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Interpretation of Bible teachings |
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James 5:14
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Prayer is the more significant of the two ministries performed by the elders, for the overall emphasis of the paragraph belongs on prayer. There are a number of reasons for understanding the application of oil as medicinal rather than sacramental. The word "anoint" is not the usual word for sacramental or ritualistic anointing.
Three different Greek words are translated "anoint" in the NT. Each expresses the same basic idea of rubbing or spreading oil, perfume, or ointment. It is a well-documented fact that oil was one of the most common medicines of biblical times (ISA 1:6 From the sole of your foot to the top of your head
there is no soundness--
only wounds and welts
and open sores,
not cleansed or bandaged
or soothed with oil.; LK 10:34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.
[NIV]). |
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What does this verse mean? |
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Matt 6:7
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What does 'meaningless repetition' refer to? Does this mean not to pray for the same thing over and over again? |
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What does this verse mean? |
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Matt 6:7
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Prayer is central to a believer's life. But Jesus said we should avoid meaningless, repetitive prayers offered under the misconception that mere length will make prayers efficacious. Jesus labels all those who pray repetitiously like this as pagan! Jesus is not forbidding all long prayers or all repetition, only meaningless prayer. Jesus himself prayed at length (Lk 6:12), and also repeated himself in prayer (Mt 26:44), but it was not meaningless prayer. |
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Take Your Holy Spirit from me? |
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Ps 51:11
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"No believer of the present Church Age need ever pray, 'Take not thy Holy Spirit from me'; for Christ promised His own that the Spirit would 'abide with you forever' (Jn. 14:16; compare Eph. 4:30). But it is always proper for the Christian to pray that he may be conformed to the conditions essential to the full ministry of the Spirit." (note at Ps. 51:11, New Scofield Reference Bible, 1967, Oxford University Press) "In the O.T. economy, the Holy Spirit was particularly related to service, rather than salvation...Here David is asking God not to take away his service as the anointed king of Israel..." (p. 846, The Ryrie Study Bible, 1976, 1978, Moody Press) |
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Can anyone give me more reasons? |
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Bible general Archive 1
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More Reasons .. ok
1.Not one of the apocryphal books is written in the Hebrew language, which was alone used by the inspired historians and poets of the Old Testament. All Apocryphal books are in Greek, except one which is only in Latin.
2.None of the apocryphal writers laid claim to inspiration.
3.The apocryphal books were never acknowledged as sacred scriptures by the Jews, custodians of the Hebrew scriptures (the apocrypha was written prior to the New Testament). In fact, the Jewish people rejected and destroyed the apocrypha after the overthow of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.
4.The apocryphal books were not permitted among the sacred books during the first four centuries of the real Christian church.
5.The Apocrypha contains statements which not only contradict
the "canonical" scriptures but themselves. For example, in the two Books of Maccabees, Antiochus Epiphanes is made to die three different deaths in three different places.
6.The Apocrypha includes doctrines in variance with the Bible, such as prayers for the dead and sinless perfection. The following verses are taken from the Apocrypha translation by Ronald Knox dated 1954:
Basis for the doctrine of purgatory:
(2Maccabees 12:43-45), 2.000 pieces of silver were sent to Jerusalem for a sin-offering...Whereupon he made reconciliation for the dead, that they might be delivered from sin.
Salvation by works:
(Ecclesiasticus 3:30), Water will quench a flaming fire, and alms maketh atonement for sin.
(Tobit 12:8-9, 17), It is better to give alms than to lay up gold; for alms doth deliver from death, and shall purge away all sin.
Magic:
(Tobit 6:5-8), If the Devil, or an evil spirit troubles anyone, they can be driven away by making a smoke of the heart, liver, and gall of a fish...and the Devil will smell it, and flee away, and never come again anymore.
Mary was born sinless (immaculate conception):
(Wisdom 8:19-20), And I was a witty child and had received a good soul. And whereas I was more good, I came to a body undefiled.
It teaches immoral practices, such as lying, suicide, assasination and magical incantation.
No apocryphal book is referred to in the New Testament whereas the Old Testament is referred to hundreds of times.
Because of these and other reasons, the apocryphal books are only valuable as ancient documents illustrative of the manners, language, opinions and history of the East.
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Did God want borders to exist? |
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OT general
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If you are talking about divisions between God's people the answer is no. Jesus prayed for unity of all those who believe in Him through the apostles word (John 17:20-21). Paul tells us that it is God's will that we "all speak the same thing, and there there be no divisions among" us "but that" we " be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement" (1 Corinthians 1:10). The only way we can really be united as Jesus prayed is to follow Paul's admonition or Peter's in 1 Peter 4:11 where he said, "if any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God." |
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Does Jesus' name satisfy Matt 28:19? |
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Acts 2:38
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What follows may not entirely answer all that you asked in your question, but it does address some of the issues raised. Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." In this verse JESUS HIMSELF commands the disciples to baptize "in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." . . . It is misleading to say "Father-Son-Holy Spirit is not metioned after Christ's resurrection. Perhaps not that exact phrase, but see such passages as 2 Cor 13:14 where the Lord Jesus Christ, God, and the Holy Spirit are most definitely MENTIONED. . . . Moreover, in the New Testament after the book of Acts rarely is Christ referred to as merely Jesus. The majority of times that His name is mentioned, He is called Christ, Jesus Christ or Christ Jesus. . . . It should be noted that the name of Jesus is not a magic word to get whatever we want. 'To ask in Jesus' "name" does not mean to tack such an expression on the end of a prayer as a mere formula. It means: 1) the believer's prayer should be for His purposes and kingdom and not selfish reasons.' (MacArthur Study Bible, p. 1613) |
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Do you agree with my personal opinion? |
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1 Cor 7:15
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JVH-I am not sure what "Sola Scriptura" says about this topic, as I am not a biblical scholar. However, I can tell you that my heart tells me that marriage is a one time deal for me. So I say to everyone who is going to marry, "make sure you choose wisely". God has given us wisdom and knowledge to select our spouse. It is up to us to listen to Him and pray for the right person to marry. These are my personal beliefs. Do you agree with my personal opinion? |
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Prisoners doomed to die? Who are they? |
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Ps 79:11
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From the Matthew Henry Commentary:
They pray that God would find out a way for the rescue of his poor prisoners, especially the condemned prisoners, v. 11. The case of their brethren who had fallen into the hands of the enemy was very sad; they were kept close prisoners, and, because they durst not be heard to bemoan themselves, they vented their griefs in deep and silent sighs. All their breathing was sighing, and so was their praying. They were appointed to die, as sheep for the slaughter, and had received the sentence of death within themselves. This deplorable case the psalmist recommends, 1. To the divine pity: "Let their sighs come up before thee, and be thou pleased to take cognizance of their moans.’’ 2. To the divine power: "According to the greatness of thy arm, which no creature can contest with, preserve thou those that are appointed to die from the death to which they are appointed.’’ Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity to appear for his people. |
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How do you then interpret the verses... |
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Luke 8:13
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Thank you for the list of Calvinistic views (I've seen them several times now). What I'm wondering though is why you (or other Calvinists) will not discuss what I've submitted earlier. Instead, all I ever get is the same list of verses which when taken out of context point to what you would have me believe. I have looked at this from your viewpoint and tried to see how it fits in. I've even talked with a person from my church (which happens to have many calvinists) but have found too many holes in the theory. If you can offer any sound evidence I would like to hear it.
Also, have you actually read the verses in context (that is -- not just the verses but the whole chapter, or better yet the books they reside in) or is this just what someone has told you is right and that was good enough for you? I don't mean to sound harsh but what I'm getting at (and this may or may not apply to you) is that you have to read the Word for yourself. Be open to different interpretations. Pray about it. Look at who the book was written to or for. Look at what the author says in other areas. Decide for yourself if what you have been taught is accurate. Be willing to question your beliefs if you find something contradictary to what the Bible teaches.
A good example of this is a friend of mine that was raised a Jehovahs Witness. After showing him parts of the Bible and having him look at it from different view points, he's finding inconsistancies with what he was taught.
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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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Are Adam and Eve in Hell? |
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Deuteronomy
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Deut 29.29 is one of my favorite verses; simply because there are "secret" things known only to God. Perhaps this question falls in that category. I don't think we can make a definitive answer one way or the other (although I know many have)
I am simply glad that I know that I am going to heaven...and have the opportunity to pray for, witness to, and otherwise exhort others to follow Christ... |
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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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What is the sin unto death? |
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1 John 5:16
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That is a very tough question, and although scholars have several differnt theorys, none can be considered definate, although I believe that most can be ruled out. I will present these theorys:1)Possably a specific sin requiring the death sentance(see OT on murder or dissobidiance towards parents). 2) Sins committed intentionally v. accidentaly-in other words, and accidental sin would not carry with it the sentance of death. 3) Mortal sins v. venial sins- this would be most Catholic interpretations, although the Bible clearly teaches in many places elsewhere that all sin is sin, and the penalty is death(Rom.3)4) State of habitual sin willfully chosen and persisted in-This theory has merits, as Jihn has claimed in this epistle that the true believer does not willfully sin habitually, so it would seem to be talking about non-believers.5)Apostacy 6) Mark 3-blasphemy against the Holy Spirit(accrediting the work of the Spirit to the devil) 7) My professor has this theory, and it is the one that I would go with as well-Remember the context of the passage, and that is prayer for believers, that they might escape the sin that has them entangled. The context of the book as a whole has been the hereesy of the false teachers, and John has gone to great lengths to prove that they are not in the Light, but are in fact, un-believers. Their sin is unbelief, and that sin can not be forgiven,since it is a slap in the face of a God who had spilled His blood tht they might be saved(1 John 2:2). When we see our brother committing sin, we need to pray for them, as they have the Spirit in them, and that makes them recoverable. These false teachers have not that help, and so the sin, unbelief, is indeed a sin leading to eternal death. I hope that this helps. Let me know if I can try to comment further. Sean Lillis Emmaus Bible College |
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What is the best version of the Bible? |
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Bible general Archive 1
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. . . The best Bible version is the one YOU use -- the one you can understand AND trust.
. . . If you asked 20 different people what's the best version, you would get 20 different answers.
. . . First you have to answer the question, best for what? What will you be using this Bible for -- general reading, devotional reading, personal study, evangelism, teaching youth, etc.?
. . . I personally use 16 different versions of the Bible. What are my top recommendations?
. . . They are, in alphabetical order:
. . . The Amplified Bible
. . . New American Standard Bible
. . . New International Version
. . . New King James Version.
. . . Which is my personal favorite over all, for reading, study, teaching, memorization, devotional reading, etc.?
It's the New American Standard Version of the Bible. The New American Standard has been widely acclaimed as "the most literally accurate translation" from the original languages. Today the NASB remains the most literally accurate Bible in the English language. I use many translations every week, but after 30 years of reading, studying, teaching and praying in the NASB, it is my personal favorite over all the others.
. . . The advocates of the King James Only movement are violently opposed to any and all modern translations. Their view is the KJV is the only perfect (without error) English Bible in existence. I merely define their views, as I understand them. I refuse to be drawn into a dispute over the King James Only controversy. I personally love and respect the King James and have done all my memory work in it. But is it the most literally accurate Bible in the English language? No. While it contains a remarkable degree of general accuracy, it cannot and does not make the claim for itself of being the only perfect English translation. NO TRANSLATION IS PERFECT, INERRANT AND INFALLIBLE. Inerrancy can be said to apply only to the original Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. No honest Bible scholar would claim otherwise.
. . . Brothers and sisters, let us live at peace with one another. Back to my original answer: The best Bible version is the one you use -- the one you can understand AND trust. |
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DOES GOD HEAR THE PRAYERS |
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Not Specified
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DOES GOD HEAR THE PRAYERS OF NON CHRISTIANS? |
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DOES GOD HEAR THE PRAYERS |
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Rom 8:14
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DOES GOD HEAR THE PRAYERS OF NON CHRISTIANS? |
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DOES GOD HEAR THE PRAYERS |
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Rom 8:14
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Yes, he hears the prayers of repentence and confession. Jesus is the mediator of his adopted children, however those who want to know him, must "call on Him." As far as a ongoing relationship in prayer, that is reserved for his "sons." |
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Lowest Common Denominator |
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Bible general Archive 1
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Great comments! I am in no way suggesting we stop discussion of the whole in order to arrive at the kernel. In fact that is my purpose, to arrive at the kernel. I do not believe we should 'agree to disagree' and ignore faults, then slap eachother on the back and say, "brother!" The purpose of holy discussion should be to review what we say and what we hear in prayer before God, the ask for the simple truth. I am convinced that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is simpler than many portray it, or live it. L.C.D. could also be applied in this mannner. Dr. Lloyd-Jones once warned us not to preach a sermon for the sake of a few eminent colleagues, but for the 'cleaning woman in the back row.' If our words are not for the majority, we run the risk of spiritual arrogance, which often blinds the bearer. |
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recognizing loved ones in heaven |
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Rev 7:9
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My Pastor recently explored Rev. 7:9. John refers to a "great multitude" speaking of what he saw in heaven. He described the people as being "of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues"
If John could describe that the people where of different nations and kindreds(families) and tongues (languages) then it may be conclusive to say that we retain our "identity" in heaven, which means we would recognize our loved ones or in particular our family. "Kindreds" refers to family - this is the word used in KJV. In other versions NKJV and NIV instead of "kindreds" it says "tribes" which still refers to family. I would suggest reading it for yourself - and praying for the Lord to reveal to you what is accurate. I have not really given this alot of thought or prayer time myself - but I thought this may help you. |
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TV Show "Crossing Over" - Dead Speaks? |
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Deut 18:11
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Read the entire text Deuteronomy 18:9-14.
Be vary careful with anything like this. I read a book once by a Christian author that describes some of the ways that the occult (witchcraft)works. The purpose of this book was to inform Christians so they would not be ignorant to this type of stuff and fall ignorantly under demonic influence. This book indicated that there are demonic spirits called "familiar spirits" these spirits follow people around and observe them in their lives. Some men or women under the influence or by using these "familiar spirits" are able to speak in detail of a person's past. These are the same spirits that so called "psychics" operate through. They are able to with moderate accuracy predict what is going to occur in someone's life by seeing what they have done. Those who claim to be "communicating with the dead" are doing what called "necromansing" In the above text it actually says "one who calls up the dead" in the KJV this is referred to as "necromansing"
Also read in the New Testament Luke 16:19-31 - it indicates that the dead cannot "come back" or communicate with the living. If this dead rich man could have simply communicated with his 5 brothers he so dearly wanted to warn - then he would have.
Also check out the account in Acts 16:16-19 - this young girl was a soothsayer (psychic)and it describes that she was possed with a spirit of divination. This may shed some light for you also.
Please be prayerful about what you allow into your mind through television, internet, etc. The devil doesn't always come with pointy ears, a fork and a red tail. If he did - no one would fall for him - he comes appealing to whatever seems logical or interesting to you. I pray that you are a Christian and that your walk with God would be strengthened. |
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Yes I have accepted Jesus as me savior |
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2 Cor 5:6
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Matthew 28:20 (NASB) ". . . and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." My prayer is that you will find comfort in this promise of our Lord. |
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Forgive or confront - which to choose? |
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Matt 18:1
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First of all, choose to forgive. Christ chose to die for us while we were yet his enemies. You and I both have a much deeper debt of sin before God than anyone has toward either of us. If we don't begin with forgiveness, we should pray in terror every time we ask God to "forgive us our debts (or trespasses) as we forgive our debtors". If we refuse to forgive "those who trespass against us" then we are asking God to hold our sins to our account and condemn us to hell. Is this extreme? How does it compare with Jesus's teaching in Mat 18:23-35? The guidelines for confronting a brother who sins (Mat 18:15-18) must be read in the context of Mat 18:23-25, as well.
When Paul (in Eph 6:27-28) tells us to "be angry and sin not" by not letting "the sun set" on our anger, there is no mention of confrontation with the other person. This is a call to a forgiveness in order to "not give the devil an opportunity"; it serves our spiritual interest by preventing bitterness from clouding our ability to love.
Once we have forgiven, we are ready to consider whether confrontation is beneficial. Confrontation is for the benefit of our brother (or sister) who has done something wrong, not for the purpose of "letting off steam" or verbal retaliation. As in Mat 18:15, where the purpose is to "[win] your brother" back to obedience and growth in his relationship with God. It's possible that Paul had this in mind in Gal 5:19-21 when he listed specific sins that are practiced by those who "will not inherit" the kingdom of heaven. The increasingly strong convictions and confrontations presented in Matthew 18 are meant to draw the offender to confession, repentance and restoration. Is this not how the Spirit convicts and confronts us, as well? He confronts us to the degree necessary and the degree we are willing to receive. He is to be our model.
I suspect that the final and unequivocable rejection of this persistent and faithful conviction ("slamming the door in the Spirit's face" if you will) is what is meant by the blasphemy against the Spirit, but that's another question. |
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Help with misled teen with gender issues |
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Not Specified
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Help, with an adolescent son of 16, whom accepted Christ; of his own free will without any coercion, etc. perhaps 5 years ago.After taking Acutane, a medication for acne, became very depressed,suicidal;our physician said there was no causal link.. . unknown to them at that time and during the depression, self esteem eroded, gender identification issues surfaced. I know these are developmental issues, normally not this extreme,acute. Until he wound up searching the internet. I know, I know, mea culpa, for answers; found unfortunately. support withother sad people, and now believes he is transgendered. He has prayed and asked God for greater than one year, to take away these feelings etc. We didn't know he was feeling this way for about a 6 mo period.
He is a great son, certainly confused, but now, intellectually sure that he is a girl in a boys body. Unable to find a Christian counselor who has been successful in reaching our son. Or not enought MONEY to send him to residential centers that might,thousands of dollars a month, that insurance won't subsidize.
How do we reach him? he reads his bible, but somehow the answer, is elusive
Help (I know, WHAT is the question - ) |
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Help with misled teen with gender issues |
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1 Pet 5:7
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Help, with an adolescent son of 16, whom accepted Christ; of his own free will without any coercion, etc. perhaps 5 years ago.After taking Acutane, a medication for acne, became very depressed,suicidal;our physician said there was no causal link.. . unknown to them at that time and during the depression, self esteem eroded, gender identification issues surfaced. I know these are developmental issues, normally not this extreme,acute. Until he wound up searching the internet. I know, I know, mea culpa, for answers; found unfortunately. support withother sad people, and now believes he is transgendered. He has prayed and asked God for greater than one year, to take away these feelings etc. We didn't know he was feeling this way for about a 6 mo period.
He is a great son, certainly confused, but now, intellectually sure that he is a girl in a boys body. Unable to find a Christian counselor who has been successful in reaching our son. Or not enought MONEY to send him to residential centers that might,thousands of dollars a month, that insurance won't subsidize.
How do we reach him? he reads his bible, but somehow the answer, is elusive
Help (I know, WHAT is the question - ) |
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Help with misled teen with gender issues |
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1 Pet 5:7
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I would not be so foolish as to try to answer your question with a one-size-fits-all Bible verse. Finding a Christian counselor is not an easy task. Especially if you live, as I do, in a small rural area. Be assured God does care and He loves you and your son. I would suggest calling 1-800-4 PRAYER. The folks there don't do couseling, but they can sure encourage you with their prayers. |
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Help with misled teen with gender issues |
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1 Pet 5:7
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JVH0212 Thanks for your feedback, will try the ph number.
We have an appt with a Christian PhD adolescent expert; that I have briefly dialogued with. He seems like it might be a good fit appt on Mar 13.
Appreciate your support and prayers and scriptural suggestions. I do know that if I will just 100 percent trust God, that this will work out somehow; and that I will grow closer to Christ and stronger as a believer. This is really pushing the envelope, for me.
SFriend sends |
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Help with misled teen with gender issues |
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1 Pet 5:7
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HeirofGod, thank you as well
Certainly he is vulnerable to Satan, I don't think this is about homosexuality. It is about an identity crisis, he is not attracted to males and at this time, it is not about sex, he is not sexually active, nor does he want to be. He truly believes that he is a boy in a girls body, ugh.
I will peruse the scriptures you recommended, thank you, I am sure they will be insightful. My husband and I had decided on a, for better lack of words a frontal attack, not truly meant to be confrontive in the respect of angry or antagonizing or getting into a power struggle or ego battle, but after PRAYING, asking the Holy Spirt to guide the discussion. . .
my son is not averse to discussing any of this. Pray for us, please
SFriend sends |
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What does Bible teach on election? |
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Bible general Archive 1
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I said to be careful, not ignorant. The true student of the Word of God wants to see it in it's completeness and this takes careful study and a lot of time. As you stated, such a study gives the BIG picture of who God is, who we are and who does what in salvation. It is an eye-opener and should be pursued, but it should be done slowly and prayerfully.
As to your statement of free will, this is true, to some extent. We are free to choose that which we have the ability and desire to choose. Choosing Christ is not within either our ability or desire until we are born again, and that is solely a work of God.
As to your comment about being removed from the Book of Life, your interpretation of Exodus 32:33 is incorrect. God is speaking about his revelation to Moses at this point, the history from Genesis on to that day. It is not a reference to the Book of Life in Revelation. We cannot lose our salvation. I can show you dozens of verses which prove this beyond a shadow of a doubt. In fact, the very study of predestination and election leads to this conclusion as well. |
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