAS (note: The remainder of these notes are continued on a second post due to space.) |
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35 | need for a bible-anyone | Bible general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 50345 | ||
A few notes on Faith. Part II: How do we know faith involves more than simple belief? 1) It is empirically true: From a person’s own experience and observation we know faith defines an absolute conviction where belief is passive. We believe the airplane is safe, but it is our faith in its airworthiness that allows us to fly from Seattle to NY, thus proving our belief. 2) By example, O.T. faith in God was proven by deeds. He 11:1-2 3) By N.T. command, Christians are called to action. -Ph2:12-15 (work out your salvation) - JA 2:14 (what use is it, my brethren, if a man says he has faith..) Why are Christians to be faithful? -Faithfulness equals obedience. See Jo14:21-24 -What is God’s law? Can it be found anywhere besides the N.T.? Scripture, or the Bible, is a reference manual for God’s people that teaches, and at the same time, demonstrates that only Christians will be saved! God’s word is truth (Jo 17:17) and all inclusive (i. e. there are no other routes to eternal life!) As our creator, he has made a covenant with us, or agreement. We must obey our part of the covenant if we are to expect our reward. What are the requirements of God’s Law? 1) Worship: Jo 4:23-24 (God is spirit) 2) Teach: MT 28:18-19 3) Furthering the love of brethren: Ro 14:19 (build up one another) 4) Support our families: 2Th 3:10 (if anyone will not work) Other items regarding faith: -We are protected by the power of God through faith for salvation. See 1 Pe 1:1-21 -Faithfulness is rewarded with greater responsibility for service and growth. See 1Ti 1:12-14 and Act 16:14. Lydia was a Christian (Baptized) and given the opportunity to provide shelter and food to Paul and Barnabas. -Everyone does not have the same degree of faith. See Ro 14:1-4. We each are growing at different rates, in respect to our level of faith. Our goal is not to judge one another in the degree of faith we have, but to encourage each other—especially not to hinder our growth (Ro 14:13). -Confidence is critical to faith. God hates cowards. To try and fail is a learning experience. To not try, because you fear failure, will result in spiritual death. He 10:38 -Faithfulness is ultimately rewarded with eternal life. See Rev 2:10-11 What we know: 1. Faith comes from being taught the mysteries of God. Ro 10:17 2. Christians are the stewards of the mysteries. 1Co 4:1 - Christ is the only head of the church. Ep1:22-23 - Christ’s kingdom, and thus rule, is occurring now. Co 1:13 3. We are to walk by faith, not sight. 2 Co 5:7 4. The love of God is synonymous with Obedience. Jo 14:21 5. We must prove we love Him. 2Tm 2:15 6. God’s Law requires us to do 4 things: Worship, Teach, Fellowship and support our own families. 7. If we do not obey God, we will be cut off from the tree of life. Jo 15:6 8. If we obey God, He will provide us with everything we need. 2Co9:8-9 For all who seek to do God's will, keep praying for guidance and God will be faithful. |
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36 | need for a bible-anyone | Bible general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 50356 | ||
Some more thoughts on Salvation: Who was Paul writing to in Ephesians 2? Was he not instructing the Gentiles that while prior to Jesus dying on the cross they had no hope for salvation, but now, through no effort of their own, God had (has) given them the opportunity? Like a father giving their child a car, that child may not have deserved a car, however, they received one without having to pay a penny for it. The problem, however, exists that for the child to benefit from that gift they must maintain it, buy gas for it, purchase insurance, etc. Without the child's continuing efforts, their ability to receive any benefit from that car ceases to exist. So to with salvation. |
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37 | need for a bible-anyone | Bible general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 50525 | ||
If I were a betting man (although I am not) I would place my vote with the man who loved God and was not lax in obeying His commands. He will make it to paradise whether you are correct or not. Pray with a sincere and open heart, Hank, and God will send you someone to show you a more excellent way. |
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38 | need for a bible-anyone | Bible general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 50545 | ||
Is anything impossible with God? | ||||||
39 | need for a bible-anyone | Bible general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 50550 | ||
A few more thoughts on salvation: Heb 2:1 2:1For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. NAS We frequently hear that salvation is a free gift and there is nothing a person can do once he is saved to lose that salvation. That once a person accepts this gift he is saved from hell; will receive the Holy Spirit and will be sealed for eternity. This sealing in the religious world’s mind is something akin to freeze-drying food; once it is complete, that food will last forever! However, we know, Satan has deluded people to believe various ideas which are really subtle twistings of the truth. First, that no one can fully understand the Bible while they live, because it is too complicated and because mankind will only know all of God’s plan after they have died. Thus all we have today are people’s opinions. Secondly, even though we have hundreds of different religions, they all believe in a God and that God is most likely, God Most High, just named by different, inconsequential names. Thus it really doesn’t matter what religion you are, as long as, you are a "good" person. Thirdly, no work, or even more mildly, any effort is needed to obtain or maintain a person’s salvation once they have believed that Jesus died for their sins. "It is a free gift!" Fourth, the Bible is written for all mankind, Christian and non-Christian, alike. What does God say about this? First of all, what is salvation? SALVATION 1. soteria NT:4991 denotes "deliverance, preservation, salvation." "Salvation" is used in the NT (a) of material and temporal deliverance from danger and apprehension, and (b) of the spiritual and eternal deliverance granted immediately by God to those who accept (obey) His conditions of repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus, in whom alone it is to be obtained, (from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright (c)1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers) How do we obtain salvation? 5 STEPS OF CONVERSION 1. LISTEN Romans 10:17,18- Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ (to the word of God) Revelations 3:20- Jesus is standing at the door and knocking- we who hear His voice and open the door are welcomed by Him. 1 John 4:6- Those who know God, listen to those from God; those who do not know God, do not listen. 2. BELIEVE John 3:16- Whoever believes SHOULD not perish. (That Jesus is the Son of God) John 3:36- He who believes in the Son has eternal life, he who does not OBEY shall not see life. Hebrews 11:6- Those who come to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. 3. REPENT Acts 17:30,31- God is declaring that men everywhere should repent… Acts 26:20- Performing deeds (works) appropriate to repentance. Romans 12:2- Do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Revelations 3:19- Jesus disciplines, therefore be zealous and repent. 4. CONFESS Matthew 10:32-He who confesses Jesus will be confessed by Jesus to God. (with mouth) Romans 10:8-10- If you confess Jesus as Lord you shall be saved. 1 John 1:9- If we confess our sins He forgives. 5. BAPTISE John 3:5- Unless one is born of water and spirit, he cannot enter God’s kingdom. (immersion) Romans 6:3,4- Baptism is symbolic of death and renewal in spiritual life. 1 Peter 3:21- Baptism now saves you / and appeal to God for a good conscience. Revelations 2:10- Be faithful until death. 6. We must not continue in Sin (Ro 6:2), but remain faithful until death (Rev 2:10) If we do not remain Faithful until death we will not be given the crown of life. See all of Rev 2:10 and furthermore: James 1:12 12Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. NAS LOVE (NOUN AND VERB) "Christian love has God for its primary object, and expresses itself first of all in implicit obedience to His commandments, John 14:15,21,23; 15:10; 1 John 2:5; 5:3; 2 John 6. Self-will, that is, self-pleasing, is the negation of love to God. "Christian love, whether exercised toward the brethren, or toward men generally, is not an impulse from the feelings, it does not always run with the natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself only upon those for whom some affinity is discovered. Love seeks the welfare of all, Rom 15:2, and works no ill to any, 13:8,9,10; love seeks opportunity to do good to "all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith," Gal 6:10. See further 1 Cor 13 and Col 3:12-14." (from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright (c)1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers) We already know that the love spoken of in JA 1:12 is agape, not philio; thus we are reminded again that obedience is key. |
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40 | need for a bible-anyone | Bible general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 50551 | ||
A few more thoughts... Part II What has been the result of disobedience to God’s commands? Let’s look at an example of how God dealt with His people who were disobedient during OT times: Heb 3:12-19 12Take care, brethren, lest there should be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart, in falling away from the living God. 13But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end; 15while it is said, "Today if you hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts, as when they provoked Me." 16For who provoked Him when they had heard? Indeed, did not all those who came out of Egypt led by Moses? 17And with whom was He angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 18And to whom did He swear that they should not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? 19And so we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief. NAS Note that the people of God during the early Mosiacal Age walked by sight. They actually heard God speak to Moses and were led by God’s column for 40 years! Thus unbelief must be incorrect. The original Greek is: NT:570 apaistia (ap-is-tee'-ah); from NT:571; faithlessness, i.e. (negatively) disbelief (lack of Christian faith), or (positively) unfaithfulness (disobedience): KJV-unbelief. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, Inc.) Thus they disobeyed and were therefore punished by not being allowed to enter the promised land. |
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