Results 221 - 240 of 729
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Results from: Notes Author: charis Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
221 | 'Conscientious Objection' Biblical? | Ex 20:13 | charis | 16090 | ||
Dear Brian, and saints, Please understand, my friend and fellow, that I am not disagreeing with you specifically. I address this forum, and your thoughts and opinons as a brother in Christ. Our system of justice provides a convicted murderer with plenty of time (too much) to repent of their sin before God. The sin of murder can indeed be forgiven by God, but society is not responsible for such forgiveness. A debt against society, and against the victim and his family must be paid, or the laws mock justice. We would deny the rights of the victim in order to salve our own emotions. God forgives, AND God is just! We must understand the responsibilities of BOTH of these holy attributes, not only one. Please, the sin of adultery and the sin of murder were not linked by Jesus at any time. We cannot equate inchastity with depriving another of life. Pray tell, does this not rob the victim and kin of their 'human rights?' The victim and kin of adultery are hurt, and have the Biblical recourse of divorce. The victim of murder is dead, and the family has completely lost one of their own. Another point is that we cannot force all of society to accept our conscience and emotions on such an issue. Some think it is a crime to kill (and eat) a cow. This is religious conscience. Justice demands the rights of the victim to be upheld as a deterrent for violence. I am not a lawyer or judge, and cannot decide which case demands capital punishment. But some cases do demand it! I will trust those called to these positions on earth, and place my trust in God that He will rightly discern the heart of those on that final day. In Jesus, charis |
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222 | 'Conscientious Objection' Biblical? | Ex 20:13 | charis | 16114 | ||
Dear retxar, My brother, unless you are part of the minority in the US (or Japan) that are both 'conscientious objectors' and actively voting against representatives that support the death penalty, then you DO 'flip the switch' by proxy. If you are a member of that (very vocal) minority, then your hands are morally clean. Peace unto you. As far as one's Christianity is concerned, I suppose that the Lord would allow both ideologies, as long as they were decided with thought and prayer, i.e. from a heart set toward God. If, however, a decision is based on emotions and-or strained exegesis, then we are accountable for it as foolishness. This is so on both sides of the issue. We are called to shoulder the responsibility of our beliefs. :-) A humble observation... In Christ Jesus, charis |
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223 | 'Conscientious Objection' Biblical? | Ex 20:13 | charis | 16154 | ||
Dear Sir, I appreciate your desire to not want to take another person's life. I must say, however, that it is denying reality and social responsibility to say that you won't kill a murderer with a gun in their hand. The freedom you enjoy was purchased by defending said freedom from those who would take it from you by force. Utopia is not to be until our Lord returns. BTW, Jesus did not say, "NEVER draw your swords." Finally, it is even more arrogant that these men you defend stole the life from others before THEIR time. They forfeit their claim to a full life-span to 'search for God.' Friend, you say the survivors must be forgiving, but the dead victims are denied everything! Their opportunities no longer exist, according to your thinking of 'free will.' (I, personally, believe that salvation is in God's capable hands, not our whim and fancy.) In Jesus name, charis |
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224 | 'Conscientious Objection' Biblical? | Ex 20:13 | charis | 16235 | ||
Dear Sir, Blessings, friend, in Jesus' name! To start at the end, I am sorry that you disapprove of my phrase, 'whim and fancy,' implying that I do not understand the belief system of 'a very large number of committed Christians.' I very carefully chose this phrase, without malice or intent to disparage. The phrase accurately describes the 'unknown state' of those who claim a freewill road to salvation. This thinking panders to the 'capricious' nature of our emotions (soul), and negates the sovereignty of God to decide who are His. But, it is inconsistent. If man's fate is in his hands, i.e. to repent to salvation, as has been said regarding capital criminals, then they have stolen from God, potential Christians. Then you say we must provide them with an entire natural (though imprisoned) existence that they might accept (or not accept) Jesus as Lord. If we say, "Thou shalt not kill," but there is no consequence for breaking this law, then we mock God's just nature. I do not believe we can pray for the dead that were 'prematurely' killed by criminals. What if one victim was 'away from God' at the time of his murder? The criminal has taken away his opportunity to spend eternity with God. But we, (standing in God's stead?) offer a full opportunity for repentence? I am afraid I do not understand this logic. Sir, I do not rob you of hope or optimism when I say that Utopia is unavailable on earth. Indeed, I eagerly and earnestly seek for the return of the Lord Jesus, and His eternal kingdom. Yeah, even now, I believe that *within the church* we may enjoy many *previews* of this glorious future. But we cannot have this 'utopia' in an environment of a corrupt age, that is turned away from God. It is impossible to 'attain' this by our works, and will come about in due time by the sovereign act of God. My good fellow, I do not decry your faith. I simply believe that 'unilateral disarmament' will not 'bring the world about.' Only God can, (and will!) do that. Until then, we must seek peace, but the Bible is clear that the world will not 'cooperate' until God takes away their ability to disregard Him. This is why the Lord gave us human government and society. They are (temporarily) *sanctioned* by God until He returns and institutes His holy theocracy. Meanwhile we have a responsibility to protect ourselves and others from anti-social behavior. Peace and love. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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225 | 'Conscientious Objection' Biblical? | Ex 20:13 | charis | 16668 | ||
Dear Sir, Friend, this lapses into tedium... I well understand your point, but your point strains Biblical interpretation toward an emotional bent. Also, with all due respect, your logic defies reality. How do we know that unilateral disarmament will not bring the world about? I suppose that same way we know that gravity will draw you to earth if you jump off a cliff. Sir, I am not being facetious! Unilateral disarmament HAS been tried historically numerous times. If we lived in a world that was ruled by common sense, common morality, and common faith it WOULD work. But until the Lord returns, we live in a perverse age. You mistakenly think that we will 'change the world' with love. Well, this works in the movies, but goes against the Bible. Jesus spoke so many of His words to a nation that knew the Lord, a society that had a fundamental faith in one God. He spoke to a community that was to despise the 'outside world' and it's ways. We now live in an amalgamated world, the faithful amongst the wolves. "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves." Matthew 10:16 NASB In my humble opinion, your pendulum is swung to the left. Jesus preached balance, not bent. You are correct in that we are called to be merciful, but not at the expense of justice. You are mixing crimes, we are talking of murderers. As to grace to salvation, God is well able to take care of that. My actions will not negate His work. Indeed, free will HAS been discussed elsewhere. A search of these previous threads will reveal that I am no Calvinist :-) However, any way you argue it, if you think that man's choice affects his and other's salvation, then you clearly infringe on God's sovereignty. I do believe in the responsibility of believers to follow Jesus. But unless God instigates it, it will not happen! Finally to your finally: Jesus had a purpose on earth...the Cross awaited Him. As a lamb to slaughter, He went to glory. But the Lord clearly advised us to be strong in our faith, not sacrifices to foolishness and the wanton behavior of the world. It is one thing to submit to earthly authority for the sake of the name of Jesus, but quite another to submit to the whims of an immoral society. Sir, I am not preaching aggressive behavior, just the common wisdom that the Lord gave us. Yes, we must be careful, but not foolish! Yes, we are to be 'fools for Christ,' but not fools toward the world and it's unholy ways. In Jesus' name, charis |
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226 | 'Conscientious Objection' Biblical? | Ex 20:13 | charis | 16705 | ||
Dear Ed, Brother, you may jump in at any time! Amen! As has happened on more than one occasion, I failed to say what I started out to say. And bless you for saying it for me! It bears repeating... Because the Bible tells me so! Come quickly, Lord Jesus! In His name, charis |
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227 | 'Conscientious Objection' Biblical? | Ex 20:13 | charis | 16708 | ||
Dear Ed (again), And for those that teach submission to the world: "They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, Saying, 'Peace, peace,' But there is no peace." Jeremiah 6:14 NASB There WILL be peace on earth... after Shiloh comes! In Jesus, charis |
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228 | 'Conscientious Objection' Biblical? | Ex 20:13 | charis | 16804 | ||
Dear Sir, Well said, my friend. Believe me when I say that I respect your opinion, though I disagree with you in several areas. I don't know that I am worthy of summing up, or stating a concensus, but I would like to clear up a few things, then rest my case. I do not believe that the sovereignty of God in eternal mattters absolves us from temporal responsibility to pursue holiness or preach the Gospel to the lost. I could hardly justify my own existence if this were so. I serve the Lord as a missionary in a very lost nation, am obsessed with personal evangelism, and actively seek personal wholeness and holiness in accord with the Bible. I also encourage others to be of like mind every opportunity I get. But I totally depend on the Lord Jesus for the *final* decision, and give Him full credit for all the important steps along the way. This is why I don't qualify for either the Calvinist or Arminian label. :-) Friend, I cannot condemn your zeal for passivism. I, personally, do not believe that 'sacrificing' myself to a murderer will bring him a better opportunity for salvation, nor would providing him with a longer temporal span effect his 'decision' to know God. This honor and power I place entirely in God's capable hands. Just to set the record straight, I am not 'bloodthirsty, revenge-seeking, or battle-hungry' by any means. Nor am I an 'advocate' for capital punishment. I simply see submission to temporal authority and criminal justice as a present-day reality that will be abolished by the Lord at His return. I thank you for a great discussion! I do know your position better now, and will honor it before the Lord, knowing that He will reveal to all of us the truth. (Trust me, I have not 'decided' the truth, I just have an opinion based on study, observation, and my limited sensitivity to the leading of the Spirit) Blessings and peace in Jesus' name, charis |
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229 | Abortion for medical reason ??????? | Ex 20:14 | charis | 32632 | ||
Dear Listener, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I can only infer from your post that your experiences lead you to lump doctors and clergy together. I pray that I am wrong. "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you." Hebrews 13:17 NASB. My friend, I detect a distrust toward God's servants that is not right. Indeed, we must all wait upon God, and read His Word. But God often gives His counsel through His chosen shepherds. I feel sorry for you if you have not experienced this blessing. Peace and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |
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230 | How can I submit to fallable clergy? | Ex 20:14 | charis | 32778 | ||
Dear alreadytaken, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I agree heartily that all believers must take the time to be still before God and hear His voice. But you must understand that when you listen in submission to an approved (by God) man of faith, called to shepherd the flock of Christ, you ARE listening to the counsel of God. In the same way that reading the words on a page are nothing until the Holy Spirit causes the Bible to be life to the believer. Yes, God does speak to us in our hearts, but this can be just as unreliable as false (self-serving) teachers or miappropriated Scripture. You (and I) need all three means to hear the voice of God. Truly, if they are the voice of God, they will be in harmony. Note carefully that we are *responsible* to entrust ourselves to men of God. It is not an option! To say, "I like the church (the worship, the teaching, the youth group, whatever) but I can't stand the pastor/leadership!" is not something God would be pleased with. Yes, shepherds must be held accountable! But sheep must be shepherded! Period! If you are not a partaker in this tri-fold counsel of God, you are in grave danger of walking out of God's counsel. When a minister of the Gospel speaks in the authority of the name of Jesus (preaching, teaching, counseling), he is more than 'just a human.' Truly, he cannot be called infallible or perfect, but by heeding his words in faith and submission, God will honor His servants. And He will honor you! Peace and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |
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231 | Should Christians practice nonresistance | Lev 26:6 | charis | 15874 | ||
Dear Angie, Greetings to you in Jesus' name! I, too, hold a very simple view of faith. However, sometimes we must extrapolate a Biblical reference to see if it makes sense. Often this will shed light on the intent of the words of Christ, and indeed the whole Bible. If someone pulls out a pistol and shoots your son in the head for the contents of his wallet, should you offer your other son to him as well, hoping that the second son does not resist and meet the same fate? If this person has a history of irreverence toward human life, and continues to show a tendency of irreverence, irresponsibility, or lack of self-control, then society demands action to preclude further violence. Incarcerating this person for life is cruel and inhuman. Some say we are required to take a chance, a gamble, that this person can be rehabilitated. History and fact show that many suffer the consequences of this gamble with their lives. Better to commend their souls to a gracious God, than gamble that today's society will provide an environment for rehabilitation. Especially when the gamble involves the lives of my wife, children, friends, fellows, and even the lives of those I do not know, sacrificed daily for the sake of emotional social 'conscience.' I know the argument that the justice system is not perfect. Nothing is but God. I also know the feeling of being accused unjustly, and it is terrible! But, overall, we must trust authority, and know that God will know the heart of all, and that the final judgment is in His capable hands. Otherwise, emotions rule, and chaos ensues, with men in charge. If you need some 'reference point' for your emotions, watch 'Sergeant York' with Gary Cooper! It very well portrays the struggle involved in answering the original question. (and great acting, besides!) Please, do not mention the death penalty and abortion as if they are the same thing! I think that indeed, the death penalty IS a proven deterrent to violent crime. But now we have the 'incentive' to commit crime because of liberal laws, and emotion-rousing press. Also, death is a deterrent for war, too. But man has a tendency to war for greed. Sad, but true. Stop all war! Forgive all criminals! Great theory, poor reality. Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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232 | Should Christians practice nonresistance | Lev 26:6 | charis | 15896 | ||
Dear Brian, Hold on there, pardner! I am not responsible for the woes of all society before God. I have a civic responsibility to uphold the law of the land, and I have a right to protect myself from those who wish to deprive me of my freedom and my life. The land which you are blessed to be living in has laws that can be abused, but for he most part are the best laws available in this complicated, confusing age. You have linked practically every social woe to the death penalty, and that is just plain foolishness. A great deal of the lack of value in human life comes from the lack of faith in God. Those who disregard God's basic laws forfeit all the benefit and protection by them. God is merciful, but society cannot mimic God in this arena. (but they sure are trying!) I live according to the timeless laws of God first, not according to the ever-fickle mores of faddish society. All these complicated things you mention here are not as important as you might think, and I am certain that God is not as concerned about them as you seem to think. The heart and the attitude of mankind toward God is of much more importance. Not one of our mistakes can change God's plan, and not one of His will be stolen from Him by our 'unfair' practices. Serving God is very different from 'social work,' because society today is anti-social and rebellious toward God. A utopian, social state only leads people farther from God, not closer. In fact, all of the things you bring up are a *result* of humanistic thinking and endless human 'causes.' Peace upon you, my friend! Thes are my personal observations and opinions. I am not a 'vigilante' waiting for an opportunity to unleash God's wrath on earth. If I was drafted and given a gun, I would be praying that I would never have to use it! But if it was my country fighting another country, and my family and friends were depending on me, I would shoulder that weapon and that responsibility, and ask God to guide my bullets. In much the same way, the battle against violence and crime are the same thing. In my humble, but fervent opinion. In Jesus' name, charis |
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233 | Should Christians practice nonresistance | Lev 26:6 | charis | 15929 | ||
Dear Brian, I disagree with you. As a student of history, ancient and recent, I can tell you that the capital punishment and the disregard for human life that you are dwelling on (abortion and euthenasia) are not linked together, but rather inversely. The movement toward these two forms of murder goes hand-in-hand with the movement against capital punishment, all are humanistic in nature. All are masquerading as 'concern for the dignity and freedom of man (and woman).' You keep telling me of the reformed murderer apostle. Explain yourself. And what is the point, anyway. God was in charge, not society. It is a fact that few 'spend their life in Christ' while in prison. Comparing saints in prison for their faith with criminals in prison for violent crime is strange. Life in prison with parole in a few years is not near as much a deterrent as capital punishment. How much is your spouse's/ child's/ friend's life worth? Some monetary figure? Or perhaps a few thousand hours of 'community service?' Please! I find that abolishing capital punisment cheapens the life of those who are victims. In Jesus' name, charis |
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234 | Should Christians practice nonresistance | Lev 26:6 | charis | 15940 | ||
Dear Brian, Indeed, this is a day for Christians to unite in prayer for the victims of this terrorist act. Friend, I am in shock! My blessings to you, and to all my forum fellows and friends. May the peace of the Lord Jesus keep us all close to Him at this tragic time. In the name of Jesus, charis |
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235 | Is tithe used for Min. or Bldg or both? | Num 18:28 | charis | 40224 | ||
Dear Serenetime, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Sounds a lot like payment for services rendered! :-) Do we pay in straight installments or is it commission-based? Are there bonuses for a particularly good sermon? Sorry for my flippancy, but isn't it God's money? We give in faith to the local church in which God has placed us. We do not decide the *worthiness* of the recipient. If we give faithfully, we will be rewarded according to His riches in glory. Our *feelings* are not an issue. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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236 | Why didn't Moses enter the Promised Land | Num 20:12 | charis | 66899 | ||
Dear Robert, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Your answer is correct. Please note that this was not the 'first and only' sin, though. He did not circumcise his own son: 'Now it came about at the lodging place on the way that the LORD met him and sought to put him to death. Then Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son's foreskin and threw it at Moses' feet, and she said, "You are indeed a bridegroom of blood to me." So He let him alone. At that time she said, "You are a bridegroom of blood"--because of the circumcision.' Exodus 4:24-26 NASB. And Moses did not 'follow through' with the sons of Israel: 'At that time the LORD said to Joshua, "Make for yourself flint knives and circumcise again the sons of Israel the second time." So Joshua made himself flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth. This is the reason why Joshua circumcised them: all the people who came out of Egypt who were males, all the men of war, died in the wilderness along the way after they came out of Egypt. For all the people who came out were circumcised, but all the people who were born in the wilderness along the way as they came out of Egypt had not been circumcised.' Joshua 5:2-5 NASB. I don't know if it is 'three strikes you're out,' but I make this point because I have heard some say that Moses was so good, but cursed for but one 'minor' infraction. Such is not the case! Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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237 | Why didn't Moses enter the Promised Land | Num 20:12 | charis | 66927 | ||
Dear Robert, Greetings in Jesus' name! Amen! And well said. Like many of the saints of old (David certainly comes to mind!), Moses was far from perfect, yet by grace was 'as a friend of God! (Exodus 33:11) This same verse tells us that Joshua knew that. The nation of Israel (Old and New Testament) considered Moses the 'mouth of God,' always saying, "Moses said..." The writer of Hebrews spoke at length of the faith of Moses in chapter 11. One more verse that caught my eye is: 'And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations!"' Revelation 15:3 NASB. Verse 2 says that these are 'those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and the number of his name.' A 'pet theory' of mine (not a doctrine!), is that Moses 'led them out of Egypt,' speaking of a type of justification, and Jesus 'leads us in' to a 'Promised Land' of the kingdom of God (the kingdom of heaven), a place of proximity with God that Israel never enjoyed. This verse speaks of the 'song of Moses,' praising God for delivering them from Egypt, from bondage, and slaying the armies of the enemy. But the 'song of the Lamb' speaks (to me) of a post-sanctification entrance into eternal life. I understand this is not a 'perfect model,' but I sing both songs! Thanks to you (and Ray, too!) for sharing your thoughts of faith and praise. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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238 | Why didn't Moses enter the Promised Land | Num 20:12 | charis | 66928 | ||
Dear Ray, Greetings in Jesus' name! Friend, you are always welcome! Please see ID# 66927 for my note to Robert. Thank you for your contribution to the thread. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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239 | How do we open eyes to truth? | Deut 7:2 | charis | 24261 | ||
Dear Johnny, Greetings in Jesus' name! It is true that Jesus never commanded me to go to Afghanistan. But He did command me to submit to the earthly authority that HE placed over me. Also, he has placed a burden of wisdom and common sense upon me. Frankly, my friend, I won't even try to explain passages to you. I see that you have adequately explained them to yourself, and haven't shown much interest in the 'sum' of Scripture. Indeed, life in Christ is not easy. Sometimes, pacifism is simply the denial of practical reality. I am not 'for' war, and pray for a quick end to this conflict. But neither can I deny that if we leave things alone, we will soon see more terrorist violence. Fortunately, I am not in charge of things at a national level. I live at a 'local' level. The Bible clearly tells me to deal with sin with wisdom AND discipline. This I do in the church. I would no more allow sin to grow in the church than I would allow my family to be murdered before my very eyes. This is not revenge! It is just common sense. I do not preach an 'eye-for-an-eye.' But I do preach justice. Blessings and peace to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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240 | Where is your faith? | Deut 7:2 | charis | 24294 | ||
Dear coop1, Blessings in the name of Jesus! You see, satan has already been granted authority over the earth. Presently death and sin reign here, except in the hearts of those who know Jesus. One day, our Lord will return and reclaim His creation, but until that day, we are strangers in a strange land. "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves." Matthew 10:16 NASB We are commanded to be meek (like Jesus) AND shrewd as serpents. To me, this speaks of a bit of common sense and propriety. Pacifism to the point of fatalism does not seem wise. Please, do not portray military personnel as 'consumed by evil,' 'slaughterers,' or holding 'a gruesome satisfaction in killing and war.' I have never met such a person except in the civilian community. My own family and military acquaintances are anything but warmongers, but always pray for peace, first. But when common sense and mutual respect break down to the point of violence, these men and women are courageous enough to put their lives on the line for such as you and me. You seem to be calling any military action 'aggression,' while at the same time relegating the victims of terrorism or violence to 'bad karma' or perhaps a strange form of Christian martyrdom. I may one day be called to sacrifice my life for the sake of the name of Christ. This I will do gladly. But I cannot 'surrender' willingly and to a psychopath simply to 'show' my faith, nor will I allow my family to come to harm and say "sho-ga-nai" and blame God. ("sho-ga-nai" means 'nothing can be done') I am sorry that you are angry, truly I am. This is but one man's opinion. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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