Results 301 - 320 of 532
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Robert Nicholson Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
301 | thou hast left thy first love | Bible general Archive 1 | Robert Nicholson | 51024 | ||
New Creature: Sorry for the mix up in my last post on your name Robert |
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302 | thou hast left thy first love | Bible general Archive 1 | Robert Nicholson | 51022 | ||
Grace and Truth: I agree that the Lord will withdraw if people contiually reject him. You will notice that in the last church Laodica Rev. 3:14- that the Lord is outside the professing church altogether. In v. 20 he appeals to individuals "Behold I stand at the door and knock; and any man hear my voice and open the door I will come in to him, and sup with him and he with me" This is certainly a sad time for the church who has choosen rest on their own riches and ignore Christ altogether. I enjoyed you quote. There is a great difference between profession and possession. God wants our individual hearts and love, afterall it is a personal relationship we have in him. God bless you Robert |
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303 | Can God change our heart? | Ps 51:10 | Robert Nicholson | 51019 | ||
Greetings oregonraindrops God tells us about the spiritual human heart. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9) From this we learn that we cannot change our own heart. Can God change our heart? The Psalmist could pray: "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10) It would appear that David believed God could change him. Paul writes: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Cor. 5:17) I believe this includes our spiritual heart. It certainly refers to our changed focus of love and our desires which are new in Christ. In fact it is only through this change that we are able to approach God and to please him. I believe when we are "born from above" by the Spirit of God that he changes us at the time we place faith in Christ and continues to change us througout our lives to be more like him. There may be other verses. Robert |
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304 | "need" for baptiam | Bible general Archive 1 | Robert Nicholson | 51014 | ||
To All: We should not take a few scripture verses in isolation and build a doctrine. In fact Peter tells us "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation." (1 Peter 1:20) In other words we must consider the interpretation of a verse in the context of the chapter, in the context of the book, in the context of the testament and in the context of the whole word of God. What does God teach us about the remission or forgiveness of sins? a)"without shedding of blood is no remission." (Heb.9:22) From the beginning of Genesis throughout the Old Testament God has shown this principle through types and shadows that there is no forgiveness apart from the shedding of blood. All of these pictures pointed forward to the coming redeemer who would give the ultimate sacrifice for sin. These types and shadows were fulfilled in Christ. b) There is no other way to have sins forgiven. "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God" (Heb. 10:12) Peter also reminds us "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:" (1 Peter 1:18-19) Paul reminds us in (Eph 2:8-8) "For by grace are you saved through faith ; and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God; not of works lest any one should boast" What about Peter's words in Acts 2:38? Is he teaching us that baptism is essential for the forgiveness of sins? If so is he not contradicting 1 Peter 1: 18-19? First who is he speaking to: He is preaching the first message of the gospel to Israel, many whom were eyewitness to Jesus on earth and to his death upon the cross. They were also those who were looking for the Christ or the Messiah. What is he telling them? He reminds them of the life of Christ on earth, his miracles and wonders. He tells them that it was God's plan that Christ would be crucified and slain. He shows them how Christ is the fulfilment of old testament prophecy and that he died, but more wonderful, God raised him from the dead and that "God hath made that same Jesus , whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ."V36 In other words the one you have hated, rejected and crucified is none other than the messiah whom God had promised. How did they react? Their conscience was pricked and they asked "What shall we do?" Peter continues and teaches them that guilt is not enough! Feeling sorry for your mistakes will not give you forgiveness! What was his message? a) "Repent ye"(metanohsate) is in the active imperative tense. It demands action at once! You must change your mind and your life immediately. You must see yourself as God sees you and see Christ as God sees him. The one whom you rejected you must crown as Lord and Christ of your life. If indeed they followed this teaching the moment they turned to Christ by faith and acknowledge him as Lord and Christ they were given eternal life. What next? "And be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ" Why did Peter insist that they be baptised. Were they not saved when they believed which was part of repentance? Absolutely! However, it was the command of the Jesus Christ and it was by his authority that they were baptised. Their baptism at this time was an outward expression of the inward change. They identified with Jesus Christ whom they once hated and yet now loved. The Lord Jesus made it very clear that there is a divine order to getting saved. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" Mark 16:16 What is he saying? "He that believeth" At this point the person is forgiven the moment they rest by faith on Jesus. "And is baptised" He wants those who believe in him to be baptised. "He that believeth not" "shall be damned" nothing is said about being baptised not. Baptism would have no merit if a person who had not believed were baptised. We know that there are hundreds of verses support the theme of God's word which is redemption through Christ alone. To try and add something to the work of Christ is an insult to that precious one who paid the price in full and in doing so open the life gates to all who will enter by faith. I plead nothing more than the precious blood of Christ shed for me for eternity. I was baptised as a step of obedience to Christ with the intention of honoring him and proclaiming outwardly the change which he by his spirit had made within. May we walk worthy of him. Robert |
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305 | thou hast left thy first love | Bible general Archive 1 | Robert Nicholson | 50987 | ||
Goodmorning New Creature: The seven churches of Asia which are found in Rev. 2-3 represent local churches of God which existed in Asia at about 96 A.D.. Interestingly, the Spirit of God through John points out the condition of each. However, when we look closely at each church we find that each represents a time in history which at the time of the writing of Rev. was future except for the first church at Ephesus. Ephesus represents the apostolic age. The Lord says: a) "I know thy works, and thy labour and thy patience" V.2 Labor in this verse is given in the sense that they labored to the point of exhaustion. b) "thou canst bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not and hast found them liars. This church was doctrinally correct and stood guard against false teachers and exposed such as false. In v. 3 the Lord summerizes the intensity of their labor, their doctrine and faithfulness to that doctrine. Nevertheless, even though the appeared to be correct, the Lord points out this major problem in V.4 "Thou has left thy first love" An example of this can be found in the experience of Mary and Martha in Luke 10V38. Martha was a hard worker and was busy trying to make things right for the Lord. She was frustrated with her sister's seeming lack of exercise. Yet we find that the Lord points out "that Mary has choosen the better part". What was Mary doing? Sitting at the feet of the Lord Jesus and hearing his word. Martha was distracted by all of the work she thought necessary and forgot that it was important to be close to Christ and to hear his word. In Ephesus, we have those who labored intensely supposedly for God. However, it would seem that their motivation was out of duty rather than out of love. When we first come to know Christ as our Saviour, we are in our first love. Our desire is to be pleasing to him because of his love to us and ours to him. However, as time goes by there is a distinct danger of doing things out of a sense of duty rather than love. We may pride ourselves in doctinal correctness, in our ability to see error in others and in our stand for the truth, but if we are motivated by anything other than love for Christ, we labor in vain. God wants our hearts more than anything else. In V. 5 they are told to repent. Or the Lord would removed the lampstand from their presence. I believe the lampstand is the Lord's presence in their midst. At a certain point he will withdraw and leave them alone to their own organized religion. You mention "People doing what they do without the fire" This is a good way of putting it. I believe the fire speaks of our desire to please the Lord Jesus because we love him and if we are willing he will by his Spirit raise us to higher heights in himself. "You have left your first love" is a challenging searching question which we can apply to ourselves. Why do we do what we do for the Lord? In Christ Robert |
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306 | Is Hell everlasting?Rev 20:15 | John 3:16 | Robert Nicholson | 50503 | ||
Greetings Grace and Truth: I would like to make a brief reference to the English word hell which I believe as used in the scriptures has at least 3 meanings. In Luke 16:19-31 Jesus speaks of two men in life and two men after death. I do not believe this is a parable since the names of both men are given. The word hell in this passage is the word "hades" which is defined as the place of departed spirits. We find in this account that the wicked are in concious torment and the righteous are comforted in Abraham's bosum and that between the two sections there is "a great gulf fixed" which does not allow movement from one to the other. "Hades" is also used in reference to the Lord Jesus after his death. "For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption." Psalm 16:10 and Acts 2:27 We know that after three days the Lord Jesus was raised from the dead. In 2 Peter 2:4 we read concerning the angels that sinned "For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;" The word for hell in this verse is "tartarovw" which is defined as the lowest place of the wicked dead. It is noteworthy that this verse tells us they are reserved for judgment which would suggest this is not their final place for eternity. The Lord Jesus warned of hell or "gevenna" which refers to the "Gehenna of fire" which was the ever burning garbage dump South of Jerusalem. This is fitting imagery to the Lake of Fire of Rev. 20 We must be careful to differentiate between the meanings of the word hell when we discuss it. In Rev 20:15 we read of the final judgment for those who have rejected Christ. The "second death", the lake of fire mean eternal separation from God forever. We see from Rev 20:13 that hades is emptied at the final judgement. Is the second death forever? We read of those who have rejected Christ and received the mark of the beast: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. I believe that the Bible teaches that we will be either with the Lord or separated from him forever. The Lord Jesus gave his life that "we should not perish, but have everlasting life" John 3:16 Robert |
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307 | The Father of the Faith Wept. | Gen 23:2 | Robert Nicholson | 48562 | ||
Lionstrong: I agree. Knowing that a loved one is absent from the body and present with the Lord does not remove the sense of loss and grief for those left behind. According to 1 Cor. 15 it will be not until Christ comes and we shall be changed that the saying will come to pass "death is swallowed up of victory" 1 Cor. 15:54 We read in John 11:35 "Jesus wept." He wept for those who mourned the loss of a loved one, even though he knew that he would raise Lazarus from the dead. Is it not amazing that the eternal creator and sustainer of all things: wept? Robert |
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308 | The Shepherd is My Lord! | Ps 23:1 | Robert Nicholson | 47552 | ||
Dear fellowbelievers: It has been suggested that Psalm 23, Psalm 24 and Psalm 25 are a trilogy. God by his Spirit caused David to write these prophetic Psalms. 1. Psalms 22: The Good Shepherd gives his life for the Sheep. (John 10:11) We read in graphic detail the sufferings of the Lord Jesus upon the cross which are further proofs of the inspiration of scripture as we see these prophecies fulfilled by Christ at the hands of Roman soldiers who knew nothing of prophecy regarding Christ. Psalms 23: The Great Shepherd "brought again from the dead through the blood of the everlasting covenant" (Heb. 13:20) who tenderly cares for the sheep. Because of calvary we belong to him, he is our Lord, the one who governs our life. We have confidence as we feed upon the green pastures of his word. Serinity fills our soul as he leads us by his Spirit beside the still waters. We are safe in him as we walk through this world of death and are guided by his rod of correction and rescued from danger by the crook of his staff. Even in the midst of our enemies he cares for us, greater is he that is in us then he that is in the world. Our cup runneth over with his love which he has given each believer by his indwelling Spirit. We know that his goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives, we are totally dependent upon his grace. Our hope is sure that when our days of life are over that we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Praise his precious name. Psalms 24: The Chief Shepherd who appears as the King of Glory to own and reward the sheep (1 Peter 5:4) These are a few musings which I have enjoyed. Words fail us when we discuss our Lord and Saviour. Robert |
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309 | Who were the two men in white apparrel? | Acts 1:11 | Robert Nicholson | 47541 | ||
Angelface: What a sight it must of been for the disciples to watch the Saviour "taken up out of their sight." Acts 1:10 As we see at the beginning of the chapter, the disciples wanted to know when he would restore his kingdom on earth. Jesus made it clear that this time was only known by God himself. v7 As they stood gazing upward into heaven they are given this wonderful promise by the two men in white apparel "ye men of Galilee, why stand you gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which was taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as you have seen him go into heaven" v.11 We are not told who these messagers are, but we know they had a message from God which has provided a sure hope for over 2000 years. Robert |
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310 | According to Ecclesiastes 8:14 not. | Eccl 8:1 | Robert Nicholson | 47383 | ||
Lou100 Ecclesiastes shows the most that mere mortal man can be apart from God. What is our reason for being? I believe the Lord Jesus gave us insight into this in John 17:3 "That they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" It is God's desire for us to know him and that in knowing him love him with all our heart. He desires to have a personal relationship with us through Christ. When Adam and Eve was put in the garden their ulitimate purpose was to commune daily with God. Sin ended this relationship and yet through the work of Christ God can bring about that relationship again. Just a few thoughts Robert |
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311 | Romans 10:9: is it too simple? | Rom 10:9 | Robert Nicholson | 47376 | ||
Dear brother John: Paul could say "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Gal.6:14 I think that when many seriously consider what has happened in our lives when we were saved, we would agree that the work was all of God. When we heard the gospel as lost sinners it was God by his spirit that brought the word to us and convicted us of our need of Christ and our sinful and lost condition. It is by his spirit that we were made to realize the exceeding sinfulness of sin and it was by his Spirit and in his time that the truth of the substitutionay work of Christ was revealed to us. It was God by his spirit who gave us confidence that we were born again and changed our lives from within. Even after we are saved by his grace, we are still without strength within ourselves, and it is God who empowers us to live for him. Robert |
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312 | don't have one | 2 Cor 8:9 | Robert Nicholson | 47322 | ||
Ifan1 When you trusted Christ as your saviour you were born into the family of God. Christ is our saviour who died to put our sins away forever and to free us from the guilt of sin. God who knows when the sparrow falls,how much more does he care for you and all those who are his children. A personal relationship with Christ is something which grows as we learn to rest our all upon him for every care in our life. "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (1 Peter 3:8) I have found great comfort in the words of 1 John 1: 3-9 We know that when we were born again we realized that Christ died for our sins and that we would never again need to worry about being judged eternally since Christ bore the judgement for our sins on Calavary. However, as we walk heaven and home sin is still present in our daily life and clouds our relationship with Christ. The important thing to know is that he has not left us alone "If we confess our sins, he faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteouness" I find that there are times when I feel alone and God does not seem to care. I have found great inner peace by simply bowing before God and confessing my sin and resting on his word for forgiveness. Do not allow thoughts of despair or inadequacey to block out the fact that each one of us are unique and precious to God. We will never be anything in ourselves and yet we can be everything in Christ. It is not so much how strong I think my faith is, but rather to place simple faith in a great God. Talk to God daily and let him talk to you through his word. May God richly bless you in Christ Robert |
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313 | after death, right then, what? | 2 Cor 5:8 | Robert Nicholson | 47319 | ||
Dear Farout: It is interesting that the scripture does not say we will go to heaven when we die. This of course gets a reaction from those who have always believed it as such. On the other hand we know that we will be present with the Lord who sits on the right hand of the Majesty on high (Heb. 1:3) What awaits the Christian at death? As you have pointed out from 2 Cor. 5:8 that "we are absent from the body and present with the Lord". I believe the word "present" indicates that we are aware of his personal presence. In John 14 the Lord Jesus makes it clear that he must go to Calvary to prepare a place for us "that where I am , there ye may be also."(John 14:3) You are correct that when a Christain dies that he or she is referred to as asleep in Christ. 1Thess. 4:13-18 is one reference. However, I do not this believe this means "soul sleep" as taught by some. In Rev.6:9-10 we are read about "he souls of them which were slain for the word of God" and how they cry "How long O Lord..." Where is heaven the abode of God? Where is paradise? Are they the same place? Before the death of Christ we are made to understand that all souls went to hades the place of departed spirits. Hades was divided with a great gulf between those who were tormented and those who were comforted in Abrahams bosum. Luke 16: 19-31. We also know that upon Calvary's cross the Lord Jesus declared to the dying thief "today shalt thou be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43) We know that the thief and the Saviour shared paradise that day. God had declared in the Psalms "For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell (hades); neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption." I believe that the Lord Jesus was at comfort in Paradise after he finished his work at Calvary. Not only that on the third day God raised him from amoung the dead bodily and that he ascended to the right hand of God. Is paradise the same today? I think not. Concerning the resurrection and ascention of Christ we read: "Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)" Eph. 4: 8-10 It would appear that the Lord Jesus emptied "Abrahams bosum" and led the souls of "just men made perfect" into the very presence of God on high. Paul provides some insight as to Paradise and heaven. In Acts 14 Paul was stoned and left for dead at Lystra. We are given some insight to what appears to be an "out of body" experience for Paul. He recounts the event in the third person be careful not to glorify himself. In 1 Cor. 12:2 he tells "such an one was caught up into the third heaven" In verse 4 he mentions "being caught up into paradise" This would appear to place the third heaven and paradise as the same place which from the language of 1 Cor. 12: 4 is the abode of God. Brother, I have read your transcript and think that you should be teaching me. However, it is wonderful to discuss the things of God knowing that "it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." (1 Cor. 2:9) "What will it be to dwell above And with the King of Glory reign Since the blest knowledge of his love so brightens all this dreary plain No heart can think, no tongue can tell What joy 'twill be with Christ to dwell Rejoicing in his love Robert |
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314 | Romans 10:9: is it too simple? | Rom 10:9 | Robert Nicholson | 47292 | ||
Greetings in our Saviour's name. Thank you for your thoughful response. I agree that we often frustrate the simplicity of the word of God. The Lord Jesus set the example by being clear and true in whatever he said. In Isaiah 35: 8 we read of the way of holiness and the statement is made "...the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein." May God bless you Robert |
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315 | Thorn in the flesh | Is 57:1 | Robert Nicholson | 45352 | ||
Hi Mbooker: Re: thorn in the flesh In my Schofield study Bible a note is given "It has been conjectured that Paul's thorn in the flesh was chronic Ophthalmia, inducing bodily weakness and a repulsive appearance" The references given to back up this idea are Gal. 4:15, 1 Cor. 2:3-4 and 2 Cor. 10:10 We know that this is not positively known. However, whatever it was, it was an infirmity which Paul had to endure with God's help. It is possible the Spirit of God does not tell us the actual condition so that we might apply the consolations given to Paul to ourselves when we are passing through trials. I believe that we should pray as outlined in 1 John 5: 14-15 "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us" I guess the point I was trying to make is that we cannot pressure God into our will if it is not his will. Think of the Lord Jesus in the garden and how that being in agony he prayed "If it be possible let this cup pass from me, nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt". We know that it was God's eternal purpose that the Lord Jesus would drink of the awful cup of suffering and agony on the cross for our sins. We know that Jesus was in total communion with his father and that God heard him, but Jesus was obedient to his father's will, even the death of the cross. Once a friend of my was telling me that if he had enough faith and asked God, God would give him money, a wonderful house and a new car. My response was "Maybe and maybe not. It may be God's will that you have little money, that your house might be a missionary shack in a far off country and that you will have to walk rather than drive. It is nice chatting about these things. Your brother by his grace alone Robert |
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316 | Me again | Is 57:1 | Robert Nicholson | 45289 | ||
Greetings Mbooker: We can rejoice that we have a great high Priest who knows our needs and feels our sorrows. We are exhorted in Hebrews 4:16: "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." In other words we can have confidence that God does hear us and does answer our cries. At times however, as a Christain we sometimes have difficulty when God answers "no or wait". You have been discussing the will of God as it relates to healing. Does God always will a person to be healed? Not always. In the case of Paul who was used mightly of the Lord and yet he was given a condition which he refers to as a "thorn in the flesh" He asked the Lord three times that he would take it away. We find the the reason for this problem was to keep Paul humble in view of the revelations he had been given by God. (2 Cor.12:7) However, the Lord instead of healing Paul told him "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." In other words Paul was kept closer to the Lord and experience the Lord's grace and the Lord's strength to enable him to live with the infirmity. I believe that scripture would support that we should always pray "if the Lord will". I think it is wrong to try and pressure God into doing certain things which we may think are his will. I have listened to people pray and ask for healing and thank the Lord for already healing the person, when in fact the person was not healed. Another example that I have witnessed during a prayer meeting in which we were praying for a certain person that they might be saved. One brother thanked the Lord for saving the person, when in fact God's time was many months later. We must learn to wait upon God. Some will cite the strength of their faith as somehow hindering God's hand in deliverance. However, we must remember the Lord Jesus mentions faith as small as a grain of mustard seed. In other words it is our small faith in a great God that gives us strength to trust him unconditionally in the things he allows in our lives. Why does God allow bad things to happen to those who love him? My personal experience early in life was the death of my mother who knew the Lord Jesus and was a bright testimony for him. At 47 years of age she was suddenly taken from us? Why would God take a mother leaving behind small children who desperately needed her? I don't have the answer, but I trust in God who knows the big picture of our lives. I do know that my sister who was hardened to the gospel came to Christ after my mother's death. This is an example of blessing coming out of sorrow. These are just a few thoughts I have on the subject. May God continue to bless you and may you have the joy of placing your total confidence in him. Robert |
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317 | Me again | Is 57:1 | Robert Nicholson | 45288 | ||
Greetings Mbooker: We can rejoice that we have a great high Priest who knows our needs and feels our sorrows. We are exhorted in Hebrews 4:16: "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." In other words we can have confidence that God does hear us and does answer our cries. At times however, as a Christain we sometimes have difficulty when God answers "no or wait". You have been discussing the will of God as it relates to healing. Does God always will a person to be healed? Not always. In the case of Paul who was used mightly of the Lord and yet he was given a condition which he refers to as a "thorn in the flesh" He asked the Lord three times that he would take it away. We find the the reason for this problem was to keep Paul humble in view of the revelations he had been given by God. (2 Cor.12:7) However, the Lord instead of healing Paul told him "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." In other words Paul was kept closer to the Lord and experience the Lord's grace and the Lord's strength to enable him to live with the infirmity. I believe that scripture would support that we should always pray "if the Lord will". I think it is wrong to try and pressure God into doing certain things which we may think are his will. I have listened to people pray and ask for healing and thank the Lord for already healing the person, when in fact the person was not healed. Another example that I have witnessed during a prayer meeting in which we were praying for a certain person that they might be saved. One brother thanked the Lord for saving the person, when in fact God's time was many months later. We must learn to wait upon God. Some will cite the strength of their faith as somehow hindering God's hand in deliverance. However, we must remember the Lord Jesus mentions faith as small as a grain of mustard seed. In other words it is our small faith in a great God that gives us strength to trust him unconditionally in the things he allows in our lives. Why does God allow bad things to happen to those who love him? My personal experience early in life was the death of my mother who knew the Lord Jesus and was a bright testimony for him. At 47 years of age she was suddenly taken from us? Why would God take a mother leaving behind small children who desperately needed her? I don't have the answer, but I trust in God who knows the big picture of our lives. I do know that my sister who was hardened to the gospel came to Christ after my mother's death. This is an example of blessing coming out of sorrow. These are just a few thoughts I have on the subject. May God continue to bless you and may you have the joy of placing your total confidence in him. Robert |
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318 | The "Permissive Will" of God | Rom 12:2 | Robert Nicholson | 45164 | ||
Greetings Karlos: An excellent question. I have also heard the "will of God" expressed as his "sovereign will" which refers to his plans and purposes which are not known to humankind. On the other hand, we have the will of God as it applies to our lives and is given to us by his Spirit through his word. Does not the idea of the permissive will of God refer to events which he allows to happen and despite the failure of humankind, he brings about his plans and purposes. For example: Was it God's will that the entire world population would be destroyed at the time of Noah. Or do we see God's grace which despite the sinfulness and disobedience of humankind, he picks Noah to continue the human race through whom the redeemer would eventually come? The reason I ask this question is that I believe "that God is not willing that any should perish, but all should come to repentance" 2 Peter 3:9 If or since God does not will any to perish, Why do they perish as in the day of Noah? It would appear that God allowed them 120 years to repent and yet they choose disobedience instead. I look forward to your response Robert |
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319 | Is baptism essential for salvation? | Acts 4:12 | Robert Nicholson | 45115 | ||
Greetings Powerfade: I would reverse your second question and ask "Is there any other way apart from the precious blood of Christ that a soul may be cleansed"? Secondly, I assume that you are referring to baptism by immersion which is demonstrated in the Acts 2:41 Thirdly, when you refer to salvation is it eternal life which you have in mind? Romans 3 makes it abundantly clear that all people regardless of race or creed are sinners V23 and as such are guilty before God V. 19. In Ephesians 2:1 we see our natural condition before God as "dead in tresspasses and in sin". In John 3:16 we see what God in his grace and love has done for lost sinners. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life" The Lord Jesus Christ in obedience to his father came into this scene with the purpose of offering himself as a sacrifice for sin unto God. We as lost sinners can know our sins forgiven by acknowledging our need and placing simple faith in what Christ has done. The forgiveness which we have in Christ is complete and is not dependent on anything we can offer. We find in the Acts that after the people accepted the gospel or believed the word of God they were baptised by immersion. What did this signify? It showed to all their personal identification with Christ; in short, proclaiming "I belong to Christ, I have a new life in him, and by his grace I intend to serve him as my Lord for the rest of my life". It is God who saves the guilty sinner by grace through faith in the work of Christ. Eternal or Everlasting life is immediate to the person who puts their trust in Christ. Baptism is our first step of obedience to Christ in our life in him. Peter writes "Forasmuch as you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain (manner of life) received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" Robert |
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320 | right direction | 2 Tim 1:12 | Robert Nicholson | 45049 | ||
Kathy: Personal opinions regardless how strong, are only opinions at the most. The verse I posted gives us the word of Paul "I know whom I have believed" God does not want us to simply have an opinion, but wants us to know him through Christ. Pilate asked Jesus "What is truth" and then turned away without waiting for an answer. How do we know if we are following the right path? You are probably remember the words of Jesus in John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth and the life; no man comes to the father, but by me" Jesus made it abundantly clear that "except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" John 3:3 It is when we are indwelt by the Spirit of God that these words become true in our life "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105 Kathy it is important that you should become grounded and settled in the truth of God's word and your personal relationship with him through Christ. Our faith in Christ as the Son of God "loved us and gave himself for us" is a foundation which will stand the test of time. I have a witness friend. During the past 15 years I have told him plainly about Christ and my faith in him for my eternal welfare. My friend is an active member of the witnesses and can be very dogmatic on his opinion. We have agreed to disagree. It is my prayer that something in my life or what has been said may be used of God to speak to him and bring him from that awful place of blindness into the glorious light of the gospel of Christ. I would be happy to try and answer any specific questions you might have. God bless you Robert |
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