Results 661 - 680 of 729
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Results from: Notes Author: charis Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
661 | Is man a 'triune' creature? | Heb 4:12 | charis | 2396 | ||
Dear JVH0212, Sorry, friend. I meant "dummies." because the Bible speaks (or in this case does not speak) to us all :-) No offense intended, just stupidity, as I very clearly warned. Asking for grace in Jesus' name, charis |
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662 | Make this Forum a forum | Heb 5:14 | charis | 120459 | ||
Dear saints, Blessings in Jesus' name! After finding myself rather put out by the attitude that certain subjects were not profitable for forum discussion, among these the sovereignty-free will debate over salvation, I pulled back from active participation for some time. I have devoted myself to study the Bible concerning this very issue, and have come to the following conclusion: Such debate is NOT divisive. The Word of God is divisive, separating spiritual truth and emotionalism; "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." Hebrews 4:12 NASB Jesus, the Rock, was divisive, separating the observers of religion from the faithful; "...and, "A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE"; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed." 1 Peter 2:8ff NASB The prophets were divisive, separating the unfaithful majority from the remnant of God; "In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God's gracious choice." Romans 11:5ff NASB Discussion concerning repentence, faith toward God, resurrection from the dead, and eternal judgement (aka salvation) IS profitable for Christians. (also about washings and laying on of hands). "Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment." Hebrews 5:11-6:2 NASB The context of this verse speaks of the necessity of good foundations in order to mature in Christ. Those foundations are clearly written. Milk is necessary to grow to the point of being able to digest solid food. Once you lay foundations, you shouldn't have to do it again. So many Christians are ignorant about those things spoken of in vss 6:1,2, yet they are encouraged to ingest huge quantities of "perfection food," i.e. understanding love, the spiritual gifts, the tri-une nature of God, the kingdom of God, etc. It is obvious that every Christian should clearly understand these "foundation stones," and this forum is a perfect venue for clarifying these issues, in order that these babes may indeed find fundemental truth and move on. To assume that "babes in Christ" will be confused by speaking of these things is condescending, and robs young Christians of a perfect opportunity to hear a broader discussion of these important themes. After all, this IS a Study Bible Forum, not a PARCCLPJCE (Politically And Religiously Correct Consortium of Like-minded People of Judeo-Christian Ethic). How many saints attend church for years (lifetimes) without ever knowing what they believe, or what others may believe. Talk about a recipe for close-minded religion and bigotry! I adjure you, brethren, to make this forum a forum. love and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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663 | Make this Forum a forum | Heb 5:14 | charis | 120557 | ||
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664 | Only God knows...but, what? | Heb 6:4 | charis | 7530 | ||
Dear Steve, That was the point of my original question. Only God knows, and the person themself. Every person that comes to the Lord (or is apprehended by Jesus, or gives their heart to the Lord) knows they are saved. But they stumble. Then some repent, calling upon His name for mercy, and grace is poured forth again. This person knows (again) that God has granted salvation. You must either say that man cannot discern his own salvation, or God can (and does) grant repentance to those that fall away. This is precisely why I do not believe that 'born again' is a finite moment. You have the 'born again, again predicament.' Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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665 | Is this person saved? | Heb 6:4 | charis | 7550 | ||
Dear JVH0212, Friend you are correct! Again we face one of the difficulties of trying to make a point while participating in a public internet forum. I well know your stance in this issue, and was not trying to make you, personally, into a judgmental person. I am really sorry it came off that way. Truly, my brother, and all my colleagues of the forum, I was only trying to clarify the difference between God's perfect point of view and our imperfect point of view. My two examples were merely meant to show that men can be very judgmental, foolish, and-or naive. Many men do set themselves in the 'plane of God' concerning salvation and forgiveness, not just in theory, but in practice, too. (NOT you, JVH0212! I have never heard you do this.) Indeed, 'fall away' from God, and 'return to' God (repent), are only 'knowable' by God. As Steve so ably pointed out, submission to God can be faked or insincere. So also with repentance. In the same way, our idea of 'falling away' could be very different from God's idea! 'Returning to the bars' or a sinful stumble in your walk with God (or a not-very-prudent posting to a forum :-) may be forgiven by God but inexcusable by man. As a minister and counselor, I must discern (not judge) many things. My last comment, and indeed the whole posting, was directed to the entire audience of this forum. My profound apologies for not making that clear. Amen! Peace to you, as well. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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666 | Joe, what is Paul and Hebrews 'the Law'? | Heb 6:4 | charis | 17999 | ||
Dear Bill, Joe, and Forum, Sorry to be a 'buttinsky,' but... I agree with Joe that we are exhorted to 'work out our salvation in fear and trembling.' But this cannot be accomplished by mere human study and (attempted) application. I also see Bill's point about 'allowing' the Holy Spirit to have His way in our lives. The danger there is to also 'allow' our emotions to masquerade as the Holy Spirit, which is all too common. (Frankly, I, too, have seen the abuse of 'letting' God have His way!) Friends, I am not trying to 'referee' your thread, but simply saying that both of you seem to be on a Biblical track, as long as the letter AND intent of the Word, coupled with prudence and common sense, reign over your belief. Maybe (just maybe) this is the last word. :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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667 | Heb 6:4-6 What does it mean...? 6:4 | Heb 6:4 | charis | 24908 | ||
Dear Kalos and EdB, Greetings in Jesus' name! I think the three of us could agree to eat at Denny's! In Yokohama. Their Eel over Rice (Unagi Donburi) is quite good! If you weren't up to 'fish,' you could choose the Rough-ground Hamburger with Grated Radish and Fungus (Arabiki Hamubaagu Oroshi Kinoko Zoe). Now, we can all agree on THAT! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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668 | Heb 6:4-6 What does it mean...? 6:4 | Heb 6:4 | charis | 24926 | ||
Dear Kalos and Forum Fellowship, Greetings in the name of Jesus! My friend, I seem to have offended you! :-) I know what it is, too! A translation problem! According to a well-known expert who has spent most of his life discovering the truth of Japanese in English (and vice versa, too!), Fungus can alternately be translated as 'mushrooms.' However, after some truly exhaustive investigation, I have concluded that the only TRUE translation could be 'assorted Japanese Toadstools.' I understand fully the wobbly ground I stand upon, as our alternate expert in J-E and E-J studies is away, and 'searcher' may shed 'true light' upon this deep matter. When he returns, we will discuss this at length, and I am sure that with enough posts, we could conclusively decide that maybe it could be a totally different thing altogether! Just to make sure that I am not misunderstood in other areas, I feel it is necessary to add that hamburger is 'coarse' ground, not 'rough,' as previously stated. Also note that radish was translated from 'daikon,' a root of unknown origin. (think about that one :-)) Also, it has been brought to my attention that 'eel' may be 'misconscrewed' as being the salt-water variety of sea snake, but in reality is the fresh-water domesticated type, which makes all the difference in the world. If you have any questions about the 'fact' that we CAN agree on where to eat, you know where to reach me. Just write me at my personal address, and I will be glad to send you reaves of material that will certainly bring you over to my way of thinking. Oh, have we strayed from the Bible? (I guess this takes the prize, yes? :-)) Blessings one and all! I hope that a bit of humor can help you 'see the light!' By the way, we ate Turkey for Thanksgiving! A real treat in Japan. And not one of those 'big chicken imitations,' either. A real 18-pounder, with stuffing and gravy with all kinds of parts thrown in! We even found cranberry sauce! Have a great holiday season, my friends and colleagues! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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669 | Blood sacrifices during the Millenium? | Heb 10:12 | charis | 111871 | ||
Dear thelema, No, Jesus, the Christ-Messiah, was not sent to fulfil all the legal criteria for blood sacrifice as prescribed by the Law. He came to fulfil all the graceful criteria of the Messiah as prescribed by the Prophets. No Jew EVER did (or could) fulfill all of the criteria of the Law. This is precisely why the Lord gave us a new covenant based on grace. Btw, this same grace was already being applied to His people in the Old Testament. Otherwise, virtually every saint would have been sentenced to death for their stiff-necked attitude toward God and-or their inability to keep all of the Law. In any case, Jesus was not exactly a "human sacrifice" in the sense you seem to be saying. Especially since He was not offered to Baal. As a matter of fact, your denial of Jesus' atoning blood would also negate the Old Testament references concerning the Messiah. Peace to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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670 | What are your church expectations? | Heb 10:25 | charis | 29766 | ||
Dear Belmaree, Greetings in the name of Jesus! May the Lord of Provision, Jehovah-jireh lead your path to the desire of your heart. I read your personal profile after posting to you and saw that you are in Valparaiso, near Green Acres! Well, I am in Yokohama, near Tokyo, and was in a similar situation 15 years ago. My community has about 8 million people, but none of the churches in the area were preaching the Gospel, but instead an 'agenda.' After much searching, my (pregnant) wife, 3 year old daughter and I started meeting in our living room. God has been faithful to make us into a local expression of the body of Christ. I am certain that He will guide you to a similar blessing. I have a Daytimer notebook with all my studies and sermon outlines. Page one has this written: "For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven will be glad when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel--these are the eyes of the LORD which range to and fro throughout the earth." Zecheriah 4:10 NASB, and "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33 NASB. Blessings and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |
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671 | What day are we COMMANDED to gather? | Heb 10:25 | charis | 220592 | ||
Thanks for the welcome, Steve! About your post, I'm not sure what you mean by "counter" to gathering on the first day for Christians.... every single one of the Scriptures you cite here are when Paul went to the synagogue to persuade the Jews (and sometimes the Greeks seeking God) to know Jesus! These were NOT Christians gathering together to praise the Lord, filled with the Holy Spirit! Therefore, "...it must be Friday... Saturday for some." has nothing to do with us, today. There are many things that Paul did to accomodate the Jews, so that he would have a forum to present his Christian apologetics. These were not meant to be examples of how we should act, but what PAUL was called to do. "All are not apostles, are they...?" 1 Corinthians 12:29 NASB The only reason I can think of for discouraging the saints from gathering is some kind of personal notion, and the only reason I can find for discouraging the saints from gathering on the firat day of the week, Sunday, is a corporate notion. Blessings in Jesus' name! charis |
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672 | What day are we COMMANDED to gather? | Heb 10:25 | charis | 220628 | ||
Steve, And the point I was making was that the early *Christians* in the Bible DID make a habit of gathering on Sunday, Acts 20:7 and I Corinthians 16:2. The other Scriptures only say that *the Jews* gathered in the synagogue on the Sabbath, and Paul went to visit there, not necessarily as his personal time of worship unto the Lord Jesus, but as an opportunity to share Good News with those of his former religion. As to some of the other thoughts about "some" of the early church fathers teaching about gathering on the Jewish Sabbath... well, I take my authority from the Bible, and the earliest saints thought it proper to meet on the first day of the week, the day that the Lord Jesus was resurrected, reflecting a New Covenant of grace, not adhereing to an Old Covenant of stagnant religion. The Bible warns us of the Judaizers. Jesus came not to deny the Old Testament, but to fulfil it, and supercede it with a BETTER covenant. This Gospel message is emminently served by gathering on the universally accepted day of worship, Sunday. To purposely "kick against the goad" or "go against the grain" serves no purpose but to cause division and dissent. Indeed, we are not "legally bound" to worship on ANY day, as EVERY DAY is the day of the Lord!! But infighting and bickering is more counter-productive than any benefit gained from trying to be "perfect" adherents of religious righteousness. Peace to you, my friend, and to all the saints of the forum. in Christ Jesus, charis |
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673 | More on faith? | Heb 11:1 | charis | 6176 | ||
Dear jim, Yes, 2 Peter 1:5-8 does speak of the 'application' of faith. Brother orthodoxy used a similar argument citing our 'allocation' of faith. Now, Galatians 5:22 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,..." (NASB). Faithfulness is the same word as faith (pistis). The origin is, of course, the Holy Spirit, but fruit impies that the amount is subject to increase (and, unfortunately, decrease). Thank you for your comments and Scriptures. In Jesus, charis |
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674 | Allocation or possession? | Heb 11:1 | charis | 6267 | ||
Dear orthodoxy, I agree with the point you made about the difference between physical faith (the chair, the car) and saving faith, though which the grace of the Lord is poured out. In fact, friend, I have no 'buts' or 'howevers' at all :-) I also agree that every believer has 'enough' faith to be saved. It would seem that since the 'initial' sin is the same for all (Adam) the 'amount' necessary for salvation is exactly the same. (Not by-the-pound, or depending on the amount of pre-salvation sins) After this gift of saving faith is given, is there a subsequent gift of 'faith to live by?' It would seem that varying 'amounts' of faith are manifest (or not manifest) in the lives of God's people. Also, we have the Holy Spirit gift of faith in I Corinthians 12:9, that seems separate from saving faith. In II Thessalonians 1:3 we have, "...because your faith is greatly enlarged..." indicating that the 'amount' of faith can change. Thanks for hearing me out. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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675 | Define Faith. | Heb 11:1 | charis | 12552 | ||
Dear Lionstrong, Frankly, I fail to see the point or significance of differentiating between 'description of the nature of' and 'definition of.' In fact, just saying that faith equals 'to believe' just brings us back to the need for elaboration. Hebrews 11:1 provides that elaboration, using the descriptive words 'assurance' and 'conviction,' and adding the all-important 'things not seen' (or, available to the natural senses). Therefore, I stand upon this Scripture as the means by which God causes us to better understand what faith is. In modern English, 'believe' is often used to merely mean 'think' or 'have an opinion.' This is woefully insufficient. Grace to you. In Jesus' name, charis |
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676 | Define Faith. | Heb 11:1 | charis | 34270 | ||
Dear Lionstrong, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Lionstrong your name, but Elephant your memory and Bulldog your tenacity! How's that for a description? :-) I am tempted to say, "Whatever!" But I will instead say that Hebrews 11:1 describes faith, to me! Simple me, I really don't get your point, though you make it so eloquently. Merriam-Webster: Faith- A belief and trust in and loyalty to God. Firm belief in something fro which there is no proof. Complete trust. Sounds a lot like Hebrews 11:1 to me! Brother, I don't deny your *expansion* of my description. I just don't get why it is not a description. Merriam-Webster: Description- An act of describing. Discourse intended to give a mental image of something experienced. For some strange reason, Hebrews 11:1 describes faith to me! Maybe I'm psychic! :-) Peace and blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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677 | More on faith? | Heb 11:1 | charis | 51891 | ||
Dear Mark, Greetings in the name of Jesus! First, let me say that, IMHO, the 'fruit of the Spirit' is just that. I see that you are not in accord with the NASB translators, but to say that this is 'to their demise' is quite a strong statement. With all due respect, it seems that you are belittling some very good Christian men. I believe that ALL the glory is God's, and God's alone! Therefore, I do not feel that we are able to lay claim to anything more than pleasing God or not pleasing Him. We simply serve God and His church because it pleases Him. Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the Author and Finisher of my faith. This is of course the faith unto salvation. Indeed, I am responsible to respond to this gift, but no amount of 'self-produced faith' will bring me one step closer to salvation. 'Charles Atlas' faith could easily become works! "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8,9 NASB I pray this clarifies my position. (without getting prideful :-)) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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678 | Where is faith from? | Heb 11:1 | charis | 51892 | ||
Brother Lionstrong, Greetings in Jesus' name! I receive your post and peace! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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679 | Promise? | Heb 11:39 | charis | 43318 | ||
Dear Indy, Greetings from Yokohama in the name of Jesus! My friend, I agree that salvation is a part of the promise of God, but is it the whole promise? I think that we may have to more fully express what salvation is in order to be able to say we are recipients of the full promise of God. For instance, Jesus paid the full price for our sin-debt on the Cross, and this is ours by grace through faith. In this, I can accept Dr. Stanley's analogy as a portion of the promise to the saints of old, and to us as well. But wasn't there more to the promise to Israel than just 'getting out of Egypt?' Wasn't there a land, a dwelling place for them, that they were supposed to go to? In the Old Testament, this was the Promised Land, and only two arrived of the original recipients of this whole promise. (Even Moses did not rate!) However, even after crossing the Jordan, we find that just entering the physical Promised Land did not give them all the blessings. At the end of Joshua's days, there were still many uncircumcised enemies in their land. (sounds somthing like the church of today! :-)) I'm sorry if this is a bit disjointed (I am battling jet-lag), but my point is that it is not only the promise of salvation from deserved hell, but a promise of a dwelling place in our Savior. Perhaps this would be the church. Not the physical building or even the denomination or bent, but a household of God. "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit." Ephesians 2:19-22 NASB. IMHO, this real place of promise is the local church, the expression of Christ. Out of hell, and in His body. Thoughts? In Christ Jesus, charis |
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680 | All of the above? | Heb 11:39 | charis | 43371 | ||
Dear heisthe1, Greetings in Jesus' name! Friend, I don't quite agree that our faith requirements are different from any other age in the new covenant. Christians of every generation have always needed to walk in faith. I am not sure what you mean about 'sixth sense' faith. Faith should produce fruit that can be measured, just not measured in the same way that the world measures blessing, i.e. wealth, power or fame. The fruit we should pursue is the fruit of the Holy Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22 and 23. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." (NASB) Peace and joy in Christ Jesus, charis |
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