Results 21 - 40 of 263
|
||||||
Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Aspiring Overseer Ordered by Date |
||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
21 | Praying for the 'World'. | Matt 5:44 | Aspiring Overseer | 163882 | ||
Doc, Clearly stated truth; yes, that is what we should all strive to achieve, is it not? You wrote, "I'm certainly glad that in my own life He didn't choose to leave me to make my own decisions about eternity. I'd have never made it.". Just how has that worked for you with God making your decisions? That would have been great for Ananias and Sapphira! Best regards, AO |
||||||
22 | Praying for the 'World'. | Matt 5:44 | Aspiring Overseer | 163826 | ||
Dear Doc, A few more items for your consideration: Matt 13:45-46 45 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, 46 and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it. NAS Note that the merchant was not simply given the “pearl”. First he sought it (action); found it (action); went and sold all he had (action) and bought it (etc.). Do you think he kept it a secret for the rest of his life or would he share his joy with others? Jer 9:23-24 23 Thus says the LORD, "Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; 24 but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things, "declares the LORD. NAS Those who understand and know God can certainly boast of their Lord. Their belief has been proven by their action and rewarded by God. They can confidently boast of this gracious system! AO |
||||||
23 | Praying for the 'World'. | Matt 5:44 | Aspiring Overseer | 163796 | ||
Kalos, That salvation is a gift is not in question. It is simply a gift that is given to those who chose righteousness. Heb 11:5-7 6 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. NAS Tim Moran gave you this excellent verse previously: 2 Cor 5:17-21 18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. NAS God has given us the plan of reconciliation,. We must act on that plan. AO |
||||||
24 | Praying for the 'World'. | Matt 5:44 | Aspiring Overseer | 163773 | ||
The distinction is that the person chose to obey God. God then rewarded them by granting them the right to become one of His children. Man did not force his way in; he proved his faith. AO |
||||||
25 | Praying for the 'World'. | Matt 5:44 | Aspiring Overseer | 163772 | ||
Doc, I appreciate your confusion as I think you may have misunderstood my previous posts. God created all mankind to chose Him. Many, unfortunately, rebell against God by refusing to chose Him. Matt 6:33 33"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. NAS Luke 11:9 9"And I say to you, ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. NAS Man must first seek before finding. Answers to your Q's: Q1. No, they have already exercised their free will by failing to ask. Q2. No, man has first rejected Him. They do not hear (understand), because of their continued rebellion. Why should God throw pearls before swine? AO |
||||||
26 | Praying for the 'World'. | Matt 5:44 | Aspiring Overseer | 163733 | ||
Doc, No, I am praying that God will grant them understanding. If that is against their will (choice), God will not allow the veil to be lifted further until they repent. It is still their choice. It is like the illustration of a drowning man praying for God to save him. God sends a boat, but the man waves them on telling them God will save him. A ship comes along next and they are waved on, as well. Finally a helicopter comes on scene and the man waves for them to leave, yelling "God will save me!". After finally drowning, his soul asks God, "Why did you not help me?". God did not change his will. It was the man who stubbornly refused to choose the way provided by God. James 4:8 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. NAS AO |
||||||
27 | Praying for the 'World'. | Matt 5:44 | Aspiring Overseer | 163705 | ||
Hi Doc, Yes, I pray that people come to the knowledge of the truth so that they may be saved, but targeted specifically for those that are seeking God. It is my daily prayer to be able to speak the truth plainly to those individuals and that God lift the veil which has clouded their understanding. AO |
||||||
28 | Praying for the 'World'. | Matt 5:44 | Aspiring Overseer | 163660 | ||
Sonlit, Perhaps these verses may help you. -Should prayers be made for non-believers: 1 Timothy 2:1-7 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony borne at the proper time. NAS -As for man’s ability to repent: Jeremiah 18:1-10 18:1 The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD saying, 2 "Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I shall announce My words to you." 3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something on the wheel. 4 But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make. 5 Then the word of the LORD came to me saying, 6 "Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?" declares the LORD. "Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel. 7 "At one moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to uproot, to pull down, or to destroy it; 8 if that nation against which I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent concerning the calamity I planned to bring on it. 9 "Or at another moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to build up or to plant it; 10 if it does evil in My sight by not obeying My voice, then I will think better of the good with which I had promised to bless it. NAS The “clay” which spoiled (v. 4) was not unconditionally predestined. If the sinner turns from their evil (v. 8), God relents. God has designed man with the ability to choose. (Note that the “potter” did not originally make a vessel to destroy it (v.4), but rather it was REMADE in his hand so the “spoiled” (unrepentent)creation could be used.) Isaiah 55:7 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. NAS God has given mankind the free will to repent of his sin; just as we have the ability to choose the God we serve. Best regards, AO |
||||||
29 | mary's other children | NT general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 163608 | ||
Mike, Here are a few verses which reference the physical brothers and sisters of Jesus. Matthew 13:54-56 55 "Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? 56 "And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man get all these things?" NAS Mark 6:3 3 "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?" And they took offense at Him. NAS Luke 8:19-21 19 And His mother and brothers came to Him, and they were unable to get to Him because of the crowd. 20 And it was reported to Him, "Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, wishing to see You." 21 But He answered and said to them, "My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it." NAS John 2:12 12 After this He went down to Capernaum, He and His mother, and His brothers, and His disciples; and there they stayed a few days. NAS John 7:2-5 3 His brothers therefore said to Him, "Depart from here, and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may behold Your works which You are doing. 4 "For no one does anything in secret, when he himself seeks to be known publicly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world." 5 For not even His brothers were believing in Him. NAS 1 Corinthians 9:4-5 5 Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? NAS Galatians 1:19-20 19 But I did not see any other of the apostles except James, the Lord's brother. NAS As for becoming a priest, I recommend you continue to pray to God for help. He will send you someone who will lead you to the truth. AO |
||||||
30 | mary's other children | NT general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 163606 | ||
Mike, Here are a few verses which reference the physical brothers and sisters of Jesus. Matthew 13:54-56 55 "Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? 56 "And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man get all these things?" NAS Mark 6:3 3 "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?" And they took offense at Him. NAS Luke 8:19-21 19 And His mother and brothers came to Him, and they were unable to get to Him because of the crowd. 20 And it was reported to Him, "Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, wishing to see You." 21 But He answered and said to them, "My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it." NAS John 2:12 12 After this He went down to Capernaum, He and His mother, and His brothers, and His disciples; and there they stayed a few days. NAS John 7:2-5 3 His brothers therefore said to Him, "Depart from here, and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may behold Your works which You are doing. 4 "For no one does anything in secret, when he himself seeks to be known publicly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world." 5 For not even His brothers were believing in Him. NAS 1 Corinthians 9:4-5 5 Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? NAS Galatians 1:19-20 19 But I did not see any other of the apostles except James, the Lord's brother. NAS As for becoming a priest, I recommend you continue to pray to God for help. He will send you someone who will lead you to the truth. AO |
||||||
31 | Will you accept this challenge?? | Not Specified | Aspiring Overseer | 150937 | ||
To state that people who are not biblical scholars are “hacks” and “presumptuous” to even challenge commonly pressed beliefs is laughable! Spending an entire lifetime studying Greek, Hebrew or whatever, does not make a person anymore knowledgeable in the manifold wisdom of God; something considerably more important! For example, lets take the well known verse, John 3:16. In the NASB-NIV Parallel New Testament and Interlinear Translation by Alfred Marshall, published 1993, it reads: John 3:16 For this loved God the world, so as the Son the only begotten he gave, that everyone believing him may not perish but have life eternal. If we take the Lockman Foundation’s latest translation, the NAS Updated, we find it says the following: John 3:16 16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. NASU Interestingly, this agrees word for word with one of the most liberal translations, The Living Bible: John 3:16 16 For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son so that anyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. TLB It does not agree with the classic NASB, the KJV, the NKJV, the ASV or the RSV; all which use “should not perish”. What is significant about using the word “shall” versus the original meaning of “may” or “should”? Most people could care less that “shall” is absolute while “may” or “should” are conditional, i.e. what is stated is qualified by something else. This is fine for readers of the bible whose doctrine of salvation embraces “simple belief”. For those who understand that salvation is conditional, however, the NASU and TLB translations of this verse are simply wrong. Now this is not meant as a criticism of the NASU. As long as you are aware of the doctrinal slant employed in its editing it is still a useful tool (the TLB, well that is another story..). This merely highlights that “teams of scholars” are not infallible. Even though a “whole team of scholars” agreed upon the NASU translation, the earlier “team of scholars” for the classic NAS translation edited the same verse like this: John 3:15-16 16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. NAS Whether this change was due to recently discovered advances in scholarship or to better fit the team’s religious doctrine to attract more readers (read “consumers”) we will never be able to know with certainty. It does highlight, however, the need for individuals to challenge what they read and hear regarding Scripture. To destroy speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God is part of the work of God’s people today, just as it was of the Apostle Paul. Best regards, AO |
||||||
32 | Will you accept this challenge?? | Bible general Archive 2 | Aspiring Overseer | 150940 | ||
To state that people who are not biblical scholars are “hacks” and “presumptuous” to even challenge commonly pressed beliefs is laughable! Spending an entire lifetime studying Greek, Hebrew or whatever, does not make a person anymore knowledgeable in the manifold wisdom of God; something considerably more important! For example, lets take the well known verse, John 3:16. In the NASB-NIV Parallel New Testament and Interlinear Translation by Alfred Marshall, published 1993, it reads: John 3:16 For this loved God the world, so as the Son the only begotten he gave, that everyone believing him may not perish but have life eternal. If we take the Lockman Foundation’s latest translation, the NAS Updated, we find it says the following: John 3:16 16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. NASU Interestingly, this agrees word for word with one of the most liberal translations, The Living Bible: John 3:16 16 For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son so that anyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. TLB It does not agree with the classic NASB, the KJV, the NKJV, the ASV or the RSV; all which use “should not perish”. What is significant about using the word “shall” versus the original meaning of “may” or “should”? Most people could care less that “shall” is absolute while “may” or “should” are conditional, i.e. what is stated is qualified by something else. This is fine for readers of the bible whose doctrine of salvation embraces “simple belief”. For those who understand that salvation is conditional, however, the NASU and TLB translations of this verse are simply wrong. Now this is not meant as a criticism of the NASU. As long as you are aware of the doctrinal slant employed in its editing it is still a useful tool (the TLB, well that is another story..). This merely highlights that “teams of scholars” are not infallible. Even though a “whole team of scholars” agreed upon the NASU translation, the earlier “team of scholars” for the classic NAS translation edited the same verse like this: John 3:15-16 16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. NAS Whether this change was due to recently discovered advances in scholarship or to better fit the team’s religious doctrine to attract more readers (read “consumers”) we will never be able to know with certainty. It does highlight, however, the need for individuals to challenge what they read and hear regarding Scripture. To destroy speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God is part of the work of God’s people today, just as it was of the Apostle Paul. Best regards, AO |
||||||
33 | The Bible, Creators word or what? | 2 Tim 3:16 | Aspiring Overseer | 150780 | ||
Kate, The point of the "mystery" (and it is a mystery, contrary to what some say) is to fulfill the Master Plan of God so that only those who are seeking shall understand. God only rewards those desiring to put forth the effort to serve Him. That means God's Master Plan will not be handed to everyone on a silver platter! That service to God begins with believing He exists, which you apparently do to some extent. Your next step is to pray for guidance. God will hear your prayer and send you the appropriate teacher. Above all, remain skeptical of what you are taught and reason through every point. I am at your service if you wish to discuss this in more detail. AO |
||||||
34 | Are we free from the Law? | Rom 7:6 | Aspiring Overseer | 150111 | ||
Iktoose, Your original question stated, “We (believers) are free from the Law (Romans 7:6) but Paul stated in Romans 3:31 that we should uphold the Law. Can someone tell me what part of the Mosaic Law (Pentateuch) we should still comply? I wish there was a clear black and white line drawn.”. I have not taken the time to review all the posts to your original question, but I believe you might find the start of your answer in the analysis of the verses you contrast (Ro 7:6 and Ro 3:31). Rom 7:6 6 But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. NAS Rom 3:31 31 Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law. NAS Clearly Ro 7:6 refers to the Law of Moses as it states disciples had “been released from the Law”, yet Ro 3:31 says the Law is established! Do we have more context to determine Paul’s meaning? By looking back to verse 27 we are given clarification: Rom 3:27 27 Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. NAS These verses are referring to totally different laws. Where Ro 7:6 speaks of the Mosaic Law, Ro 3:31 refers back to the Law of Faith; two different laws; one for the Mosaic Age, the other for the Christian Age. God’s people prior to the Christian Age were expected to follow God’s commands. Failure to do so resulted in punishment. During the Christian Age, God’s people are still expected to follow His commands: John 14:15 15 "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. NAS Heb 5:9 9 And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, NAS Failure to obey continues to result in punishment. Thus law continues in the Christian Age; outlining the actions we must perform to uphold our end of the contract; designed by God and established by our Lord. I am at your service if you wish to discuss this further. AO |
||||||
35 | denominations. | Eph 4:3 | Aspiring Overseer | 148899 | ||
Hi Tim, I understand your opinion that this refers to the validity of the original penned words. My comment, however, remains that these words are not subject to interpretation by Christians. As all Christians have the gift of the HS, their teaching of Scripture is prophetic and of one accord, just as Peter’s. There can not be differing viewpoints, as the Holy Spirit's purpose is not to cause confusion or division, but to clarify and strengthen. Thus 2 Pe 1:20 merely states the obvious that his teaching of Scripture, like any mature Christian's, is not a matter of his opinion, but from God (thus, pay attention!). Obviously, non-Christians are free to interpret as they like and consequently we have a great number of differing opinions (i.e. denominations). AO |
||||||
36 | denominations. | Eph 4:3 | Aspiring Overseer | 148784 | ||
Ed, Consider these verses and the underlying concepts with respect to denominations: 1 Cor 14:30-33 31For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; 32and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets; 33for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. NAS God is a logical being, not a promoter of confusion (v. 33). 2 Peter 1:20-21 20But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, 21for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. NAS Scripture is not a mater of one's own interpretation. It is what it is! We must read and understand scripture literally without regard to our current social norms. It must make sense and have but one meaning! Gal 1:11-12 11For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. NAS Paul was taught directly by Christ and Christians are to follow Paul as he followed Christ. Did Paul support any denomination, either Catholic or Protestant? Paul specifically rebuked Christians who sought to form denominations as noted in 1 Cor 1:13. John 12:44-13:1 44And Jesus cried out and said, "He who believes in Me does not believe in Me, but in Him who sent Me. 45"And he who beholds Me beholds the One who sent Me. 46"I have come as light into the world, that everyone who believes in Me may not remain in darkness. 47"And if anyone hears My sayings, and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48"He who rejects Me, and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day. 49"For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me commandment, what to say, and what to speak. 50"And I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me." NAS Jesus spoke only what God the Father gave Him. Paul instructed only as Christ instructed him. There was no difference of opinion between God the Father and Jesus, as there was no difference of opinion between Jesus and Paul. Phil 1:27-28 27Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ; so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28in no way alarmed by your opponents-- which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. NAS Paul instructed the Christians of that age; Christians who in some cases had actually seen Jesus, that they should be of the same mind. Where does Paul, or any Old or New Testament writer authorize the choice of choosing the denomination of your choice? Did God later authorize this practice? Jesus said that a kingdom divided against itself is laid waste. He also prayed for unity for His disciples. Paul also instructed Christians at great length not to be divided in spiritual matters: 1 Cor 1:10 10Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree, and there be no divisions among you, but you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. NAS We must conclude that denominations did not originate from God. Let’s continue to ask God for the truth; reasoning with one another; and God will be faithful. AO |
||||||
37 | 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 |
||||||
38 | Scriptural support? | Bible general Archive 2 | Aspiring Overseer | 140777 | ||
Kalos, The difference is THEY were commanded by God. AO |
||||||
39 | Scriptural support? | Bible general Archive 2 | Aspiring Overseer | 140756 | ||
Tim, The scripture references apply to idols; the topic of this discussion. You believe that religious symbols made into jewelry are excluded yet offer no scriptural support. Whether "WWJD" braclets, "christian fish" or a 6" rapper cross pendant, they all are religious symbols designed to carry a message, created by man and subject to MT 23:5. In the end, Christians must follow scripture in handling the topic rather than public opinion. AO |
||||||
40 | 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 |
||||||
Result pages: << First < Prev [ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ] Next > Last [14] >> |