Results 321 - 340 of 465
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Parable Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
321 | what does baptism mean in each verse? | Acts | Parable | 49050 | ||
Are you suggesting that the baptism of Eph 4:5 is different from the baptism of Mt 29:19? Eph 4:5 "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" Matt 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" |
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322 | inmyheart, could Paul be sarcastic? | Acts | Parable | 49096 | ||
Yes, Paul is clear about the spiritual significance of tongues, i.e. tongues are a spiritual gift, and as such, he would that all recieve it, yet also that they would understand and exercise it judiciously, according to the functions and purposes he describes. He is especially concerned that tongues not be a stumbling block to faith for unbelievers or an end in itself for believers. I submit that even though Paul says tongues are the least of the spiritual gifts, his wish that all might receive it need not be sarcasm. Indeed, sarcasm would not be consistent with his own speaking in tongues "more than you all" 1Cor14:18 (unless he is being sarcastic here as well) and the fact speaking in tongues here implies being in the Spirit; Paul wishes for everyone to be in the Spirit. Parable |
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323 | when do I spake in tounges | Acts | Parable | 49097 | ||
If no gifts are bestowed on us today, how is it that the Holy Spirit works through us? That is, without spiritual gifts, of what utility are we in the service of the Lord? Parable |
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324 | what does baptism mean in each verse? | Acts | Parable | 49098 | ||
Jesus-is-God, I agree with what you have said, and yes, I agreee Jesus is the Son being referred to. My question for Grace-and-Truth is why G-a-T feels there is a difference between what happened in Acts and what happens today. Parable |
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325 | when do I spake in tounges | Acts | Parable | 49101 | ||
Not Paul, but rather Peter, John and/or Philip. 8:14 As I understand you, your point is that there is precedent for the idea that water baptism does not command, direct or trigger the Holy Spirit to enter a believer. I can accept this because I accept that there is nothing we can do to influence God to do anything. Everything He does related to us is grace and mercy. If I may attempt to exposit from this, a possible explanation for why the Holy Spirit did not enter the new believers upon baptism in this case is that He wished to confirm the authority of the Apostles by entering upon the laying on of hands. The point then is the indwelling of the Spirit as an act of grace, with baptism as personal act of faith demonstrating a willingness to receive Him and laying on of hands as an act of intercession on behalf of others and perhaps as a sign for us to be under the authority of church leaders. Regarding Acts 10:43-47, to give evidence that the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the Gentiles, 10:46 says "For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God..." While it is possible that all were speaking in tongues and all were exalting God, it also can easily mean that SOME were doing each of these things. Hence, it does not follow that this verse implies a necessary cause-effect relationship between the outpouring of the Spirit and the gift of tongues for all. Perhaps this is similar to the situation with baptism and entry by the Holy Spirit, i.e. the Holy Spirit will impart tongues as He sees fit, not as a necessarily consequence of His presence. Parable |
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326 | when do I spake in tounges | Acts | Parable | 49106 | ||
In Mt 12:39, Jesus was rebuking the people for asking for proof on demand, which is contrary to faith. The only sign to be given was Jonah in the whale, which of course is a foreshadow of Christ in the tomb. This sign is fundamentally different from that requested of Him in that it demonstrated God's triumph over death, not Jesus ability to do wonderous deeds, which are subject to counterfeiting. Resurrection is totally in God's domain. James also speaks to this unbelief and the possible selfish perversion of God's blessings. "You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures." -- James 4:2-3 Finally, the acts you list are miracles, so by definition, I don't expect to see them very often. They are special, delivered to glorify God in a unique way. Miracles are different from the spiritual gifts that are bestowed upon believers for the daily, routine work to be done in the Lord's service. Such gifts are the fruit of faith, not the reason for it and are given that we can do the unique work God calls us to do. Finally, in regard to the gifts, Paul says "For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function..."-- Rom 12:4 and "Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly..." -- Rom 12:6 Parable |
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327 | when do I spake in tounges | Acts | Parable | 49118 | ||
I agree we need the Word and the Spirit to teach us about our new life in Him. However, regarding the idea that we receive "all that the Spirit of God has", how do you then interpret Rom 12:6 "Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly..."? Parable |
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328 | WILL FAMILY ACCEPT MORMON SPOUSE | Acts 1:1 | Parable | 43645 | ||
Seek counsel from a qualified, experienced pastor. You also may benefit from a good secular counselor who can help you address some of the issues that are not matters of faith per se. It sounds like your first husband was negligent and abusive. No doubt you were hurt deeply over many years and unfortunately, sought relief from your pain in ways that are all too human. Given that you will seek professional help, here are my thoughts on your situation. Your story is not uncommon and you are not alone. Christ knows this and has compassion for you. So much that He paid for all your sins on the cross, even the ones you commit after accepting Him as Lord and Savior. Earnestly seek Him. Ask for His gracious forgiveness, accept it and do your best to follow His commands to love Him and to love others as He loves you. Follow the example given in John 8:1-11, that is, know Christ does not condemn you and with that knowledge, go and sin no more. Regarding your husband's religion, see 1Cor7:14a "For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife..." There is hope that you may help bring him to Christ. Christian education classes you take together might be a good way for him to learn the truth about Christ and for both of you to become more involved in your church, fellowship and spiritual growth. I encourage you to focus on God's truth and in that light, let Joseph Smith's lies be seen for what they are. Regarding your brother's refusal to allow your husband to family functions, perhaps Matthew 5:23 applies. Also, from your note, its not clear if your brother's decision is a result of your husband's religion or the issues of your divorce and premarital sex. It would seem that if the latter, he would not allow you to attend as well. If his concern is Mormonism, then perhaps your brother might be persuaded to see family functions as testimony to what Christ has done for your family. Indeed, this is the case now, for better or worse. If your brother's decision is righteous, it should stand. To determine if it is, follow Christ's instructions given in Matthew 15-17. |
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329 | Why carry on like a playground dispute? | Acts 1:3 | Parable | 44349 | ||
For an excellent discussion of how the Genesis account is consistent with current scientific understanding of planetary geology, see The Genesis Question, by Dr. Hugh Ross. For a list of scientific accuracies in the Bibe, see The Complete Book of Bible Lists, by Harold L. Wilmington. I agree with you that we must work to remove this "conflict". It is a stumbling block for many who might otherwise come to faith. We can be confident that the truth of God's Creation cannot be contrary to His Word. The question for us is, have we done our science right and have we divided the Word rightly? |
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330 | Why carry on like a playground dispute? | Acts 1:3 | Parable | 44448 | ||
I appreciate your concern and suggestion for the website, which I'll visit. However, I'm happy to say that Dr. Ross is definitely a Christian and he holds that Scripture is the Word of God. He was a pastor for approx. 15 years and is founder of REASONS TO BELIEVE, visit www.reasons.org While he is an accomplished scientist, he does not place science equal to or above the authority of scripture. |
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331 | A Christian View of Science | Acts 17:28 | Parable | 48413 | ||
This Christian's view of Science: There is no logical reason logic is valid, i.e. to use logic as a means of making decisions or deriving understanding, yet we seem to think that in many areas, logic is the best way to proceed. Obviously, there are things to which logic is not so quickly applied, e.g. art, music, culture, fashion, relationships. I hesitate to say this about faith, for we are called to love God with all our mind, meaning with the fullest conviction of our intellectual capabilities, and this no doubt includes that part of our mind that depends on logic. truth (small t) and falsehood are fundamental elements of logic, not derivable from the rules that govern analysis, synthesis, deduction and induction. They are assumed, not proven. Such is not the case for faith, except these basic elements are not merely assumed, with all the potential for error that assumption entails, but rather they are recognized when we encounter them. When God shows us Himself, through His Creation, His Word, His Incarnation as Jesus and His Presence as the Holy Spirit, He show us absolute Truth. Jesus said "I am the truth." Hence, it's only logical to conclude that if it's not of God, its not true. We need God to show Himself to us because we live in a fallen world that can be described thus: all experience is understood in terms of theory and all theory is derived from experience! Without God, there is no firm ground on which to stand, we are just vapors. Science is a human endeavor, a process based in experience, built with logic. Remarkably, it serves us well so long as we are mindful of its fundamental limitations, which are a direct consequence of our human condition. Science has only recently come to understand the profound implications of this. On its own, science is just as lost as we are without God. With God, we use science to reveal His Creation in ever more profound ways, and thereby glorify Him. That is this Christian's view of science. Parable |
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332 | A Christian View of Science | Acts 17:28 | Parable | 48432 | ||
"If you're not confused, you haven't been paying attention!" Forgive me if I have appeared to suggest that logic should be discarded or is in any way less than trustworthy. Indeed, I agree logic is a fundamental part of productive thought, as is imagination. Without imagination, "if" has no meaning. Rather, my point is that logic itself cannot be derived logically or logically proven to be valid. You said "To proceed rationally (i.e. logically) is the ONLY way to proceed." I disagree, we are to proceed by faith. "We live by faith, not by sight." -- 2 Corinthians 5:7 Let me "prove" my point: You presented the notion that any attempt to refute the fundamental laws of logic fails because that refutation makes use of them. I submit that in like manner, any attempt to establish those laws also fails because that derivation must also make use of them. What comforts me is knowing logic is a gift from God, yet it is surpassed by the peace of God. "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -- Philippians 4:7 |
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333 | A Christian View of Science | Acts 17:28 | Parable | 48796 | ||
I'm struggling to see where we disagree. You make excellent points. You asked "2 Cor 5:7, do you quote this verse to mean that Scripture teaches that faith is irrational?" Quite the contrary. I'm just suggesting that faith is the first premise in any line of reasoning, even if we are not aware of this crucial first step. My point is people depend on faith, in one form or another, even when they argue against it. I agree that our faith in things unseen is not irrational. For example, in science, we have faith in things unseen, such as magnetic fields, which are well established, but no one has or will ever see one directly, yet we see how they exert their influence. It is no different for our faith in Christ. He is well established and we who see and understand His influence have faith in Him. You said "Phil 4:7 says the peace of God transcends OUR understanding, not logic. It does not teach that God's peace transcends logic; it transcends the limits of our ability to understand it." As I read it, the verse says "all" understanding, not "our", but this is hardly the point and in fact I may agree with you. However, I'm not sure logic exists without us to think it, so I'm not sure what you have said makes any real sense. That is, if we can't understand logic at some point, it might as well be gibberish, so all we have at that point is faith in God's providence. You said "Logic is the structure of God's mind. God did not create it and then gift man with it. It is eternal because God is eternal." These statements seem like a good summary of your opinion. Clearly, you have strong faith in the divine nature and integrity of logic. I'm with you. "We are rational because we are created as the image of a rational God." That we are rational is debatable. :) Finally, the centurion's very logical request followed from His faith in Christ's authority. Parable. |
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334 | A Christian View of Science | Acts 17:28 | Parable | 48861 | ||
Lionstrong, perhaps this will clarify my meaning. Consider: 1. Something is true because I believe it. 2. I believe something because it is true. To me, #2 is the Christian world view. From what you have said, I think we agree. Yet, #1 is important to understand, for the world thinks this way. For believers, our faith confirms truth, and as a result, we make it the basis for our decisions and actions. Unbelievers lack faith because, in their estimation, there is nothing to believe in. As a result, they have no basis for their decisions, so instead, they live unto to themselves. After considering what you have said, I am drawn to Romans 10:17, which says "....faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." Clearly, as you have said, without logic, we cannot understand the word and without this understanding, we cannot come to faith in Christ. I realize this sounds contrary to what I have tried to express, but I was not referring to faith in Christ. I was talking about faith in logic, e.g. without the belief that language carries meaning and meaning can be rightly understood through logic, logic becomes little more than an intellectual exercise with no bearing on our decisions. Parable |
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335 | Would his heart not be humbled? | Romans | Parable | 191899 | ||
To the Gentiles, Paul said: "I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another." Romans 15:14 To the Jews, he said: "you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself?" --Romans 2:21 The gentiles had no attachment to the Jewish law or any sense of entitlement to it or to God's grace. The Jews felt they owned the law and salvation was their due. |
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336 | Would his heart not be humbled? | Romans | Parable | 191904 | ||
a most excellent response! | ||||||
337 | What does "being a homosexual" mean? | Rom 1:19 | Parable | 91595 | ||
I have a problem with the statement "it is not possible for a homosexual to carry out God's will". Jesus said "...with God all things are possible." -- Matthew 19:26 Paul said "...in all things, God works for the good of those who love him." -- Romans 8:28 A person may be a homosexual and love God, even though their walk with him is hindered by their conduct, just as is true for anyone who struggles with sin, i.e. all of us, 1 John 1:8. Finally, God can use even the most hard-hearted person to further his purposes, "for I have hardened his heart....so that I may perform these miraculous signs of mine among them." Exodus 10:1 Peace, Parable |
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338 | What does "being a homosexual" mean? | Rom 1:19 | Parable | 91629 | ||
I concur and emphasize that "No one born of God makes a practice of sinning". You said "Since sin is the transgression of the Law and Jesus came to fulfill (not abolish) the Law, then how could he condone the breaking of the very Law that he came to fulfill?" Of course, Jesus never condones sin, but rather always convicts it. Once convicted, though, He always offers forgiveness to those who repent and turn to Him. He then empowers them by grace to endure the struggle with the flesh. The important point is that we must die to sin and be born again in Christ. If someone has not died to sin, they are still alive to sin and they cannot be born again. This is true of all sin, not just homosexuality. Parable |
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339 | is homosexuality a sin? | Rom 1:27 | Parable | 49309 | ||
Sexual immorality is a sin. It has been suggested the original reason for this is sexual immorality is a form of idolatry, i.e. worshipping false gods or putting something before God. The basis for this suggestion is that in many pagan rituals in biblical times, sexual acts of all kinds, heterosexual, homosexual, bestial or involving children were common as part of the worship. However, the prohibition is not just against doing what pagans did, as if the intent behind the act were the only problem, but rather against the act itself because it is inherently immoral, like murder, etc. It then follows we are not to be sexually immoral so we can remain pure and holy before the Lord, with our bodies as a living sacrifice in faithful obedience. The question then becomes, is homosexuality a form of sexual immorality? The scriptures are clear, it is. As for masturbation, this issue has been debated at length on this forum, so much so that there was an appeal for the dialogue to stop, message 47652. My original opinion on masturbation may be read in message 41781, but be advised there are numerous others that offer a different understanding. To view those messages, click on "search" and go from there. Parable |
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340 | Balanced view on the issues in Middle ea | Rom 3:23 | Parable | 77392 | ||
How about "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"? -- Romans 3:23 The issues are: 1) local, regional and global, 2) ethnic, religious, economic and political, 3) chronic and acute 4) embedded, highly charged and dangerous and surprisingly, 4) solvable. Jesus is the answer to all of them. Parable |
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