Results 621 - 640 of 749
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Results from: Answers On or After: Thu 12/31/70 Author: mark d seyler Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
621 | Can we borrow or lend? | Acts | mark d seyler | 157382 | ||
Hi ngkh, You've answered half of your question, the part on lending. "Do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you." I'd take a really close look at this material that is in such basic disagreement with the Bible. This is from the website www.crown.org, which has a wide variety of financial information and management tools: .................................... Borrowing: A biblical perspective November 16, 2004 - by Crown Financial Ministries A survey was done recently of several seminar groups to determine if they thought borrowing is scripturally forbidden. Over 70 percent responded that they believed the Bible prohibits borrowing. Perhaps it would be a lot easier if God’s Word did prohibit a Christian from borrowing, but it does not. There is not a verse directing God’s people not to borrow money (no, not even Romans 13:8). However, neither does Scripture encourage borrowing. Borrowing is always discussed in the Bible as a negative, rather than a positive, principle. It would seem to be a consequence of disobeying God’s statutes or rules of economics. "He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him;…So all these curses shall come on you and pursue you and overtake you until you are destroyed, because you would not obey the Lord your God" (Deuteronomy 28:44-45). God’s minimum The absolute minimum that God’s Word establishes for any borrower is found in Psalm 37:21: "The wicked borrows and does not pay back, but the righteous is gracious and gives." If we don’t want to be counted among the "wicked," we must repay any debt we owe. It really doesn’t matter if the circumstances are beyond our control. If we make a debt, we’re stuck with it. It may mean many years of sacrifices to pay even the minimum amount to creditors, but anyone who has ever made the step over to a life of faith will attest that having God’s peace is more valuable than the world’s wealth. "A good name is to be more desired than great riches, favor is better than silver and gold" (Proverbs 22:1). The only biblical way to borrow Perhaps the most abused and least understood financial principle in God’s Word is surety: assuming an obligation to pay an indebtedness without a certain way to pay it. Surety means that we presume upon the future. If everything goes as we expect, we’ll be able to pay the loans back. If things go wrong, as they often do, we may be left in debt. If Christians would observe this one caution associated with borrowing, the most they could lose is the security they had pledged against a loan. "Do not be among those who give pledges, among those who become sureties for debts. If you have nothing with which to pay, why should he take your bed from under you?" (Proverbs 22:26-27). Conclusion It is important to remember that credit is not the problem; it’s the misuse of credit that causes problems. We do not want to give the impression that God leaves Christians to fend for themselves until they’re debt free. To the contrary, God is looking at heart attitudes. Christians must make an absolute commitment to God’s Word and determine to honor their creditors, regardless of the cost. It’s called living by faith. "Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High; and call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me" (Psalm 50:14-15). I hope this helps! Love in Christ, Mark |
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622 | Holding things loosely? | 1 Cor 7:30 | mark d seyler | 157374 | ||
Hi Pinkerton98, Welcome to the forum! I've been wracking my brain since you posted this question, since I've heard this in a sermon several times, but the closest I can find in scripture is: 1 Cor 7:29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; 30 And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; 31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. Could this be what your are looking for? Love in Christ, Mark |
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623 | Hypocrites | Eph 4:15 | mark d seyler | 157044 | ||
Lunar, Perhaps if you take exception to something said on this forum, you would be so kind as to respond to the post you believe to be incorrect, and to show us from the Bible what is correct. Simply making blanket statement like you've done neither builds up the church nor corrects error. We have gathered here to study the Bible with the intent of becoming more like Christ. Would you care to join us in that pursuit, or would you rather just hang out in the background taking potshots? Love in Christ, Mark |
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624 | Testing | Rev 3:11 | mark d seyler | 157010 | ||
Hi CDBJ, I think we are. I think that as the Christian church, we have become so diluted by nominal Christians, who do not truly have a living faith (See James 2), that God is calling us to be holy, and be separate. Rev 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: Jesus says to the Church that is expecting His soon return, "Hold on, so no one takes your crown," and "to him who overcomes. . ." This can't be that we're just cruising along - there will be resistance. Jesus also said that because lawlessness increases the love of many will grow cold. As we see the increase of lawlessness, do we become jaded? Consider what is happening in New Orleans right now, as armed gangs are roaming, and anarchy abounds? What should be our response? How do we pass this test? You know, the word in 2 Tim 3:1 translated perilous is used only one other time in the New Testament, of the demoniac living in the tombs. Perilous times like the wild, dangerous demon-possessed man, that no one could even go that way. How do we maintain our walk in faith? Love in Christ, mark |
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625 | Jacob/Israel Name interchanged in Gen. | Gen 32:28 | mark d seyler | 156820 | ||
Hi PJC, I have heard this, but not checked it personally, that "Jacob" was used when God was speaking regarding matters of the flesh, or when Jacob was walking according to the flesh, and as "Israel" when addressing spiritual matters, and when Israel was walking according to the ways of the LORD. If you check this, let me know what you find. Love in Christ, Mark |
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626 | What does it mean to "mourn by itself?" | Zech 12:12 | mark d seyler | 156739 | ||
Hi Cooldamashai, Welcome to the Forum! "every family by itself, and their wives by themself." I can only give you my opinion of this, I am not aware of any scripture that gives further information. I believe this speaks of personal, individual mourning. There is a time of national mourning, such as the death of a beloved king, or a national disaster. This will be the mourning of each one of Israel who, having rejected Jesus as their personal Savior and Messiah, now recognize it was Him all along. They will have seen the great tragedy brought because of their rejection, and the grace that was always available, and they will mourn. Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted. I hope this helps. Love in Christ, Mark |
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627 | please help. | Romans | mark d seyler | 156738 | ||
Hi Lola, Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. Nom man comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14) In bringing this Muslims into your fiancee's life, He opened a door that may lead them into heaven. Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy. (John 10) The false religion of Islam, which denies Christ, (Allah does not have a son), is by definition antichrist, and will not save anyone. But there is a particular Muslin family which has a unique and wonderful treasure. They have a Christian man who openned his heart to them, and has hopefully shared the gospel, or can in the future. They have a greater treasure still. They have a Christian man and woman who can agree in prayer for them, to intercede for them, that they will be stopped from their headlong rush into hell. Your fiancee has returned from the physical war, but the spiritual war goes on. Pray! Pray! Pray!!!! Perservere!!!!! God died trying to keep them out of hell. Will they let God rescue them? Or will they fight Him until He allows them their own way. I am praying also. Love in Christ, Mark |
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628 | What does the Bible say about marijuana? | 1 Cor 10:31 | mark d seyler | 156724 | ||
Hi Kalos, I'd like to add this to the other responses you have received. Hi Kalos, Since the Bible does not specifically mention marijuana by name, I will have to take a more indirect approach. Roman 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. This should be enough, for any person who lives in an area where marijuana is illegal. We are not to violate the law of the land, and there can be no way that prohibiting the use of marijuana would be contrary to the law of God. 1Co 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Marijuana smoke contains numerous carcinogens and other ingredients that adversly affect the health. God does not want us to intentionally live a lifestyle of disregard for our health, and the stewardship He gave us in taking care of our body. Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. There is no Scriptural call to use marijuana. Marijuana is a drug, with specific physiological effects. It is by nature "of the flesh". It is not sacramental. Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are ...witchcraft (drugs used for "spiritual" purposes)... of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Marijuana used for spiritual gain or growth is taking the work of the Holy Spirit, and giving it over to a drug, for the drug to do. This is strictly forbidden in the Bible. Gal 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Again, smoking marijuana is something we do to the body, not the spirit, and as such we will reap a corrupt result in the flesh, not a righteous result in the spirit. Love in Christ, Mark |
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629 | Repentence: works or gift??? | Acts 11:18 | mark d seyler | 156585 | ||
Hi Brazos, Act 11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. 16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. 17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? 18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. I hope this helps! Love in Christ, Mark |
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630 | Modern application of slavery texts? | Titus 2:9 | mark d seyler | 156524 | ||
Hi JRM, I think both positions are correct. Heb 13:5 "Let your conversation (lifestyle) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." This would apply to the slave. James 4:17 "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." This would apply to the one in whose power it is to do something about an injustice. The Old Testament Law had much to say about helping your neighbor, and Jesus reinforced that in His teaching. Phi 4:11 Not that I speak as to need, for I have learned to be content in whatever state I am. 12 And I know to be humbled, and I know to abound; in everything, and in all things, I am taught both to be filled and to hunger, both to abound, and to lack. 13 I have strength for all things in Christ the One strengthening me. 14 Yet you did well in sharing my troubles. Paul demonstrates this attitude regarding his material needs. On his part, he is not complaining about his lack, and has learned to be content with it. On the part of others, they do well to help Paul as they can. As a slave, or a factory worker in Guatemala, or Pakistan, or wherever, making one dollar a day, I am to be content. If I can improve my situation, I should, and to use it for the Kingdom. As an oppressor, I must repent, and treat my workers fairly. As an exploiter, James said it best: James 5:4 "Behold, the wages of the workmen who have reaped your fields cry out, being kept back by you. And the cries of the ones who have reaped have entered into the ears of the Lord of Hosts." And really, James 5:1-12 And as a bystander, if I have the opportunity to help my neighbor in need, and don't, that is sin. What are your thoughts? Love in Christ, Mark |
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631 | Who Did It? | 1 John 5:7 | mark d seyler | 156467 | ||
Hi Happy and Free, Of the 1000's of extant Bible manuscripts, not all, unfortunately, agree. Some have extra words and sentences, some are missing words and sentences. Errors and changes have crept in. The textual criticts Doc was referring to have that awesome job of trying to determine which were the original words of God, and they, also unfortunately, do not always agree. If this were The Adventures of Sinbad, so what? But since it's the Bible, God's Holy Word, upon which we base our entire lives and eternity, it is important to understand how we got our Bible, and the different versions, and to prayerfully choose which to read and study. All of that notwithstanding, I like what the King James translators wrote in their preface, "Even the meanest (poorest) translation is still the Word of God." It is the Holy Spirit Who speaks to us, not just ink on paper. For more information, here are a couple of websites you can check out: http://www.skypoint.com/tildawaltzmn/ Note: delete tilda and insert the characture - the wavy dash on the top left of your keyboard - Lockman won't let us type them :-) http://www.cobb.net Or simply type "Bible textual criticism" into your favorite search engine. I hope this helps! Love in Christ, Mark |
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632 | What do the numbers in bible represent? | Bible general Archive 2 | mark d seyler | 156420 | ||
Hi Pittbull, Welcome to the StudyBibleForum! This is a question that has had a lot of discussion, and rather than try to duplicate it here, if you enter "numerology" into the Search Words Box (upper right-hand side), this will take you to the forum archives, and will show you several peoples answers to this question. I hope this helps! Love in Christ, Mark |
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633 | Slavery | Titus 2:9 | mark d seyler | 156399 | ||
Hi Just Read Mark, What is the conflict you see in the NT regarding slavery? Love in Christ, Mark |
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634 | Pre-wrath Rapture | Matt 24:41 | mark d seyler | 156150 | ||
Hi Victor, Regarding the Day of the Lord: What is God’s wrath? When does God’s wrath begin? Isaiah 13:6 “Howl! For the day of Jehovah is at hand. It shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.†Isaiah 13:9 “Behold, the day of Jehovah comes, cruel and with wrath (septuagint thumou) and fierce anger (sept. orges), to lay the land waste. And He shall destroy its sinners out of it.†Joel 1:15 “Alas for the day! For the day of Jehovah is at hand. And it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.†1Thessalonians 5:2-3 “For you yourselves know accurately that the day of the Lord, as a thief in the night, so it comes. For when they say, Peace and safety! Then suddenly destruction comes upon them, like the travail to the one having babe in womb, and not at all shall they escape.†LITV The Day of the LORD comes as sudden destruction from God, with wrath and fierce anger, “to lay the land wasteâ€. This must be the beginning of judgment during the Seventieth Week, which I believe begins at the beginnning of that time. This is yet another study in itself. Luke 17:26-29 “And as it was in the days of Noah, so also it will be in the days of the Son of Man. They were eating, drinking, marrying, giving in marriage, until the day Noah went into the ark. And the flood came and destroyed all. And likewise, as it was in the days of Lot, they were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building; but on the day Lot went out from Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from the heaven and destroyed all.†Life would go on as usual, until the judgment came with sudden destruction. One important fact we must not overlook in studying the stories of Noah and Lot is that they were both protected, but in two different ways. Lot and his daughters were removed supernaturally by two angels before Sodom was destroyed – they had to be, as we know from Abraham’s negotiation with the LORD. “Will you judge the righteous with the wicked?†Genesis 19:16: “And he lingered. And the men lay hold of his hand and his wife's hand, and on the hand of his two daughters, Jehovah having mercy on him. And they caused him to go out, and they put him down outside the city.†Lot was “put down†outside the city. He was raptured from before the coming judgment. Noah and his family were divinely protected during global judgment – in a safe haven – like the Jews in the Great Tribulation, the remnant flees to “her place,†to be nourished for 3.5 years (Rev. 12:14). These are types of the church and Israel. Consider also: Ezekiel 38:14-23 “So prophesy, son of man, and say to Gog, So says the Lord Jehovah: Shall you not know in that day when My people Israel dwells securely? 15 And you shall come from your place out of the recesses of the north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great assembly, a mighty army. 16 And you shall come up on My people Israel like a cloud, to cover the land. It shall be in the after (latter) days, and I will bring you against My land so that the nations may know Me, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes, Gog." (LITV) Ezekiel 39:27-29 “When I have brought them again from the people, and gathered them out of their enemies' lands, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations; Then shall they know that I am the LORD their God, which caused them to be led into captivity among the heathen: but I have gathered them unto their own land, and have left none of them any more there. Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.†At the beginning of the 70th week, or before it, something happens to instigate a return to temple worship. Israel is still a mostly secular nation. Ezekiel prophesies that as the LORD destroys these invaders, Israel will know that He is God. Israel will burn the invader’s weapons for fuel for seven years (Ezekiel 39:9-10), and bury the dead in Israel for 7 months (39:12). After Jesus appears in glory and power, the entire landscape of Israel will change (Zechariah 14:10), the nations will be gathered for judgment (Joel 3 and Matthew 25), then 75 days later the millenial kingdom will begin (Dan. 12:13). The water that flows from the temple heals the waters and the land (Ezekiel 47). When are they burning the weapons? When are they burying the dead? They bury the dead in a valley east of the Dead Sea. This seven years that they burn the weapons is the same as the Seventieth Week. Ezekiel 39:8 “Behold! It has come, and it has happened, declares the Lord Jehovah. That is the day of which I have spoken.†Again, I hope this helps! Love in Christ, Mark |
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635 | Pre-wrath Rapture | Matt 24:41 | mark d seyler | 156148 | ||
Hi Victor, I do not know what the Reformers believed regarding the rapture. But I do know what Paul the Apostle believed. II Thessalonians 2:1-3 “And, brothers, we entreat you, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of our gathering together to Him, for you not to be quickly shaken in the mind, nor to be disturbed, neither through a spirit, nor through speech, nor through letter, as through us, as if the Day of Christ has come. Do not let anyone deceive you in any way, because that Day will not come unless first comes the falling away, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.†LITV This passage tells us plainly that the rapture of the church comes before the Day of the Lord. The Thessalonians were troubled by the false report that the rapture had come, “our gathering together to Himâ€, they had missed it, and were now in the Day of the Lord, “As if the day of Christ had comeâ€. Paul writes back saying, basically, don’t worry, you haven’t missed the rapture, its not the Day of the Lord yet.†The clear implication is that the rapture, our gathering together to Him, comes before the day of the Lord. Paul also addresses this idea of a second chance. No such thing is offered. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 “His coming is according to the working of Satan in all power and miraculous signs and lying wonders, and in all deceit of unrighteousness in those being lost, because they did not receive the love of the truth in order for them to be saved. And because of this, God will send to them a working of error, for them to believe the lie, that all may be judged, those not believing the truth, but who have delighted in unrighteousness.†LITV According to this passage, those who chose to delight in unrighteousness, rejecting the truth of the gospel, will be held for judgment, unable to change their destiny. The pre-tribulation rapture is not “last call†as many teach. It is the removal of the Bride of Christ before the judgment from God, and if you rejected the light prefering your own darkness, you will no longer have the capability of seeing the light, and will instead believe the lie. Regarding the great “soul harvest†promised by Tim LaHaye and others, consider the words of Revelation 9:20-21 “And the rest of men, those not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they will not worship demons, and golden idols, and silver, and bronze, and stone, and wooden idols, which neither are able to see, nor to hear, nor to walk. And they did not repent of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornications, nor of their thefts.†I hope this helps! Love in Christ, Mark |
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636 | Pre-wrath Rapture | Matt 24:41 | mark d seyler | 156147 | ||
Hi Victor, Welcome to the Forum! You've asked a few questions, I will try to address what I understand to be your main question - what defines the rapture as being different from when Jesus comes to judge the wicked, i.e. Rev 19:11 "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war." The Bible speaks in many places of the Second Coming of Christ, as He appears in great glory, saving Israel, judging the nations, and establishing His kingdom upon the earth. The Bible also describes as Jesus comes in the sky, resurrecting the “dead in Christâ€, then “catching up†the living believers, to be transformed, and given eternal bodies. The appearing in glory is spoken of using epiphenea, shining forth. This appearing will be precisely 2520 days (one prophetic "week" of seven years, 84 months of 30 days each) after the “confirming of a covenantâ€, which begins the Seventieth Week (Daniel 9:27, see also Dan. 7 - the vision of the beasts), or 3 1/2 years after the abomination that causes desolation, in the middle of the Seventieth Week. This is the same time period Jesus speaks of in Matt 24:29 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." It will be possible to calculate that day based on Daniel's prophecy, regardless of when the ratpure occurs, and so this coming in glory cannot fulfill the prophecies of Jesus coming as a thief in the night. That must be something different. 2 Peter 3:10 “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night," The Day of the Lord must also begin at a different time then when Jesus returns to judge. If I have time I will post something to that later :-) Matthew 24:42 “Watch, then, for you do not know in what hour your Lord comes.†Matthew 25:13 “Therefore, watch, for you do not know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man comes.†Mark 13:32-37 “But concerning that day and the hour, no one knows, not the angels, those in Heaven, nor the Son, except the Father. Watch! Be wakeful, and pray. For you do not know when the time is. . . so that he may not come suddenly and find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all. Watch!†Jesus will come as a thief, when we are not expecting Him, and this is separate from His shining forth at the end of the tribulation, which will happen on the very day that was prophetically announced thousands of years ago. Revelation 16:15 “Behold, I am coming as a thief.†These must be two different events. I hope this helps! Love in Christ, Mark |
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637 | What purpose for raising the dead? | Acts 9:40 | mark d seyler | 156041 | ||
Hi Mams, and welcome to the forum! I think the purpose of raising the dead would be to return them to life ;-) Well, now that that's out of my system. . . There are two times that come to mind where the apostles raised the dead after Jesus' resurrection: Act 9:40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. Act 20:9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. 10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.11 When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. 12 And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. Jesus performed His miracles to validate He teaching, as proof of His Messiah-ship. This is why He waited as Lazarus died, so that He could raise him from the dead, that His disciples would believe. John 11:15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. John 14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. Works are the authenticating stamp of the true man or woman of God. The kind of works are based on the ministry God wants each of us to do, because we can only do what He does through us. The apostles did many miracles, to validate their teaching. I don't do many (any) miracles because my ministry is primarily towards those who already beleive. Perhaps God is performing miracles through the missionary in the jungle, because the people there don't already know that the Bible is true, and Jesus is real, and so God wants to get their attention. I hope this helps! Love in Christ, Mark |
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638 | What purpose for raising the dead? | Acts 9:40 | mark d seyler | 156039 | ||
Hi Mams, and welcome to the forum! I think the purpose of raising the dead would be to return them to life ;-) Well, now that that's out of my system. . . There are two times that come to mind where the apostles raised the dead after Jesus' resurrection: Act 9:40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. Act 20:9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. 10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.11 When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. 12 And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. Jesus performed His miracles to validate He teaching, as proof of His Messiah-ship. This is why He waited as Lazarus died, so that He could raise him from the dead, that His disciples would believe. John 11:15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. John 14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. Works are the authenticating stamp of the true man or woman of God. The kind of works are based on the ministry God wants each of us to do, because we can only do what He does through us. The apostles did many miracles, to validate their teaching. I don't do many (any) miracles because my ministry is primarily towards those who already beleive. Perhaps God is performing miracles through the missionary in the jungle, because the people there don't already know that the Bible is true, and Jesus is real, and so God wants to get their attention. I hope this helps! Love in Christ, Mark |
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639 | Jesus let deeper means pass-Peter's loss | John 21:15 | mark d seyler | 156025 | ||
Hi KSR, I compare Peter's answers to Jesus, returning phileo - brotherly love - for agapeo - devoted love - with his prior stand for Jesus followed by his denial of Jesus. Peter had emphatically and repeatedly said that he would die before deserting Jesus, standing in the strength of his flesh, only to bitterly fail when the true test came. Now, perhaps Peter is reluctant to make the stronger stand, afraid that he might not be able to fulfill his words. I think he was grieved because of the weakness he knew existed in himself, and that he was unable to come up to the level Jesus was calling him to. I think Jesus is responding to Peter's denial when Jesus describes Peter's death, the death "by which he would glorify God", as if to say "Peter, you will in fact die for me." Peter closes his final letter with these words: 2 Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. "beware, lest ye also..." I think Peter learned the difference between standing in human strength, and letting our Lord Jesus do His work in us. But just because we fail in our weakness, Jesus does not give up on us. He will meet us where we are, but only so that He can take us to where He is. Love in Christ, Mark |
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640 | Be fruitful, multiply or God's guidance | Rom 14:23 | mark d seyler | 155971 | ||
Hi Zeppie, And let me echo Doc's welcome to you! Birth control is not addressed in the Bible. As such, each person should seek the Lord's leading. I believe that Romans 14:23b applies "whatever is not of faith is sin." Let each be persuaded in their own mind, and act at they believe God wants. You can search past posts for much discussion on this topic. Love in Christ, Mark |
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