Results 41 - 60 of 263
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Aspiring Overseer Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
41 | What is considered an Idol | Bible general Archive 2 | Aspiring Overseer | 140728 | ||
Tim, Your assertions do not simply square with reality. Simply argueing that God will consider the display of "WWJD" braclets and "Christian fish" as something different than "deeds to be noticed by men" (MT 23:5) is, at best, wishful thinking. AO |
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42 | What is considered an Idol | Bible general Archive 2 | Aspiring Overseer | 140716 | ||
Noveta, In the verse you give, God provides several distinct and separate commands. That we shall not make an idol is one command; that we are not to worship them is another. Thus the use of the object in worship is not necessary for it to be sin. Regardless whether we actually pray to the object, the object is not condoned by God. One reference states: While we may not make or bow down to a statue, we must be constantly on guard that we let nothing come between us and God (i.e. disregard for His commands—my emphasis!). As soon as anything does, that thing is an idol. In addition to material objects such as houses, land, and cars, idols can be people, popular heroes, or those whom we love. Objects of worship can even include things like fame, reputation, hobbies, pride, and deeds done in the name of the Lord. Idolatry is a dangerous and deceitful sin. No wonder prophets preached against it so often and so strongly.” (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary) (Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers) NT Scripture is clear that God still prohibits the manufacture and use of any manmade item possessing, even simply, a spiritual meaning (Acts 17:29; 19:24-25; 1Jo5:21). Statues or images of Jesus, Mary or angels are clearly not desired by God (Deu 4:15-16; LK 11:27-28; Col 2:18-19), but even less obvious idols such as "WWJD" adornments and "Christian" fish are spoken against in scripture by the necessary inference that God does not desire His people to use symbols of any kind to proclaim their righteousness (MT6:1). We need only to remember Jesus' rebuke of the scribes and Pharisees. (MK12:38-40; MT23:1-7) Can a person seer their conscience to convince themselves that a religious image is “OK”? Of course, that is true, however, it does not change how God views the situation. Best regards, AO |
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43 | Those who died before Jesus' death | 1 Pet 3:18 | Aspiring Overseer | 138813 | ||
Lisa, If someone has not heard it is because they have not asked God (i.e. they are not seeking). AO |
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44 | Looking for verse on God's opinion of us | Rom 14:16 | Aspiring Overseer | 138585 | ||
Kalos seems to have come up with the best apparent fit to your question. Here is the NAS translation: 1 Cor 4:2-4 3 But to me it is a very small thing that I should be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself. 4 For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord. NAS AO |
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45 | Looking for verse on God's opinion of us | Matthew | Aspiring Overseer | 138584 | ||
Try these: Acts 5:27-30 27 And when they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, "We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us." 29 But Peter and the apostles answered and said, "We must obey God rather than men. NAS Gen 3:17 17 Then to Adam He said, "Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree about which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat from it'; Cursed is the ground because of you; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. NAS 1 Sam 15:24 24 Then Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned; I have indeed transgressed the command of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and listened to their voice. NAS Mark 7:7 7'But in vain do they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.' NAS Acts 4:17-20 18 And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; 20 for we cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard. " NAS AO |
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46 | Those who died before Jesus' death | 1 Pet 3:18 | Aspiring Overseer | 138583 | ||
Lisa, Those who died before Jesus' death died under the Old Covenent and therefore did not have a promise of eternal life. Everyone since the establishment of Christ's Church has had the opportunity to hear, believe and respond to God's requirements through the New Covenent. Whether they seek that information is their choice, thus ensuring God's faithful servants are those who truely seek Him. Children, and those adults with the mental capacities of children, were never expected to understand the commands of God and therefore are not held to the same standard. Thus a child who dies before becoming mature enough to "keep the commandmants of God" will not be held responsible for that immaturity on the day of judgement. Best regards, AO |
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47 | Is the mind the battle ground? | Bible general Archive 2 | Aspiring Overseer | 138581 | ||
Majestic, There are actually many scientific and historical proofs found within scripture that confirm for the Christian the validity of the Bible. There are no known scientific facts that run counter to anything in scripture. Whether the transmission of disease by germs, the incompatibility of flesh between animals and humans or the knowledge of a round Earth, the Bible disclosed all these things centuries before they were ever discovered by scientists. What you require is an understanding of God's Master Plan. There is only one way for it to be received. Ask God to help and He will provide you with the messenger. Your job will then be to analyze all that is taught so you are confident in your own mind that the information is correct. Ultimately, you must become an independent thinker within the framework of Scripture so that you can share your knowledge with others. Radical, yes; fanatical, no. Keep praying for guidance and God will be faithful. Best regards, AO |
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48 | woman pastors | Matt 14:30 | Aspiring Overseer | 136955 | ||
Is a disciple of Christ not also sent by God? By your definition we would still have Apostles today. I am not aware of any who claim to be Apostles other than in denominations. AO |
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49 | woman pastors | Matt 14:30 | Aspiring Overseer | 136923 | ||
Angel, I was with you until your last sentence where you state that the Apostles initiated others as Apostles. Have I understood you correctly or did you mean disciples? I am unfamiliar with any Apostle being appointed by anyone other than Christ. AO |
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50 | to serve god | Matthew | Aspiring Overseer | 136922 | ||
Lissa, We can also address the service question with Romans 12:1-2: Rom 12:1-2 12:1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. NAS Our spiritual service of worship is to present our bodies as living and holy scarifies, as you say, "by loving Him..", but what does it mean to love God? Is it to tell Him we love Him or to show Him we love Him? P.S. You must be a night owl! AO |
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51 | References to His Command | Ps 27:8 | Aspiring Overseer | 136920 | ||
Lissa, You are certainly welcome. I commend you on your daily prayer to seek God and encourage you to keep alert to those who He will put in your path. Best wishes, AO |
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52 | References to His Command | Ps 27:8 | Aspiring Overseer | 136917 | ||
Lissa, Here is a brief study on the topic of seeking God: Heb 11:6 6And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. NAS Two prerequsities of Faith: Belief and that God rewards those who seek Him. How do we believe? Rom 10:16-18 17So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. NAS Bible proofs demonstrate to us that God’s word is true. Once we know it is true, we have a decision to make; to seek God or not. Why do we seek God? God made us that way: Acts 17:24-28 24"The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; 25neither is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all life and breath and all things; 26and He made from one, every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times, and the boundaries of their habitation, 27that they should seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said,' For we also are His offspring.' NAS Why must we seek God to receive His reward? God desires His creation to choose Him! OT examples: Ex 32:25-27 25Now when Moses saw that the people were out of control-- for Aaron had let them get out of control to be a derision among their enemies-- 26then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, "Whoever is for the LORD, come to me!" And all the sons of Levi gathered together to him. 27And he said to them, "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'Every man of you put his sword upon his thigh, and go back and forth from gate to gate in the camp, and kill every man his brother, and every man his friend, and every man his neighbor.'" NAS Josh 24:14 15And if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." NAS God tells us to seek Him: 1 Chron 16:11 11Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually. NAS And Prov 8:17 17"I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me. NAS Jesus tells us to seek His kingdom above all else: Matt 6:33 33"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. NAS A person must seek with sincerity and truth otherwise God will not draw them to Him. 1 Cor 1:18-19 18For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the cleverness of the clever I will set aside." NAS John 6:60-65 60Many therefore of His disciples, when they heard this said, "This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?" 61But Jesus, conscious that His disciples grumbled at this, said to them, "Does this cause you to stumble? 62"What then if you should behold the Son of Man ascending where He was before? 63"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. 64"But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him. 65And He was saying, "For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me, unless it has been granted him from the Father." NAS We can not be with Christ in heaven unless we obey God. God sets the standard we must follow if we seek salvation. Only those who obey God are granted that reward. AO |
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53 | Perfection? | John | Aspiring Overseer | 136593 | ||
Hi GH, Christians vary in their understanding and thus obedience to God’s will depending on their desire to serve God. Like the lazy slave (MT 25:24-30) the Christian who fails to obey their master can also expect a similar fate. That is why Christians are repeatedly urged to become perfect throughout the NT. Why are we to be perfect? God rewards all of mankind according to their deeds. Rom 2:4-11 5 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; 8 but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace to every man who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. NAS It would therefore make sense for people to be perfect to ensure they persevere in doing good. How do you become perfect? By the renewing of your mind through the study and practice of God’s word. Rom 12:1-2 12:1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. NAS “And do not be conformed” is a command requiring action, not passive expectation! Christians are to follow the example of Paul in doing everything in an orderly and righteous manner (Phil 4:8-9; 3:17-18). What righteousness must be practiced? We know the lazy slave was punished for his failure to leverage the resources given to him by his master. We also know Paul was committed daily to the teaching of God’s word and that he instructed all to do the same (2Tim2:2). It follows the Christian must leverage the spiritual resource (knowledge) they have received by sharing it with others who will do the same. What better way to love your neighbor than to teach him the word of God! Heb 5:11-14 11 Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. NAS Does teaching reinforce the teacher’s understanding and obedience to the commands of God? Logic tells us that the teacher must know their subject to a much deeper level to effectively teach. Through practice the teacher nears perfection. Can Christians attain perfection during their lifetimes? Paul could not (Phil 3:12), but he continued to work towards that goal his entire life. Not by completing the works required by the Law of Moses, but by the Law of Faith: the faith that through obedience to God, salvation is obtained through Jesus Christ. Heb 5:8-9 8 Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. 9 And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, NAS Unfortunately, many do not desire to love God as He desires, but prefer to love Him as they desire. This is evident through their conduct measured against God’s standard. Many espouse the only "work" is to have faith, yet are hard pressed to explain how having faith is a "work"! Those who honestly seek to serve God grow in their understanding and obedience to His will. Those who do not put forth the effort to accomplish this, stagnate. James 1:22-25 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; 24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. 25 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does. NAS Is doing anything of value easy? Neither is doing the will of God, yet by their obedience, Christians who persevere are assured their reward (James 1:2-4). AO |
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54 | why was the thief saved without baptism? | Luke 23:43 | Aspiring Overseer | 132660 | ||
Thank you for your comments and encouragement. AO |
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55 | Doesn't NT forbid all images-somewhere? | NT general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 132638 | ||
Hi, Doc, The difference is the picture is specifically prohibited by God while the use and replacement of your bible, is not. It does not matter how we feel about them, if scripture prohibits their creation and use, I must go with scripture. Thanks for your input. AO |
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56 | why was the thief saved without baptism? | Luke 23:43 | Aspiring Overseer | 132637 | ||
J. Elkins, Welcome to the forum! In reading your posts I thought a response I had drafted earlier regarding whether just the Apostles or the 120 received the baptism of the HS, as evidenced by the miraculous gift of speaking in tongues, might be of interest. Here goes: "Remember that the chapter and verses we have in our translations today were not in the original letter. Keeping that in mind, Acts 1:26 specifically identifies the apostles. Acts 2:1-15 continues the narrative concerning the same people (and not necessarily the same or next day). How do we know the "they" in Acts 2:4 were not the 120? Aside from using proper grammatical rules, we must acknowledge that Jesus had disciples from all of the various regions He visited during His ministry. Acts 1:14 also tells us some of the 120 disciples present were women. With these points in mind consider Acts 2:7 and Acts 2:14-15. One tells us those speaking in tongues were "all" Galileans. Would all of the 120 been Galileans? We know the apostles were. Were only Galilean disciples faithful to Jesus or would the 120 include Judean and Perean Jews, as well? Secondly, Peter acknowledges those mocked in verse 13 were all "men". If 120 people spoke in tongues, might it been unusual to separate the 12 from them so quickly and at the same time identify the group displaying this miraculous gift as consisting solely of men? Why would Peter leave out the other 108? Was he a male chauvinist? Maybe he desired public attention only be focused on the apostles? Could it be that 108 of the disciples did not receive the HS baptism?" This may be "old hat" to you as your argument is more than adequate, but I though it might be something to add to your arsenal! AO |
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57 | Doesn't NT forbid all images-somewhere? | NT general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 132632 | ||
Dear Student, You are correct in stating you have not found anything in the NT instructing God's people not to possess or make images or sculptures of "any" kind, because God is only concerned with those images which represent spiritual things. Secular art or photographs are not a concern to God if they do not relate to spiritual matters. NT Scripture is clear that God still prohibits the manufacture and use of any manmade item possessing a spiritual meaning (Acts 17:29; 19:24-25; 1Jo5:21). Statues or images of Jesus, Mary or angels are clearly not desired by God (Deu 4:15-16; LK 11:27-28; Col 2:18-19), but even less obvious idols such as "WWJD" adornments and "Christian" fish are spoken against in scripture by the necessary inference that God does not desire His people to use symbols of any kind to proclaim their righteousness (MT6:1). We need only to remember Jesus' rebuke of the scribes and Pharisees. (MK12:38-40; MT23:1-7) Though the majority may not agree with this viewpoint, neither did the majority survive the great flood. In the end, you must decide for yourself. Keeping praying for help as you seek an understanding of God’s word. AO |
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58 | Do all men belong to God? | Job 33:6 | Aspiring Overseer | 132596 | ||
Momma, I am sorry for the delay in responding. You pose two excellent questions. The first, "Do men have a need to "belong"?", is answered in Acts. Acts 17:24-28 24"The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; 25neither is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all life and breath and all things; 26and He made from one, every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times, and the boundaries of their habitation, 27that they should seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said,' For we also are His offspring.' NAS We see that all mankind was created "that they should seek God". Not just some, but all. Why must we seek God? God desires His creation to chose Him! OT examples: Ex 32:25-27 25Now when Moses saw that the people were out of control-- for Aaron had let them get out of control to be a derision among their enemies-- 26then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, "Whoever is for the LORD, come to me!" And all the sons of Levi gathered together to him. 27And he said to them, "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'Every man of you put his sword upon his thigh, and go back and forth from gate to gate in the camp, and kill every man his brother, and every man his friend, and every man his neighbor.'" NAS Josh 24:14 15And if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." NAS God tells us to seek Him: 1 Chron 16:11 11Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually. NAS And Prov 8:17 17"I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me. NAS Jesus tells us to seek His kingdom above all else: Matt 6:33 33"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. NAS A person must seek with sincerity and truth otherwise God will not draw them to Him. 1 Cor 1:18-19 18For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the cleverness of the clever I will set aside." NAS John 6:60-65 60Many therefore of His disciples, when they heard this said, "This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?" 61But Jesus, conscious that His disciples grumbled at this, said to them, "Does this cause you to stumble? 62"What then if you should behold the Son of Man ascending where He was before? 63"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. 64"But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him. 65And He was saying, "For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me, unless it has been granted him from the Father." NAS The Father grants access to Christ (the opportunity for spiritual life) only to those who obey His commands. God sets the standard for all people to either follow or ignore. Here lies the answer to your second question, "Does our response to this "need" determine to WHOM we belong?". Yes, those who choose to seek God, sincerely, will belong to Him. Those who choose to ignore God or to seek Him without understanding, will belong to Satan. Be careful to understand, however, that it is US who have the ability to chose which path we will follow. God does not direct or predispose some to choosing and some not to choosing. Each of us has the same test as the above verses demonstrate. I hope this is not too late for assisting you with your study. I am at your service should you desire to discuss this further. AO |
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59 | Do all men belong to God? | Job 33:6 | Aspiring Overseer | 131927 | ||
Momma, Here are but a few verses which answer your question. Deut 10:17-18 17For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality, nor take a bribe. 18He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing. NAS Job 36:5 5"Behold, God is mighty but does not despise any; He is mighty in strength of understanding. NAS Acts 10:34-35 34And opening his mouth, Peter said: "I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, 35but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right, is welcome to Him. NAS Rom 2:4-9 5But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; 8but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. NAS Col 3:24-25 25For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality. NAS 1 Peter 1:16-19 17And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each man's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay upon earth; 18knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. NAS Col 1:20-23 21And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, 22yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach-- 23if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made NAS Heb 3:4-6 5Now Moses was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken later; 6but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end. NAS Heb 3:13-15 14For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end; 15while it is said, "Today if you hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts, as when they provoked Me." NAS Heb 6:10-12 11And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, 12that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. NAS Heb 10:34-11:1 35Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. 37For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. 38But My righteous one shall live by faith; And if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. 39But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul. NAS Rev 2:10 10'Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. NAS AO |
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60 | Fruit vs. Works: the same or different? | Gal 5:22 | Aspiring Overseer | 130634 | ||
Doc, What need is there for "believers (to make) their election and calling sure, careful(ly) and fearfully judging themselves to be sure they are members of the house of faith"? If they find they are lacking, can they then do something to correct the situation? AO |
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