http://www.praize.com/forums/ en-us no-reply@praize.com Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:26:53 GMT Gossamer Forum by Gossamer Threads, Inc. http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification http://www.praize.com/forum/icons/gforum-logo.png http://www.praize.com/forums/ 50 50 http://www.praize.com/forums/Apologetics_C2/Christian_Debates_F17/Summary_of_how_God_grants_salvation_and_to_whom_P119446/?page=unread#119446 This is where I am now, one revelation at a time. Perhaps this will help someone. God has given what appears to be opposite sides of some doctrines for a reason: so that some spiritual truths are available only by revelation through His Spirit. The NT is an incredible inter-weaving of blessings, explanations, exhortations, edifications, rebukes, and warnings that the blessings are conditional. God revealed who He desires to spend eternity with Those who have a contrite and humble spirit (Isaiah 57:15, Psalm 34:18, Prov 3:34) Those who have a repentant heart towards God (Jeremiah 25:5, Ezekiel 18:30) Those who are holy, i.e. can be made holy (Exodus 19:6, Leviticus 11:44,19:2) Those who are obedient to His will (Matthew 7:21) … “And you shall keep My statutes, and perform them: I am the LORD who sanctifies you” (Leviticus 20:8) Notice that God’s OT “chosen people” must co-operate in their sanctification! God proved that man is basically unable to satisfy Him In the old covenant, it was almost impossible for God’s people to obey His Law! They had an inherited sin nature, and they did not have God’s Spirit to help them. God desired to prove man’s hopelessness, and His “chosen people” did just that. God promised a new and better covenant This included a Messiah-Redeemer-Savior, the Holy Spirit placed inside people, a possible relationship with God, and a way for Him to forgive people’s sins. “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant … I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts” (Jer 31:31-33). Note: God’s Law (e.g. the Ten Commandments) are to remain in the new covenant. “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you … I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them … you shall be My people, and I will be your God.” (Ezek 36:24-28) The Spirit will help those who co-operate with Him in being obedient to God’s will. He will cause the obedient ones (through His Spirit inside) to walk in His statutes. He will NOT cause the disobedient ones to do such. Man always has free will to choose sin and disobedience … both before and after being born-again. God’s free gift of grace-faith-salvation “… the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing … whose minds the god of this age (Satan) has blinded” (1 Cor 1:18, 2 Cor 4:3-4) This is just one of many reasons why man is not able to believe in the gospel. These reasons just prove that it was necessary for God to intervene, so He did: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Eph 2:8-9) Biblical grace refers to “God’s unmerited favor towards man”. The very beginning of God’s grace is that ANY person could be saved at all. Here Paul is talking about SOME being given the gift of grace-faith-salvation. However, this is just the beginning of the process of salvation ... because it is a salvation which can be thrown away (see many warning verses). Who really believes To fit the rest of Scripture, the English word “believe” (Greek “pisteou”) in verses such as John 3:16 must actually mean “believe, trust, depend on, follow, obey”. Greek words can have up to 40 different meanings, depending on the context. God desires to have a personal relationship with us “I know My sheep, and I am known by My own … My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life” (John 10:14,27) “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17:3) Some people really think they “know” God, but are mistaken (Matt 7:23, 25:12). God requires that we overcome sin by being sanctified (i.e. made holy) “God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth” (2 Thes 2:13-14) “… those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 2:11 and 10:14, NKJV) “For as many as are being led by God’s Spirit, these are sons of God” (Rom 8:14) The Holy Spirit (Helper, Advocate, etc.) was given to us for a specific purpose … primarily to help us and guide us through the sanctification process. “To him who overcomes (sin, Satan, etc.) I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Rev 3:21) Jesus, i.e. God, suffered a lot for us, and He expects some serious appreciation! God requires holiness, which is accomplished through repentance “He chose us … that we should be holy and without blame” (Eph 1:4) “Pursue … holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Heb 12:14) “let us cleanse ourselves … perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Cor 7:1) “as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Pet 1:15) “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God” (Rom 12:1) “He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish” (Eph 5:27) “Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection” (Rev 20:6) Repentance of on-going sin is necessary to cleanse ourselves … “… the goodness of God leads you to repentance” (Rom 2:4) “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation” (2 Cor 7:10) “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9) Note: There has been a lot of confusion between those who were elected before the foundation of the world, and other “believers” … as alluded to by the wheat and the tares, the wise and foolish virgins, etc. 640490677bd6fb187f69085159fcc70e Jun 12, 2013, 12:41 PM http://www.praize.com/forums/Prayer_C24/Prayer_Requests_F100/For_Encouragements_and_Finances_P119432/?page=unread#119432 My Dear Precious Brothers and sisters in Christ, Greetings to you all in the mighty name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. I am hoping and praying that you are all doing well there by His grace. By the grace of God we are doing well. I am going to introduce my self to you all in the name of Jesus Christ. My name is BONTHA SWARNA RAJU. I am from Andhra Pradesh sate in India. I am working as a preacher in Kamepalli church of Christ from several years. I have a good Christian wife and 3 God gifts. I need your all kind of encouragements, financial help with prayers to continue the Lord’s work here I am doing for His Kingdom. Coming to the requesting. We are nearly 50 breaking bread every Sunday at Kamepalli church of Christ. Our church members are very poor. On October 2009 my wife applied for loan 5000 (Five thousand) dollars from her job and she gave that amount for buying 20 cents land for church building. After purchase land we started our church building at Kamepalli again with my own risk and I have spent a lot of money and we laid foundation stone on May 5th 2011. For this building purpose I mortgage my own house on August 2011 for dollars 10.000.00 (Ten thousand dollars) in “SHRIRAM CITY FINANCE LIMITED” company in my town Narasaraopet. I used $8500/- (Eight thousand and five hundred dollars) for the building purpose roughly 1000 trucks of mud to fill up the base which costs each truck $15 and erect pillars, water for the construction and dig bore well in the building site. The rest of loan amount $1500 (One thousand and five hundred dollars), I used for my family personal small dues and hand loans. I still have to pay, regular payments to the above named chit Fund Company from 2011 September 15th to August 15th 2016 (Total 60 months). Total 20 payments are gone from 2011 September and remaining 40 months I will have to pay to that finance company. We still pay 110 dollars for $5000 loan and 305 dollars for $10.000.00 loan. Total we pay 415 dollars for all loans. And we need family needs, power bill, phone bill and net bills and children education fesses. So I am requesting you all, please pray for my family, church family, my Lord’s work, building work and all our needs with health. We need your all kind of prayers to continue the Lord’s work here. If any one likes to come forward to encourage me in Jesus Christ’s name, we welcome you to work with me in India. If you need any more information about me, please feel free to ask me, I will give you answer at any time. Please go to facebook by my name “Bontha Swarna Raju” to see my Lord’s work and go to: - www.freewebs.com/kamepallichurchofchrist to see my work and there is my postal address and phone numbers. Thank you all. In His name and service. Yours Brother in Christ. B.S.Raju. e6ce13b196c5cbb84ceb322a28dc932d Jun 8, 2013, 1:17 PM http://www.praize.com/forums/General_C76/General_Topics_F74/Free_Resource_for_Christian_Business_Leaders_P119420/?page=unread#119420 Please check out our new website at http://www.jesusledbusiness.com and join our newsletter. Our mission is to provide entrepreneurs info and advice related to Strategy, HR, Finance, Technology, Sales and Marketing and more. The twist, it's all with a inspirational twist and based on Biblical principals. Hope you check it out and please leave a comment on what you think! 402022a8c2e3e7832e149e4ac78099dd Jun 6, 2013, 8:17 PM http://www.praize.com/forums/Prayer_C24/Answered_Prayers_F26/Resurrection_-_however_small!_P119407/?page=unread#119407 I don't ever want to be guilty of not giving thanks to God when thanks are due! Sometimes we think things are small and unimportantant, but if they are important enough to pray about, they are important enough to give thanks for. (Please forgive my ending the sentence with a prepositions... it just won't work any other way!) Some months ago my computer died... this one. This computer died! I took it to my tech and he said, "Sorry, I cannot resurrect it." At that time, Jim was out of town, so I had the availability of his computer and this one was put down for a loooooong rest. About a week ago, Jim picked this computer up and a miracle occurred! He doesn't even know how it happened, so it had to be a miracle. He got the thing working! I asked him how and he said that he could not take the credit. He didn't know what he did that made it work and that it was the Lord. So thank You, Father, for once again filling our need. You are Wonderful!!! Blessings ~ Sarah 7f6db1e09cc41715c74e66e2b442620e Jun 4, 2013, 8:46 AM http://www.praize.com/forums/Apologetics_C2/Christian_Debates_F17/Disastrous_errors_of_the_post-apostolic_church!_P119395/?page=unread#119395 post-apostolic … after the original apostles died SWMs … signs, wonders, miracles BACs … born-again Christians THE 2 MAJOR CAUSES of the disastrous errors of the post-apostolic church #1 CAUSE “the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world” (Rev 12:9) “the god of this world” (2 Cor 4:4) “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31) “the ruler of the demons” (Matt 12:24) “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19) “there is no truth in him ... he is liar and the father of it” (John 8:44) The biggest understatement in 2000 years: “Satan hates God and His church!” #2 CAUSE Many church leaders fell for the deceptive lies of Satan … but they also had selfish reasons for going along with the great deceiver. The big church organizations (especially) wanted to be in control of everything. The leaders did NOT want … -- God (His anointed apostles & prophets) to be in control of the churches -- to acknowledge the continuing existence of SWMs -- anyone in the church having more spiritual anointing than they had -- to risk losing any church members and their tithes -- to risk losing their power, authority, prestige, jobs, etc. All of this caused God’s Church to become man’s church. DISASTROUS ERRORS of the post-apostolic church (1) – The Cessationism Doctrine: The spiritual power gifts have ceased Jesus’ Great Commission: “… make disciples of all the nations … teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matt 28:19-20) New disciples were to preach the gospel, heal the sick, cast out demons, etc. Pre-requisite for understanding this section: In the NT churches, all of the 5-fold ministry leaders (Eph 4:11) were anointed with one or more of the 9 spiritual power gifts (1 Cor 12:1-11). These gifts were special anointings given by Jesus only to some BACs. There certainly was NO reason for Jesus to stop this after the apostles died. Post-apostolic church leaders who did NOT have any of these spiritual gifts were jealous of those who did, and this was unacceptable to them. They decided to point to 1 Cor 13:10 as an excuse to do away with the gifts. And many “have-not” church members went along with this rationalization. WHY was this such a disastrous error? God’s evangelization plan always had SWMs confirming the truth of the gospel. He knew … gospel power + SWMs power … would produce the best results! But, the new plan was to NOT ask for (or expect) God to perform His SWMs. Removing the SWMs obviously resulted in many fewer conversions, and also no one was being healed of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual problems! (2) – The OSAS Doctrine: Once saved, always saved This was obviously a very popular doctrine for everyone to believe in. The opposite doctrine would have required heeding … -- the many warnings about falling away from the faith, habitual sinning, etc. -- Jesus’ commands such as: “be holy”, “be perfect (mature)”, etc. Talk about a popular doctrine for everyone: “We cannot lose our salvation!”. WHY was this such a disastrous error? Christians (in name only) in the churches loved the easy-believism gospel. BACs were put off their guard and allowed to live more spritually-careless lives. This doctrine has caused multitudes of church-goers to miss heaven. Talk about a perfect doctrine for Satan to foist upon God’s church! My suggestion: If you are attending a church that teaches these errors, ask God if He will allow you to leave, and then find one that does not. 632205635ff442b5fec9222ae8281a06 Jun 1, 2013, 8:10 AM http://www.praize.com/forums/Apologetics_C2/Christian_Debates_F17/%93The_Romans_Road%94_has_a_disastrous_fork_in_the_road!__P119392/?page=unread#119392 The right fork goes to a narrow gate and a difficult way, which leads to Heaven. The wrong fork goes to a wide gate and a broad way, which leads to Hell. Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome is addressed to … “the called of Jesus Christ … beloved of God, called to be saints” (Romans 1:6-7) He says to them, “we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith” (Romans 1:5) “The Romans Road” is famous for laying out the Plan of Salvation for Christians. However, for Christians who are NOT obedient to the faith … “The Romans Road” lays out the Plan of Damnation for Christians! Paul gives MANY WARNINGS to the Christians in Rome … Romans 1: • The righteousness of God is revealed: “The just shall live by faith” • The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness • Knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things (a long list of sins) are deserving of death Romans 2: • You who judge those practicing such things (a long list of sins), and doing the same, (do you think) that you will escape the judgment of God? • To those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness — indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, for there is no partiality with God. Romans 6: • Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! • We should no longer be slaves of sin • Reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin • Do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts • Do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin • Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! • You are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or … • Present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness • The end of those things (practicing sin) is death • For the wages of sin is death Romans 8: • No condemnation to those who walk according to the Spirit • The righteous requirement of the law is fulfilled by walking according to the Spirit • To be carnally minded is death • The carnal mind is enmity against God • Those who are in the flesh cannot please God • If you live according to the flesh you will die • If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live • For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God • We are children of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him Romans 11: • Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches (the Jews), He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. a9b1fb176f49edc9dcf548173253c9e2 May 31, 2013, 9:10 AM http://www.praize.com/forums/Prayer_C24/Prayer_Requests_F100/Please_pray_P119383/?page=unread#119383 I just received this: Hi Allen, I just read that you are a Man of GOD, so will you please Pray for my brother Harold? He is the only brother i have and is 55. I'm 58 so he is little brother. A couple of months ago he thought he was having a stroke so his girlfriend took him to the E.R.. He did have a mini stroke, but when they ran more test they found a brain tumor. They took it out, and it is cancer. The family are devastated. He is so freaked out that he can’t speak much about it unless he cries, and my brother has Never been an emotional person. He is so scared and i pray all the time for him, and my church prays as well. Lift my brother UP . Please pray for him. Thank you, ANGELA Thank you for praying with me 2249476e2f00915ce423a693b06455b3 May 24, 2013, 9:21 PM http://www.praize.com/forums/Prayer_C24/Prayer_Requests_F100/Note_from_a_friend_P119382/?page=unread#119382 Just got this note from a friend: Went to see the Dr today, I have to go June 4th for a MRI on my head. He thinks I may have had a mini stroke Your prayers will be greatly appreciated. fa2d3c3438a3bce14b8c63740cd290d7 May 24, 2013, 9:37 AM http://www.praize.com/forums/Apologetics_C2/Christian_Debates_F17/30_Scriptural_warnings_to_Christians_about_losing_eternal_life!_P119375/?page=unread#119375 Matt 6:15 • Forgive men’s sins against you, or God will not forgive your sins against Him. Matt 10:39 • He who loses his old sinful life for Jesus sake will find eternal life. Matt 13:3-8,18-23 • 2 examples of coming to life, and then returning to the lost state. Matt 16:24-26 • Deny (lose) your old sinful life and follow Jesus to find eternal life. Matt 18:21-35 • Not forgiving others causes God to revoke His forgiving us. Mark 11:25-26 • If you do not forgive everyone, Father God will not forgive your sins. John 12:25 • He who hates his life in this world will keep his life for eternity. Rom 8:13 • Follow the Spirit and put to death the works of the flesh to gain eternal life. Rom 11:20-22 • By faith, continue in God’s goodness & fear, otherwise you will be cut off. 1 Cor 6:9-10 • People committing these sins will not inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Cor 15:2 • You are saved, if you hold fast to the word, unless you believed in vain. 2 Cor 7:10 • Godly sorrow leads Christians to repent, leading to salvation. 2 Cor 13:5 • Examine yourself to see if you are in the faith, unless you are disqualified. Gal 5:1-4 • It is possible for a Christian to be estranged from Christ and fall from grace. Gal 5:19-21 • Believers who practice such sins will not inherit the kingdom of God. Gal 6:7-8 • Sowing to the flesh reaps corruption; sowing to the Spirit reaps eternal life. Eph 5:3-6 • Disobedient believers committing such sins will incur the wrath of God. Col 3:5-6 • Disobedient believers committing such sins will incur the wrath of God. 1 Tim 5:11-12 • Some believers are condemed because they have cast off their first faith. Heb 2:1-4 • How shall we escape, if we drift away and neglect so great a salvation? Heb 3:14 • Partakers of Christ hold the beginning of their confidence steadfast to the end. Heb 6:4-8 • Those partakers of the Holy Spirit who fall away will be rejected and burned. Heb 10:26-27 • Believers who sin willfully can expect God’s fiery judgment. Heb 10:36-39 • Endure in the faith, and do not be like those who draw back to perdition. Heb 12:14 • Pursue holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. 1 Pet 1:8-9 • Believing, you will receive the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. 2 Pet 1:10-11 • Be diligent to make your call and election sure, gaining the kingdom. 2 Pet 2:20-22 • A believer who returns to his sins is worse off than he was before. Rev 2-3 • All 7 churches are warned to repent and be overcomers to be: given the crown of life, clothed in white garments, a pillar in the temple of God, not hurt by the second death, etc. Rev 21:7-8 • People committing these sins will go into the lake of fire (the second death). Rev 21:27 • People committing these sins will not enter the New Jerusalem. Rev 22:14-15 • People committing these sins will not enter the New Jerusalem. Romans (the 6th NT book), chapter 6, verse 6 “… our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.” 21c22b521e63701e7607fad59a00c0d0 May 22, 2013, 5:53 PM http://www.praize.com/forums/News_C18/Current_Events__F83/What_is_happening_to_Coptic_Christians_in_Egypt%3F_P119334/?page=unread#119334 The BlazeTV, which is Glenn Beck's network, has a new program called, "For The Record." It is sort of like "60 minutes" used to be, that is, it seeks the truth. This Wednesday the program is about the crew's recent secret mission (for their protection) to record events in Egypt concerning the country's Coptic Christians. They are being killed. Their families are being torn apart. Their children are being kidnapped and re-educated in Shariah. Their women are being stolen and raped and discarded like so much garbage. The Blaze comes on DISH 210 and is starting on some others now, although DIRECTV is still hostile to what their viewers...including me...want them to please carry. Also The Blaze is online as a news site and an online television station. I think they still offer a two week free trial, but the online fee is kept inexpensive to make it more available. -Jeanne "The Ox is slow, but the Earth is patient." 54fe26d961873f380274366184a1e73d May 6, 2013, 7:00 AM http://www.praize.com/forums/Apologetics_C2/Christian_Debates_F17/Just_how_infinite_and_unconditional_is_God's_love%3F_P119325/?page=unread#119325 We hear a lot about God's love when we sing hymns and songs and read the scriptures. We are told by scripture that God is love himself and only those who love can know God. As if that is God's most prevalent characteristic. His defining feature. If we do a search on 'love' in the KJV we get 280 hits, most of which refer to God's love for us or our love for God, in one way or another. Many of which require of us that we 'Love the Lord our God' or that we 'love' our neighbour etc. We are required by God, (mere mortals as we are), to forgive our brother, sister, neighbour, enemy, 70 times 7 times a day. If God can require that of US what must HE be capable of ? Where do you think God's love has it's limit? At what point do you think it comes to an end? And from whom do you think it is withheld and why? 145ec47dd50e2296beaf354b45ee4410 May 4, 2013, 2:19 PM http://www.praize.com/forums/Prayer_C24/Prayer_Requests_F100/Please_pray_P119316/?page=unread#119316 Tests yesterday confirmed the neuroblastoma, attached to spine, wrapped around main veins to liver, kidney and heart. Bone marrow test clean but pathology tests not favorable and list her “high risk.” Starting chemo tomorrow that is 4 sets, a month apart. At end of 4th round of chemo, if tumor is shrunk sufficiently, will surgically remove. If not, after 5th round of chemo will attempt to remove. After that, radiation begins. Charlie is in a lot of pain—the original pain from the tumor that creates so much pressure in her abdominal area; biopsy incision is across her stomach; bone marrow test holes in lower back; port in her chest. Everywhere you touch her she hurts. Of course at 3 years of age she does not understand. She is beginning to show frustration and just says “no” to everything. The prognosis is still not good outside our Lord intervening with a medical miracle. Please keep this dear family in prayer. 9426f27f2cf713df6f9a1ed90b85dcc0 May 3, 2013, 10:13 AM http://www.praize.com/forums/Apologetics_C2/Buhddism_Debate_F7/Reincarnation%3F_P119308/?page=unread#119308 One of the basic tenents of Buddhism is reincarnation, the idea we live multiple lives on the earth and may even return as an animal. Is there truth to this belief? According to the Bible the answer is no. Jesus declared in the New Testament: "It is appointed once for a person to die and after that the judgement." In other words, we only get one time around here on earth. In addition, Buddhism has no answer for sin and judgement before God. Our good works will never make us holy enough to get into heaven. Only Jesus' death on the cross and the blood he shed for our sins, and our faith in that fact will create our bridge into heaven. There is no other path to heaven. Craig Dressler http://christianbook2.webs.com/ 81315d8bc9ae6a87f8dd2f19df653795 May 2, 2013, 10:54 AM http://www.praize.com/forums/Evangelism_C9/Evangelism_Tools_F72/SIMPLE_book_I_wrote_to_use_as_an_evangelistic_tool_P119306/?page=unread#119306 It is on Kindle but if you want I will email you a copy to use as like http://www.amazon.com/...imple+david+saunders 3e09399c193130ce2a7ff5f536a524ea May 2, 2013, 9:49 AM http://www.praize.com/forums/Bible__C4/Bible_Translations_F59/The_Mirror_translation_P119305/?page=unread#119305 The Mirror is a fairly recent addition to the long list of Christian Scripture translations available however it is a stand out. Many who read it are immediately impressed that if English were Paul or John's native tongue the Mirror is how the Scripture would read. Give it a google and check it out. fb581a69eb278596df90c5cb15c34d95 May 2, 2013, 9:01 AM http://www.praize.com/forums/Apologetics_C2/Christian_Debates_F17/The_simple_truth_about_God%92s_Plan_for_us_to_get_to_heaven__P119283/?page=unread#119283 The truth of the gospel (and its’ related doctrines) MUST be simple … because God has declared that His people are primarily simple, poor, humble, repentant folks! None of God’s saving truths are revealed through intellect, education, reasoning, etc. because this would go against what God has said about His people. First, Jesus declares that we must be born again (from above, spiritually) … … if we are to see the kingdom of God, i.e. be part of His kingdom here and in heaven. God’s simple declaratives, such as John 3:16, simply say that … whoever believes in Jesus should not perish but have everlasting life. Let us assume that this is enough to cause the true believer to be born again, and most Christians think this means the Holy Spirit has entered the person: John 14:16-17 “He (Father God) will give you another (of the same kind) Helper , that He may abide with you forever — the Spirit of truth, whom the (unsaved) world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you .” And this “Helper” teaches the believer (through the Spirit): John 14:26, John 16:13-14 “… the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things …” “… when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth ; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears (from the Throne) He will speak … He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.” “Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His … But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you .” (Romans 8:9-11) But, the KEY to everything is … “For as many as are being led by the Spirit of God , these are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14) Initially, God sanctified us (set us apart) … we were sealed (marked) as those who were going to be “worked on”, i.e. sanctified by the precious Holy Spirit. Yes, it’s a process, as in … “those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 2:11 and 10:14) BUT … man has free will, and is fully able to reject this and refuse to co-operate! BUT … those who are sanctified successfully will inherit eternal life! Yes, those who are being led (i.e. those who are following) the precious Holy Spirit will be taught what it is that the Lord requires of them, such as: “Pursue holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14) “… as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy” ” (1 Peter 1:15-16) “… present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1) “… to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight, if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel” (Colossians 1:22-23) “But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life” (Romans 6:22) “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48) “… that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:27) “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete” (James 1:4) There are literally dozens of warning verses written to the churches … warnings that they could lose eternal life … if they do wrong things instead of right things! But, IMO, the main purpose for us having the Holy Spirit … is so He can lead us through the sanctification process unto obedience, holiness, perfection, and eternal life! 636cdfd018a8d9e1a5e6d4058fb38c95 Apr 29, 2013, 2:23 PM http://www.praize.com/forums/Bible__C4/Bible_Translations_F59/Interpretating_the_Bible_P119264/?page=unread#119264 In his book, Interpretation of the Scriptures, author A. W. Pink states that there are two extremes regarding the understanding of the Bible that must be avoided. The first is that of the Roman Catholic Church which teaches that it is impossible for the average person to understand the teaching of the Bible and that only the church has the ability and/or authority to interpret and teach the Scripture. Second, there are those who believe the Bible is written in such simple language that it calls for no explaining. Both views are wrong. There is a process through which the Scripture is to be studied, interpreted and applied to our lives. This is clearly illustrated in Nehemiah 8:8 where we read, "So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading." Not only was the book read publicly but, not carefully that it had to be explained to those who were listening. What is this process and what, if any rules are there for interpreting Scripture? That is the purpose of starting this thread. b00f5b24e673ee5eaa0f50ef373b71a2 Apr 23, 2013, 5:27 PM http://www.praize.com/forums/Evangelism_C9/Evangelism_Tools_F72/%22Help_From_Above%22_Tract_Available_Free_In_Many_Languages_P119230/?page=unread#119230 World Missionary Press(WMP) has Christian tracts available in many languages. Most of the time, WMP will send you those tracts for free. For example, I ran across a number of Somalis, easily identifiable because of their clothing, living in my hometown. When I requested some Somali tracts, WMP sent me a package of them, more than I can use. Now I always have a few in my car, and I give them out when I run across Somalis while running my errands. So far the people I have given the tracts to have gladly accepted them. Simply go to the World Missionary Press website to contact them or get their address. Craig Dressler http://christianbook2.webs.com/ 1e785a0cf2d58edfa2a05583b7c06cc8 Apr 17, 2013, 9:57 AM http://www.praize.com/forums/Apologetics_C2/Misc_Religion_Debate_F9/Only_One_Way_To_Heaven%3F_P119229/?page=unread#119229 Jesus said: "No man(person) comes to the Father(God) except through me." In that statement Jesus makes quite clear that there is only one way to heaven, not multitudes of ways. Only faith in what Jesus did on the cross to take away our sins can give us the hope of heaven. God created one door into heaven, and Jesus is that door. Craig Dressler http://christianbook2.webs.com/ 9c9317a41eab8a907d7be99fbf4a6d4d Apr 17, 2013, 9:44 AM http://www.praize.com/forums/News_C18/Current_Events__F83/Boston_Marathon_Bombing_P119220/?page=unread#119220 We are all aware of what took place at the Boston Marathon. Let us hear your thoughts and your prayers. Blessings ~ Sarah ab004110fda12c9c986d5db75a3d7321 Apr 15, 2013, 7:51 PM