Results 21 - 40 of 57
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Results from: Notes Author: bstudent Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
21 | Did this war already occur? | Rev 12:7 | bstudent | 119103 | ||
Are these even more specific time markers? Do you have a clue?6 Rev 12:6,14: "Then the woman fled into the wilderness where she had a place prepared by God, so that there she would be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days. 14 But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent." These are much more in context. |
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22 | How does foreknowledge preclude free? | Gen 6:6 | bstudent | 118837 | ||
The gift is free, thus it cannot be earned. However, it can be rejected. I would rather be good than righteous (Rom 5:7), but faith is essential. Doing the things God requires is not earning your salvation, but is intrinsic to faith. You know the verses: "And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. (Heb 11:6) "For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead." (James 2:26) True faith as James described requires that we accept God's training and do what the "great crowd of witnesses" did - faithful works of obedience. Notice what their actions led and our's can lead to: "All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." (Heb 12:11) As regards Provervs 16:33, in ancient times, in a number of nations, doubtful questions were determined by lot. Stones or inscribed tablets were put into a vessel, shaken and then drawn out or cast forth. God was pleased to use the lot as a means of making known his will in the early history of his chosen people. It seems that the lots were thrown into the gathered folds of a robe and then drawn out. But first an appeal was made to God to decide the matter. The outcome was accepted as his will. Even Jesus’ apostles utilized the lot to choose a successor to Judas Iscariot, but their selection was set aside by Jesus’ choice of Saul. Since Pentecost, holy spirit directs Christians, but in pre-Christian times God did approve use of the lot. |
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23 | How does foreknowledge preclude free? | Gen 6:6 | bstudent | 118593 | ||
Have you ever read about the contributions that belief in evolution has made to the inhumane treatment man has heaped upon his neighbors? I feel belief in predestination has yielded similar fruitage. Might makes right - the U.S. is the greatest, so it is his instrument. I'll continue worshiping my God and I'm sure you'll continue worshiping your's. Let's leave it at that. |
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24 | How does foreknowledge preclude free? | Gen 6:6 | bstudent | 118589 | ||
I certainly agree with "free will to the limits of God's will." And that means I can even murder someone, as long as that murder does not impact upon God's will. But you can't be saying that such a dispicable act would be God's will or destiny. It is not destiny when bad things happen - its reaping what we and others sow or unforeseen occurrences (chance). (Eccl 9:11; 8:9; Gal 6:7) God's original purpose for the earth was "very good" - perfect. After Adam exercised his freewill to sin, God uttered the prophecy of his intentions to crush Satan and his seed by means of the "woman's" seed. His will toward man and the earth had not changed, but now he foretold a glimse of how he would rectify the situation and vindicate his name and sovereignty. The term "founding" has to do literally with the throwing down of seed, thus Jesus clarified this founding at Luke 11:50,51: "Therefore this generation will be held responsible for the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the beginning of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held responsible for it all." To these same ones referred to at Rom. 8:28, 29 and Eph. 1:5, 11 , 2 Peter 1:10 says: “Do your utmost to make the calling and choosing of you sure for yourselves; for if you keep on doing these things you will by no means ever fail.” If the individuals were predestinated to salvation, they could not possibly fail, regardless of what they did. Since effort is required on the part of the individuals, it must be the class that is foreordained. God purposed that the entire class would conform to the pattern set by Jesus Christ. Those selected by God to be part of that class, however, must prove faithful if they are actually to attain the reward set before them. Isn't that more reasonable and most importantly, Scriptural? |
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25 | How does foreknowledge preclude free? | Gen 6:6 | bstudent | 118586 | ||
Your comments make the ridicule worth enduring. I had been contemplating whether or not to continue using the Forum as an additional way to reach persons such as yourself with the good news. I will definitely contact you by email. Thanks again for your kind words. Bstudent |
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26 | Can Christian's support Caesar's wars? | 2 Cor 10:3 | bstudent | 118582 | ||
Cplusstudent: You deserve at least a Cplus for making a good point. I should have put "religion" in quotes, but my statement implies your sentiment that Christianity is the truth rather than a "religion." But just as there may in reality be only one God, the fact is there our many "gods" worshiped,(1 Cor 8:5)so too, even truth must be differentiated from among the worlds "religions." I thoroughly disagree with your definition of Christianity in your last paragraph. The New Testament is replete with contradictions to the concepts of "unconditional love" and "once saved, always saved." My favorite: "It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace." (Hebrews 6:4-6) If these verses do not suffice to overturn these strongly entrenched notions, then another 50 won't help either. Bstudent |
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27 | How does foreknowledge preclude free? | Gen 6:6 | bstudent | 118581 | ||
Steve, I would interpret Jesus statement at Luke 10:13 as hyperbole, in the sense of Luke 18:25. My reason for saying this relates to God's ability to read hearts and his justice. If God used his foreknowledge to determine that these people would have responded positively to the works Jesus did, he would not have grounds for executing them. Likewise, when armageddon comes, God will have to determine whether each of the relatively few that have not had the opportunity to respond to the good news, repenting and dedicating their life to God on the basis of the ransom, will be destroyed or not. The following supports God's selective use of his ability to foresee the future: The Scriptures say that “God put Abraham to the test” by commanding him to sacrifice his son Isaac as a burnt offering. When Abraham was about to sacrifice Isaac, God stopped him and said: “Now I do know that you are God-fearing in that you have not withheld your son, your only one, from me.” (Genesis 22:1-12) Would God have made that statement if he knew in advance that Abraham would obey this command? Would it have been an honest test? Genesis 18:20,21 states: "Then the LORD said, "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know." Furthermore, the ancient prophets report that God repeatedly spoke of himself as ‘feeling regret’ over something he had done or was thinking of doing. For example, God said that he “regretted [from the Hebrew na·cham'] that he had made Saul king over Israel.” (1 Samuel 15:11, 35; compare Jeremiah 18:7-10; Jonah 3:10.) Because God is perfect, these verses cannot mean that God made a mistake in selecting Saul to be Israel’s first king. Rather, they must indicate that God felt sorry that Saul turned out to be faithless and disobedient. God’s using such an expression in referring to himself would be nonsensical if he had foreknown Saul’s actions. The same term appears in the most ancient of the Scriptures where, in referring to the days of Noah, it says: “The LORD felt regrets that he had made men in the earth, and he felt hurt at his heart. So Jehovah said: ‘I am going to wipe men whom I have created off the surface of the ground . . . because I do regret that I have made them.’” (Genesis 6:6, 7) Here again, this indicates that man’s actions are not predestined by God. God felt regret, grief, and even hurt, not because his own actions were mistaken, but because man’s wickedness became rife. The Creator regretted that it had become necessary to destroy all mankind except Noah and his family. God assures us: ‘I take no delight in the death of the wicked.’—Ezekiel 33:11; compare Deuteronomy 32:4, 5. Hope this proves helpful. Dan |
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28 | How does foreknowledge preclude free? | Gen 6:6 | bstudent | 118484 | ||
I like how the ESV translation highlights what a purposeful God he is. All God has ever promised either has been or will be accomplished! My only concern is that people will logically conclude (if we cannot demonstrate Scripturally that God does not always choose to know the future, nor does he need to know every detail about it to accomplish his will) that God is the cause of everything that happens. On the other hand, we need to prove that no human or spirit creature could possibly prevent God from fulfilling his word. Humans can predict the future with very limited success and virtually no ability to control it. God on the other hand can accurately foretell the future, and in addition, see the heart. He knew that "stiff-necked" Israel would, as a whole, reject his son. After all he witnessed as they persecuted and killed the prophets he sent previously to bring about a change of heart. He pleaded not for the many that he knew would not listen, but for the relative few he knew that would. How did he know? He made us. He knows our capabilities. The many prophecies about specific details carefully recorded for the honest-hearted to identify the Messiah were facts he foresaw from his look at the future. 2 Peter 3:9 states: "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance." The concepts of patience and wishing can not coexist with foreknowledge of the kind that many imagine. Many of God's other awesome qualities, such as love, justice, wisdom, depend on his limiting his ability to foresee the future. Just as his love does not restrain his power, but works perfectly together, so it is with his foreknowledge. |
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29 | Can Christian's support Caesar's wars? | 2 Cor 10:3 | bstudent | 118480 | ||
"Skirting the issue?" As you are hopefully well aware, there are only two religions - true and false. I believe I can defend "the way" Scripturally, but more importantly, the "proof is in the pudding." Speaking of "vague and flowering," - "speaking the truth in love?" I guess that depends on what "truth" is, and what "love" is. Knowledge puffs up, love builds up. Any obscuring going on is through those who will not discuss Bible truth, but prefer to debate about opinions. |
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30 | Can Christian's support Caesar's wars? | 2 Cor 10:3 | bstudent | 118477 | ||
If you don't agree that a discussion of the Bible's counsel as it relates to a Christian's view of politics and nationalism is important, you are not obligated to participate. But, please refrain from prejudicing or intimidating other sincere persons from contributing. | ||||||
31 | Can Christian's support Caesar's wars? | 2 Cor 10:3 | bstudent | 118475 | ||
That's shockingly similar to the response my Lord received! | ||||||
32 | Can Christian's support Caesar's wars? | 2 Cor 10:3 | bstudent | 118473 | ||
Matthew 21:23-24: “Now after he (one of Jesus disciples) went into the temple (Bible Forum website), the chief priests and the older men of the people (you and other “orthodox Christians”) came up to him while he was teaching and said: “By what authority do you do (write) these things? And who gave you this authority?” In reply Jesus (the disciple) said to them: “I, also, will ask YOU one thing. If YOU tell it to me, I also will tell YOU by what authority I do (write) these things.” My question to you is: “How did it occur that the majority of Christian men in Germany during WWII took up arms with or morally supported Hitler and his Nazi regime?” (Implication – How can you be certain that you wouldn’t have done likewise?) I'll try to ignore any possible 'rudeness' (bigotry) implied by your question, and will answer it after you have answered the above. |
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33 | Can Christian's support Caesar's wars? | 2 Cor 10:3 | bstudent | 118390 | ||
Christians have to have the courage to die for what is right; cowards will be cut off as will all other unrepentent sinners. Paul had a zeal for God, but not according to accurate knowledge. He pursecuted Christians to the point of death. Yet when he learned the truth, he repented, had a clean conscience, and was used by God as an honorable vessel. I did many things before becoming a Christian I am not proud of. My only excuse is that I was ignorant of God's will as was Paul. The difference is that Paul was more accountable because he had the opportunity to have studied God's word. Jesus came to preach to the Jews. They had the law and were God's covenant people. They were in a serious position as His "holy nation." Jesus incidental encounters with gentiles foretold blessings for them as well, but the same level of accountability did not exist yet - Jesus had not provided the "ransom for all" and they did not know the law. To say that because he did not tell soldiers to "get a new job" indicates that he approved of their occupation would mean that because he did not tell the harlot to do likewise, she could remain in her occupation and have God's approval. Not consistent with Christian doctrine. Christians are not under the Mosaic Law, but the principles that applied to the Jews to whom Jesus ministry focused also apply to Christians. See Numbers chapter 35 concerning the "cities of refuge." In particular, verse 11 highlights that even "unintentional" taking of life was grounds for loss of the accused's life. This principle even can be seen in God's words to Noah as Genesis 9:6. Satan is the ruler of this world and is a manslayer. He does not want to see true Christians united so he attempts to embroil them in political contraversies among the nations that do not uphold God's standards and view of the sanctity of life. Paul could hold his head high despite his past because he did those things in ignorance. He came to have a fine record of courageous service for righteousness sake that God would not forget, but rather reward. Many Christians today have done likewise with the same results. To be 'no part of the world and set apart for sacred service (sanctified),' we must accept God's high standards, as unpopular as this may be in our nationalistic world. Prayerfully consider this subject. Although I was never called up for military duty, I would have done as you did. I used to work at a defense manufacturer until I studied the Bible. |
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34 | Who is this "slave"? | Matt 24:45 | bstudent | 118243 | ||
The apostle Paul claimed to be a communicator of God's will and gained many enemies within the congregation as a result. Do you suppose Billy Graham or the pope believe they are communicating God's will? Such a claim would need to be backed up by works. Do you know how Jesus said to identify those that would be communicating God's will? Good fruits - Jesus is the prince of peace and his kingdom is no part of this world. Thus his disciples should be known as peacemakers that don't put their trust in corrupt manmade governments their leader has promised to destroy. | ||||||
35 | Who is this "slave"? | Matt 24:45 | bstudent | 118242 | ||
What "code of conduct" does the "faithful slave" have that differ him from the world? It appears obvious that even the evil slave was entrusted by Jesus with responsibility, thus even he must have began as a Christian. What conduct do you feel clearly differentiates Christians from the world? | ||||||
36 | Who is this "slave"? | Matt 24:45 | bstudent | 118239 | ||
If you had lived in Germany in 1939, would you have been a Nazi? | ||||||
37 | Who is this "slave"? | Matt 24:45 | bstudent | 118238 | ||
If you had lived in Germany in 1939, would you have been a Nazi? | ||||||
38 | Who is this "slave"? | Matt 24:45 | bstudent | 118191 | ||
You mention Jesus coming(presence) which others overlook. Do you agree that the Gospel chapters dealing with the sign of his coming(coming) show what will be happening so as to identify when he begins his reign in the kingdom power? The following verses also clearly indicate he will begin ruling while the majority reject his position but put their trust in governments he promises to destroy.(Psalm 110:1,2; Luke 19:27; Rev 11:18; 1 Cor 15:25; Daniel 2:44) I still believe this slave has a special role as 'dispenser of spiritual food' that will help sheeplike ones stay awake. These are Christ's brothers that if we help them, it is just as if we helped Jesus himself. (Matt 25:21-46) | ||||||
39 | Who is this "slave"? | Matt 24:45 | bstudent | 118148 | ||
This slave is given the responsibility to dispense food (no doubt spiritual food) at the proper time. It sounds like those given a position of leadership in the Christian congregation. This position apparently would continue until Christ returns, so it must refer to a class of individuals, not any one person. Some would prove faithful and be given more authority and others unfaithful and lose out completely. I think the following 2 parables about the virgins and talents (Matt 25:1-28)relate to this slave as well. Noteably, at Rev 14:1-5, the 144,000 are referred to as virgins and no falsehood was found in their mouths. This verse deserves our utmost attention because Jesus knows who it is and who it isn't. He appoints the slave so it's likely that the sheep hear his voice through this "spokesman." Thus, finding the truth that sets us free hinges on identifying this slave correctly. That's important! Jesus said "a little flock" would receive positions in the kingdom. (Luke 12:32) He also said that there were "other sheep not of this fold" that he would bring in. This little flock may be the same slave. Perhaps they help the "great crowd" exercise faith in the Lamb and thus survive the tribulation. (Rev 7:14) If we could just identify the group that truly shows brotherly unifying love among its members, remains "no part of the world" because they been sanctified (set apart for sacred purpose) by the truth of God's word, and that is preaching the good news of God's kingdom, they will lead us to the "slave." (John 13:34,35; 17:14-17; Matt 24:14) Hope we find it and have the courage to stick with it because as Jesus said: "On this account the world hates you." (John 15:19) |
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40 | How does foreknowledge preclude free? | Gen 6:6 | bstudent | 116045 | ||
The verses certainly imply that he must not choose to know. This is consistent with our God-given sense of reason, otherwise Adam may have "thought" he had freewill but the outcome was predetermined. We may not "want" to hold God accountable for Adam's sin but the facts would provide no alternative, except to say "its a mystery." (That is, a mystery how God can do something that we find repugnant in each other.) Daily the courts determine if actions were premeditated in order to determine level of accountability. No one can purpose an action, carry it out, and then reject responsibility. I requested 3 Scriptures to prove God always chooses to know or that he has no ability to control what he will allow himself to consider when carrying out his will. I believe he will not consider steps that would hinder my genuine freewill. He may however, squash me like a grape if my inclinations indicate my future course would conflict with his will. |
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