Results 641 - 660 of 729
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Results from: Notes Author: charis Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
641 | Nephilim Humans? | Gen 6:4 | charis | 1921 | ||
Dear RayV.H., No, not on speculation. However, it IS a thought. Actually, I 'go out on a limb' even to mention this theory, as some are 'violently' against any theories that go against their 'pet' theory :-) Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said something to the effect that a preacher of the Gospel must have an imagination in order to portray the truth to the hearer, but not so much that he lets it run away with itself. Wise man! Bless you, friend, in Jesus' name, charis |
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642 | How about faithful Jews? | John 14:6 | charis | 1843 | ||
Dear SLSalsman, I thank you for answering with such clarity. I am now sharing with a brother regarding this issue, and your thoughts mirror mine. The above scripture, John 14:6 and others in the same vein, are often used to exclude the Jews from salvation. I do not think that 'Jews in the flesh' are automatically saved from Hell by birthright, but a covenant of faith has been made with Abraham, and I cannot believe God would 'renege' on a promise. Blessings to you in Christ Jesus. charis |
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643 | Part 1 Apologetics? | Matt 11:13 | charis | 1825 | ||
My dear RCSCROLL, My profound apologies to you. I did mix your comments with those of another saint, and wrote one answer to two distinct people. I am truly sorry. By way of explanation (not excuse), I think the reason is that I asked a similar question to the one we were following elsewhere. Then I answered your question from the other tree and mixed it up with a comment from this tree. I will attempt to be more careful in the future. Please ignore (forgive) the first two paragraphs of Part 1 and some extraneous comments that do not apply to our original discussion, which was concerning the 5-fold ministry in Ephesians 4:11. (Just to set the record straight, though, you did enter this 'tree' in the midst of a discussion with another saint.) Friend, I agree with you that we do not have apostles and prophets 'in exactly the same manner' as on the Day of Pentecost. But we do have a continuation of apostolic and prophetic work as described by the Book of Acts and Paul's letters. As I described in my 'apologetics' letters, several examples of these two ministries (gifts) are evident. Another point that no one has answered is: if apostles and prophets are no longer with us, why is there no problem with evangelists, pastors and teachers? They occur with less frequency than the first two. I have investigated the Welsh Revival and the Pentecostal Movement, as well as the Latter Rain Movement. There are many works of God in all of them. As to the Charismatics, I find a lot, lot less of God, and much, much more of man. Again, dear friend and colleague, my profound apologies for my mistake. BTW, I look forward to your book, please keep us informed. Blessings in Christ Jesus. charis |
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644 | Is prophecy dead? | Matt 11:13 | charis | 1808 | ||
Dear friend Whyndell, peace upon you in Jesus' name. You said to another colleague that you will no longer participate. Well, I hope you read this. I will miss your opinion. As brother (I think) Matt has observed, "Iron sharpens iron." Saying that this forum is a 'tongue talker' network does not fit what I have seen. Very few of the saints here have admitted to this, and several have stated very clearly they do not speak in tongues. In any case, there has been mature discussion (not always, I am guilty, too :-) and willingness to tolerate others. You do a disservice to our hosts, and to your own faith by leaving. Please reconsider. Blessings upon you in Christ Jesus. |
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645 | Is prophecy dead? | Matt 11:13 | charis | 1771 | ||
Dear Whyndell, I have read the scriptures you proffered, and I offer the closing comments Paul gave us, "Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues. But let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner." 1 Corinthians 14:39-40 NASB. I claim no superior spirituality, nor a 'higher level' than another man in Christ. I have simply believed and experienced that which is written in the Bible. I have seen fruit and edification of the body of Christ. I battle against over-emotionalism, and study the Word earnestly. You accuse all such believers as 'fake' and 'false.' Well, all I can say is that you have not met 'all,' so save your prejudice. One question, why the fuss about tongues? I don't believe I have made it an issue, or claimed spiritual superiority. Some may, but they aren't me. By the way, if all in my church were to speak English tomorrow morning, it would indeed be in tongues. My church, with few exceptions, is Japanese. I live in Yokohama. :-) As to the cessation of revelation and the emasculation of the 5-fold ministry, please give me scripture that clearly speaks. I do thank you for granting salvation to us, though we may be deluded or liars. Peace be upon you in Christ Jesus. charis |
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646 | Is prophecy dead? | Matt 11:13 | charis | 1770 | ||
Well said, kind sir. Matt, I highly regard anyone who can state a belief without resorting to 'absolutism' or bigotry. I, too, look forward to mature discussion, and pray constantly for the Spirit to guide this forum of saints. My purpose and heart's desire is the unity of His church. And now, my friend, it is late in Yokohama. Good night for me, and have a good day to you, in Christ Jesus. |
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647 | Is prophecy dead? | Matt 11:13 | charis | 1766 | ||
Amen! Iron sharpens iron. I appreciate your comments very much. Allow me to start at the end, as I think it helps explain my position. I agree, definition of terms is important-what is 'slain' in the Spirit. I said that I had experienced all the above, and by that I meant that I have witnessed it. My explanation was poor, and I apologize. I have never personally been slain, but I have seen those who have felt the presence of God in such a powerful way that they could not stand. This was totally spontaneous, unplanned, no 'catchers' were waiting (prompting :-) and no hand was laid (pushed :-) I know the person well, and I believe it was of the Spririt. I have also seen 'Toronto-style mass-slaying' and I think it is (for the most part) NOT of the Spirit. The whole 'put-eachother-down' thing, with 'catchers' and 'manifestations' and 'Holy laughter,' etc. did not fit with any scriptural pattern that I know of. Neither am I fond of 'Ezekiel-like' prophecies (gobbledegook) or outrageous predictive prophecies that mislead and eventually hurt people. I know people who prophesy, whose words of exhortation, consolation and edification strengthened the church. They are mature and responsible, and they are not showmen, but godly people. I have seen false prophets and charlatans as well. As to the 100 percent thing, this is difficult to measure one way or the other. If you mean 'infallibility,' no one comes under that category, except the Lord Jesus. Many prophet's lives were a mess. But when they wrote it down by the Spirit, it was tested and proven. In the same manner, a present-day prophet must be responsible to speak God's with care, under His unction. I know people of this sort, their words are tested. I do not believe in 'hallway prophecy,' nor do I believe in 'endless diatribe' as prophecy. Prophecy must have purpose, and those purposes must be fulfilled, otherwise, indeed, the person is not a prophet. I do not believe that the 5-fold ministry has been emasculated, not do I believe that the Bible teaches that prophecy is dead. You are right, all prophecy must be in accord with scripture, and must be spoken in order and with responsibility. I still see that the Bible speaks of post-ascension apostles and prophets. (Just to clarify, are you saying that because no one could be 100 percent correct, then there are no prophets?) As with my other colleagues, I invite you to a 'non-Charismatic' church that operates in the gifts of the Spirit any time you are in Yokohama. Respectfully in Christ Jesus. charis |
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648 | Is prophecy dead? | Matt 11:13 | charis | 1759 | ||
Dear whyndell, I agree with much of what you say. Please read my comments to RCSCROLL Part 1 and Part 2 Apologetics? dated 03-24-01, and my definition to Matt, same date. In fact, they are on this same tree, so just click below. Get back to me if you think it's worth comment:-) Blessings to you in Christ Jesus |
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649 | Is prophecy dead? | Matt 11:13 | charis | 1757 | ||
Dear Matt, One layman to another. Thank you for your comments. They are good, and much calmer than some others I am getting :-) You are assuming a few things though, that I would like to address. 1) Prophets only predict the future. "But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation." 1 Corinthians 14:3 NASB. Your test would only work if predicting the future was the sole basis for 'prophet' status. 2) That all the 'wackos' out there are what I mean when I ask about present-day prophets. I have 'ear-witnessed' (sorry, I couldn't help it:-) responsible prophecy that fits the criteria set by the above scripture, and it is a boon to the church. Please look at my question-answer to RCSCROLL dated 03-24-01. Please let me know what you think. In Christ Jesus. |
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650 | The sensational or the reliable? | Revelation | charis | 1617 | ||
You lucky Americans, you get ALL the good TV! | ||||||
651 | How about common sense? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 1613 | ||
Dear bjanko, "You are a gentleman and a scholar." These are words my father praised me with when I 'done good.' I thank you for your patience with me. In all truth, my beliefs are very similar to yours. As one whose spiritual counsel is sometimes asked, I must approach, in grace, every individual as a 'special' case before God. But you are perfectly correct in "Let us be firm in our dicatation of ethics where the Bible is firm; and let us be moderate in our dictation of ethics where the Bible is silent or unclear." Well said! Is this yours, or should we give credit to another wise man? Either way, you said it, and I receive it. In Christ Jesus, and Amen! |
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652 | How about common sense? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 1598 | ||
Dear bjanko, good answer, my friend. You are absolutely correct about people (even Christians!) thinking of their situation as an exception. That is precisely why I have been saying that they must be under the spiritual counsel of a shepherd AND the Holy Spirit. (It is amazing how many selfish things can be attributed to the Holy Spirit, isn't it?) You are also correct that poverty alone is a poor (no pun intended) excuse for not having children. If I were to try and typify some possible factors for considering non-abortive contraception, it would be 1) Poverty and Government oppression (like China) The PROC expressly forbids more than one child, the punishment can be extreme! 2) Poverty and poor health care (like India) Having many children is certain doom for those truly finite resources and almost no medicine or hospital facilities. 3) Poverty and disease (like many parts of Africa) AIDS is a REAL epidemic. Bearing children without care is murder. 4) Poverty and political turmoil (like much of Africa and Asia) I am not real sure about this one, but moderation COULD be in order where terrorism and religious persecution are daily realities. 5) Poverty and overpopulation (many metropolitan cities) I am not a 'save the world from overpopulation' nut, but I have been to many places where there is no physical ability to keep more children. I am aware that you could hang them from the ceiling in hammocks, but prudence CAN be a factor. My friend, I am very much aware that now that I have gone 'out on a limb' to list possible factors. Now you are at liberty to just say, "1-5, No excuse! Christians have lived through that before." But these factors, sometimes more than one, affect millions of believers in a real way that we Americans cannot fathom. 'Armchair Quarterbacks' don't win football games. I am simply making a case for us to be moderate in our dictation of ethics, especially where the Bible is silent or unclear. Blessings to you in Christ Jesus. | ||||||
653 | Who is NOT saved? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 1526 | ||
Amen! my friend. | ||||||
654 | How about common sense? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 1525 | ||
Dear bjanko, Thank you for your prayers for my wife. I understand this to be a personal 'specific' situation. I am under pastoral counsel in this matter. Still, I must think that the several million believer's circumstances that I outlined could hardly be called hypothetical or specific (except to the individual). It would seem that considering their plight would come under the topic of 'data for discussion of contraceptive use among Christians,' as the Bible is not clearly for or against contraceptives. As I said, I am not an advocate of misuse or abuse, I am only making the point that saying, "Under no circumstance is it allowable!" is unwise and rigid, leaving less room for the Holy Spirit to work in a personal manner with the individual believer. Nonetheless, I respect your opinion and your faith. In Christ Jesus. charis |
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655 | Who is NOT saved? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 1522 | ||
Peace upon you, O 'king of Salem (Peace)' This Forum is going to give you a heart attack if you are not careful of your temper. You are correct, I did get off the subject. I was commenting on 'automatic' salavation-by-kinship or marriage, which was connected to your comments on I Corinthians 7. For this slip, I humbly apologize. I do hope that the debate was not too negated. I will be more careful not to push the Logos on to unwilling others, and seek the Spirit of life. I often find myself on my knees asking God for mercy. I am happy for your heaps of love and mercy. Blessings upon you in Jesus' name. | ||||||
656 | How about common sense? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 1519 | ||
Dear Friend, I appreciate your doggedness regarding this issue, and admire and respect your faith. I have read your many contributions and am impressed by your knowledge. You are correct, common sense can be holy and heathen. However, Prudence and 'evident' wisdom ARE from the Bible. The problem remains that, as another saint pointed out, the Bible is silent about contraception. Your 'generalities' may make sense where you are, but to tens of millions of Christians living in poverty, in famine, in oppression, in political turmoil, surrounded by real death, real danger, and real persecution, they are 'specifics.' To your 'hypotheticals' I can only say the punch-line of an old joke, "Speak for yourself, white-man!" (Tonto, speaking to the Lone Ranger, I forgot the joke, but I think you get it. And before anyone screams, "Racism!" I am a Christian caucasian living in a country over 99 percent non-Christian and non-white.) I live in Japan where abortion is not just commonplace, it is the norm. A typical home is less than 700 sq.ft. and costs USD300,000. As to my daily 'experience,' I fellowship regularly with saints from Malaysia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Ghana. Many of my acquaintances are actively involved with mission work in Uganda, India, China and the Philippines. To these Christians, trusting God in the sense you use is not prudent or wise. Finally, though the Lord has blessed me with two 'miracle' children, now my wife has a tumor in her womb. It is not life-threatening in itself, and fairly common, but bearing children is not advisable, and possibly dangerous. I must 're-think' the issue, and answer to God for my actions. Indeed, modern contraception is a new thing, and as with many 'new-fangled' technologies we must be careful to use them carefully. Even the PC I am using to discuss this with you, and the internet in general can be Satan's tool if abused. I do not promote abuse, but careful, thoughtful use under the guidance of ministerial counsel and God's Spirit. My friend, this is just another view of the issue. I look forward to continued fellowship. Blessings to you in Christ Jesus. |
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657 | How about common sense? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 1509 | ||
My dear friend bjanko, I agree with so much thay you say! I do, however, detect two questions, not one. 1) Abortion (murder) and 2) contraception (prevent conception) I am just as adamant as you about 1), but the original question is about 2) My scripture references are: Proverbs 1:20 "Wisdom shouts in the street, She lifts her voice in the square;" and Proverbs 8:5 "O naive ones, discern prudence; And, O fools, discern wisdom." I know that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge..." Proverbs 1:7, and that we must trust Him in all our ways. But the above proverbs clearly speak of 'common sense' and 'prudence' as being valid forms of wisdom. 'Practical matters' must enter into our Christian life, or we are not witnesses of truth. (Remember, I agree with you about abortion and post-conception 'birth-control') As to 'rare' health problems, women close to menopause have numerous situations where there is real danger concerning pregnancy, both to mother and child. In a free, 'enlightened,' rich society (like America), with abundant health care, you may have the 'luxury' of deciding to have as many children as you can. In China, attempting to have more than one child is a serious offense. In India, having abundant children is the same as murdering several of those children. In many parts of Africa, bearing children with in-born AIDS is common. In most of the 'rest of the world,' health care is so poor that simple procedures are truly life-threatening. These are not 'hypotheticals,' but reality. One of the big hinderances to evangelism is that Western missionaries are so 'unreal' and bigoted. Again, I believe in 'family' planning. Plan to have a family! But, PLAN. I receive your thought and continue to pray, would you reciprocate? Blessings to you, my friend, in Christ Jesus. |
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658 | Preordained free will? | 1 Pet 2:9 | charis | 1486 | ||
Friend, was Peter a Pope? This is a lot harder to answer, and a lot more controversial and emotional. In Christ Jesus. | ||||||
659 | The headship of Christ | Col 3:17 | charis | 1473 | ||
Greetings, Ray V.H., (and all the saints following this line of discussion) I was new to computers myself, not too long ago. I was 'elected' to learn about them in order to keep our school computers running. The 'smiley' is an emoticon. There are lots I don't know, but I like 'smiley' and 'winky' ;-), with an occasional frown :-(. A GPF is a Windows term, meaning 'General Protection Fault,' or sometimes lovingly BSoD, 'Blue Screen of Death.' This usually means that your PC is in terminal confusion, and even if it says PAK, 'Press Any Key,' your unsaved data is toast (forfeit). When a person GPFs, it means that a 'restart' is in order, or restate in simpler langauge. (of course, we all know that Macs, and Mac users, never have any problems ;-) Some other terms you might want to know are BTW, 'by the way,' LOL, 'laughing out loud,' ROFL (sometimes ROTFL), 'rolling on the floor, laughing.' One important point of 'Netiquette' is that ALL CAPS means 'shouting' or 'screaming,' and is rude. Lately, all small-case and inane contractions are popular, but (to me) that is just 'illiterate' or 'immature.' Please note that all do not share my opinions ;-) As to your desire to 'more correctly' capitalize or not capitalize, I would say that when preaching or discussing the exposition of scripture, this is a good, even healthy thing. I often find myself modifying (very carefully!) the capitalization or punctuation. (Especially when I am explaining the meaning of the Japanese Bible translation, which tends to be more traditional than accurate) However, I believe a 'movement' to get your modifications incorporated into the 'next' version of the NASB will be unfruitful, unless you are recognized as one of the contributors of a following translation effort. I am satisfied with the NASB, as I believe it to be as close to perfect as was possible at the time. As with any revelation, the Holy Spirit will continue to 'adjust' our understanding to His thoughts. Bless your work in Jesus' name. | ||||||
660 | Preordained free will? | 1 Pet 2:9 | charis | 1469 | ||
Good answer, Twally! I suspect that Calvin was less of a Calvinist than some suspect, and Arminus was less of an Arminist than many Arminists. Paul certainly did not seem too impressed by 'Pauline' doctrine :-) In Christ Jesus. |
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