Results 661 - 680 of 801
|
||||||
Results from: Notes Author: jlhetrick Ordered by Date |
||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
661 | Continuous Adultery or not? | Matt 5:32 | jlhetrick | 163792 | ||
up to you, if there following along it shouldn't matter. For me personally, especially this time of year, I get real busy and don't always follow a thread I have been involved in until I have an email reminder, Jeff |
||||||
662 | Continuous Adultery or not? | Matt 5:32 | jlhetrick | 163785 | ||
Hi Brenda L, Just to let you know you posted your response to me which is no problem as it appears in the thread. However, if you click on the question, in this case by dcj, that person gets an email and they know they have been responded to. You may already know this but I wanted to make sure. Jeff |
||||||
663 | Why was his heart hardened? | Ex 4:21 | jlhetrick | 163734 | ||
Hi Mark, My wife hates cats. But she once brought a lost one home, nurtured it to health and cared for it until it's natural death. How blessed was the cat? Very! And how much more do we receive from a Lord that does love us even in spite of ourselves. The cat was deserving because it had no fault of it's own, and it was in need. Even one who doesn't care for it's kind was able to have mercy and show compassion. What kind of God has mercy and compassion on me being that I am absolutely unworthy and guilty resulting in my need? Thankfully we know what kind of God. Thankfully we know Him personally. Thanfully, Jeff |
||||||
664 | Can you please explain tithing? | Deut 14:1 | jlhetrick | 163605 | ||
Hello again jl, I didn't want you to think I was ignoring you, I've been really busy with work and the Holiday prep. and all. I too often give impulsive responses and I would rather not do that here. Especially with a subject that I began my first post by advising that I am not an authority on the subject of tithes. When I have time I will respond to this post and if you are still interested we can take up the dialogue. P.S. I just wanted to remind you of the forum rule and the legal issue of quoting the works of others. Don't forget to make reference to your source when you directly quote another's work (i.e., Easton's Bible Dictionary) Sincerely, Jeff |
||||||
665 | Why was his heart hardened? | Ex 4:21 | jlhetrick | 163545 | ||
Hello humbled, Yes the subject does speak to the sovereignty of God. Speaking from experience I can say that it can be hard for some to accept or truly understand just how sovereign He is. When I was early in my walk with the Lord I struggled with this very story (of Pharoah)in the bible. Although I grew up in the church and already had a healthy respect for who God was and believed Him to be perfect in every way, I had a many month struggle with this passage. I just couldn't make it fair no matter how I looked at it or tried to rationalize it. It was some time before I got around to the passages in Romans that Mark taught through in this thread. Had there been somone like Mark around, or had there been such thing as the Internet (for public use that is) and this forum, it might have saved me a lot of heartache and struggle with doubt. And yes, it does give me reason to praise Him for His mercy and His grace. It's awesome to know that I was not saved because it was "fair", but becaue God chose me for His own. And I know myself. That God did save me is proof enough for me that He is merciful and full of grace. Thanks for your insight, Jeff |
||||||
666 | Why was his heart hardened? | Ex 4:21 | jlhetrick | 163543 | ||
Hello Mark, your post is an excelent example of how to let the bible speak for itself. It's awesome how the plain truth found right there in the bible can silence the debates between the thoughts of men. I believe ebrain was sincere and honest in where he/she stood and what he/she believed. It's good to see that there are those such as yourself who are good students and teachers of the word who can point others to the truth because you know where to find it. Thanks brother, Jeff |
||||||
667 | Can you please explain tithing? | Deut 14:1 | jlhetrick | 163455 | ||
hello njkh, Thanks for responding. I did use the word "disagree" regarding a point you made in your post, but not intending to say "I'm right and your wrong". That's not the issue. the issue is what is the truth. I stake no claim on the truth. I turn to the bible for it. You write: "That's why we have this topic in the first place- two completely difference in opinions." I have been trying to point out that this way of thinking is folly from the start. Our opinions matter not at all. In the search for the truth we only have God's word and therefore, when we present our "belief" it needs to be supported by scripture. You ask a good question, why are there so many denominations. I don't know but I do have an "opinion" for what that's worth. I start with a question. Why did God use so many different men to inspire and have write down His word to us? In part I believe it is because He used their differing personalities and styles to present the word the way He wanted it presented. With that thought, I believe it may also pertain to different denominations. God did not take away our personalities when He saved us. Different denominations do add opportunity for the wide ranging personalities within the family. As to "who are we to say" certain "denominations are cults? My answer is that we have a responsibility to call them cults. Any "denomination" that teaches what is contrary to the truth found in the word of God needs to be identified and exposed. With rights come responsibility, and by virtue of our responsibility we have the right. Yes, Mr. Pilate asked, "what is truth". But I think that what is missing from your point is the answer. Truth is the word of God. So no, it is not acceptable to defer to "differences of opinion" nor are we to be satisfied with the argument of "differences of interpretation". There is only one interpretation of the truth. It is not an issue of relevance. So, our work is to come into a knowledge of the truth through the study of God's word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. You write: I myself see some of my fellow church brothers going overboard in the name of truth. So where do you draw the line? My answer: I don't. Who am I to draw the line on truth. I have no authority over it. Considering where you state that you draw the line let me offer this as thought. You write:"How do I know if I am doing the right thing? Simple acid test. Do I feel at peace or burdened. If I feel burdened, then I believe it's not spiritually led. With love I offer. Never rely on your feelings. They will fail you. They are not the "acid test". Once again, the bible, the word of God and that alone is the only test for truth. I am being long-winded but I really want to address all that you have asked or point to here. But let me finish as briefly as possible. Arguing a point with scripture should be considered teaching and not imposing or judgmental. And no, I do not attempt to get "the poor chap" to follow what I think is true. I respond to the questions and statements with what I believe supported by scripture. If I am right it is only because I am in agreement with the word of God. If I am not right, then I look forward to others better educated in the word to redirect my understanding which will result in my adjusting my belief. Not to fit my opinion, but to be in line with the truth. Finally, you write: "why not let God lead the poor chap in His own time and ways". What does that mean. The chap is here on the forum participating in bible study and he has access to the truth in the word of God. He also can pray and listen if He knows the Lord. Sincerely, Jeff |
||||||
668 | Can you please explain tithing? | Deut 14:1 | jlhetrick | 163439 | ||
hello inmyheart, Your welcome. Your right. Someone being right and someone being wrong is not the point here. The truth is what is important. I know that the day will come when I see Him face to face and I believe that at that time I will find that I was wrong on many points. I have been corrected on this very forum which has helped to add to my understanding and knowledge. I am thankful for that. If there is anything I enjoy about debating these issues it is that 1). I learn more through my own searching 2). I learn from others, and 3). I hope to pass something on that's beneficial. I do have a rule for myself regarding discussing the teachings of God. I believe what I believe because I have come to believe it through my personal study and sitting under the teaching of others. I have enough experience to be able to look back and see that some beliefs I have had needed correcting as I learned more. I'm sure this will always be the case. But I am careful to reconsider my beliefs based only on the basis of scripture. Thanks for your kind comments, Jeff |
||||||
669 | Can you please explain tithing? | Deut 14:1 | jlhetrick | 163434 | ||
hello kisha, Good points. Remember too that it is all that we are blessed with that we are to give back to God from. Not just our money, but our time and other resources. Regarding the return blessing, I have always thought of it like this. I do give "expecting" to get back because God promises this and He also says "test me" on this issue. I agree with you on the motivation issue. If my motivation for giving is because I am expecting something back, then I am giving with the wrong motivation. We should give because we are commanded, we are thankful, we recognize that we only have what God has provided in the first place, we want to see God's plan furthered, etc. But when God promises something, we should expect it, this includes blessings. Jeff |
||||||
670 | Can you please explain tithing? | Deut 14:1 | jlhetrick | 163377 | ||
Hello Lionheart, well said. |
||||||
671 | Can you please explain tithing? | Deut 14:1 | jlhetrick | 163367 | ||
Hello ngkh, Thanks for the response. These verses say it very clearly. I didn't use them earlier because it's my experience that those who argue that the tithe is not a command for today always point out that this was God speaking to a different people at a different time. Your right that no one can judge another if they don't pay their tithe or if they don't follow any other command. This is not about judging and I don't believe there has been any judgmental statements on either side of this debate here. This is about teaching the truth found in the word of God. I disagree with your statement "in the end it's one's belief if he wants to pay or not". This is a dangerous position to take. As christians, our responsibilities do not come from what we believe about a particular subject. They come from the truth and what God expects from us. Again, this is not an issue of salvation, but one of obedience. It is each of our responsibility to look to God's word for the truth and then to be obedient to it through the power of His Spirit. Am I ever disobedient? Very often I'm afraid. Do I judge others for their disobedience? I have no right to and I try my best not to. I am most successful at not having a judgmental attitude when I turn the focus on myself and my own failure to allow Christ to work in my life at times. with love, Jeff |
||||||
672 | Can you please explain tithing? | Deut 14:1 | jlhetrick | 163365 | ||
Hello jl, Thanks for responding. Unfortunately you presented nothing more than your belief and offered nothing that even suggests that the tithe is no longer commanded by God. Let me attempt to address your post in the order that you laid it down. First you write: that “what I mean is no one required someone to give ten percent.” My response: The answer to your statement that no one required is, God required (please refer to my previous post for scriptural support). You write that the tithe was a part of the law and does not justify us. I agree, your on track here. At no point have I argued that we are justified by following any commands of God. We are justified by faith in Christ alone. Please study the book of Romans for understanding. You ask me to explain that the tithe is not part of the law. This confuses me as I have already argued that the tithe is a command from God. Anything that God commands is part of His law. Regarding your reference to my quoting Luke 11:42 I am still not sure of your point. Are you trying to insinuate that I was teaching that paying your tithe relieves you from the responsibility of obeying God in all areas?????? This is not my position at all and I’m not sure why you might have drawn that conclusion. Regarding Jesus and the disciples not requiring believers to tithe “to them”. I think you have missed the point completely. We do not tithe to any person, but to God. Again, referring back to my previous post I pointed out that the tithe was a well established part of God’s law at that time and practiced without question (though I am sure there were those then, as now, who did not obey it fully as they did not obey other commandments). The tithe is made to God. It is “received”, or “taken” by those that God has entrusted leadership over His people. Again, as I mentioned previously, in the OT this was the tribe of Levite, after the finished work of Christ, it is the church. Regarding the passages in Hebrews, I continue to believe you are missing the point. Lets look at it. Heb 7:11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? Heb 7:12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. What is being said here? This is the basic teaching of Christianity. The law here is referring to the whole economy of the time if you will. That is, where tithing was concerned it was commanded, it recognized that all they had came from God in the first place, it served to provide for the needs of the Levites who did not have the option of doing other works to provide for their sustenance. Secondly, the passage is making reference to the sacrificial system by which the people of God made atonement. This served two purpose generally speaking. It demonstrated the requirement of death as the penalty for sin and it pointed to the need for a sacrifice and to the Savior to come. Heb. 7:11 is rhetorical. Many believe that Paul wrote this book and this verse is a good representation of Paul’s way of presenting his point by anticipating the question his reader might ask. “If perfection were by the Levitical priesthood...” We know it wasn’t, “what further need was there that another priest should rise...” We know there was the need. So what change in the law is Paul referring too? Is it the Ten Commandments, the tithe, etc.? I don’t believe so. Is it the law as it pertains to the system of sacrifice which was established by God and required of the people before the coming of the Savior? I say yes. And this answer is supported by the wider teachings of scripture in context. There is no other teaching I have found that suggest that any other law of God has been abolished. You argue that the tithe was part of the law and I agreed. Jesus said: Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Paul said: Rom 3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Rom 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. Hope this was helpful, in love, Jeff |
||||||
673 | Can you please explain tithing? | Deut 14:1 | jlhetrick | 163316 | ||
Hi again jl, in my response to you I asked if you believe the command to tithe is still relevant. That was before I saw this post, sorry. Well, you do not believe the tithe is still commanded, so the last part of my question in the previous post still stands. Can you give scriptural support for your beleif? I don't mean a single verse taken out of context, but actual biblical teaching that supports your belief here. P.S., always remember context. It is dangerous to take a single verse and attempt to make meaning of it out of the context in which it is provided and the wider teaching of the word of God. I in no way intend to accuse you of doing this on purpose so don't be offended by my next comment. Refer to the book of Matthew chapter four. You will see Satan himself attempting to use the very words of scripture out of context in order to decieve the Lord. Interestingly, the Lord does not attempt to debate with Satan; He simply provides more scripture in order to put the devils qote into context and therefore provide truth and meaning. With this in mind, please never attempt to answer another's question with a single verse. With love, Jeff |
||||||
674 | Can you please explain tithing? | Deut 14:1 | jlhetrick | 163313 | ||
Hello jl, No, I wasn't saying that, but I do believe it so I'll say it now. My response was to lisandra's question specifically asking about the tithe. But yes, I believe the tithe is still required. I haven't seen where God has changed this from a command to a "if it's in your heart do it". The verse you quote has often been used to argue out of context that God's people no longer have a responsibility to give back to God and to provide for the needs of the church at the stipulated 10 persent commanded in the Old Testament. In fact, I was once guilty of being mislead by that very verse. If you study in context though, I believe that you will discern the meaning of what the verse is saying. By the way, the verse you quoted is not Jesus speaking but Paul. So let's see what paul is really saying. Remember context. Back up a verse. 2Co 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. So, with this in mind; 2Co 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. Notice that the issue of tithe is not even hinted at. I believe, and have no reason not to believe, that Paul and his audience in Corinth did not question the responsibility to follow the command of God by tithing. Why would we assume that paul is presenting argument that the tithe is no longer commanded???? The passage goes on to encourage by showing how God "is able" to bless the "sowing". As we continue in the passage it would appear that Paul is not referring to the tithe, but rather, "liberal giving". This would insinuate giving above the tithe (see verse 13). But you did ask, "did Jesus require us to give ten percent..." Luk 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, AND NOT TO LEAVE THE OTHER UNDONE. (emphasis added, not intended as YELLING). hope this helps explain my position. By the way, Do you believe christians are required to tithe. If not, can you support your position with scripture? with love, Jeff |
||||||
675 | God Question | Rom 10:17 | jlhetrick | 163213 | ||
Hi Joel, Yes, and many have been lead astray by so-called experiences. God did creat us as beings with emotions and I'm thankful for that. I believe He gave us those emotions in part so that we would be able to discern right from wrong, good from bad in our spirit in correlation with our logical understanding. But Satan is very clever and he has presented us with lie after lie where our emotions are concerned. The things of the world can make us "feel" so good. And you bring up idolatry. Absolutely. We chase after that "feel good" until it becomes our purpose, our goal in life; to feel good about life and about ourselves. I believe this is a good reason why, to my understanding, God does not use experiences as a primary method of speaking to us. It makes good sense that He provided us with a written guide by which to judge all things. in love, Jeff |
||||||
676 | God Question | Rom 10:17 | jlhetrick | 163188 | ||
Hello Joel, Your response here was well articulated and more clear regarding what you were referring to. Thanks for sharing part of your personal testamony. As a minister and teacher of God's word you are aware, I assume, that much of what we read in the way of experiences in the scriptures were in fact the way God did communicate with men before He had completed the work of giving us the written word. I appreciate the fact that God's relationship with us is no more isolated to the written word only, as my relationship with my wife is to the text message I recently sent her. Fortunately though, our experiences are in so far as they relate to God's revelation to us. If it is from God, it will line up with what is found in the bible 100 percent. If it is only 99.9 percent in aggreement, then it is not from God. With that in mind, I feel it is prudent to always point those who are seeking God to the bible as the only legitimate source for finding Him. If God chooses to knock one from a horses back and speak to him in an audible voice, He has every right to do that and, in that case, I believe the person will be sure that he has had a experience. One more thought. In this particular case, Rick is someone who admits that he does not even know if God exists. I would caution that in this case, nothing beyond the written word of God and prayer should be encouraged or even hinted at. Life is full of experiences and we must not forget; they often come from the other side cleverly shrouded with bits of truth and warm fuzzy emotions. For the lost, we must point the way clearly. God has given us what we need to do that, His word, the Holy Bible. With love, Jeff |
||||||
677 | God Question | Rom 10:17 | jlhetrick | 163180 | ||
Lionheart, Your so right about this. I have had an "experience" that was life changing. This ocurred when I was a young adult but very young as a christian (after having turned back to God after years of living in the world). I don't share it with others for fear the experience itself will become the focus. In any case, God spoke to me through it. The interesting thing is that He only had one thing to say through this experience and that was to point me to a particular book that, at the time, I didn't even know was in the bible. Looking back I realize that the Lord didn't substitue the experience for His word. Rather, He used it to point me back to His word. Nothing was answered by the experience except for an answer of where to look. Now, years later, I know that that same answer is the answer for every question or conflict I face in life. Look to His word and nowhere else. With love, Jeff |
||||||
678 | God Question | Rom 10:17 | jlhetrick | 163161 | ||
Hello Lionheart, Well said. Thanks for the input. This is such a wonderful truth. As a young Christian I had spent many years in a nondenominational church that put a lot of emphasis on feelings and experiences. I often found myself dicouraged because I did not have some of the same experiences I heard others talking about. I felt something was wrong with me and with my relationship with God. In truth, there was something wrong. It was that I was looking outside of scripture, hoping for and expecting "experiences" that would build my faith and give meaning to my relationship with God. I would regularly here others use language like "God spoke to me and said...." or "I ask the Lord and He told me...." I guess I was lead (and allowed myself to be lead) into confusion as I too started "hearing from God". As I started studying the bible more seriously I eventually realized that God had been speaking to me all along. But throug His word the bible and not those inspirational feelings I had been feeling. I still have far to go but I now realize that the only source of truth and guidance is God's word given in the bible. There is a reason for that of course. I only have to look back to that time of confusion. With love, Jeff |
||||||
679 | God Question | Rom 10:17 | jlhetrick | 163158 | ||
Hello Joel, Argument is only good in the sense of honest debate, which is what I've attempted to do here; Not argue for the sake of argument or with bitter content. This is a forum for bible study. None of us have all of the answers. With that in mind, you continue to present the argument that there is some sort of revelation apart from faith. In the post I'm responding to now you state that Rick "will be one who comes to God by revelation not by faith alone". In the spirit of honest and true bible study, I ask that you provide scriptural references to support what you have expressed here. I believe that the bible teaches very clearly that "coming to God" is a matter of faith, and furthermore, it is faith alone that accomplishes this in each and every person that does come to Him. This is taught throughout the entire bible and an essential teaching and not a negotiable one. As I am asking it of you, I will again attach some general references that support my position. Hab 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. Act 15:8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; Act 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Act 26:16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Act 26:17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, Act 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Rom 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: Rom 3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Rom 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. All of the above verses taken from the KJV Hope this is helpful, Jeff |
||||||
680 | God Question | Rom 10:17 | jlhetrick | 163137 | ||
Hello Joel, I don't understand why you use the word Ironic here????? As for "lashing out". I don't understand that either. Perhapse my earlier reply to a former post you made to me cleard things up. Jeff |
||||||
Result pages: << First < Prev [ 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 ] Next > Last [41] >> |