Results 41 - 60 of 277
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Results from: Answers On or After: Thu 12/31/70 Author: charis Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
41 | Is all new doctrine false doctrine? | Titus 1:9 | charis | 35424 | ||
Dear Listener, Greetings in Jesus' name! "Is all new doctrine false doctrine?" No. Not any more than all old doctrine is true doctrine! If we say that 'doctrine' equals the traditions of men, then all doctrine is false. "BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN." Matthew 15:9 NASB. However, if we say that 'doctrine' equals the Word of God, then all doctrine is true. Actually, in this interpretation there is no old or new, only truth. "That which has been is that which will be, And that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one might say, 'See this, it is new'? Already it has existed for ages Which were before us." Ecclesiastes 1:9,10 NASB. New doctrines are not 'developed,' but only re-discovered. Sometimes a person will come forth and say that he has a 'new revelation' from God. This is impossible! However, there are forgotten *previous* revelations from God. Usually they are only forgotten in that particular group! :-) God's entire Word is alive and complete right now! The problem is that nobody has it all together. (though many claim it!!) Please try not to be too harsh on those that claim 'new revelation' of truth. Most do not really believe they have something that nobody ever had before. (though I admit that some do!) I count this error to be in the same league as those that claim 'complete revelation' of truth. :-) Peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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42 | Are there compartments in heaven or hell | John 14:2 | charis | 35411 | ||
Dear kadgaley, Greetings in the name of Jesus! "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:2,3 NASB. While it seems to be clear that heaven has many dwelling places, or mansions, I am not so sure that hell has the same type of accomodations! :-) In any case, as Christians, it seems that there is 'rank in the kingdom' that is awarded to us for our faithfulness to God. (NOT for our faith in God for salvation!) "Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 NASB. As to clear reference about 'levels' in hell, who cares?! The most comfortable place there is not comfortable! Neither is the worst place there any more damned! Surely it is necessary for us to know the consequence of unbelief, and the state of unregenerate man, but don't 'dwell' on it! (pun very much intended! :-)) Peace and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |
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43 | The Ministry of the "Walking Wounded" | 1 Tim 4:6 | charis | 35230 | ||
Dear Makarios, Greetings in Jesus' name! I was asked this same question by another brother on the forum recently. Following is an excerpt of my own experience. I can only pray that it helps our little community to understand some of the things that pastors go through to serve their flock: …you asked about my 'excommunication' experience. You may recall I sent you 'my testimony' last year explaining my salvation in Pittsburgh and my coming to Japan. Well, my pastor had about that time become involved with overseeing a few other churches in Alabama, Ohio, Hawaii, England, Brazil, and South Africa. He would visit each of the churches about once a year, encouraging us, and ministering the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It was always done in order, and giving honor to the local pastor. Well, in his own church, his first-born had come of age, and my pastor's wife was kind of anxious to get 'Junior' into the ministry, more specifically, the pastor's chair. This would mean my pastor would have to become 'Senior Pastor,' which is fine, I guess (but not in the Bible). Then, he created an 'Apostolic Team' and started to make noise that we must pay homage to this new entity. I was not asked my opinion about this, but I went along, more by shutting my mouth than agreeing. Well, it escalated into a pseudo-denomination, and I was getting very uncomfortable. This all happened just as we were about to celebrate our 10th anniversary. I went all-out, and invited all of my co-workers, their wives, and of course, my pastor. Well, he was taken ill, and could not come, so sent his son as representative. Then he told me that our celebration would be a great opportunity for a 'Pastor's Conference.' I disagreed. All was fine until everyone arrived, and the 'young pup' called me to carpet, explaining that this WAS a 'Pastor's Conference,' and that any guest that was not a pastor (I invited, at my expense, several good friends) was not invited to the proceedings. Well... I told him (very nicely!) that it would not happen that way. Well, we had a great 10th Anniversary anyway, and I smoothed things over with my pastor after 'Junior' went home. All was OK for almost a year, until they had some problems at my home church. There was an ugly split that ended with 25 percent of the 400 people there leaving the church. I was uninvolved, but someone (I still do not know who!) said I was on the side of the dissenters. He asked me to give him my 'allegiance.' I said that he was my pastor, and Jesus is my Lord, that should be enough! He said, "You're outta here!" and cut communications with all the people in the church and other churches. That was over 3 years ago. There is a lot more detail, but that just about wraps up the basics. I have left a door open, and have never bad-mouthed my pastor, but he is adamant. He is also very sick, and this situation saddens me much. But, my job is not politics, and I am no longer a resident of Pittsburgh, so I do what God has given me to do! Many blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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44 | Geography of the Forum! | Acts 21:39 | charis | 34136 | ||
charis - Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Yokohama is a little town (3.5 million) just south of Tokyo. Approximately 20 million in a 50-mile radius. Very homey if you're a bee! :-) Less than 1 percent Christian population; add 'Bible-believing, church-committed' to 'Christian' and you get approximately 1/100th of that figure. Average church size - less than 10 souls! But it is where God put me! I am blessed! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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45 | having to work the sabbath | Matt 12:1 | charis | 33880 | ||
Dear brac17070, Greetings in Jesus' name! Working on Sunday (if that is the day your church assembles) would keep you from the fellowship you need with God's people, your family in Christ. "...not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." Hebrews 10:25 NASB. "...you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 2:5 NASB. In order to be healthy in the Lord, you need His Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His House (the local church). The local church brings forth love, faith, responsiblity, gifts and ministry. (and much more!) By committing your self to a local church, and placing yourself under shepherding care, the fulness of the Gospel is made manifest, producing the fruit of the Spirit in your life. Back to job situation, it is not a legalistic thing. It is not that you may NEVER miss church. But if your job takes you away from the fellowship of the saints on a permanent or constant basis, you probably are working the wrong job! Ask if adjustments can be made, petition God to work on your behalf, make a goal (vision) of getting a more healthy lifestyle. I have seen the Lord move on behalf of those that trusted Him to make a way! Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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46 | Double portion is really only two-thirds | 2 Kin 2:9 | charis | 33854 | ||
Dear 10EC, (I know it's Tim, but I like 10EC! :-)) Greetings in Jesus' name! I have heard that one too! Let me add yet another: The 50 got a 'single-portion,' and Elisha got twice as much as these 'less-faithful' prophets. (they weren't present when Elijah was taken up) Therefore, Elisha got a 'double-portion.' However, all that said, I agree with you that it is probably not 2X of anything, or even 2/3, but the 'full-portion' of the God-given gift. (dare I say ministry, spirit, endowment or anointing [Greek! :-)]?) After all, both Elijah and Elisha were 'great' prophets! But to argue which had more 'power' is akin to the sons of Zebedee trying to be closer to the Lord than the other disciples, yes? By the way, I have heard that there is a lot of abuse of the word 'anointing' which may be the reason for some amount of 'sensitivity' to this word. As I am far away from the blessing of 'mainstream American Christianity' I was unaware that we cant use this word without rousing xenophobic reaction. Peace! Blessings to you for your 2 cents! This is my 2 yen. (presently worth 1.48 cents, or .0174 Euros) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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47 | Please share in detail if possible,thanx | 1 Tim 4:1 | charis | 33363 | ||
Dear Bhawna, Greetings from Japan in Jesus' name! Indeed, the points 1-4 that you listed sum things up pretty well. In my humble opinion, the assurance of our salvation is a promise from God, and we must lean upon this promise. The 'other camp' is more of a theoretical possibility. It can happen, but easily, or again and again? I cannot see evidence of that in the Bible. The evidence I see in the Word tells me that *certain* very willful men may throw away their salvation by denying the Holy Spirit, but they do not 'lose' it by accident, and satan does not have the power or authority to 'snatch' it away! My own experience leads me to believe that *certain* Christians (very few!) may have chosen this path, but I don't know for sure. God does know, so I leave it to Him. (and Him alone!) So, the hope of salvation we should hold dearly, and hope for others, too! But the possibility, the theory of denying Christ I leave totally unto Him. Anything beyond that is conjecture, and could lead to condemnation of another saint (or even ourselves!), which is none of our business! As to specific Scriptural proof, I will let you browse through the dozens of posts written on this forum. Just use the search function above and you will be 'filled until it comes out of your nostrils!' :-) I think I know which camp YOU are in! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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48 | fall upward? | 1 Tim 4:1 | charis | 33343 | ||
Dear zach†, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I am of the camp of 'once saved, always saved*' *disclaimer: for all practical purposes! :-) While I conceed that there are quite a few Scriptures that speak of 'losing salvation,' there are just as many (or more?) that speak of God's sure grace. My above 'disclaimer' is not a 'tolerant' view or a 'compromise' stand. I simply see that both views are portrayed in the Bible, and the Bible is NOT wishy-washy! So, IMHO, the problem is not *IF* you can lose your salvation, but *HOW,* or more precisely, *how easily!* To say that we can easily lose this salvation is just plain silly. Whereas, to say that it is difficult, therefore rare, that this occurs is in keeping with both camp's Scriptural references. Dinner bell, Bye! Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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49 | Who's who | Job | charis | 33198 | ||
Dear SRN, Greetings in Jesus' name! The Greek word for prophet, prophetes, means: 4396 prophetes prof-ay'-tace from a compound of 4253 and 5346; a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet:--prophet. A prophet is one of the five ministries given as a gifts to the church. "And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers," Ephesians 4:11 NASB. Prophecy is one of the manifestational gifts of the Holy Spirit to the church. "...and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues." 1 Corinthians 12:10 NASB. Prophets in the New Testament were used to bring revelation of God's will for His church, past, present and future. Prophets also bring encouragement to the church. "But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation." 1 Corinthians 14:3 NASB. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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50 | is the young man of Mark 14:51 Mark? | Mark | charis | 33190 | ||
Dear veejay, Greetings to you in the name of Jesus! Good question! After checking 10 sources, I have 10 answers! :-) Most agree on only one thing: Any answer is pure conjecture. Mark, John the disciple, James, the brother of the Lord, a person who lived near the garden, an young man of the house, someone mistaken for a disciple of the Lord, and finally, anyone but a disciple. Take your pick! :-) After reading these comments, I come to the conclusion that the identity is not important, but the reporting of this event is to emphasize that it is an eye-witness account. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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51 | How can I submit to fallable clergy? | Ex 20:14 | charis | 32718 | ||
Dear Listener, Greetings in the name of Jesus! My friend, your honesty is disarming! I, too, have much experience with clergy and professional ministers that are unworthy of trust. As a 'fellow' minister (but because I am a 'lay' pastor, I am not *completely* accepted into the clique! :-)), I sometimes see a side of the clergy that is hidden from the 'laity.' I am ashamed for those that do not know how to be ashamed. But, nonetheless, the Word of God requires us all to honor and obey those in spiritual authority. As Christians, this respect must be without reservation or qualification. So, God's people have a certain abount of responsibility to find God's chosen leaders. The problem is not just a lack of shepherd-like shepherds. There is also a dearth of sheep-like sheep! All I can say, Listener, is that you MUST search (by the leading of the Holy Spirit) until you find a pastor who will shepherd you. God requires it. Soulish or intellectual satisfaction are not enough. Convenience or tradition are not good enough for God's people. Good music, good school or good programs will not feed you what you really need. The local church must be a *family* of God. Any good family needs a pillar, chosen (called) by the Lord. Bless you in this quest! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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52 | Abortion for medical reason ??????? | Ex 20:13 | charis | 32594 | ||
Dear Witp, Greetings to you in the name of the Lord Jesus! My friend and fellow Christian, let me first tell you that we are in prayer for your situation, and that you will have faith and wisdom from the Holy Spirit to see you through. As was pointed out, it is almost impossible to give valid counsel to you through an internet forum. You should be in close counsel with your pastor/shepherd at this time, and of course be in constant counsel with God. If I may point out something that you may have missed. Many doctors do not have the same standards as Bible-believing Christians, and may be somewhat hasty to suggest abortion. Please make sure that your doctor knows your stance on this issue. Next, get another opinion, preferably from a Christian doctor who is knowledgeable in this field. Your last question was asking if God is testing your faith. I think that it would be more correct to say that the situations of life are testing your faith. First, find peace, so that you can make a godly decision. Don't be 'bullied' into making a quick decision. Ask the Lord to guide you by the Spirit to see things as they really are. Together with your wife and children, open the Bible, and pray as one. As for a minister to come and help you. Ask for fellowship and prayer from the saints of your church. May the Lord give you all that you need to overcome the situations of life to the glory of God! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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53 | Fast chariot driver in OT | 2 Kin 9:20 | charis | 32533 | ||
Dear jini, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I would suspect you mean Jehu, the son of Nimshi. "The watchman reported, "He came even to them, and he did not return; and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously." 2 Kings 9:20 NASB. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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54 | Christian Dressing | Hebrews | charis | 32476 | ||
Dear Ify-J, Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus! "Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness." 1 Timothy 2:9,10 NASB. The People's New Testament says, " In simple attire which not attract attention." "With shamefacedness. A shrinking from all that is indelicate." "Sobriety. Self-restraint; not yielding to vain impulses." Some may say that it's just fashion. Well, modern fashion certainly seems to cater to the flesh, and show a lot of it, too. What do you say to a young Christian? If you want to be treated like a mature, sensible person, than you will do better to look like one. If your attire is faddish (young lemmings :-)) or rebellious, you will most probably be treated as a mindless youth or a rebel. Unfair? No, it is natural to assess the appearance of a person, as it often gives us an idea of their attitude and bent. By the way, all this applies to us 'old folks,' too! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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55 | Question concerning prayer. | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 32402 | ||
Dear chynna, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I agree with my colleague kalos. Prayer is NOT like, "Listen up, God, and hear my wants!" Prayer is communication with God, fellowship with our Savior. In this sense, we should always be in contact with Him, because if we lose contact with Him it is not because He went away, but we did. Prayer is more listening than saying, He has much to say that we need to hear! Also, we must take care that a good portion of our words to Him are praise and thanksgiving. "...pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:17,18 NASB. While we can bring our petitions before God, and should, our attitude is important. The end we seek is the glorification of God in all things. "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen." Romans 11:36 NASB. Peace and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |
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56 | Are present day Christians the new Jews? | Rom 3:29 | charis | 32270 | ||
Dear holmel5, Greetings in the name of Jesus! No, we are not the new Jews. We are Christians. According to the Bible, most of us are Gentiles made clean by the grace of God. A Jew is a Jew by blood. When a Jew is apprehended by Jesus, he becomes a Christian, just like any Gentile. Though born of the blood of Israel, and taught in the faith of Judaism, a person that comes to Christ is a Christian. As to the future relation that the Jewish nation has with God as written in the Book of Revelation, it is a mystery not yet revealed. In the meantime, those of Christ must preach and live Christ Jesus. (perhaps I answered more than you asked? :-)) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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57 | Are Modern Prophets Always Accurate ? | Job | charis | 32266 | ||
Dear Jensen, Greetings in the name of Jesus! If I may, I would like to (try to) answers this question, though addressed specifically to another forum fellow. Are Modern Prophets Always Accurate ? I think that modern prophets are about as accurate as historical prophets, providing that 1) they ARE prophets, and 2) they prophesy in the name of the Lord (Jesus). It seems (pardon me If I am wrong) that you are being awfully confrontive in your interrogation of our new forum friend. What is prophecy? Many are hung up on the 'prognosticator' aspect of this ministerial gift. According to my Bible, a prophet is a 'forth-teller' of God's word and will, not *necessarily* a future-teller. "But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation." 1 Corinthians 14:3 NASB. Yes, some prophecy IS speaking of future events. But if we judge a prophet only by his prowess in telling the future, then even some of the Bible prophets cannot yet be judged! (a great deal of the Book of Revelation has not yet happened) It seems that the real question is, "Why are so many charlatans called prophets?" The answer is that people are gullible, yea, even Christians. And some people are pusuing (and achieving!) personal gain from religion. Should we hold false prophets accountable? We would be charged with murder if we did! :-) Maybe also we should hold the *listeners* of false prophecy accountable, too! A modern prophet must be held to the same standard of wisdom, patience, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit as historical prophets. Please remember that we do NOT have a record of every word that Isaiah spoke. We have the God-inspired record of his prophecies spoken in the name of the Lord! I would imagine that Isaiah (and all the other prophets were careful and patient to wait until they clearly heard from God before they 'shot their mouth off.' If only today's servants with this gift would do the same! Peace unto you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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58 | Spirit teaches, but are we good students | 2 Tim 3:16 | charis | 32245 | ||
Dear Joe! Greetings in the name of Jesus! Perhaps (just perhaps) 'doctrinal infallibility' is not a absolute as some may think? :-) Perhaps (again) there is a certain amount of 'gracious leeway' built in by the sovereignty of God. Certainly there are numerous examples in the Bible that portray God forgiving instances of 'doctrinal infraction.' Please understand that I am fully aware that God has warned us many times of 'loose' interpretation and outright false teaching. But some interpretations of falsity could be stricter than God's interpretation, i.e. two somewhat different doctrines may both be led by the Spirit. On the other hand, a pet theory of mine is that BOTH seemingly opposite doctrines are not 'spot on,' but equidistant from God's perfect will. To answer your question, maybe it is not for us to judge, in an absolute sense, which is hearing the Spirit on a passage-by-passage basis. If we WERE to start judging things in this manner, it would certainly lead to some interesting logistics problems! (something like counting up money and property at the end of a Monopoly game :-)) From what I can see of the church overall, most people think that they hold a superior understanding of the Holy Spirit's leading, and would not even give ONE point to someone with a 'different' stance. Indeed, we DO have a problem. I guess that we must ask for the Spirit to give us a holy balance of discrimination, love, wisdom, and tolerance. In addition, release from the trap of 'perceived truth' (aka self-righteousness) would definitely remove some of the tension between nominally different parties. Peace and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |
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59 | Is BAPTISM a SYMBOL? | Mark 16:16 | charis | 31882 | ||
Dear Terra, Greetings in the name of Jesus! There are three baptisms in the New Testament, and all are related to Old Testament cleansing. In the New Testament we may like that word to sanctification, which is the process that starts upon knowing/being known by Jesus, and finishes when we meet the Lord. All three baptisms are a real spiritual work, not just a symbol. They accomplish much more than placing your name on the roles of a religious institution. Baptism is also related to the circumcision of heart: "...and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead." Colossians 2:11,12 NASB. Baptism is not *necessary* for salvation, but *desired* by Him for the sake of the believer. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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60 | Should we Divorce? | Mal 2:16 | charis | 31069 | ||
Dear pricefhome, Greetings in the name of Jesus! If this 'prophet' met you in a private circumstance and told you to sunder what God has ordained, then this is a false prophet, or at the very least a false prophecy. Jesus can change any circumstance! And He will! First, get Godly counsel from a shepherd that you both can trust, and place your family (and your marriage!) in his care. Attend the same fellowship together (at the same time!), and agree to serve God together, and He will surely make your hearts one. As the head of your household, you are responsible to make the steps (in love and care) to get things going in this direction. If you are not loving your wife, first settle that before God. Next, if your wife will not seek counsel together, then you first go to a shepherd (one that really cares for his flock) and tell him your desires, and ask for his advice and prayers to that end. Finally, with patience and perseverance, ask the Lord to make these holy desires into a reality. I, too, am a product of a dysfunctional family, and have seen God stop the cycle. Not only that, but He has brought healing and faith to my whole family. No, it was not a 'rewind' and creation of an 'alternate history.' But it is a healing of the present situation, and peace is upon my family; my parents, siblings, and children. My friend, have faith in God, not in irresponsible 'prophecies' or 'words of knowledge.' Indeed these gifts are still at work in the church, but always to the edification of His body, His flock. Blessings and peace to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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