Results 81 - 100 of 277
|
||||||
Results from: Answers On or After: Thu 12/31/70 Author: charis Ordered by Date |
||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
81 | Where is your faith? | Deut 7:2 | charis | 24257 | ||
Dear coop1, Greetings in Jesus' name! Friend, my faith is in Christ Jesus, and I will dwell in His house forever. But for the moment, He has placed me here, among the brethren AND among the heathen. Jesus has given me clear instruction about how to fellowship with the brethren, and I do my very best to live by His instructions. The Lord has also taught me in the Bible that the heathen need to hear the Word of God, and I serve Him in this capacity in a hostile (but not murderous) environment. He teaches that we must portray love and grace, but at the same time be wise and sensible. I'm afraid that history has shown that ignoring and 'forgiving' murder and terrorism has NEVER changed the collective hearts of those bent on destroying all of a different faith. True, God CAN do anything! But history and revelation show that He has not changed and will not change the collective hearts of murderers and warmongers. These things WILL continue until the return of our Lord. I, too, have friends and relatives that have served, or are serving in the Armed Forces of the USA. I know for a fact that their presence and heroic efforts are necessary for what little peace we have now in the world. One day, the Lord will do away with such things, but we are not just going to 'slide into' a peaceful world because of our humanistic 'mercy flow.' This goes against all prophecy of the Bible. In any case, no 'nation' is truly under God, but only those with individual faith in Christ Jesus. I am to submit to this authority, and my nation has declared war on terrorism. I will serve my country if called upon. (Though I am a bit old :-)) I am sorry if you are offended by my comments. Aren't you getting a bit 'hot' for a pacifist? :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
82 | How do we open eyes to truth? | Deut 7:2 | charis | 24237 | ||
Dear coop1, Greetings in Jesus' name! I am not 'for' war, and I really don't know of many that ARE! But I am 'for' justice and self-defence, and obeying the earthly authorities set over me by God. War IS ugly! So is terrorism, murderous fanatacism, drug-and/or-greed inspired violent crime, etc. You are assuming that these people have an ear to hear the Gospel. When a child is throwing a tantrum, he cannot hear love and reason. You must 'contain' this rage/selfish behavior, THEN talk. You can call this the equivalent of wrapping him in your arms! If you let a wild beast follow their 'instincts,' they continue the rampage until they are spent! Do you suggest that we allow these madmen to continue until they are spent? Perhaps you did not lose a friend or loved one to murder, therefore you are willing to allow it to happen again. We deal sometimes with truly crazy people! You cannot just say that they have 'diminished responsibility' because of their social environment. Friend, I disagree that we should 'turn the other cheek' toward insane violence and terrorism. Jesus was speaking of disputes among brethren, not about those bent on annihilation. I agree that we should share the Good News to all, and in order to do that with some, it requires 'containment,' especially if they vow to kill until their own death or the death of all of other faith (i.e. Christian). Your view is admirable, but not very practical. I cannot help thinking that you take your stand while being far away from the conflict. :-) Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
83 | Teaching about Santa Claus? | John 10:10 | charis | 22786 | ||
Dear Pixel "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:10 NASB I think this verse gives us clear evidence that our enemy, who is a great liar, steals and destroys. Jesus, on the other hand, came that we might have abundant life! To a child, fun, family, presents, sharing, are all part of abundant life. Don't lie to your little girl! But don't get all worried that Santa Claus is the devil in disguise either! Teach her that it is fun to enjoy all the Christmas sounds and colors, and to some point, the 'characters.' Yes, I include Rudolph! But don't lie and create a problem for yourself by having to explain why Santa is on the street corner, and in the department store, and on TV all at the same time. I have two teenage daughters, and when they were small we said Santa is Ho-Ho-Ho and fun and PRESENTS, but not real. He *represents* some of the feelings of good will that are shown forth this time of year, but Jesus is the True Giver. At our annual Christmas party for the neighborhood (unsaved), Santa makes an appearance! But Jesus is spoken, and His Gospel portrayed. We make sure that everyone knows that the guy in the red suit is someone they know, but everyone has fun anyway! You know, kids can 'pretend' and have fun without 'believing.' It is the adults that can't do that! :-) I am aware that many on this forum will be shocked at my answer. Well, too bad! :-) During the holidays, we have fun! We don't lie! And the balance of our lives show clearly that Jesus is Lord! The alternative is (in my humble opinion) to teach our kids that all fun is evil. I think this idea flies in the face of the above verse. Balance, honesty, integrity, and a bit of humor and fun is my 'teaching.' Blssings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
84 | How to exercize the gift of prophecy? | 1 Thess 5:21 | charis | 22696 | ||
Dear Mommapbs, Very Carefully! With humility, fear and trembling in speaking the oracles of God! Every word should be tested for continuity with the Bible. Prophecy should bear the same kind of fruit as in Galatians 5. "Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 NASB "But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation." 1 Corinthians 14:3 NASB. No aggression, and no self-aggrandization or purse-filling, as we see in many modern 'prophecy' ministries. In Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
85 | Do we tithe on our net or gross? | Mal 3:8 | charis | 22625 | ||
Dear Appleseed, Greetings in Jesus' name! If we are to tithe at all, it should be based on our gross income. After taxes/expenses and whatever else we decide is none of God's business, many would be 'tithing' a thin dime! :-) '"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this," says the Lord of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven, and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows."' Malachi 3:10 NASB. If we are going to 'test' God to see if He will open the windows of heaven (and He WILL!), then testing on the whole amount is common sense AND faith. Remember also that if there is food in His house, you get to eat it, too! The above verse is not adherence to the Law. It is a prophet speaking the oracles of God to those who will listen. It is not a command or requirement, or else! It is not a 'protection racket!' (as if God were the Godfather) The calamities HAPPEN! God is not going to send them! But God (don't you love those places in the Bible that start with "But God..."!?) in his grace rewards the faithful. His protection is not "or else!" but life plus abundant life! "Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return." Luke 6:38 NASB Sure, it would be wonderful if we could trust ourselves to 'give freely!' But can we? Can we truly be so sensitive to the Holy Spirit to know *exactly* how much He would have us give? Frankly, I doubt it. History shows that Israel could not, and did not, even though it was spelled out clearly. Has the New Testament church a better track record? From the amount of cajoling and begging and threatening I see spewing forth from the pulpit these days, I don't think so. True, some churches do none of these things. Wonderful! The ones I see that don't harp on giving is because they teach the tithe and offering, simple and Biblical. Did Jesus say, "In the New Testamant you are still legally obligated to tithe"? NO! Did Jesus say, "You are now free from any form of tithes"? NO! Forgive me! I think I answered more than was asked! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
86 | Releases from tithing 10 per cent? | 2 Cor 9:7 | charis | 22144 | ||
Dear prayon, Greetings in the name of Jesus! My friend, I am afraid that you are (possibly) asking the wrong question. :-) All of the answers you are getting seem to be from those who: 1) Don't want to give as much as 10 percent to their local church. 2) Don't want to give as much as 10 percent to God. 3) Are willing to give but want to do it THEIR way. 4) Are just being argumentative. 5) Are hung up on legalism regarding the Law :-) 6) Are not comitted in their hearts to their local church, i.e. their pastor, their leadership, their fellowship. 7) Are hung up on free will, they don't want anyone telling them anything for any reason. 8) Are so poor that they cannot afford to give 10 percent or more of their meager income. 9) Are better than their leadership, and cannot trust their own church to use their hard-earned money without express consent. 10) Are so rich that their taxes are so high that their remaining income is so little that the cannot live after tithing. 11) Any or 9 out of 10 of the above! Tithing to your local church is not a difficult conclusion to come to, whether you have specific Scripture to be 'required to' or not. It takes a certain amount of money to serve God's people. Period. People, by nature, are not very faithful when it comes to money. So, you can decide upon a simple tithe/offering from the heart situation, or you can ask for money all the time. I prefer the former. Frankly, IMHO, the latter 'milking' or 'fleecing shorn sheep' method is less effective; more of a burden on the faithful-but- monetarily-challenged, and more of an opportunity to 'lift up' the 'humility-challenged' rich who publicly come up with money to meet the appeal only after the 'lesser' folks have given 'til it hurts. Instituting the simpler method, and then giving it unto the Lord, and not harping on it, makes more sense, and makes all feel better (except maybe greedy ministers). So, the real question might be, "What is a sensible way for Christians to give their monetary offerings to God?" I submit this idea to all for approval/disapproval/indignant outrage. In Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
87 | Tithes into the storehouse | Mal 3:10 | charis | 21869 | ||
Dear retxar, Greetings in Jesus' name! The New Testament does not say very much about the amount, but says a lot about the attitude of giving. My own understanding is that the tithe was for the priests, thus would correspond with your local church, i.e. those who shepherd you and those with whom you share a commitment. Offerings are that which God speaks to your heart by the Holy Spirit, and can be given to any person or ministry that He leads you to. Personally, I do not hold too much faith in 'para-church ministries,' but I have given to those outside my fellowship on many occasions. This was in accord with the leading of the Holy Spirit, and I will continue to seek His counsel. Again, as to tithes, I believe it is for the building and maintenance of your local church, and especially for those who watch over your soul. By the way, I do not believe in 'special appeals' for money that come regularly. While I agree that there may be a time when the Lord will lead a minister to ask his flock to provide for a special need, I see many churches that have special needs all too often! This speaks to me of poor management of God's resources, and fleecing an already shorn sheep! :-) Blessings to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
88 | What is the role of a prophet in 2001? | 1 Cor 14:3 | charis | 21850 | ||
Dear mincc, Greetings in the name of Jesus! "But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation." 1 Corinthians 14:3 NASB Some may require a prophet to be a perfect 'voice of God' and a 'future-seer' in order to be bona fide. Others might say that the prophets ended with the Old Testament, John the Baptist or maybe with the 'closing of the canon.' I think that the above work of prophecy is still in effect. I believe that the Old Testament prophets and New Testament prophets both, were normal human beings (with the notable exception of Jesus the Prophet, Priest and King!) that had a ministry that was under the leading of the Holy Spirit, thus were not 'perfect' all the time. I think that the Holy Spirit still does give supernatural insight and direction, but it is not at the prophet's 'beck and call' as some may claim. Therefore, I believe that there IS a role for the present-day prophet, but this ministry is much abused and misrepresented. May the Lord continue to give His gifts and ministries until His glorious return! In Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
89 | No middle ground? | Romans | charis | 21755 | ||
Dear FlyFisher, Greetings in the name of Jesus! While I agree that this thread is tiresome, I disagree with your conclusion. You are saying that men have taken opposing views on a subject, therefore one must be right, and the other must be wrong. Again, this is assuming that man can be right. :-) Show me THAT in the Bible. To all my forum friends: Where are we commanded to know the details and intricacies of God's mind and man's heart? Where are we commanded to codify His ways, His depths? Where are you commanded to oppose your brother on an issue that rests solely in God's hands? I can only see some kind of self-gratification in this whole thing. Have fun! I'm done (maybe :-)) In Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
90 | Does my Pastor have to live in my state? | Heb 13:17 | charis | 21608 | ||
Dear mincc, Blessings in Jesus' name! "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you." Hebrews 13:17 NASB. I really find it hard to believe that a person that is not involved in your life is truly capable of watching over your soul. This would be akin to a recent president that "Feels your pain." :-) A *shepherd* should care for you in a real and immediate sense, not through rhetoric. A pastor is much more than a teacher, he is there! In Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
91 | Peter at the gate? | Matt 16:19 | charis | 21118 | ||
Dear retxar, Greetings in Jesus' name! "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Matthew 16:18,19 NASB. I, personally do not think that Peter 'stands at the gate,' but many traditions say so, and the thought has become ubiquitous. Basically, this kind of thinking is in line with worshipping or beatifying Peter and other apostles. In Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
92 | What about those who have never heard? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 19779 | ||
Dear pgs, Greetings in Jesus' name! 1) Though we may be tempted to think of God as unfair or the spreading of His Good News as uneven or incomplete, one of the first things we MUST do is trust God! He is always just! He knows every sparrow, and the number of hairs on every head (Matthew 10, Luke 12), so nothing 'gets by' Him. All who are to know Jesus will know Him, without fail. We can come up with all kinds of hypothetical situations that throw doubt on God's ability to save, but He is always in charge! 2) All men are equally aware of the concept of salvation. There are only those whose will continues to be hardened against God. We cannot know who has a relationship with the Lord Jesus before they die. Only the Lord is fully aware of this. There can be outward signs, but only God knows the heart, good and bad! "Would not God find this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart." Psalm 44:21 NASB. Those who are seeking Him, will find Him. Period. 3) Only God is truly good (Mark 10:17-31) All men deserve hell, but God is gacious to save those whose heart will allow faith to abide. Nothing we do can purchase salvation. Only faith in Christ Jesus, which is a gift from God, will release us from this curse. How God choses is up to Him. I am at peace knowing that He alone is able to make the 'right' decision. Friend, these questions spring from the old nature, assuming that we can know, measure, and judge goodness and righteousness. After 15 years of caring for His flock and spreading the Gospel message, I can only say that we are not given this power. Indeed, it is only by the Amazing Grace of God that we can know Him. Though this is an old message, and frustrating to a generation that must 'know' everything (or at least pretend to!), we MUST give this to God! And then move on to serving the Lord and His church, and speaking boldly His Good News to the lost. Blessings and peace to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
93 | Why study prophecy? | Matt 24:3 | charis | 19725 | ||
Dear kalos, Greetings in the name of Jesus! The WHOLE counsel of God is worthy of serious study. The purpose of this study is to know His will and serve him accordingly. Therefore, we should study the entire Bible, and not focus on the beginning or the end. Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, and everything in between! We are not told every detail of creation, and the details of the end times are hidden for good reason. We are to know what is revealed, and be at peace in what is not. In any case, our service to God does not rely on Genesis or Revelation, but on the entire Word of God. Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
94 | The question stands | James 2:10 | charis | 19238 | ||
Dear Steve, Greetings in Jesus' name! "Wisdom shouts in the street, She lifts her voice in the square;" Proverbs 1:20 NASB My friend, I think that if you were to take the sum total of what Jesus said about the Pharisee's ideas about 'keeping the Sabbath' or 'keeping the Law,' you would be led to the conclusion that both were set up as a light of wisdom, truth and common sense. The intent, the purpose was to get an unruly people to adhere to what they *should* do, and know what they *should* know. Even though the Ten Commandments were common sense and common knowledge (to anyone possessing a brain and faith toward God), AND they were written by the finger of God, they STILL couldn't keep them, and spent an inordinate amount of time and effort in figuring how to weasel out of them, or use them to their advantage. Now, praise God!, we have the Holy Spirit to lead us, from the inside, to all truth. The Sabbath and the Law were NOT abolished, but *enhanced.* They are made better! Their *tutorial* role is still intact, but the New Covenant has fulfilled their original intent and purpose. The thing that stands between us, as participants in this New Covenant, and spiritual adherence of these treasures, is the Old Covenant mentality of legalism and the *Old Man* mentality of self that we are *supposed to* be set free from. Sorry that I do not give a lot of Scripture to back this up, but I must be off... Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
95 | The future of loved pets | Eccl 3:21 | charis | 19107 | ||
Dear CDBJ, Greetings in Jesus' name! Peace to you, my friend. Indeed, pets bring companionship that few humans provide. Back in May 20, there was a thread about 'Biblical support for animals in heaven' with some great posts. My offering then, and now: Dear prayon, I think there is Biblical argument for animals in the future kingdom of God. It is a bit harder to clearly justify personal pets. But, sitting in front of my PC (Sorry, not a Mac) with my Papillon, Sophie, faithfully warming my lap, it is hard to exclude them :-) "Heaven goes by favour. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in."—Mark Twain "I care not for a man’s religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it."—Abraham Lincoln Before you all jump on me, I know that this is a Bible forum. I also know that the people that are the most outraged don't have pets :-) end quote Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
96 | work on the sabbath? | Matt 12:1 | charis | 19033 | ||
Dear huckle7berry, Greetings in Jesus' name! I am sorry that I was not clear about my meaning. "At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath, and His disciples became hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat." Matthew 12:1 NASB. In the following verses the Lord defends His disciples and speaks of the Pharisee's foolishness in regard to their constant worrying about 'breaking the Sabbath,' while often breaking the 'laws' of common sense. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath, not religious observance. My friend, please try to reply to the same thread for the sake of continuity. Just type your answer or note in the box provided when you 'open' that particular post. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
97 | apologetics | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 18989 | ||
Dear pgs, Hello again! Your testimony of faith and faithfulness (not blessing and good fortune) are the best evangelism. Show forth the Bible by your walk in Christ, battle against the hypocrisy in your life, serve in His church. Conviction comes from God alone. YOU cannot convince them, only plant and water. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
98 | Why doesn't God prevent suffering? | Job 42:5 | charis | 18988 | ||
Dear pgs, Greetings in Jesus' name! God DOES intervene more often than we realize! Often our Lord has a 'thankless' job. :-) Sometimes He allows situations that seem 'unfair' to us, but they are to the glory of God. Also, there are times that temporary affliction are for our cleansing or pruning. In any case, God is ALWAYS just, and His ways are perfect. In Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
99 | we obey from the heart not the letter. | Matt 12:8 | charis | 18961 | ||
Dear huckle7berry, Nobody said anything (that I am aware of) about *abolishing* the Law. This is alarmism and extremism, my friend. Don't degrade yourself or your brethren with such a ridiculous *if-then* statement. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8, Mark 2:28, Luke 6:5), indicating that the Spirit-led, fruit-of-the-Spirit-bearing walk in Christ supercedes the legalistic, Pharisaical observance of the letter of the Law. (Which nobody could do anyway!) Jesus healed on the Sabbath, and allowed, even encouraged His disciples to 'work' on the Sabbath. Unless you can come up with a better 'observance' of the Law than the Pharisees (which is impossible) all such methods are simply Pharisaical. "Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor." Gal 3:24,25 NASB. The 'tutor' has not been abolished at all! We still need it, even today. But we are no longer under the 'thumb' of this teacher, but encouraged to take those lessons and apply it in the Holy Spirit, which the Jews could not do. The intent and heart of the Law is much more important than the letter. Truly, not one letter shall be done away with. But the academic adherence to the letter was never God's intention. Witness King David, who was allowed to live after so blatantly breaking the Law. You are mistaken about the 'only day' ideology. Jesus has come and made every day holy, indeed, He fulfilled the Psalm: "This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 NASB. Grace and peace to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
100 | When did the day of worship change? | Acts | charis | 18944 | ||
Dear tranard and forum saints, "For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." Mattew 12:8 NASB. I think that the Bible clearly states (this particular passage and context is recorded in Matthew, Mark and Like) that Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath. Common sense supercedes legalistic observation of the Sabbath. In Christ Jesus, every day is holy! You can worship any day you please! However, we have an opportunity to worship on Sunday, a day recognized by a great deal of Christianity. If you insist on worshipping on Saturday, and being 'correct,' fine. But to denounce the practice of others as displeasig to God, I don't think the Bible supports this attitude (heart). You could hardly be pleasing to God your self! :-) "Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor." Galatians 3:24,25 NASB. Insisting on Saturday as the 'true Day of the Lord' is just plain Pharisaical. In Christ Jesus, charis |
||||||
Result pages: << First < Prev [ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ] Next > Last [14] >> |