Results 481 - 500 of 567
|
||||||
Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: disciplerami Ordered by Date |
||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
481 | When is abortion right? | Ex 21:23 | disciplerami | 74838 | ||
Dear Chuck, Forgive me for jumping in here, I understand that you would rather let this drop, but I just can't without saying a little something. You write: "Just for the record I hate abortion" I wonder, in what way do you 'hate' it? Is it a personal preference 'hate it' type thing. I'm curious to know WHY you 'hate' it, in what sense to do you hate abortion? The reason I ask is because I hate abortion too, but my hate is because I find it morally wrong. I hate it because I think it is sin. It arises out of sin and is practiced because of sin. Apparently your hatred of the practice isn't the same hatred. For the sake of understanding, I sincerely would like to know why you hate it. |
||||||
482 | When is abortion right? | Ex 21:23 | disciplerami | 74834 | ||
Dear CDBJ, I don't hear anyone say, 'well, we want to do the right thing, and there does seem to be some debate about whether its a child or not, but clearly it isn't wrong to abort babies.' When in doubt, steer right. If, for arguments sake, we say that it is ultimately unknowable, it seems that the prudent thing to do would be to go the safest way. Here's what I mean. If you are right-life begins at birth-then the only harm done is a lot of women are made to carry their babies to term. If we pro-life people are right-life begins at conception-there are 40,000,000 murders someone is going to have to answer to God for. Is an abortion worth doing when there is the chance that God will charge you with murder? We know where murderers go, so I don't think it is worthy the risk. But there is a silver lining in this dark cloud: aborted babies have no sin and go straight to heaven (2 Sam. 12:23) |
||||||
483 | Are the 144,000 Jewish Christians? | Bible general Archive 1 | disciplerami | 74830 | ||
Dear Friend, "It only can be Israel" Wow, no kidding! Sounds like you've got the book figured out. By the way, you didn't tell me who the 144,000 were in Revelation 14. I would really appreciate hearing what you say about that. Consistency is a wonderful thing. Good day. |
||||||
484 | Are the 144,000 Jewish Christians? | Bible general Archive 1 | disciplerami | 74771 | ||
Greetings, Here is my take on the 144,000. The number is not literal, it is symbolic for all the saved from both sides of the cross. 144 comes from squaring the number 12, the number for God's organized religion (on a lot more on this, see Ray Summer's "Worthy is the Lamb", a commentary on the book of Revelation. 1,000 comes from 10 (number for completeness) to the third power: 10x10x10. It is my view that the number cannot be taken literally, or we also must conclude that they are also only men who have not been with women (Revelation 14). Therefore the Jewish references are allegory for the true Israel of God (see Paul's message in Galatians 4 and Romans 2:28-29). The 144,000 refers to all the saved, on both sides of the cross. |
||||||
485 | how to be saved | Rom 10:9 | disciplerami | 74765 | ||
I couldn't have said it better! You wrote: "If I am saved because of something I do as an unregenerate man (accept Christ), or am lost because of something I do (reject Christ) then the inescapable conclusion must be that I am saved or lost as a result of what I will!" Exactly right, you have to 'accept' Christ in order to be saved. God doesn't demand 'acceptance of the Gospel' as a requirement for salvation and then make it impossible for man to do it. Believing the Gospel is the same as believing the truth. It is not outside of the common mind to believe the truth. Each man has the responsibility to do it. And salvation is offered to all. Do you mean to say that YOU don't have to 'accept Christ' to be saved? Jn 1:12 "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name:" To those who 'receive' Christ, they have the right or power to become sons of God. To those who do not 'receive' or 'accept', they do not have this right. I don't think you understand this verse: "1CO 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." A lost man can spiritually discern and a Christian can look at things in a carnal way. We all have a choice to 'set out minds on the things of the flesh' or the 'spirit.' When a man, any man, looks at things honestly, he can discern the spiritual even in the Creation (Romans 1). If he denies the truth of God's existence, and suppresses the truth in unrighteousness, then he is without excuse and the wrath of God is stored up against him. |
||||||
486 | Why didn't God make people to love him? | Genesis | disciplerami | 74726 | ||
Hello, May I interject? Sure, God instilled in humankind (part of the creation) free will (Genesis 2,3). Adam, you may eat of any of the plants, but of that tree over there, you may not eat. In the day that you do, you will die. Adam, if you disobey Me, there will be eternal consequences for it. Adam disobeyed God with his eyes wide open. He knew what God commanded and he chose by his free will to do the opposite (2 Timothy 2:14). Good day. |
||||||
487 | can a woman be a pastor? | Bible general Archive 1 | disciplerami | 74725 | ||
Hello Warrior Prince, All of the examples you cited show what women may do. But they do not address whether a woman may be a Pastor. A Pastor is a Shepherd, and a Shepherd is an Elder. The qualifications are clear: he must be the husband of one wife. I'm sure you don't mean to add to the Word so I point you to the qualifications for Pastors in Titus 1 and 1 Timothy 3. The Apostle Paul said women are not to teach or exercise authority over a man: because the woman [Eve] was deceived. Paul wasn't talking about a cultural thing of his day, instead he was laying down a spiritual principle that exist even today: male spiritual leadership. You are right, God is not a respector of persons, but God made male and female unique with their respective roles. Neither man or woman can hope to be saved when they tamper with these things. I respectfully say, a woman may not be the Preacher of a congregation, she may not be a Pastor either. A woman can teach the lost, she may serve in a multitude of ways, she may teach other women and children, but she is not to teach the men in the church. That's man's work. No offense is intended. Good day. |
||||||
488 | When is abortion right? | Ex 21:23 | disciplerami | 74723 | ||
Yeah, good answer. And his oxygenatnig blood wasn't pumping for nine months before he took that first breathe :) Good day. |
||||||
489 | Why didn't God make people to love him? | Genesis | disciplerami | 74712 | ||
Hi Steve, I think you need to reread that verse. I'm not sure it says that God made them love Him. It was right for them to, it was wise for them to, but there's no guarantee they would and... THEY DIDN'T. So, I guess God didn't make them love Him. Right? Good day. |
||||||
490 | Why didn't God make people to love him? | Genesis | disciplerami | 74711 | ||
Dear Kelly, If God made people love him it would not be love. Love is a choice. That's why man did not lose his free will when Adam fell. Agape love is the purest kind of love, it is spiritual. And it just wouldn't mean as much to God if He had to make us love Him. "If you love Me, you will keep my commandments." |
||||||
491 | how to be saved | Rom 10:9 | disciplerami | 74672 | ||
Dear Sir, My position does not contradict this passage which you quoted: John 1:13 "who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." It is not necessary that I believe I'm saving myself if I'm baptized 'for the remission of sins.' My faith is in the working of God who raised me from the dead to walk in newness of life. You ask for Scripture and I use the same ones you quote. I have not said that we are without sinner, that God only saves sinless men. I know that Jesus came to saved the lost, and Paul was chief among them. But you have not proven that sinners cannot choose to do the will of God. Good day. |
||||||
492 | how to be saved | Rom 10:9 | disciplerami | 74644 | ||
More on Pelagianism: From Augustine's writing: CHAP. 6 [IV.]--GOD'S GRACE TO BE MAINTAINED AGAINST THE PELAGIANS; THE PELAGIAN HERESY NOT AN OLD ONE. It is, however, to be feared lest all these and similar testimonies of Holy Scripture (and undoubtedly there are a great many of them), in the maintenance of free will, be understood in such a way as to leave no room for God's assistance and grace in leading a godly life and a good conversation, to which the eternal reward is due; and lest poor wretched man, when he leads a good life and performs good works (or rather thinks that he leads a good life and performs good works), should dare to glory in himself and not m the Lord, and to put his hope of righteous living in himself alone; so as to be followed by the prophet Jeremiah's malediction when he says, "Cursed is the man who has hope in man, and maketh strong the flesh of his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord." Understand, my brethren, I pray you, this passage of the prophet. Because the prophet did not say, "Cursed is the man who has hope in his own self," it might seem to some that the passage, "Cursed is the man who has hope in man," was spoken to prevent man having hope in any other man but himself. In order, therefore, to show that his admonition to man was not to have hope in himself, after saying, "Cursed is the man who has hope in man," he immediately added, "And maketh strong the flesh of his arm." He used the word "arm" to designate power in operation. By the term "flesh," however, must be understood human frailty. And therefore he makes strong the flesh of his arm who supposes that a power which is frail and weak (that is, human) is sufficient for him to perform good works, and therefore puts not his hope in God for help. This is the reason why he subjoined the further clause, "And whose heart departeth from the Lord." Of this character is the Pelagian heresy, which is not an ancient one, but has only lately come into existence. Against this system of error there was first a good deal of discussion; then, as the ultimate resource, it was referred to sundry episcopal councils, the proceedings of which, not, indeed, in every instance, but in some, I have despatched to you for your perusal. In order, then, to our performance of good works, let us not have hope in man, making strong the flesh of our arm; nor let our heart ever depart from the Lord, but let it say to him," Be Thou my helper; forsake me not, nor despise me, O God of my salvation." IF I UNDERSTAND PELAGIAN FROM AUGUSTINE'S RESPONSE TO IT, I DISAGREE WITH PELAGIAN. I gather than 'full-blown' Pelagianism means that one credits himself for his salvation that he has in Jesus Christ. See what I mean, pigeon-holing and sticking names on people isn't fair or Christian. I have said nothing compared to 'full-blown' Pelagianism. God gets the glory for my salvation, I take none of the credit because my WORKS are as filthy rags. But woe to me if I don't have the works that are in keeping with repetance. FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD, but WORKS WITHOUT FAITH IS ALSO DEAD. Good day. |
||||||
493 | how to be saved | Rom 10:9 | disciplerami | 74641 | ||
John, I believe in the unsearchable ways of God, but some things are not a mystery. We can have insight into the mysteries if we read the things revealed by the apostles and prophets (Ephesians 3). A pre-ordained death penalty is fatalism if condemned man did not have a chance to avoid it.' The Ephesians passage you quote speaks of being "predestinated" according to His will. I agree with this. Those who hear the Gospel and obey it, are conformed to the will of God. It is God's predestined will that all men have the chance of salvation in Jesus Christ, His Son. Any and all who respond in faith will be saved, and are therefore conformed to His will. God's Soveriegn will is given its due and man's free will is left intact. Yes, He has mercy on whom He chooses and He hardens whom He chooses. But who does He choose? Those who are hardened by the simplicity of the Gospel, He hardens. Those who are like babes, believing and obeying the Gospel, He has mercy upon them. God is Sovereign and He decides who is saved: those who conform to His will. Good day. |
||||||
494 | Go to Hell after receiving Holy Spirit? | Rom 10:9 | disciplerami | 74637 | ||
Greetings, Thanks for the very good questions. The answer to your question is 'yes.' The purpose of Baptism is clear: "Why do you delay, arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on his name." "He who believes and is baptized shall be saved..." In Mark 16:16, he tells us who is lost - those who don't believe the Gospel. He also tells us who is saved - those who believe and are baptized. Belief without works is dead. Good day. |
||||||
495 | how to be saved | Rom 10:9 | disciplerami | 74636 | ||
Dear Friend, Obey Jesus and walk not as this world. Entrust yourself daily to His word. Pray often. The devil is after you more today than yesterday. Resist him and he will flee. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Do not love the world or the things in the world. Love God and love His children. "If you've been risen, keep seeking the things above where Christ is seated" (See Colossians 3:1; 2:12). Good day. |
||||||
496 | What does it mean acknowledge though? | Rom 10:9 | disciplerami | 74635 | ||
Dear Friend, Didn't Jesus say that if we confess Him before me, He would confess us before God? And if we don't? |
||||||
497 | how to be saved | Rom 10:9 | disciplerami | 74634 | ||
Dear John, The Arminians do grant that man is born totally depraved. Armians also believe that a man's salvation begins at the point of Holy Spirit intervention-the point of divine grace-, but the Arminian believes it can be resisted. On the doctrine of Perseverance, Arminians rightly insisted that it needed to be studied further. Don't try to pigeonhole me by sticking some name on me. I am Christian only. Pelagian I do not know, and I knew the Gospel long before anyone tried to tell me I was Arminian. The things I believe are Bible/God inspired. If it makes you feel better dealing with Arminian and Pelagian, go debate them, but I don't know them and don't know for sure what they believe. The Bible is all we need. I do know with certainty that a lot of error has been introduced with the Creeds and Confessions of men. Good day. |
||||||
498 | how to be saved | Rom 10:9 | disciplerami | 74633 | ||
John, Yes it helps, but I disagree with your "confession." By the way, what "confession" do you refer to? I'm not aware that Confessions are inspired, but maybe you think so. Thanks. |
||||||
499 | how to be saved | Rom 10:9 | disciplerami | 74632 | ||
Greetings, I don't put words in your mouth, you have implied this very thing if you believe that children are born in sin. Sin is sin, those who have it a damned to hell. Now on the other hand, if they have no sin, their is no punishment. The Age of Reason: exactly when is that? Is that when they can do higher math skills and understand the virgin birth of Christ, the substitionary sacrifice of Jesus Chrsit, et al? Or is it when they can first sing "Jesus loves me.."? See, men don't know and those who believe as you do about children cloud the issue of sin and salvation. The little children puts his hand in the cookie jar, gets it slapped and is told that "God doesn't like little thieves You are going to go to hell for doing that" -- the child knew better and tried to sneak. So the child is told to confess Jesus as Savior and ask Jesus into his heart, and all is better. Is that what we call a disciple? I don't think so. No, I did not put words into your mouth because the clear implication is that children are lost if they are born in sin - just ask all of the Lutherans and Catholics and they will tell you so. Good day. Good day. |
||||||
500 | how to be saved | Rom 10:9 | disciplerami | 74630 | ||
"Behold, I was shapen in iniquity: and in sin did my mother conceive me."—Ps. li. 5. "The wicked are estranged from the womb, they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies."—Ps. lviii. 3. John, the passages you quote do not teach that man is born into sin. First, David is not saying that he was sinful at birth, if anything, it is saying that his mother was sinful and that the world was sinful. He was not. Second, the Psalm 58 passage makes no sense if the unrighteous are no different than the righteous. His enemies, he is saying, have always been evil. It is a figure of speech. He isn't teaching 'original sin.' Again, the Romans 5:12 passage isn't completed by ....'BECAUSE ALL SINNED'. Romans 5:12 isn't saying that death spread to all men because they were born, but because they sinned like Adam. Step back and think about this. The Bible speaks of two roads which all men will go. Why would you adhere to the fatalism of man being born in Adam's sin and going to hell for it because God decided not to 'elect' him? That is not the God of the Bible. The God of the Bible let's every individual-from Adam onward-to have a shot at eternal life. I have five children, four of whom have made the good confession to follow Jesus Christ. The other one-I pray-will follow. But they have a choice. They come into the world with a choice and the Gospel is for all. If children were born depraved, then parents would have to hope the divine election lottery fell to their children. If their children do not, they don't have to worry that they were crummy parents because it is ultimately God's decision that they remain in the supposed depraved state. Fatalism reigns. "Train up your child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it." "Fathers...bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." This is all fine and dandy, but pointless, meaningless busy work if God doesn't turn on the spiritual lights in that child--that is, if Calvin's Depravity is true. Fatalism. The father cannot be held accountable for exasperating his children, because if Calvinism is right, the child will still become a Christian if God's has so elected it. If Calvinism is true, it doesn't matter if we teach the lost or not, because if God elected them, they will become a Christian. I look at all of this quite differently. The Gospel message needs to be preached to all Creation because IT is powerful. It is truth. It is a light that shows the way. Men may be in darkness, but when the Gospel is preached to them, at least for a moment, things become clear. The two paths become apparent to them and they are pricked by the truth. They may choose to follow it or reject. The word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword... But the Calvinist doesn't believe his preaching is powerful, only when the individual being preached to receives the special illumination of the Holy Spirit does it become powerful. The Calvinist believes that most of his preaching falls upon the ears of men who are under the penalty of Adam. The Word to them is nonsense: it's not their fault, it is what they were born with. Some people are born physically blind and deaf. Calvinist believe all men are born spiritually blind and deaf. But they also believe that God will hold the majority of them--who remain on the wide road--accountable. Oh I know, they shift the argument-without logical justification-to say, 'no, God holds them accountable for the sins THEY commit.' Nonsense, a person born deaf and blind cannot help that he bumps into things and doesn't listen. Calvinism, reduced to five points is 180 degrees out of phase with Scripture. 1. We are not born depraved, 2. We are not 'unconditionally elected', 3. Christ's sacrifice was not for a limited few, 4. God's grace is not 'irresistable' as many men do quite clearly resist the Grace of God. 5. Men are not so tightly held by God that they cannot sin so as to lose their salvation, men choose to become Christian and accept God's grace AND men choose to remove their hands from the plow and turn back to the world. I believe in the saving Grace of God. Salvation is a gift, and it is offered to all sinners through the work of and preaching of the Gospel of Christ. Each man, must choose the path to eternal life. Before each men is the decision to go the broad way that leads to destruction or to choose the straight and narrow way that leads to life. Few are those who find it--not because God chooses to enlighten only a few. The person who choose, who repents and confesses, who is baptized into the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit doesn't understand the gift if he thinks he earned or merited anything. The gift is too great to be earned. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift. Good day. |
||||||
Result pages: << First < Prev [ 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 ] Next > Last [29] >> |