Results 221 - 240 of 277
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Results from: Answers On or After: Thu 12/31/70 Author: charis Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
221 | Priority in the home. | 1 Thess 4:11 | charis | 6909 | ||
Dear Louder, I am very happy to hear that my words were a confirmation to you. I am a person pursuing simplicity, so please do not think you are troubling me. I am honored to help, and strengthened in my own walk by attempting to make this concept understandable. 1)Serve God- this is a no-brainer. "Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord." Joshua 24:14 NASB. There are many verses that speak of serving God first and only. It is an attitude of he heart, a matter of trust and faith and submission. 2)Serve family- The act of serving God begins with serving your own family. This is not serving 'in the flesh' by bringing home a paycheck. This is caring and responsibility. Jesus said that we are to leave our homes and make our own (Matthew 19:5). Ephesians 5:22-6:4 tells us of the love that a family must share to glorify Jesus. Though nowhere says clearly "home-before-church," the qualifications of an elder-deacon in 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus clearly state that a servant of the church must first be a servant of his-her family. 3)Serve your local church- The next way to manifest our service to God is to serve His people, the body of Christ. "And sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, "If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all." Mark 9:35 NASB. "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household," Ephesians 2:19ff NASB. When we become part of the Lord's church, we become part of His world-wide body of believers. However, the main manner in which we manifest this 'membership' is in the fellowship of the saints of a local expression of His body. The Bible speaks about commitment and service as a real thing, not a 'nebulous' feeling of togetherness. This is why 'para-church' is just that, a subsidiary function. These can never replace the holy responsibility toward a committed body of believers. X)Serve your boss- We are clearly told to serve our earthly masters. "Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord." Colossians 3:22 NASB. (Remember, this is to be done 'as unto the Lord,' not as unto men, or as unto yourself.) I find it hard to place a clear priority 'number' on this one. I can find no exhortation to 'pursue a career' in the Bible. One may say that they didn't have careers back then, but this is not true. Even back then, they had the convoluted intrigues of public service, trade guilds, and religion. So the 'career-minded' Pharisees are a case-in-point against self-seeking job focus. Also, the Scriptures and comments by Steve Butler are very good. I pray that these (few) verses and comments will be of (para-church) service to you :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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222 | Order of events at the 2nd Coming? | 1 Thess 4:17 | charis | 14924 | ||
Dear Gentlemen, I have read this thread to this point, at which you all seem to have come to a 'conclusion.' Please, someone tell me how this matters a whit? How does this change your attitude or action? Please explain Biblically the result of your conclusion? Be honest! :-) What weren't you doing before that you will do now? Friends, I do not mock you. I really would like to know what the hullabaloo is all about. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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223 | Order of events at the 2nd Coming? | 1 Thess 4:17 | charis | 14968 | ||
Dear Nolan, :-) I think we have just about finished the (amicable) outline of events of the Second Coming of Christ. Much more than this an we run into the very real danger of attracting dissenters, or worse, hitting the 'wrong button' among ourselves! 80 (amicable) postings, then Hank arrives to 'sit a spell.' When someone new comes to the Forum, we can always tell them to use 'search' for this thread! This would just about guarantee a place in the Guinness Book for thread length :-) And so, as Ed has accused, and Nolan accedes, this is all your fault, Nolan! ROFL! :-) Ladies and gentlemen, as clerk in charge of disclaimers regarding end-time discussions, and by the merit of being the only one up (because in Japan it is mid-day), I hereby end this thread for at least 15 minutes. Blessings to all, until our Redeemer comes! In Jesus, charis |
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224 | How to exercize the gift of prophecy? | 1 Thess 5:21 | charis | 22696 | ||
Dear Mommapbs, Very Carefully! With humility, fear and trembling in speaking the oracles of God! Every word should be tested for continuity with the Bible. Prophecy should bear the same kind of fruit as in Galatians 5. "Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 NASB "But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation." 1 Corinthians 14:3 NASB. No aggression, and no self-aggrandization or purse-filling, as we see in many modern 'prophecy' ministries. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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225 | WILL A BABY IN THE WOMB GO IN THE RAPTUR | 2 Thessalonians | charis | 1136 | ||
Dear Dan, the 'rapture' has been discussed at length. Click 'Search' on the left and enter the word, it will lead you to several listings. My comment is on the 'age of accountability.' This might answer part of your question. There is no set age for faith. A child born of a Christian parent (hopefully parents) is under the authority and covering of that parent until a time (that God sets) when he becomes responsive and responsible to call upon the name of the Lord. I would suggest that this age changes according to circumstance, society, personal maturity, and foremost, God. Though a little boy of 6 might 'really love Jesus,' I would find it hard to believe that a child of that age was truly responsible for knowing sin and serving the Lord Jesus for the rest of his life. On the other hand, an 18 year old, still unable to battle against the sin in his life, and rebelling against his Christian heritage, is stretching his 'covering.' Though a popular 'Christian' book series and movie portrayed 'empty wombs' and all children as saved and 'taken,' I don't think this is from the Bible. Last I read the Bible, we are born as children of wrath, not blameless. In Christ Jesus. | ||||||
226 | Unmarried men pastors? | 1 Timothy | charis | 1282 | ||
Dear Dud M3, Welcome! I tend to agree with you that the Bible seems to be recommending ministers to be men with one (present?) wife. I am aware of other traditions and interpretations, but not only does this seem to be the Biblical pattern, but it makes a lot of common sense as well. One issue is the spiritual authority of a man in his own home. Another issue is that unmarried ministers, men or women have a serious, real handicap when dealing with the complications of shepherding the flock, the majority of whom will be married with children. Even married, if you are very young and without children, it makes it difficult to be taken seriously by those who are in need of counsel and spiritual help. A great deal of experience is gained by being responsible for a family of your own that will apply to your spiritual family. By saying these things, I am not trying to discount anyone from service to God, just simply stating a few practical realities. I have met Catholic priests, who last I heard, cannot be married, and though nice fellows and well-trained, I saw obvious gaps in their ability to serve God's people. (I am certain that they may have a different opinion) I have also met many women pastors and leaders, some married and some not. Overall, there seemed to be an unbalance. I don't think I could say anything further that would not be teribly misconstrued, so 'nuff said. (Again, I am certain that they might hold a different opinion!!) In my church, we have women deacons (deaconesses?), and there seems to be a real area of spiritual ministry available to them (not just menial). Again, without getting into trouble, I will just say, "It works." In my opinion, Bible teaching is the literal word, without being Pharisaical, plus a healthy dose of common sense. I am pretty certain that God is sensible. It seems that most departure from the 'married men' norm has been political, financial, and-or emotional; anything but Biblical and practical. Blessings in Jesus' name! | ||||||
227 | Unmarried men pastors? | 1 Timothy | charis | 1283 | ||
Dear Dud M3, Welcome! I tend to agree with you that the Bible seems to be recommending ministers to be men with one (present?) wife. I am aware of other traditions and interpretations, but not only does this seem to be the Biblical pattern, but it makes a lot of common sense as well. One issue is the spiritual authority of a man in his own home. Another issue is that unmarried ministers, men or women have a serious, real handicap when dealing with the complications of shepherding the flock, the majority of whom will be married with children. Even married, if you are very young and without children, it makes it difficult to be taken seriously by those who are in need of counsel and spiritual help. A great deal of experience is gained by being responsible for a family of your own that will apply to your spiritual family. By saying these things, I am not trying to discount anyone from service to God, just simply stating a few practical realities. I have met Catholic priests, who last I heard, cannot be married, and though nice fellows and well-trained, I saw obvious gaps in their ability to serve God's people. (I am certain that they may have a different opinion) I have also met many women pastors and leaders, some married and some not. Overall, there seemed to be an unbalance. I don't think I could say anything further that would not be teribly misconstrued, so 'nuff said. (Again, I am certain that they might hold a different opinion!!) In my church, we have women deacons (deaconesses?), and there seems to be a real area of spiritual ministry available to them (not just menial). Again, without getting into trouble, I will just say, "It works." In my opinion, Bible teaching is the literal word, without being Pharisaical, plus a healthy dose of common sense. I am pretty certain that God is sensible. It seems that most departure from the 'married men' norm has been political, financial, and-or emotional; anything but Biblical and practical. Blessings in Jesus' name! | ||||||
228 | Are women allowed to teach/preach? | 1 Tim 2:12 | charis | 15004 | ||
Dear frogg197, Greetings in Jesus' name! Much has been said of this in previous threads, and the 'search' button at the top left will lead you to it by using key words like 'women, ministry, authority' etc. If you will allow me, I will quote myself: quote Great question! JVH0212 was correct that in God's sight gender is not an issue. In our relation to Him, the issue is moot. However, in the government of His kingdom, the practical application of authority in home and church, there does seem to be a division of responsibility. Though it would be hard to claim an *absolute* segregation of ministry in home and church, a *general* segregation is clearly suggested. Shepherds (pastor and elders, though some say deacons as well. I believe in the ministry of deaconess) seem to be men, while most other ministries seem to be open to women. The basic qualifications should remain the same (except 'husband of one wife :-) In special situations, this may be altered, but the pattern is clear in Scripture. In the home, there is a clear distinction of responsibility, but not a 'higher-lower' or 'superior-inferior' type of difference. It only makes sense that one is given final reponsibility, because a committee will not work. A woman's submission to her husband will only truly work when he is submitted to God and the requirement to love his wife. For precisely this reason, a shepherd should be married with children. (Again, an ideal, not an absolute) By his understanding the responsibility of a home, he will have a better understanding of the responsibility of shepherding God's flock. More specific answers are available in the above 'thread' entitled "Can God use woman in the ministry?" and also "Unmarried men pastors?" I pray that this is helpful. end quote Blessings upon you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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229 | Can a woman pastor a church? | 1 Tim 3:1 | charis | 17980 | ||
Dear dmom, Greetings in Jesus' name! 1) Any ministry, including pastor, should be decided by God. Therefore, the real question is "Can we know God's will on an individual, personal basis?" I believe that we CAN! God's 'general' will for all His people (those who have received and been embraced by the Gospel) is clearly written in the Bible. We are to bear much good fruit (of the Spirit). Then the Bible also gives guidelines for more specific adherence to His will, including situation and gender. Then the Holy Spirit provides direction directly into the heart of each person, with the balancing effect of local church participation and pastoral oversight. You cannot have balance without the church and shepherd! It is all too easy to mistake feelings for the Spirit. Now this is the ideal. If your church does not provide Biblical fellowship and shepherding, you are in a dysfunctional church. 2) This has been discussed at length, so if you use the 'Search' button and type 'women ministry,' you will find several interesting threads. No, it is not 'written between the lines.' For a woman to usurp authority over a man (or men) is not God's primary will. Can I ask you a few questions? How would we justify an unmarried woman to shepherd a flock and keep God's primary will? How about a divorced woman with or without children? How about an older unmarried woman? The only woman that *might* come close to holding the authority written in the Bible is (maybe) the widow of a minister. Even this, IMHO, is not a long-term answer. True, in Christ there is male nor female, but we are speaking of authority and responsibility, not salvation. May I ask a personal question? Would you become a pastor, and hold authority and spiritual responsibility over your husband? If his job required another move, would you quit your 'job?' Shepherding is NOT a job! If it were a job, then women would probably be BETTER than men! :-) Bless you, dmom, in Christ Jesus, charis |
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230 | What does 1 Tim 3:2 mean? | 1 Tim 3:2 | charis | 7002 | ||
Dear PSP, and fellow posters to this question, I see that this issue has divided into two poles, both of which seem off-Center to me. One side is the 'Absolute Literal Interpretation' side, and the other is the 'Broad and Kind-of-Vague Interpretation' side. I like the word 'off-Center' (Ray, take note of the capitalization :-) because it describes this, and several other recent issues on this Forum. Walking close to (with) Jesus is our goal, and the Holy Spirit is our Guide. Scripture teaches in so many places that God is sovereign, and that strict and absolute adherance to 'rules' is not the point of His commandments. The grace of God has made allowance for man's deviation from perfection many times in the Bible. The problem is that man has a tendency to either disallow that grace, or depend upon it, both negating God's sovereignty. Returning to this particular thread: Yes, I think it is safe to say that God wants shepherds to be men, husbands and fathers, and not divorced or a widow(er). Does this mean that women can never be ministers? No. Does it mean that they must be married? No. Does it mean that they must have children? No. Does it mean that they can never be divorced? No. Does it mean that their spouse can never die? No. It means that God has given us a pattern, a 'holy preference' for His will, but that He will call whomever He calls. Our job on this earth is to obey His patterns first, but always be sensitive to the Holy Spirit to discern the workings of grace and specific Divine Purpose. We cannot, therefore, say, "Women can be shepherds, as well as singles and divorcees." That would overstep grace, and fall into abuse, or the manipulation of grace. (Frankly, the widow(er) issue sounds crass. Though it might be said that it takes two to divorce, God decides the hour of death, not the spouse) My answer: If the question is specifically about ministry for those re-married after divorce, then it is outside of God's general pattern, but possible in the grace of our Lord. Many denominations forbid this, so said person would have to leave the church (if it is God's calling, worth it) or fight the church (which cannot be God's will). Other variations are answered above. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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231 | fall upward? | 1 Tim 4:1 | charis | 33343 | ||
Dear zach†, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I am of the camp of 'once saved, always saved*' *disclaimer: for all practical purposes! :-) While I conceed that there are quite a few Scriptures that speak of 'losing salvation,' there are just as many (or more?) that speak of God's sure grace. My above 'disclaimer' is not a 'tolerant' view or a 'compromise' stand. I simply see that both views are portrayed in the Bible, and the Bible is NOT wishy-washy! So, IMHO, the problem is not *IF* you can lose your salvation, but *HOW,* or more precisely, *how easily!* To say that we can easily lose this salvation is just plain silly. Whereas, to say that it is difficult, therefore rare, that this occurs is in keeping with both camp's Scriptural references. Dinner bell, Bye! Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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232 | Please share in detail if possible,thanx | 1 Tim 4:1 | charis | 33363 | ||
Dear Bhawna, Greetings from Japan in Jesus' name! Indeed, the points 1-4 that you listed sum things up pretty well. In my humble opinion, the assurance of our salvation is a promise from God, and we must lean upon this promise. The 'other camp' is more of a theoretical possibility. It can happen, but easily, or again and again? I cannot see evidence of that in the Bible. The evidence I see in the Word tells me that *certain* very willful men may throw away their salvation by denying the Holy Spirit, but they do not 'lose' it by accident, and satan does not have the power or authority to 'snatch' it away! My own experience leads me to believe that *certain* Christians (very few!) may have chosen this path, but I don't know for sure. God does know, so I leave it to Him. (and Him alone!) So, the hope of salvation we should hold dearly, and hope for others, too! But the possibility, the theory of denying Christ I leave totally unto Him. Anything beyond that is conjecture, and could lead to condemnation of another saint (or even ourselves!), which is none of our business! As to specific Scriptural proof, I will let you browse through the dozens of posts written on this forum. Just use the search function above and you will be 'filled until it comes out of your nostrils!' :-) I think I know which camp YOU are in! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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233 | The Ministry of the "Walking Wounded" | 1 Tim 4:6 | charis | 35230 | ||
Dear Makarios, Greetings in Jesus' name! I was asked this same question by another brother on the forum recently. Following is an excerpt of my own experience. I can only pray that it helps our little community to understand some of the things that pastors go through to serve their flock: …you asked about my 'excommunication' experience. You may recall I sent you 'my testimony' last year explaining my salvation in Pittsburgh and my coming to Japan. Well, my pastor had about that time become involved with overseeing a few other churches in Alabama, Ohio, Hawaii, England, Brazil, and South Africa. He would visit each of the churches about once a year, encouraging us, and ministering the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It was always done in order, and giving honor to the local pastor. Well, in his own church, his first-born had come of age, and my pastor's wife was kind of anxious to get 'Junior' into the ministry, more specifically, the pastor's chair. This would mean my pastor would have to become 'Senior Pastor,' which is fine, I guess (but not in the Bible). Then, he created an 'Apostolic Team' and started to make noise that we must pay homage to this new entity. I was not asked my opinion about this, but I went along, more by shutting my mouth than agreeing. Well, it escalated into a pseudo-denomination, and I was getting very uncomfortable. This all happened just as we were about to celebrate our 10th anniversary. I went all-out, and invited all of my co-workers, their wives, and of course, my pastor. Well, he was taken ill, and could not come, so sent his son as representative. Then he told me that our celebration would be a great opportunity for a 'Pastor's Conference.' I disagreed. All was fine until everyone arrived, and the 'young pup' called me to carpet, explaining that this WAS a 'Pastor's Conference,' and that any guest that was not a pastor (I invited, at my expense, several good friends) was not invited to the proceedings. Well... I told him (very nicely!) that it would not happen that way. Well, we had a great 10th Anniversary anyway, and I smoothed things over with my pastor after 'Junior' went home. All was OK for almost a year, until they had some problems at my home church. There was an ugly split that ended with 25 percent of the 400 people there leaving the church. I was uninvolved, but someone (I still do not know who!) said I was on the side of the dissenters. He asked me to give him my 'allegiance.' I said that he was my pastor, and Jesus is my Lord, that should be enough! He said, "You're outta here!" and cut communications with all the people in the church and other churches. That was over 3 years ago. There is a lot more detail, but that just about wraps up the basics. I have left a door open, and have never bad-mouthed my pastor, but he is adamant. He is also very sick, and this situation saddens me much. But, my job is not politics, and I am no longer a resident of Pittsburgh, so I do what God has given me to do! Many blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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234 | Is exercise Idolatry? | 1 Tim 4:8 | charis | 497 | ||
Amigo, Exercise is fine. Inflating every seperate muscle on your body for the purpose of showng your oiled skin to others or looking at your self in the mirror is indeed vain (empty). Becoming a brain-dead couch potato is not very good either. Fitness of mind and body makes sense. Extremes on either side are foolish. Even this forum is healthy if it is thought-provoking and faith-lifting. An 'over-pumped' mind is also foolish. | ||||||
235 | Sounds good, scripture (pretty) please? | 1 Tim 4:8 | charis | 867 | ||
With a cherry on top? My friend, I am honored to have agreement with you. May there be much more agreement among us, by His Spirit! About supporting scripture, I can find no 'perfect' reference. How about Ecclesiastes, where the Preacher talks about excessive toil being vanity. I suppose that in the same way you cannot take money to heaven, neither can you take big muscles. As to 'couch potatoes,' Proverbs talks about laziness. As to an 'over-pumped mind,' Jesus spoke of the dangers of over-zealous religion often, citing the Pharisees, Saducees, scribes and lawyers as being close to the Law, but far from God. Sorry for the generalities. If I come up with something specific, I will post it. Let us continue to share! In Jesus. | ||||||
236 | TAKE CARE OF PASTOR AND BE BLESSED | 1 Tim 5:17 | charis | 17868 | ||
Dear DMW, Greetings in Jesus' name! "...that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors." 1 Corinthians 16:16ff NASB. It is true that shepherds must SHEPHERD! But these days many sheep are not SHEEPING! If you believe in Christ and the Bible, you must also trust that God will use that servant to lead you to the place of His choosing. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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237 | Christian-alcohol and smoking is it ok? | 1 Tim 5:23 | charis | 17272 | ||
Dear Friend, Hello, again! Now that you have heard the voice of tolerance...:-) Drinking and smoking are two completely different things, and must be treated separately. Drinking is in the Bible. 1) the spiritual use of the Cup we drink for the Lord's Supper. 2) Paul's exhortation to Timothy to drink wine for the sake of his health. 3) In the Gospel accounts Jesus often shared wine with others, during meals and other gatherings. Other places in the Old and New Testaments describe drinking wine as a common occurrence. 4) Abuse, drinking to excess, and drinking 'hard' stuff. Only 4) is discouraged, often strongly, and those who abuse it are fools. The other instances are either tolerated or encouraged. Smoking tobacco (or anything else, for that matter) is not written in the Bible. The closest we could come to that is "You shall not murder." Exodus 20:13 NASB (long-term suicide or second-hand murder), and "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?" 1 Corinthians 6:19 NASB. Now we get to today, and how these apply to us. First, alcohol: As the Bible does not forbid the consumption of alcohol, we need to focus on what IS forbidden or discouraged. Abuse is when the use leads to anger, accidents, loose lips and loose hearts, foolish actions and behavior not becoming a Christian. Those who have a tendency to abuse or lack self-control (a fruit of the Spirit to be pursued!) are wise to stay away. Even those who CAN control themselves should be aware of those around them, and take care not to give bad influence to the young or the weak in faith. In other words, use your head! Next, tobacco: As it is not (clearly) in the Bible, we have to use a little commom sense, and common courtesy. I smoked cigarettes for over ten years, so I've been there. Tobacco is a filthy, smelly habit, it is addictive and expensive, wastes your time, steals from your boss, spouse, kids, friends, and eventually could steal your life in an agonizing death. Young boys look stupid, and young girls look ugly when a cigarette is in their hand or hanging from their lips. There is no measurable enjoyment, stress relief, or 'cool' factor in smoking. Those who know Jesus should have no need of this crutch, this handicap, and should be led in love to 'kick the habit' as soon as is spiritually (not humanly!) possible. My own experience is several years of 'trying' to quit, knowing it was foolish, but never 'really' willing to quit. When I came to know (be known by) Jesus, I asked Him for grace, and it was granted immediately. Yes, there was an 'empty space' for a while. So many 'little rituals' revolved around cigarettes. But the Lord Jesus is able to overcome this, and any other frailty! The other 'helpers' are your family and church. Don't let the influence of worldly people be stronger than the influence of those that love you! In my humble opinion and experience. In Jesus' name, charis |
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238 | Are hermaphrodites sinners? | 2 Tim 2:19 | charis | 68113 | ||
Dear Pris, Greetings in the name of Jesus! God knows who are His. If a person is apprehended by God, given the gift of faith to believe, and the grace of God poured into their life, then God will direct the path of any who name the name of Jesus! This path will invariably be in accord with the Bible. Do you know any hermaphrodites? I don't mean plants or snails! :-) Or is this just a hypothetical? If you truly know someone with this dilemma, and they are trusting in God for an answer, then they should submit themselves to the authority of a local church pastor, and obey his advice. God will lead His shepherd throught the Word and the Spirit, and the Holy Spirit will lead the afflicted in the path of righteousness. Out of curiosity I ask, what do you mean by 'married or dating?' If you are talking of sexual 'orientation,' then follow the above steps. Otherwise, you are probably talking of promiscuity. Peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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239 | Clarification | 2 Tim 2:19 | charis | 68123 | ||
Dear Pris, Greetings from Japan in Jesus' name! NO! I have no opinion on a dual-sex hypothetical! :-) I merely say that if a hermaphodite (a truly rare natural situation for a human being!) came to the Lord, He would know his (her) 'orientation' through pastoral counsel under the leading of God. This would solve the 'dilemma' of the mate-date. If this were an unnatural situation, as in homosexuality (even with a sex-change operation!), then the 'orientation' MUST be according to the Lord's selection of physical sex. Whatever hypothetical we can think of must differentiate between the saved and the lost. This usually simplifies things immensely! The saved will submit to God and His Word! The lost are just that! Whew! No mas! 'Mou ii!' (enough!) :-) Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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240 | Spirit teaches, but are we good students | 2 Tim 3:16 | charis | 32245 | ||
Dear Joe! Greetings in the name of Jesus! Perhaps (just perhaps) 'doctrinal infallibility' is not a absolute as some may think? :-) Perhaps (again) there is a certain amount of 'gracious leeway' built in by the sovereignty of God. Certainly there are numerous examples in the Bible that portray God forgiving instances of 'doctrinal infraction.' Please understand that I am fully aware that God has warned us many times of 'loose' interpretation and outright false teaching. But some interpretations of falsity could be stricter than God's interpretation, i.e. two somewhat different doctrines may both be led by the Spirit. On the other hand, a pet theory of mine is that BOTH seemingly opposite doctrines are not 'spot on,' but equidistant from God's perfect will. To answer your question, maybe it is not for us to judge, in an absolute sense, which is hearing the Spirit on a passage-by-passage basis. If we WERE to start judging things in this manner, it would certainly lead to some interesting logistics problems! (something like counting up money and property at the end of a Monopoly game :-)) From what I can see of the church overall, most people think that they hold a superior understanding of the Holy Spirit's leading, and would not even give ONE point to someone with a 'different' stance. Indeed, we DO have a problem. I guess that we must ask for the Spirit to give us a holy balance of discrimination, love, wisdom, and tolerance. In addition, release from the trap of 'perceived truth' (aka self-righteousness) would definitely remove some of the tension between nominally different parties. Peace and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |
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