Results 41 - 60 of 729
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Results from: Notes Author: charis Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
41 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | charis | 66898 | ||
Deal Blo lextal, Grad thele's no ploblem! (solly, courdn;t herp myserf!) ;-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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42 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | charis | 66885 | ||
Dear retxar, Greetings in the name of Jesus! 10 Friend, no apologies are demanded at all! I was simply making a rhetorical statement to preclude the possibility that I was following the tradional (the commentaries) viewpoint. Truly, I was not implying that YOU were accusing me. I am sorry that it came out wrong. Though we are holding a 'conversation,' it is on a public forum, and some might think I was only parroting the commentators. The 'won't stick' part was a joke, because few that know me could accuse me of holding to 'tradition.' Again, my fellow saint, this was not directed to you, and I am the one to apologize. 2) I stand corrected. That particular passage is clear that it is not the disciple's children. I did not check this out before posting. Nonetheless, these children were probably those of 'seekers of Jesus,' as it is implied that they were still 'in the house' that Jesus was staying in while the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan (vs. 10:1 and 10:10). It seems unlikely that they were non-Jews or even the children of the Pharisees, so I came to the conclusion that they were the children of 'followers' of Christ, but not 'capital-D' Disciples, who did the rebuking, and received a rebuke for it! Sorry for the slip! (blushing with shame!) Brother (I think! When ARE you going to give a user profile?!?!), I am not being facetious or pugnacious in any way. Really! I've lived in Japan the majority of my life, speak Japanese all day long, eat Japanese food, and even sometimes translate my words Japanese to English in my writing. Though educated in English, it is sometimes like a second language, not my first. I apologize if my (weird, misplaced) humor is not understandable. I'll try harder in the future! Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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43 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | charis | 66880 | ||
Dear Cyclist, Greetings in Jesus' name! Boy, that was anticlimactic! Perhaps it was my naivete, but I was under the impression that you were accumulating my comments (and the comments of others) for the purpose of drawing some conclusions and sharing it with me (us). Even if you came to totally different conclusions, at least I would have the satisfaction of knowing you were wrong! :-) Well, bless you anyway... (You will understand if I'm a bit shy about spending a lot of time studying to answer your 'hypotheticals' in the future, won't you?) Ride on, Cyclist! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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44 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | charis | 66868 | ||
Dear Cyclist, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Re: Luke 19:10: I think we are 'lost' through Adam's sin. Man was created in God's favor, but lost favor in the fall of Adam. Re: Hebrews 2:9: Without getting involved in a freewill/election debate, if 'everyone' means everyone, then why are ANY lost? The hypothetical 'all children' is more (to me) and emotional issue than anything else. Some really want the 'unborn and babes that die' to be in heaven. So the 'everyone' clause us brought up, but ignored when we ask about those souls that 'choose' death, even though they have no means to hear the Gospel. (more hypotheticals) Or is it that the only ones deserving hell are those that have full use of their mind and memory, the opportunity and ability to hear the Gospel message, and the the physical and mental ability to respond? So...unless one actually mimics the rebellious sin of Adam, we are not guilty or culpable? IMHO, this sounds like the humanist 'fairness' or 'social-correctness.' I prefer to trust that God knows what He is doing, and if He needed to explain 'innocence,' He would have expressed Himself better. Still, I have been offered no Scriptural evidence of 'innocence.' Re: Luke 9:56: If He meant to save everyone, He would have started with His beloved Adam. He has the power to save anyone and everyone. But His ways are NOT our ways. (Thank You, Lord!) Re: Old Testament 'salvation:' Only men were oficially 'saved.' Apparently, women and children are under the 'covering' of circumcised men. (!) The age 20 accountability? I dunno! Youth allowed into the Promised Land? Yes, God's grace is evident even in the Old Testament! Finally, my friend, let me say that I don't 'know,' or even 'believe' that the unborn, or infants, or mentally unfit, or ignorant, etc., are in hell. I am simply stating that there is no convincing Scriptural evidence that they are in heaven. Maybe they are. But I do not place my trust in God according to 'the way things should be according to Randy.' I read the Word, commune with God in prayer, and trust absolutely that He is righteous. I try to stay away from emotion and conjecture. Probably I am not completely successful. But in this issue, I cannot place those in heaven that the Bible does not clearly place. When 'that day' arrives, I will most likely be surprised at some of the choices He made, or did not make. Nonetheless, I will praise the name of Jesus! Because He chose me, not the other way 'round. Hope you had a great ride! I used to ride quite a bit, too (mountain bikes), but back injury now forbids it. :-( Now I ride a 'powered bicycle.' (CS650 Scarver) Blessings and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |
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45 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | charis | 66854 | ||
Dear retxar, Greetings in Jesus' name! Friend, Maybe you were right not to post these Scriptures. :-) Maybe my English is getting rusty, but I was under the impression that 'as' and 'such as' meant 'to the same degree or amount, for instance, in the way or manner that,' etc., but did not equate the example with the subject. In other words, the child or children were used as the example of the manner in which we pursue the kingdom of God. So far, every commentary I have studied says the same thing. Now, you'l have to trust that I came up with my thinking on my own, and just recently (this thread) sought out the combined wisdom of much more able scholars than me. Please do not accuse me of following tradition, that would not 'stick' on me! :-) Perhaps these commentaries are all wrong, and indeed the original words of the Lord meant to include the child-children used for example. Then you have revelation I do not. As to the children in Mark definitely NOT being the disciple's children, I guess you mean that disciples would never rebuke their own children? :-) Or perhaps the disciple's children would never need rebuke? Indeed, heavenly children. :-) I agree that the Lord gives us no idea whatsoever of all children's heavenly status. As to secure-lost-saved, I don't think I was secure as an infant or child. My observation is that children are very insecure, unless every need is met! :-) Sure, we have this image of a contented babe-in-arms, but in the light of reality, children are cranky and upset and willful UNLESS they are fed, changed, warm (but not too warm), AND constantly ensconced in their mother's arms. Perhaps I have only seen the 'colicky' babies? :-) Please don't misunderstand me, my forum fellow, I do not feel it is 'right' for all children to be saved; my emotions feel it would be 'fair.' Big difference. If God were in the business of being 'fair' by human emotional standards, then the only people sent to hell would be those YOU (or another) thought deserved it! If this is the case, then is God listening (obeying) YOUR viewpoint, or another person's viewpoint? Or will God judge by 'majority-rules' or 'popular-vote?' I tend to trust that God is righteous, even if He condemns some that I 'feel' are innocent, or even if He saves some I 'feel' are unworthy. Please note, dear retxar, that I have not said that I am convinced that all children of the unsaved are in hell if they died before they had their 'chance.' I have only stated that the Bible gives us no clear assurance that they are in heaven. So far, you have not provided me with a convincing argument that would supercede the opinion of the many scholars I have studied. "I know not why God's wondrous grace to me He hath made known, nor why, unworthy, Christ in love redeemed me for His own. But I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day." D.W.Whittle (2 Timothy 1:12) Thank you for responding to my questions, and giving me your view on this issue. Blessings to you and yours in Christ Jesus, charis |
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46 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | charis | 66751 | ||
Dear Johnny, Greetings in Jesus' name! I understand your thinking. (I think) 1) Unless one commits sins that they know are sins, there is no transgression. 2) We will be judged according to our works. Thank you Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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47 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | charis | 66744 | ||
Dear retxar, Greetings in the name of Jesus! My friend, that is pretty negative! :-) You have Scriptures, but they are ineffective? I await your 'best shot!' :-) Please don't misunderstand me about 1 Corinthians 7:14. I do not consider it a 'proof text.' I only say that it could bring comfort to us that our children are under 'special consideration' for a 'season.' I don't think of it as salvation, per se, unless they are taken by the Lord before their own time of calling. I believe that my girls were in the Lord's care until they came to know Him on their own. If they were rebellious and recalcitrant through high school, never honoring parents or God, I would indeed fear for their lives! So, no, I don't think your 'all-children-since-Noah' is viable. Now, to your scenario: Are all children saved until a 'time of reckoning (responsibility)?' What sin must be committed in order to lose that salvation? When? So, are saved adults either saved-lost-saved or saved-saved, or are they just predestined-saved? And the lost are saved-lost (when?), or born-saved-but-predestined-lost? Or, is anyone lost at all? (this is getting REALLY confusing! :-)) My fellow forumer, I readily admit that I do not have all the answers. I try my best to stay within the basic perimeters of the Bible without undue emotional conjecture. I would LIKE for all kids to be saved, but I have a hard time understanding God's rationale for 'unsaving' them. If sin is the reason for losing my childhood salvation, then I know I am not worthy of 'renewed' salvation. If my 'choice' got me saved after being lost after childhood salvation, then only those in the correct circumstances can be saved. For there are many that don't have the various 'choices' laid out before them. Which kind of brings us back to God chose me, by grace, because I KNOW I was lost! Thank you, too, for the fellowship. Why don't you give those Scriptures a try? Maybe they are more effective than you think! :-) Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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48 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | charis | 66739 | ||
Dear Johnny, Greetings in Jesus' name! Please read Romans 7. Paul tells us that we are of a sinful nature. Our flesh was born with the nature of sin. We did not 'learn' sin, or just 'do' many sins. We are conceived and born in sin, which we inherit from Adam. "Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness." 1 John 3:4 NASB. We were born with lawlessness in our flesh. It is not what we did, or our parents, or our society. It is us. Brother, did you ever notice that your little girl was willful and rebellious from a very young age? If you didn't, you are either blind, or not at home, or have the most compliant child ever born! :-) Six months is about the time that most children become aware of 'want.' "I want that!" "I don't want to do it!" "I want HIS toy!" "I want everything MY way, NOW!" If your daughter NEVER said these kind of things, and still does not, then indeed your child is without sin. I would love to meet a sinless child. I haven't yet. Is there a Scripture that declares clearly that children are sinless and innocent? Please tell me. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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49 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | charis | 66731 | ||
Dear Johnny, Greetings in the name of Jesus! "For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin." Romans 7:14-25 NASB. My friend, Paul is speaking here of the 'law of sin' that works in our flesh, born of Adam. We are not saved from our accumulated SINS, but from the SIN that rules our flesh. The slate is wiped clean because the ROOT of sin is removed, not because He 'unchecked' each individual sin from His 'ledger.' Actually, sin originated (and flourished!) before the Law. We are 'by nature children of wrath' (Ephesians 2:1-3) because of Adam's rebellious transgression, because he indirectly listened to the 'originator of sin and lies.' Perhaps a babe of one month could be called 'not yet capable of willful sin,' but most by six months are 'ready and willing' to sin! :-) Nonetheless, the Bible does say that we are conceived and born in sin. To 'take a page from your book,' please show me a clear Scripture stating the innocence of all children. I have yet to find one. Please note that the Bible DOES give us some assurance that the children of believers are blameless for the faith of their parent(s). (1 Corinthians 7:14) Finally, Hebrews 5:13, and the surrounding Scriptures are speaking of immature Christians, not babies. Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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50 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | charis | 66705 | ||
Dear Cyclist, Greetings in Jesus' name! I devote time time to the forum to glorify God, serve my fellows, and (hopefully) gain knowledge and wisdom. It is a joy to share time with you, my friend, because you challenge without rancor, and are honest about your ignorance. I pray that your example will rub off on me! I have a bit of time these past few days because we are between 'seasons.' Soon, however, the demands on my time will keep from much participation. :-( We have a school drama coming up next Spring, and hope to do some interior and exterior remodeling on our church building next Summer. Because I am the only 'handy' person here, I will become busy with these, as well as the usual Christmas-New Years fellowship-evangelism. :-) Enough about me. (and many said 'Amen!') To answer this question first, I do believe that we are born with an awareness of God our creator. First, we are created in His image (Genesis 1:26,27), so our very being gives us a glimpse of His creation. Though not Biblical, there is a saying, "You have but to open your eyes to see the glory of God!" Though we are born under the curse of Adam, the image of God cannot be erased, only veiled. Jesus 'rent the veil' that His chosen may see Him. But awareness of God is not acceptance of God, nor is it a claim to innocence. For even the demons believe, and shudder (James 2:19). Concerning the 'unborn and nursing babes' in Matthew 24:19 (and others), my 'physical' resources continue to focus on the difficulty in fleeing to Jerusalem, as there will be no time to prepare for the journey. This would make the already hasty flight near-impossible for such mothers, thus woe unto them. None mention the plight of the children specifically. Finally, regarding the 'little ones' in Matthew 18, one little side note: There is a tradition that the child that Jesus stood before them was the famous martyr Ignatius, and that the 'example' the Lord used was also prophetic. Other authors consider this tradition to be doubtful... In any case, the unanimous concensus is that the 'little ones' are humble and faithful saints of the Lord Jesus, and the child is but an example. If you come up with any other Scripture or commentary to refute this, I would like to hear it. Many blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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51 | Submit . . . unless it hurts? | Eph 5:33 | charis | 66690 | ||
Dear srchng, Greetings in the name of Jesus! My friend, I well understand your desire for specific, pertinent Scripture. But please understand that there are times that the Bible often speaks through implication. I am pretty sure that the Word is not going to tell you how to fix Pentium 90MHz PC with 8MB RAM. But we might infer: "So Jesus then said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead!" John 11:14 NASB. :-) Sorry, a little PCtech humor. Seriously, my friend, you must sometimes trust common sense and good advice. "Wisdom shouts in the street, She lifts her voice in the square;" Proverbs 1:20 NASB. "For by wise guidance you will wage war, And in abundance of counselors there is victory." Proverbs 24:6 NASB. Finally and foremost, understand that these situations must be solved case-by-case. There is no absolute. I HAVE been involved in many cases of physical and-or emotional abuse. My counsel was always accompanied by prayer and fasting, searching the Bible, and seeking the mind of God through the leading of the Holy Spirit. Each soul is individually precious in God's sight, and must be treated as such. But common sense dictates that if physical abuse is evident (not just perceived), then get that person away from the violence! (in all candor, DUH!) Now, my forum fellow, a bit of advice. If this is a specific situation, and you are asking for help, I think you have enough to work with. If, however, this is just FYI (for YOUR information), and you are asking out of idle curiosity, you are close to being annoying. You are insisting that 'there must be something more,' but some very insightful saints have told you there really IS no more. Frankly, unless there is a specific situation involving real people, then you have fallen into 'empty philosophy.' If there IS a real person involved, then the next step is to ask for pastoral advice from an experienced, trustworthy shepherd. I must go to school! (I'm the principal! :-)) Peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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52 | Is baptism a work? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 66637 | ||
Dear Indy, Greetings in Jesus' name! Just to let you know that I see that you did a balanced research, and asked some pertinent questions. The only One able to consider ALL Scripture is God. But you did a commendable job, for a 'mere' Christian! :-) (apologies to C.S. Lewis) Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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53 | Submit . . . unless it hurts? | Eph 5:33 | charis | 66636 | ||
Dear srchng, Greetings in the name of Jesus! you wrote: 'And the last plea I made was, "Please help me see where scripture relieves a wife of the resposibility under God to submit to her husband because it pains, injures, or even kills her."' The New Testament does not speak to us of abusive husbands. Beacuse the Bible is pure and simple truth, it is assumed that a 'husband' is one that makes covenant and commitment to care for and protect his chosen bride, and the mother of his children. Whether the husband is saved or not, it is natural for him to behave properly. When a man steps out of the bounds of propriety and dignity, when he stoops to the gutter of abuse and abasement, he forfeits his right to claim husbandship. He has 'left' his wife, and abandoned her. To equate the bearing of insane barbary with serving the Lord is lunacy. Truly, a wife (or husband) may be called to years of unanswered prayer for the spouse's salvation. Truly, a believer may be called to bear humiliation, boredom, and loss of reputation. But a spouse who renounces their vows of love and protection has nullified the contract. Frankly, to even hint that a woman must submit to such a person, even to death, is irresponsible, even criminal. God is NOT glorified! Scripture does not have to 'relieve' a spouse from such things. Common sense does that. As to 'lesser submission,' there is no such thing. There are abusive wives, too, you know! I hope that this gives you something to ponder. Peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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54 | What purpose did each baptism serve? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 66630 | ||
Dear Teacher, Greetings in Jesus' name! Indeed, there ARE four! (present tense) Please see ID# 66609 for Part 2. You can find my email address in my personal profile. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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55 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | charis | 66629 | ||
Dear Cyclist, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Good question! I did a quick search through e-Sword (my 'physical' resources are in my office, and I'm now at home), and they all say that the pregnant or those nursing babies are not able to flee to Jerusalem on that terrible day. The unborn or nursed babies are not mentioned. When I read your post, the first thing that came to my mind was that these mothers would fear for their unborn or babes. But nobody else said that. :-) Thanks for visiting. We are blessed! Serving Jesus is our joy! Peace to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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56 | "Call no man father" | Matt 23:9 | charis | 66625 | ||
Dear Emmaus, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I see that you DID post this study. Sorry, I didn't check the 'daily postings,' only those that sent me automatic notification. :-( Friend, I am not really against the use of 'titles' as a show of honor and respect. Otherwise, I would be as guilty as anyone else! The context of the above Scripture is warning all ministers of the DESIRE to hear 'Rabbi' or 'Teacher' or 'leader.' I can clearly see the inherent danger and temptation of this attitude. As to the verse in question, it is pretty clear and specific. So specific, in fact, that even many explanations fail to make me understand allowing such a tradition to continue. There is indeed the problem of those ministers 'confusing themselves with God.' Moreover, the problem is that it encourages the flock to confuse these men with God. This is unacceptable, to me. But, my gentle colleague, this is but my opinion. Thank you for the post, I do understand better the use of the title. Finally, regarding Rabbi Mark, I understand that your 'situation' with him was not about his 'Username.' That was more my doing. But he was rather caustic and condescending to all, and his misquote of Matthew 23 made me to ask him about his 'title.' Sadly, he never answered the questions I asked, but continued to be arrogant toward the whole forum, and now has left, angry and self-inflated. I hoped to have a Biblical discussion for mutual benefit. Well...that's a forum. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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57 | Why Rabbi? | Eph 5:33 | charis | 66619 | ||
Dear Emmaus, Greetings in Jesus' name! Yes, 'Brother' Emmaus, it has been a while. ;-) Please accept my apology if I was rude about 'a major religion.' Please know that I hold you and your faith in Christ Jesus in the highest regard! I look forward to hearing from you about the title 'Father.' While I am saying that, let me also say that I have spoken at length with priests and brothers and long-time faithful Catholics, but never have I had the pleasure of real fellowship in Christ Jesus and the Bible until I met you here. You are a credit to your church. (I hope I didn't make you blush! :-)) With your permission, let me tell you some further experiences with 'titles' in Japan. Christians are rare here, and Christian ministers more rare. Most Japanese have never met a minister of the Gospel, and only seen them on TV, usually some 'gaijin' (foreigner) ackowledging wedding vows in a cheesy soap opera! Most of these TV directors have no clue what a Christian (of ANY persuasion) is, so invariably the minister is dressed in papal robes and regalia, and is called 'Fah-zah' (Father). Therefore, when introduced to people, I am always called 'Fah-zah' or 'Shimpu-sama' (exalted Priest). I've known some people for years, and they still call me 'Fah-zah!' :-) Whatever! As long as I have some respect in their eyes, and (susequently) an opportunity to share the Gospel, I am blessed! Peace and joy to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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58 | Do all little ones believe? | Matt 18:6 | charis | 66617 | ||
Dear retxar, Greetings in Jesus' name! My friend, I always consider! :-) I well understand yout point that God shows no partiality, but I fail to see the connection between this child (quite probably Jewish, and very possibly the child of one of His disciples!) and every child on earth. More than that, however, I do not see this child as any more than an example for Jesus' discourse. Unless the Lord changed the direction of His teaching in vs. 3 and 4 (...like children..., ...as this child...) and v.5 (...one such child...), then the following verses are speaking of followers of Christ only, not including this particular child or all children in general. My friend, are there any other supporting Scriptures that clearly teach the pre-accountability salvation (innocence) of all children? Using only this passage, which is pretty ambiguous, to found a major salvation doctrine is too shaky for me to change my present thinking. Thank you for your thoughts. I look forward to hearing more from you. Love to you and yours in Christ Jesus, charis |
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59 | Accountable for every commandment? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 66616 | ||
Dear inmyheart, Greetings in Jesus' name! With all due respect, this sounds like water baptism is a requirement for salvation, repenting and believing on Jesus are separate events or actions, and that we must produce fruit until the end of our days or we're 'toast.' I would not know where to begin (or end!) trying to define 'fruit' if it means 'sum.' My friend, I respect your opinion, and hope that your definitions are not as severe as they sound, but this is just too terribly close to 'performance-based salvation' for my taste. As a shepherd, I know more about the sheep entrusted to my care than anyone (except maybe my wife!). I can't think of a one, including myself, that would 'stand muster' if the Inspector were 'counting merits and demerits.' I believe we are saved by grace through faith, even though God knew the missteps we would make. Well, enough said. I'm sure you understand my stance. Blessings and peace to you and yours. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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60 | Accountable for every commandment? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 66610 | ||
Dear agree3, Greetings in the name of Jesus! My first reaction to your post was to reply, "Why, no, I never did get past Acts 1:4! :-) But, seriously... Yes, my friend, I HAVE read those Scriptures. As far as I can see, they do not alter my basic position. For more on my beliefs, click the 'Search' button and type 'baptism' in the Word box, and 'charis' in the User box. Hope you have some time... In Christ Jesus, charis |
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