Results 41 - 60 of 190
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Bill Richardson Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
41 | Who were Jesus' main opponents during Hi | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231100 | ||
For the most part, Jesus' most frequent enemies were those trying to trip Him up and say something in opposition to the OT. Most of the time, this was the Scribes and Pharisees. If you'll punch in these words into your Search Engine, you'll see many such examples. The biggest reason for their opposition was the fact that Jesus taught publically against their Traditions, especially when they went against God's Word or the Law of Moses. Examples: Blowing a trumpet to announce their prayers, Corban and buying plots of land so they could walk from one possession to another on the Sabbath. They taught these Traditions to the lower class of people but didn't abide by them. Jesus could see into their hearts and knew their secrets and intents which was to hold power over their people and had no intention of obeying God or extending His Love to the Gentiles in spite of the OT hinting of such things. Is 60:1 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. 3 The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising. Instead of being God's people to the Gentiles, the Jews hated them, treating them like and even calling them "dogs." Go with God in all things, Bill |
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42 | Paul's controversy in the church? | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231114 | ||
I'm thinking one of Paul's biggest problems in the church of the first century was that of the Judaizers following the missionaries, himself, Silas, along with Barabas and John Mark. They were preaching simply "Christ and Him crucified" but the Judaizers were traveling around preaching the supplemental requirement of have christians be circumcised. This finally got elevated to the famous "Council of Jerusalem," Acts 15 but the Judaizers never stopped their false teaching. One of the more interesting responses from Apostle Paul was illustrated by handling the false teaching in two different ways with his two different sons of faith, Timothy and Titus. Go with God in all things, Bill |
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43 | Paul's missionary work | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231117 | ||
The biggest controversy in this regard was started because of the long history of animosity between Jews and Gentiles. Both parties hated each other with great intensity. The Jews thought they had an exclusive relationship with God Almighty forever, in spite of the OT scriptures hinting otherwise. Naturally as with all things in the world, the Gentiles had grown in developing their own kind of laws and religious thinking. Most of it was pagan and immature but at least some laws like that from Hammorabi was a little bit similar in being far more humane. So God in His Infinite Wisdom chose to bring His Son into the world to save ALL mankind from our sins as shown in... Eph 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. I've been taught that's why God in His Providence allowed the establishment of a common language such as Greek to promote His Son's Gospel and the construction of Roman roads throughout the Mediterrain world to promote travel of missionaries with this Good News. Wonderful timing, don't you think? Paul and the church handled these controversies with just a little more firmness than you and I can do in this day and age. Remember Paul and the Apostles had a miraculous measure of the Holy Spirit empowering them to look into the hearts and minds of those causing controversy. For example: Acts 13:6 Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, 7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? 11 And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.” Other times, Paul was quite the diplomat with certain folks like Felix and Festus in Acts 24 and 25. One of Paul's Masterpieces of Diplomacy is the Book of Philemon dealing with the issue of slavery in his world. Notice he didn't require doing away with slavery but seemed to recognize it as a way of life but it is obvious that God doesn't want us to treat human beings as such based on Jesus' teachings. Yes somewhat a quandry for us modern christians. Just my thoughts; Go with God in all things, Bill |
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44 | Pauls Teaching | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231120 | ||
His greatest strategy was clearly reflected in... 1 Cor 9:19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you. Go with God in all His Ways, Bill |
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45 | Paul's missionary work | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231125 | ||
Not sure what this word meant so I looked it up on Wikipedia: Universalism, in its primary sense, refers to religious, theological, and philosophical concepts with universal application or applicability. Religion in this context is defined as a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs. Universalism is a term used to identify particular doctrines considering all people in their formation. Universalism in the religious context claims that religion or religious man (sic) is a universal quality. This can be contrasted with nonuniversalist religions. In its secondary sense, a church or community that calls itself Universalist may emphasize the universal principles of most religions and accept other religions in an inclusive manner, believing in a universal reconciliation between humanity and the divine. For example Abrahamic religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam still claim a universal value of their doctrine and moral principles because they feel they are inclusive. A belief in one common truth is also another important tenet. The living truth is seen as more far-reaching than national, cultural, or religious boundaries. In response, I can only say I believe simply what the Bible says from... Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” to John 3:16 As far as God's Plan of Redemption, the scripture below seems to speak for itself... Eph 1:7 IN HIM WE HAVE REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS, ACCORDING TO THE RICHES OF HIS GRACE 8 WHICH HE MADE TO ABOUND TOWARD US IN ALL WISDOM AND PRUDENCE, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. Concerning your query of "Plan B," again I can only respond with more scripture... Gal 1:6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 BUT EVEN IF WE, OR AN ANGEL FROM HEAVEN, PREACH ANY OTHER GOSPEL TO YOU THAN WHAT WE HAVE PREACHED TO YOU THAN WHAT WE HAVE PREACHED TO YOU, LET HIM BE ACCURSED. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. And Jude 3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I FOUND IT NECESSARY TO WRITE TO YOU EXHORTING YOU TO CONTEND EARNESTLY FOR THE FAITH WHICH WAS ONCE FOR ALL DELIVERED TO THE SAINTS. 4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. (All caps above are mine for emphasis and clarity.) So in summary, I certainly don't believe in anything but God's Word for anything pertaining to Heaven, Godliness in accordance with His Word. Are you telling me that your group requires you to believe in some Plan B or this Universalism? I do believe in the one single way to get to Heaven as described by our Lord in... Jn 14:“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 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. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I AM THE WAY, I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME." Hope this helps; Go with God in all His Ways, Bill |
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46 | What evidence does the Letter of Galatia | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231132 | ||
I'm thinking one of the biggest controversies was shown clearly by Paul's confrontation to Peter. Remember it was Peter who was called by God to the house of Cornelius and for the first and only time in history, the Holy Spirit descended on Cornelius and his family, just as He did on the Apostles in Acts 2. This story is described in detail in Acts 10. Remember it took a bit of persuading from God for Peter to understand the vision he saw in Joppa. His heritage of a thousand years plus prevented him from seeing that he could now eat a much larger array of food from animals than he had enjoyed before. But he finally got the real point of God's vision as described in... Acts 10:28 Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?” Now back to Galations, Chapter 2. There we see Peter has fallen back to his old habits of preferring to associate more closely with his Jewish christian friends than with his new Gentile christian friends. And Peter does this in spite of his defense of the new era of Jesus' idea of Christianity for the whole world as detailed in Acts 11:1-18. I can imagine how difficult it was for Peter and the rest of the Jewish Christian community to open their minds and hearts to this idea of fully empowered Gentile christians, especially during this first generation of Christianity. But that was Paul's main point in Galations 2. He was trying to help the whole world of Christianity gain a better sense of balance. Gal 2:11 Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; 12 for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. Notice even Paul's good friend, Barnabas gets carried away by this "inner circle" of the Jews over the Gentiles. God doesn't show ANY favortism to anyone for any reason. His Era of Christianity is to be freely extended to the whole world. And this was one of Paul's "passions" in his ministry to his Lord. 1 Tim 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 FOR WHICH I WAS APPOINTED A PREACHER AND AN APOSTLE-I AM SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN CHRIST AND NOT LYING-A TEACHER OF THE GENTILES IN FAITH AND TRUTH. Later on eventually Gentile christians outnumber Jewish christians by tens of thousands but again Paul is trying to establish and maintain a balance of love and forgiveness WITH full benefits to all who come to the Lord. Hope this helps; Go with God in all His Ways, Bill |
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47 | do you need to fasten | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231133 | ||
I don't think it's required to fast to make it to Heaven but it probably would be a good idea. It seems too many of us (me included), especially here in America spend too much time at the table and don't do enough "push aways." I'm hearing and seeing signs of obesity all around me, including us christians. So I'm thinking Jesus' Words sounds like pretty good advice from... Matt 6:16 “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. Fasting was a big custom in that part of the world at that time and it does serve a good purpose, helping us to focus our minds on a particular issue or difficult problem in our life. During a fast, a person would be motivated to study God's Word and pray to Him for enlightenment about that issue/problem. And the great side benefit would be the self-discipline gained instead of eating to excess. But again, I don't see any scriptures requiring this practice to get to Heaven. But I could be mistaken. Hope this helps; Go with God in all His Ways, Bill |
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48 | White robe with red cross? | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231134 | ||
Sounds like the robe covering the armor in some of the old movies I've seen depicting soldiers involved in the crusade. But like Doc mentioned, it certainly was NOT done because of any verse in the Bible. You can go to the Internet and find a tremendous amount of history about the crusades. You might even find a few pictures, especially if you punch in strategic words, like soldier. God bless you in your study of His Word, Bill |
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49 | Christians Proselytizing in Prisons? | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231136 | ||
My father and brother were involved in Prison Ministry for many years. And like John says it does depend on which state or Federal status to which you're referring. In their case, they could preach about Christianity in general but they had to avoid denominational issues but they did give out Bibles. When prisoners graduated to a special trustee status, sometimes they were allowed to carry on a private conversation with the "ministers" and get more information. Quite often they would become christians and get out of prison and become a member of my dad's and brother's congregation. Or they might go home and place membership there. The bottom line: One must read carefully the guidelines of the Prison and follow them as closely as possible. God bless you in this new miistry. We'll be praying for your efforts. Go with God in all His Ways, Bill |
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50 | Paul's missionary work | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231141 | ||
Doc and BradK Apparently I owe you both an apology. I have just looked up all of these new words and downloaded quite a bit of information on all of them. It will, as you mentioned, take me a little while to assimilate all this. I briefly scanned the smaller creeds; I'd like to think they're in harmmony with the Bible but that one Canon of the Council of Orange is huge. I did notice there's been several "updates" to the first 3 creeds. Which ones are approved by your groups? Please advise. Another couple of questions: 1) Are you all saying you believe in the requirement of baptism, as stated in the Nicene Creed of 1988? 2) Are you also saying these creeds and canon are placed on a religious level with the Bible, equal in Power and Authority? Please advise on all the above. Thanks for your patience and Go with God in all His Ways. Bill |
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51 | Christians Proselytizing in Prisons? | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231142 | ||
Just splunking around the old topics and noticed these few didn't have a very long or thorough set of responses to the original question(s). I've always heard if one person asks a question in a class setting or a Forum such as this, then there's more than likely a second person in the "audience" thinkig the same line of reasoning. As you may have noticed, I do like to stimulate dialouge on my favorite topic, God's Word. I like to assist and inspire my fellow christians to think and get more and more into His Word and then respond with more questions and/or dialouge. Yeah, I guess I like to talk a lot. My wife tells me the same thing. Did you wish to post a question or a statement on this topic? Go with God in all His Ways, Bill |
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52 | Negative/Postive Divided Kingdom | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231143 | ||
I assume you're referring to the dividing of the Israelite Kingdom as described in the OT. Naturally we all know of the negative impact of dividing any institution started by God. The biggie in my mind would be those that chose to go with the unGodly King and follow his lead away from God. The one big positive impact of which I just thought would be God's Preparation of His people in deciding who they would follow AND set a precedent for others to follow. Jesus said it best in... Matt 12:30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad. From the beginning of the Jewish Nation, the people rebelled against God's Style of Leadership and didn't accept His Judges. They instead wanted a king like their neighbors and in spite of Samuel's warning they would regret it becauses of the abuses coming from certain kings in the future. 1 Sam 8:6 But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” So Samuel prayed to the Lord. 7 And the Lord said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them. 8 According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt, even to this day—with which they have forsaken Me and served other gods—so they are doing to you also. 9 Now therefore, heed their voice. However, you shall solemnly forewarn them, and show them the behavior of the king who will reign over them.” 10 So Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who asked him for a king. 11 And he said, “This will be the behavior of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them for his own chariots and to be his horsemen, and some will run before his chariots. 12 He will appoint captains over his thousands and captains over his fifties, will set some to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and some to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. 13 He will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. 14 And he will take the best of your fields, your vineyards, and your olive groves, and give them to his servants. 15 He will take a tenth of your grain and your vintage, and give it to his officers and servants. 16 And he will take your male servants, your female servants, your finest young men, and your donkeys, and put them to his work. 17 He will take a tenth of your sheep. And you will be his servants. 18 And you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, and the Lord will not hear you in that day.” 19 Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, “No, but we will have a king over us, 20 that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.” It just seems all mankind has an inborn lust to rebel against God and His Leadership in our lives. It's part of what makes us human and not fit for Heaven in our current condition. Only through Christ with His Blood covering our sinful weaknesses can we hope for an Heavenly home. Good question; Go with God in all His Ways, Bill |
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53 | Judas Iscariot is a FREE Man | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231146 | ||
I love to talk Bible too and I'm certainly NOT going to fight you on anything but I got see your rationale about your most unusual statement: "But I will prove to you that Judas is a saved soul." The biggest obstacle you need to overcome is the fact Judas committed suicide which is considered murder and in the case of suicide, there's possible way to repent of one's sin. We all know God's Punishment for murder. I do feel for Judas as he just couldn't forgive himself long enough to wait for Jesus' Good News of Salvation for everyone, including those commiting the very worst of crimes/sins in man's eyes. This should be a most interesting thread of discussion. Go with God in all His Ways. Bill |
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54 | Balance: Faith and Works | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231155 | ||
Perfect Sense of Balance -- A Worthy but Difficult Goal from the Introductions to these Books, of the New King James Version Galations The Galatians, having launced their Christian experience by faith, seem content to leave their voyage of faith and chart a new course based on works--a course Paul finds disturbing. His letter to the Galatians is a vigorous attack against the gospel of works and defense of the gospel of faith. Paul begins by setting forth his credentials as an apostle with a message from God: blessing comes from God on the basis of faith, not law. The law declares men guilty and imprisons them; faith sets men free to enjoy liberty in Christ. But liberty is not license. Freedom in Christ means freedom to produce the fruits of righteousness through a Spirit-led lifestyle. James Faith without works cannot be called faith. "Faith without works is dead," Chapter 2:26, and a dead faith is worse than no faith at all. Faith must work, it must produce, it must be visible. Verbal faith is not enough; mental faith is insufficient. Faith must be there, but must be more. It must inspire action. Throughout his epistle to Jewish believers, James integrates true faith and everyday practical experience by stressing that true faith must manifest itself in works of faith. Faith endures trials. Trials come and go, but a strong faith will face them head-on and develop endurance. Faith understands temptations. It will not allow us to consent to our lust and slide into sin. Faith obeys the Word. It will not merely hear and not do. Faith produces doers. Faith harbors no prejudice. For James, faith and favoritism cannot coexist. Faith displays itself in works. Faith is more than mere words; it is more than knowledge; it is demonstrated by obedience; and it overtly responds to the promises of God. Faith controls the tongue. This small but immensely powerful part of the body must be held in check. Faith can do it. Faith acts wisely. It gives us the ability to choose wisdom that is heavenly and to shun wisdom that is earthly. Faith produces separation from the world and submission to God. It provides us with the ability to resist the Devil and humbly draw near to God. Finally, faith waits patiently for the coming of the Lord. Through trouble and trial it stifles complaining. I'm making preparations to start a new Wed nite Bible Class in which we're going to tackle a rather ambitious goal, a Survey of the NT. During my research tonite, I discovered the perfect way of putting into words what I've been trying to explain. Paul makes it very clear that we can never, ever even come close to earning our way to Heaven by works of faith. Our attitude MUST be one of gratitude that God extends Mercy and Grace and indeed that is a major requirement. Although at the same time, we must also understand this faith as Paul describes MUST also produce works as James describes in his epistle. No, works is not required to save us; it's required as proof that our faith is genuine, to prove our faith is real and productive in the Name of Lord. I beleive Jesus described this best with His Parable of the Vine and the branches in... John 15:1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 “I AM THE VINE, YOU ARE THE BRANCHES. HE WHO ABIDES IN ME, AND I IN HIM, BEARS MUCH FRUIT; FOR WITHOUT ME YOU CAN DO NOTHING. 6 IF ANYONE DOES NOT ABIDE IN ME, HE IS CAST OUT AS A BRANCH AND IS WITHERED; AND THEY GATHER THEM AND THROW THEM INTO THE FIRE, AND THEY ARE BURNED. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. (All caps are mine above for emphasis.) I'd love to discuss with you all. It seems the NKJV team read the original transcripts and understood it this way. Is there some other way to interpret this relationship between Faith and Works based on that Faith? Looking forward to some good discussion; Go with God in all His Ways, Bill |
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55 | Paul's missionary work | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231154 | ||
I'm just trying to get this all straight in my mind. Do be patient with me. Thanks in advance. Quoted for reference: Sola scriptura (Latin ablative, "by scripture alone") is the doctrine that the Bible contains all knowledge necessary for salvation and holiness. Consequently, sola scriptura demands that only those doctrines are to be admitted or confessed that are found directly within or indirectly by using valid logical deduction or valid deductive reasoning from scripture. However, sola scriptura is not a denial of other authorities governing Christian life and devotion. RATHER, IT SIMPLY DEMANDS THAT ALL OTHER AUTHORITIES ARE SUBORDINATE TO, AND ARE TO BE CORRECTED BY, THE WRITTEN WORD OF GOD. Sola scriptura was a foundational doctrinal principle of the Protestant Reformation held by the Reformers and is a formal principle of Protestantism today. (All caps above mine for emphasis and clarity.) I think I can live with this statement if I'm understanding it correctly. Go with God in all His Ways. Bill |
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56 | Balance: Faith and Works | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231157 | ||
Yes indeed, I'm in full agreement. It all boils down to our attitude. We can never, EVER think we can approach God Almighty on Judgment Day with the thought that we earned even the lowest badge of recognition for any deed or action we performed. I'm thinking Paul's example is a great one to follow; in spite of all his accomplishments as an Apostle, he still considered himself "chief of all sinners." What a great humble attitude. We should look at our relationship with our Lord and Saviour as our working off a debt as He paid for our sins for our very souls. I think this is made so clear in the Lord's Parable of the debtor in prison, Matt 18. That's why I think it's important for us as christians to adopt a ministry of some kind if it's nothing more than cleaning the building on a regular basis. Again this is clearly depicted in Jesus' Parable of the three men and their talents, Matt 25. It seems so ironic that the word talents has a dual meaning, the one used in the first century referring to money and the way we now use it referring to our skills or abilities to do something well. All of us should look about us throughout our respective congregations and see if there's some hole or ministry NOT being done that can match one of our talents and then go to work. It's ideal if no one else knows or sees our endeavors in such a ministry, as our Lord will reward us in Heaven. Matt 6:1 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Now of course, we should exercise due care and make certain we're taking some ministry away from someone else. It might be OK to approach such an individual and see if they're interested in taking on a partner and rotate so as to share the burden of work. But it's so much better if we can find that something that's NOT being done but needs doing. But as you've said, it's absolutely PARAMOUNT that all of this is done with the proper attitude of complete humility and submission to our Saviour. We must never even think a hint of pride in what we're doing for our Lord. 1 Pet 1:13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; Thanks be to God for His Mercy and Grace. Go with God in all His Ways. Bill |
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57 | What does the book of Jonah mean ? | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231158 | ||
There's a couple of messages I get from this wonderful Book. 1) It was a good reminder to the Jews that God really does care about the Gentiles of the world in spite of the Jews hatred for them. Nineveh was just one of many places in the world that probably needed God's Guidance but He chose them for His Own Reasons. It also showed a sad commentary in that Jonah was looking forward to the destruction of Nineveh. However, it's also a sad note that this city WAS destroyed about a 100 years later, about 612BC, from Wikipedia. Yes, they repented but then went back to their wicked ways and God punished them for it, Zeph 2:13 And He will stretch out His hand against the north, Destroy Assyria, And make Nineveh a desolation, As dry as the wilderness. 2) I think God is speaking to the whole world, throughout all time, including us here in America. We as a nation need to wake up to the downward spiral of unGodliness that has overtaken our country. We all need to re-read the Book of Jonah and apply the message to ourselves and repent as a nation. America used to be known as a christian nation to the world but we can no longer rightfully claim that title. Let's all resolve to do some introspection, soul-searching and do what's right in God's Sight and for the souls of our future generations. I'm recommending that we contact our Government representatives/leaders and let them know our concerns, that they do a better job of returning to the roots upon which this country was founded. Our greatest example in this area was Apostle Paul as he did his best to exert influence over his Government leaders, Felix and Festus, Acts 24 and 25. I'm very much afraid time is short and we need to do this with a bit of haste. "God Bless America" and let us come to her aid again with His Help. Go with God in all His Ways. Bill |
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58 | make up of the Syrian Antioch Church | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231159 | ||
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59 | make up of the Syrian Antioch Church | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231160 | ||
My mistake CDBJ, clicked on the wrong clicker. To my friend DEagle There are 21 different verses with this city, Antioch mentioned. I would have to refer you to the Internet for any more information about its "make up." Personally, I think the most significant thing about this city is the origin of the name, Christian in fulfillment of Prophecy. Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. in fulfillment of Is 62:1 For Zion’s sake I will not hold My peace, And for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, Until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, And her salvation as a lamp that burns. 2 The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, And all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, Which the mouth of the Lord will name. Pretty Awesom, huh? And this is just one of over 300 prophecies proving that God's Word really is Inspired and Completely Inerrant. Go with God in all His Ways, Bill |
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60 | How does God handle a backslider? | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231161 | ||
In support of Lionheart's good answer, I thought I'd throw in some scripture. It's always a pleasure to converse with a fellow backslider. In some ways, I'm thinking almost all of us christians are in that category. Gal 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load. 1 Pet 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. I'm so thankful for teamwork; my wife is the one who helps the Lord in keeping me on the straight and narrow. We all slip up now and again but Thanks be God, we can repent ever day and stay in God's Light by asking forgiveness. 1 John 1:5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. Go with God in all His Ways and He'll Bless you, dear friend, Bill |
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