Bible Question:
I have several questions. Please answer each with Bible texts and mention what mistakes you would try to avoid for each issue. 1. Several members at church have been asking questions about how and when Jesus became divine. Some point to the baptism of when the Spirit descends on Jesus as a dove. Others think there may be a problem with that view. How would you preach it? 2. A number of recent responses have mentioned that thye are "unsure of their salvation." You want people to understand the seriousness of sin while at the same time teaching the truth about justificiation and redemption. How can you do both? 3. During a class study, the subject of the Trinity comes up. A number in the class complain that thye don't se the big deal about different views of the Trinity. What could you do to address the importance of a proper understanding of the Trinity without getting bogged down in the high-minded difficulties involved? 4. A growing group from your congregation is missing the assembly more often. When asked about it, they casually say that church is not about where you are physically; it's about where you are in your heart. How could you address their ideas in a way that would encourage a deper understanding of the church? 5. An especially curious member of your Sunday morning class asks whether Judas did anything wrong since it was a part of God's plan anyway that Jesus be betrayed and crucified. You promise to address that issue in a sermon to avoid having to talk about it in class. What would you preach to defebd God's sovereignty over humans, but also allow for our own freedom? Thanks so much for answering these scenarios. |
Bible Answer: Dear Angies, Question 2, I have to be brave, because how I would preach on this is against accepted orthodoxy. There is a difference between 'salvation' and 'resurrection'. Your resurrection is assured; your predestinated final end in Him is not doubted, it is predestined. Your salvation ia different' it is dependant on faith. Let me explain, 'sozo' in Greek is salvation, ,'anastasis' is resurrection, one is the rescue and the other is our final position before God. We can lose our sense of salvation without losing our final recociliation in Him. Therefore we need to 'believe to be saved.' (John 3:16) We need to 'believe' to be saved from from the anguish of this world, 'saved' is rescue. If we do not continue in belief we will not experience His salvation. (Matt 10:22,24:13.Mark 13:13) But our resurrection in Him and predestinated glory is not in question. (Eph 1:4.5 and 1:11-13) Our salvation can be in question, but not our resurrection. If we are worried or anxious, then we have lost faith, our salvation is lost, our rescue from the world's troubles is doubted, (Matt 6:25. Luke 12:22) we have lost faith and belief. We have lost our 'sozo', our rescue from the anguish of human nature, but that does not mean we have lost our final hope with Him. The early church preached resurrection not salvation, (Acts 4:2, 4:33, 17;18, 17;32 23;6, 23;8, 24;15. 24;21, Rom 1;4, 6;5, 1 Cor 15;12,13; 21;42, Phill 3;10,11, 1 Tim 2;10 Heb 6;2, 11;35, 1 Pet 1:3, 3;41) It is abandoment to God, having the courage to walk we know not where, giving all to God. Be assured of your resurrection, but maintain your faith in salvation. Yours and His Paul |
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Questions and/or Subjects for Bible general Archive 3 | Author | ||
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it is written | ||
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ladybugmom | ||
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1lbryant | ||
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Donald C | ||
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JWeaver | ||
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sparkly | ||
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TaureanMan | ||
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angies | ||
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CDBJ | ||
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brother paul | ||
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brother paul | ||
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it is written | ||
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lookingnow |