Results 81 - 100 of 729
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Results from: Notes Author: charis Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
81 | Christian Primer Terms? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 18195 | ||
Dear Lionstrong, Thank you for a very insightful answer. Indeed, I do believe that Joe was on the right track about using a catechismal form of instruction. (Sorry, but I had already decided that, but neglected to say it) The thing is that I may be able to use many, or even all of the questions from available catechism courses (historical or recent), the ANSWERS may be different in their approach and even content. Some answers that make perfect sense to an American may be gobbledegoop or 'religious pap' to a Japanese citizen. (or to the citizen of any non-Judeo-Christian nation) You are also very correct about asking and answering questions NOT asked. This is truly a problem when dealing with the university students. They have no questions at all! Apathy reigns supreme, with little interest in finding anything beyond the boundaries of their present (bleak) existence. I hope to prick their hearts and get a reaction, of course recognizing the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit. Friend, I appreciate your input. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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82 | Christian Primer Terms? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 18196 | ||
Dear Jensen, Greetings in Jesus' name! Thank you for your blessings. I agree that 'creation' is a great addition to the 'list.' I will look into Thomas Jefferson's work in that area. (any suggestions?) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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83 | Christian Primer Terms? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 18225 | ||
Dear Joe, Greetings in Jesus' name! Brother, after I sent my reply post to you I felt that I was rude to you, and I apologize. What you wrote had merit, and I know that you had the best of intentions in your answer. As I wrote to Lionstrong, the questions of many available catechismal teachings valid, but the answers might be different. This is not to say that human beings have different spiritual needs depending on their locale, but the social perception and environment do make a difference in how they hear the answer. My friend, you have hit the nail on the head (IMHO) concerning 'the lack of fruit may not be from a poor EXPLANATION of theology, but rather the way it is PROCLAIMED?' I agree with you! The 'tried and true' methods used by many churches are based on Western (usually American or English) evangelical models. They also depend heavily on 'fads,' so it is always changing! Some churches change their evangelical program 2 or 3 times a year, even when they don't 'match' one another theologically! Talk about confusion. The proclaimers are 'clanging a cymbal' and the 'trump is out of tune.' The hearers are more sensitive to this lack of continuity than the speakers, fortifying their skepticism. Another obvious part of evangelism that may be more important in Japan than in a Western nation is the role that your example or testimony plays. Many Christians have exactly the same problems and sins as the rest of the world. The men are never home, and totally 'bound' by their work. Their children are out of order, and follow the ways of the world from an early age, and the parents exercise not control or discipline in their lives. Is it no wonder that most churches are 90 percent (or more!) women? Even the men that DO come on Sunday have no other fellowship with other Christians. Those we want to hear the Good News look at our lives. My own experience (which has born steady fruit) has been to proclaim the Gospel on a more personal basis than the 'buckshot' methods of present-day revival preachers. We try to find opportunity to meet people on a face-to-face basis. You are correct that society and culture make it difficult. The working man is NEVER home. It is common for a salaried worker to be away from home 16 hours every day of the week! (Sunday may be off, but you must go golfing with the boss, or out with coworkers) Children, from the 4th grade are 'required' to be involved in school clubs, cram schools and special tutoring in order to 'get to the next step.' It is perfectly normal (even Christian families!) to totally lose all touch with your child from the age of 10. These situations are ubiquitous. Finally, Joe, you may be right that it is not yet God's will for this nation to submit to Him. Unfortunately, this does not get me off the hook! :-) I have believed, and will continue to believe that the Lord will shower His grace upon this land. When is not my affair. This is why I am not disappointed when (yet another) 'prophecy' of revival or renewal does not come about as 'promised.' I have never sought numbers or fame, thus I do not 'make haste.' (Isaiah 28:16 KJV) :-) Blessings to you, and thank you for your prayers. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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84 | Possible Lockman Forum Improvement #3 | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 18304 | ||
Dear Norrie, Greetings in Jesus' name! Well, I know that we can use the hyphen (-) and for-slash (/) and back-slash (\) Brother Lionstrong has the monopoly on the paragraph symbol, maybe he will 'fess up on how to make it appear. On second thought, he can have it to his lonesome. I think they are a bit annoying when combined with multiple periods and blanks. :-) (Bless you, anyway, Lionstrong! :-)) The symbols NOT accepted are: the tilde, the grave accent (underneath the tilde), the dollar sign, the percent sign, the circumflex accent (or hat sign), the ampersand (or and sign), the plus sign, the equal sign, the vertical bar, the right curly brace, the left curly brace, the less-than sign, and the more-than sign. I spent more time finding the names for these symbols than just about any post so far! :-) Apparently, we are able to use all the rest of the keyboard symbols. !@#*()-_\:;"'[],./? For a list of more symbols than you will ever want to know, http://www.btgraphix.com/specialcharacters.asp will bless your soul. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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85 | Possible Lockman Forum Improvement #1? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 18527 | ||
Dear Sir, Greetings, my friend, in Jesus' name! I am not so conservative as to be against improvement :-) But for Lockman to provide a full-time (human) moderator, editor, and-or censor is a big expense. A software solution is very difficult, in fact nearly impossible. ( I am a certified PC technician, I have looked into it thoroughly ) Someone would lose a legitimate post, and we would have a problem. So a fleshware or software solution to deleting-combining threads is not a real option. (IMHO) As to coming up with a 'rulebook' for self-policing action, this is also very difficult to enforce. Surely, some of us might be 'disciplined' enough to adhere to a plan that we decide upon. But at what cost? This forum would become 'work,' and posssibly 'dead works.' I enjoy the fellowship here, and try to be lucid, balanced and consistent. I think that we could organize ourselves to the point that it is no longer enjoyable. Another point is that very few 'others' would want to pay attention to a 'spartan' forum. :-) Impossible? Maybe not. Impractical? Proabably. The Lockman staff is already actively censoring offensive threads, but to ask them to edit constantly is a bit petty. I am not as worried about duplicates as I am about a plethora of similar questions and comments that have no practical application in our present walk with Jesus. But....this IS a public, free forum. :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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86 | FATHER fixation? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 18722 | ||
Dear casiv, Blessings in Jesus' name! Indeed, each Person of the Godhead is fully God, and They are One. I understand and accept that fully. But now, all authority has been given to Jesus. Though the Bible is thick, the conclusion of the Bible states that the Focus of our attention, the Center of our worship, the Author and Finisher of our faith in God is Jesus! It is not that "all we are supposed to do is believe in Jesus," but that He is enough. Believing on the Lord Jesus satisfies every requirement of God, and encompasses our knowledge of the God of the Old Testament. "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 I disagree that there is 'more than Jesus' in the Bible. There is only more and more of Jesus! In Christ Jesus, charis |
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87 | FATHER fixation? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 18727 | ||
Dear Jensen, Greetings in Jesus' name! Thank you for your blessings, my friend. I know that Sir Pent is trying to keep us on track. :-) That is why I used a question format, which gives us a new Subject Title. In any case, Jesus is THE subject of this forum, so I can't be too far off topic! :-) I am not sure I understand what you meant by 'implied' and 'inferred,' but this does not change the fact that the Bible very clearly teaches that the focus of our faith in God is Jesus. "...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2 NASB Also, I understand your (and casiv's) zeal and desire to honor God, but capitalizing the first letter should be emphasis enough, in my humble opinion. Of course, you are free to do as you want. :-) (maybe our good fellow Ray has some commentary on this, as he is our 'Resident Capitalization Expert') I will start this topic on another thread, for the sake of propriety and sanity. :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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88 | FATHER fixation? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 18735 | ||
Dear CDBJ, Good morning to you, and blessings in Jesus' name! Some would say we have a 'Bible Contradition!' Personally, I don't believe there are any contradictions in the Word. With that said as a starting point, I believe that Jesus is God, and God created all things, so it would be correct to say that all things were created by the Son. I say this in light of: "For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son," Colossians 1:13 NASB, which (to me) says that the focus of our faith, worship, and very existence has been 'transferred' to Jesus. I find this consistent with the entire New Testament. I do not think that this in any way 'lowers' the Persons of God the Father and the Holy Spirit, but instead broadens our understanding of the fullness of God. I still pursue the separate attributes of my Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit, but all in all, the Lord Jesus Christ is where I fix my faith, as is encouraged, even commanded at the conclusion of God's Word. Thank you, brother, for your comments. Now I have started, for those that might still be interested, a separate thread about fixing our faith on Jesus. I all honesty, I am surprised that no one has brought this topic to the attention of a Christian forum. (including myself! :-)) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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89 | FATHER fixation? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 18740 | ||
Dear casiv, Greetings in Jesus' name! 1) In the New Testament. 2) Encompass - to form a circle about, enclose, envelope, include. 3) No, I believe that God is One in three Persons. This is a common way to refer to the Trinity, or triune nature of God. I am fully aware that God the Father is spirit. He is also God incarnate, now glorified. He is also our Helper and Comforter. 4) Godhead is an imperfect term often used to explain the fullness of our perfect God. 5) No. The term Godhead is used to describe the Trinity, the Three-in-One, the Triune God, none of which are in the Bible. I would refer you to the Nicene Creed for further understanding. 6) Nowhere. In Christ Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, charis |
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90 | FATHER fixation? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 18757 | ||
Dear casiv, Greetings in Jesus' name! Sir or Madam, I find your tone arrogant and offensive. For the record, yes, I have read the entire Bible in part AND parcel for 20 years. I am not sure what you mean by the phrase 'The Bible needs no man, but man needs the Bible.' It sounds nice, but has little meaning. The Bible was written for the benefit of all mankind, and for each individual reader. Without us, the written Word of God has no purpose, and without Jesus, we have no purpose, hope or salvation. Last I checked, Arkansas was several thousand miles from Yokohama. I have never had the privilege to meet Hank, but I consider it a great honor to be thought of as his student! Maybe we read the same (entire) Bible! :-) Friend, where is what in the New Testament? If you are asking about the relationship of the Old Testament with the New Testament: "Therefore the Law (a common term for the Old Testament) has become our tutor to lead us to Christ (Jesus), so that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer (bound) under a (legalistic) tutor." Galatians 3:24,25 NASB (my parentheticals). "And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." Luke 4:21 NASB. 'And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth."' Matthew 28:18 NASB. "For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him," Colossians 1:19 NASB. "...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2 NASB. I pray that this answers your questions to me. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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91 | Juice/wine poll results? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 18766 | ||
Dear Jensen, Greetings in Jesus' name! Trust, my friend, I will not give it too much thought. :-) The 'cup' is referred to as the 'fruit of the vine.' Maybe it's just me, but the alcohol content has never been an issue. I have used the fermented kind and the unfermented kind, to the same effect before Christ (I believe). As to the history, I would guess that the move toward using non-alcoholic grape juice is linked to the teetotalist attitude of many churches. Maybe someone else has some insight about this? As to Cola and Cookies, I find this irreverent. (not blasphemeous :-)) I imagine that to be absolutely 'correct,' we would need to use unleavened bread. I have eaten crackers, wafers, cubed bread, unleavened bread, and whole loaves of white bread. All these would seem acceptable as a 'loaf,' though I prefer to physically break it among one another. On a similar vein, we have the problem with using one cup (or several) and sharing it, or using individual cups (washable or disposable). If we 'seek the Holy Grail,' we should use one cup, and share it, no matter how many attend the service. If we think that the the person handing you the cup is important, then it doesn't matter how many cups are used, as long as the minister, elder or brother is sanctified. If the focus is 'in remembrance of Me,' then even the individual cups are valid. One of the practical issues is the (almost manic) worry about hygiene that is popular today. Personally, I am confident that the Lord would protect us during the Lord's Supper, but some might fret, and not want to drink 'after so-and-so.' Therefore, because I believe that our heart toward God is the intention, I use disposable cups. Jensen, I know that some of the 'quirks' of the churches are hard to understand. Some of it may be viewed as hypocrisy, but from a bit more merciful (and balanced!) vista, maybe we are trying to make church obey common sense and wise (not selfish) compromise. Indeed, the balance between legalism and irreverent or licentious behavior is an issue that each local church must answer before God. Thank you for your patience with this verbose preacher. :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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92 | Milk and meat? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 18777 | ||
Dear casiv, Greetings in Jesus' name! What about John the Baptist, John the Apostle, and even Jesus? I agree that Jesus and the Father are one. I also agree that many in this day walk a broad but shallow path. However, I am not sure which 'details' you deem necessary to be considered meat. Friend, your name does not bother me in the least! I am curious about all of the screen names of my fellow forumers. Often these 'handles' have a special meaning to the person that lends understanding of their beliefs. I wish everyone would give a little bit of information about themselves in their Personal Profile so that we can enhance our fellowship on this forum. I pray that I am 'out of the box!' :-) If we know Jesus, we have found the truth, yes? In Christ Jesus, charis |
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93 | need definition ASAP | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 19467 | ||
Dear have faith, Greetings in Jesus' name! Though somewhat indirect, you might use 2 Corinthians 19:13-17 where Paul discusses the 'sphere' of influence that was given to him by God to minister to the churches there. I believe that the Lord does give to each believer an 'area' or 'sphere' of ministry to preach and/or portray the Gospel. Sometimes this sphere is smaller than our 'boast.' (Those who claim to have been 'given' a city, a state, a country, or even the 'whole world!') More often, the sphere of our *outreach* is larger than we want it to be! We would prefer to let the evangelists or 'evangelical types' do the evangelism, as if 'normal' folk have no responsibility to share Christ. I pray that this is of some use to you, even if the verse is a 'bit of a stretch!' In Christ Jesus, charis |
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94 | How can we tell figurative from literal? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 19573 | ||
Dear Sir, Greetings, my friend, in Jesus' name! You wrote: 1. The Holy Spirit will tell you. 2. Church leaders will tell you. Neither of these are very objective End quote. If you read the sum of the Word, you will find that these two methods of discernment, when in accord with the Bible, and applied (or received) in faith, are very objective! In fact, they are the ONLY truly objective means to know truth. The alternatives are human knowledge, science, (numbers), quorum, or forum! :-) I'll take the Holy Spirit, and His chosen servants any day! Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |
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95 | Genesis Creation, a practical example? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 20012 | ||
Dear Sir, Greetings in Jesus' name! Friend, I know your heart when you want to create a 'universally accepted way of determining biblical literalism and biblical symbolism.' I trust that your intentions are of the greatest order. However, historically this is exactly what (almost) every denomination had in mind when they 'split' to make their own distinctive 'method.' Sadly, after a generation or two had passed, and the number of 'affiliated' churches were created or 'grafted in,' the result was a human endeavor. God wants us to trust Him! This means that we are always blessed by the individual local chruch, and it's sole reliance on the Holy Spirit. Some say this is a 'confused' way of doing things, that we have to 'organize' our beliefs. In my humble opinion, every attempt to 'organize' beliefs, no matter how honorable, eventually became yet another (slightly) different human institution. Each of these institutions focuses on a few areas of Scripture, to the detriment of the whole. Some are more 'radical' or 'fundamental' or 'conservative' than others, but the fact remains that there is a certain spiritual bigotry or bent as a result. Many of the saints on this forum clearly show their institutional traditions in their answers. (And few will admit it! :-)) Friend, all I can say is that God never intended for us to have a 'universally accepted way of determining biblical literalism and biblical symbolism,' except the Bible, the (daily unique) moving of the Holy Spirit, and the love, responsibility, and fellowship of the local church. This is, and will always be, enough to please our God. Finally, to those who disagree with this, and claim that denominationalism has 'saved the church' from much turmoil, I can only say that yours is a hypothesis based on not trusting God to curb the 'variances' that man has a tendency to produce. Indeed, each denomination has within itself myriad 'embarrassments' that would negate this argument. Also, from the perspective of the skeptic, the whole church's multiple divisions and sub-divisions and sub-sub-divisions portray a confused, divided body of Christ. I think it is only the grace of God that has allowed our basic faith in Christ Jesus to remain intact, not any human system of 'organization.' In fact, I think that the Lord has protected our faith *in spite of* this man-made divisional system. :-) All this said, maybe we will stumble upon a 'universal' system of interpretation that fulfills God's intentions. (but I won't hold my breath! :-)) Blessings one and all, in Christ Jesus charis |
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96 | Genesis Creation, a practical example? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 20128 | ||
Dear Sir, Blessings to you in Jesus' name! I really do agree with your intentions, and in a perfect forum they would be effective! :-) Friend, I think it boils down to: If all of the participants were to adhere to common sense and common courtesy, took care to maintain Christian dignity (not human pride), gave due respect to others, stuck to the point, made clear comments, and used lucid Scripture references, we would need no 'universal rules,' because the Bible already champions truth. Rules are necessary where sin reigns. (which, of course, we don't have to deal with on a Bible forum, right? :-)) I simply prefer the less rules and less sin. The Holy Spirit will lead us to all truth is we allow Him. After saying this, I really do appreciate your earnest desire to take this motley crew to a higher plane. I just don't think that organizing things will accomplish it. It only takes a few 'unruly' persons to bring out the worst in us all. :-) I like "literal until proven figurative!" This has always been my motto. Plain and simple meaning first, and trusting the Lord in the areas that He has chosen not to speak. The figurative is all to often made prey to human emotions and whim. Peace, my brother, in Christ Jesus, charis |
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97 | Genesis Creation, a practical example? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 20130 | ||
Dear Ed, Greetings, my friend, in Jesus' name! I must strongly disagree that we disagree! :-) After reading your post, and re-reading my post, they agree perfectly! The only difference would be 'revelation of spiritual truths' and 'universal interpretation.' The essence of our 'take' on church history is nearly identical. Peace to you in Christ Jesus, charis |
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98 | Genesis Creation, a practical example? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 20131 | ||
Dear Hank, Blessings to you in Jesus' name! Fear not! No wedges at all. :-) I think that the three of us are in more agreement than we would admit! It is good to 'converse' with you again, my good friend. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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99 | Why do people lose interest and leave? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 21470 | ||
Dear Sir, Greetings in Jesus' name! Friend, I am sorry, but I cannot agree with this 'movement' to institutionalize and/or organize this Study Bible Forum. I like it the way is is, :-), including all the the problems. I do not think that we can rid ourselves of such situations and problems by making guidelines and rules of conduct. If you want to talk about a certain book, chapter, or verse, then do so. If I feel I want to include myself in that discussion, I will. In my (sometimes not so) humble opinion, this will take the fun out of this forum, and I would probably not participate. The church already has enough organization and institutionalization, and I don't think any of it ever brought us closer to Jesus. I think it only brings us closer to human religion. I admire your intentions, and agree that we should behave in an orderly manner. But, to me, this would simply be common love, common courtesy, common sense, all led by the Holy Spirit, and in accord with the Word of God. In the book of Numbers, Balaam was called to curse Israel, and would have been well paid if he did. But any angle he looked from, God said that Israel was blessed. Even though God Himself spoke many times of the sin of Israel! This forum, from the eyes of man, may be a mess. But I believe that God is (still) pleased with the simple format that we already enjoy. If we try to institute the reforms suggested, we will only create a schism between those that adhere, and those that don't (for whatever reason). With all due respect, I pass. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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100 | Why do people lose interest and leave? | Bible general Archive 1 | charis | 21474 | ||
Dear Searcher, Greetings in Jesus' name! I don't think that this will ever work. :-) Even in the 'initial' stages, this would mean the we have 'appointed' leaders. Who appoints? Who controls? Who creates the rules of conduct? Would we do it with Lockman's permission, or without? (think about it!) I agree that we should be very careful with 'expert' commentaries. Though they may be very good, and the product of years of study, they are still just the opinions of man, and ALL are subject to disagreement. I have several favorite commentators, and I disagree with every one of them on one point or another, and they disagree with eachother often. Each has a bent, a 'pet' focus. None are 'right.' Period. So, I think that we should state OUR thoughts, opinions, and show the product of OUR faith and study. My own idea would be to state the 'gist' of an article or commentary, rather than whole paragraphs of another's work. Just some (of my) ideas! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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