Results 661 - 680 of 802
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Wild Olive Shoot Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
661 | Why Esau not got his blessing back? | Gen 27:35 | Wild Olive Shoot | 155459 | ||
I don't see where Isaac did any such thing. But the results of the act itself can be identified: Did Jacob and Rebekah ever see each other again after Jacob was sent to Laban? Genesis 35:27-29 states that Jacob returned into Isaac but doesn't mention Rebekah. That seems pretty intense in light of the evident love they had toward one another. Jacob also went without seeing his brother and father again for many years. Punishment for the act seems to have rightly come from God rather than Isaac. Just an observation. I stated that hopefully I would have called on God for direction in handling the situation if it were me, but I can probably honestly admit; had my wife and son deceived me in a similar manner, I’m sure I would have wanted to make their time with me miserable, at least for a while. Not that I condone such action, but in honesty, I’m sure I would have been upset. That’s just me. WOS |
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662 | BIBLE (mens ) FAULTS | Bible general Archive 2 | Wild Olive Shoot | 155296 | ||
I get the sense that the forum may believe that obi is a member of LDS??? I would have debate that because I'm sure he hasn't read or is unaware of what his beloved Mr. Smith wrote on respect of others in his "Gospel Doctrine". Surely if he is promoting that his church is the true church and that obedience is a requirement for salvation, he would at least abide in it's doctrine and show respect to others which evidence very clears shows, is lacking. Not a very good example obi, in any case. Definitely not a Christian example seeing that you all have argued that you are really Christians so long and so hard. I pray you’ll recognize your error and repent. WOS |
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663 | Why Esau not got his blessing back? | Gen 27:35 | Wild Olive Shoot | 155292 | ||
Hi iktoose, I’m probably not the best person to get real in depth on this one. There are many more knowledgeable than I on the forum that can address and probably explain in more clear terms, but I’ll give it a try. I’m always willing to give my point of view when asked. First of all, Isaac didn’t state that he had no more blessings. Genesis 27:39,40 records the blessing that Isaac did in fact place unto Esau. But just prior to that in v37, Isaac told Esau what he had blessed Jacob with and posed the question to Esau, “and what shall I do now unto thee, my son?” Jacob had the blessing and regardless whether or not Isaac wanted to revoke it, it was still his word, and that stands for something and Jacob was given authority to rule, so Esau would have no other choice but to serve. My study Bible points out that someone’s word, especially when it was with a formal oath was binding, much like a written contract is today, thus another reason Isaac’s blessing was irrevocable. This wasn’t necessarily a blessing from God, as I understand it. It was the ceremony of blessing that officially handed over the birthright to the rightful heir that would include spiritual blessings. Realize also that Jacob had been given the birthright years before by Esau when he sold it to him (which was apparently done at times), but that showed complete disregard for the spiritual blessings that would have come his way had he not relinquished it to satisfy his immediate desire without considering the consequences. Matthew Henry continued in the commentary I submitted previously with this: “That those who undervalue their spiritual birthright, and can afford to sell it for a morsel of meat, forfeit spiritual blessings, and it is just with God to deny them those favours they were careless of. Those that will part with their wisdom and grace, with their faith and a good conscience, for the honours, wealth, or pleasures, of this world, however they may pretend a zeal for the blessing, have already judged themselves unworthy of it, and so shall their doom be.” But Isaac did in fact bless Esau. He didn’t necessarily curse him. He would still have a competent livelihood. He’ll live by his sword shows that he would serve but he would not starve. He would serve but would break the yoke from off his neck, and he would eventually be free of bondage. Esau prospered for a time. The commentary I’ve referred to can be viewed at the following. It was very helpful to me in understanding what is being stated. http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/mhc-com/ My thoughts as a parent: Well we’re walking on dangerous ground now, asking for my own personal thoughts. Being a father of two with another on the way, I hope and pray that I am fair an equal with all of my children, that I don’t favor one over the other. The truth however, I’m probably not all of the time. Not that I love one more than another, but depending on the circumstances I tend to favor one over another to enjoy a particular activity based on their enjoyment as well. I don’t necessarily get everyone involved and sometimes, one child may feel left out. I try to ration my time and efforts equally so as not to discourage either of them, and this will be even more intense with the arrival of our third. Truth be told, I probably don’t spend enough time with them as time seems to be such a rare commodity these days. I’ll strive to better myself in that area. So I hope I’m not in the position Isaac was as a father in which he apparently displayed his favoritism so greatly. That should be avoided. But as a parent who loves his child and is witness to a tremendous disappointment such as Esau displayed, I simply hope I have the faith and love to comfort them in any way I can. What I give to one, I would hope to be able to give to the others equally and just as fulfilling. However, in some cases, just as with Isaac and Esau, we see that it just isn’t possible all of the time. I hope to teach my children to make the best of what they have and what they are given and to understand that not all their desires will be fulfilled for one reason or another and they will have to adjust accordingly. What would I have done in Isaac’s case? Hopefully I would have called on God for the answer and had faith that it was the right answer. WOS |
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664 | Walk through 1 John | 1 John 4:10 | Wild Olive Shoot | 155248 | ||
Truths learned about the Godhead: John clearly lays out the truths concerning the Godhead. All three attributes of the Triune God are presented in this epistle. 1. God The Father. 2. God The Son. 3. God, The Holy Spirit. John emphasizes the Humanity of God the Son. He portrays Christ’s divinity proper, but places significance on the humanity of Christ to dispel apparent heresies that were developing within the church. Christ retained His deity while being fully man at the same time. They witnessed Christ as man. They touched Him, they heard Him, they looked upon Him and they handled Him. This was the Word of Life… come to life, in the flesh. J. Vernon McGee wrote about the Apostle; “John reclined upon the bosom of Jesus in the upper room. He heard the heartbeat of God”. God the Father is represented as light. The light is what is pure, true, holy and reliable. He is perfectly pure. The Father is also portrayed as the Judge to which Christ is our advocate. Christ is our means to the Father. To deny Him is to also deny the Father. To Abide in Him is to fellowship with Him and the Father. Obedience to Christ is of the essence to which the Holy Spirit will show us. The Holy Spirit is shown as teaching us all things. Preserving us. He is our assurance that we dwell in Him and Him in us. We testify with the Spirit that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. Those who confess, that Jesus is the Son, God dwells in him and him in God. 1 John 5:7For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. Truths learned about the Gospel: John clearly proclaims the Gospel throughout this epistle similar in style to his own Gospel account. The emphasis is love and it is clearly love. Not love from us to God, rather love from God to us in Sending His Son so that through Him we may gain eternal life. From His Gospel: John 3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Life was manifested and seen and bore witness to and shown us that He who was with the father was manifested unto us. The light of God shown upon us, and when we walk in that light, we have fellowship with Christ. His blood was shed to cleanse us of all sin. We will be forgiven our sins if we confess them. Not only our sins, but for the sins of the world was he made to be our propitiation. Our sins our forgiven for His name’s sake. In that we are promised eternal life. This is the love of God to us that He sent His one and only Son to die for us that we may live through Him. He that has the Son has life, and in that, eternally. And the other truth of the Gospel is called out as well; “he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” 1 John 4:9In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. WOS |
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665 | Why Esau not got his blessing back? | Gen 27:35 | Wild Olive Shoot | 155221 | ||
iktoose, The correspondence you and mark shared seems to have answered the questions and my thoughts would agree. It’s not really a matter of condoning things contrary to God’s will for reason of a better outcome, or breaking laws for good reasons. To me, it is a matter of relying on the sovereignty of God and the fact that what he desires to happen does in fact happen. I would never agree that it is acceptable to break laws and to be deceitful and un-Christ like because we see a better result or a quicker result than letting God work it His way. We should never condone inappropriate behavior or unethical practices but inevitably, they’ll happen, we will sin. Isn’t it great, knowing that God can take our wicked ways and use them for His benefit if He desires to do so? Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Like Mark stated, and to which you readily agreed, Jacob would have still received the blessing even without Rebekah’s involvement, one way or another. One thing to which Scripture doesn’t elaborate on is Isaac’s deeper thoughts during all of this. As Matthew Henry pointed out, it is conceivable that Isaac remembered the divine oracle and came to his senses. And since the Scriptures don’t point out, it is also conceivable that Isaac wasn’t aware of it. I find the latter hard to believe however. (Just my own personal opinion.) What is quite evident from the Scripture though, is that Isaac favored Esau. In His favoritism it is possible that he was blind to the will of God for a time. As pointed out elsewhere in Scripture, favoritism is not a desirable characteristic and can be harmful. Colossians 3:21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. James 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: 9But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. 10For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. Isaac’s favoritism of Esau could have very well clouded his judgment and then he simply came to his senses and realized what had happened was God’s will, therefore, Jacob kept his blessing. Maybe I shouldn’t speculate, but I see a variety of life lessons learned from this particular incident with the heart of it being God’s sovereignty. WOS |
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666 | what is wisdom- what is knowledge | 1 Cor 12:8 | Wild Olive Shoot | 155064 | ||
Annet, You would think that wisdom and knowledge would be one of the same. I did as well. But they are singled out by Paul as being separate, therefore, different. The definition that may best fit wisdom in this sense is insight or the ability to discern inner qualities and relationships. It could also be good sense or a wise attitude or course of action. Knowledge may best be described fitting in here as simply the fact or condition of apprehending truth or fact. Cognition. That's just my take on it though. The Amplified Bible distinguishes these as well. To one is given in and through the [Holy] Spirit [the power to speak] a message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] a word of knowledge and understanding according to the same [Holy] Spirit; WOS |
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667 | Does God love everybody? | Rom 8:39 | Wild Olive Shoot | 155059 | ||
Swerv, You stated: “His elect are those who reflect their love for God by obeying His commandments. This does not earn salvation but reveals to God our heart in wanting to serve and obey Him.” That statement is only partially true. Was Saul of Tarsus not God’s elect even though he persecuted the those of “the way”? Was Peter not God’s elect even though he denied the Lord three times? Was King David not God’s elect even though he committed adultery and murdered? Was Moses not God’s elect even though he disobeyed and was forbidden to enter the Promised Land? Was Jacob not God’s elect even though he lied to his father and deceived him to receive his blessing? Do those actions reflect their love for God or obedience? God’s elect were chosen before they had a chance to choose to be obedient. (Eph 1:3,4) (2 Tim 2:19) (2 Thess 2:13). It is God’s sovereign choice who the elect shall be. (Rom 9:14-24) And in all of these we see it was based on nothing to do with our works, since yet, there were no works done. God did not set the elect because he foresaw them to be holy, God determined to make them so. You then said “No matter what - the people will be saved in the end at Jesus return - are those who keep His commandments.” We don’t keep His commandments. If we could obey and keep His commandments in their entirety, Jesus would not have had to willingly die in our place. It is through faith in Christ and what he accomplished on the cross that we are saved. Saying that we must keep the laws in order to be saved is not true in the least. Even under the Old Covenant it wasn’t adherence to the Law that saved, it was faith. The Law showed us that we couldn’t do it on our own. We are called to be obedient and our obedience does show just where our hearts are, but we are not saved simply because we keep his commandments. From the grace of God comes our salvation, freely given to us through faith in Jesus Christ. You also stated: “The only reason we have a New covenant is because fault was found with the people of the Old covenant because they could not keep the promises they made as part of the Old covenant.” The reason we have the New Covenant is because that was God’s plan all along. He didn’t decide one day that he needs to adjust His perfectly eternal plan to suite the wickedness of men. We can’t keep the commandments either. If fault is going to be placed, you had better place it on us as well. Christ’s atonement was for sins past present and future. I found the following, which I hope helps you to address your statement: “The question we then must ask ourselves is what laws did God put in our heart for us to obey. Although, the covenant has changed from Old to New - God still wants us to obey His laws which instead of being written on stone - are now written on our hearts.” “Written in their hearts - The revealed Law of God was written on tables of stone, and then recorded in the books of the Old Testament. This law the Gentiles did not possess, but, to a certain extent, the same requirements were written on their hearts. Though not revealed to them as to the Jews, yet they had obtained the knowledge of them by the tight of nature. The word “hearts” here denotes the mind itself, as it does also frequently in the Sacred Scriptures; not the heart, as the seat of the affections. It does not mean that they loved or even approved of the Law, but that they had knowledge of it; and that that knowledge was deeply engraved on their minds. Their conscience - This word properly means the judgment of the mind respecting right and wrong; or the judgment which the mind passes on the morality or immorality of its own actions, when it instantly approves or condemns them. It has usually been termed the moral sense, and is a very important principle in a moral government. Its design is to answer the purposes of an ever attendant witness of a man’s conduct; to compel him to pronounce on his own doings, and thus to excite him to virtuous deeds, to give comfort and peace when he does right, to deter from evil actions by making him, whether he will or no, his own executioner: see Joh_8:9; Act_23:1; Act_24:16; Rom_9:1; 1Ti_1:5. By nature every man thus approves or condemns his own acts; and there is not a profounder principle of the divine administration, than thus compelling every man to pronounce on the moral character of his own conduct. Conscience may be enlightened or unenlightened; and its use may be greatly perverted by false opinions. Its province is not to communicate any new truth, it is simply to express judgment, and to impart pleasure or inflict pain for a man’s own good or evil conduct. The apostle’s argument, does not require him to say that conscience revealed any truth, or any knowledge of duty, to the Gentiles, but that its actual exercise proved that they had a knowledge of the Law of God. Thus, it was a witness simply of that fact.” – Matthew Henry WOS |
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668 | Does God love everybody? | Rom 8:39 | Wild Olive Shoot | 155027 | ||
I disagree with this on many levels. Since when and where in Scripture does it state that man and our actions dictate God's perfect plan? Where does it also state we must "earn" salvation? And another, just what do you perceive the elect to be? WOS |
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669 | Walk through 1 John | 1 John 4:10 | Wild Olive Shoot | 155022 | ||
The epistle of 1 John: Among other thoughts, it calls us to truly examine ourselves to see where we really stand with our Lord and with each other. Arguably, it emphasizes love above all else. Love of God and love of others and gives us proofs in which to measure ourselves by. It as well lays out evidences of what we are called to do, what we may face in doing so and how we should expect to overcome it. As I’ve gone through it, I’ve delighted in the simplistic truths it puts forth. I’ve also realized that I fall very short of being a true disciple of our Lord. As the epistle points out, there is much progress for me to make in my continued walk in faith. With His help, I’m sure it will be accomplished. I can only pray. I wanted to share with the forum some of the truths I’ve taken from the epistle. It’s rather a condensed version and I’m sure I haven’t pulled out everything contained within its chapters, but for me this has proven to be a valuable walk. Thoughts I’ve come away with: Although we have not seen the physical Christ, we have the eyewitness testimony of those who did. We too are to proclaim to all the eternal life offered through Christ. (1 John 1:2; 5:5-13) We are to fellowship with Christ and with other believers as well. (1 John 1:3-7) We are to prove ourselves of fellowship by walking in His light. This would be obedience. Obedience is not only in His commands, but also that which is pleasing to Him. Anything less would be disobedience. (1 John 1:6:7 / 1 John 2:3,4; 3:18, 22-24; 5:2,3) We are called to know the truth and live that truth. (1 John 1:6-8) We are to recognize our sin rather than deny it. We are called to confess it to Him and seek His forgiveness. Rely on Christ for our purification. (1 John 1:8-10) We are called to be sinless. But we are to understand that when we do falter before a holy God, Christ and only Christ is our propitiation. (1 John 2:1,2; 3:4-6, 7-9; 5:18) Believe in the name of Jesus Christ and pattern our life after Him. Remove self-righteousness. We are to walk as our Lord did. (1 John 2:6; 3:23; 5:5, 20) We are to grow and progress spiritually in love, the old and new command. (1 John 2:7,8) (Leviticus 19:18) (John 13:34,35) We are to love God and one another as God loves us. Recognize that we are to value our brother’s soul as much as God does. This would also include helping our brothers when they are in error. Actively seeking to help our brothers out of love, which is selfless giving and prayer for those same. (1 John 2:9-11; 3:11-15; 16-20; 4:7-12; 4:19-21; 5:16,) We are called to be lights of the world. We most expose evil and error and anything not in compliance with God’s will, as we know it. (1 John 2:9-11) (Matthew 5:14-16) We are called to abstain from worldliness, both internally and externally. In doing so we should be actively practicing self-control, while possessing a spirit of generosity and a commitment to humble service. (1 John 2:15-17; 5:5) We are to recognize anti-christs, the false teachers that would lure us away from the truth. Test the spirits. (1 John 2:18,19; 3:7-10; 4:1-3) Recognize that the most hurtful lies are usually falsehoods and errors relating to the person of Christ as well as the offices of Christ. Rely on the Holy Spirit for all truth. (1 John 2:20-23; 26,27) We are to persevere. (1 John 2:24,25; 28; 3:1-3) Recognize and know others who belong to Christ. (1 John 2:29; 3:7-10; 4:6,13-16; 5:18) Realize that the world will hate those who belong to God. (1 John 3:13) Truthfully and continually examine ourselves to ensure we are Children of God. (1 John 3:19-24) Live in love and obedience and not fear and be confident come judgment. (1 John 4:17,18; 5:14,15) Rely on God to overcome the evils that we cannot on our own. (1 John 4:4; 5:18) Accept all who God has called into His family. (1 John 5:1,2) Refrain from idols, anything that keeps God from being our focus. (1 John 5:21) WOS |
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670 | Flesh or Spirit | Psalm | Wild Olive Shoot | 154984 | ||
Doc, I hope you have come to realize how much appreciate your words. If I was ever sorry for asking for your input it would only be because you have enlightened me on a subject in which I wasn’t really seeking to hear an honest answer. Thank you for the response. The inquiry I was curious of stemmed from 1. My own debate in trying to reconcile the work of Spirit with our “old” sinful nature. 2. Your response to HopeinHim which gave me the impression that a backslidden state was some sort of misconception. After reading, so far, the three responses, from you, Hank and Jlhetrick, I came to the realization that in essence, when we sin, we “back-slide” but we should not be setting up camp, so to speak, in that state or condition and that by the work of the Spirit we won’t be. Our call is to realize our sin and repent of it before that becomes a so-called permanent or lasting condition. The Holy Spirit enables us to accomplish that. I take that a backslidden condition is not one indicative of a Christian because we are to recognize it and take the appropriate actions to remove ourselves from it. But nonetheless, it seems to be an unavoidable and at times a very testing part of a Christian’s walk with Christ, or rather a departure or falling away from Christ, that can only be resolved through Him. So I think I now agree (although I couldn’t honestly disagree since I was still questioning it within myself) with the statement you gave to HopeinHim which was “I may be mistaken, but I do not see the the Bible accommodating such a definition of a disciple of Christ.” Unless of course, I am just way off base on this one, I feel the question I had has been thoroughly answered. Doc, I thank you for your input, I’ve come to value it, no matter “ my opinion or feeling”, on any given subject. And as always, feel free to proceed with anything you feel appropriate to convey. I’m listening and learning and deciphering the best I can and very much appreciate all that you and many others here on the forum have to share. Thank you brother. WOS |
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671 | Flesh or Spirit | Psalm | Wild Olive Shoot | 154983 | ||
Jlhetrick, Thank you for your comments. You really put the subject back into perspective for me. I do hold to the truth that once God seals us as His with His Holy Spirit, there is nothing we can do to shake off our salvation. The odd thing is, I think I separated the two and shouldn’t have. Funny how I seem to try and work out a subject and separate from everything else not realizing that one directly relates to the other. My point… In attempting to reconcile a backslidden state with what the Spirit will accomplish in us, I failed to take into consideration the fact that once we are saved, truly saved, we have that eternally. I was considering a backslidden state to be something of a period of time, a time in which we intentionally or unintentionally place a distance between God and ourselves, a span of time, not just an individual moment. But as Hank pointed out, every time we sin, it can be considered such a state because we sure don’t pull closer to Him in doing so. But the effect of that span, or moment, in which we do pull away, God can use to strengthen us. The Spirit accomplishes the same. The end result, we are sealed and assured of our salvation. Our obligation is to recognize our sin and repent of it. It is the Holy Spirit that will enable us to that. Thank you for the redirection, or pointing out my misdirection. It is very much appreciated. WOS |
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672 | Flesh or Spirit | Psalm | Wild Olive Shoot | 154982 | ||
Hank, I thank you for you comments and time. We haven’t interacted much and I hope that isn’t the case in the future. If anything, I try to be aware of what you post on the forum because I’ve seen that no matter what the subject is, your responses convey truth and honesty with a wealth of experience behind them from what seems to me, to be a faithful walk with our Lord. So please, feel free to share your thoughts with me anytime. I tend to pay more attention to those who been around a while longer than I have. I’ve learned there is much yet to learn from the elder generation if only the younger would spend some of their time and listen. We all need to spend more time listening to, as you put it, “grumpy and decrepit old codgers”. You have plenty to share I’m sure. Thank you for reinforcing that there is nothing greater than God. So great that when we do begin to fall away, He has the power to catch us and use the results of our sin to break us and make realize that we can’t do without Him and if we think we can, we are terribly mistaken. That’s what I get from the references to King David and Peter. We’ll never, no matter how hard we try, be able to accomplish salvation on our own because we will falter if choose to step away from the Lord and venture on our own. But by the grace of God, we’ll return and through His Son we’ll remain acceptable. I’ve come to the understanding that our happiness is proportionate to our holiness. The closer we walk with our Lord, the more blessed we will be and in ways not even imagined. I’ve seen that in my relatively short time as a Christian. Years I spent lost without calling on the Lord to save me, and there has since been a noticeable difference concerning my peace and comfort and happiness. My only regret… I refused early on to recognize that only through His grace can I be confident of my salvation. Thank God for His grace. Thank you Brother Hank. WOS |
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673 | Flesh or Spirit | Psalm | Wild Olive Shoot | 154964 | ||
Hi Doc, Would like your thoughts on, what I take as, the noticeable declension of the church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:4,5) compared to the so-called “backslidden” state. I’m really glad this subject came up. I’m currently studying 1 John and am having difficulties reconciling the fact that we do indeed sin, even with what the Holy Spirit does accomplish within us. From 1 John specifically, I come to an understanding that the Spirit of God works to the same result in all circumstances and that He can in no case produce un-holiness. Outside of this epistle you find reference to “quenching the Spirit” as in 1 Thessalonians 5:19. But even within the epistle I come to the conclusion that we receive a new nature at regeneration but keep remnants of the old. Could that, along with the rebuke given to the Church in Ephesus in Revelation, be indicative to the possibility of a backslidden condition within a Christian’s life? We are warned numerous times to beware of those who would lead us astray and arguably, it seems we can “forsake our first love” to a “degree” of falling away. Or is this a complete falling away from Christ? I get the sense, and I’m posting for the purpose of some sort of guidance here because I’m just really not sure, that there may be simply a temporary backslidden state to which we can repent of? Would really like to get everyone’s take on this. WOS |
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674 | Why Esau not got his blessing back? | Gen 27:35 | Wild Olive Shoot | 154914 | ||
iktoose, The simple answer: It was God's will for Jacob to have the blessing. "But this was an extraordinary blessing; and Providence so ordered it that Isaac should bestow it upon Jacob ignorantly and by mistake, that it might appear he was beholden to God for it, and not to Isaac... Isaac, when first made sensible of the imposition that had been practised on him, trembled exceedingly, Gen_27:33. Those that follow the choice of their own affections, rather than the dictates of the divine will, involve themselves in such perplexities as these. But he soon recovers himself, and ratifies the blessing he had given to Jacob: I have blessed him, and he shall be blessed; he might, upon very plausible grounds, have recalled it, but now, at last, he is sensible that he was in an error when he designed it for Esau. Either himself recollecting the divine oracle, or rather having found himself more than ordinarily filled with the Holy Ghost when he gave the blessing to Jacob, he perceived that God did, as it were, say Amen to it." -- Matthew Henry The divine oracle referenced: Genesis 25 22But the children struggled together within her; and she said, "If it is so, why then am I this way?" So she went to inquire of the LORD. 23The LORD said to her, "Two nations are in your womb; And two peoples will be separated from your body; And one people shall be stronger than the other; And the older shall serve the younger." 24When her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. 25Now the first came forth red, all over like a hairy garment; and they named him Esau. 26Afterward his brother came forth with his hand holding on to Esau's heel, so his name was called Jacob; and Isaac was sixty years old when she gave birth to them. WOS |
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675 | Can you prove 'a' god exists? | Bible general Archive 2 | Wild Olive Shoot | 154798 | ||
I think one of the greater proofs of God’s existence is the display of great opposition to it. How can one oppose that which does not exist? The greatest proof however, is Jesus himself and the eyewitness accounts of Him and who He was that we have in our Holy Scripture that have endured every argument that man could raise against them and survived every attempt made to break them. Add to that our conscience of knowing right and wrong and the proof continues to mount. God has revealed Himself to every man. The rejection of those who refuse to see or submit to the evidence that God has provided is proof in itself. I believe it is a “belief or a concept” that there is no God out of blatant refusal to identify with God, not that evidence and proof is lacking but rather faith is lacking. Therefore, for man to prove God’s existence, there must first be an establishment of faith in God within the one in which you are attempting to prove God’s existence. The evidence or proof is not lacking rather it is rejected and consequently, that very faith is a gift from the same God who has been rejected and in whom there is no belief and therefore faith is withheld. One who sees the truths of God’s existence and willfully denies them has no faith. There is nothing that man can do to convince him otherwise. But that doesn’t mean the proof is lacking. It simply shows our ignorance in accepting the truth. The proof is there, the very message of God is among us. Prior to that God walked among us. What more proof can one need? WOS |
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676 | Purpose of John's baptism? | Luke 3:3 | Wild Olive Shoot | 154777 | ||
Dalcent, Do not add works to our salvation. Our good works are a by-product of our faith and proof of our fellowship with Christ and Baptism is indeed a proof and profession of our faith in Christ but is not a required "part or piece" of the salvation process. I disagree with your faith plus Baptism equals salvation stance. The following is my view as posted in post numbers 151719 and 151715. It was addressed to another forum user, but it applies here as well. Note: Nick, You need to take your own advice in which you quoted Matthew 22:29: “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God” Read Ephesians 2:8-9. Seams to me that you boast you are saved due to some kind of work in which you did. Understand that the power of God means the power of God. Your salvation is not dependant on anything you do for which to earn it by. It is a gift.-- post 151715 Note: "Furthermore, let me refer you to the following verses, keeping in mind when you read them that Scripture does not contradict itself: John 3:16 Titus 3:5 If Baptism is a requirement for salvation, then please explain the following: 1 Corinthians 1:14 1 Corinthians 1:17 So the cross of Christ does not have the power? Is that what you claim? How about the following verses in The Gospel of John alone, in which we are told to “believe”, and never once does it mention being baptized: John 1:12 John 3:16 John 3:18 John 3:36 John 5:24 John 11:25-26 John 12:44 John 20:31 Also realize the following with Mark 16:16: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Only the first half of that verse speaks of belief and baptism. The second half only speaks of belief. It does NOT say, “but whoever does not believe or is not baptized will be condemned.” Baptism is a step in obedience, and an important one. However YOU cannot make it a requirement."-- post 151719. Our salvation rests wholly on God's grace through faith in Christ. WOS |
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677 | CHOOSING TO REJECT JESUS | Bible general Archive 2 | Wild Olive Shoot | 154749 | ||
Who is there among us who does not desire to come to God in heaven? Lives there a man with soul so dead that he has no pantings for another and a better world? Is there a heart so seared that it never longs to be at rest—an eye so blind that it never looks into the hereafter, and a soul so stolid that it never leaps with exulting spirit, in the prospect of a world of joy and happiness? The wild untutored savage of the woods looks to another world, and when some beloved one is buried, he lights a fire upon the grave, to light the spirit through the dreary shades of death, that it may find its way to paradise; and then he sits upon the grave, when the fire is quenched, and days of the spirit that is gone, and hopes for it that it has gone to the kingdom of the blessed, to the land of the hereafter. Never is he content, unless he hopes that the spirit of his beloved one is gone to a better land. And shall it be imagined that any of us who are living in a Christian country are shutting our eyes to the future, and never think of looking beyond the grave there are many here—nay, all of us are longing for another and a better world. O world of woe, what wert thou, if thou wert not a stepping-stone to a world of bliss? O land of graves and shrouds, of pick-axe and of spade, what wert thou if we did not dive through thee into the land of light? O vale of tears, what wert thou, if it were not that thou art the pathway to the mountain of transfiguration? O valley of Baca, filled with tears of sorrow, till the pools thereof are overflowing! what wert thou, if thou didst not lead to the tabernacles of our God, the peaceful sanctuary in which we hope to dwell? But there is no way to heaven, whatever our hopes may be, but through Christ. O spirit of man, there is no way to the gates of pearl but through the bleeding side of Jesus. These are the gates of paradise—these bleeding wounds. If thou wouldst find thy way to God's bright throne, find first thy way to Jesus' shameful cross; if thou wouldst know the way to happiness, tread in that path of misery which Jesus trod. What! attempt another way? Man, art thou mad enough to think that thou canst rend the posts, and bars, and gates of heaven from their perpetual places, and force thy way by thy created strength? The arm of God shall dash thee down to the nethermost pit. – C. H. Spurgeon Christ will be the Finisher of that of which he is the Author or Beginner; if he have prepared the place for us, he will prepare us for it. Christ is the sinner's Way to the Father and to heaven, in his person as God manifest in the flesh, in his atoning sacrifice, and as our Advocate. He is the Truth, as fulfilling all the prophecies of a Saviour; believing which, sinners come by him the Way. He is the Life, by whose life-giving Spirit the dead in sin are quickened. Nor can any man draw nigh God as a Father, who is not quickened by Him as the Life, and taught by Him as the Truth, to come by Him as the Way. – Matthew Henry Romans 1:18-20 (NIV) 18The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Matthew 7:13,14(NASB) 13"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14"For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. WOS |
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678 | Be blessed | Acts 10:38 | Wild Olive Shoot | 154730 | ||
C.S.M., I believe Doc has some very valid points. Maybe the following will help. Harper’s Bible Dictionary sin, …The concept of sin is first and foremost a religious concept, because all sin is ultimately against God, God’s laws, God’s creation, God’s covenant, and God’s purposes. It is the basic corrupting agent in the entire universe. There are numerous Hebrew and Greek words used to designate sin in the biblical writings. Perhaps the most basic is a Hebrew word meaning ‘revolt’ or ‘transgression’ and indicating a deliberate act of defiance against God. This idea lies at the heart of the Genesis account of the beginning of sin (Gen. 3:1-7), where the essential problem lies in the desire of the humans to ‘be like God.’ All sin is an act of idolatry, the attempt to replace the Creator with someone or something else, usually one’s own self or one’s own creation. Paul understood this very well, as he indicates in Rom. 1:18-3:20: all humankind lies under condemnation because all are idolators of one type or another. Manifestations: …There is sin that is characterized by falling short of God’s requirements or ‘missing the mark’; there are cultic sins (failure to observe the ritual requirements), political and social sins, and ‘spiritual’ sins (e.g., envy, hate, etc.). In the nt, there is the ‘unforgiveable’ sin (against the Holy Spirit), which, in modern terms, might be paraphrased as an attitude or mind-set wherein a person willfully refuses to accept the forgiveness of sin offered by God through his Son (Matt. 12:22-32; Mark 3:19b-30; Luke 12:8-10; cf. also 1 John 5:16-17). There is sin implicit in the failure of a person to do right, especially toward one’s fellow human beings (e.g., Matt. 25:31-46; Luke 16:19-31), the failure of a person to use God-given ability (e.g., Matt. 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-26), and there is sin even in ignorance, where one commits unconscious or inadvertent sin (e.g., Lev. 5). Perhaps the most heinous sins are those done ‘with a high hand’ (i.e., deliberately and arrogantly; e.g., Num. 15:30-31) and the sin of hypocrisy, especially among ‘religious’ persons (e.g., Matt. 23; Acts 5:1-11). Universality: …The ot prophets, for example, located the source of sin in the ‘heart,’ i.e., in the very depth of one’s being, the seat of volition and action (e.g., especially Jer. 5:23; 17:9-10; cf. Ezek. 36:26; Isa. 29:13). In the nt, Paul insists that ‘all people, both Jews and Greeks, are under the power of sin’ (Rom. 3:9; cf. 1:18-3:20; 5:12-21). The words of the author of 1 John rise up in the face of any notion that sin can be totally overcome and avoided in this world: ‘If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. …If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us’ (1:8-10). Origin: As for the origin of sin, the ot writings have very little to say about the matter, the story in Genesis 3 being the only passage to speak directly to this issue. During the intertestamental period (ca. the last three centuries b.c.), however, many ideas were prevalent about the origin of sin. Most of the speculation focused on the story in Genesis 3 and the additional story in Gen. 6:1-4 about divine creatures having intercourse with human women. As a result of the development of later religious thinking regarding demons and Satan, many linked sin to an outside power that forced its way into the human situation. Others believed that humans were born with conflicting ‘inclinations,’ one toward good and one toward evil. These inclinations were constantly struggling to obtain controlling influence in each person’s life. In the nt, Paul related the sinful condition of the human race to the original transgression of Adam, insisting at the same time, however, that the result of sin (death) ‘spread to all people’ not simply because of Adam’s sin but ‘because all people sinned’ (Rom. 5:12). Satan, the English transliteration of a Hebrew word whose literal meaning is ‘adversary.’ The figure of Satan is found in only three places in the ot, and all of these are postexilic in date (i.e., after 538 b.c.): Job 1-2; Zech. 3:1-2; and 1 Chron. 21:1. In the first two instances (Job 1-2; Zech. 3:1-2), Satan is depicted as a member of God’s court whose basic duty it was to ‘accuse’ human beings before God. He is clearly not at this point an enemy of God and the leader of the demonic forces of evil, as he becomes later. There is some question as to whether, in 1 Chron. 21:1, a specific personality is being described as in Job and Zechariah, or whether the ‘adversary’ is to be understood here as a general tendency toward evil. In the Hebrew text, there is no definite article with the noun ‘Satan,’ and the word is probably best translated simply as ‘an adversary.’ In either case, the figure in 1 Chronicles is not yet the embodiment of evil. It should be noted that ‘the serpent’ of Genesis 3 is never in the ot identified as Satan. WOS |
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679 | Hate Esau, hate us? | Rom 8:39 | Wild Olive Shoot | 154716 | ||
Doc, Thanks. It does sound like a study that I would find enjoyable and enlightening. I’ll do that. By the way, it’s my pleasure to be able to participate in a forum in which the Word can be conveyed and discussed and learned from by others who desire the same. I’ve definitely matured the short time I’ve been here and I honestly thank God for allowing forums such as this to remain active as well everyone else for their help and willingness to share. WOS |
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680 | Hate Esau, hate us? | Rom 8:39 | Wild Olive Shoot | 154642 | ||
Doc, Not anything close to being in depth, only enough to know a little of the line of descendants. Any recommended resources? WOS |
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