Results 441 - 460 of 515
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Results from: Notes Author: humbledbyhisgrace Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
441 | Does God have a zeal for his own glory? | Eph 1:12 | humbledbyhisgrace | 165886 | ||
Hi Doc, Thanks so much for the response! Great link! This is a good read. One worth tucking away for further study. Lot's of good stuff on this web page. I like John Piper's definition you quoted in your post. He covers the bases well don't you think? The main reason I posted the question is the question "why?". I probably should have posed the question a bit different to focus more on the why. But at this point I'm glad I didn't because the work you pointed out at http://www.desiringgod.org/library/tbi/desiring_god.html is worth reading and hopefully others will take the time to read it. It also helps point to the reason why! Why do we see such a zeal from God regarding His glory? First and foremost in my heart I believe God deserves the glory for all things. Not that it matters one way or the other what I believe because the truth is He does. :-) Here's another quote from John Piper that sums up that thought. "Whatever else is, owes its being to him and so can add nothing to him which is not already flowing from him." With that in mind, who else could possibly deserve the glory but God!? My pursuit of this question "why" is to better understand the reason and to be able to articulate it to others. I've read and heard others make this argument but most fail to answer the question why. I can only attribute that to the fact they either assume everyone knows the answer to why, or they are like me and struggle with the words to explain it accurately are maybe they just accept it as is and do not question the why. Either way for me I seek to understand this better in hopes to draw closer to God and better understand His ways. At this point I would fail miserably trying to put into words my thoughts on why so I will not even attempt to at this time. However, I would like to point to another work by John Piper I ran across in my study that address this question and is well worth the read for anyone interested in this subject. http://www.desiringgod.org/library/topics/gods_passion/god_us_himself.html By the way, thanks for your feedback on the question why. You make four very good points to keep in mind when studying this subject. All good points, all worth keeping in mind! Thanks Brother for all your feed back on this. Good stuff! Your Brother in Christ, Steve |
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442 | Saved by belief or belief and baptism? | NT general Archive 1 | humbledbyhisgrace | 165624 | ||
I agree Coty, God has not lost control of anything. Although I try not to be dogmatic about anything I believe on this point we can say that not only has God not lost control, He never will nor is there any threat to His sovereign control of all He has created. Praise God! I ask you the questions because of your statements. As your brother in Christ I wanted to reassure you that regardless of how things may appear to us at times, God is always in control. Nothing happens that He does not allow to happen. The book of Job is a good example of this very point. Also the book of Jonah, the book of Habakkuk and on and on and on. Yes, His sovereignty runs throughout the scriptures. Amen! We both agree God is in control. I might add we should never cease to fall on our knees and thank Him for that!!! I'm now wondering if we both will agree on my next thoughts. That is, do you think it wise to judge who is and who is not a member of Christ Church? Do we (mankind) have the authority to choose who belongs and who doesn't? Also, isn't it true that there is only one sinless one in the Church? He Christ being the head of His Church. (Colossians 1:18) Who else belongs to His Church that is sinless? (Romans 3:23) Who else but Christ has the authority to say who is and who isn't a part of His Church? Coty, I agree that there are some out there who do not teach the gospel of Christ. But many of the different denominations do. There are differences of opinions on doctrines and even many of the same members of the same denomination differ on their interpretation of scripture. This is a far cry from teaching the doctrines of men as you say. We cross the line I believe when we usurp authority over God's word as if we are the one who determines God's truth. Romans 14 has a lot to say. Would you agree? Your Brother in Christ, Steve |
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443 | Saved by belief or belief and baptism? | NT general Archive 1 | humbledbyhisgrace | 165527 | ||
Hello Brother Coty and God bless! I have a question for you regarding something you said. In your post you say "Thousands of denominations that believe differently and have conflicting views. How can this be." My question(s) is this, Do you think God has lost control of His church? Has mankind's corrupted sinful ways created a problem for God and His sovereign will no longer guiding His church today, has He lost control? Your Brother In Christ!, Steve |
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444 | more verses | Rom 10:9 | humbledbyhisgrace | 164297 | ||
Hi Doc, I hear what your saying and I agree we need to keep digging and learn as much as we can regarding the word of God. Not just for ourselves but for the very reasons you mention. However, not everyone is a theologian but even the least among us can share the gospel. I know, I share it all the time! Thankfully, the more learned among us was graceful enough to help the not so learned to share the gospel message. My guess is that these types of things are popular because most Christians are not bible scholars but many of them do have a passion to share the gospel. Guess how many verses from the bible was shared with me the day I was saved??? One! There is power in the word Brother! I know you know that! ;-) PS. I've never used the "Roman Road" my self but I have used some of the verses. There good ones! God Bless! Steve |
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445 | Why was his heart hardened? | Ex 4:21 | humbledbyhisgrace | 163775 | ||
Sorry about that brother! That would be post ID# 163753 on the same thread by Morant61. Steve |
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446 | Why was his heart hardened? | Ex 4:21 | humbledbyhisgrace | 163762 | ||
Thanks Tim! Great points and it helps put things in the right prospective for me. God Bless! |
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447 | Why was his heart hardened? | Ex 4:21 | humbledbyhisgrace | 163761 | ||
Hi Brother Edwin You said: "I have never said that the Lord did not harden Pharaoh's heart, What I am concerned with is the implications of this, and how it was done". Okay. I was basing that on your statements in your original post on the subject. Based on your original post I was under the impression that you did not think God had anything to do with hardening Pharaoh's heart. I see that you and Mark have had more to say on this subject. Also, Tim has added a post to the conversation that I think has a lot to say. Perhaps I'm wrong and completely misunderstanding your view but it has appeared to me you were over looking God's sovereignty in the matter. God bless! Steve |
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448 | Why was his heart hardened? | Ex 4:21 | humbledbyhisgrace | 163558 | ||
Hi Brother Jeff, I like what you said "And I know myself. That God did save me is proof enough for me that He is merciful and full of grace". How true that is! The more you read God's word and see how corrupted and sinful man is, the more you sit there and say, yep that's me. Sounds just like me etc... And yet He showed mercy in spite of my ways and saved me. How humbling is that? How awesome is our God? How thankful we should be! Steve |
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449 | Why was his heart hardened? | Ex 4:21 | humbledbyhisgrace | 163547 | ||
Hello Brother Edwin, I pray all is well with you today! Based on your original response to srinaldi I can only assume at this point you believe that God did not harden Pharaoh's heart. Please correct me if I'm wrong. In my opinion, it clearly says in Exodus 4:21 and the other verses that Mark pointed to in his post that God harden Pharaoh’s heart and the hearts of others. I do not understand how Ezekiel 33:11 and 2 Peter 3:9 change that? Can you explain how they would? Is He not justified in doing so? He is the sovereign almighty creator and He is not dealing with the innocent. We (mankind) have rejected Him from the beginning. We are all sinners (Romans 3:23). Even those of us that have been blessed to receive His saving grace are not worthy of it. But it was His will that we receive it. The way I see this, the sovereign God chooses to do with each of us as He wills for His purpose to bring forth His plan and to glorify Himself to mankind. The fact is, if God doesn't show us, mankind is not capable of knowing Him (1 Corinthians 2:14). Is it harder to understand that He hardened someone's heart then it is to understand the blessing of His salvation for those that He has given it to? Do we deserve His grace or do we deserve His wrath? |
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450 | Why was his heart hardened? | Ex 4:21 | humbledbyhisgrace | 163464 | ||
Good stuff Mark! This subject speaks well to the sovereignty of God does it not? And should give reason for many of us to praise Him for His mercy on us! Thank you holy and merciful Father! God Bless! Steve |
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451 | Why was his heart hardened? | Ex 4:21 | humbledbyhisgrace | 163450 | ||
Greetings brother Edwin! Can you please expand on your statements? You said “When it says "the LORD hardened Pharoah's heart", all it means is that an allready hard man was made even harder as a result of what the Lord our God did to the land of Egtpt.” How do you come to this conclusion? What scriptures are you referring to? In Exodus 4:21 it says “The LORD said to Moses, "When you go back to Egypt see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders which I have put in your power; but I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go.” Not only does God say the He will harden Pharaoh’s heart, but He also says why He will do it. Thanks and God bless! Steve |
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452 | if you are saved are you always saved? | Bible general Archive 3 | humbledbyhisgrace | 162911 | ||
Hey Scoop, You said "Salvation is free, but it ain't cheap". Very good point! Salvation was truly not cheap. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ had to suffer for our salvation and die on the cross for our salvation. He understood there was nothing at all we could do for ourselves to save ourselves. Yet He loved us enough that even as sinners He went to the cross for our sins so that He alone could provide a way for us to be saved for our sins. We didn't have to do anything at all. Ours was only to accept His free gift. Praise God for being willing and capable of paying the price for our sin! Now, was your statement "Salvation is free, but not cheap" referring to what I said above or are you saying there is some price that we have to pay for it also? Steve |
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453 | if you are saved are you always saved? | Bible general Archive 3 | humbledbyhisgrace | 162909 | ||
Hey Scoop! Interesting post! Was it fear of the judgement that caused you to accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour? If so, what is it about the judgment you feared? Also, could you explain in your opinion why there would be no need for judgement day if "once saved always saved"? Steve |
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454 | Sexual Sin Follow up | Gen 2:18 | humbledbyhisgrace | 161124 | ||
Hey inmyheart! Very good point! "this is not just about you, it's also about her" It's important that the brother understand there are no loop holes in what God has made clear in His word regarding this subject. But just as important he needs to be fully aware that his decisions in this will also affect someone else. What a lesson for him to learn and hopefully understand. Well said! |
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455 | Love on the Forum | 1 Cor 13:12 | humbledbyhisgrace | 160715 | ||
Hey Mark, Yea I know but they were good questions! If I’m going to be bold enough to expose others publicly I better be willing to expose myself the same! Take care brother and God bless! Steve |
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456 | Love on the Forum | 1 Cor 13:12 | humbledbyhisgrace | 160666 | ||
Thanks Doc! You said "The more clearly we see God, the more clearly we see ourselves. Knowing your own heart isn't pleasant, but it reminds us moment by moment that we still need a Savior." You know Doc, saying it isn't pleasant is putting it mildly :) It can be down right disgusting at times don't you think? For me I even have to thank God for that. I find myself thanking Him for everything. Not just because I should be grateful, but because He shows me how everything leads me right back to Him. Just like you said, I'm constantly reminded how much I need Him. What's so awesome about it is that it's not just the bad times but the good as well. I find more and more that I need Him in all things. I know now that I always have but now I can see it. God is truly amazing! God bless you as well brother! |
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457 | Destroyed for lack of knowledge | Ps 111:10 | humbledbyhisgrace | 160665 | ||
Hey brother Jeff, Thanks for the feedback! I ran across this article this morning and after reading it I was taken back a bit because I have seen this myself. At least in as far as I have seen in the Church. I'm not that experienced with the Church as a whole but in my limited experience I've been somewhat amazed at the things I have seen from some who call themselves Christians. Take a look at 2 Corinthians 11:3 "But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ". Have we made the word of God so complicated in our minds that the church is being lead astray from the simplicity and purity of the devotion to Christ as it is stated in 2 Corinthians 11:3 ? I realize the Church needs those that have been given the gift of knowledge. But what I'm starting to wonder is how many have entered the Church with an intellectual knowledge but no biblical knowledge??? No real understanding of God's word and only an understanding learned in a class room. I know this doesn't apply to everyone but I just wonder how much of it has entered the Church. 2 Corinthians 11:3-7 says a lot don't you think? I think the way verse 7 ends has a lot to say as well. (7) "I preached the gospel of God to you without charge"? Anyway, I do have faith that Christ is at the head of the Church and it is His Church. He is in control and will build His Church as He sees fit regardless of what or who attempts to corrupt it. Steve |
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458 | Using Love as Jesus | 2 Tim 2:15 | humbledbyhisgrace | 160659 | ||
Hey brother Mark, Let's face it, there is always a difference in our minds. I think that is probably what gets us into trouble sometimes. We can somehow justify to ourselves we are doing the right thing and others are wrong. Some times that is true. However, many times I think it may only be true to us and not others. I'm guilty of this myself. I guess it's easy to identify with something your familiar with :) I can only thank God for giving me the ability to also look at myself now where before I had Christ in my life I never did. It's truly humbling to see how for one has come but how far there is to go (I'm speaking of myself). I meant what I said at the beginning of my post 160568. I posted to you because you didn't belong there and I wanted to bring it to your attention as well as others what everyone else was able to see. Many have found there place in this forum and they work hard to maintain it. Their post always speak to who they really are. Yours do as well and that was not who you are. At least in my opinion it is not representative of who you are. Forgive me for being so bold as to think I can tell you where your place is. That is not what I mean to do. I'm only trying to say where I see you belong as a brother in Christ on this forum and I base that on your post. Even though things are not always brought to light every time they could be on this forum, hopefully people will stop and realize when they post to this forum many people read the post. One may think they are wise in their ways but it may shock them to know they are transparent as glass. The best way I can describe it is sometimes it's like watching a small child holding a sharp two edge sword in a crowded room and no one there to tell them to put it down before someone gets hurt. How many of us are that small child at times? I don't know exactly how to say this so I'm going to just try in hopes that you will take it as something from the heart of a brother in Christ. I do not place myself above anyone else. I have learned early on as a Christian I'm as sinful as anyone else and I continue to struggle with things just like everyone else does. I have more then enough to work on myself to place myself above others. If and when I point something out on this forum like I did recently, it's one to caution a brother and/or two to expose what is taking place. Do I think that makes me more righteous or that I'm above others? Not at all! If I do it out of love and it brings to the attention of all the dangers of what is going on then hopefully it is justified. If I fail in that then I can only blame myself for thinking I could somehow make a difference. Without a doubt, you can count me as a brother in Christ as I also do you! Steve |
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459 | Love on the Forum | 1 Cor 13:12 | humbledbyhisgrace | 160654 | ||
Hey Mark, great post! One that I cannot ignore and must address. "love is not envious; (how does this relate on the forum?)" I have to admit, I do not find myself envious of anyone on the forum or anywhere else for that matter. There was a time in my life I couldn't say that but after receiving Christ as my Lord and Saviour I find myself dumbfounded that I have been blessed in life as much as I have. No sir, I'm a thankful man now days and still amazed. My wife has always been there to show me over the years that you don't have to look long before you see someone much less fortunate then I am and how truly blessed we are. Of course it only took me 21 years of hearing this to understand it :( But I get in now!!! :) "Do we really think that we have the final word, the ultimate truth"? I would say the only truth we have is God's truth. So no, I can't say that I have the final anything nor any truth of my own. "Am I feeling quite good about myself, in how well I handled that question"? I don't post a lot on the forum but when I have it has never been about making myself right and several times out of frustration from what I see. It would be a one sided opinion for me to say if I felt I handled it correctly or not. I guess I would have to leave that up to my brothers and sisters in Christ on this forum. I will say at the times I have posted I felt I was doing the right thing and I tried doing it out of love in hopes to open the eyes of others to what was going on. "Do we think that we cannot profit from the least of our brothers and sisters"? I would have to include myself in the least category. And I would also say that all can profit from the least among our brothers and sisters. After all, Christ our Lord and Savour is with us also. How could we not? "Is there beauty in what I say, in what I post"? Probably not. Never been accused of that before. I guess that's something worth shooting for! "How easy is it for someone to get under my skin"? It's not as easy as it use to be that's for sure. But, in all honesty it's not a hard thing to do either. :) As far as the forum goes, believe it or not it takes a while. I read this forum several times a day but very seldom say anything. But there have been many times I've wanted to. "Do you have to prove to me how rotten you are, or do I just assume it to be true"? Assume it to be true. On my own It goes without saying I am rotten. "Do I get happy when I see someone "stick it" to someone else that I don't like"? There are mixed emotions. But never am I simply happy about it. "How happy am I when someone else shows me my error"? I wouldn't call it happy. At least not at first. But when I have been corrected directly or indirectly (i.e. through a post I read or something else I hear or see) their is a time of disappointment, which turns into a gradual feeling of relief knowing the truth at which point I become happy in the truth. Lets face it, these are good lessons to learn! Some times hard lessons, but good ones! Mark, to all the other questions I would have to say "sometimes". Just so you know, when I see things someone else does that is wrong, I look right back at myself and it doesn't take long to see the long list of things wrong in me. I don't exclude myself from anything. Thanks for the post! It's obvious you took a lot of time thinking about this and preparing the post so I wanted to at least address your questions as honestly as I could regarding myself. Steve |
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460 | Biblical Love is not Worldly Love | 1 John 4:21 | humbledbyhisgrace | 160604 | ||
Oh, advanced search! Thanks Doc that does narrow it down a bit! How silly of me. I went with the simple search. You wrote: “If we have trouble with the word love, think what difficulties we have in a proper understanding of God, and all the doctrines that necessarily flow from that understanding. Think what difficulties we have with many other definitions.” I couldn’t agree more with your statement Doc! Your post are always revealing! Steve |
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