Results 321 - 340 of 721
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Results from: Answers On or After: Thu 12/31/70 Author: justme Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
321 | Church sound system "way too loud" | 1 Cor 13:1 | justme | 147768 | ||
Kalos:-) Wow, the problem is not unique, and Kalos there is hope for your friend that you clearly care deeply about. I too know someone with this very same hearing problem. Except Mike has it in both ears. There is a constant loud ringing, and at times he says it sounds like many birds cherping. He goes to sleep at night with the Hymns of music, to drownd out the constant noise. Even with hearing aids he is always hering these very loud ringing or cherping sounds. Mike tried seating in the middle of the church, in front, and finally in the far back, nothing really helped. The biggest help turned out to be the foam ear plugs that some what lessen the loudness . The idea of hearing assistance by earphones might be worth a try. Let me assure I really understand what this friend of yours is going through. I know because I am the person above. I have had this for more than 35 years. Blessings dear Kalos. justme |
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322 | Can doctrine make us lausy christians? | John 17:17 | justme | 147564 | ||
Lorenzo: You mention several things in just a few short statements. I gather, you don'r like Doctrine, especially the Doctrine of Eternal Security. Are you implying that Christians today buy into Christianity as one would buy a car? I think you are saying in order for Christians to be close to God they need to be persecuted,etc. Have I understood what you are attempting to say? Because of my respect for the Forum rules, I will not attempt to persuade you one way or the other about Eternal Security. I find both sides of the coin have merit. What I have observed is some get so locked jawed over this Doctrine that both sides become blinded to the truth. We can not take one verse and make a doctrine out of that, it must be taken in full context. In John 10:27-30, Jesus says MY several times, which is of key importance. "MY sheep" "MY voice" "they follow me" "I give eternal life to them" "no one will snatch them out of MY and" "My Father, who has given them to me" "no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand" finally Jesus said "I and the Father are one" These verses are open for you to draw your own conclusion. Are these verses responsible the cause for "mediocre christians"? There are certian requirements Jesus attached to all these verses. First there is the requirement we have to be His. We must not only be genuinely His, but we must not only be able to hear his voice but to listen carefully to make sure it is His Voice we hear. We have to be close enough to recognize His voice from that of the evil one who can sound a lot like His voice. Most important we have to be a follower. We don't wander, we stay with Jesus, and where He leads we follow. When we consider what all this means, as far as our responsibility in a secure relationship with Jesus, is anything but being mediocre! I once heard "faith that falters, had a flaw in it from the first." I have heard every side of "Eternal Security" dialogued from every side there is. For those who ask "what is the least I have to do to assure my salvation" and for those who say " you mean to say I can go and sin any old way and still be saved?" Bothe of these sides have missed out totally as to what Jesus was saying. May I encourage you Lorenzo, to re-read these verses and ask the Holy Spirit to open your spiritual eyes to the true meaning of this most significant statement by Jesus Himself. Christians are individuals, but we are also a part of a larger body, which we call the Church. The Church is the Bride of Christ. No more than a husband or wife is a commodity to purchase or sell, is one single Christian a commodity. Jesus Christ invites us as a person He died and shed His blood for, a very personal price to pay for us as one person. Yes, one person at a time receives Christ. That is not by any means commodity Christianity. As for persecutions, many of us might not agree that there are not persecutions going on today. Many suffer today, with poor health, having a son or daughter, husband or wife who reject Jesus Christ and fall into a most evil life style. What about Christians in Iraq, or even in the USA? If you have never endured persecution is some form, if you are a genuine Christian, most likely, you eventually will. I sincerely hope this gives you some food for thought, blessings. justme |
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323 | bankruptcy? | 1 Pet 4:10 | justme | 147333 | ||
May I suggest you go to www.crown.org as this is the best place to get sound Christian financial information. They have people who minister with those in financial trouble. I am sure they will be a help and a blessing for you. justme |
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324 | Selling on the Church ground. | Matt 21:12 | justme | 147292 | ||
Smeika: Welcome to the Forum! You ask a question that when I was a pastor, this was a subject of long study and prayer. Few churches have more than 10 percent of the members give on a regular basis. The avrage Christian gives less than 3 percent of their income to their church. So this presents a real problem for churches and how to budget their money. There always are more needs than money, and that's good, means more oppertunities for ministry. Unless someone steps up and wants to supply the Bibles as they feel the Lord directing them, then something has to be done. This seems like a real need, not just a want to do thing. Having a yard sale at the church is not forbidden, and your church is clearly is not able to increase the peoples giving. Why not allow the community of believers in other churches, and people of your town help? This could be a wonderful oppertunity to invite those who come to the church yard sale to your church. I have noticed that many of those who gripe about raising funds for the church in bake sales or yard events are often those who do not support the church in giving much money either. Ask yourself if people were so unwilling to give, so the church could have these Bibles budgeted, so no sales or money making out reaches would have been needed, why not have this fund raiser? Unless Christians will step up to the plate (offering plate that is) then God will allow Bibles or whaterver need the youth, or Missions, or church has, be taken care of this way. This situation is not unique to your church, and I hope this gives you a little more food for thought as to why this may be a good endevor. Blessings. justme |
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325 | An indepth helping of the act of marriag | Bible general Archive 2 | justme | 145695 | ||
Noodelhead: Welcome to the Forum! Wow, your friend needs seriouis help and handcuffs! I think I will take a different approach than others have. Your friend is a player! Not for one second do I believe that he does loves this 16 year old! There is a reason this MAN is involved with this under age YOUNG GIRL! Your are correct that "by the law he is not well liked" There is a place for men that molest YOUNG UNDER AGE GIRLS...jail. The notion of using Scripture to justify his evil behavior is abusrdand evil! He knows full well right from wrong, and he is not stupid. Having three mature daughters myself, I can address the feelings of a father. This MAN is a seducer of young girls! He is lucky if the parents don't make him wish he had died and passed on. I personally have no tolerance for child molesters. (legally that is what he is in many states. In some parts of this country he be physically beaten by family members for such a thing. In other parts of the Eastern World he would be put to death, and perhaps the girl as well. This MAN of 23 has used so skillfully the art of seduction in making this 16 year old girl believe they are "married", as he said some phoney words to seduce her. If anyone believes they have not had sexual contact of some kind, then they are nieve as the young girl was to beileve this evil act was good. There are also reasons this 16 year old girl was attracted to this 23 year old molester. To say she and her parents need help is clearly evident. There are numerious reasons this possibly happened, and only a professional counselor can deal with her and her parents. Perhaps with good Christian based counseling and lost of hard work this girl and her family can work through this very serious situation. As for this MAN unless there is a dramatic change within himself, he is headed for a life of hurting others and himself. For both parties this is a fork in the road, we can pray they all turn the Christ, that is their only hope. justme |
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326 | Should women be allowed to be pastors? | Bible general Archive 2 | justme | 145691 | ||
nnhbrs: Welcome to the Forum! You ask a question as others have said has been dialogued over many times. Frankly I thought I would give a welcome and a more up personal answer because this is your first question. Proberly not. However that also isn't always the history of the reality that women have a long history in the United States of preaching and being in ministry as pastors. Where men can't or won't fill these positions women have, and have a record of such in history. I personally think that today this remains a subject that is keenly linked with some who are very liberal in understanding Scripture. However there are some women pastors and teachers who preach in many ministry areas that have reached many many. Ruth Grahan Bell is just one example that comes to mind, and I do not see many condem her. I consider myself more open to women who teach and yes preach than I do for women as Pastors. That is only my personal opinion, and proberly does not represent the majority of those in the forum is my belief. Blessings. justme |
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327 | Should women be ordained? | NT general Archive 1 | justme | 145690 | ||
riclib:Welcome to the Forum! For your first question on the Forum, you picked a rather touchy area. There are some who say no, not under any circunstance, ant use their understanding of Scripture to prove their ideas of why not. However, there are some of us who would not have a problem with ordaining a women into ministry. I for one take into consideration the culture at the time Scripture was written. Women for the majority were uneducated, and under bondage of the legaistic cultural laws as well as Old Testament Laws that Jewish leaders has so distorted. Only because of Christ did liberation come for women and by His example are men to treat women as equal under Christianity. I am NOT saying that the Womans Liberation's movement today is anything remotley like that of Christ's liberation of women. Today many relate women and ordination with abortion and same sex relations, which many in the liberal low view of Scripture demonations do hail as alternative Christian lifestyles. This kind of liberal belief ids Not what I an speaking of by any means. In answering your question I expect to get some disagreement by some of my fellow Forum writers, I consider this a inhouse debate and not one to argue or have complete harmony over. I hope this gives you some better ideas of where some of us come from. Blessings. justme |
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328 | Interracial relationships | Bible general Archive 2 | justme | 145349 | ||
Charlesm: After reading the other notes sent to you I thought I would add a little more to give more input. Moses was married to a woman of dark skin. Unless a person is a racists, there is no Scriptual reason against interracial marriages or non-sexual relationships. However, many people in the USA are still active in the cause of the South, and still fighting the Civil War. Such are as those in the KKK. There are still places unless you are white, then you are unwelcome in their towns. Hatered is evil and the actions of kind like that of the KKK represent evil at it's worst. Blessings. justme |
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329 | Was Joesph married before Mary? | NT general Archive 1 | justme | 145347 | ||
dnlpks: Welcome to the Forum. Your question is one I have never heard asked before. What made you think of this? Scriptur says Joseph was a righteous man. Joseph was in right standing before the Lord. There is no way the Lord would have allowed His only Son to be raised by a father (step-fatherin the true meaning of the virgin birth) who was less than the best man he coul provide for God's only Son on this earth. Yes, Joseph had other children with Mary, after Jesus was born. Scripture says Jesus had brothers and sisters, but they were concieved by Joseph and not of virgin birth. In the true meaning they wer half brothers and sisters as Mary was the birth mother to all. Any questions? justme |
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330 | Are all your sins washed away when bapti | 1 John 1:9 | justme | 144284 | ||
Tennseeehills4: What you are refering to is called baptismal regeneration, which some do believe in. I for one do not accept this view. Scripture clearly indicates that when we confess our sins that God is faithful to cleanse us from our sins. Please read 1 John 1:9. The question of marriage and remarriage is a subject that is a different subject totally. May I refer you to 1 Corinthians Chapter 7. I strongly advise you to seek out your pastor or Christian counselor. In my belief of Scripture as long as neither party has remarried, and there the possibility of hope to reconcile. The real only block to reuniting is when there is one of the couple who has taken up with someone else in a sexual relationship. Even this can be overcome. With God all things are possible. In reality in the world we live today the odds are not in favor of even Christians marriage making it, and a second marriage has a 80 percent chance of failure. a third marriage is almost impossible. Most of the time we carry our problems on with us. I can only encourage you to find a pastor or Christian counselor that can deal with covenant marriage, and either help reunite you or help you to accept this failure and become clean before the Lord. Divorce is always hardness of heart. I pray God will direct your path. justme |
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331 | Thanks but.... | Matt 12:32 | justme | 144012 | ||
ngkh: Somehow I must have convaved the wrong meaning of my intentions. Let me start with Scripture. Epheasians 1:13 "In Him,you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation having also believed, you were sealedin Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14. who is given as apledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possesion, to praise of His glory." I find no difference in what Hank has said or in what I believe Scripture says. When a person rejects Jesus Christ gift of salvation it is deliberate, and a person has up to their time of death to repent, Hebrews 9:27 tells us after death comes judgement. The inhouse debate I speak of is as you stated that all the Gifts of the Holy Spirit are operational today. Then some say unless we speak in tongues then salvation has not really taken place. I strongly reject this notion, and that of baptismal regeneration. Again, These are inhouse debates not issues that bring us closer as brothers in Christ, but each of needs to be able to scriptuallt support our belief when questioned by God seekers. I hope this clears up any error that I might have misstated. Blessings. justme |
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332 | Unpardonable sin | Matt 12:32 | justme | 143811 | ||
ngkh: The unpardonable sin is not something a born again Christian can commit. The unpardonable sin is refusal to acknowledge God's power through the Holy Spirit convicting one of their need for Jesus Christ for salvation, and repentance and restoration to God. The unpardonable sin is deliberate and irrversible hardness of heart if this is the condition of the person at the time of their death. When someone rejects the Holy Spirit's pleading to acknowledge Jesus Christ and the gift of salvation, that is the only unpardonable sin that sends men or women to eternal life in hell. May I add John 1:9 "There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man." We know the Holy Father knows our heart, and nothing is hidden from Him. (Psalm 139) The belief in, or lack of belief in the use of Spiritual Gifts is a totally different issue, and is a "in house debate" within the Body of Christ. (Church) Not all of mature as Christians as fast and not everyone matures beyond basic salvation, this is sad but very true. The Grace you refer to is unmerited, there is nothing we can do to earn Grace, this is a gift. Please note I am not saying Grace comes without a high cost, as Grace cost Jesus Christ to die for the sins of all mankind. I hope this helps, however let me also mention that with my Baptist background I can aslo say with just this little dialogue you might see how I believe in eeternal security of the believer. For me this all fits together in my Theology. Blessings. justme |
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333 | Knowing God | John 17:3 | justme | 143778 | ||
Robert: I saw you had brought this up for dialogue, and I had to drop in. My believe is that without the full capacity of the Trinity working in unity to pull us to the Lord Jesus Christ we can not come to know who Jesus Christ. Scripture says that unless the Father chooses us we can not come to Him. Now how does that fit with free will and responding to the call of the Holy Spirit is a topic that seems hard to explain, but so is the Trinity. I am convienced that we as human being limited in our mential capacity can not understand the deep understanding of the Trinity much less how we come to know Jesus Christ, except by faith and being in the Scriptures and by asking in our prayers from a sincere desire to know The Holy Father through His Son, by the Holy Spirit. This may seen confusing, I hope I make some of my belief clearer. Blessings my Brother in Christ. justme |
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334 | Once saved always saved ??? | Bible general Archive 2 | justme | 143369 | ||
Timothy Hart: Welcome to the Forum! Wow, right off the bat you hit the subject that has sparked a lot of angry, unkind debates. What is really a shame is how Christians on either side of the debate can attack and bring such anger into the forum and still say they represent Christ. Seems rather insensitive, and sorta like stepping on the very basics of the meaning of being a Christian. So we have in other words left you to fend for your self, and what notes were posted before the dialouge on OSAS was put in place. However, I do agree with Lockman's demand, as it was clear there were some rather unlovely statements made one side to the other. With Lockman's request in mind, and not violating that rule May I point you in a different direction, and maybe a looking at this issue in a way that's more open? Perhaps there are surrounding issues we should look at to come to a better conclusions. When Jesus said if you love me you will abide in me what does that mean? I know it means there must be a relationship that is more than just saying a prayer once saying I am a sinner, and want all Jesus has to offer and then rest on that once said prayer and call that being "born again". Marriage, which is compaired to Christ and the Church is not a couple repeating words and then going on their separate ways, never to be genuinely united and consumating their union in marriage. Even the law of the land does not call that a binding marriage. So what consumates our union with Christ? (spritually) I believe Scripture says to be joined with Christ we are to follow His directions. Jesus said we are to repent, this means confession of our sinful life, and as become closer in our relationship with Him we want to rid ourself of things that are not bringing us close to each outer. Jesus was baptized as an example, and we are to follow that example, this is not an optional direction. When someone has a problem with being baptized they really are disobeying and not abiding in Christ. Jesus said we are to Love one another, this is not optional! Jesus made so many parrables attempting to make it clear what "His followers" were to do and be, so it is not that He has not given us plenty of instructions to follow. Abiding in Christn is not optional either. The longer we abide in Christ the stronger our love grows in Christ, this is positive assurance we are in Christ's hand and no one can pluck us out! There is no doubt that such a abiding person is saved forever and has full assurance of salvation. There were no short cuts to Calvary for Jesus, and there are no short cuts to abiding in Christ. Paul constantly warns us not to turn back, and to press on with Christ. Salvation is not dependant upon our works, for Christ's work on the cross has filled that requirement. The clearer question is are we abiding in Christ? When my wife and I were joined in marriage some 35 years ago, we were husband and wife. The fact is we are married, no matter what my feelings are we are married! Someone can say you are only married as long as you believe with all your mind you are married. Not so, the fact is our marriage is recorded, proof that our marriage took place and we have a Covenant with each other and God. We abide with each other as proof that our marriage is reality. Abiding in Christ is solid 100 percent evidence we are "born agin" and the Holy Spirit lives in us as a seal of our salvation in Jesus Christ forever. The debate of OSAS is uncalled for, we simply ask ourself "am I abiding in Christ?" that gives us the answer. If we can not say we are abiding in Christ there is cause to question if our faith is a said faith or a living faith in Christ. I have found this little saying very interesting. "Faith that falters, had a flaw in it from the first." The more I have thought about this the more I find it speks volumes to what false salvation is. May I say the debate is not OSAS (which I do believe) it gets down to the demand of Jesus Christ to abide in Him, and the Grace Jesus gives as Jesus said we can do nothing by ourselves. Jesus calls, He holds us, He give us His seal, He gives us the faith, He abides with us, never leaves us and nothing can separate us from His Love. We abide in Jesus. If we are not in Christ abiding with Him. If we are abiding in Christ are we in His salvation? By going back to the words of Jesus we either have assurance or doubt. I hope this brings us back to Scripture, and not a debate over words and beliefs, but rather the question of is abiding in Christ the only assurance that our salvation is real? What are your thoughts? I welcome any thoughts of those who would care to make a comment. Blessings. justme |
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335 | What about other death punishments? | Prov 6:16 | justme | 142201 | ||
nelson9770: I read the other responses, and felt something was missing, perhaps I might interject something that could add to the dialogue. You bring up an excellent point, in that there seems to be favorite "sins" we rightous Christians tend to elevate to the status of almost unforgivable, at least as most see it. The number one sin is homosexuality, abortion, and divorce. I do not make light of the magnitude of these sins, but we neglect to see the suffering souls living with these sins. We do often forget that Scripture tells us that greed, drunkedness, hatered, and the serious sins you listed, are not to be named in Christians. There are those who feel their sin is no where near as bad as the person who is involved with the sin they see in someone else. Remember what Jesus said about picking the splinter out of soneone elses eye when we have a log in our own eye? One thing you need to be aware of, that the other list of sins you mention people most generally do their best to hide their sin, and sone of the sins mentioned are punishable by the laws of our land. I believe Romans chapter 1 gives a better progression of the road into homosexuality. This is a group of people who flaunt their sin in the open, and try to seek others to join in their sin. Children are enticed by these homosexuals. This puts a clearer light on why homosexuality is easier to single out. When a group like the gay movement openly demonstrate in the public arena, this is the huge difference in take for example child molesters, or those in incest, adultery, and so on and so forth. Usually there is something behind the person who askes a question with such seriousness, when it's right off from the from start they join into the Forum dialogue. I have no idea if you know someone who is being singled out and belittled because they are gay, or if perhaps you are struggling because with this personally. I do know the only hope is for the person to come to Jesus Christ just as they are, confessing they are a sinner, and ask Jesus to save them. The road will not be easy, but whoever this person is they will not be the only one to have made the choice to follow Jesus. Nelson, what do you think? Does any of this make things easier to understand now? Look to hear from you. Blessings. justme |
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336 | Why ordain pastors? How do you do it? | Bible general Archive 2 | justme | 140142 | ||
MJH: I can only relate to the denominations I have experience in. Southern Baptist, want a Southern Baptist to be ordained by Southern Baptists. License men (only men are ordained) into a piticular ministry and when the Local church believes that person is deserving they ordain them. However Deacoms or ordained when they take office, some churches have a time of training for Deacon. American Baptist require seminary, and a period of observation while being licensed. After the person (man or woman) has been observed in ministry they will submit the the Area Director and ordination committee an ordination paper, much like a small brief paper on your doctrinal positions, and Scriptual justification for you position of such doctrine. American Baptist do recognize other ordinations but still require an ordination paper to recognize the prior ordination. Conserative Baptist will recognize other Baptist ordinations, and their ordination is less restrictive on the educational part. Oirination started when they laid hands on their (servants) deacoms, Elders, Bishops or men of the original 12, and prayed over then and sent them out do do their ministry. Hope this helps. What are your thoughts now? justme |
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337 | Ordination by free or easy method on web | Bible general Archive 2 | justme | 140022 | ||
JW: From whom and to what does one feel called? If you are refering to the call of the Holy Father, to the ministry of Jesus Christ, then the answer is very clear. Many are those who have a genuine call of God and minister their whole life without being "ordained". Why the big interest in ordination? The phoney easy ordinations are as genuine as tolet tissue being used for paper money. Any thoughts? justme |
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338 | when will the rapture take place | NT general Archive 1 | justme | 139792 | ||
speedypena4: I find people want easy answers to complecated questions. I suggest you read Revelation for your self. After reading Scripture spend 33 dollars on REVELATION, FOUR VIEWS. Steve Sregg. This give you scriptual views on the many positions. My opinion is study it yourself and be open to the Lords teaching, not what some person says in "Left Behind" kind of fictional books. justme |
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339 | pre-marital sex | Bible general Archive 2 | justme | 139790 | ||
Cakers:Immorality is most assuredly warned against in Scripture. Any sexual act with another person outside of marriage is immoral. I think you are either trying to justify someones immorality, or you are into attempting to ruffel feathers. I find the make believe story you present a matter of situation ethics. You can't really believe that Scripture would say what you presented could be a marriage did you? justme |
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340 | pre-marital sex | Bible general Archive 2 | justme | 139789 | ||
Cakers:Immorality is most assuredly warned against in Scripture. Any sexual act with another person outside of marriage is immoral. I think you are either trying to justify someones immorality, or you are into attempting to ruffel feathers. I find the make believe story you present a matter of situation ethics. You can't really believe that Scripture would say what you presented could be a marriage did you? justme |
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