Bible Questions & Discussion PAGE 824

1 Samuel 1 is interesting. Hannah of course in this case was a second wife; but her prayers resulted in a man of God being born (Samuel). The sentiment of his being "leant" to the Lord is interesting-perhaps God has also tested your daughter in faith and this will be a Godly child (not that it can be guaranteed of course). I pray that there are no major issues with the health of the child.

We can look to most congregations today that were holding to basic Bible doctrines a century ago that now abandoning basic truths on the literal descriptions of hell; embracing New Age concepts or doctrines of demons causing manifestations (such as the "Toronto blessing" and Pensacola revival; etc. We are seeing a divorce rate the same as the world; remarriages (which all the early church fathers were against if a spouse was still living up to Erasmus); bringing women into positions of authority against scripture; evolution ascribed as truth; acceptance of deviant sexual practices clearly spoken against in Romans 1 and other scriptures; and basically the "love of many will grow cold." ( Matthew 24:12). This could be what the lukewarmness of the Laodiceans represents in Revelation. The characteristics in 2 Tim. 3:2 of the last days fits in; as well as the admonition that God is going to judge the church first ( 1 Peter 4:17). When Christ comes (the Rapture or perhaps the second coming); He states "will He find faith on the earth" ( Luke 18:8).

Whether some are left behind is another matter; but we are told that we should be praying always to be worthy to escape in Luke; and Rev. 3:10 states that that church will miss the hour of trial to come on the whole earth (i.e. the Tribulation).

Another issue today is that we don't want o preach that repentance in necessary for a genuine conversion. We also assume that sin can be taken lightly since Christ forgave all our sins at the cross. If He lives within us; we can no longer be content with sin; and if we are not being chastised then scripture says we are "bastards" (KJV). We are not teaching that all who are godly in Christ are going to suffer persecution; or there is some anomaly with all these big time preachers. "That which is honorable to men is an abomination to God." ( Luke 16:15). I may be off on the wording; but we need to be separate from the world and not laud their approval.

Hi Jacquelyn.

I tend to concur with Richard here. It is wise for anyone who is divorced to really learn what Jesus taught about this matter. If He says that if one divorces his wife and marries another or if one marries a divorced women, this marriage causes the spouses to commit adultery. I don't believe like many who say, well maybe the first sexual relations are adultery, but then God forgives and so the couple can continue being married. I believe that it is a continuous adulterous relationship, unless the prior marriage ended because the other spouse committed adultery. I do think that those who truly want to follow Jesus' words would not remarry or marry someone who was divorced before. And I think that those who have remarried against Jesus' words, should separate and remain unmarried. It become more complicated when children are involved from the second marriage.

As Richard said, we don't say to a their or murderer that their first theft or murder was sinful, but they are forgiven and subsequent thefts or murders are no longer sinful, so why do we say this to those who remarry? It is a sticky subject and much compromise has occurred among believers and in churches and their pastors who counsel people to remarry and perform re-marriages.

I am a married person, so I do not know what it is like to be a Christian and be divorced. But I do think that Jesus' words are what we should follow and advise others to do. We are in a sad state in today's world.

We could go to the extreme of Samson's death to affirm it isn't the case. The death; however was for the greater purposes of God and for His glory in destruction of His enemies. I know of two individuals (one that I knew much better) who were believers that took their own lives. There is nowhere that states the "unforgiveable sin" is suicide. There are those who have killed their unborn and made peace with God. There are murderers such as Jeffrey Dahmer who appear to have had genuine repentance before the death penalty was enforced as the deserved result of their previous actions. The only unpardonable sin is "blasphemy" of the Holy Ghost: i.e. attributing EVIL to the attributes of the Spirit. Thankfully; there are few that are given to that; but it still is a sobering warning.

I don't buy that one can "lose their salvation." Certainly; there are those who are driven to such actions who are unbelievers; although I am sure there are some who may come to faith in their last moments on earth. The one friend I knew rather well decided to get off her antidepressants being bipolar. This is never wise; but over time things can be tapered off under supervision. The loss of spiritual rewards in heaven certainly results from such actions; however. Without the person on earth (if a believer); others aren't ministered to; and there are things cut short which the person was supposed to do. Ultimately; the Lord knows all these things ahead of time. There is also fear among survivors that murder really had something to do with it; in some situations with unknown answers.

The enemy comes to seek to kill; steal and destroy. May He grant you intercessory prayer for those in your path that currently struggle with such things. I can only hope that isn't something you are struggling with as well. Agape. Rich P

Not sure what Chrysoberyl a gemstone has to do with the question. 99 out of 100 probably would say that once the deed is done; so to speak and the new marriage consummated; that they should remain together. That is not how I see scripture; however. All I can say is how I had in my own personal life reject a new relationship before it got to that point; as to my understanding on the matter. Others had said to me "pray about it; do whatever the Lord seems to show you" or something to that effect. Even the church I attend now has a rare stance in not supporting remarriage among a believer (although I would say being a Christian or not doesn't matter in that situation). However no one wants to dogmatically state that a person should leave their partner after marriage. I won't name names here but this is prevalent among well know preachers who would not hold to that logic should say someone were to continue in theft; drunkeness or some other vice. The question is whether a person is in a CONTINUAL state of adultery; which it seems clear to me in scripture. The exception clause probably refers to Jewish espousal which was to be held at the same level as an actual marriage so that anyone having relations that were engaged could also be put to death. I suggest studying covenants here-and in this case; you may be the only voice who will have the guts to tell the truth. I will also say that if the FIRST marriage was illegitimate: i.e. not the first while another spouse is alive or involved someone previously married that would be the only other reason other than the death of a former spouse to stay in such a relationship. Obviously; you want to see these people come to faith if they aren't at present; and you should see if they truly are seeking answers or the Spirit leads you to confront them. There are numerous testimonies online; and one good book on the subject is Marriage and Divorce: The Trojan Horse and David Pawson sermons. Agape.

dear homer can you give me scripture that says everyone goes to paradise upon death, and what point do we leave paradise and go to heaven.

Ephesians 3:9 and John 8:58 are two good places to start. These show Christ's part in the Creation along with the Father; and His "I AM" status as God existing before Abraham. If we refer to Him as the "Son of God" then the capital letter "S" indicates acknowledgement of Deity. We also see that the Holy Spirit; which is God and Christ dwelling with us ( John 14:23) is promised to remind us of sin; righteousness and judgment to come ( John 16:8).

There are other verses throughout scripture; starting with the "Elohim" in Genesis where man is said to be made in "our image" ( Genesis 1:26); other verses in Psalms about the presence of the Spirit or Christ ( Proverbs 8) since the beginning further prove this point. 1 Peter 1:2 shows all 3 parts of the Godhead; and that is repeated many other places. Perhaps the greatest proof to many is Isaiah 53 which mentions clearly that "God is with us". It is prophetic of Christ being "King of Kings" along with His sufferings and deity. It is only by divine revelation that Christ is known as being Lord and worshipped as Christ stated to Peter in Matthew 16:17. It is only by the Holy Spirit that Christ can be acknowledged (or fully understood) as coming in the flesh and any other spirit that says he didn't is not from God ( 1 John 4:2).

Truly; the righteousness of God coming in the form of a man was the only thing that could forgive us since the fall. He had to be as the second Adam ( 1 Cor. 15:45). The completion of this is the Rapture and or resurrection where we shall be in a glorified body! What is most sobering is that although He is the first of the Firstfruits risen from the dead; He alone will bear the scars as Psalm 22:16 states that they have "pierced His hands and feet." The hatred of the Pharisees was that He claimed to be God forgiving men's sins ( Luke 5:21). Hopefully this is a good start in your search for an answer to your question.

Romans 1:22

Romans 1:22

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

In America we see fools in high places saying foolish things, not because they are stupid, but because they are estranged from the wisdom of God.

For one example, we recently saw a SCOTUS nominee saying she did not know the meaning of the word "woman."

hi Madalyn, i pologize, for not being knowledge enough to quote the verse and scripture to support my understanding of the word of God, but I do recall, the Bible stated that those who are fortunate enough to enter Heaven will be given a new identity, a new name, a new body and a new set of clothing. we will not know each.

The statement of 2 Samuel 5:8 about destroying those who are blind and lame is in contrast to this statement here about the welfare of Mephibosheth. It clearly shows that the issue wasn't David's obsessive hatred of those with disabilities; but other issues. Namely, in this case for "Jonothan's sake" (v. 1) David had sought out the one remaining descendant who hadn't been killed. He regarded himself as a "dead dog" in verse 8; interestingly; King David also had previously referred to himself when Saul pursued him as that and a flea.

The reference to blind and lame could be symbolic in the earlier chapter of a weak defence. There are also explanations given of those who were symbolically that way due to idol worship. The third explanation is that the lame and blind themselves were mocking David; and thus still wicked in God's sight. As to ceremonial laws; that has passed since N.T. times. Nonetheless; we do best to avoid "political correctness" in assuming that those with disabilities can't exhibit the same wicked patterns as the rest of the world. Jesus warned the paralytic who He healed not to sin again so that "something worse would happen to him" ( John 5:6-14). That verse may indicate that sin DIRECTLY led to his condition originally; or indirectly. The absolute meaning of course; indicates that eternal damnation exists for all estranged from Christ.

May we all be edified as the challenge of study of difficult scriptures are examined; following the exhortation of 2 Tim 3:16.

Why your name be bloted out of lambs book of life

How about:

James 1:17

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning

Gob bless all of you .

Hi Gigi,

Your sharing what you did regarding your sons tugged at my heartstrings. I have one son and one daughter; at one time in their lives - they seemed to have a show of faith - but have forsaken the right way. My son also has anxiety/panic disorder along with health issues; these led issues led to the break up of his marriage. My daughter has had very serious health issues as well; she is doing well now - but we went through quiet a roller coaster ride with her treatment and recovery.

Through all of these things and more - I have thought EXACTLY, Gigi, as you do. That is, "Why do some people seem to have no trouble with their adult children - and my children struggle so?"

I wonder if Samuel thought that about his sons that way.

Or, if David thought that way about Absolom...

Or, if Noah thought that about Canaan...

Sometimes godly people struggle with their children! We aren't exempt from any heartache this world can bring; we are, however, promised God's presence with us in all of them and through all of them.

One thing that has comforted me, Gigi, is that though I can't understand by kids, and where they are....I know where God is.

I know Who HE is. He is the Perfect Parent, the Everlasting Father, the Wonderful Counselor. I know that He is all-wise. I know He does all things well and right. I know His ways are unsearchable and past finding out. I know that He does things in His time which is the best time.

Anytime there is something I don't understand, I take my focus off of those things...and turn my focus on Who God is, which, in turn, encourages me in His Greatness and Goodness - and THAT is what I can rest in, as I wait for Him to answer this mother's prayers. :)

Just keep doing what you're doing, Gigi. Pray on. Believe on. Delight yourself in the Lord and rest in Him. He really is Unfailing and Faithful.

You and yours will be in prayers..

I must also add, Alvin, that all the leadership roles described in Timothy and Titus are held by men.

Women have various functions in the body of Christ, but leadership is not one of them according to apostle Paul.

Blessings!

"Christians must forsake all wealth"; this is a true statement on a heart-level. We must all hold all that we have very loosely; all we have is from the Lord, and when He asks us to lay it down - we must obey. However, we always must look at the totality of Scripture.

Joseph of Arimathea was wealthy, and with it, he provided a temporary tomb for our Savior.

A woman named "Lydia', ( Acts 16), was a 'seller of purple", and obviously a woman successful at her trade, who ministered to the needs of God's saints with her substance.

There was another woman, named Dorcas ( Acts 9), who used her worldly goods to make provision for the widows.

Acts 2 speaks to us of Cornelius, who was pious and God-fearing, who, out of his wealth, gave alms to the people.

It's not a question if we have wealth; the question is: Does wealth have us? Do we look at our blessings as only 'on loan' to us from God, with hearts that are ready to let Him direct how we use it for His glory?

The above examples did, in their hearts, 'forsake all', for when opportunity to give it away came - they all did so. It's never 'things' that are the problem; it's the place that we give them in our hearts.



Your comment that, "Christians cannot work for money" is also not correct; Paul the apostle himself would differ with you. I refer you to 2 Thessalonians 3:8-12. Paul himself labored in his trade to provide for himself and those who ministered with him! You'll also see that Paul says if a person does not work - he shouldn't get to eat!!

Furthermore, in 1 Timothy 5:8, Paul warned that if any provide not for his own house, he has denied the faith and is worse than an infidel!

Praise the Lord that God has designed the Bible to be a good commentary on itself, if we but compare Scripture with Scripture.

Amen

God bless!

Kay, is it your faith, or Christ faith: that has been given to you. If it's is his faith then it has to be HIS WORKS also.

Psalms 92:4 For thou Lord, has made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.

Psalms 92:3 O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.

Psalms 92:4 A brutish man knoweth not, nor doeth a fool understand this.

Revelation 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth MY WORKS unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.

Revelation 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

Kay, we died on the cross, the life now in us is Christ.

Colossians 1:27 .... this mystery.... CHRIST IN YOU....

Philippians 2:13 For it is God (CHRIST IN YOU) that WORKETH IN YOU both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.

We are the body of Christ.

Psalms 104:30 Thou (Father) sendeth forth thy Spirit (Christ in you), they are created, thou renewest the face of the earth (with son's of God).

Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature WAITETH for the manifestation of the Sons of God.

Romans 8:21 Because the creature itself shall be DELIVERED from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Hi Bill.

It means apostasia a "defection from the truth." ( Apostasy).

There is many opostates in our midst today. I wouldn't call them members of the Church, they're not called out. These can be called tares as seen in Mathew 13:24-30. You see Jude mention of certain men crept in our midst in

Jude 1:3-4.

It was going on in Pauls day. Acts 20:29-31.

Jesus warned his disciples of this in Matthew 7:15.

So Apostasy isn't something new to the Church.

But 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3. has a future climax.

vs.2) That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

vs.3) Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

Jesus asks in Luke "Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find the faith on the earth?" The answer is No.

We have 2 departures going on here,

1) The organization has departed from the faith.

2) The true Church has departed from the Earth.

There can be no total Apostasy until the Church is removed.

This notes what must happen before the great tribulation.

God bless.

Brother S Spencer, I have been fine, thank you for inquiring.

I believe if you study the prophets long enough and as the Spirit of Christ reveals truth to us, we will find that God isn't calling everyone into the kingdom now, only the firstfruits. Ezekiel 5:1-5

They along with Christ will judge the world after the second resurrection and all will be brought to TRUTH.

God bless us as we fulfil his will.

I have been trying to search the Godhead. I was raised in a church that believed that Jesus was only the Son of God.

I agree with Paul's low opinion of dogs. Dogs are filthy and do not belong in a Christian home. It is despicable that so many people live with dogs in their house, some even sleep with dogs in their bed. He despised those who burdened the Church with a false Gospel. A dog is a false, poor substitute for a human companion. It requires food and care and returns no spiritual value. It is just a distraction from our work to love each other. It is difficult to visit with my neighbors who care for dogs, it actually isolates them from real human companionship. Labeling the false teachers as dogs was appropriate in Paul's day.

Today, in the modern, apostate Church, people live with dogs and false teachers, and view it as normal.

Thanks so much Kay , God bless you and all of yours .

Amen! Very well spoken Kay.

God bless you.

Well Stated Kay.

God bless.

Hi ELB.

You quoted.

""Not all men are caused to believe, by Christ, in the age we are now in, but will do so after the next age.""?

You have a familiar doctrine,

Similar to a recent friend.

I'm not saying I hold those views but they sound familiar.

You wouldn't be Earl Bowman would you? If so how have you been?

As soon as I read your request, Suze, I stopped and prayed. Having had, or having, loved ones with chronic physical and mental problems, I can understand the burden you feel for your dear ones! There is nothing impossible for our Lord, and I am sure many of us will agree with you in prayer for His continued help and deliverance! AMEN!

Love and blessings!

My take on alway verse always, is alway means now, before, and in the future. Always could be referring to works like All ways.

Paul in Hebrews words uses the word let slip instead of falling away, slip is different than falling way. It is the little things in scripture that have the most meaning. Especially as you say, during and in the time of temptation.

Steadfastness while in temptation is essential, looking only unto Him!

Beware of those of the concision! Beware vs. in other translation "watch out".

Beware means be aware, verses watch out meaning works again! Watching.

The Holy Spirit will do the being aware for you ! Remember that the Holy Ghost moves and moves within you, keep your eyes on the prize, the race before you , now, and before, and "ALWAY".

In Christ, Fred

A word from God everyday

The unforgivable sin, is the sin against the Holy Ghost.

What does this mean?

Does it mean that as along I forgive and love my brother this cannot apply to me! It is ok to excuse ourselves in the light of Gods word?

If the Lord of creation wanted to write a book on particular sin, and how to deal with it , there would not be enough room to hold all the pages!

No, He has given us His word!

Instead the priest's teach today this word is fable.

Look around! You will see what the sin against the holy Ghost is!

It is the evidence of preachers and teachers who have left the wall and run for cover! A society that lives based on works.

There is no forgiveness for the sin against the Holy Ghost!

Repent and be Baptized

What, in your opinion, is the best verse from the Bible to send my pregnant daughter? She has waited 10 years for this baby

I came out of a religious system that had many traditions and actions we had to do in order to be saved. Jesus wonderfully saved me almost 40 years ago, ELB. As I read Ephesians 2:8 I was given the understanding by God's grace that ONLY by grace and the merits of Christ can I be saved.

However, it is through the Word, and the faith given by hearing it, helped me to put my hand of faith on Christ's head - the Lamb of God Who took my sin, laid it on himself, and paid the horrid debt I owed.

The Word will explain itself:

Acts 16:31

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Acts 2:

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

So - were the apostles promoting works??? THEY to whom the gospel was given to preach command 'repentance' and 'believing'...So...what's going on here? :)

It seems there is confusion between the 'root' and the 'fruit', as James adequately describes. Faith without works is dead faith. We are not saved by works AT ALL but by the FINISHED work of CHRIST; however, real,true, Holy Spirit-birthed, saving faith inwardly will produce the outward act of repentance and belief. The inner divine work is the root; the fruit is the outward change seen in the life of one truly born again.

Grace and blessing!