Results 241 - 260 of 729
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Results from: Notes Author: charis Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
241 | How do we open eyes to truth? | Deut 7:2 | charis | 24295 | ||
Dear Johnny, Please do not say that those who defend themselves or their country through military service are in the same category as the 'fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters' as you quoted from 1 Corinthians. I am truly offended that you would say this. Without the heroic efforts of many 'defenders' you could be living in the southern province of Japan! I'm sorry to be so crude, but it is very easy to denounce the military while living in a free country. The war on terrorism going on now is not a war of faith. It is a war against hate and violence. Those that die at the hands of terrorists are not martyrs or 'killed in their faith.' Their lives are stolen in wanton acts of cowardice and violence. To bring the murderers to justice is just that, justice. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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242 | How do we open eyes to truth? | Deut 7:2 | charis | 24313 | ||
Dear Johnny, Again I become weary with your 'challenging' style of stating your opinions. You say that you are not giving personal thoughts but Bible truth. How arrogant! No, I don't have to get into a Scripture tit-for-tat with you, especially when you use verses out of context and only from the translation that suits your purposes. The correct rendering of Luke 3:14 would be more like, 'Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, "And what about us, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages."' (NASB) The context of this verse does not tell soldiers not to fight, but to treat those in the nation they occupy fairly and without personal greed. The Bible does not tell you specifically to breathe, either, but I suggest that you continue. Please do not say that you are speaking as a "true Christian" implying that those that disagree with you are not. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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243 | Where is your faith? | Deut 7:2 | charis | 24337 | ||
Dear coop1, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I really don't think that I am misunderstanding you at all. I just don't agree that murderers and terrorists are victims, nor do I think that we are the same as them to pursue civil and social justice. Indeed there IS a battle in the spiritual realm, one that I participate in continually. But we are talking about a temporal, present-day, real, physical battle against those that are determined to snuff us out! I believe that we have a God-commanded social responsibility to defend our freedom. I do not think that we should 'go into the mountains' as one poster wrote, nor do I believe that we should 'just' pray for these people and 'not lift a finger.' Are we to just forgive drunk drivers that kill innocents, too? Are we to not discipline children that bully others? Are we to just allow 'whatever' to happen? No! We are taught in the Bible to discipline those who sin. Sadly, in order to discipline someone holding a loaded gun, we must hold a similar weapon. Of course, we should pray for wisdom and divine help that we would not have to use our weapon. Often, this prayer is answered. But at times, there is no reasoning. Sad, but a civic and social reality. Sacrifice is fine, but foolishness and irresponsibility are not pleasing to God. It would seem that we have arrived at an impasse. Peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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244 | How do we open eyes to truth? | Deut 7:2 | charis | 24345 | ||
Dear coop! Are you accusing me of hate because I want to bring known terrorists to justice? I do not hate them at all! I do, however, despise and condemn their actions. War is not necessarily hatred of people, at least not in my case. I appreciate your concern for me, though :-) Yes, I do love my enemies. I also love the victims of senseless violence. I am afraid that social responsibility dictates that I bring such perpetrators to justice, including capital punishment, if warranted. You have said that you are in favor of capturing and caging evildoers. Has it occured to you that it is not very easy to do this? Such men would rather die, and in fact consider themselves heroes and martyrs for such a death. Im afraid that your plan won't work, though in theory it is desired. You seem to think my viewpoint is too earthly. I prefer the term practical. I see your thoughts as emotional or humanistic, but I'm sure that you consider them to be spiritual. :-) Blessings to you, and thanks to your son for serving his country! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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245 | Where is your faith? | Deut 7:2 | charis | 24466 | ||
Dear coop1, Greetings in Jesus' name! You may note that I have never denied the import of prayer or spiritual warfare. Please trust that I am fully aware of the things you speak of, and an ardent participant in the things of the Holy Spirit. I know that we must love and forgive our enemies, and I believe that I have made progress in this area. :-) But we cannot love and forgive to the point of ignoring the victims of anti-social behavior. Therefore, all crime and sin must have consequence in the here and now. Truly, I believe that the Lord can apprehend even the most hardened criminal. On earth, I cannot judge these things, I give them to He who will judge. In the meantime, I am charged to obey the laws of the land that has been given me. Don't misinterpret my zeal for justice as personal revenge. This is NOT the case! It is simply that I am capable of walking in the spiritual realm AT THE SAME TIME that I perceive and walk in the natural realm. BOTH are required of us. :-) Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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246 | Where is your faith? | Deut 7:2 | charis | 24488 | ||
Dear coop1, You know, I have not once cast doubt on your faith or 'wondered about you.' I must say that your implications regarding my faith and spirituality are rude. I count it spiritual arrogance to consider your stand 'spiritual' while others are not. I envy your total confidence that you are right with God. Though I trust God unwaveringly, I have never come to the conclusion that I am worthy of righteousness. I, for one, have had enough of your musings, assumptions, and oblique accusations of 'blood lust' and warmongering. Not once have I said that war is good or Godly or fun. I simply note that discipline and justice are necessary for any kind of social order, and that God has commanded us to obey the laws of the land He has given us. By the way, I do not 'agree with the unbeliever' about this matter. That is an incindiary comment, unworthy of one who names Christ as Lord. We are strangers in a strange land, yes! But, for a time we ARE here! There are some religions that teach that the physical world is not real, it is but an illusion. Christianity is not one of them. I assure you that though we are to look toward heaven on this journey, we are to keep our feet firmly attached to the ground until He releases us from our temporal walk. Peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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247 | Where is your faith? | Deut 7:2 | charis | 24494 | ||
Dear coop1, Well, DUH! All war is political. At least we now know that YOUR agenda is a political one. :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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248 | How do we open eyes to truth? | Deut 7:2 | charis | 24557 | ||
Johnny, Trust that I am not angry. But I am tired of repeating myself. I do not like or enjoy war. Do you understand me? I do not hate my enemies. Did you hear that? I do not want to kill all my enemies. Can you grasp my words? Please listen for a moment instead of just spewing forth sentimental nonsense. God commands us to discipline our children. God commands us to enforce discipline and order in His church. God commands us not to sin. God says that there is a social consequence to sin. God commands that we obey common law and the specific law of the land He has given us. Every civilized nation on earth requires that just punishment be meted out to those are violent and anti-social. There is a difference between 'fighting back' and taking defensive measures. God commands us to be meek AND wise in our dealings with the world. Please answer: Would you let your child spit in your face, just because he wanted to? If a man with a gun came to your home and shot dead your child, would you offer your wife to him next, or just leave your family altogether and run to the mountains? Would you like to go to the prisons and unconditionally release all the murderers and rapists and violent criminals? Please, don't qualify each answer with a long discourse about turning the other cheek or loving your enemy, just answer 'yes' or 'no.' If you answered 'yes' to these three questions, then the discussion is truly at an end. If you answered 'no' to all three, then maybe your 'theory' is not practical. Truly, *in the church* I will uphold every verse of Scripture that you quote. However, in dealing with an ever-escalating world of violence, it is irresponsible to just run to the mountains or ignore crime as if it were none of your business. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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249 | Do you understand me? | Deut 7:2 | charis | 24566 | ||
Dear Johnny, You have asked me for Scripture that speaks of the need to punish evildoers. I have stated often that it is common sense and submission to authority that speaks to us. These have been posted several times, and our colleague 'stjones' (aka Indiana Jones, aka yet-another-Steve) wrote of Romans 13:3-5 on November 22nd. Actually, the context, Romans 13:1-7 gives a broader picture. It is not a question of whether we, as Christians, should take vengeance and kill other people or not. No one, that I know of, is arguing FOR this. The question is whether God punishes evildoers through His agents, the earthly authorities He has set in place. Discipline and order are common sense, clearly spoken of in the Book of Proverbs. They are not the Law, or Old Testament only, they are the wisdom of God for all generations. "The king's favor is toward a servant who acts wisely, But his anger is toward him who acts shamefully." Proverbs 14:35 NASB Also, we find Jesus speaking about the wrath of a master toward an evil servant in Matthew 24:45-51. In any case, it is obvious that God requires us to be good and responsible citizens. Some may even serve in the military without becoming bloodthirsty warmongers. It is possible to 'serve the king' of your land without becoming evil, because God has given the king of a land authority to punish evildoers. I pray this is 'another topic.' In Christ Jesus, charis |
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250 | Does God want us to prosper | Deut 28:1 | charis | 43399 | ||
Dear TRU4GOD, (Spiritual) blessings to you in Jesus' name! (quote) "...it takes money to establish and build God's kingdom here on earth." (unquote) No, it doesn't. At least not in the way you are saying it. It takes faith, faithfulness, perseverance, honesty, vision, purity, hope, servanthood, love, kindness, patience, trust, and more faith. Cubic dollars never established anything but human institution. I'm sorry, but the way I hear the word 'prosperity' used grieves my spirit. Peace and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |
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251 | Does God want us to prosper | Deut 28:1 | charis | 43462 | ||
Dear TRU4GOD, Greetings in Jesus' name! Friend, I also consider you a brother in Christ, with no reservations! :-) I guess that I have seen so much abuse of the terms 'blessings,' 'prosperity,' and 'health' that I am somewhat touchy on the subject. Does God want to give us 'health and wealth?' Depending on your definition of these terms, Yes and No. Health, for instance: God wants to free us from Adam's curse of death, He wants to free this planetary abode from malevolence and pestilence! Yes! Does God want you to be free from all of the ordinary 'ordeals' of man, colds and stubbed toes? Does He want to give you a testimony, "See, if you believe in God you will no longer be plagued with colds and stubbed toes, illness and mishap!"? No, that is ridiculous. Next, wealth: God indeed desires that you be fed, clothed and housed. He wants you to have enough to share with your neighbor, though you may experience want in order to glorify God. He may even take things away from you in order to chastise, so that you will better appreciate His goodness. But does God really want to give you so much home that you need to hire help to clean it and your possessions? Such a good job that you are never home? Such a nice car that you can accelerate from 0-60mph in 7 seconds while maintaining 70 dBA and impress your neighbors? Such a nice yard that you pay some fellows to come in with a truckful of equipment to manicure it? Such a nice education for your kids that you hardly ever see them after high school? Such a nice debt schedule that you need two full-time paychecks to pay for all these 'blessing?' (not to mention giving to your church to support your pastor's 'blessed' lifestyle) This, too, is ridiculous! However, there are those that preach these very things! It IS dangerous, because so many are duped into giving money, hoping to 'buy' these kind of 'blessings,' only to be disappointed because they cannot meet the standard of a 'truly faithful Christian' as set by these 'prosperity' ministries. My fellow forumer, I assume that you do not go to these extremes. But in this way, I get to rant from my soapbox a bit! :-) Surely our God wants to bless His children! But what is the blessing of the Bible? What was prosperity to Old Testament Israel? What kind of goodness was Jesus and His disciples talking about? What you see and hear on TV? NO! (I am blessed to live in Japan, where overt greed is still considered worldliness) Well, my day is just starting. Many spiritual blessings to you, and may your needs be met in the bounty of our Lord! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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252 | A silly question? | Josh 10:12 | charis | 5496 | ||
Dear Lionstrong, I did go to irc.org and found the basic assertions of geocentricity: a. the earth is the center of the universe b. the earth is fixed (i.e., immobile) in space c. the earth is unique and special compared to all other heavenly bodies I have no problem with 'c' at all, and the article focuses on this. We agree. In the same article, regarding 'a' and 'b' it states: Evidently, while the physical form of the universe is an interesting scientific issue, it is not of very great importance Biblically. The lack of explicit Biblical teaching on this whole matter makes it impossible to call any conceptual model of the form of the universe "the Biblical view." Also quoted was Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. It asserts that it is impossible for a human observer to determine whether any material body is in a state of absolute rest. I agree with sola scriptura, but am at peace not to speculate where the Scripture is silent. My basic understanding of physics (not Ph.D stuff, mind you) does not interfere with my understanding of the Bible, my faith in God, or my life in Christ Jesus. Blessings in Jesus' name, charis |
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253 | Doesn't it say that God would cause evil | 2 Sam 12:11 | charis | 15651 | ||
Dear Joe! Bless every Calvinistic bone in your body, brother! This reminds me of me! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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254 | Doesn't it say that God would cause evil | 2 Sam 12:11 | charis | 16474 | ||
Dear Bob, Greetings in Jesus' name! No, your question does not offend me. Unless belligerance or rebellion is behind it, I have not reason for offence. Since it is difficult to confirm the intent of your questions on the forum, I must give that to the Lord. So, you see, that is the root of my answer to you. What is your motive? Human curiosity can be untrusting, rebellious and-or belligerent toward God. Friend, I assure you that I do not 'ignore' difficult passages. Those that I do not understand I pursue, with patient study, and with observation of their role in the living church. Patience is the important key, in that some things are not revealed according to my time schedule. Also, balance is important. If the overwhelming majority of Scripture speaks of the goodness and justice of God, I have to say that evil or malice would contradict this. I am in no rush to 'categorize' every 'jot and tittle' of the Bible. What do I do with these two passages? Knowing that God is love, and God is just, I surmise that God 'allowed' evil, much like in the book of Job. God is not the 'Author of evil.' Speculation that God is 'playing both sides' of a game from heaven smacks of the Greek gods. Dwelling on these passages does not satisfy a 'spiritual itch,' but a 'fleshly itch.' And this, dear fellow, is my 'insight,' for what it is worth. I write it for all our forum colleagues. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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255 | Does God endorse polygamy? | 1 Kin 11:3 | charis | 68326 | ||
Dear Swordman007, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Ok, you win. I wouldn't want to be taken to task on this one! :-) Friend, if you have the financial wherewithal to support multiple wives and children, great. If you are able to sort out the 'priorities' among your family members, including affection, attention and disbursment of your legacy, great. If you are able to circumvent the laws of the land (at least, America and Japan, as well as the majority of the world), great. If you can find women who are willing to 'share' you with others, great. And finally, if you are convinced that your interpretation of the Bible is correct, great. I won't stop you. But for me, I can afford but one wife with subsequent children, and they need my full attention and legacy (for what it's worth! :-)), and I would rather obey the laws of the country in which I serve God, and I know that Junko is NOT willing to 'share' me with anybody! :-) And finally, I disagree with your interpretation, but still don't want to be 'taken to task' on this issue! Just out of curiosity, are you a practicing polygamist, planning on polygamy, or just working on the hypothesis? Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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256 | Does God endorse polygamy? | 1 Kin 11:3 | charis | 68426 | ||
Dear Don, Greetings in the name of Jesus. Thank you for your insight. Pleas note, however, that I was not 'assuming' that polygamy is not legal in the majority of the world. You use the word 'culture' as if this is the deciding factor, in the same way you 'circumvent' the laws of America. The law makes polygamy illegal in the majority of the world, as I stated. That the 'cultures' allow it makes no difference. I DID do some homework, my friend. :-) Now, as to the practical realities: What I said holds true; it costs more to satisfy the needs of a large, multi-wife-children family. Few enjoy such leisure. Many (MANY!) women are not real excited about this kind of arrangement. Many children are not happy with sharing the legacy with so many, and it is next-to-impossible to apportion said moneys. (i.e. "She is wife #2, so deserves less!") You say it's not an issue? Well, it is where I come from! Some wives marry for love, and are not hot on sharing it with usurpers. ;-) The vast majority of the world does not practice polygamy for the very reasons stated above. All are not in Solomon's shoes! (I'm glad I'm not! He served idols because of his polygamous ways.) Getting down to brass tacks, are you practicing polygamy? Or is this just and exercise in 'perceived righteousness?' Even if you can 'prove' it is 'OK,' to what end? If we all practiced polygamy, a lot of fellows would be out of luck! ;-) Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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257 | Does God endorse polygamy? | 1 Kin 11:3 | charis | 68581 | ||
Dear Don, Greetings in the name of Jesus! "Legal" marriage IS an issue! :-) I can't help but think the examples you refer to sound like one guy with several live-in, single-working-parent girlfriends and one girlfriend running a day-care center. :-) This would make a great sit-com! (but I don't watch inane sit-coms) Come to think of it, it sounds even more like a commune cult with one 'leader' ruling over a harem of acolytes. :-) Don, it was nice chatting with you on this one. I will leave the thread with a chuckle. I'm just a simple-minded fellow with a lot of 'ingrained bigotries,' and very happy with one wife and family. Perhaps God will agree with you on this one, or more likely, His grace will be applied to those who are 'sincere' in their social mores. Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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258 | Why did Elisha have to see Elijah taken | 2 Kin 2:9 | charis | 33560 | ||
Dear Searcher, Greetings in the name of Jesus! My friend, in the pursuit of perfection and (self) righteousness, you are being very unkind to prophet ezra brown. Elijah heard Elisha's request, and agreed (in the Holy Spirit) that it would be so if he met the condition of being at his side when he was taken. Elisha was there, and did receive a double-portion of Elijah's spirit as promised. He received the mantle of authority and anointing (chosen by God), the same mantle cast upon him when Elijah found him. Mantle, spirit, authority, and ministry are all acceptable ways to express God's gifts to His chosen vessels. Let's not get too wrapped up in semantics or perfection, or you could be the next 'target.' :-) Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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259 | Why did Elisha have to see Elijah taken | 2 Kin 2:9 | charis | 33568 | ||
Dear Searcher, Greetings in Jesus' name. Point out error you may, but please do so in a gentlemanly manner, and with love and tolerance in your heart, not self-righteousness or indignation. Elijah . . . cast his mantle upon him--This was an investiture with the prophetic office. Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary. Strong's 5545 chrisma khris'-mah from 5548; an unguent or smearing, i.e. (figuratively) the special endowment ("chrism") of the Holy Spirit:--anointing, unction. ...therefore Elisha's request was, simply, to be heir to the prophetic office and gifts of his master. Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary So I add to the list of similar words 'gifts,' 'endowment' and 'office,' even though I am personally not fond of 'office.' :-) Yes, yes, many of us here investigate Scripture, and sometimes come to different conclusions. I don't believe you have a monopoly on *rightness.* My friend, these words CAN be used with similar meaning. Applying *petty* semantics to argue a trivial point makes me weary. :-) Peace and joy to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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260 | Why did Elisha have to see Elijah taken | 2 Kin 2:9 | charis | 33594 | ||
Dear Searcher, Greetings in the name of Jesus! No, not 'another twist.' You commented on the usage of 'anointing,' and I gave Strong's meaning. Yes, it IS Greek! But it bears out the present-day use of this Scriptural issue. The words I wrote can be used in a similar fashion, and in fact are sometimes interchangeable when discussing the servants of God. My post was to say that in present-day language, the spirit of Elijah means his ministry, his anointing (chosen by God), his gift, his mantle, his endowment from God. I pray that this is not twisting things too much. :-) I, too, hope that you have been strong AND gentle. Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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