Results 61 - 80 of 277
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Results from: Answers On or After: Thu 12/31/70 Author: charis Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
61 | In the NT who was Apollos? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 1869 | ||
Dear JVH0212, It seems that the 10 scriptures that refer to Apollos are talking about the same person. (This is rare in the Bible) From the way that Paul respects him, and equates Apollos with himself or Cephas (Peter), I would think that he was an apostle. In any case he, was a respected (even too respected, close to idolized, much like Paul) for his ministry to the church. "I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth." 1 Corinthians 3:6 NASB. Some say that he had the ministry of shepherding, beacause 'planting' is a one-time thing, but 'watering' reqires multiple application and commitment. I do not completely agree with this, because many others could be 'watering' as well, but it is a good thought. Also, it seems that Apollos was at many churches, as was Paul. I like Apollos, and don't think he got a 'big head,' because he seemed leery to return to Corinth. "Jerome thinks that Apollos remained there until he heard that the divisions in the church at Corinth had been healed by Paul's letter and then returned and became bishop of that city. Other authorities make him bishop of Duras, of Colophon, of Iconium (in Phrygia), and of Caesarea." (New Ungers Bible Dictionary) Blessings in Christ Jesus. charis |
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62 | What does NT say about the wrath of man? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 7336 | ||
Dear JVH0212, The KJV uses tis phrase: "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." James 1:19,20 KJV Many a time I have heard a Christian attempt to justify anger. Usually, the example of the Lord Jesus in the Temple courtyard is cited, and maybe Paul or James' letters. But rarely do I see the anger of man fall into the same category of these holy examples. More often, anger is an emotion stemming from pride or vengeance. 'Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.' Romans 12:19 NASB '...not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.' 1 Peter 3:9 NASB "But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever shall say to his brother, 'Raca,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever shall say, 'You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell." Matthew 5:22 NASB 'Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,' Ephesians 4:26 NASB I believe that the spiritual opposite of anger is peace. This last Scripture seems to allow anger, but specifies that we MUST find peace the sun goes down. My own interpretation, 'Never sleep with anger in your heart. Make peace with men, and therefore with God, before you finish your day. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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63 | tongues: are there 2 kinds? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 17644 | ||
Dear Mike, Greetings in Jesus' name! Actually, I think the Bible teaches that there are more than two kinds of tongues. I would include singing in tongues as well: "What is the outcome then? I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind also; I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also." 1 Corinthians 14:15 NASB. As to the two you mentioned, I might add that there are times when speaking or praying in tongues in a holy assembly is allowed. As long as things are done properly and in order. (1 Corinthians 14:40) I am not a fan of the term 'private prayer language,' as it sounds hokey. It is simply speaking in an unknown tongue, understood by God, edifying the speaker, and sometimes interpreted for those around them. The reason that so many deny the present-day speaking in tongues is 1) "I asked for the gift, but didn't receive it, so there must be no gift." or "I don't do it, so it must not be of God." 2) The wacky, disorderly, and irresponsible actions of some groups. 3) They try to understand something called 'unknown' by a sovereign God. 4) Religious tradition has created bigotry in their hearts, robbing them of the desire to seek after a Biblcal gift from God. 5) Linkage- trying to 'connect' gifts and manifestations, instead of accepting the sovereign things of God as they are given, on an individual basis. (i.e. "if you speak in tongues, it has to be THIS (our) way!") I am of the opinion that every Christian should seek after all the gifts that God has generously provided. But not with anxiety, impatience, or religious pressure! Churches that 'require' tongue-speaking actually limit God in the same manner as churches that forbid it. Instead, return sovereignty to God and He will pour out His Spirit as He sees fit, when He sees fit. Do not quench the Spirit, and do not create a false 'spirit,' either. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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64 | Renewal AGAIN to repentance? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 24956 | ||
Dear Joe! and Forum Saints, Greetings and blessings in the name of Jesus! With fear and trepidation I enter in to this topic. I, too, believe in the pereseverance of the saints, aka eternal security, aka "once saved, always saved." However, I think that I believe so on the basis of vantage. From God's point of view, salvation is absolute, as the words 'once' and 'always' have a much more complete meaning to Him than they do for us. (By the way, I also agree that the 'sinner's prayer' theology is pretty thin! "Repeat after me, and you are saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost!") From our point of view, we may see a person walk away from the Lord, even 'renounce' his faith. can we then 'know' that he indeed has either 'lost' his salvation, or 'never had' salvation? I don't believe that we have been given the ability to absolutely discern another's justification before God. In the same manner, can we know for sure that a person is saved based on our perception of his actions? For instance, because a person makes a public 'confession of Christ,' submits to water baptism, and starts attending Sunday services, do we have absolute proof that he is saved forever? I can't find anywhere in the Bible that clearly says we have been given this awsome discerning power. What now? Are we to just say, "We don't know WHO is saved, even our OWN salvation is not secure!"? May it never be! We walk in faith assuming that certain 'signs' will follow those of faith. We assume (believe!) that God knows all, and will work everything out in due time. We extend a hand of fellowship to those that (to our eyes) 'seem' saved, and do not build our own faith upon this perception. Instead we serve the Lord, trusting Him in all things, even this matter. We press on to bring the Good News to the lost, and continue to disciple the 'found' in the Good News, too! Therefore, I believe that Hebrews 6:6 may be talking about our perception of things, not God's. Indeed, our enemy does NOT have the ability to 'snatch' away the saved from God's hand! This is how I view the 'unforgiveable sin' as well. Certainly *I* cannot imagine what it would be like without Jesus. I shudder to even entertain the thought! But many do 'theorize' about these things all the time! Some are constantly worried about the state of salvation of 'others.' Some are constantly worried about the state of their own salvation. I truly have to look askance at their (both!) trust in God! I wish I had a long theological argument for you, full of Greek roots and tenses, and backed up by several big name scholars. I don't. But your question begs for a simple answer, not a complicated one! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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65 | Is baptism a work? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 66374 | ||
Dear Teacher, Greetings in the name of Jesus! With fear and trepidation I wander yet again into the quagmire of this topic. I pray that I can simplify the issue, not muddy it up! :-) The Bible speaks of three baptisms in the New Testament. All three are for our cleansing (washing), so it seems to me that they all are for our sanctification while we walk the 'pilgrim path.' This path starts when we are apprehended by the Lord and given the gift of faith to believe on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The path ends when we meet God after our death or 'in the air.' First let me outline my thoughts on salvation and sanctification. I personally believe that we are saved (in time-limited human terms) from the moment recognize His Lordship. However, the Lord knew us from before our birth, and knows the outcome of our life in eternity. So, from God's vantage, our salvation is secured and complete. But from our lowly viewpoint, limited by time and situation, we make (feeble) attempts to explain eternal things. This is where our earthly sanctification 'process' enters the picture. Upon recognition of our favor in God's sight, we are called to please Him. God rejoices when we continue in the path of repentance from our ways into His. This is called by many names, but is in effect a washing away of the old man of sin and death, and becomeing the new creation He longs to see. True, we are already 'clean' at the moment of salvation (even before!), but I have yet to meet a Christian who is complete in man's eyes. The tools we have at our disposal are the washings (baptisms) that God provides. These are 'available,' but not really at our 'beck and call.' In fact, only water baptism allows us any real, physical choice. Baptism in the Spirit and baptism of fire seem to be wholly according to God's will. But is even water baptism just a ritual or tradition? I don't think so. I think that water baptism is connected with the 'circumcision of heart' prophesied in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 10:16, 30:6, Jeremiah 4:4), and confirmed in the New Testament (Colossians 2:11,12). The Lord gives opportunity, and rejoices when we are obedient to submit to water baptism. It is not a 'requirement' for salvation, but acceptable and pleasing in God's sight. In the same manner, recognizing the cleansing work of the Holy Spirit, being sensitive to His immediate presence in our life gives God pleasure. Finally, when the cleansing fire of the Lord is applied to our lives for reproof, we must submit in humility and repentance, and this further sanctification is granted us. I understand fully that my 'model' gives complete authority for our salvation and sanctification to the Lord. It does not make a place for man to 'choose' his fate. I believe that God chose me, not I chose Him. But now, after knowing of His plan for me, I make every attempt to gain His approval. I long to hear His words, "Well done, faithful servant. Enter into My joy!" (Matthew 25:21) I entrust my 'reward' unto Him! (1 Corinthians 3:10-15) Simple, huh? :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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66 | What purpose did each baptism serve? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 66607 | ||
Dear Teacher, Greetings in Jesus' name! Male - Randy, not Grace. :-) From your emphasis on 'WERE,' I gather that you think that there are now less than three? I'll try to explain 'my' position: 1) John's baptism - As you wrote, a full-immersion water baptism unto repentance, and to prepare a way for the Messiah (Christ). "Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet when he said, "THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, 'MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT!'" Now John himself had a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the district around the Jordan; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins." Matthew 3:1-6 NASB. In my opinion, many churches today are still practicing a baptism similar to John's. By this I mean that it is a 'general' baptism, 'preparing the way,' but not spiritually effective. It may separate them from the world (repentance), but not baptize them 'into Christ.' 2-a) Baptism of the Holy Spirit - a spiritual washing of the Holy Spirit that is sometimes concurrent with our repentance experience. I believe that the Holy Spirit is the Instigator (Apprehender?) of our 'meeting' with the Lord, and Encourager of our 'acceptance' of Christ Jesus as Savior. However, because of the many references to 'conversion,' 'baptism,' 'renewal,' and the like, I lean toward this being a separate gift or blessing. How or why, I do not have a definitive answer. (sorry!) My excuse is that virtually every 'definitive' answer is full of holes! :-) I do observe, however, that some souls who proclaim Christ as Savior do not produce the appropriate fruit. It would be easy to just say, "Well, they're not saved!" I cannot do this, as the only truly 'appropriate fruit' is perfection, and none can achieve this. So, it 'seems to me' that the Holy Spirit can (and will!) indwell (immerse, baptize) a believer that opens his heart and his life to Him. This, to me, is a step beyond justification by faith. Ideally, all Christians will seek this blessing, but alas... 2-b) Baptism of Fire - 'John answered and said to them all, "As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."' Luke 3:16 NASB. (and Matthew 3:11, Isaiah 48:10, I Peter 1:7, Hebrews 12:29, 1 Corinthians 3:13-15) The above Scriptures tell me that God sometimes chastens us, tries us by fire, that we may become pure. I have experienced such 'seasons,' and ministered to saints in the midst of trial. Seeing the results of such times, I can only conclude that these were sent by the lord to cleanse our lives. Baptism means washing, purification. I find that I have surpassed the 5000 limit! (ME!?) So, for the exciting conclusion to this post, see my next post. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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67 | What purpose did each baptism serve? | NT general Archive 1 | charis | 66609 | ||
Dear Teacher, Part 2 Greetings again in Jesus' name! 3) Water Baptism - A washing that we chose to receive in obedience to the example set by Jesus and His disciples in the Bible. I believe the ideal method is full-immersion, but circumstance would not prevent this blessing from taking place if plenty of water were not available. However, to make extenuating circumstances into the norm, and practice sprinkling or dipping is not in keeping with the commandment to be 'whelmed.' Another practice I cannot accept is infant baptism. I trust fully that God will grant grace to the children of believers. I also see that faith is a necessary component of baptism, and that faith-by-proxy is not faith. As you can see, my friend, I have not supplied Scripture for Baptism of the Holy Spirit and Water Baptism. The reason is time and space (nothing to do with quantum physics! :-)). Please use the 'Search' function and type 'baptism' along with my user name 'charis,' and you will find 85 posts in which I write my position and supply Scripture reference. Finally, I have not yet made a definitive 'system' or 'method' out of my beliefs about the baptisms. This is because as soon as I do, it would be succeptable to error or criticism. I might even be the one to find the error! I see that 'setting doctrine in stone' (or print) makes us bound (enslaved) by tradition and conservatism, to the point that we are unable to accept an even slightly different thought. On the other hand, I do not believe in 'floating' doctrine, that changes with each fad or 'guest speaker.' I have a certain amount of 'leeway' built into my doctrine, but not so much that it has undergone a major 'revamp' in over 20 years. If you do have the time to read some of my postings, you will find that I do live and teach a fairly clear doctrine. (I hope!) Certainly clear enough to love God, and serve Him with all my being. Now, it's your turn! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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68 | why did God create the world | Gen 1:1 | charis | 1067 | ||
I like Xapis' answer! God wanted a people that would love Him and serve Him from their hearts, a people who would reciprocate to the best of their feeble abilities. If you think God created evil for His plan to work, search "God created evil?" for pros and cons. In Christ Jesus. | ||||||
69 | The bible is a work of fiction - discuss | Gen 1:1 | charis | 15455 | ||
chimaera, Obviously you are at the wrong forum. Pseudoatheists.com or worshipmyself.org awaits you. I'm sure that you think the screen name is clever, but it only shows your confused, incongruous nature. A Freudian slip, perhaps? We who believe in Jesus, at least know how to spell belief. (At least, most of us :-) Have a nice day... elsewhere. In Jesus, charis |
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70 | Darkness: an Effect or Substance? | Gen 1:4 | charis | 5994 | ||
Dear Lionstrong, Darkness has no substance. It is the absence of light. Cold is the absence of heat. Death is the absence of life. Lies are the absence of truth. This absence can affect the substance by dissipating it. I believe that this is a physical answer with valid spiritual implications. Instead...trust the substance of God, and flee the dissipating power of the enemy. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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71 | Study Bible Forum -- or Circus? | Gen 1:17 | charis | 6764 | ||
Dear Hank, I join you in appealing for a return to focus for this forum. I am an eternal optimist, but I see that we are not following a path of edifying the body of Christ. Adamant statements, flaring tempers, and random musings are sure signs that we are not on track to becoming what our sponsors at the Lockman Foundation had hoped for. For their sake and ours, let's return (repent) to studying the Bible with love, faith, fellowship, temperance and tolerance. We can be adamant, angry and rambling at home. This is not a 'venting' place :-) Peace upon you, brother, and upon the saints of this forum. In Jesus' name, charis |
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72 | Is God still creating man in His image? | Gen 5:3 | charis | 16131 | ||
Dear Bill, Greetings in the name of Jesus! I believe that we all are (even now) created in the image of God. "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." John 4:24 NASB It is my belief that man is body, soul and spirit. Our spirit is created in His holy image, but not yet turned toward God because of the influence of our fallen nature, which is flesh and soul. Flesh is earthly, and totally selfish and corrupt. Our soul, including emotions and conscience, is 'undecided' or 'capricious.' This is the part of us that knows good and evil, and allows us know (be known by) the Lord and recognize His image in us, or conversely be led by our earthly body. This is where the 'confusion' that Paul speaks of takes place, even after conversion. Fortunately, the closer we cling to Jesus, the more stable our soul becomes, and our regenerated spirit reigns in our inner being. This would be the *mature* Christian, one that trusts the moving of His Spirit in our spirit. Fellow saints, this is my personal thinking. I believe it satisfies the realities that we all witness in the 'human condition,' and his quest for sanctification in Christ Jesus. There are many that believe in the 'bipartite being' of man, and that soul and spirit are one. This does not satisfy the Word as spoken in Hebrews 4:12 NASB, "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." As to criminals, they are unregenerate, and so turned toward their selfish desires that they are 'unreceptive soil.' As to the final decision of salvation or condemnation, this is in the capable hands of God. My humble brother, that we do not deserve to boast of being 'in the image of God' continues even after knowing Him. But, praise the Lord, we have a new, restored hope within us that one day that part of us will completely reign in our being, and the corrupt will be vanquished! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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73 | Dear charis, could you clarify this? | Gen 5:3 | charis | 16148 | ||
Dear Bill, Good point! I was thinking as I was writing, then for got to say that our spirit (small 's') is not yet holy, but carries the full potential, or hope, of holiness. When we recieve the gift of the Holy Spirit, AND begin to obey Him, then the potential is released resulting in regeneration, a work that has a beginning, and a continuation, until we meet the Lord. I'm afraid that I am not sure what you mean by the 'soulishly discerned' question. Are you referring to Hebrews 4:12 'heart?' Blessings and peace in a confused age. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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74 | Is man still created in God's image? | Gen 5:3 | charis | 16231 | ||
Dear Bill, Greetings, my friend. Now that a few terms have been clarified, I have to be careful how I word this :-) I continue to believe that all men are conceived by God's miraculous power, as compared to just a biological result. We are known by God, therefore precious in His sight, and potential 'knowers' of God. This is God's reason for creating mankind, a mutual relationship. For reasons beyond our ability to understand, God chose beforehand which would know Him. I do not (can not) grasp this part of His plan. Whatever an individual's works, God will know whom He wills to know. I cannot, and therefore do not, judge who knows or will know the Lord. You wrote: "So if you want these terrorists punished by death, than you will be killing what God created, right?" No, I do not *want* them to be punished. Yes, I admit anger at seeing the TV broadcast, even from the other side of the globe (Yokohama). But, as time passes, my spirit resumes predominance, and I can pray for these misguided, lost souls. But I cannot absolve them of responsibility. Only God has this ability. Therefore, I believe they *must* be brought to justice, and face the consequences of breaking society's laws. If these people repent before God, then God have mercy on them. If they are belligerent to the end, then God have mercy on them. Meanwhile, they cannot be allowed to mock justice, or more injustice will follow. That these men are conceived in the image (form) of God, with the potential of salvation, changes not the consequences of their actions. Even if we administer capital punishment, or they die while fleeing justice, God will know whom He will know. There is no 'premature' death. In Jesus, charis |
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75 | Who did Cain marry to have children? | Gen 6:4 | charis | 385 | ||
Dear Ostmarkgasse, Genesis 6:4 states that there are 'sons of God' and 'daughters of men.' Since angels are spiritual beings, they cannot procreate with humans, and are not the 'sons of God.' Therefore, these 'sons of God' could mean 'of Adam,' compared with the creation of man in Genesis 1:27, who would be the 'daughters of men.' If we insist that Genesis 1:27 speaks of Adam and Eve, indeed I can only guess that Cain married and unmentioned sister. (I don't favor this interpretation) | ||||||
76 | Who are the sons and daughters? | Gen 6:4 | charis | 388 | ||
Fellows, can spiritual beings procreate with humans? Then 'Rosemary's Baby' is possible? Please be more careful of what you read in the supermarket checkout line. There is no scriptural reference to angels (or demons, or cherubim, etc.) mating with humans. | ||||||
77 | what are you not sure about? | Gen 6:4 | charis | 1968 | ||
Dear inhzsvc, At the end of Brent Douglass' note to you (with comments to me as well), he asked if the CAPITALIZATION was correct. He wrote 'InHzSvc' to you, and 'Charis' to me. Your user screen name is listed as 'inhzsvc,' all small-case, as is 'charis.' I didn't know if you had a preference regarding capitals, but I do, as our friend seemed to want to connect me with Charismatic 'tomfoolery,' of which I have no part. My user screen name is charis, meaning 'grace,' not Charis, as in Charismatic. How you feel about capitalization, I don't know. Bless you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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78 | Healing powers | Ex 20:3 | charis | 30095 | ||
Dear Kathi_41, Greetings in Jesus' name! "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments." Exodus 20:2-6 NASB. The above verses tell us that God is a jealous God. He does not want our faith compromised or adulterated. When we dabble in things that clearly seek after our faith, we grieve our Lord. Some may say that you don't have to go 'that far' into these things, but they are a trap and a snare to divert your attention. God is all the healing you need, the rest is common sense and a healthy attitude in the life He gives. Worshipping body and health invades God's sovereignty, if you begin to seek longer life or the glorification of the human form. I do not suggest that you 'eat, drink, and be merry' (obese and slothful)! Of course we should be responsible not to abuse this 'earthly tent.' But watch out for the idol worship of health and long life! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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79 | removed | Ex 20:7 | charis | 15923 | ||
Dear khmeraver, What would make you post this link on the forum? It has nothing at all to do with the Bible or the Lord Jesus. Shame on you! In Jesus' name, charis |
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80 | Is repentance required? | Ex 20:13 | charis | 442 | ||
Amigo, If you consider repentance to be a single event, then admitting your sinful nature produces salvation from hell when accompanied by confessing Christ Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection. However, repentance means to 'turn away' from sin. Certainly we must admit sin in order to begin repentance, but we must also change our hearts and our actions. The Holy Spirit will guide you to this end. I seems that God is pleased if we continue to fight against sin, repenting and changing. We cannot 'purchase' our salvation in this manner, but certainly our Father will be proud of us if we stop sinning. Returning to the original question about suicide, I believe it is possible for 'self-murder' to be forgiven. However, the final say is in God's hands, we can only trust in His mercy. Please remember that this does not make suicide an option. God is not 'required' to do anything, certainly not behave according to our interpretation of Scripture. |
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