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Why did Jesus have to beborn of a virgin |
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Bible general Archive 1
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This is an excellent though-provoking question. I would advocate that God's plan as to how the baby would be born came prior to the prophecy -- not the other way around. Of course, the Son of God would need to have God as a parent in order to be God (maintain his God-hood as a person) genetically. However, I don't see that a faithful and consistent wife or a widow would contribute any more "sinful" of a nature than a virgin. (In fact, this concept in an extreme form could lead to wives witholding relations in a way that could hinder the marriage relationship.) There is a connection of virginity with ceremonial purity, however, that could be significant. In addition, female virginity is typically verifiable by physical means for the majority of women. In this way, Mary's virginity right up to the point of birth would most likely have been verifiable by Joseph, a midwife or anyone else who was allowed to investigate fully; her virginity would act as a testimony, therefore, that the "male seed" was placed there by the Holy Spirit rather than through sexual intercourse. With a non-virgin, there would always be more room for question and accusation. |
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Still not clear...would appreciate more |
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1 Samuel
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Dear Cking_Hisface, Parents have been blind to their children's sin (and their own sin, for that matter) since Adam. See Proverbs and Deuteronomy for neccesity of discipline for their salvation and your testimony. |
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Predetermined or Free Will |
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Luke 8:13
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Do you actually believe what you wrote?
I said God's plan of salvation was predestined. That is, He knew it was going to happen and it will happen no matter what. However, individuals are not predestined to be saved. God wants all to be saved but knows that not all will accept his gift of Grace. God's Will will succeed no matter what man may do.
1 Tim 2:1-7 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time.
Please keep the verses you spout off in context. I have showed you many verses (in context) that talk about our choice and have showed you your verses (in context) that either have nothing to do with what you are using them for or could also be interpreted as free will. I have not seen one verse (taken in context) that says otherwise. Don't you wonder why there are so many verses that talk about "Free Will" and that the only verses Calvinists come up with are taken out of context and based on a faulty premise or that you have to twist the words of non-calvinists to imply things that were not stated? Please read the entire bible. Not just the verses that, on the surface, seem to fit you interpretation.
Eph 2:1-2 - The "dead in transgressions and sin" is not a literal term. How could he be talking to them if they were dead? What he's telling the Ephesians is how they are no longer following the ways of the world (they are dead to those ways) but are now saved through the Grace of God in Jesus Christ. Later in that same chapter he tells us that the Gentiles used to be separte from God are now included in the promise of being saved through Jesus.
As I stated previously:
You mentioned John 6:44. I agree that no sinner can make the first move in the salvation process. Fortunately, God has already made the first move through Jesus. It's now up to us to accept this. Also, if you put John 6:44 in context and read the entire section, you'll see a whole different meaning. John 6:38-40 - tells us that Jesus is sent to do the Father's will which is that EVERYONE who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life. John 6:44 in simply saying that no one is going to Heaven unless God Allows it. God wants everyone to be saved (this is backed up by other verses I'll supply if needed). John 6:45 "...EVERYONE who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me." It doesn't say "only those I choose will come to me" John 6:47 "I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life." John 6:51 "...This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." He's saying that he will give his life for the world, not a elect group in the world.
Another example, read the parable of the Lost Sheep. God didn't want any to be lost.
If you need more verses about All having the opportinity for salvation, let me know.
To close on, did Jesus die for everyone's sins or just some of the people?
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Commentary on Luke 4:1-13 |
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Luke
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Matthew 4:1-3
Satan's temptations used against Christ are similar to those used against Eve.
1) Appeal to physical appetite (fruit vs. bread)
2) Appeal to personal arrogance (Will not die vs. Will not hurt Your foot)
3) Appeal to power and glory (be like God vs. Have all worlds kingdoms)
Satan's temptation of Christ is a
"Matter of comfort to all the saints. In the temptation of Christ it appears, that our enemy is subtle, spiteful, and very daring in his temptations; but it appears withal, that he is not invincible. Though he is a strong man armed, yet the Captain of our salvation is stronger than he. It is some comfort to us to think that Christ suffered, being tempted; for thus it appears that temptations, if not yielded to, are not sins, they are afflictions onlyHenry, Matthew, Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Bible, (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers) 1991.
Matthew 4:1
Note that Jesus is tempted immediately after a great revelation and testimony by God the Father about who He is and how the Father feels about Him. God may often allow Satan to tempt us immediately after a high point in our lives as a way of both humbling and testing our reliance upon the Spirit of God. Prhaps God was also showing us that the best inner defense against the attacks of the devil is to remember our sonship in the family of God.
Jesus was tempted while he was alone in the wilderness. A place of solitude is perfect for spending time with the Lord, but it is also a perfect opportunity for Satan to attack. We must be on our guard when we are alone and Satan has opportunities to make our thoughts wander, often followed by deeds which we would NEVER do if we were in the presence of others. Even in prayer, how often have our thoughts been pulled aside to other things besides the Lord?
Jesus was led by the Spirit to be tempted. God will never to do this to us (James 1:13). God led Jesus to this in order to show Satan that He was defeated. Jesus was not able to give into that temptation and sin. Such is not the position of believers. Our response should be to pray that we will not be lead into temptation (Matt 6:13). Cetainly God will never tempt us, only our own lusts and desires (James 1:14). God may allow us to be tempted for purpose of testing, but it is not something we should desire. If God leads us there, then we need to depend on Him, but we should not tempt Satan to tempt us, for God may very well leave us to our own strength at that point. Satan is not to be taken lightly.
Matthew 4:2
Jesus only became hungry AFTER 40 days and 40 nights without food? Clearly He is no ordinary man.
Matthew 4:3
Notice the timing of Satan and his temptation. He did not tempt Jesus while he was in the desert for forty days, only after. One of Satan's attacks is to attempt to take advantage of our outward condition. He watches carefully for what opportunities present themselves. What about a man whose family is starving - is it OK for him to steal to keep them from dying? What should he do? Our outward condition is no excuse to go against the commands and the will of God. As Christians, then, we must be aware of others needs around us and make sure we do what we can to help them.
Note secondly the method of attack:
1) He attempts to cause Jesus to question His relationship to the Father, His Sonship. He wants Jesus to question the goodness of God in leaving Him in this position. The Spirit testifies that we are God's children (Romans 8:16), while Satan, the accuser of the brethren, constantly refutes the claim.
2) Satan uses our physical conditions and circumstances to attempt to make us believe that God has left us, does not really love us, is not really good. When a crisis arrives, we MUST work to see Satan's role and refute him.
3) The Devil aims to shake our faith in the word of God, and bring us to question the truth of that. He did it to Adam and Eve, he tries it here with Jesus. God had just said "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.", and yet Satan says "If You are the Son of God...". If we ever question any part of the Word of God, we are giving Satan an opportunity.
4) Satan wants us to act based on our own will, not that of God. Notice that he is crafty in that he tempts Jesus to do something that He has the power to do. Just because we CAN do something, does not mean that we SHOULD. How subtle it is for him to get us to do something Godly against the will of God! Satan wanted Jesus to act on His own. He does not say, Pray to your Father that he would turn them into bread; but command it to be done. We must likewise be careful not to rely on our own desires, even good ones, or our own abilities, even our spiritual gifts, to do things which are not motivated by the will of God. |
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JESUS'S DEATH |
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NT general
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I believe that Jesus died for ALL humanity and ALL humanity has the opportunity for salvation because of this great sacrifice.
Acts 2:21 "And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Romans 10:8-13 8 But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming:
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
1 Tim 2:3-6 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior,
who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time.
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In Jesus' name...except baptism? |
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Col 3:17
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Let me add another thought. In Mat 28 the focus is the entire world, a group of people that needed to be taught that there is one God, and He exists in three persons. In Acts 2 Peter is speaking to those who worshipped the one true God. If someone who was already convinced that God is one, is ready to or just has received His Son as savior, they have already come to the understanding that God is a Trinity. Therefore Peter only needs to say "in the name of Jesus". Whereas Matthew was echoing a greater statement than just baptize them, he was saying disciple them in the fullness of the truth of who God is. That encompasses the Father, Son and Holy Spririt. I also don't see how with the limited revelation that we have that we can presume any formula to be exclusive. Baptism is a picture, a testimony of what already happened, so the words that accompany it are a testimony as well. As you can tell from the Gospels the truth can be told from different views and still be the truth. God warns us about "controversial questions and disputes about words" in 1 Tim 6. Here He is talking about depraved minds which I am convinced none of you have, but we should watch so that our desire to understand doesn't end up paralleling those with depraved minds, always searching but never coming to know the truth, because we think we need a level of revelation that isn't available. I still say that if one baptizes in the name of Jesus or in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit it is one and the same. |
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Does Bible support capital punishment? |
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Bible general Archive 1
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In answer to your question, I can say that it certainly doesn't oppose capital punishment. Take these verses for example:
Genesis 9:6 "Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made man."
Exodus 21:12 "He who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death."
NUM 35:16-19 "But if he struck him down with an iron object, so that he died, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death. And if he struck him down with a stone in the hand, by which he may die, and as a result he died, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death. Or if he struck him with a wooden object in the hand, by which he may die, and as a result he died, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death. The blood avenger himself shall put the murderer to death; he shall put him to death when he meets him.
NUM 35:21 "or if he struck him down with his hand in enmity, and as a result he died, the one who struck him shall surely be put to death, he is a murderer; the blood avenger shall put the murderer to death when he meets him.
That's not to say that we each have the right to vigilante killings. No. God clearly points out that authorities are brought to power for the purpose of administering justice. (For example, Romans 13:1-4) This includes capital punishment, which requires evidence, not revenge.
NUM 35:30-31 "If anyone kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death at the evidence of witnesses, but no person shall be put to death on the testimony of one witness. Moreover, you shall not take ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death, but he shall surely be put to death."
I know this is a bit long, but one final comment to share: There's very good commentary on this topic by Greg Koukl (A Christian Apologist and Radio Talk Show Host in CA) at the following 2 URLs:
http://www.str.org/free/commentaries/social_issues/reasonsf.htm
and at
http://www.str.org/free/commentaries/social_issues/cap_pun.htm
God Bless you... In Christ Jesus.
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Time to capitalize??? |
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Col 3:17
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Rev. l9:10 ..."For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. And I saw heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True; and in righteousness He judges and wages war. And His eyes are a flame of fire, and upon His head are many diadems; and He has a name written upon Him which no one knows except Himself. And He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood; and His name is called the Word of God." This is the only Word of God I found referenced.
This is the one place out of 47 that I found the Word of God. He is sacred and holy, He is imperishable and remains, let's worship Him and praise Him with a capital letter for He is worthy. The rest of the references were "word of God".
But when did you decide to capitalize the word of God, or the many places found of the word of the Lord? Is it time for you as well as millions of others to show respect for the Lord by capitalizing His names, the ones we know at least? Of course it is, for the time is always now for the scriptures. Now is the time...
But sometimes people can revere the Bible more than they know their Lord. Its time for all of us, all the people you mentioned and more to determine for ourselves the deity of Christ and decide if He is who He says He is.
We all have to decide if He is a way or the Way. I might say here also that God is spirit, and equally true that He is a Spirit. God is true, but equally true is that His name is True. He speaks truth but equally true is that He is the Truth. Don't be afraid to write in your Bibles people for it is only paper or even papyrus. But I want you to know the Word, and you get to know Him through the word of God.
Ray V.H. |
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Please explain this verse? |
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Mark 15:34
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Dear friend, you are right! It is a shame when our zeal to inform others of our thoughts turns us from the 'job at hand.' I will attempt to stay on track, and thank you for reminding me of focus and dignity.
The words Jesus spoke are a quote from Psalm 22:1. Some say that He probably prayed the entire psalm, as a testimony that He Himself answered the prophecy of this psalm. (The Pulpit Commentary)
"Posterity will serve Him; It will be told of the Lord to the coming generation.They will come and will declare His righteousness To a people who will be born, that He has performed it." Psalm 22:30,31 NASB
I am of this camp, I find it unthinkable that the Lord was 'temporarily seperated' from the Trinity, or that He 'experienced' hell. I do believe that he experienced death and derision that the prophecies would be fulfilled, and that He would indeed be proven victorious over Satan. Only God's Anointed could do so. Though He was 'as a lamb led to slaughter,' from the moment after "It is finished," He was crowned in glory and resurrection power. For us, Amen!
In Christ Jesus. |
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Why one word for wind and spirit? |
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Ps 51:10
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Hi wdc, There are two words that are translated wind in the Greek that I know of and be assured that I am no scholar. The one in Mark 6:48 - 5l is "anemos", where the wind was against them and the wind stopped. The other place that I am thinking of is John 3:8 "The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit." Jesus is saying "My spirit goes where He wishes and you hear My words, but yet you don't know where I'm from or where I am going." He says it over and other in the gospel of John. John 3:11 says (in my personal copy) "Truly, truly I say to you, We speak of what We know and testify of what We have seen, and you do not accept Our testimony." By the way, there are three Spirits in that section of John 3:5-8. Here the word translated wind is pneuma, spirit. He says "If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?" verse 12. Nichodemus was the teacher of Israel and he didn't understand these spiritual things. There's no dumb question. I see in my bible that I've compared John 3:10 with John l2:48,"He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has One who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day." Praise God for His word. Later, Ray
P.S. I noticed that Psalm 5l has three spirits in it. A steadfast spirit, a willing spirit, and a broken spirit. |
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healing the man who was born blind by Je |
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John
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Dear bjanko, You have gotten and given the message from the (Light) of the world here. It's a good writing. My only question is why after in the beginning you spoke of Jesus as Savior you didn't finish as strongly? You say "he makes us "see" the truth about this". Why the lower case Savior?
I would compare Jn.8:22 with verse 48."'Where I am going, you cannot come.' And He was saying to them, "You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, (I) am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." Compare V.47,"(whoever) is of God hears the words of (God); for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God.""The Jews answered and said to Him, "Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?"
Also, compare John 8:32 and John 14:7. John 8:32, "So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed (Him), "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the Truth, and the Truth will make you free."
John 14:7, "If you had known (Me), you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him."
So I would say that we could compare the works and the words of Jesus. John 9:4 says, "We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the (Light) of the world."NASB Sorry, parenthesies mine. We have to decide if this is a man who must work now while its still light and not dark when no one can work; or, is this a Man who works the works of Him who sent Him. The key to the answer is the fact that this word "We" is translated "I must work" in many versions.
I have learned to contrast this verse with John 5:19, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of (Himself), unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He (Himself) is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel." Of course the parentheses are mine for comparison.
The gospel of John was written to downplay the importance of the baptizer. Jn 5:35, "He was the lamp that was burning and was shining and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. But the testimony which I have is greater than the testimony of John; for the works which the Father has given (Me) to accomplish--the very works that I do--testify of Me, that the Father has sent Me."
Jn 5:33, "You have sent to John, and he has testified to the Truth. But the testimony which I receive in not from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved." John 5:39, "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life."
I would say to salwag, compare scriptures with the kids, no matter what age. We want the light bulb to go on in their heads. We want them to open their eyes and study the word of God and the words of Jesus. Compare 9:5 with 11:9 or 8:12 and know that the testimony is true.
I would like to see kids after hearing the story, break into individual groups to read further and contemplate capitalizing this Man and give Him the glory He is due now. I would have them read John 9:15-29 and another read John 9:33-38 and see what similarities and contrast they see when they get together to discuss what they have read. Later, Ray V.H. |
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healing the man who was born blind by Je |
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John
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Hi bjanko, The thought had occured to me but I'm afraid I tend to use a mistake like that to express my obsession with capitalization. Please excuse me, I'll try to control myself. I think that sometimes a person can use many translations in study and writing, and it could be very easy to slip back to the lower case pronouns. Just call me "shifty" because I'll be using it and backspacing if I miss it. God is great.
You did have a good writing there. You mentioned John 20:31, "but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in (His) name." The other reason for the writing of John was to downplay the importance of John the baptizer. John 1:19 "This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent to him priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" And he confessed, "I am not the Christ." They asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" And he said, "I am not." Are you the (Prophet?)" And he answered, "No."
In the first chapter John the baptist says "This was He of whom I said, "He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me." (The Word became flesh) In verse 29 (The Lamb of God),"This is (He) on behalf of whom I said, 'After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.' "I did not recognize Him, but so that He might be manifested to Israel, I came baptizing in water."
John was quoted to get the facts straight about who he was and what he came to do. He was the older cousin of Jesus and he knew who this Man was. He deserved a higher rank. I would say He deserved a higher letter.:-) This was (He), the (Prophet) "For of (His) fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace." And then going back to the Light of the beginning, "But as many as received Him to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in (His) name.verse 12, parentheses mine.
What's the bottom linem, then? I praise God that there are people like you who honor the name of Jesus and show it in their capitalization. Thanks for hearing me. Ray V.H. |
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Num 13 and spiritual mapping. Yes or no? |
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Numbers
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Dear geoffc, I cannot see that you can get any help from Numbers chapter 13. 10 out of 12 'heads of the sons of Israel' had no faith, and the 'mapping' of the land was for the purpose of killing, enslaving or displacing the inhabitants. Hardly evangelism! Spiritual mapping does take any rocket science; our first 'territory' is our own immediate family (spouse, children), then our extended family (including in-laws). The next obvious group would be friends, acquaintances, coworkers, classmates, etc. Next is the people that 'the Lord sends to you' in your daily walk. We have a responsibility to share the Gospel with those that we know, which is much more difficult than people we do not know. Our most effective tool is the 'preaching' of the Gospel, the power of the Word of God, spoken in faith. The next most effective tool is our example of faith, the 'testimony' of our lives. This 'testimony' is not money or position, but the holy manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit. "Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation." 1 Peter 2:12 NASB. Then you will be effective to evangelize the lost. I am not saying that you cannot go out and evangelize until you have 'saved' all your family and friends. But I look askance at a believer that is 'full of charisma and the 'gift of gab,' brimming with convincing evangelism and enthusiasm, but their natural life is in a shambles. I also wonder about a church that goes to great lengths to 'fill the pews,' but does not shepherd the flock. This is not a judgment on any man or church, just an observation.
Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis
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Why do we not keep the 7th day Sabbath |
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Col 2:16
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How else can we "rightly divide the word of truth" if we dont' study the word? You can not spread the gospel of Jesus Christ if you do not know it? You can not develop a relationship with someone you do not know? How else can we become effective doers of His word, if we dont' know what the word is?
I think we need to do these things to accomplish the things God has ordained us to do. It is true that it is up to us to decide what kind of relationship to have with God. But I also believe that God desires to have a relationship with us. If not, then why would He ask us to "come unto Him"?
There are no material things that we can manufacture or obtain that would be of any worth to God. I realize that. But praise does follow. But after searching the scriptures and applying them in our daily living and hearing the testimony of others and sharing our own experiences of His grace and mercies, we can't help but praise Him. For "if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." |
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Is it a sin to committ suicide? |
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Bible general Archive 1
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Dear KBurgee, Thank you for your reply and feelings. I agree in part - when it comes to people who are running as you stated at the end. I would like to give you a small personal testimony. I suffer from the disease of depression. It was diagnosed over 10 years ago and it comes from a chemical imbalance. It is my prayer that someday God will heal me from this disease but until then I will remain on medication. There were times even while on medication that I have been suicidal. During these times my faith remained very strong. I had no doubt in my mind whatsoever that God could not handle my situation.
I became suicidal because I felt that I did not have the strength, energy or desire to go on until He did. It is this overwhelming feeling that leads to suicide NOT that God can't handle it.
I have found a site that I pray that all Christian leaders, ministers, and counselors will find and explore. I encourage you to go to: www.gospelcom.net/cdp . With the best intentions many of these people do much more harm than good to a person suffering from depression.
In Christ's Love, prayon |
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I need clarification please |
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1 Corinthians
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No, that is not exactly what I was saying. I wouldn't say that God "knew those who were going to sin and that punishment was planned for those individuals," but I do believe that God knew that Adam was going to disobey. He had already created a means of salvation for Adam and his descendants -- any who would repent of their opposition to God and believe in Him. This applied to Abraham (Gen 15:6, with commentary in Gal 3:6; James 2:23 and Rom 4:3,20-22), and it applies to us today.
I include myself among those who have brought God pain and suffering, but I know also that my salvation has brought (and brings) him great joy (Matthew 13:43-46 and 18:12-14).
Hell (also known as the "lake of fire" or the "second death"), which is the punishment that will be received, was prepared "for the devil and his angels" -- not for man. However, hell will also be the punishment of unbelieving men as well (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:12-15).
God, knowing that most people would reject him (which would result in their being merely "vessels prepared for destruction") did NOT choose to abandon his plan, but He endured such pain and rejection for the sake of showing forth his character of grace and mercy. He gave them the opportunity to live and prove themselves, and he endures their betrayal, rejection and arrogant defiance, knowing that he will eventually have to destroy them. This was done in order to show God's love toward those whom He knew would be converted (by the persistent conviction initiated and pursued consistently by His Spirit). (See Romans 9, particularly v.22) These would be brought to repentance, faith and love by God.
The blood of God the Son, who willingly sacrificed Himself for us all, has removed all sin but the blasphemy against the Spirit, which reveals such defiant unbelief as to result in a final rejection of the persistent, faithful and loving conviction of the Spirit and the evidence He brings to our attention. The one who utterly rejects the clear testimony of the Spirit has no hope of conversion.
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I know that those |
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1 Corinthians
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I believe that those who reject Christ's sacrifice in this life will be subject to eternal judgment. I am not going to comment at this time on what that judgmnent is exactly but here are a couple passages from the writer of Hebrews that state plainly that judgment is eternal and that it is a more serious matter than we usually make it.
If you have bible software on your computer or have access to any I would make the suggestion of searching for words like "eternal" and "judgment," but don't stop there. It is critical that you also look for the authors intent and the cultural implications as well as the original meanings of the greek, and arimaic words. I would suggest finding a commentary from a known bible scholar who doesn't read into the meanings but translates the passage and gives the historical context.
I hope this has been helpful for you. It is how I go about any question of intent in the Scriptures.
In Christ
God's Servant
Hebrews 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God,
2 instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
3 And God permitting, we will do so.
Hebrews 10:22-31 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left,
27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.
28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
29 How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people."
31 It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
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Can a deacon drink wine with dinner? |
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1 Tim 3:3
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rwash,
The qualifications for a Deacon in 1 Tim. 3:3 do not forbid him from drinking wine, it only disqualifies him if he is an abuser (addicted) to wine. "When" one has a glass of wine I think to be irrelavent. "Why" one desires a glass of wine I think to be very relavent. I would also think that any church who raises its standards above that of the clear and unambiguous testimony of Holy Scripture has more with which to be concerned than a Deacon who has an occassional glass of wine.
Keeping the law is not the same as re-creating the law, which is what the Pharisees did and for what Christ condemned them.
Sam Hughey |
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Why was Christ baptized? |
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NT general
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One will notice that at the baptism of Jesus the Holy Spirit came upon Him-one has written "However, it is interesting to note John's record of John the Baptist's testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him" (John 1:32). Leon Morris sees this as indicating that "the whole of Jesus' ministry is accomplished in the power of the Spirit." . . . The descent of the Spirit upon Jesus at His baptism was His inauguration into His messianic task rather than His inauguration into the messianic age. . . The baptism is itself the crucial turning point in which the Spirit leads Jesus from obscurity to prominence" |
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Invite Jesus into you LIFE, not HEART... |
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Rom 6:23
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Hi Centurion,
As you know, in the Western world the 'heart' is refered to as the seat of the soul - intellect, will, emotions. It is a figure of speech. In Old Testament times, this 'seat of the soul' was the bowels. For obvious reasons, in Western culture we don't say "I love you with all my bowels." It loses something in the translation. But the Bible does allow for figures of speech, metaphors, similes, etc. The 'good news' brought forth is the New Testament is not necessarily that we 'accept Jesus into our heart' or even that we accept Him 'into our lives.' The good news - gospel - is that, as Christians, we are 'in Christ' and Christ is 'in us.' This is a matter of both physical dwelling - 1 Cor 3:16 "you are a temple of God and that the Holy Spirit dwells in you." and of identification - 2 Cor 5:17 - "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature..."
In fact, the New Testament refers to believers being 'in Christ' ten times more than it does our being 'in Him.' If you email me, I'll be happy to send you a list (as it's too lengthy to post here).
Salvation is being saved from the wages of sin - death, by the gift of God - eternal life in Christ Jesus. He said He came to give us life - His life, eternal life. See 1 John 5:11 - And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
1 John 5:12 - He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.
1 John 5:13 - These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.
We are not saved by the words we say. We are saved by faith in Jesus Christ, His death, burial, and resurrection. God sees our (here we go) 'heart' - the essence of what we believe and the Holy Spirit baptizes us into Christ. This is a spiritual union. We are then identified with, one with Him. And this is where that divine life is received. Paul said in Galatians - "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."
This is the essence of the Christian life. God once again taking up residence in His creation as the source of life. I hope this helps. God bless.
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Does dying bring forgiveness? |
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1 John 1:9
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i ask you why cant the blood cover us in all areas whether in or out of the body? i believe that with the mouth confession is made unto salvation,rom 10:10. why is confession so important.1john1:9 does this mean that if we dont confess then we are not cleansed? i believe that if we are aware of a sin and dont deal with it, By the Blood and the WORD of our testimony,Rev 12:11.then we choose not what God wants,It is His Grace that Keeps us in His calling that He has placed upon us for we are called and chosen. we cant say to God what He is to do and when.irreverence and rebellion Go hand in hand.what i am saying is that while we live we are perfected by God through the Blood of Jesus and if we die before that perfection or maturity has been accomplished it is the Grace of God that gives us BOLDNESS to come to the Holy of Holies. no matter where we are in Christ.so while we live we confess our sins one to another ,James 5:16.and when we die we have done all that the Lord has shown us to do.and not rebelled in sin. While we are in Christ it is unconditional and cleanes us from all unrighteousness .outside of Christ it is conditional. |
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where has this verse gone |
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1 John 5:7
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Hi Mechezidekau, This note at the bottom of the page has gone right into my bible. I look at it that each of the Persons testified here on earth speaking not on Their own authority but They are one testimony. "For there are three that testify in in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit and these three are one. And there are three that testify on earth, the Spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement."
I think that this is a verse that shows that this testimony is from heaven above. It wasn't one that Jesus was trying to show while He was here on the earth. He never claimed to be the Holy Spirit. But we know that He is, in heaven. And in our bodies and in our lives, Christ in us the hope of glory.
I John 4:12, "No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His spirit." (Small s mine) Later, Ray |
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1Corinthians questions: Gifts and women |
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1 Corinthians
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Hi KBurgee, I want to write to you and retxar about questions I have related to your question. The gift of tongues was something I prayed about some twenty years ago even though my dad had told me that that had "passed away" years ago. What do people think they are expressing on the whole when they are baptized or filled or whatever word is used? Expressed another way, do most people say they are filled with the Holy Spirit or with a holy spirit?
1 Corinthians 14:2 says, "for no one understands but in his spirit he speaks mysteries." Also, "his" is in italics and evidently not in Greek.
1Corinthians 14:14 says, "For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays,..." These two verses are saying that it is our spirit that is praying to God. It is not the Spirit's words.
Compare Acts 2:4, "And they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance." Listen to me now,(no I'm not Charles Stanley)could this read "And they were filled with holy spirit and began to speak... as the Spirit gave them utterance." When you look at these verses, should that be the interpretation? Again, what do most people think they are expressing when speaking in tongues? Is it like retxar said, "Thus saith the Lord" when it wasn't Him speaking at all?
I don't know that much about Charismatics and what they think they are doing. Look at Acts 4:31 with my preferred lower case, "and they were filled with the holy spirit, and they spoke the word (singular) of God with boldness." I think the NASB reads "began to speak" because later verses showed that they continued to give testimony.
You have said "The spirit of the Lord will do what it will" We know that the Holy Spirit is a He not an it. But in reference to what I am talking about it would not be out of the question to test the spirits and see if it is from God.
I wonder, because of your capitalization of Life if you would consider Colossians 3:3,4 with me? "For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our Life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory." Col.3:13 goes along with Corinthians 13 and 14, "Beyond all these things put on love" and "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you..." Later, Ray |
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chcking scripture context |
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Bible general Archive 1
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Let me add my two cents I have found that God provides two or more witnesses (other scriptures) to any doctrine or precept He would establish for us to follow. I believe this is based on the following scriptures.
Deuteronomy 19:15“A single witness shall not rise up against a man on account of any iniquity or any sin which he has committed; on the evidence of two or three witnesses a matter shall be confirmed.
Matthew 18:16 “But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed.
John 8:17 “Even in your law it has been written that the testimony of two men is true.
2 Corinthians 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. Every fact is to be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
Jesus followed this principal in John 5:33-39 by pointing to four witnesses to confirmed He was who He said He was.
John the Baptist John 5:33-35, witness of works John 5:36, witness of the Father John 5:37-38 and the witness of scripture John 5:39-47.
I can not think of one doctrine, precept, statute, ordinance, or commandment that God gave to man that isn’t confirmed at least one other place in the Scriptures.
Furthermore I get very cautious when I hear people say we must understand the traditions and the social customs of the time. I know we must have some understanding of them so we can correctly apply the teaching to our life. However, I also believe the Bible is just as applicable to us today as it was for those of the first century.
I have heard many men explain that a particular doctrine or teaching doesn’t apply today because the writer was responding to “thus and such”. Or this isn’t for today because it is addressing a custom that is no longer in effect.
Does anyone believe an all knowing, all seeing God that produced the Bible, the living Word, would be so short sighted He would allow the inclusion of doctrine, precepts, statutes, ordinances, or commandments that are no longer valid because of changing customs or social trends? Or that God would allow writer’s bias or prejudices to contaminate the writing?
That's my two cents and I hope it helps you. I'll also be interested to see how people answer the two questions I asked.
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What is guilt? |
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Rom 8:1
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guilt is feeling that we feel when laws are breached. The guilt we feel can be ours or someone elses ie; when a plate is broken by a child and another child runs away crying.They feel the guilt of the broken plate,even though it is not their guilt. That is why we are no longer under the old law.
insecurity; is a feeling of being unprotected or unsafe. you will be a slave to this if you dont overcome this emotion by the Love and personal relatioship with Jesus.
yes it does mean that you dont fully know the reverlation of what Jesus has done for you. His word says; My people perish from lack of knowlege.Jesus is the Word of God so the more word you know then the More of Jesus you have, so that the Holy Spirit can bring to your remembrance. No man comes to the father but through Jesus. REV 12:11 the blood and testimony.His word. Faith comes by hearing and hearing the WORD.His WORD. bless you.YIC. |
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How will we judge the angels? |
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Luke 16:19
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How will the judging be accomplished during the Millennial Kingdom?
Revelation 20:4-6 Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.
It says that we will rule or reign with Him for the 1000 years, but nothing about judgement.
How will we judge the angels if we aren’t present at the Great White Throne Judgement?
1 Corinthians 6:3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life?
The angels aren't judged until the second resurrection, they can't be judged during the Millennial Kingdom.
2 Peter 2:4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment;
Jude 1:6 And angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day, |
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Is prayer of Jabez special? |
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1 Chr 4:10
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Joe, my only "anger" towards you is that you said the words and I didn't! I believe you ventured into the realm of giving a powerful, moving testimony -- something we don't read often enough these days from believers. You "brought the barn down" in the style of some of the old-time gospel preachers, going as far back as the one who was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. Paul, I believe his name was. Each generation has its own peculiar inventory of fads and gimmicks within the Christian community. Today it is the curious marriage of "feel good" religion and end-times stuff, or eschatology. A generation or two ago, the "positive thinking" sub-culture was the train to ride if one really expected to go places in this world. Its gurus went about chanting the mantra "think positive. think positive, go to church, pray positive prayers and you will be healthy, wealthy and wise. God was a tool in the positive thinker's tool kit to be used to make him succcessful. Eternal salvation was, if anything, an incidental benefit for those who might feel they needed it...In our time, reading entertaining Bible stories based on "fact" and so-called Christian fiction is a deplorable substitute for feeding directly upon the life-changing Word of God. I happen to know some people who devour avidly the latest release of this or that "Christian" book, and who can recall the minute details of many of these books, but who would be hard-pressed to name the books that constitute the Torah. I taught an adult Sunday school class for 25 years. I am amazed still by the scant knowledge that so many Christians have of the Bible. It reminds me of the story of some years ago, when Cecil B. DeMille was making all those epic pictures of Bible times. Just days before the release of his epic called "The Bible" two blue-haired old ladies were sitting in a church pew, chatting away before the beginning of the service. One asked the other, "Ethel, have you ever read the Bible through and through?" To which Ethel replied, "Well, Mildred, I've started it several times, but I can't seem to get much past Genesis. I suppose now I'll just wait and see the movie." Ethel is still among us. --Hank |
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You are saved when you accept Christ . |
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John 3:5
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The Bible says that we are made acceptable in the beloved. No where does it say accept Christ and you will be saved. John the Baptist brought the knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of there sins,( he preached the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins Luke 3:3).
The Apostle Paul giving his testimony in Acts 22:16 said he was told to arise and be baptised,and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord (Jesus). 1Cor.15 the gospel that saves us is the death, burial and ressurection of Christ, we die in repentance, we are buried with him in water baptism and are raised into our new life receiving the promise of the Holy Ghost. |
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Does Satan have free will? |
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Job 2:6
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Hi Brent,may i just add and clarify a few points.thanks. satan does have a free will as he goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.Also we all have a hedge about us by God for we are sealed in the Holy Spirit, for our names have been written in the book of life since the foundation of the world.Also the temptations that we endure is not above what we can handle and there is always a way of escape made available to us if we just ask. the Lord has all things under his feet and all things are given to us that pertain to life and Godliness.it is our free will that allows satan to have dominion in and around us. Through the Blood of Jesus and our testimony we overcome.YIC. |
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