Results 241 - 260 of 1260
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: charis Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
241 | What is Free Will? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 34059 | ||
Dear Curt, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Friend, I am sorry for doubting you! :-) I apologize for 'painting you with the wrong brush.' But wait, weren't you a 4-point Calvinist with reservations? Ummm...which brush was that? :-) 14-17 hours ahead of the 'rest of the woild' gives me the advantage of being able to read all the previous day's postings while all you folks are still snoring. The disadvantage is that I wake up and get to my church/school office with sometimes over 100 postings to sift through. When I read something that gets me excited, I sometimes reply without doing a 'background check.' The result of my belated investigation is that you are indeed without a freewill bone in your body and exonerated from my baseless charge! And I apologize for my 'hastiness.' :-) Peace to you this blessed day! Enjoy His presence! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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242 | Visit other churches? | Rom 16:16 | charis | 34017 | ||
Dear Hank, (and I guess this will have to do for all the others that replied, because our Sunday morning service will start in an hour :-)) Greetings in Jesus' name! I realized that I did not make any comment about why (or why not) we might visit other churches. I am in favor of visiting other churches once in a while. In fact, in the summer months we do not have evening services, and I encourage our fellowship to visit a variety of other churches in our neighborhood. Of course, here in Japan there are few other churches. :-( My belief is that we should see how others worship and fellowship in order to broaden our own relationship with God. Though I am far from 'loose' in my doctrine, I do believe that it is difficult to practice the 'tolerance' and 'patience' toward the brethren encouraged in the Bible if we only go by heresay and bigotry. Another reason is the 'competition for souls' I see in this day of seeking bigger and bigger congregations. There is a spirit of 'vying' I see that reminds me of K-mart and Wal-mart. Sadly, I do not see the remaining contender as the victor! One other thing I have seen that shocks me is that when someone goes on vacation, they don't go to church. I hear many reasons for this, but none seem very faithful. (to me) Please note that I don't think any of the above (or other post) is an excuse for not being a faithful, committed member of a local church. The 'extra-curricular forays' I am talking about are for the benefit of Jesus' church! When we visit another assembly, it should not be to measure, judge, or 'prove our ideas.' We should go with an attitude of humility, blessing them, thereby enhancing our knowledge of God and His people. In a way, this forum has done so to me! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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243 | Visit other churches? | Rom 16:16 | charis | 34010 | ||
Dear Hank, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! I just woke up this fine Sunday morning (weather-wise a bit cold and dreary, but the day of assembly before God!) to 7 (count 'em!) answers to my question! As you are the first to ask 'the question' you will be the first to receive 'the answer.' (I wonder how long I can stretch this out without making someone upset?) Now, the problem is that if my answer is not sufficiently profound, I might get 'booed!' ...where was I?... :-) Actually, the main reason asked was because I was curious, as stated. It has to do with a 'theory' that has been formulating in my heart (brain?) about the state of the church in this present age. I have sensed a bipolar movement of relationship to the local church of either 1) allegience to a 'religious entity,' often part of a larger denomination, or 2) little or no allegience to anything but whim, circumstance, job, and a personal understanding of 'God's will.' The first, I do not find to be 'wrong,' except that some (not all!) of this type do tend to be a little 'xenophobic' and judgemental toward 'other' Christians, especially those of different creeds. Another type of person in this category can be guilty of worshipping their leaders(s) or their 'creed' to the exclusion of any other assembly, and sometimes to the point of not loving (or denying) their fellow Christian. These extremes do not lead anybody to the 'unity of the faith.' The second type is a bit scary, where each man 'walks his own path.' Many of these are disenchanted members of the first category, but because of one situation or another have done a 'radical pendulum-swing' against the authority and blessing of the local church assembly. (makes you wonder what kind of 'weight' was on their pendulum or plum-bob!?) Some churches even cater to this kind of behavior (marketing?) and have made a way to get plenty of money with no strings attached, i.e. responsibility. In any case, my friend, I completely agree that the church needs faithful, committed sheep, and sheep need a faithful, committed church, complete with a conscientious, holy leadership! My 'poll' was no reflection on any particular member of our forum fellowship, but I do think that this past year of 30K plus postings show some of this attitude in the church. Of course, most of those that are 'committed' here, are (or should be!) committed to a local assembly. Many blessings to all, and thank you for your patience with me this past year! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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244 | Visit other churches? | Rom 16:16 | charis | 33949 | ||
Dear Saints of the forum, Just curious, but for those among you that are committed members of a local church: How many other churches have you visited in say, the last 5 years? Of those, how many were of different denominations? Someone is going to ask, "Why do you ask?" I'll tell you after I get some answers! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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245 | Double portion is really only two-thirds | 2 Kin 2:9 | charis | 33946 | ||
Dear Indy, Greetings from the Far East in the name of Jesus! My friend, I agee with you! That is precisely why I sometimes write like the Amplified Bible. :-) I did that this time and found that one of my 'amplifications' was totally unacceptable to some folks for reasons I could not fathom for some time! Theological significance!? Yeah, right! :-) I don't envy your arguments about 'chaste.' At least we have settled THAT one in our local church. But, we don't have many (any) theologians, either! Good luck! If I may say so, I have never had such 'discussions' in Japanese. Maybe English has too much (convoluted) history, and too much 'poetic license!' In my second language (first after 30 years?) of Japanese, this entire thread is summed up as, "American Christians sure have a lot of free time on their hands!" :-) I sometimes try to explain to my congregation the 'issues' portrayed on this forum, and all I get is a dumdfounded stare. From a former Hoosier. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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246 | What is Free Will? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 33931 | ||
Dear Curt, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! My friend, I hold you in the highest regard, but I must respectfully disagree that the Bible says anywhere that we choose salvation. After spending some time looking at 'choice,' 'choose,' and 'chose,' 'elect' and 'select,' I cannot find even one Scripture that says we choose to be saved. However, the same word search will show many that clearly say that God chose us for. Now I understand that if you just say that every instance of plural usage (us, we, all) means the whole world, you 'seem' to prove that Jesus died for all mankind, but only those who choose Him get saved. But then wouldn't there be at least a few Scriptures saying 'we chose Him' or 'we chose salvation?' Granted, there does seem to be Scriptural evidence that *some certain* individuals have chosen to 'reject' Christ. As far I can see, these cases are not common, in fact uncommon. (my opinion, downright RARE!) IMHO, the CHOICE for salvation is completely in the sovereign hands of God. The CHOICE to serve this SAVIOR is in fallible human hands, but led by, and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, the Bible and the (local) church. With this kind of inspiration and stimulation, few can deny or reject the salvation that has already been freely given by God's gracious choice. That we must choose to serve the Lord, I do not argue with you at all. But our service unto Him is never good enought to get us saved. It pleases Him, and that (should!) please us. I know that it pleases me! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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247 | having to work the sabbath | Matt 12:1 | charis | 33880 | ||
Dear brac17070, Greetings in Jesus' name! Working on Sunday (if that is the day your church assembles) would keep you from the fellowship you need with God's people, your family in Christ. "...not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." Hebrews 10:25 NASB. "...you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 2:5 NASB. In order to be healthy in the Lord, you need His Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His House (the local church). The local church brings forth love, faith, responsiblity, gifts and ministry. (and much more!) By committing your self to a local church, and placing yourself under shepherding care, the fulness of the Gospel is made manifest, producing the fruit of the Spirit in your life. Back to job situation, it is not a legalistic thing. It is not that you may NEVER miss church. But if your job takes you away from the fellowship of the saints on a permanent or constant basis, you probably are working the wrong job! Ask if adjustments can be made, petition God to work on your behalf, make a goal (vision) of getting a more healthy lifestyle. I have seen the Lord move on behalf of those that trusted Him to make a way! Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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248 | Double portion is really only two-thirds | 2 Kin 2:9 | charis | 33854 | ||
Dear 10EC, (I know it's Tim, but I like 10EC! :-)) Greetings in Jesus' name! I have heard that one too! Let me add yet another: The 50 got a 'single-portion,' and Elisha got twice as much as these 'less-faithful' prophets. (they weren't present when Elijah was taken up) Therefore, Elisha got a 'double-portion.' However, all that said, I agree with you that it is probably not 2X of anything, or even 2/3, but the 'full-portion' of the God-given gift. (dare I say ministry, spirit, endowment or anointing [Greek! :-)]?) After all, both Elijah and Elisha were 'great' prophets! But to argue which had more 'power' is akin to the sons of Zebedee trying to be closer to the Lord than the other disciples, yes? By the way, I have heard that there is a lot of abuse of the word 'anointing' which may be the reason for some amount of 'sensitivity' to this word. As I am far away from the blessing of 'mainstream American Christianity' I was unaware that we cant use this word without rousing xenophobic reaction. Peace! Blessings to you for your 2 cents! This is my 2 yen. (presently worth 1.48 cents, or .0174 Euros) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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249 | Anoint? | 2 Kin 2:9 | charis | 33779 | ||
Dear Searcher, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I quote from Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary: This request was not, as is commonly supposed, for the power of working miracles exceeding the magnitude and number of his master's, nor does it mean a higher endowment of the prophetic spirit; for Elisha was neither superior to, nor perhaps equally great with, his predecessor. But the phrase, "a double portion," was applied to the first-born [Deu 21:17], and therefore Elisha's request was, simply, to be heir to the prophetic office and gifts of his master. (end quote) Brother, I find it hard to believe that this whole thing, calling me a 'Scripture-twister' and all that was simply to prove your point about the semantic difference between the the 'anointment' in 1 Kings 19 (i.e. the pouring of oil on the head by God's representative) and my use of the word 'anointing' as in 'endowed with gifts from God.' As far as I am concerned, you win the legal battle, and gain the crown of triviality. :-) Many, many blessings to you in the abundant life that our Lord gives. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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250 | *Practical* not *ethereal* | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 33767 | ||
Dear Dino, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Friend, I believe you have misunderstood my post to you. Trust me that I have no problem with grace at all, and see no need to do anything to reinforce it. I was merely asking you to 'quantify' your understanding of how we might lose our graceful salvation. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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251 | Anoint? | 2 Kin 2:9 | charis | 33755 | ||
Dear Robert, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Friend, I am a layman, a carpenter and PC technician by trade, a minister of the Gospel by calling. Forgive me for being so dense, But WHAT is it you agree with our fellow forumer Searcher? I agree with your definition from Strong's. I used the Greek equivalent in my post more than once. Anoint means consecrate (unto God) for the purpose of serving the Lord. It seems (to me) that the Hebrew and the Greek agree on the basic meaning. I have said that I believe that Elisha was anointed to the ministry of prophet. He succeeded Elijah, took up his mantle, was endowed with the gifts necessary to perform his calling. I have NOT said that I agree with the doctrine or all the posts written by our colleague 'prophet ezra brown,' but that we owe him the dignity of counting him among the brethren of God. I simply said that I agree with Brother Brown that the spirit of Elijah was indeed passed to his heir, Elisha. I also agree that the 'double' part of 'double-portion' is not a numerical 2X. It means that the legacy was passed on. With all due respect to you, and to my esteemed (steamed?) colleague, Searcher, what is the ado about? I can't find a thing in your post that I disagree with, except the 'I agree with Bro. Searcher... part. I don't even know what HE is so upset about. :-) I hope not to put you out of joint, too! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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252 | Anoint? | 2 Kin 2:9 | charis | 33737 | ||
Dear Searcher, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Peace, my friend. I am confused about your definition of 'anointed.' I was always under the impression that anointed (often with oil) meant 'chosen by God' or 'consecrated to a ministry.' While it is true that men physically did the anointing, the Holy Spirit led the men to do so. In this particular passage and it's context, I get the idea that Elisha was heir to Elijah's ministry of prophet, and that God approved it. If I am mistaken, please teach me the true meaning of 'anoint' and tell me what did happen to Elisha. But, if you are done with this discussion, maybe someone else can enlighten me? :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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253 | *Practical* not *ethereal* | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 33733 | ||
Dear Dino Bencini, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! Trust, my friend, that I well know this Scripture! The problem is: 1) If Jesus will always take you back, then are we in a constant state of saved-unsaved-saved-unsaved...etc.? 1a) If so, is the outcome sure that in the end we are saved? or, 1b) Are we unsure of our status? i.e. Are we saved only if we are in God's good grace(s) at the moment of our death? 1c) Doesn't God know when we will die? i.e. If God doesn't know if we are saved or not, it seems to deny any form of the words 'chosen,' 'elect,' or 'known' by God, except in a general sense. As one that believes in a personal God, I find this very disconcerting! 2) I was asking for a *practical* definition, not an *ethereal* one. The doctrine of a believer committing an 'unforgiveable sin' depends upon the two phrases 'blaspheme (sometimes 'grieve') the Holy Spirit' and 'deny Christ.' That these two concepts are in the Bible I cannot deny! However, if we are to preach this doctrine, the burden of explaining what this means falls upon us. It cannot be a vague thing! Also, if you make these sins *easy* to commit, then you send to hell some that God has counted as in heaven. My examples are Peter and David. (though there are many more!) In the Old Testament and the New, God's people have sinned terribly and been forgiven, Jesus was denied, and the Holy Spirit grieved. But God, in His great mercy saved even those! It is this same mercy that I lean upon! How about you? Or is it now your effort and clean life that will now get you into heaven? In conclusion, I say that I am not against your claim of 'possible unforgiveable sin' as a theory and a dire warning. But if you bandy this theory 'loosely' to the effect of eroding the faith of those that God has loved, you are committing the sin of robbing God's people. Me, I prefer to encourage God's people in a positive sense. I do not offer the false security of 'God loves you whatever you do!' But I do preach that His love is effective to the salvation of those who are call His name! Can we say to God's people, "You could lose your salvation, but I'm not going to tell you how!"(?) It seems to me that if we only preach a perfect life...or else!, then we are 'faith-robbers,' not 'faith-givers.' Blessings to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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254 | Why did Elisha have to see Elijah taken | 2 Kin 2:9 | charis | 33620 | ||
Dear Searcher, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Brother, as you said earlier, 'anointing' (Strong's 5545) comes from 'anointed' (Strong's 5548) chrio khree'-o probably akin to 5530 through the idea of contact; to smear or rub with oil, i.e. (by implication) to consecrate to an office or religious service:--anoint. This, IMHO, is applicable to the situation. Elisha asked that Elijah's spirit, mantle, anointing be passed to him. Certainly God did the choosing, the consecrating, the anointing, and Elisha was the recipient of this blessing, this gift. Elisha was anointed, and took up the mantle of prophet. Frankly, I don't get what you are saying about 'no relation.' Could you explain? In Christ Jesus, charis |
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255 | Strong AND gentle? | Phil 4:5 | charis | 33603 | ||
Dear Searcher, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! Indeed, Jesus was meek, both strong and gentle. I think we have to be careful when we use Jesus' example, though. When Jesus used strong language, He had the advantage of knowing the heart of the person that was being addressed. We cannot discern at the level of the Lord, and do not know the hearts of men. So, it seems to me that we are to be more careful with our tongue, because our assessment of someone could be wrong. We cannot say, "Jesus was angry, and so am I!" :-) I think that we must sacrifice some of our strong words for the sake of trusting the Lord. It seems to me that our 'strength' should remain hidden for the most part. "Speaking the truth in love" should never be rude or impatient. (sometimes we are, though, even the best of us!) The kanji (Chinese characters) for strong and gentle mean about the same thing as the English words. However meek (nyuuwa) is closer to 'weak' than 'gentleness in strength.' In other words, more akin to the popular 'wimpy.' In Christ Jesus, charis |
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256 | Strong AND gentle? | Phil 4:5 | charis | 33599 | ||
Dear Lionstrong, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Well put! And well received! If I may add, and *un-gentle* attitude could betray a lack of strength and confidence (in the Lord). Blessings to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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257 | Strong AND gentle? | Phil 4:5 | charis | 33595 | ||
Dear Emmaus, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! BINGO! :-) Meekness does not equal wimpy! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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258 | 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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259 | Practical definition of 'forsake?' | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 33575 | ||
Dear zach†, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! Could you please supply me with a *practical* definition of 'forsake?' Is this an 'anti-faith?' An 'incantation?' An 'action' that is universal, or case-by-case? Are steps involved, or is there a 'one time and you are out' violation? Or is it a combination of two or more of the above? Is it possible to 'forsake' and 're-repent?' Is there something I have missed entirely? While I admit that there are abundant Scriptures that speak of the possibility, scarce are those that explain how and when grace is defeated. Blessings and peace to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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260 | Strong AND gentle? | Phil 4:5 | charis | 33570 | ||
Dear saints, Is it possible to be strong and gentle at the same time? In Christ Jesus, charis |
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