Results 81 - 100 of 253
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Unanswered Bible Questions Author: charis Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
81 | Self or Others? | Matt 7:14 | charis | 30402 | ||
Dear Forum Saints, Is this Scripture intended for the reader (or hearer), in order that they would be more careful in their own walk, or as a means to 'narrow the field' concerning others? In Christ Jesus, charis |
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82 | Easy to deny Christ? | Matt 10:33 | charis | 31388 | ||
Dear Saints, I ask this question fully understanding the controversy, but nonetheless interested in the answer to this question: How 'easy' is it to deny Christ once we know him? Is it a common occurence? I well know that a good 'electionist' (;-)) would say that anyone that knew Christ could never deny Him, therfore all who deny Christ never really knew Him. I find this too pat, almost contrived. The Bible DOES seem to give some examples of those that denied Christ, after knowing Him, to their destruction. (but I have NEVER seen anything that hints at saved-lost-saved-lost... etc.) I also know that a good 'freewiller' (;-)) must say that we have the free-will to accept Jesus, and we can just a easily deny (reject) Him. I cannot accept this, as it gives God no glory as the Author (and Finisher) of our faith. But I DO see that the Scriptures they reference have merit. I guess I see both stances as too absolute, too rigid. Our God is a God of 'case by case,' personal judgement of each individual. He is not bound by a human interpretation of His laws. His ways are not ours. He spoke that adultery and murder are capital offences, then spared King David. My point is that though a man may deny Christ and 'lose' salvation (Tim, I hate that word, too!), it can't be very easy to do, or we would all be guilty of denying Christ because we willfully reject His commandments (sin). Strong's on 'deny' - 720 arneomai ar-neh'-om-ahee perhaps from 1 (as a negative particle) and the middle voice of 4483; to contradict, i.e. disavow, reject, abnegate:--deny, refuse. This speaks to me of a calculated, purposeful act of will against God, knowing who He is. I honestly doubt that many Christians could accomplish this. But I cannot discount the possibility! Through deception, depression, or oppression, a person of faith COULD turn against Christ. I don't believe it happens often, and I am confident that those committed to a local church, in the care of a good shepherd, and walking in the Holy Spirit are kept from this kind of apostacy. Now I know that those with 'polar' positions on this subject feel obligated to 'deny' my central position, but humor me. (and answer the question) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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83 | Is prophecy dead? | Matt 11:13 | charis | 1560 | ||
It has been put to me that this scripture says that there is no longer prophecy in the church today. However, Jesus prophesied after John, and Paul speaks of prophets in the present-tense from a prison in Rome in AD 62 or 63. John gave us the book of Revelation. If prophecy is dead, when did it die? In Christ Jesus. | ||||||
84 | Is prophecy dead? Since when? | Matt 11:13 | charis | 1683 | ||
Dear Whyndell, (PROPHET.) "One who is divinely inspired to communicate God's will to His people and to disclose the future to them." (New Unger's Bible Dictionary) I am sorry, I did not make part of my question clear. The scripture from Matthew 11 is talking about John the Baptist. Some use this as a proof that prophets and prophecy were invalidated after John (the Baptist) died. My point was that AFTER John (the Baptist) died, Jesus continued to prophesy, John (the apostle) continued to prophecy, Paul spoke of prophecy in the present tense, and "Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brethren with a lengthy message." Acts 15:32 NASB. If prophecy is dead, when did it die? It seems that you have a problem with those who believe in the present-day validity of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Or , more correctly, certain gifts. It also seems that your judgment is based on the abuse you have seen. This is flawed logic. "I have not met a balanced Charismatic, so there are no balanced Charismatics." By the way, I am not Charismatic. Period. I am not Pentecostal, either. Your 'facts' are bigotry. Also, the first widely documented restoration of the gifts of the Holy Spirit was in Wales over 100 years ago. Soon after, the Pentecostal movement started in the United States. Please answer the question using scripture, not sentiment. Blessings in Christ Jesus. |
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85 | Part 1 Apologetics? | Matt 11:13 | charis | 1755 | ||
Part 1 Dear RCSCROLL, you seem intent on 'painting me with the same brush' as those who have hurt you in the past. (Important NOTE! I was re-reading my note, and saw my own PC-name, 'charis.' That's why, isn't it? You are equating this name with Charismatic. LOL! FYI, I use this name because it means 'grace,' NOT Charismatic.) Your bitterness toward anyone who believes in the present-day gifts and ministries of the Holy Spirit is apparent. Just because there are a lot of rotten 'ministries' out there, does not give you the righteousness to deny categorically all 'Spirit-filled' Christians, millions of whom serve the Lord with the same faith as was bestowed upon you by grace. Even if we are proven wrong when we meet the Lord, the judgment you proclaim is not in your hands, but God's. We desire earnestly to obey "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."John 4:24 NASB. My use of the word 'restoration' is to that though many gifts were lost to the church through the ages, God desires to restore them. "And it will come about after this That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions." Joel 2:28 NASB. Joel chapter 2 is a hope of strength from the Lord to prepare us for the last days, to prepare for His glorious return. 100 years ago refers to the Welsh Revival, soon followed by the Pentecostal Movement in America. These preceded the 'Charismatics' by 60 years. BTW, I am not talking about a 'super-apostle or super-prophet.' Below is an edited version of what I wrote before: Apostles impossible? Thu 03/22/01, 5:53am. Perhaps you misplaced it. My dear friend in Christ, I read with great interest your reply. I must respectfully disagree with some of the premises of your opinions on this issue. It seems that you start with the idea that we do not have apostles today, then move on to prove it. Regarding Ephesians 2:20, I agree, these ministries are the foundation Christ laid. I do not propose to re-lay, but to continue on in this foundational gift. In regard to 1 Corinthians 13:8-12, you imply that the 'perfect' has come, thus doing away with the need for spiritual gifts. Jesus is the 'Perfect' spiritual gift, and He has not yet returned. I cannot believe that you say the divided church as we know it is not in need of as many gifts of the Spirit as are made available. We NEED them, now! Unfortunately, many 'ministries' have made a mockery of these gifts, with their misuse, abuse, and just plain false use of them. These miscreants are no excuse for you to deny the Spirit, just encouragement to find their proper use. Part 2 will explain some more. In Christ Jesus. |
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86 | Part 2 Apologetics? | Matt 11:13 | charis | 1756 | ||
Part 2 APOSTLE (Gk. (apostolos,) a "delegate"). One sent with a special message or commission. In this sense the word is used in the LXX (1KI 14:6; ISA 18:2), and in the NT: JOH 13:16, "Neither is one (who is sent) (apostle) greater than the one who sent him"; 2CO 8:23; PHI 2:25, where persons sent out by churches on special errands are called their (apostles,) or messengers. In HEB 3:1 Jesus is called "the (Apostle) and High Priest of our confession." (New Unger's Bible Dictionary) Apostle in the New Testament seems to be divided into 3 categories. 1) Jesus, 2) The Apostles to the Lamb, 12 in number, Matthias replaced Judas Iscariot. This is the only 'replacement' recorded in the Bible. 2) 'Post-Ascension apostles, messengers between the churches. Not 'Big-shots' from whom healing and miracles continuously 'radiated,' but servants. I believe this lasy category of apostle is still valid, but often abused. As to Judas, I meant Judas called Barsabbas, 'sent out' with Silas, Paul and Barnabas. (Acts 15:22) Regarding "Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me." Romans 16:7 NASB, you wrote, "As for Andronicus and Junis,they were not Apostles. You see I could be among the pesidents men however that dosent make me one of them." Please look at how the word 'among' is used in the Bible. It means 'with, together' and the usage implies clearly that the one party is included with the other party. What about: "But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they tore their robes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out..." Acts 14:14 NASB. And when Paul, number 14, is considered to be number 12, does he displace James or Matthias? Rev 21:14 While I am talking about 5-fold ministry, please read "And Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brethren with a lengthy message." Acts 15:32 NASB. Friend, I also have personal experience with divine healing, my wife was healed from cancer of the womb, and I now have two teenage daughters. Actually, I do not like 'healing ministries,' and think that most are spiritually arrogant, some even charlatans. However, I cannot discount that many are healed by faith in God. I do, as a matter of fact, believe that one can be 'slain in the Spirit,' but think that the popular 'mass-slayings' are false, an abuse of showmanship and emotional manipulation. I am part of a healthy, well-balanced church. Many speak in tongues and (gasp!) prophesy. However, in our defense, I assure you that "...all things be done properly and in an orderly manner." 1 Corinthians 14:40 NASB. You may have never experienced this, but it IS possible. (Please note that stating that something cannot happen because you have not seen it is spiritual bigotry) My friend, you cannot make your assumptions based on the how many people abuse the gifts. After all, if every lemming jumped off the cliff, there would be no more lemmings. Obviously, some lemmings are not totally stupid :-) Finally, I am not 'buying into' anything. All that I speak of I have experienced. (Please watch your assumptions) If you have never been to a 'spirit-filled' church that was orderly, respectable, responsible and balanced, come to Yokohama some time. Yours in Christ Jesus. charis |
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87 | What is a 'foundation?' | Matt 11:13 | charis | 1831 | ||
Dear brother RCSCROLL, Please read my apology first. My question is, "What is a foundation?" I have been a professional builder, and have built several homes, as well as a church. I understand 'foundation,' but often the term is misunderstood. A structure has several parts, and I think the Bible agrees that the church has several parts. This is best illustrated in the 'parable of the two houses.' "...He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation upon the rock; and when a flood rose, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built." Luke 6:48 NASB This says that there is a 'foundation' and a 'rock,' as well as the house. The 'Rock' that we know is the 'bedrock' kind, Christ Jesus. You must dig through the 'soil of the earth' to get to Him. Sometimes the 'bedrock' is called the 'foundation' laid by God, we cannot lay it. I agree with this very much. However, we must lay a 'foundation' upon this Rock, and I believe this is the basic gifts and ministries given to the church. They are foundational, they are written in the Word, and they continue to work today. (Please note that I agree with you that many gifts and ministries are misused, abused and-or false. I also agree with you that the apostles and prophets are not exactly like 'pre-church,' but called so in the Bible, nonetheless) You may even call this 'foundation' "the application of doctrine." Upon that 'foundation' you have the 'superstructure' or 'frame,' and all the parts ('members') are attached to it. This illustration explains why we have the single unchangeable 'foundation' of Christ Jesus, laid by our Father, and several 'foundations' of doctrine and action. Please also remember that you cannot have bags of cement, mounds of sand and buckets of water and call it a foundation. Unless mixed in the appropriate amount, poured, finished, and allowed to cure, they are not a foundation. Also know that concrete takes years to completely cure. I believe that our foundation is still 'curing.' Thus the 'foundation' of the apostles and the prophets continues to work in our midst. Indeed, "...having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord;" Ephesians 2:20,21 NASB Thank you, brother, and blessings in Christ Jesus. charis |
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88 | What in the Word is an 'office?' | Matt 15:9 | charis | 14382 | ||
Dear saints, I have been trying to understand the concept of 'office,' and can find no reference in the Bible except this one. A minister is not an administrator, an officer, or an 'hireling,' but a servant of the Lord and His people. As this is a study of the Word of God, please stay away from tradition or extra-Biblical sources. (In other words, no selective quotes. Though others might be more eloquent than you, it is your opinion I seek) Blessings one and all, in Christ Jesus, charis |
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89 | Holy or holier? | Matt 15:9 | charis | 14392 | ||
Dear Steve-san, Konbanwa, and almost Oyasumi-nasai for me. These are indeed good references, but the question is, holier? If so, holier than who(m)? You and I are considered holy, and exhorted to become holy. So are 'officials' in the church holier? History and personal experience tell me not. Paul did not seem to think so, either. Shu Iesu Kirisuto no shukufuku ga arimasu yo ni! (Blessings in Christ Jesus!) charis |
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90 | Offices today? | Matt 15:9 | charis | 14396 | ||
Steve, So, are there any offices today? How many? Who qualifies? Who judges these qualifications? In Jesus, charis |
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91 | Are we there, yet? | Matt 16:18 | charis | 3477 | ||
Friends, Describe the church that Jesus is building. Are we there, yet? In Christ Jesus, charis |
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92 | Are 'we' there, yet? | Matt 16:18 | charis | 3555 | ||
Dear Lifer1J511, I agree that each of us, individually, is in Christ. We are each members of His body, the church. However, I was asking if we, corporately, are the 'built' church? Jesus said 2000 years ago that He would build His church, and I fail to see an organism, only many may cellular organizations, each with their own agenda. I desire to witness an organism, an entity that portrays the body of Christ. Are 'we' there, yet? In Jesus' name, charis |
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93 | Hypothetical Question? | Matt 18:6 | charis | 66752 | ||
Dear Tim, Greetings in Jesus' name! I read this before, and I understand the concept and the motive. Out of curiosity, I must ask: If the age of accountability is fairly young, then does a child of six years old become culpable? (if he were as mature as you were at that age) Just to clarify this in my mind - a child could be saved until this age of culpability (i.e. six), then lose his salvation for six years until age twelve, then choose to 'accept' Jesus, and sing, "...I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see!"? From this point does this child have 'eternal security' as a believer, or is he succeptable to the temptation of the teen years? Brother, I am not being facetious. I really would like to know how this works. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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94 | Excommunication? | Matt 18:17 | charis | 1071 | ||
"And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax-gatherer." Matthew 18:17 "And if anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that man and do not associate with him, so that he may be put to shame." II Thessalonians 3:14 Does this mean to 'disfellowship' or 'excommunicate' a brother? As in cutting him off permanently from all communication and fellowship? |
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95 | Jesus closes the door? | Matt 18:17 | charis | 1101 | ||
Dear bjanko, And how did our Lord treat Gentiles and tax-gatherers? I well understand the need for church discipline. I also know that Jesus seemed to think that the sinners were capable of repentance. If I correctly understand your comments, Paul left a door open for reconciliation and repentance, but Jesus closed the door? I appreciate your comments. In Christ Jesus. | ||||||
96 | The church involved? | Matt 18:17 | charis | 1134 | ||
Good answer! Tell me, does the above scripture also say 1) what kind of sin is punishable by banishment? and 2)would the whole church be privy to the information leading to this judgment? I am not being petulant, it simply seems to me that the verse is fairly clear that this is 1) a pretty bad sin, and 2) the church should be made aware of the circumstances of their brother's demise. It appears that the whole point of going through 4 steps (vs.15-17) is to do whatever possible to 'win your brother,' but if it doesn't work, all must know why, in order to cleanse the church without causing division. It seems that this also works as a Biblical safeguard to protect the church from ministers who might abuse their authority to boot out someone they disliked for personal reasons. Your answer implies that 1) the person is apostate, outside the Kingdom (even salvation?), and 2) the church officers wield the authority of judgment, AND forgiveness, and that the congregation is not privy to the reasons. Thoughts? In Jesus' name. | ||||||
97 | Executive privilege? | Matt 18:17 | charis | 1144 | ||
Dear bjanko, thanks for your answer. I believe in the authority you described, but am not sure how vv. 18-20 "show clearly that there is an ecclesiastical authority; an authority the church leaders -- ministers and elders -- have that the laity does not have." Did your caps mean that the two or three witnesses are ministers? I very much agree that the congregation can be spared the 'gory details,' but how much can the leaders hold back? Men, even ministers, have a tendency to hold back that which implicates them. Understand that I am simply stating the caution needed to save the church from the abuse of 'executive privilege.' The reason I ask the sin is that apostate, or not of the Kingdom, is often equated as, "If you're not with us, you are against us. (and possibly in the enemy's grasp or even employ)" This is a pretty serious pronouncement, and cannot be made glibly. Also, with this kind of judgment, it doesn't seem that reconciliation and repentance are truly desired or hoped for. My point is that the church must be a place of great love and patience, and a sin leading to a situation of this magnitude must be truly heinous. Love in Christ Jesus. | ||||||
98 | We perfect our faith? | Matt 22:37 | charis | 30716 | ||
Dear ArtS, Greetings in Jesus' name! Then wouldn't any willful rejection of God's will be unto death? But we can repent any time we want to, and be reinstated? So our lives are in our own hands, we decide our fate, right? If this is so, I expect to see a LOT of people saved through deathbed repentance! Just live any way you want, as long as you have a moment to say, "I'm sorry, God!" immediately before you kick the bucket. Friend, don't you see that if any willful rejection after knowing God equals death, then our lives are outside of His grace, and we become the perfecters of salvation. Then we get into an endless treadmill of determining how much rejection is enough to die, and how much is just 'minor.' Occam's Razor would say that this is much to complicated a system to be attributed to a God that loves us. In addition, we would encroach on His sovereignty to assume that we are responsible to 'keep' our salvation. Peace and love to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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99 | How was the prodigal resurrected? | Matt 22:37 | charis | 30999 | ||
Dear bygraceyearesaved, Greetings in Jesus' name! If the prodigal son was spiritually dead, then again made spiritually alive, what (or Who) made him alive again? Was it his decision to return? His father's reception? Was it the remorse he felt? Was it the bad food? Or maybe it was the grace of God 're-applied?' My favorite is that the grace of God never departed from him, and continued to work to convict him to return home. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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100 | Woe to us? | Matt 23:13 | charis | 2193 | ||
Brethren, In Matthew 23 we have the 7 woes (actually 8 woes) against the scribes, Pharisees, and hypocrites. Does this only apply to the religious order of the Jews 2000 years ago? Could this describe the splintered church of today? If not, defend the division we have. If so, what do we do? Grace and peace to us all in Christ Jesus, charis |
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