Aug. 2003
I have been severly wronged. this woman told me that the person who did the severe wrong does not owe me an apology. that she can just go to God and he will forgive her without my knowledge.
I SAY THAT IN ORDER FOR THIS WOMAN TO RECEIVE FORGIVENESS FOR THIS HEINOUS CRIME AGAINST ME THEN SHE MUST COME TO ME WITH A CONTRITE HEART OF DESIRING MY FORGIVENESS, WITH THE MOST SINCERE OF REMORSE, AND REGRET WITH HER CONSCIENCE AS HER GUIDE TO ASK ME TO FORGIVE HER....THAT IT SHOULD BE ARRANGED BETWEEN THE TWO OF US FOR A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP TO BE RESTORED. IF A PERSON CANNOT ASK FOR FORGIVENESS THEN WHY NOT?
JANE
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Dear Jane;
Your friend was right on one point, if the woman that did wrong to you (we'll call her Sue) goes to the Lord and asks forgiveness, God will forgive her and you may never know anything about it. Sue's sin is between her and God. Look at the following verse:
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Now, in order to restore her relationship with you, Sue would have to come to you and ask forgiveness. That's all that is required. From your letter, I get the feeling that you expect Sue to come groveling on hands and knees and beg you to forgive her. That is not what is required.
Your letter carried a very angry tone. I know that when someone does you wrong, you feel hurt and angry. These are natural reactions. However, as Christians we are required to overcome our natural reactions and replace those with the reactions that Jesus taught us. Jesus said that if someone wrongs you, you should pray for them.
Mat 5:44
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
When you harbor anger or hatred in your heart toward someone (no matter what they have done to you), it is a sin on your part and it will effect your relationship with the Lord.
Eph 4:31-32
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you .
Col 3:8
But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
So you see, even if Sue never comes to you and asks for forgiveness, you need to be kind to her and do good toward her. By doing that, you are showing the Love of Christ to Sue. And that will change her heart faster than all your anger and demands for contrition.
Gays Preaching: Aug. 2003
I have a problem with this one. I have attended many churches in my life, and haven't dealt with this one yet. What scriptures could gays or congregations seeking a new pastor, use to justify hiring or wanting to become a minister? How would gay ministers get around not preaching about the sins of homosexual activity?
Thanks
Mel
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Dear Mel;
Thanks for viewing my website. I'm afraid I can't help you much with your question, because I don't understand it myself. The Bible is very clear on this issue and there doesn't seem to be any justification for homosexual activity, much less homosexual clergy. (see the page What Does the Bible Say About...Homosexuals ).
I have heard all sorts of justification for the homosexual lifestyle, and if you read through some of my "Comments" pages, you will get an idea what people are saying about it. (there are links at the bottom of this page to all the Comments pages).
Below is a quick list of some of the things I've heard from those that support the homosexual lifestyle:
They are born that way, they can't help it
The Bible is outdated, it's OK to be homosexual today
Christians should change with the times
It's no different than any other sin
Homosexual's are very nice, loving people
If two people love each other, what could be wrong about that?
I haven't heard many people try to use the Bible to defend that lifestyle. So, I can't really tell you what verses they would use. But it would have to be a very shallow defense.
One thing I've noticed is that once a church or denomination starts to round off the corners of lesser issues, it's not very long until the big issues (such as this one), no longer seem black and white.
When I heard the news about the gay bishop, the first thing that popped into my mind was the following verse:
2 Tim 4:3-4
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
Pets in Heaven: Aug 2003
My dog died and I'm devistated. Does the bible indicate anywhere that I'll see him again in heaven?
Thank you
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I'm sorry to hear about your dog. I understand how painful that is (I've lost dogs also). I can't think of one single verse in the Bible that would answer your question "yes or no." However, I did read a very good book on the subject, titled "the Resurrection." There is a whole chapter on the topic "Are there pets in heaven?" I think you would gain great comfort if you read it. I highly recommend this book.
Resurrection The Capstone In The Arch Of Christianity
Law: Aug 2003
What did God have to say about taking your brother to the Unjust Law? Where can I locate this in the scriptures?
Thank you,
Donna
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Donna;
Thanks for viewing my web site. I think the verse you are looking for is:
1 Cor 6:1-6
Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?
Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?
But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.
I hope this answers your question.
Un-named Women: Aug 2003
Greetings,
I am doing some research on events in the Bible where women are an important figure but, where they are not named. Do you have any direction on a website?Any help will be greatly appreciated. Many thanks and God Bless,
Carol
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Carol;
Thanks for viewing my website, and I apologize it has taken some time to respond. I wanted to spend some time on your question. Below is a list of some of the "Un-named Women Events" that I found. This is just a brief list, I'm sure there are more that I've missed. I hope this helps you some.
Gen 4:16
Cain's wife; This woman is talked about as much as any un-named woman in the Bible. I have heard this question a zillion times, "where did Cain get his wife?" The answer is very simple. In Gen 5:4 we are told that Adam and Eve had many sons and daughters. Cain's wife was among the daughters of Adam and Eve. When Cain was banished to the land of Nod, he took his wife with him, once they were in the land of Nod, they had children.
Gen 6 Noah's wife; Now here is a woman that I think deserves to be named in the Bible. Can you imagine one day, your husband come up to you and tells you "we are going to build a huge boat...."
Gen 19:26 Lot's wife; turned to a pillar of salt
Gen 19:34-37 Lot's two daughters; These women were important because they got their father drunk and had sex with him. The children that resulted from this act were the forefathers of the Moabites and the Ammonites. Both of these groups of people were enemies of the Israelites for generations.
Gen 39 Potiphar's wife; she attempted to seduce Joseph. When he refused her, she accused him of rape. This set into motion a change of events that resulted in Joseph going to prison and later coming to the Pharaoh's attention. You can read the rest of the story in Genesis.
Exo 2 Moses' mother, and Pharaoh's sister; These women are important because they both were instrumental in saving Moses' life as a baby.
Jud 14 & 15 Samson's wife from Timnath; because of this woman's treachery, many men were slain by Samson.
Jud 19 - 20 The Levite's concubine; A Levite and his concubine were traveling and stopped in the city of Gibeah (of the tribe of Benjamin). The men of the city desired to take the Levite and have sex with him, instead the owner of the house where they stayed, sent out the concubine who they raped and killed. There is much more to the story if you care to read it. The results were war between the Israelites and the tribe of Benjamin, which resulted in the death of thousands of men.
1 Sam 28:7 The witch of Endor; This was the woman that King Saul consulted which resulted in his death. (1 Chr 10:13).
1 Kgs 17:8 The widow of Zarephath; this lady hid Elijah from King Ahab. Elijah raised her son from death.
Mat 15:22,
Mark 7:24 The Greek woman pleas with Jesus to heal her daughter
Mat 1:26,
Mark 1:31,
Luke 4:38 Peter's mother-in-law is healed
Mat 9:20,
Mark 5:25,
Luke 8:43 Woman with the issue of blood
Luke 13:11 Woman with spirit of infirmity healed
Luke 24:10 Un-named women who went to the empty tomb
Mat 26:71 Woman who recognizes Peter as a follower of Jesus
Mat 27:19 Pilot's wife; She warns Pilot not to become involved in the death of Jesus.
Women Ministers: Aug 2003
I saw your webpage on women ministers and I was glad to see that I am not alone in my feelings, but I have a slight problem, I have a huge struggle with this. I believe it (The Bible) fully but I don't know what I should do about going to churches that have female ministers or allow females to lead parts of services or worship. I don't know anyone around here that feels my way about this and im sure because you only quoted The Bible directly that you will be able to give me an honest answer about what one who feels that way does about going to churches that do not practice such things...
thanks for your time
Daniel
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Daniel;
Thank you for taking the time to email me. To answer your question: "what I should do about going to churches that have female ministers?" I would simply say that I just wouldn't be a member of a church that allowed women ministers.
I know this is not a very "politically correct" answer to your question, but that is just the way I feel. I would only attend a church that takes the Bible as the inspired Word of God. If they compromise or hedge on this issue, I would have to wonder what else they are willing to compromise on. What I've noticed is that once a denomination or an individual church begins to depart from scripture, there is a tendency to go in a downward direction.
Perhaps the best thing you could do is look for a church that stills stands on the Bible.
Center of the Bible: July 2003
Hi,
I read you article about the center of the Bible. It is interesting but unfortunately wrong as Psalm 117 is actually the middle chapter of the Bible.
Working out the central message of the Bible should not need clever maths, but reading the Bible and seeing what it says as a whole - not just individual verses.
Best wishes
Ben
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Ben;
Thanks for viewing my web site and taking the time to write.
I posted the article about the center of the Bible because I thought it was cute and interesting. But, I'll have to admit, I didn't take the time to check to see if it was accurate. I've removed it, and some evening when I'm not real busy, I'll sit down and count all the chapters and find out for myself which one is the center.
Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Have a great day!
Divorce: July 2003
The situation is that my husband left me seven years ago to marry a friend of mine.....he wants an annullemnt in the catholic church so he can marry her....I won the first time but he refiled it and now he is stating he really did not mean it when we got married...we were married in a formal marriage in a church...were married 24 years....he has now states he truely did not mean it the day we married...I am going to fight it to the pope as I do believe that the bible is clear about what god states abuot marriage....any help would certianly help...I am so torn up about this...thank you so much we have two sons and three grandson and a baby on the way....
thanks
brenda
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Dear Brenda;
I'm very sorry to hear about your breakup. Unfortunately, I'm at a loss as to how I can be of help to you. You are right that God is clear in his Word about how he feels about divorce, but, when someone is determined to leave, the best thing you can do about it is be in constant prayer that the Lord would work in your husband's life and change his heart.
It sounds as though your husband is not leading a Christian life, and may in fact not be a true believer in Christ (even though he may attend church regularly). If that is the case, you might want to consider the following verses:
1 Cor 7:12-15
But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.
No matter what you decide to do, I will pray for you and your husband that you will be reconciled.
July 2003
Can you tell me if it says in the Bible any where that God is first, Spouse second then children etc. or is that just something that Christians preach?
Thank you
Charlotte
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Charlotte;
Thanks for viewing my web site and taking the time to write.
The Bible does indeed say that God is supposed to come first. You can see what Jesus thought about it in Luke 14:26. There are many people today that have to make a choice between Jesus and their families. I have read many reports of people that have been born again into Christ's family, only to be rejected by their own families. This happens often in Muslim countries. Jesus said that you must be willing to turn from your families if necessary. He also promises a reward for those that find themselves in that position:
Luke 18:29-30 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.
Now as for the spouse coming next in the line up, we are told that husband and wife are one flesh:
Gen 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
And in Ephesians we are told that husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church (Jesus was willing to die for the church), and wives are to love their husbands as they would the Lord.
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Eph 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
That puts children third on the list.
I did not fine any single verse that states it in the same manner that you did, but when you read the Bible as a whole, that's the conclusion. Hope that answers your question.
Polygamy: June 2003
I'm confused about something. If my wife agrees to it, is it really adultery? Specifically my wife and I are considering a threesome with her sister. We all love each other and we'd consider making it a permanent relationship. Lots of bible men had more than one wife, didn't they? I don't think the bible says polygamy is wrong does it? And if they are both my wife, is it wrong for them to be together while I am there with them?So is it OK for us to do this or only if I marry her sister too, or what
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The Bible records instances of polygamy but does not condone it. In the case of Solomon, it was actually his downfall.
Eph 5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
Notice in the above verse it says two not three.
It really doesn't matter if your wife consents to this or not. It would be a sin against God. When King David had sex with Bathsheba he recognized that he had not sinned against his wife, Bathsheba, or her husband. Look at what David said under inspiration of the Holy Spirit:
Psa 51:4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
I hope this answers your question.
Marital Relations: June 2003
Hi there i am a stydent at the university of leicester and am doing my disseration on he marital rights of husband and wife in terms of sex, i was wondering if u knew what the bible said what the rights of a man and woman were once they were married
Regards
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There is a page on this web site entitled: ...Marriage/Divorce. If you go to that section, you will find Bible verses pertaining to marriage. Also, on the page ...Sex you will find verses about sex within the confines of marriage.
In the following verse, we are told not to refuse our spouse in the area of sexual relations unless it's because of time spent in prayer and fasting. However, I can find no place where the bible talks about sex between a husband and wife as a "right."
I hope this answers your question.
1 Cor 7:3-5 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.
Divorce: I have questions regarding divorce. I am separated from my husband of 5 yrs. We dated for 5yrs before we were married. We also had a child together before marriage and one after we were married. My husband was and still is a verbally abusive person who caused so much mental anguish upon me.He is very hateful and uncappable of showing love. We never got along as husband and wife and I often felt as if we were room mates. I took our problems to the Lord as well as to a marriage counselor (alone) becuase he was unwilling to go. Our 1 year of separation is up and we can now file for a divorce. I am uncertain as to which way to go. He has met someone else and so have I and not much has changed in our relationship as working out for the better. There are so many people even christians who have divorced for whatever reason and remarried. Is it a sin to get divorced and is it a sin to remarry? If so does the Lord prefer that one be unhappy than to be happy? Please help.
Thank you
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In answer to your question: "Is it a sin to get divorced and is it a sin to remarry?" I would refer you to 1 Cor 7:10-11;
And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
Then Jesus said these words in Mat 19:7-9:
Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
I think it's clear that the Lord does not want you to be divorced.
Now, as to your last question; "If so does the Lord prefer that one be unhappy than to be happy?" Here are some verses I found that talk about happiness:
Prov 16:20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
Prov 28:14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
Prov 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Job 5:17 Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:
Psa 144:15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.
Psa 146:5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:
Prov 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
James 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
So, I would ask you this question, do you honestly think you could be happy living outside the will of God for your life?
I know this was probably not the answer you were looking for. I don't mean to seem cold and uncaring, but the title of this web site is "What Does the Bible Say About...Divorce?" so, that's the only answer I can give you. I hope this answers your question, and I'll be praying for you and your family.
Marital Relations: May 2003
If my wife refuses me often in the area of marital relations, is that a sin?This has really become a problem in our marriage and it is affecting how I relate to her.
Thanks
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In 1 Cor. 7:5 we are told not to refuse your husband or wife. So, I guess from that you could say that it might be a sin for your wife to refuse sex. But I think the question you should be asking yourself instead, is WHY doesn't your wife want to have sex with you?
If you could answer that question, you'd be well on your way to solving the problem.
1 Cor 7:3-5 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.
King James Bible: From Thomas - May 2003
May God use your website to reach out to many. I use the KJB but I have some question about the accuracy of the KJB translation, for example: Is there an error in 2 Chron 22:2 and 2 Kgs 8:26 as regards to the age of King Ahaziah? Hope you may help me to clarify the above.
Thanks for your help.
In Christ
Thomas
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Thomas,
Thank you for viewing my web site. Your question is beyond my expertise, but I have wondered about the same question. When studying the kings of Israel and Judah, there are places in the two accounts that have caused some puzzlement on my part. I have found, with some investigation, that the trouble is usually in the way the verse is worded. Sentence structure in the English language is different than the original languages of the manuscripts and therefore, when we read it in the English, we take away a meaning that was not the original intent of the writer. I'm not sure if that is the case here or not. But, I did a little research and Matthew Henry provided a clue to understanding what went on in these two particular verses.
Matthew Henry is a Bible commentator that lived in the late 1600s (so he's not just some spark in the pan ... he's been around awhile). Here is what he says about the two verses in question:
He (Ahaziah) is here said to be forty-two years old when he began to reign, which could not be, for his father, his immediate predecessor, was forty when he died, and it is said (2 Kgs 8:26) that he was twenty-two years old when he began to reign. Some make this forty-two to be the age of his mother Athaliah, for in the original it is he was the son of forty-two years, that is, the son of a mother that was of that age; and justly is her age put for his, in reproach to him, because she managed him and did what she would - she in effect, reigned, and he had little more than the title of king.
Taken from Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible, Matthew Henry, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 1991, Vol. 2, page 752.
I hope this helps with your question.
Church Attendence: May 2003
Hello there just need some direction,if you can help please do. I'm very unhappy in my church home. Been there for ten years, I made a decision to worship in another church,and that has made my husband very unhappy.What does the bible say about husband and wife being in different churches? My Pastor I don't trust with my best interest, no kind of relationship,no conversation,nothing for ten years.Since I have been gone from this church it has been such a freedom,but it has thrown a curve in My husband and I relationship. I have been told that I'm rebellious,and that's the last thing I want to be.Help if there is some bible teaching about this.
Thanks
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There is a page on this web site entitled: ...Marriage/Divorce. If you go to that section, you will find Bible verses pertaining to marriage as a symbol of the relationship between believers and the Lord. Over and over in scripture, the Lord is portrayed as the husband, and believers are portrayed as the bride. As the church (individual believers) are to submit to the leadership of the Lord, so too, the wife is called to submit to the leadership of her husband. I know this is not a very popular stance today, none the less, that is what I find in the Bible. I would refer you to Ephesians 5:22-24:
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
Unless your husband is telling you to attend a church that teaches heresy (Mormon, or Jehovah's Witness, etc.), you should submit to the judgment of your husband. He is the spiritual leader of your home. If you decide you are going to attend another church, you are taking the role of spiritual leader.
My suggestion would be (and you may be doing this already), first to pray that the Lord would change your heart, second that the Lord would convict the heart of the pastor to better meet the needs of his church, and third that the Lord would work in the heart of your husband to lead you BOTH into a church that the Lord would want you to be in.
I hope this answers your question, even though I think it is not the answer you would have liked.
I pray that God leads you both in the direction He would have you to go, and that you and your husband would be able to feel and follow the Lord's leading.
God Bless
Rapture: May 2003
I came across your website looking for some more information regarding signs of the rapture. My intentions are not to be left behind, however I fear I might be. I don't comprehend why the Lord's return has not happended thus far, what leads us to believe it will happen soon? If the Lord's return will be as soon as any day as everyone makes it out to be, what is the point in continuing life as we do now. I often find my self angry and confused all at the same time. I want nothing more to spend my life in eternity with the Lord but living I don't understand why we have to live in fear of the last days or the coming of Christ. What is the point of living life, if we are not going to be here soon anyway. I feel as if I walk around waiting to hear the trumpet and I find it often affects my daily activities. Ever since I was five I always heard we are living in the end times. The Lord will return soon. I am saved and believe in the Lord but there has been a lot of sin in my life and there still is, but I am trying to do things right. I don't want to be left when that trumpet blows but I am so scared that I don't want the rapture to happen in my lifetime. I know no man knows the time or the hour but is there any idea of approximation? Does soon mean 1 yr or 1,000 more since it has gone this far? Is there one specific or several specific details that will or has happened that will show us?
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Thank you for taking the time to view my web site. Your email had many questions concerning the Lord's return, and I will do my best to answer as many as possible.
First you asked, "I don't comprehend why the Lord's return has not happended thus far, what leads us to believe it will happen soon?" We believe that the Lord's return will be soon because He said that we should watching and ready for his return at any time (Phil 4:5, 2 Thes 2:2, Heb 9:28, Heb 10:37, and finally read James 5:8 "Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.")
The writers of the New Testament expected Jesus' return any day. Down through history, the leaders of the church have expected His return any day. Even today we have preachers that foolishly make predictions about the specific date the Lord will return. The fact is that no one knows exactly when Jesus will return. Jesus himself said "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only (Mat 24:36)." So, we are to look for his return everyday.
As to why the Lord's return has not happened thus far, the answer is really very simple. It is not yet in the Father's plan. God looks down through time and determines His plan. When the time is right, that is when Jesus will return. I know that the Lord has paid a great price for our salvation and He is giving everyone ample opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel. Look at this verse:
2 Pet 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
God is giving the world time to reach out to others with the Gospel, and to give everyone a chance to respond. He is longsuffering....patient, He's waiting.
Your next question is, "If the Lord's return will be as soon as any day as everyone makes it out to be, what is the point in continuing life as we do now." The Lord could return before I finish writing this response to you, or, He could return 1,000 years from now. The point is, we don't know. We are called to live our lives, each moment, in service to the Lord. The fact is, any one of us could die in the next instance and be standing before the Lord. You have no guarantee that you have another day to live on this earth. That is why Jesus told many parables about always being ready.
We don't need to live in fear of death, or in fear of the Lord's return. Jesus gave his life so that we could spend eternity with Him. What could be fearful about that. Jesus bought and paid for our salvation. In Psalms 66:9 we read "Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved." God is the one who holds our soul, he is the one that keeps us. It's not our own good works (or lack of it) that keeps us, it's God's.
The Bible promises that if we are born again, we are SEALED. When God seals us, it's forever.
2 Cor 1:21-22 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
1 Pet 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Jude 1:24-25 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen.
Notice in the verses above that it is God that keeps us from falling, not ourselves. If it was left up to us, we'd blow it, because we all sin no matter how hard we work to try to avoid it. But it is God that seals us. Notice also that the verses say that God has sealed until the "last time" as stated in 1 Peter 1:5.
The point I'm trying to make here (and probably not doing a very good job of) is that it's the power of God that keeps us in His good graces until the end and therefore, we have no reason for fear.
2 Tim 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
The verses I've quoted above lead me to believe that we don't need to fear the Lord's return, that we will not be left behind. And that brings me great comfort. Finally, you asked " Is there one specific or several specific details that will or has happened that will show us?" From what I read in scripture, there is nothing as far as prophesy that remains to happen before Jesus calls his church (the rapture). Jesus gave some very specific signs to look for in Matthew chapter 24. I will list them in the order that Jesus mentions them, and you can refer back to that chapter and read them for yourself.
false Christs
wars
famines
pestilences
earthquakes
Here Jesus stops and says that the above list is just the beginning of the sorrows
persecution of the believers
betrayal
false prophets
evil will increase
love will grow cold
gospel preached in all the world
All these things are happening today, and have been happening since the time of Jesus. But, you will notice that all these things are getting worse and worse as time goes on. And, they will continue to increase until the Lord returns and puts an end to sin.
I hope this answers your questions a little. I know that this is a very complex topic and you probably still have many questions.
From Norm; - May 2003
Born again christians in the new covenmant are equal in the eyes of God. If we are one and our bodies are christ church .Why are women concidered lower than men. Old test sucks .Men and laws have always messed up. Where am I wrong?
Norm
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Norm;
You are right, the Bible says that believers are equal regardless of sex:
Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
God has a plan for all believers, not all believers are determined to hold all offices within the body of Christ:
1 Cor 12:28-31 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.
Then we see that the Bible says:
1 Tim 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
Please note that all these verses are New Testament verses, not Old Testament.
Hell: Hi
I was wondering if you could tell me all of the scriptures that support my telling others that Hell does exist, as well as scriptures to support why woman are not authorize to preach, and that we are to take the Lord's Supper on the 1st day of the week. Some friends and I were thinking about doing a home bible study with some Jehovah's Witness. We are all Church of Christ. Any information would be helpful.
Thanks and May God Continue to bless you.
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Thank you for viewing my web site and taking the time to write.
For a listing of scriptures pertaining to hell, please view the following page: What Does the Bible Say About ...Hell. For scriptures concerning women preachers, go to What Does the Bible Say About ...Women Ministers.
Now, concerning taking communion on the 1st day of the week, to my knowledge, there is no place in the Bible that says that communion should be taken on the 1st day of the week. In 1 Cor 11:24-25 we are told that to remember Christ as "oft as ye drink it" meaning the cup. There is no commandment on how often or when we are to take communion.
I would like to take a minute to give you a strong warning about having a Bible study with the Jehovah's Witnesses. Over and over again in scripture we are warned against listening to teachers of false doctrine (Col 2:8, 1 Tim 6:3-5, 2 Tim 4:3-4, Titus 1:10-11, 2 Pet 2:1) and finally;
2 John 1:9-10 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed).
You need to remember that while you are trying to discuss the Gospel with them, they will be doing everything in their power to persuade you over to their doctrine. Unless, you are very well versed in the Bible and are very strong in your faith, I would suggest that you not enter into a study with them.
God bless you as you continue to study His Word.
Women Ministers: From Gaskins; - Apr. 2003
God Bless,
I have just read your website and in viewing the above subject on women preachers, I find that each rebutle have valid points. Although women are used of God and have added much assistance in the battle against the kingdom of satan, there role in creation has been and will always be as help meets under the rule of man. Let me say this before i get into some of the previously quoted verses of scripture. Women CAN DO ANYTHING they want to. They also can do everything that a man does and some even better. But it doesn't mean that they are SUPPOSE TO. Case and point, I am a man I can lay down with a man, dress up like a woman, and even live my life as a women does, except for having children, but if you give mankind time they'll figure a way to accomplish that as well, {laughing} but this my friends does not make it right. A woman can lay down with a female, dress up like a man and again even live her life as a man but again this does not make it right. In other words, we are only to do what we were orginally designed to do, not what we can do because of our desires {wants} to do so nor by what we feel God is saying. Hope that makes sense. (additional comments from Gaskins)
Women Ministers: From Miranda; - Apr. 2003
Dear Sir,
I happen to be a WOMAN minister, called and ordained by God almighty to bring forth his word. I read everything posted on your web site. I see your point of view, but do not agree with you on it. If a woman is not supose to be a minister then why would God him self set them over his children? He did this, not only in the old testiment but, also in the new. Not to temper you, or hurt your feelings, but how do you explain the fact that God is not a respector of persons? Or that we are all justified through christ to become the body of Christ (Jesus Christ). In fact the Bible says we all become his son's. It would be really intresting to here from you. Please e-mail me back.
In Christ,
Rev. Miranda
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Dear Miranda;
Thank you for taking the time to read the web site and to respond.
I understand that you disagree with me on this subject. I would just like to point out that the whole focus of this web site is "What Does the Bible Say." So, it's not really my opinion that should be the focus, but rather the Word of God. There is just something about that verse "But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man" (1 Tim 2:12) that makes it very clear to me that women are not meant to be preachers/pastors. This is not my opinion, this is coming straight from scripture and I hold scripture to be the final authority on any subject (including this one).
In your email you asked a couple of questions about God not being a respector of persons. I believe I addressed this in my response to Norma (More Comments ). In the interest of web space, I won't retype that information, but rather ask that you click over to that page and read it there. I hope you don't mind.
Women Ministers: From Bryce; - Apr. 2003
Sir,
I agree with your position on women ministers. I too believe that men have been ordained by God to lead His church in Truth and love. I would just like to say to the ladies who think men agree with this doctrine because it lifts them on a pedestal: I myself, being a man and a minister, realize this not to be a doctrine in which women are less special in the body of Christ. I too (from reading some responses) have seen many men in the ministry whom I wonder if God has really called them into the ministry.
I think that some women could preach or teach the Word of Truth. But I also think God has specifically ordained it for men to be the leaders in the Church. However, for men this means that God will judge them more strictly, and because of that I tremble. I do not think of women as inferior to men but believe that all are one under Christ. But I do believe God has ordained men & women with certain roles: roles which are unavoidable. One example of a natural role would be that of child bearing.
I believe the Church leadership role is clear in scripture from specific doctrinal texts to examples like in Adam & the fall, the sacrificial system (being male offerings), the Patriarchal fathers, family leadership (man being the head of the house - Eph. 4), Christ and his Bride, the epistles being written to the "brothers", and the like. And from my own experiences, I have found that women seem to be more impressionable, I suppose due to their natural makeup and the sweetness of their souls.
Sisters whom disagree, may my love of God and desire to see him glorified be the guiding light for my service in His Kingdom. Soli Deo Gloria.
In Christ,
Bryce
Raised from the Dead: From Rick; - Apr. 2003
Hi,
My daughter and I were having a discussion about how many people Jesus performed the miracle of bringing back from the dead. I thought it was a handful, she thinks it is in the hundreds. Neither of us are bible experts, can you help?
Rick
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Rick;
Thanks for your email. My first response was to tell you that Jesus only raised a few people from the dead while he was here on earth. But, I thought I had better confirm that before returning your email. These are the recorded instances of Jesus raising someone from the dead:
1. Raising the widow's son: Luke 7:11-15
2. Jairus' daughter: Mat 9:18, Mk 5:42, Lu 8:41 (in this instance, all the people said the girl was dead, but Jesus said that she was sleeping, so perhaps you might not want to count this one)
3. Lazarus: Jn 11
4. Jesus' own resurrection: Lu 24:6, Jn 10:18;
Having said that, it should also be noted that these are the only recorded instances. There were perhaps others that weren't recorded. John tells us that there were many things that Jesus did that were not recorded: "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written." Jn 21:25;
Hope that helps.
War in Iraq: From Nancy; - Mar. 2003
Dear Sir,
Is the was against Iraq the fulfilment of a 2700 year old prophesy? ( Scripture Reference : Isaiah 13:1-16 )
What are your views and comments?
Thank You.
Love in Christ,
Nancy
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Nancy;
Thank you for viewing the web site and I apologize for the delay in my response.
I don't think the war in Iraq is a fulfillment of Isaiah 13 for several reasons. I give you a quick overview:
1. Babylon is not the same as Baghdad. If you look at a map of ancient Biblical times, you will see they are not in the same city.
2. In verses 6 and 9 it speaks of "the Day of the Lord." This phrase usually refers to a great final judgment that will effect all of the earth (see the section End Times; the Tribulation).
3. Verses 10 and 13 are descriptions of events that will occur during the Day of the Lord. These events are mentioned several times in scripture (Rev. 6:12-17)
I know this is a very brief answer to a rather complicated question. But I hope this helps
Women Ministers: From Vanessa; - Mar. 2003
The bible also says judge not lest ye be judge so who made you God to tell women they are not to be a minister every one who is a believer of christ is a minister. Every time a believer tells about God's goodness that person is ministering.
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Vanessa;
Thank you for your email and thank you for viewing the website. I agree with you completely in your statement that all believers should be ministers. We should be ministering to the needs of other believers and to the lost as well. Seems to me that women do this very well (in fact I'd point to Mat 27:55 and offer my opinion that women are actually better at it than men).
However, if you are using the term "minister" as a noun rather than a verb (minister = pastor), I have to say that I disagree. In reading the Bible, I get a clear directive against women being pastors. This is not a judgment on my part. It's simply reading God's Word and accepting what it says. I don't speak for God, He has done a good job speaking for himself.
Homosexuality: From Elizabeth; - Mar. 2003
First I would like to say that I support the lifestyle of a homosexual. Further more, it is not their fault, it has been proven in studies that lesbian women are born with more testosterone and homosexual men are born with more estrogen. As for what the Bible says, it refers to something totally different. The homosexuality of today is a monogamous homosexual relationship. The homosexuality referred to in the Bible was usually (almost always) linked to prostitution and/or gang rape. Seeing this one must read these references with that in mind. So I guess what I'm saying is that time have changed. Even if some of these passages refer to a relationship akin to that of our days, look at what it says! It talks about "putting them to death", is that the kind of message we want to go proclaiming? No, as Christians we should embody an open mind-set.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
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Elizabeth;
Thank you for your email, and thank you for viewing my web site. I was considering your comment that people who are homosexuals can't help it and they are born that way. I would like you to consider the fact that we are all born with a disposition to sin. Some folks are prone to sexual sins of all sorts, others to drunkenness, other's steal, etc. You get the idea. Paul said; "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing" (Rom 7:18). Through Adam, we have all inherited the desire to sin.
That is exactly why Jesus came and paid for our sins on the cross. And through Him we can be forgiven of the sins we have committed, and overcome our natural desires to continue in sin. Paul goes on in the same passage and says; "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." (Rom 7:25-8:2).
You mentioned the fact that in the Bible there are passages that call for the Jewish people to have homosexuals put to death. While it is true that the passages do state that, you will notice that those passages are in the Old Testament where Moses is giving the people the laws that their nation will live by. It was a theocratic form of government. We are not living in a theocracy today and the governmental laws of Moses do not apply to us. We are called to live under the laws of our government. However, the old testament passages are relevant in that they clearly state that homosexuality is a sin in the eyes of God.
As with all sin that mankind commits, there is forgiveness through Jesus. This is the message we as Christians are to proclaim. God loves us so much that He was willing to send His Son to die for our sins.
As Christians we are called to tell people the good news that Jesus has offered us freedom FROM sin, not freedom TO sin. If we ask for forgiveness, the Lord promises that we will be forgiven (Rom 10:13). But look at what Jesus told the woman who was caught in the act of adultery, "Go and sin no more" (John 8:11).
Concerning your statement that the homosexual activities in the time of the Bible were different from the homosexual activities going on today, I find nothing to support that statement. Nowhere in the Bible does it suggest that homosexual activities are all right if it is a monogamous relationship. And the Bible doesn't come with an expiration date. Homosexuality was a sin then, and it's a sin now.
What Do YOU Say About...
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Table of Contents
What Does the
Bible Say About...
...the Bible
...Jesus
...Salvation
...Baptism
...Heaven
...Hell
...Unbelievers
...Satan & demons
...Angels
...Creation
...Marriage/Divorce
...Sex
...Homosexuals
...Abortion
...Women Ministers
...Worry
...Pride
...the End Times
...Signs of
...Rapture
...Tribulation
...Second Coming
...Judgment
...Kingdom
Have a question
or comment,
Email Me
Women Ministers: From Gaskins; - Apr. 2003
God Bless,
I have just read your website and in viewing the above subject on women preachers, I find that each rebutle have valid points. Although women are used of God and have added much assistance in the battle against the kingdom of satan, there role in creation has been and will always be as help meets under the rule of man. Let me say this before i get into some of the previously quoted verses of scripture. Women CAN DO ANYTHING they want to. They also can do everything that a man does and some even better. But it doesn't mean that they are SUPPOSE TO. Case and point, I am a man I can lay down with a man, dress up like a woman, and even live my life as a women does, except for having children, but if you give mankind time they'll figure a way to accomplish that as well, {laughing} but this my friends does not make it right. A woman can lay down with a female, dress up like a man and again even live her life as a man but again this does not make it right. In other words, we are only to do what we were orginally designed to do, not what we can do because of our desires {wants} to do so nor by what we feel God is saying. Hope that makes sense. NOTE: God is always saying what He said, His words, nor their purposes, ever change!
Setting the senario, I will use this illustration. During the length of your life you should have the use of all of your senses, body parts etc. prayerfully speaking that is. Only one day something tragic happens and you loose, lets say your sight. What happens to your body it automatically begins to adjust itself to allow itself to continue to work, for example, your other senses grow stronger to take up the slack of the sense that has been altered. This adjustment does allow the body to continue to function, but it lets us also know that something is missing and very wrong. After going through this process we become labeld as physically, mentally, emotionally, whatever the case being, disabled, and without the problem being corrected, one has three options: 1. kill their self, {due to not being able to handle disablities}. 2. Live on with their life accepting their disablity. 3. Go to a specialist to recieve possible healing. Most sadly to say, choose option 2 becoming more and more complacent, content and comfrotable with the disablity saying to themselves, well I'm blind thats that, as they are on their way to cash their disablity checks.
I said that to say this. The body of Christ needs to be restored back to its natural order and God is doing just that. The body of Christ is experiencing a break down within itself, so certain parts have to pick up the slack of the other persa. The roles of the male and female have become damaged and due to settling with this obvious disability we have become more accustomed to collecting spiritual disablity checks while trying to enter into heaven sick and mamed, rather than recieveing the healing balm of Jesus Christ {the truth} that would make us free to be whole. { Mat. 5:29-30; Jer. 8:18-22;} Friends God is coming back for a WHOLE church that has no spot, wrinkle nor blemish and that is fitly joined together. {Eph. 4:16; 5:27}
God has given me a burden to restore and repair the body of Christ to its natural order, and only by preaching/teaching/demonstrating the word of God can this be accomplished. I am an advid teacher that the bible records mistakes but doesn't make them, records lies yet doesn't tell them so based on this, the Holy scrpitures are never wrong, not interperted incorrectly, but in fact are unquestionably accurate. To question the integrity of the scriptures is to question your own faith, for it is by these holy words that our very faith hang upon. {2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 2:20-21}
This is how I believe we have become so disfunctional as a unit, making the same mistakes our fore fathers have and listening and following the same lies. There are some mistakes, as well as lies, recorded in the word of God concerning the roles of man and woman so bear with me as I point them out a few while attempting to stay on the topic of women in the church.
First mistake: Mankind in its totality {male/female} disobeyed God. Gen. 3: 1-7 and due to this mistake God placed a perpetual decree upon the totality of mankind, {male/female} Gen. 3:16-17 KJV V. 16 Unto the woman he {GOD} said i will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
V. 17 And unto Adam He {GOD} said, because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, {woman} and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for your sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of your life; {wife: woman, Heb. nashiym pronounced nawsheem ; strongs exhaustive concordance pg.17 # 802}
This utterance sent forth by God Himself was NOT a curse for God did not curse man, He only cursed the serpent {statan} v. 14 and the ground. v. 17 but again GOD never! cursed man. So in light of this mistake God placed a perpetual decree {spiritual law} upon the totality of mankind, {male/female} which if followed, will show God's grace inspite of our mistakes and His truth to make us free from them. {Jn. 8:32}
Jesus Christ handle a smiliar issue with the same response as His Father when He dealt with the issue of divorce. {Mat. 5:27-28; 19:3-9 *key v. 8; Mk. 10:1-12} not destroying the natural law {decree} that His servant Moses set, because of the hardness of mens hearts. {Mat. 19:8} but by exercising His dominonal rights He reestablished {subdued, replemished, restored} the orginal decree that His father set, thus fulfilling the law and its purpose {Mat. 5:17; Jn. 1:17}
The decrees given in Gen 3:16-19 activates God's grace towards man and gives us the ability to once again act out our predestined lifestyles designed for us, which is to: walk in God's image and likeness while excerising our God given dominon authority, through subduing and replemishing the earth {restoring natural order} in our own respective places. {functions/postions}
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