Results 401 - 420 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# | |||
401 | Is Salvation only through Jesus Christ? | Acts 4:12 | Robert Nicholson | 36910 | ||
Brother Johnny: Throughout the Old Testament God required certain things of his people. The promise in Gen.3:15 that the seed of the woman once bruise the serpents head is a type of the redeemer who would come and nullify the power of Satan. Every sacrifice under the law spoke of the coming one. The did not know his name but they saw the promise from afar off. As they looked forward to the cross, they rested on God's promises by faith and because of their faith in him, God has imputed to them righteousness. In Hebrews 11 we read of the old testament saints who by faith were imputed righteousness, beginning with Abel. I love the words which God tells us about them: These died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off and were pursuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth" (Heb. 11:13) We could say that prophets of old did not know him by name, they however, had faith in God that he would eventually send the saviour into the world. We must remember that the fulfilment of all of Gods promises in redemption are found in Jesus Christ. His sin atoning sacrifice put away sin once and for all, he satisfied the Holy claims of God and because of Christ God can abundantly pardon all who come to him by faith. Thus we can say that those who died in faith before the cross and those who trust Christ after the cross; are all saved by his precious blood. What about those who have never heard in our World? As you have mentioned God has given all men a witness of himself. As you have quoted from Romans we find that the law of right and wrong are written on the tables of our hearts. We have a conscience even if we do not know God. It is God's desire that his people "would go into all the world and preach the gospel" However, we know that in our day there are many whom have not heard. We know that after Christ comes for his church, that upon this earth after this event that a number of Israel will be saved along with a great multitude from every kindred tribe and nation. This is not a second chance for those who reject him now. It is an opportunity for those who have never heard. Johnny, I believe the only people who will go to hell will be those who have chosen to go there. They have made it abundantly clear that they want nothing to do with Jesus during their lives and continue to reject him until they die, they have no hope. They turned against the hope. I hope some of this helps brother Robert |
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402 | Romans 10:9: is it too simple? | Rom 10:9 | Robert Nicholson | 36455 | ||
Dear Don: The simplicity which is in Christ transcends human understanding and reasoning. What do I mean by falling in line. If I believe that he is raised from the dead, then my other thoughts about him will fall in to line. If "If I believe in my heart that God hath raised him from the dead" If I except this as a heart truth I will then accept my need before him, his sacrifical death for my sin upon the cross. "If Christ be not raised your faith is in vain, and you are yet in your sins" (1 Cor.15:17) God has shown us his acceptance of Christ as the sin bearer in that he raised him from the dead. Because he lives, we live in him and will be with him forever. I believe that the resurrection of Christ is the foundation to all gospel truths. If we do not accept this, than we will have nothing. In our risen Lord Robert |
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403 | Romans 10:9: is it too simple? | Rom 10:9 | Robert Nicholson | 36452 | ||
Jenny: Thank you for a great answer. I think that at times many want to have Jesus as Saviour, but do not want him as Lord. Your words "completely abandon yourself to him" makes it clear that if we want him as our Saviour, then he must be our Lord also. Thank you in his precious name Robert |
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404 | Who Then Can Be Saved? | Luke 18:26 | Robert Nicholson | 36449 | ||
Brother Joe: Regarding the "eye of a needle" Easton's Bible Dictionary defines the expresssion: "used only in the proverb, "to pass through a needle's eye" (Matthew 19:24; Mark 10:25; Luke 18:25). Some interpret the expression as referring to the side gate, close to the principal gate, usually called the "eye of a needle" in the East; but it is rather to be taken literally." It was not my intention to intimate that man can in any way earn his own salvation. I agree it is all of God. I was thinking more of repentance, in which the rich man would have to turn against his coveteousness or love of his riches before he could follow Jesus. Thanks Robert |
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405 | Mark 10:1-52 | Mark | Robert Nicholson | 36380 | ||
This is a very long chapter with many topics. In the first part we have the question of divorce and remarriage v. 1-12 However, in the remainder of the chapter we have three ways people were kept away from Jesus. V. 13-15 Children told to be quiet and leave Jesus alone. Too young? V. 17- 22 A young man kept away from Jesus because of his love of his material riches. V 46-52 A blind beggar who would not allow anything to keep him from Christ. This is only brief, however there are great truths found in each of these accounts. A good commentary would give you a more comprehensive outline. God bless you in your teaching Robert |
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406 | Romans 10:9: is it too simple? | Rom 10:9 | Robert Nicholson | 36378 | ||
Greetings dear friends: Does this verse make salvation too easy? Or is there truth here which will cause all other truth about the person of Christ to fall into line? What does it mean to confess Jesus as Lord? How does belief in the resurrection of Christ fit into all of this? Or does my belief in the bodily resurrection of Christ mean that I have also accepted other things relative to the gospel? Peace in his name Robert |
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407 | Who Then Can Be Saved? | Luke 18:26 | Robert Nicholson | 36375 | ||
Then who can be saved? The background to this question is found in Luke 18 when a ruler asked Jesus "What shall I do to inherit eternal life" V.18 We find that this young man was religious and kept the commandments from his youth up. This was not enough. Jesus said "Yet lackest thou one thing" Jesus knew that this man had something that was more important than eternal life which in this case was riches. The young man went away sorrowful without eternal life. Jesus told his disciples "it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, tha for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God" V.25 What did Jesus mean? Is it impossible for a rich man to be saved? Who then can be saved? The eye of the needle was a low gateway through the city wall. In order for a camel to pass through it had to kneel down and with great difficulty could pass through. In other words when one is self sufficient it is difficult to lower ourselves to God's claims that "there is no difference that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" Rom. 3:23 Dear friends do you not think that the answer to the question "Who then can be saved" is found in the work of Christ alone. That eternal life is not dependent on our church affiliation, or personal ideas, but rests upon the finished work of Christ alone? Who then can be saved? In Christ Robert |
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408 | 7 Churches in Rev., which is yours like? | Rev 1:11 | Robert Nicholson | 36369 | ||
Greetings Love Fountain: What a great question! I do not want to sound negative, but I believe that Laodicea meaning (rule of the people) represents many churches today. We find that this church is "rich and increased in goods" and think "they have need of nothing" Rev. 3:17. More importantly, in this church Christ is no longer in the center of the church, but is outside the door V20 imploring individuals to open the door and he will come into them and sup with them. I agree that all seven represent 7 actual churches, and 7 conditions of the church and 7 times in history relative to the professing church. It would be wonderful if we could live in the condition of Philadelphia, a time of brotherly love and when a great door of opportunity was opened as those men of God in the Post Reformation period spoke the word of God in truth and love; a time when thousands came to Christ. God bless you Robert |
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409 | those who live godly will be persecuted | 2 Tim 3:12 | Robert Nicholson | 36363 | ||
Greetings Brother Zach: Your post brought this verse to mind. "Let us go therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach" Hebrews 13:13 If we are truly devoted to Christ and identify with him outside the camp of worldly religion there will be reproach. As a Christian we have to make a choice as to whom we will serve. I enjoy the example of Moses who could have had the riches of Eygpt and yet "he choosing to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Eypt" Heb.11:25-26 The three fold enemy of the Christian is the world, the flesh and the devil. If it is our desire to live for Christ, all three will undoubtedly test us. Do you not think that being a Christian spoils us for the world: keeping in mind that we are strangers away from home and pilgrims going home? It will cost us to follow Christ, we cannot have both worlds so to speak. My dad used to have a verse on his wall which read "Only one life twill soon be passed, Only what's done for Christ will last." We read "The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe." (Prov.29:25) I know that during my life the fear of man has caused me to be a "wimp" at times when it came to making a bold stand for Christ. God bless you brother Robert |
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410 | an egyptian king had arisen | Exodus | Robert Nicholson | 36169 | ||
Dear Lovetopraisehim At the end of Genesis we read about the last days of Joseph. He was raised up of God to deliver both his own people in addition to being a blessing to Eygpt. In Exodus 1:8 "Now there arose a King who knew not Joseph" He was wary of the prosperity and posterity of the children of Israel and developed a plan which would put them into bondage. This bondage was increased, but instead of bringing them under control, it seemed that the more they were persecuted the greater their blessing. The King then ordered the midwives to kill the sons which would be born to Israel. However, we find that God was in control and used the King's daughter to save the one he would eventually use in the deliverance of his people from Eygpts bondage. In fact God prepared him as he was educated in the Eygptian culture. We read that Moses made a choice "choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season" (Hebrews 11:25) Moses murdered a Eygption and had to flee for his life into the desert where be became a shepherd. It was there that God called him from the burning bush. It was at this holy place that Moses met "I AM" for the first time. The conditions which the children of Israel found themselves in when Moses was called is found in God's words to Moses "I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Eygpt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; I know their sorrows"(Exodus 3:7) Peace Robert |
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411 | The Restrainer - Revisited! | 2 Thess 2:7 | Robert Nicholson | 35581 | ||
Hi Listener: Many people have difficulty with my train of thought. Sorry. I need to clarify my thoughts. I believe that every person who trust Christ as saviour is indwelt by the Holy Spirit and during this time of grace acts as "the salt" of the earth. In other words as we approach the time when the man of Sin will be revealled, it is only God who holds back his evil forces by his Spirit in each member of the church. If we accept the pre-trib rapture the Church which is his body consisting of all true believers will be with Christ. Personally, I don't see the church which is his body on the earth after chp. 4 "when a door is open in heaven'. I do not believe that the beast is being restrained physically. However, if when this restraining influence is removed, than God will allow this wicked one (lawless one) to be revealled. Professing Christendom after the church is gone will be those who profess to be Christians and have never been born again will accept the beast because "God will send them strong delusion that they should believe a lie" that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. This is the beginning of the Great tribulation. In Rev. 6 we have the opening of the seal judgments upon the earth. In Rev. 7:3 we see that God is instructing them to "hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees until we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads" In the remainder of this chapter we find a remnant seal out of Israel in addition to a "great multitude which no man could number of all nations"V.9 In other words, despite the judgement which is coming upon the earth God is saving people who will be part to the earthly remanent which will go into the milleniel kingdom. In Rev. 8 we have seven trumpet judgments. These judgments are more intense than the 7 seals. We find here that he earth, the sea, the water and the solar heaven. These judgments are upon those which "ave not the seal of God in their foreheads" Chp. 9 v5 In Rev. 9 "we see a star fallen from heaven to the earth" This I believe is satan and in the first woe, he is given the key to the bottomless pit from which he releases the demons of judgement against those who have rejected God. This has nothing to do with the church which is a heavenly company with Christ. During the great triublation, God will judge those who have rejected him and find that even with the intensity of the judgment increasing "The rest of men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands..."Chp 9:20 In a general sense I believe that after the church is taken away, that their occuppation is a heavenly one along with the old testament saints who have died in faith. On the earth, there will be those saved primarily from Israel and from Gentile nations who have not rejected Christ and will survive the great tribulation and go into the earthly millenial Kingdom. The picture I have of the Millenium is of a heavenly company and an earthly company in which their will be communication and mutual worship of Christ. In the final eternal state, we know that there will be a new heaven and a new earth. Rev.22 Do I make any sense at all. Robert |
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412 | The Restrainer - Revisited! | 2 Thess 2:7 | Robert Nicholson | 35434 | ||
HI Listener I do not see a third coming in scripture. However, the wording in 1 Cor. 15 and 1 Thess. 4 have to do with the resurrection of those who have died in Christ and those who are alive and remain. We will be changed (translated) and caught up together to meet the Lord in the air. I would say that it appears that his coming for his saints and with his saints, that both are connected to his second coming to the earth as seen in 2 Thess. 1: 8. How will his second coming unfold. We know that he will come in power and in glory to establish his earthly kingdom at the end of the great tribulation. My thoughts are that he will come to the air, the saints of this dispensation of grace, the church which is his body, the bride will meet him in the air. I do no think that there is a return to heaven, but rather a pause as the bride enters into the personal presence of Christ. He then will descend with his saints in glory and power at his appearing when every eye shall see him. The difficulty presented with this view is what period of time is there between the time the saints meet him in the air and the time when he will continue his descent to the mount of olives? The language of the bride and bridegroom in scripture is based on the ancient Eastern marriage customs. I enjoy this typology as it relates to Christ and the Bride. The example in scripture is that of Isaac and Rebekah In Gen. 24. In Gen 23, Issaac's mother dies. ( a picture of Israel set aside nationally. Gen. 24 The father sends his servant to find a bride for his son. ( a picture of the Holy Spirit bring sinners from all backgrounds to form the bride of Christ) Gen. 25 After his son meets his bride, Abraham takes a new wife. If Abraham is a picture of God this union could typify the restoration of Israel as the wife of Jehovah. Think about the following: The servant a type of the Holy Spirit finds Rebekah. He tells her about his master, and showed her tokes of his riches. The servant was anxious to take her to his master. However, she had to consent"I will go" At this point the betrothal is sealed and she is legally the promised bride for the bridegroom whom she has never seen. As the servant takes her on the journey home he protects her and tells her more of the one whom having not seen we love. Accodding to customs, while the servant is bringing the bride home, the bridegroom is preparing a place of intimacy for he and his bride. The bride is brought to the bridegroom and with the friends the marriage ceremony begins. The groom takes his bride into the specially prepared room for 7 days at which time he will share itimacy with her and show his approval for her by giving her gifts as tokens of his love. After 7 days they leave the room and joint the friends for the marriage supper. I believe that there is a heavenly company the bride who will reign with Christ. The earthly saints saved out of the Great Tribulation will include the remanent of Israel and people from every tonque, kindred, tribe and nation who will go onto enjoy peace on earth under the righteous reign of Christ. I will stop for now. I would be interested in your thoughts. Peace in his Name Robert |
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413 | The Restrainer - Revisited! | 2 Thess 2:7 | Robert Nicholson | 35418 | ||
Hi Listener: I agree with your 1-5 observations. When know that the bottomless pit is not the lake of fire. When Christ comes to in judgement, Satan will be imprisoned for 1000 years Rev.20:7 However, at the end of the thousand year reign of Christ, satan will be loosed and go out to deceive the nations of the earth. In Rev. 20:9 we see the destruction of those who are deceived by him and satan or the devil cast into the lake of fire for ever and ever Rev. 20:10 Re: 2 Thess. 2: 5-7 I will quote the amplified version: Do you not recollect that when I was still with you, I told you these things? And now you know what is restraining him [from being revealed at this time]; it is so that he may be manifested (revealed) in his own [appointed] time. 7For the mystery of lawlessness (that hidden principle of rebellion against constituted authority) is already at work in the world, [but it is] restrained only until [3] he who restrains is taken out of the way. It would seem that the lawless one is held back until the positve force for righteousness is removed which would fit in with the idea of the Holy Spirit dwelling within the church or the bride of Christ. God Bless. Robert |
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414 | Adam to JESUS lineage. | Bible general Archive 1 | Robert Nicholson | 35245 | ||
Delbib: The genealogy of Mary the mother of Jesus is found in Luke 3:23-38 which traces back to Adam. In v. 24 we read "as being supposed) was the son of Joseph who was the son of Heli" In Matt. 1 we have the genealogy of Joseph which traces back to King David. The word "son" is not in the original Greek, but has been put in by the translators. It would appear that Mary was the daughter of Heli and Josepth the son-in-law. In accord with Jewish useage of that day he would be referred to as son of Heli, but he was not beget by Heli. Robert |
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415 | The Restrainer - Revisited! | 2 Thess 2:7 | Robert Nicholson | 35239 | ||
Dear listener: I know that there are disagreements as to the one of Rev. 9:1. Whoever this is he is given that "key to the bottomless pit" which belongs to Christ according to Rev. 9:1. It is also significant to read the marginal reading of Rev. 9 V1 "I saw a star "fallen" from heaven until earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit" Rev. 9:1 I would suggest that this could relate back to Isaiah 14:12 regarding the fall of Satan (lucifer) as testified by our Lord Jesus Christ in Luke 10:18. These trumpet judgements provide us with the judgment of God upon those who have hardened themselves against him. It would appear that God is using Satan to opening the bottomless pit and to release destruction never known to mankind. This bottomless pit however, is where Satan himself will be imprisioned for 1000 years. Rev. 20:1 In our present age those who have been redeemed have been given power over Satan. "greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." 1 John 4:4. Who is he who hindereth the attack of the lawless one upon this earth? It would appear that it is he who has the ultimate power, our Lord Jesus Christ himself. All the events which shall happen hereafter are in his control. Is it the church? We know that "God hath not appointed us to wrath" 1 Thess. 4:9 The Lord Jesus took the wrath of God which should of been ours upon his own body on the tree. In 2 Thess. the church was being troubled with false information which informed them that they were going to suffer the "day of the Lord" It is interesting to note that in Rev.3 which covers the church age that in chapter 4 we see a door opened in heaven and the call is "come up hither" From this point on the church is always mentioned in a heavenly sense and is removed before the judgment on the earth begins. I am not a knee slapping disciple of Lehay and Co. , but I believe that the coming of Christ is seen from two aspects: a) for his people 1 Thess. 4 and with his people 2 Thess. 1. I believe that in Rev. we see an earthly company saved out of the great tribulation which includes Israel and Gentile nations who have not heard the gospel. Rev. 7 I am open to other ideas. In Christ Robert |
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416 | The Ministry of the "Walking Wounded" | 1 Tim 4:6 | Robert Nicholson | 35235 | ||
Dear brother Charis: The problem with politics is ....they should not control a church. Christ should be the center of all gatherings to his precious name. Dear brother our thoughts and prayers are with you and we pray that God will bring you blessings as you "do what God has given you to do." I am so thankful that our joy and security do not rest on church organizations, but they rest on Christ the solid rock. Peace in his precious name Robert |
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417 | DID JESUS EVER MARRY OR HAVE THE TEMPTAT | Heb 2:17 | Robert Nicholson | 35231 | ||
Suzyq: Jesus did not experience being: a) a women b) a gentile c) a person living in our modern world And yet he is still able to be our High Priest who knows our needs and cares. Did he want to have a wife. The Bible doesn't say. However, in the verses from Isaiah 53 we relize that there was no one to carry on his generation. We find however, that his seed is a spiritual generation, namely those who have been saved by faith in his redemptive work. Please do not allow things which we are not told to distract you from the main person, our Lord Jesus Christ who died for our sins and arose from the dead for our justification. May God bless you and your friends as you study his word. Robert |
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418 | DID JESUS EVER MARRY OR HAVE THE TEMPTAT | Heb 2:17 | Robert Nicholson | 35196 | ||
Suzyq: The important thing to remember when discussing the Lord Jesus is that he knew no sin and in him was no sin. He differed from you and I in that he did not have the capacity to sin. Why? Because he is God manifest in the flesh. We read "For in that he himself suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted." Heb. 2:17 The verse which you have referred to is found in Hebrews 4:15 "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." We have to be careful when we interpret "all points" as every way. It was God's will that his son would come into the world to as a Jewish boy of the genealogy of King David and into the Godly line of Seth. He was a true man, he grew up without the impediment of a sinful nature, he was always obedient to his earthly parents and his heavenly father. God's will for him did not include an earthly marriage as his main purpose in coming to earth was to die for our sins. In Isaiah we read "who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living." Isaiah 53:8b In other words there was no one in the natural sense to continue his generation or seed. However, we find that it was God's plan that his Son would have a spiritual seed and a spiritual bride. "when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, she shall prolong his days and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. In his death he could see the big picture. His earthly life would be cut off and yet God would give him a spiritual seed through his death and resurrection. We could ask this question "If Jesus never knew what it was to suffer from personal sin, how then can he sympathize with us? Jesus did not suffer for his own sin, However, he has experience the consequences of sin more than humans can ever know; when upon the cross he was made sin for us. The experiences of Jesus then, were experienced as a young Jewish man who walked in perfection before God and Man. He fulfilled the law totally. Although he did not experience each specific thing which we may experience; his experience in living, suffering, dying, being resurrected, and his ascention to the right hand of God, all of this equips him to understand our needs and sorrows. The word "Temptation" in the scriptures has two meanings, 1. testing under trial 2. solicitation to evil The Lord has promised us that in times of testing he will not allow us to be tempted above that which we are able. However, God never tempts with sin. "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God, God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man. But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived it bringth forth sin; sin when it is finished bringeth forth death. James 1:13-15 As Christians we must try to differentiate between testing which will mature us in the Lord and our own lust which draws us into sin and breaks our fellowship with God. In Summary, the Lord Jesus knew what it was to be tested during his time on earth. However, he never knew what it was to be tempted with sin. "God cannot be tempted with evil" In addition, the example of the Lord Jesus should not determine whether or not we should marry. God in the early creation indicated that this was his desire that a man would cleave to his wife and they would be one flesh. Paul teaches the truth you are touching on. If we are willing to sacrifice a marriage relationship for the glory of God, we will be blessed and be able to serve the Lord without distractions. Many however, make the choice to marry and to be workers together in the Lord's service. Either way we can be pleasing to the Lord. In Christ Robert |
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419 | "...and fasting"? | Mark 9:29 | Robert Nicholson | 35086 | ||
Dear brother Makarios: The reference in my Old Scofield Bible note that"and fasting" is not found in "the two best MSS. However, having said that, think that we need to look at the verse within its context. While Jesus is up in the mountain with Peter, James and John, the other disciples are waiting for him. It would appear the the scribes were questioning them specifically about their power to heal. The father of the child has already asked the disciples to cast the demon out, "but they could not" I believe in V19 he is speaking to his disciples as he rebukes them. We find that after this event they had disputed among themselves "who should be the greatest"V.34 It would make one wonder what their motive was in wanting to have the power to heal. Was it for self promotion? Jesus said "This kind can come forth by nothing, but prayer and fasting." In other words total dependence and faith in God couple with denial of self. In Matt. 17 we find that he expands on this event. It is here that Jesus taught them that it takes a "small"amount of faith in a "great" God. Interestingly, according to my margin again, Matt. 17:23 does not exist in the two best MSS. I think in both cases, we are seeing that translations are not inspired. Unless we can hear or read it in the language of the original authors, there is always room for some discrepency with words. However, I do not see how these omittions interfere with sound doctrine. In Christ Robert |
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420 | The Ministry of the "Walking Wounded" | 1 Tim 4:6 | Robert Nicholson | 35081 | ||
Dear brother Markarios: I hardly know where to start. My heart goes out to those who have been good soldiers of Jesus Christ and yet find themselves in a situation which seems impossible to overcome. There is no greater hurt than one that is caused by spiritual family members whom we love. I list myself with the "walking wounded" and I am thankful for fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ on this forum. When things are going well it is easy to discuss Paul and his needs, and how he entreated God to remove his thorn in the flesh. God simply gave him this answer, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Cor. 12:9 We get a sense of Paul's frustration in 2 Tim. 4. In v. 6 he speaks of his own death by martyrdom and of his departure to be with Christ. The "voice" of his last instructions show us his love for those he will be living and his faithfulness and love to Christ. "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Phil. 1:21 In these last days "the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." 2 Tim. 4:3-4 The Lord has been wonderful to me over my life and in retrospect I see his hand in it. At times it is not pleasant to be chastened of him and yet in going through the process we know that he loves us more than we will ever know. During the early years of my life as a member with the Plymouth brethren, the Lord by his grace used us (my wife and I) along with others in establishing a Sunday School and a gospel outreach in a rural area. During those days we experience much blessing from God and souls were brought to a saving knowledge of Christ. As the numbers grew we were exercised in forming a church after the pattern of the New Testament. This pattern consisted of those who were saved and baptized and expressed a desire to be gathered to the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ alone. The Lord blessed us and gave us strength as the small group as workers together built a nice sized hall. We had been meeting in an older hall which did not have facilities and could not be upgraded. The physical building grew and spiritual growth and gift could be seen among the Lord's people. For 15 years we had our ups and downs, but were generally settled in the Lord. Since we did not have a full time pastor, there were those who functioned as overseers to feed, lead and protect the flock of God. This was no small responsiblity, but we did it with joy knowing we serve the best of masters. About 12 years ago, the group divided and some polarized around a person from among us who thought himself to be somewhat of a prophet. The problem was he was causing a split among the people with his brand of doctrine and his prophetic insight. In an attempt to save ourselves, I along with a few others attempted to stop the problem and to bring unity among the Lord's people. In short, the church was divided, many left, one committed suicide and the person in the wrong seemed to still have the dominant influeance. Personally, this took a toll on me and my wife and as time went by at the advice of my doctor I had to withdraw from the church. To withdraw from something which had become a part of you for so many years was equivalent to a living death. Over the past 12 years I have tried to make sense of it all. I even tried to live afar off from the Lord and yet I found no peace or true happiness. I have (not unlike others) suffered major health problems and financial loss. Due to my health I retired early from teaching and opened a business which I thought would help my family. Due to problems with this we lost almost everything we owned. During the past year after shutting the business down I have tried to get closer to God and I have experience forgiveness and have a peace which I cannot explain. I have had the priviledge to give myself to a study of the scriptures and at this point we are looking for direction in our life which would bring glory and honor to Christ. It is my desire that in this last phase of my life that God could still use me and that I might continue to experience the joy of his salvation until he comes. By writing this, it is not my intention to ask for sympathy or am I bitter toward God's people. I would like to simply give the readers a little insight that leaders must go through in order to maintain a testimony for the Lord. I know that God is able and yet at times we wonder why we must travel down these side tracks of life. I would however, covet your prayers for my family and I. I am so thankful that I am kept my his power. In Christ Robert |
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