Results 41 - 60 of 69
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Listener Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
41 | can someone explain the rapture?? | 1 Thess 4:16 | Listener | 36105 | ||
One thing I didn't address in my previous post - although there is a great deal of "discussion" about when the rapture takes place, there is general agreement that the saints will not have to endure armegeddon. With regard to the seven-year tribulation, some say the rapture preceeds the tribulation, some say the rapture happens during the tribulation, some say at the end. Generally, those who interpret prophecy literally agree that after the rapture God pours out His wrath on the wicked - the battle of armegeddon is a prominent part of this. So if you are a believer, you will not endure God's wrath, at armegeddon or anywhere else, regardless of when the rapture takes place. Listener |
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42 | Do not quench the Spirit | 1 Thess 5:19 | Listener | 36130 | ||
Suzyq, You are absolutely right, the size of the letters is not what matters. Please remember though, that communication by definition requires a receiver of the message. If a reader interprets upper-case letters as shouting, then to him or her it IS shouting. WHAT MUST I DO TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND THIS? Of course, it is not the font or even the words you use that is important, it is the message. But, to the reader, the words, and yes, even the font, define the message. And please, keep the messages coming. I like them. Listener |
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43 | Do not quench the Spirit | 1 Thess 5:19 | Listener | 36150 | ||
SuzyQ, Please don't give up on this form of communication. It may take some time to get used to, just like any other form of communication. You have a great deal to contribute, and it would be a shame if a bunch of "case protocol police" (like myself) kept you from sharing your wisdom. If I have offended, my apologies are sincerely offered. Keep on, Listener |
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44 | The Restrainer - Revisited! | 2 Thess 2:7 | Listener | 35154 | ||
Tim, I hope you won't mind if I try to resurrect this thread on 2 Thess 2:7. You provided some good info on the most prevalent ideas out there on the identity of the "restrainer". I would appreciate some feedback regarding my thoughts on the subject. 1) This is a controvertial passage with many possible interpretations, therefore it is not a good idea to build doctrines using this passage as a proof text. 2) I think the passage may be a little more straightforward than is often assumed. If we stick to the basics of looking at the context and comparing scripture with scripture I think the knot may unravel itself. The context tells us: It is the Antichrist that it is the "secret power of lawlessness" that is currently being restrained. This is related to "the man of lawlessness" and "the coming of the lawless one". This is clearly referring to the spirit of antichrist and the antichrist, also referred to as the beast in the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. So the question which follows, if we are seeking the identity of the restrainer, is: Who is restraining the antichrist/spirit of antichrist now? To answer this question, let's see where the Bible says the antichrist/beast is now, and how he is being restrained. Revelation 11:7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. Revelation 17:8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. So it is clear from these passages that the beast "is not, and yet is" and that he is in the bottomless pit. Let's look at one more related passage. The context of the following verse is a time yet future, the thousand year reign of Christ on earth. The verse is usefull for our study, however, because it tells us something of the nature and purpose of the bottomless pit. Revelation 20:3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. So the bottomless pit is a place where the antichrist will be "shut up" and "sealed". Whatever else it may be, it is a place where the antichrist is "restrained". Who is doing the restraining? Two more passages shed additional light. Revelation 9:1 ¶And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. Revelation 20:1 ¶And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. So it would appear from these passages that it is the one who posesses the key, the angel or He who gives the key to the angel, is the one restraining. Now we are back to the original thought on this passage. Some would like to use the passage as a proof text for a pre-trib rapture. But "what saith the scripture?" Daniel 7:25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. 2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Revelation 13:5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9 If any man have an ear, let him hear. Matthew 13:20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. Thanks, Listener |
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45 | The Restrainer - Revisited! | 2 Thess 2:7 | Listener | 35329 | ||
Hi Robert, Thanks for responding to my post. I understand what you are saying. Unfortunately I raised too many issues in my previous post, please let me stick to "the restrainer" for a moment. I agree with your observation that the "star fallen from heaven to earth" would seem to be a spiritually fallen angel in Revelation 9:1. The angel in Revelation 20:1, which throws Satan into the bottomless pit is apparently not fallen. Taking both these passages into account, along with what was previously posted, one may assert: 1) The antichrist/beast is the entity restrained. 2) The location of restraint is the bottomless pit. (from previous post) 3) He (the Lord Jesus) who owns the key to the pit is the restrainer, directly or indirectly. 4) When He yields the key of the pit to the fallen angel, the beast will arise from the pit. 5) At the end of the tribulation period the beast will again be restrained there for 1000 years. Would you agree with these assertions? Could the pit be synonymous with hell or Hades? The passages below may be helpfull. Why does 2 Thess 2:6 refer to "what restains" while v. 7 refers to "who" restains "until He is taken out of the way"? This post is getting lengthy - perhaps we can take up the "with His saints vs. for His saints" issue in another thread. I shouldn't have raised the issue in this one. 2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; Revelation 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Revelation 3:7 ¶And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; |
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46 | The Restrainer - Revisited! | 2 Thess 2:7 | Listener | 35370 | ||
Robert, Regarding the issue of Christ coming "for His saints, then with His saints". I do not find a second coming, then a third coming, described anywhere in scripture. The second coming is clearly stated: Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. But I find no mention of a third coming. What do you make of the following passage? 6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Doesn't this verse indicate that those suffering persecution will get relief when Jesus is revealed in flaming fire, taking vengeance on the wicked? This doesn't seem to fit a second, then third return of Christ. Also, the passage you cited regarding the "for His saints" return, seems to me to portay an audible, visible return in the clouds, rather than the secret, mystery rapture portayed by Lahaye, Inc. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. There is additional info on this topic at www.signministries.org but IMHO they do a better job of refuting the pre-trib position than defending their own (pre-wrath) position. I have a couple of other problems with the pre-wrath position. That interpretation seems to equate "not appointed to wrath" with "not appointed to persecution". The antichrist will "wear out the saints" for 3.5 years (Dan 7:25, Rev 13:7-10). To say the "not appointed to wrath" promise applies to us but not to the "tribulation saints" is inconsistent. Will we be feasting at the marriage supper of the Lamb while our brethren in the faith are being killed for their testimony about Jesus? Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Certainly, no believer will suffer the wrath of God, but we may need to endure the wrath of evil, as have all our brethren in the faith before us. Heb 11:32-40, Rev 1:9 2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. These are some of the main issues I have with the "for His saints" then "with His saints" scenario. If you know of a specific passage which supports the second, then third coming of Jesus I would be interested to see it. Thanks, Listener |
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47 | The Restrainer - Revisited! | 2 Thess 2:7 | Listener | 35564 | ||
Robert, Thanks for your thoughtfull response. I guess I'm having a little trouble following your train of thought. You seem to be agreeing that: 1) It is the antichrist that is being restrained. 2) The place of restraint is the abyss. Yet you maintain that it is the church/Holy Spirit that is doing the restraining? Please clarify. The Holy Spirit as the restrainer via the church seems inconsistent to me. The church is not present in the abyss, where the antichrist is restrained. Further, the picture in Revelation of the beast ascending from the pit when the key is given to a fallen angel seems unrelated to the church. Thanks, Listener |
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48 | The Restrainer - Revisited! | 2 Thess 2:7 | Listener | 35565 | ||
Robert, Thanks for all the descriptive info regarding ancient middle-eastern marriage customs. I have a hard time, though, picturing the Lord and the raptured church enjoying seven days/years of intimacy while the tribulation saints are enduring the worst persecution of all time at the hands of the antichrist. Does this seem consistent to you? Thanks, Listener |
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49 | The Restrainer - Revisited! | 2 Thess 2:7 | Listener | 35730 | ||
Robert, You are as sensible and articulate as anyone I have heard defending pre-trib doctrines. I find some inconsistencies in all the ___-trib rapture theories, but it seems to me that the pre-trib is the most challenging to defend. I certainly don't have it all figured out, but I'm praying that I'll be faithfull to both watch and be ready. Come quickly Lord Jesus. Thanks, Listener |
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50 | should women be ministers and pastors? | 1 Tim 2:12 | Listener | 35826 | ||
GodsOwn, The purpose of the epistle of I Timothy: 1 Tim 3:15 ... I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. The teaching regarding your question: 1 Tim 2:12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 1 Tim 2:14 And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. Also: 1 Cor 14:34 ¶ The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. These passages are straightforward, clear and concise. We all understand what they say. The problem is that our society is so out of step with God's order that His order seems incredible to us. Listener |
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51 | Should women be teaching in churches? | 1 Tim 2:12 | Listener | 47998 | ||
Aussie Janet, I would like to commend you on basing your question on the scriptures. The scripture you reference is clear and understandable, to those who want to understand it. Many do not, and respond with dogmatic emphasis that if the scripture is looked at from a certain angle then their view will carry the day. Humanity is fallen and certainly no less so as His return approaches. By way of context, the purpose of 1 Timothy: 1 Timothy 3:14 ¶These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: 15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. God bless, Listener |
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52 | Should women be teaching in churches? | 1 Tim 2:12 | Listener | 48000 | ||
rwash, I take exception to the assertion that "Paul often admists that what he writes is his opinion". In one passage he draws a distinction between truth revealed by the earthly ministry of Christ and truth revealed by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit through Paul himself (1 Cor 7:10-40). This is not the same as equating the Pauline epistles with personal opinion. Peter regarded all of Paul's epistles as difficult, yet also as scripture: 2 Peter 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Listener |
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53 | Is all new doctrine false doctrine? | Titus 1:9 | Listener | 35405 | ||
Is all new doctrine false doctrine? I saw this idea stated as a fact and used to refute pre-trib teaching. Does Titus 1:9 indicate that all doctrine is to be treated as a body of truth that is passed from believer to believer? Or is the Bible to be interpreted and new doctrines developed over time? Any additional verses which address this? | ||||||
54 | Can I trust this Pastor? | Hebrews | Listener | 16919 | ||
Jensen, I am sorry to hear about your previous experiences. If it helps, I think that the verse below indicates that Jesus also did not "trust" men - at least in one sense: John 2 24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. 25 He did not need man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man. Yet, knowing this, He still gave His life for us. He humbles me. As His word remains in you and you walk with Him I believe that you can bear much fruit (John 15). The Lord often uses a person to minister to those who have similar hurts, griefs and needs. May the King of Kings give you victory - to the glory of His name. Listener |
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55 | When may a church compromise the Bible? | Hebrews | Listener | 17313 | ||
Jensen, With regard to TV/radio preachers; rather than getting into naming names, see if 2 Peter 2 applies on a case by case basis. TV requires alot of money, and the requirement to raise funds consistently does not always mix well with walking humbly with Jesus. Blessings to you, Jensen. You really can seem to have a knack for getting the converstion going. Listener 2 Peter 2 1 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them--bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping. 4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell,[1] putting them into gloomy dungeons[2] to be held for judgment; 5 if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; 6 if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7 and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men 8 (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)-- 9 if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.[3] 10 This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature[4] and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings; 11 yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord. 12 But these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts they too will perish. 13 They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you.[5] 14 With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed--an accursed brood! 15 They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. 16 But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey--a beast without speech--who spoke with a man's voice and restrained the prophet's madness. 17 These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. 18 For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. 19 They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity--for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. 20 If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. 21 It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. 22 Of them the proverbs are true: "A dog returns to its vomit,"[6] and, "A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud." |
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56 | Why is "laying on of hands" so important | Heb 6:2 | Listener | 16431 | ||
Hebrews 6:1-2 lists several "foundational" principles: repentance, baptism, resurrection and judgement. These are clearly basic christian doctrines. But why is the laying on of hands included? What makes it as basic as the others? | ||||||
57 | Why is "laying on of hands" so important | Heb 6:2 | Listener | 16631 | ||
Nolan, Thanks for the thoroughly researched answer. Listener |
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58 | ___-trib satisfactory? | Revelation | Listener | 17341 | ||
Is there anyone else out there who feels that all the rapture chronology positions (pre-trib, mid-trib, pre-wrath, post-trib, ex-trib [O.K., I made that one up]) leave some loose ends scripturally? After studying pre-wrath I was sure I had the answer, but there are a few passages that still don't seem to fit. Sometimes I wonder if we're missing the point with all the rapture chronology emphasis (which I suppose I am perpetuating). | ||||||
59 | ___-trib satisfactory? | Revelation | Listener | 17379 | ||
Bobbie Faye, You touch on one of the "loose ends" I was referring to. The whole "soon" theme regarding Jesus' return. I don't agree with the pre-tribbers that this proves that no prophecy needs to be fulfilled before the rapture. That's not what "I am coming soon" means. But what does it mean? I know that with the Lord a day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as a day, but the scriptures are His communication to humans. With humans a thousand years is not "soon". I believe the scriptures to be inspired, and that He would never mislead us. So how does this "I am coming soon" fit in? I know a few translations say "I am coming quickly" and I do believe that end time events will come like flood. But again, for me, this is not really resolved. Thanks for your comments, and may the Lord bless you with wisdom and grace. Listener |
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60 | ___-trib satisfactory? | Revelation | Listener | 25134 | ||
I agree 100 percent that the "secret rapture" (I refer to it as the "stealth rapture") is not biblical. To my understanding, though, only the pre-trib position requires a "secret rapture". Also, I did not see an e-mail address in your profile, though. Feel free to give a partial explanation of your views or contact info. Thanks. | ||||||
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