Results 81 - 100 of 128
|
||||||
Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Unanswered Bible Questions Author: Aixen7z4 Ordered by Date |
||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
81 | Isn't this like church? | NT general Archive 1 | Aixen7z4 | 102861 | ||
This is wonderful. It feels like church, and I am overwhelmed. If I was younger and less experienced I would think I needed another church. But I have learned. That’s the way it is. If I was not a believer, I do believe that I would find this unbelievable. If there is anyone reading this who is shocked and disappointed in all this, I pray that you read on and take courage. If you are one of those who do not feel it, then please carry on as usual. It is ironic that I recently started a thread on this forum asking for ideas for handling insults. I guess this is the response, a practical lesson. Pity is I have to handle it before I have had a chance to learn. I guess it’s like they say in church: “Don’t pray for patience because what you are really asking for is tribulation. You know, ‘tribulation worketh patience’”. So, let tribulation have its perfect work. I suppose this is of the Lord. So let it be. I did want to learn something. And I do need to learn. What gives a human being the boldness to intrude on a conversation with his pronouncement that it is inappropriate? I have seen it so often, but it seems I can never understand. Is it the understanding that man is to have dominion? Is it the spirit that leads a man to take command of all he sees? Does he assume he has been given command? Or has he? I still ask, “Was that a moving of the Holy Spirit?” I am beginning to think it was. They say God works in a mysterious way. And some of us are blind to all of this, and all we know is love. And sometimes our actions are inappropriate, and our benefactors are there to correct us. But we would like to learn from our mistakes. What was inappropriate? (I am tempted to cut and paste the spark here, that set off all this fireworks). 1. It was inappropriate. Period. Because Brother A said so. 2. It was inappropriate because the post was demeaning. And condescending. Brother B had thought so. 3. It was inappropriate because it constituted an advertisement. But this last was the unkindest cut of all, coming from the one the post had been addressed to. And the post had included an invitation to my house. The response, if I understand it, is that he does not like my house. But first of all, it was inappropriate to invite him to my house while we were meeting at Brother L’s house. And I was trying to practice hospitality. But he does not like my house. I should fix up my house before I invite him back. Isn’t this like church? I wonder, if Jesus was there, what he would say. Jesus lives at my house. |
||||||
82 | When will you pay up? | NT general Archive 1 | Aixen7z4 | 102807 | ||
No, EdB, you have not been paying. But I have been your assistat since the day I came into this family, in February of 1963. So you owe me a lot. I was about to invite you over to my hows so you could pay up, but I see that you hope not. I will just remind you that you are supposed to owe no man anything, except love. While I am here, let me invite you and the others to come over to my hows anyway. I am at http://hishows.org . One room you might like to visit is the one where I am creating an index to this forum. You will find it at http://www.hishows.bizland.com/JEWELS/jewellist.html. At this time it has many of the topics that I have been involved in. When you come you can bring with you the link to any other topic that you would like to see added. Drop it off in the (e-mail) mail box. |
||||||
83 | Don't you just love him? | 2 Cor 12:10 | Aixen7z4 | 102802 | ||
Do I love him? Yes, I do. Do I love you? You didn’t ask, but I don't mind saying it, and I trust I don't get you into trouble for saying it. I do. You are wonderful, and I trust that your contribution will be a help to many. Just so you know I hear you, I think you said we should keep our eyes on the big picture. We should work to resolve the complaint. Also, we should keep our eyes on Jesus. This last one reminded me of a passage in Hebrews: Let us run the race, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Now I wonder how others cope. Do they feel justified in closing shop or staying out? And what of those who fight fire with fire? I would like more contributions for myself and for those I serve. Are there any other overcomers on this forum? |
||||||
84 | Then it's all settled? | Bible general Archive 2 | Aixen7z4 | 102795 | ||
God must GRANT the repentance that leads to the knowledge of the truth. Amen. He does (Acts 11:18). So what's the problem? Please note that I am not trying to restart a Calvinism/Armenian debate. I am suggesting that there is nothing to debate. Let us accept all of God's word. Let us accept God's sovereignty and the privilege of repentance. It may be that square one is where we should stay. |
||||||
85 | Why do you say, "No creature can"? | Bible general Archive 2 | Aixen7z4 | 102785 | ||
Amen to most of that that. The two (the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man) exist simultaneously and only God can tell how. But God has told. Without rereading this entire thread I will offer an answer to the original question based on Amos 7:6. God has sovereignly determined that sin will be punished. God has sovereignly determined that he will withdraw the punishment when a man repents and asks for mercy. God has decided that he will repent of the punishment planned when man repents of his sin. Why can't we accept that? Perhaps it's more fun to keep on "wrestling with one another over these great doctrines". |
||||||
86 | Don't you believe in Predestination? | 1 Cor 4:7 | Aixen7z4 | 102783 | ||
This is not a question about Calvinism, but someone is predestined to try to lead the conversation in that direction. It seems we cannot help ourselves. Is this not a proof that there is some kind of predestination in place? Who made you the way you are? And why is it you cannot change? I say again that I wish this would not become a discussion about whether we are predestined to heaven or hell. My question is this: Even after people are saved, do they really change? Thank God that our destination changes. But what else? Our personalities, apparently, do not change, and soften not even our behavior. Yes, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. I used to believe, because of this and other verses, that a saved person is somewhat like Jesus and becoming more like that from day to day. But now it seems that we are born rewired with a certain temperament. It sets you in a certain direction and experiences, including the “born-again” experience can influence it but it cannot change your direction. Again, I am not talking about your direction in terms of your eternal destination. But it determines the kind of person you are, and you cannot change. Now, please change my mind if you can. I work in psychology and this is my challenge, to help people to change. But today, I think they can’t. I say to you that some of you are going to say the problem is with psychology, that psychology and faith do not mix. But the reason you say that is because that’s the way you are. I would like to change your mind but I can’t. You say only God can change you, but he either can’t or won’t. he has made you the way you are, and that’s the way you’re gong to be. I hope I am wrong, and I hope I can change that opinion. But I think you are the way God made you to be and you cannot change. When you saw this post you thought it had to do with salvation. Can you change your mind from that? Likely as not you never thought that personality was set inalterably by God. Do you think you can change your mind about that? Some things are set, and that includes personality. Only behavior can change, and that’s not easy. It is easier for some, and that depends on our personality. What do you think? |
||||||
87 | How do you deal with insults? | 2 Cor 12:10 | Aixen7z4 | 102765 | ||
Does anyone have a practical method for dealing with insults? If you have experience in this area, and if you have found a way to deal with it, especially within the church, please share. | ||||||
88 | How does one respond to this? | John | Aixen7z4 | 102764 | ||
Does anyone have a scripturally sound method for dealing with contumelious questions, and with the obsequious immolations that may have innocently been given in response? | ||||||
89 | Is there a ligjt in the darkness? | Lam 3:2 | Aixen7z4 | 101970 | ||
I must say I am surprised to find Jeremiah here in the darkness. He says (Lamentations 3:2,6) “He hath led me, and brought me into darkness, but not into light … He hath set me in dark places, as they that be dead of old”. Had not God called that man to be a prophet? Was it not the idea that God would reveal his word and his will to him? The word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. He found his words and ate them (whether before or after this lamentation, I do not know). The word was a fire in his bones, and heat without light is dangerous indeed. God was leading him. Why then this talk of darkness? Job also had been here, in the darkness. He thought (came to the conclusion, found out) that God, “He taketh away the heart of the chief of the people of the earth, and causeth them to wander in a wilderness where there is no way. They grope in the dark without light, and he maketh them to stagger like a drunken man” (Job 12:24,25). Jesus is the light of the world. Those for follow him do not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. If we say we have fellowship with him and walk in darkness, we lie. I always thought that the man to whom the way seemed right when it was wrong was an unsaved man. But now it seems the saved man can be wrong as well. He makes mistakes. He misinterprets. He misunderstands. He thinks he’s right when he’s not right. The Lord guides him with his eyes and yet, a man’s goings are of the Lord and he cannot know his own way. He does not know the day of his death. He does not know what a day may bring forth. Even now I have no idea what answer you will give to my question, and I have an idea you will surprise me. Will I look for the light of insight and get the darkness of mindless verbiage? Looking for the light of reality, will I get the darkness of pretence? Whence this darkness? Someone will ask, “Is it perfection that you seek?” No. But I would like more of the light of his presence. And, Yes, I am saved and I read his word and I walk in the light of it and pray. And yet I have no idea how he will use you to enlighten me. Why does our God cause a Jeremiah and a Job to walk in darkness? I have a sign over my desk saying, “Trust God in the darkness”. I wonder if that’s what he wants. |
||||||
90 | How would you answer the question? | Matt 22:42 | Aixen7z4 | 101966 | ||
I think you're right. What do you believe that verse really says? And what do you think of Christ? |
||||||
91 | What do you think of Christ? | Matt 22:42 | Aixen7z4 | 101964 | ||
Who is this Jesus, who is called Christ? This question has been asked indirectly, on this forum, and directly too, but I have found no explicit answer. And yet, it seems to me it is the most important question. Would you care to answer it? There are times when it is not clear whether a participant here is or is not a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. And yet, it might be said that that is the preeminent, most important question that a person asks or answers. It has been suggested that this is not a forum where matters of personal salvation are decided. And yet, it seems to me that that would be the most important thing to happen here, or anywhere. When a person is saved, his goal, his prize is to become like Christ, to be conformed to his image. The question still is: “What do you think of Christ?” Now, as then, “Whose son is he?” is one question. But beyond that: Is he master and lord, that we should obey and emulate him? Is he the savior, that we should believe in him? Is he God, that we should worship him? (I apologize to those who think some of those words should have been capitalized. There might be differences of opinion on that, depending, in part, on our thoughts about him). What do you think of Christ? |
||||||
92 | Balanced, centered, or lukewarm? | Eccl 7:18 | Aixen7z4 | 101142 | ||
Ecclesiastes 7:18 is apparently a summary and conclusion, following on verses 16 and 17. Thesis, antithesis, synthesis. But where does it leave us? Don't be too hot, or too cold, but don’t be lukewarm either. Who among our brethren has been able to find that perfect balance without being spewed out of his mouth? Please share your wisdom now, your experience, and the scriptures that have guided you. | ||||||
93 | Isn't it a relay race? | 2 Cor 5:17 | Aixen7z4 | 100718 | ||
Dear kalos, you say "apparently some have an irresistible urge to rehash old arguments". I wonder: Does anyone have an irresistable urge to reconcile the points of view? One would hope that these long threads woulld somehow end in some kind of summary and conclusion. Then when an old argument is beginning to be rehashed, instead of asking people to go back and read ten long threads, someone can cut and paste the last conclusion. If we did that, then at least we would take up the discussion where we left off, instead of starting over at the beginning. It would be like a relay race and we'd probably make more progress. |
||||||
94 | Are you quite sure about that? | Eccl 11:6 | Aixen7z4 | 100133 | ||
So why is there that little doubt in your mind? When Jesus was here he had no doubt. He said he knew the father was always with him. He never had that little doubt. He did always the things that please the Father. But you do not. Sometimes you do not know whether you do or not. That's the truth. Please don’t say it’s because Jesus was or is God. Please read on. When Jesus directed his disciples in fishing he told them to cast their nets on the right side of the ship; not the left, or front, or back. When they needed money to pay the tax he directed them to the fish with the coin in its mouth. Does he direct you, directly, like that? Please don’t say it’s because Jesus was here in person. Please read on. When the Lord spoke through Ezekiel, the prophet said, “The spirit entered into me, and set me upon my feet, and spake with me, and said unto me, ‘Go, shut thyself within thine house. And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be to them a reprover. But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD’”. Would you not like to be clear about God’s will as that? Please don’t say that was the Old Testament. Read on. It happened in the life of Paul the Apostle. After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately they endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called them for to preach the gospel unto them. Wouldn’t you like it if the Lord led you as definitely as that? But now he says sow the seed, though some may fall on bad ground. Preach the gospel even if it is the wrong season. Come to think of it, Jesus spoke to the people even when some had no ears to hear. Ezekiel was to speak whether the people would listen or not. Paul preached in Macedonia and got put in jail. And some of you are reading this and asking what’s the point. And some of you have an answer, mingled with doubt. You say God never leaves us alone and you forget that he sometimes does that “for a small moment” (Isa 54:7). You are not sure that he does not do that for a longer period of time. Are you confident he has given you the answer you are about to give? |
||||||
95 | Why don't you know for sure? | Eccl 11:6 | Aixen7z4 | 99940 | ||
I am surprised to find myself disturbed by the thought that God leaves us so much on our own. God knows we often don’t know what we are doing. We make mistakes, we waste time, and sometimes, as now, we don’t even know if we are doing just that. Why should we as God’s children sow seed without knowing if it will grow and bear fruit (as in Ecclesiastes 11:6)? Why should we preach the word out of season (as in 2 Timothy 4:2)? Yes, a sower went forth to sow, etc. But also, he calls us friends, not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth. So many things we discuss here and we have different opinions. It is not clear what the Lord is saying. And why does he let us do it? It is not clear what he is doing. Will you just share your opinion now and hope it does some good? |
||||||
96 | Can anyone be converted? | Eph 2:3 | Aixen7z4 | 99350 | ||
Can anyone ever change at all? You say, "Unregenerate man is not interested in serving and glorifying God". But is that true? Is it true that an unregenerate man is not interested? Does he not search? Does he not try? Does not even Israel have a zeal of God? It is not according to knowledge, but Paul calls it a zeal. He does not say they are not interested. Other unregenerate people seem to be interested, what with their religions and temples and sacrifices and ceremonies; they seem to be doing all of that. Else what are those activities for? Does it seem fair to say of the devout Muslim that all he does is only for the glory of the individual? The Bible seems to say that there are some who know God and who do not glorify him as God. Some are contentious, and do not obey the truth. Some, according to Romans 1, obey unrighteousness and do evil. However, there are many unsaved, unregenerate people who, by patient continuance in well doing, seek for glory and honor and immortality. Indeed some are so religious, so devoted, they find it hard to listen to the Gospel. Yet, they are interested in God. They will tell you that. Do you tell them they are self-deceived and not really seeking him? They are seeking him, even if in the wrong places. They seem to be seeking him. Some of them give up all worldly pleasures and live in monasteries or caves, and they say they are seeking God. They have not found him as yet but they are seeking him. These are the people we expect to respond to the Gospel when they hear it and know the truth of it. There are also some in our churches who seek to please God by doing good. Someone will counter that there are verses saying, "There is none that seeketh after God". But must we not balance that with the statements of those who say, "We have seen his star in the east and have come to worship him”? Must we not consider men like Cornelius, who feared God with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always? That man was unregenerate until Peter presented the gospel to him and he accepted it. Or perhaps we need to define the term “unregenerate”. Is it the same as “unsaved”? I assume we agree that the terms are equivalent. Was “Mother Teresa” regenerate? How do we know? Was it because of her good works? Yet our Bible says it is not of works. I am trying to recall whether she told us how she got saved. Can an unregenerate man never become a regenerate man? Can a Saul of Tarsus not become a Paul? You say of the “unregenerate man” that his heart is wicked and desires only that which glorifies himself. I think we have shown that that is not necessarily true. There are unsaved people like that, but there are also unsaved people who do good works. It is true that “what men consider good works, charity, self-sacrifice, etc.” does not earn salvation. It is not even true that they are “good things in themselves”. They are like filthy rags; that’s what Isaiah found. Even if they are done “for the greater glory of God” they do not earn salvation. We must say, however, that they do “come up for a memorial before God” and they may cause God to send a Peter to them. I am not sure that they would always accept a Peter, but it seems that God does give then that opportunity. You say, “The purpose of this discussion is to glorify God. You imply that the purpose is not to change minds. Then how are we “seeking to know Him as He is“ if we are not willing to learn anything about him beyond what we now know? You say that the purpose is “to grow in awe of His majesty”. Again, how do we grow without changing? Is it by holding ever more strongly to a highly debatable position? |
||||||
97 | Dear John: Is it possible? | Eph 2:3 | Aixen7z4 | 99254 | ||
Dear John: Is it possible to change? Do you believe that you were pre-ordained to believe what you believe? If so, it seems it will not be possible for you to change your mind. In the same manner, do you think that the people who believe something different from you were pre-ordained to believe what they believe? If so, it will not be possible for them to change. Please ponder these things seriously and tell us. If your beliefs are preordained and set, and if the same is true of others, then is there any purpose to this discussion? |
||||||
98 | And not so low that ...? | Rom 12:3 | Aixen7z4 | 97839 | ||
Yes! And on the other hand, not so low that ...? | ||||||
99 | How high? How low? How? | Rom 12:3 | Aixen7z4 | 97688 | ||
Ah, EdB, you make it sound so easy. Part of my motivation for asking the question was a conversation I had with a client yesterday afternoon. She confided that she has been saved for 12 years. And yet, up to this point she has thought of herself as worthless. The fact that she was abused as a child and also in her marriage has something to do with it. It is apparent that some of our brethren are like that sister was, walking around with low self-esteem. Others are haughty, arrogant, even proud. Some answer the telephone with, "Can I help you", giving the impression they are only here on this earth to give help. So I guess I think the matter is not quite that simple. And I should have known. Why did Paul think it necessary to "say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think"? It seems to me that some think too highly and some think too lowly. Or am I wrong about that? |
||||||
100 | How do I (you, we) come across? | Rom 12:3 | Aixen7z4 | 97625 | ||
I agree. So now please tell us: How high is your self-esteem? Do you think of yourself as a king or as a servant? Do you combine them both? And then what do you get? Romans 12:3 is in the context of fitting into the body, the church. Does it not matter then, how you come across to people? The question has the serious goal of helping us to have a proper self-concept and to carry ourselves accordingly. |
||||||
Result pages: << First < Prev [ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ] Next > Last [7] >> |