Results 441 - 460 of 532
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Robert Nicholson Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
441 | Some will depart from the faith | 1 Tim 4:1 | Robert Nicholson | 33510 | ||
Zach: Thank you for your response. I will attempt to address the scriptures which you have provided. I am experiencing trouble with the preview function on the forum, hence, I am sending this response in 3 parts. Part One: The first example: On the one hand we have those who are promised by Jesus that “they will never perish” John 10:28 and on the other hand he speaks of those “who will seek to enter in but will not be able”Luke 13:23 On the surface my question would be “Is God’s grace in salvation limited? In the same verse you have quoted Jesus words “Strive to enter in at the narrow door” In John 10 the Lord Jesus is using the metaphors of the sheep fold, the shepherd and the sheep to represent; the place of safety, Christ himself and people of this world. In v.5 “Jesus states, “ I am the door, by me if any man enter in he shall be saved and shall go in and out and find pasture” What does Jesus mean? He explains: The sheep fold in Jesus time was a walled structure which has only one opening. The door to the opening when the sheep were inside was the shepherd himself who would lay across the opening during the night. Anything or one who tried to get into the fold had to go through the door which was the shepherd. The safety of the sheep was dependent on the care of the shepherd. Secondly, not only does the shepherd keep us in the fold, he leads us out into good pasture which would suggest that this shepherd looks after all our needs both day and night. In light of this metaphor, the Lord Jesus tells them plainly v. 7 “I am the good Shepherd, the good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” and because of his death for the sheep he tells us “I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish” He goes on to tells that those who are in his fold are kept in his hand and in his Father’s hand. I believe that we see the eternal security of those who belong to Christ from the God-ward side. What does Jesus mean “some will seek to enter and will not be able?” In Luke 13:23 Jesus makes it clear that humans who have heard the word must “Strive or agonize to enter in at the narrow door” Paul quotes from Isaiah “Behold now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation” In the message of Jesus and of Paul we find that there is an urgency and responsibility on the part of humans to put everything they have into finding Christ before their day of visitation is past. God speaks to sinners by his spirit and would convict them of their need of Christ, however if they choose to ignore his call, they may find themselves outside of Christ or the door forever. The security of those who have entered the door by faith are dependent on the Shepherd for safety. On the other hand, as humans we cannot trifle with the Grace of God when he calls us by his Spirit, if we desire to be safe for eternity, we must listen to his voice and enter by the door which is Christ himself. In Christ Robert |
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442 | Some will depart from the faith | 1 Tim 4:1 | Robert Nicholson | 33511 | ||
Zach: Thank you for your patience: Part Two Example 2: Peter in 1 Peter 1: 3-4 in writing to believers provides assurance in the true of what those in Christ have been brought into “ In his mercy he has given us the new birth...into an inheritance that can never perish” On the other hand in 2 Peter 1:10 he emphasizes to the believers “Therefore my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. Does Peter mean that we can depend on the promises of God that we have eternal life through the new birth and yet on the other hand we should keep making sure we are safe? I would answer “Yes” in light of what he is teaching in the chapter, it is necessary. How then do we test to make sure? In v. 5-8 Peter list the qualities which should characterize a Christian. He tells them that if they keep these qualities in view and grow in them, then “they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” V8 I believe that this growth is attained by the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives in conjunction with our willingness to obey him in our lives. In verse 9 he cites those who lack these qualities “For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, have forgotten his purification from his former sins.” In v. 10 Peter then instructs them that they must “be diligent to make their calling and election sure” Why? V10 if “they practice these things”( the things mentioned before) they shall never fall (stumble) It is Christian walk which is in view , “for in this way an entrance into the kingdom into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will abundantly supplied to you. In other words the person who walks before God and whose motive is to bring glory and honor to Christ will receive an abundant entrance. Peter’s view here is service and reward. These are Peter's last words to these Christians before his martyrdom and he wants them “to be diligent that at any time after my departure you may call these things to mind” V.15 In comparing these two verse I do not see a contradiction. Our position in Christ is secure, while our daily walk is our responsibility to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us and the end result will be in “fruit” which will bring glory and honor to God. If we grieve the Holy Spirit in our lives and do not put our utmost diligence in walking for God, the lack of “fruit” will be our loss at the Judgment seat of Christ. 1 Cor. 3: 12-15 Zach I will send a second part to this response on the last reference to Paul. Peace in his Name Robert |
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443 | Some will depart from the faith | 1 Tim 4:1 | Robert Nicholson | 33518 | ||
Zach Greetings from the cold white North Part 3 Paul states that “Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” Rom. 8:39 and yet in 1 Cor. 9:27 shows concern that he could end up disqualified for the prize. Does this mean that Paul believed that he could lose his salvation in Christ? I don’t think so. Paul also writes “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” 2 Timothy 1:12 Paul suffered greatly for the testimony of the gospel of Christ, not to earn his eternal salvation, but rather out of devotion to Christ. In 1 Cor. 9 is Paul’s defense to them who had accused him of not being an apostle v.2-3 As he reviews his life of service for God, in verse 24-29 he is using a metaphor of the Olympic games to illustrate his method of service. In v.24 he likens the Christian walk “race”, the runner must be qualified to run and the runner who has trained and has strong self-discipline will be the one who is not distracted, keeping his eye always on the prize (award) at the end of the race. In v.25 he contrasts the award which an Olympic runner would get as perishable compared to that of a Christian who runs well and will receive an award which perisheth not. To be in the race of the Christian walk we must first of all be “in Christ” to qualify. If we want to be pleasing to him we will keep our eye on him and not be distracted by those things which would compromise our run for him. If we become disqualified during the race, what will we lose? We will lose the prize or award which is given at the Judgment seat of Christ. 1 Cor. 3: 12-15. Paul in v.26 describes his own race: “Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; ( the runner has focus as he runs) “I box in such a way, not as one that beating the air” ( as a boxer he is again focused on his purpose and is effective) The metaphor continues in V27 “I buffet my body, and make it my slave” Paul is speaking of training and self-discipline which will keep the athlete in the race knowing that if he fails to keep himself discipline spiritually, there is the possibility that he will make shipwreck of his life and be disqualified for the award which should be his providing he run the course lawfully. I believe that Paul is teaching that as Christians we cannot become lax in our approach to our walk before God. Paul mentions in Romans “I die daily” meaning that the desires which our sinful nature would bring before us, we must reckon them dead and not allow them to reign in our body. Zach: back to your original question and scripture. I believe that in the last days, many will fall away. We live in a time much like the days of the Church of Laodicea Rev. 3:14-20 when those who profess to be Christians are generally “lukewarm” toward God and their own perception of self is that “I am rich and increased in goods and have need of nothing”. We find that the professing Church has pushed Christ outside the door and are self-sufficient. He appeals to the individuals of that time “Behold I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door I will come in to him, and will sup with him and he with me” Christians can and will be deceived by false teachers and yet even though they have fallen, they are still part of the family of God. The bottom line is “the Lord knoweth them that are his” Yours by his grace alone Robert |
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444 | Some will depart from the faith | 1 Tim 4:1 | Robert Nicholson | 37276 | ||
Dear brother: Thank you for your thoughtful reply. I realize on this forum that we are not to try and change a persons beliefs. However, Your quote "l for those like myself who believe Scripture states that one can depart totally from the faith he/she previously held. " I understand your differentiation between "falling" and "falling away". I do not believe that a true believer can fall away since "Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (1Peter 3:5) This salvation is in the present and continuous tense. I believe that all "newborns" into the kingdom of God are indwelt or sealed by the Holy Spirit and that none are born sickly. I agree that as individuals we can become sickly due to our resistance to be obedient to God and that "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth" (Hebrews 12:6) This is my opinion: I think that by believing that I can be lost, robs me of the security that I put in Christ in the first place upon believing. I have read many articles on Heb.6:4-6 and I believe that this reference is not an article in support of saved and fallen away. I will not enlarge on this at the moment. God bless you dear brother in your study of his word. Peace in our Saviour's name Robert |
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445 | Some will depart from the faith | 1 Tim 4:1 | Robert Nicholson | 37444 | ||
Dear brother: You have rightly pointed out that we are kept and we are to keep ourselves in the love of God. I tend to make a difference between eternal security and discipleship. When we trust Christ we receive eternal life John 3:16 As those indwelt by his Spirit "we hear his voice" John 10 and as sheep of his pasture we follow him. We know however, that following Jesus is not some passive exercise in which we wait for the good Shepherd to guide our every move. In our relationship we still have free will and it is through our obedience that we bring glory to his name. Nevertheless, we can become like Peter and warm ourselves at the world's fires and even deny our saviour because of the fear of man. I believe, however, like Peter of old, the person who is truly born again will have a conscience and will not be happy until they repent and confess their sin to God. Sin in a believer's life will break communion with God or cause one to walk afar off. Just a few thoughts In Christ Robert |
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446 | The Ministry of the "Walking Wounded" | 1 Tim 4:6 | Robert Nicholson | 35081 | ||
Dear brother Markarios: I hardly know where to start. My heart goes out to those who have been good soldiers of Jesus Christ and yet find themselves in a situation which seems impossible to overcome. There is no greater hurt than one that is caused by spiritual family members whom we love. I list myself with the "walking wounded" and I am thankful for fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ on this forum. When things are going well it is easy to discuss Paul and his needs, and how he entreated God to remove his thorn in the flesh. God simply gave him this answer, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Cor. 12:9 We get a sense of Paul's frustration in 2 Tim. 4. In v. 6 he speaks of his own death by martyrdom and of his departure to be with Christ. The "voice" of his last instructions show us his love for those he will be living and his faithfulness and love to Christ. "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Phil. 1:21 In these last days "the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." 2 Tim. 4:3-4 The Lord has been wonderful to me over my life and in retrospect I see his hand in it. At times it is not pleasant to be chastened of him and yet in going through the process we know that he loves us more than we will ever know. During the early years of my life as a member with the Plymouth brethren, the Lord by his grace used us (my wife and I) along with others in establishing a Sunday School and a gospel outreach in a rural area. During those days we experience much blessing from God and souls were brought to a saving knowledge of Christ. As the numbers grew we were exercised in forming a church after the pattern of the New Testament. This pattern consisted of those who were saved and baptized and expressed a desire to be gathered to the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ alone. The Lord blessed us and gave us strength as the small group as workers together built a nice sized hall. We had been meeting in an older hall which did not have facilities and could not be upgraded. The physical building grew and spiritual growth and gift could be seen among the Lord's people. For 15 years we had our ups and downs, but were generally settled in the Lord. Since we did not have a full time pastor, there were those who functioned as overseers to feed, lead and protect the flock of God. This was no small responsiblity, but we did it with joy knowing we serve the best of masters. About 12 years ago, the group divided and some polarized around a person from among us who thought himself to be somewhat of a prophet. The problem was he was causing a split among the people with his brand of doctrine and his prophetic insight. In an attempt to save ourselves, I along with a few others attempted to stop the problem and to bring unity among the Lord's people. In short, the church was divided, many left, one committed suicide and the person in the wrong seemed to still have the dominant influeance. Personally, this took a toll on me and my wife and as time went by at the advice of my doctor I had to withdraw from the church. To withdraw from something which had become a part of you for so many years was equivalent to a living death. Over the past 12 years I have tried to make sense of it all. I even tried to live afar off from the Lord and yet I found no peace or true happiness. I have (not unlike others) suffered major health problems and financial loss. Due to my health I retired early from teaching and opened a business which I thought would help my family. Due to problems with this we lost almost everything we owned. During the past year after shutting the business down I have tried to get closer to God and I have experience forgiveness and have a peace which I cannot explain. I have had the priviledge to give myself to a study of the scriptures and at this point we are looking for direction in our life which would bring glory and honor to Christ. It is my desire that in this last phase of my life that God could still use me and that I might continue to experience the joy of his salvation until he comes. By writing this, it is not my intention to ask for sympathy or am I bitter toward God's people. I would like to simply give the readers a little insight that leaders must go through in order to maintain a testimony for the Lord. I know that God is able and yet at times we wonder why we must travel down these side tracks of life. I would however, covet your prayers for my family and I. I am so thankful that I am kept my his power. In Christ Robert |
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447 | The Ministry of the "Walking Wounded" | 1 Tim 4:6 | Robert Nicholson | 35235 | ||
Dear brother Charis: The problem with politics is ....they should not control a church. Christ should be the center of all gatherings to his precious name. Dear brother our thoughts and prayers are with you and we pray that God will bring you blessings as you "do what God has given you to do." I am so thankful that our joy and security do not rest on church organizations, but they rest on Christ the solid rock. Peace in his precious name Robert |
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448 | right direction | 2 Tim 1:12 | Robert Nicholson | 45049 | ||
Kathy: Personal opinions regardless how strong, are only opinions at the most. The verse I posted gives us the word of Paul "I know whom I have believed" God does not want us to simply have an opinion, but wants us to know him through Christ. Pilate asked Jesus "What is truth" and then turned away without waiting for an answer. How do we know if we are following the right path? You are probably remember the words of Jesus in John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth and the life; no man comes to the father, but by me" Jesus made it abundantly clear that "except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" John 3:3 It is when we are indwelt by the Spirit of God that these words become true in our life "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105 Kathy it is important that you should become grounded and settled in the truth of God's word and your personal relationship with him through Christ. Our faith in Christ as the Son of God "loved us and gave himself for us" is a foundation which will stand the test of time. I have a witness friend. During the past 15 years I have told him plainly about Christ and my faith in him for my eternal welfare. My friend is an active member of the witnesses and can be very dogmatic on his opinion. We have agreed to disagree. It is my prayer that something in my life or what has been said may be used of God to speak to him and bring him from that awful place of blindness into the glorious light of the gospel of Christ. I would be happy to try and answer any specific questions you might have. God bless you Robert |
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449 | Eternal Security is it possible? | 2 Tim 1:12 | Robert Nicholson | 54069 | ||
Eternal Security reflects God's ability to save us first of all and to keep us for eternity. Paul could say with a note of triumph: "I know whom I have believed" Paul does not cite his own personal faithfulness as the reason he feels secure; No! rather he focuses on "I have believed" A statement was made on another post "that only the faithful go to heaven" this suggesting that those who have believed could through their own unfaithfulness somehow be denied the eternal promise of the living Christ "I give unto them eternal life and they shall never Perish" John 10 Peter reminds us "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" ( 1 Peter 1:18-19) Redeemed ! how I love to proclaim it. Only those who are redeemed will be in heaven. We were sold under sin, we were sinners by birth, by practice and by choice. We could not free ourselves from sin except through the precious blood of Christ. The work was absolutely his; nothing I could do before I was saved or after I am saved could contribute in any way to the work which Christ accomplished on the cross. Three words from the cross from our saviour summerized it all "It is Finished!" A lamb without blemish would remind us of his purity when he came into this world. Without spot reminds of the life which he lived before his father and humankind, a perfect life with no sin. This was the one who paid the debt that was required to redeem us. He satisfied God by his sacrifice and when we place our faith in him we are forgiven and we are set free. Eternal security, does it exist? Absolutely it rests upon the work of Christ and his promises regarding those who will accept his work as the only way to be saved. He is the keeper of our souls. To suggest that we can lose such a gift is an insult to God himself. Fellow Christain rejoice that your sins are forgiven. Robert |
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450 | Eternal Security is it possible? | 2 Tim 1:12 | Robert Nicholson | 54337 | ||
Good morning New Creature: I apologize for taking so long to respond. I believe that in Romans 11 we have a comparision of the workings of God with Israel nationally and the Gentile nations. In v.25 we read that"...blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in" I think that in Romans 11 we more of a national view rather than a view in the individual Christian. In v. 13 He is speaking to the Gentiles and explaining this mystery that the Gentiles who are likened to the wild olive tree are being grafted in to the good olive tree. Conversely, because of unbelief some of the natural branches have been broken off. The warning is that even though they (the Gentiles) have been grafted in, they should not boast of this blessing. The warning is that God could turn away from the Gentile nations and in fact he will turn back to Israel in his own time. In verse 22 the words "if thou continue in his goodness" I believe that the if is not questioning there security in Christ, but is the if of argument meaning "since" you continue in his goodness. I do not believe that the scriptures contradict themselves or that God will go back on his word. When he gives us the gift of eternal life through Christ, he will not take it back. It has been paid for with the precious blood of Christ and is not dependent on my subsequent behavior after I have been saved. The sign that we have divine life within is that "we follow him" and out of love and devotion to him our lives should in some measure honor him. I realize that some believe that we can we saved and lost, however, I rest upon the promises of Christ, one being "they shall never perish. Peace in our Saviour's name Robert |
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451 | Eternal Security is it possible? | 2 Tim 1:12 | Robert Nicholson | 54342 | ||
Greetings Grace and Truth: I do not know much about angels who kept not their first estate. They are in a different sphere than humans. That is the amazing thing about God's grace is that he choose to reveal himself to fallen man through Christ. Christ died for our sins and because of his work and worth we can rejoice that our sins are forgiven. Rev. 2:10 is dealing with faithfulness as a Christain and subsequent reward, not our security in him. I love these words: "Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:34 -39 Peace in his name Robert |
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452 | Eternal Security is it possible? | 2 Tim 1:12 | Robert Nicholson | 54606 | ||
Grace and Truth: It is not my intention to cause contention, but I would like to respond to your answer. I believe that we must "rightly divide the word of Truth" The Lord Jesus taught clearly that there are those who have life and those who have not live. We are either in one group or the other. The only foundation upon which we can build is the Lord Jesus Christ who is referred to as " an anchor to the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil" Heb. 6:19 The Lord Jesus taught that those who are on the rock are safe Matt. 7:25 Throughout the book of Matthew the Lord is dealing with the reality of profession. In Matt. 7: 13-14 we have two ways, one leading to life and the other to destruction. In v.15-20 we have two types of prophets which can be tested by their fruits. In V 21-23 Two types of professors, those who are real and those who are false. I believe that in our world today there are thousands who profess to be Christian and have never knew Christ. They have done things in his name along with many christian type works and yet they have never been born again. The Lord is telling us that the day will come when there false profession will be exposed. In v24-29 the Lord Jesus points out that there are two foundations upon which one can build. "Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken to a wise man, which built his house upon the rock" What does it mean to hear his sayings? In John 5;24 Jesus explains this "Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life. This verse tells us that once we place faith in the finished work of Christ that we have a present possession "everlasting life" and we no longer stand in a place of condemnation. Even more wonderful we have passed from death (spiritual) unto life. In Matt. 25 1-13 is speaking again of one group of 10 virgins who profess to be waiting for the coming of the bridgegroom. They all slumbered and slept and to the human eye were identifical. However, the Lord tells us the 10 are divided into two groups, those with oil in their lamps and those without oil in their lamps. Oil in the scripture is symbolic of the Spirit of God. We find that the time of realty is realized at the moment the call came. There were those with light and those in darkness and those with light could not help those in darkness. Those that were ready went in with the bridegroom to the marriage and the door was shut. The others who professed to be waiting for the bridegroom came knocking only to hear the word "I know you not" Do you not think we have an important lesson here? That we must be ready, we must know Christ if we expect to be taken to him when he comes? The scriptures tell us "Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." Romans 8:9 Regarding overcomers: We can never become overcomers with our own strength, as Paul said, "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not." Romans 7:18 In other words even though we desire to please God after we are saved, we cannot do it on our own. In fact we are given the secret "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Phil. 4:13 This most certainly ties in with the verses I have already quoted from Romans 8 especially verse 37 "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." In 1 John 4:4 we read "Ye are of God, little children and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" Overcomers are those who have come over to Christ by faith who indwells us with his Holy Spirit and gives us the power to be overcomers in him. In Revelation 22:19 we have a warning with dire consequences. A person who knows Christ and is indwelt by his Spirit will never despise the word of God or try to take away from anything God has said. I agree that Mark 16, 9-20 is inspired and have never thought otherwise. In verse 16 the Lord Jesus speaks words similar to John 5:24, that there are two groups of people: He that believeth and he that believeth not. He that believeth and is baptised: please note that believeth comes first, then baptism. We know from other scriptures that upon believing a soul is born from above and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. We also know from other scriptures that upon receiving eternal life that Christians in obedience to the words of Christ were baptised outwardly proclaiming what has happen within. The mark of a Christian is "my sheep hear my voice and they follow me" Robert |
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453 | Do you want to trust your soul to...? | 2 Tim 1:12 | Robert Nicholson | 55780 | ||
Karlos: The only man which we can trust is Jesus Christ himself. As Paul was approaching the end of his life he spoke these words with confidence "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day" 1 Tim. 1:12 Thank God we do not have to entrust our souls to mortal man and his religion. The Lord Jesus is the chief corner stone, a foundation which will test the tides of time and eternity. With confidence we rest in him. God bless Robert |
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454 | Anyone Taken Trinity's Online Courses? | 2 Tim 2:15 | Robert Nicholson | 32259 | ||
Dear Henry: I am a student with Trinity Seminary located in Indiania. I am working on a BA in Biblical Studies which is accredited by the University of Liverpool, England. I have found the college to be supportive and helpful. The course work which I have encountered is quite heavy as one might expect with online studies. I would suggest that you visit the Trinity Forum and chat with other students. If I can be of any help please email me at mach@surenet.net Robert |
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455 | those who live godly will be persecuted | 2 Tim 3:12 | Robert Nicholson | 36363 | ||
Greetings Brother Zach: Your post brought this verse to mind. "Let us go therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach" Hebrews 13:13 If we are truly devoted to Christ and identify with him outside the camp of worldly religion there will be reproach. As a Christian we have to make a choice as to whom we will serve. I enjoy the example of Moses who could have had the riches of Eygpt and yet "he choosing to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Eypt" Heb.11:25-26 The three fold enemy of the Christian is the world, the flesh and the devil. If it is our desire to live for Christ, all three will undoubtedly test us. Do you not think that being a Christian spoils us for the world: keeping in mind that we are strangers away from home and pilgrims going home? It will cost us to follow Christ, we cannot have both worlds so to speak. My dad used to have a verse on his wall which read "Only one life twill soon be passed, Only what's done for Christ will last." We read "The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe." (Prov.29:25) I know that during my life the fear of man has caused me to be a "wimp" at times when it came to making a bold stand for Christ. God bless you brother Robert |
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456 | What does "itching ears" mean? | 2 Tim 4:3 | Robert Nicholson | 160210 | ||
Greetings: When I read the above verse I am reminded that in Isaiah we have a similar reponse. "That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:..." (Isaiah 30:9-10) Robert Nicholson |
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457 | What are the qualification for an elder | Titus 1:5 | Robert Nicholson | 67385 | ||
Jr. Deacon and brother justme: Greetings: Just a couple thoughts on the work of an overseer. First of all it is a good work. 1 Tim. 3:1 It is not a position, but a work which I believe will be evident in the life of the person who desires this work. It is not for a novice (1 Tim. 3:6) The overseerers in the early church were appointed by the Holy Spirit: "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." (Acts 20:28) An overseer is a undershepherd, under Christ the good Shepherd. It is a work of giving, self sacrificing and grace which includes: leading by example, feeding from God's word, protecting from false teachers and watching for the souls of the flock. Just a few thoughts Robert |
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458 | Summarize the problem addressed -philemo | Philem 1:16 | Robert Nicholson | 63387 | ||
Controling: The short letter of Paul to Philemon gives us a view of what the grace of God can do and the peace it brings among believers in Christ. Paul is not addressing a problem here but opens with a note of thanksgiving v. 4 Philemon is a brother in the Lord who also is a slave owner. Oneimus his slave ran away to Rome and in prison met Paul who led him to Christ. It appears that he was a helper to Paul, but was now being sent back to Philemon. Paul is explaining that a new relationship has developed and that the one who was a slave is "a brother beloved" in the Lord. Paul interceeds on the behalf of Onesimus and promises to repay to Philemon anything owed. Paul shows his confidence that he "will do more" than asked when brother Onesimus arrives home. In application do you not think that Paul is imaging what Christ has done for us. We were far from God and under the sentence of death. But the Lord Jesus reached down to us in our need and saved us by his grace. In doing so he has purchased a new loving relationship with God who will do more than we can ever imagine when we arrive home. God bless his word Robert |
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459 | DID JESUS EVER MARRY OR HAVE THE TEMPTAT | Heb 2:17 | Robert Nicholson | 35196 | ||
Suzyq: The important thing to remember when discussing the Lord Jesus is that he knew no sin and in him was no sin. He differed from you and I in that he did not have the capacity to sin. Why? Because he is God manifest in the flesh. We read "For in that he himself suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted." Heb. 2:17 The verse which you have referred to is found in Hebrews 4:15 "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." We have to be careful when we interpret "all points" as every way. It was God's will that his son would come into the world to as a Jewish boy of the genealogy of King David and into the Godly line of Seth. He was a true man, he grew up without the impediment of a sinful nature, he was always obedient to his earthly parents and his heavenly father. God's will for him did not include an earthly marriage as his main purpose in coming to earth was to die for our sins. In Isaiah we read "who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living." Isaiah 53:8b In other words there was no one in the natural sense to continue his generation or seed. However, we find that it was God's plan that his Son would have a spiritual seed and a spiritual bride. "when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, she shall prolong his days and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. In his death he could see the big picture. His earthly life would be cut off and yet God would give him a spiritual seed through his death and resurrection. We could ask this question "If Jesus never knew what it was to suffer from personal sin, how then can he sympathize with us? Jesus did not suffer for his own sin, However, he has experience the consequences of sin more than humans can ever know; when upon the cross he was made sin for us. The experiences of Jesus then, were experienced as a young Jewish man who walked in perfection before God and Man. He fulfilled the law totally. Although he did not experience each specific thing which we may experience; his experience in living, suffering, dying, being resurrected, and his ascention to the right hand of God, all of this equips him to understand our needs and sorrows. The word "Temptation" in the scriptures has two meanings, 1. testing under trial 2. solicitation to evil The Lord has promised us that in times of testing he will not allow us to be tempted above that which we are able. However, God never tempts with sin. "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God, God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man. But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived it bringth forth sin; sin when it is finished bringeth forth death. James 1:13-15 As Christians we must try to differentiate between testing which will mature us in the Lord and our own lust which draws us into sin and breaks our fellowship with God. In Summary, the Lord Jesus knew what it was to be tested during his time on earth. However, he never knew what it was to be tempted with sin. "God cannot be tempted with evil" In addition, the example of the Lord Jesus should not determine whether or not we should marry. God in the early creation indicated that this was his desire that a man would cleave to his wife and they would be one flesh. Paul teaches the truth you are touching on. If we are willing to sacrifice a marriage relationship for the glory of God, we will be blessed and be able to serve the Lord without distractions. Many however, make the choice to marry and to be workers together in the Lord's service. Either way we can be pleasing to the Lord. In Christ Robert |
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460 | DID JESUS EVER MARRY OR HAVE THE TEMPTAT | Heb 2:17 | Robert Nicholson | 35231 | ||
Suzyq: Jesus did not experience being: a) a women b) a gentile c) a person living in our modern world And yet he is still able to be our High Priest who knows our needs and cares. Did he want to have a wife. The Bible doesn't say. However, in the verses from Isaiah 53 we relize that there was no one to carry on his generation. We find however, that his seed is a spiritual generation, namely those who have been saved by faith in his redemptive work. Please do not allow things which we are not told to distract you from the main person, our Lord Jesus Christ who died for our sins and arose from the dead for our justification. May God bless you and your friends as you study his word. Robert |
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