gop_jeff

Anyway, Jason (if you're still reading this) like I said, there are a lot of different opinions. Good luck!

This was a great read - and exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you.

1. Please, state your congregation/church name. Grew up in the Church of Christ. Currently attend a Nazarene church, but I describe myself as an evangelical Christian. 2. What is grace? Where does it come from? What is it for? What does it do? Can you feel it? Grace is God giving you something that you do not deserve. I don't think it can be felt, per se, but it is a promise of God as a result of our faith. Through grace, we receive eternal life, spiritual gifts, a place in heaven, etc. 3. What is soul? Its essence? Its compounds? Where is it? Is it eternal by itself? I believe that our sould is the immortal part of us that lives on after out physical body dies. God has control over where that sould will go after death (i.e. heaven or hell), and we will be conscious of it. 4. What is to be holy? How can you describe such state? How is it different from normal state? How do you reach it? What is it for? To be holy is to be absolutely perfect, as God is (and as He describes Himself). God has made us to be holy, but it can only come through the saving grace of God - man could never earn holiness. 5. What is free will? Do we always have it? Who doesn't have it? Free will means we have the option of whether to follow God's will or not, both on a large or small scale. I believe that all humans have free will. 6. What is faith? Why do you believe? What makes you believe? Where faith comes from? Faith is being sure of something with a lack of indisputable evidence. We believe because we have enough evidence to believe, but we do not have 100% positive proof about it. 7. What is sin? What does it do? Why do we sin? Sin is any transgression against God's law. It causes us to be in violation of God's law and subject to His judgment. I believe that we sin because it is in our nature as fallen human beings to sin. 8. What is salvation? How do we get it? Salvation comes through faith in Jesus as the Son of God, and faith in His death, resurrection and saving power. 9. What is hell? What is Heaven? Who gets where? I think heaven is where the people that accept God through faith will spend eternity. It will be in the prescence of God and will be an incredibly great experience. Hell will be both separation from God and judgment from God. It will be an extremely painful place. 10. Who is Christ? Why did He come? Why did He do what He did? Why did He come in that fashion and at that time? Jesus Christ is who He said He is: the Son of God, and one in essence with the Father. He did what He did for two main reasons: because of His love for us, and because of His obedience to the Father, who wanted to provide for the salvation of mankind. 11. What is the TRUTH? Where is it? How can you get to it? Truth... books could be written on this! But truth is what God says it is! 12. Why do you pray and go to church? I pray and go to church (and read my Bible, and fellowship with other Christians, etc.) because God has told me to do so. It is what I am expected to do as a Christian.

Jason, The answers to this question are as numerous as the people who answer it. Some people are strict KJV-only types, others prefer word-for-word translations, others prefer phrase-by-phrase translations. I have only seen a couple of Bibles that I would avoid - the New World Translation, which is used by the Jehovah's Witnesses and is purposely mistranslated to fit the JW's theology; and the Message, which I have read (and listened to) fairly extensively, and I feel is not totally accurate. All that said, I would recommend the ESV to you as well. It is a word-for-word translation that uses modern English while avoiding slang phrases. But you know that already! If you are looking for a phrase-for-phrase translation, I'd suggest the NIV. Jeff

In addition to what's been mentioned, God cannot do anything that is intrinsically impossible. For example, God could not both create the universe and not create the universe, because such a situation is intrinsically impossible.

Can't say I don't blame him... Rainier Beer, while not great, is certainly better than Busch.

I think you are blurring the lines quite a bit. Jesus is not the Father, nor is Jesus the Holy Spirit, or is the Father the Holy Spirit. All are God, but they are not each other.

Very cool! :t3: If only we were always happy about hearing God's word! It seems that too often people are discouraged when we hear about how we are supposed to live.

I enjoy Southern Gospel but I'm a bigger fan of Christian rock, like Jonah33, 12 Stones, Modern Day John, etc.

To get to the ORIGINAL topic... I would recommend either NIV, ESV (English Standard Version), or NKJV for a new believer. These are all easy enough to understand that a new believer won't have to be a high school grad to understand, but all very accurate. A very motivated new believer could easily start on the NASB, though I find it a bit choppy. I would not recommend a KJV for a new believer, because frankly, English has evolved since 1611. God's Word certainly has not, but the English language has. I also would not recommend the Message, as it is a paraphrase written by one man, and not an accurate translation.

Someone else said it already, but the important thing is not how often it is taken, but that it is taken. I grew up in the Church of Christ, which does communion weekly. I now attend a Nazarene church, where we do it monthly. I really don't think it should be a point of contention. Not to mention, you can take communion anywhere. I have done communion with my family at home.

The ideal church should be firm in its belief in Jesus and in the Bible. It should also be a church where you feel comfortable attending, in terms of people, worship style, size, etc., which of course is up to the individual - my ideal church is going to be different from yours because of that. But as long as their teachings are correct, and the people in the church are dedicated to following Christ, you should be all right! :t3:

hey adoni, glad to see someone from my neck of the woods! I went to Gig Harbor High School, but now I live out in Puyallup.

I read through it when I was still single. While I think he makes some good points, I was not convinced that dating was the wrong way to go. In fact, I dated my wife for about 20 months before we got married, and it was a lot of fun for both of us. Joshua Harris presents an alternative to dating in his books; however, it is certainly not a one-size-fits-all approach to finding a spouse.

If you guys want to peruse a good site for witnessing to Mormons, check out http://www.utlm.org/ . The couple that run this site are ex-Mormons and really know their stuff.

Well said shiloh! :t3:

Not sure where the phrase "covered by His blood" appears in Scrpiture, but I'm sure it's in there somewhere! As far as communion, I think it is important that it be honroed as a sacrement, established by Christ for us to participate in. I grew up in the Church of Christ, which took communion weekly, but I don't think that it is necessary to take it that often. But I do think it is important for us to do. I do not think that you need to take communion regularly to be "covered by His blood." I think that that covering (or sprinkling, as Peter puts it) is accomplished when we put our faith in Jesus for our salvation, and not as a result of taking communion.

An angel appeared to Joseph and told him that he must name the child Jesus - because He would save HIS PEOPLE from their sins. In another place, he tells a Cananite woman that He came to save "the LOST SHEEP OF ISRAEL". In Romans Paul tells us that there was ONLY A REMNANT of Jews that remained true to Christ and he counted himself among them. In the OT, there is a verse that says: "Strike the Shephard and the sheep will scatter." Because of the UNREPENTANT NATION OF ISRAEL, the Kingdom of God was taken from them and given to the gentiles. It was the command of Jesus to His disciples that they go into ALL the world (the gentiles) preaching, baptizing and making disciples of them. Throughout all of history, God has ALWAYS kept a "remnant" of Jews, and this is so today. However, we see that in Romans 11, it tells of a day when ALL ISRAEL shall be saved, they will then have received their "fulness". Peter was about the only that maintained an evangelical reach to Israel. But there came a time, when he too was killed. Remember it was ALL of Israel that killed their prophets, EVEN their OWN Messiah. They were/are a stiff necked people, and they are enemies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If you doubt this read Romans 11. Blessings, Dad Ernie I'm not quite sure what point you are getting at. You are correct in saying what you have said. However, we, as Gentiles, are no less guilty than the Jews are, in the sense that we all have sins that must be atoned for. But, historically speaking, as I posted earlier, the religious Jews were the ones who demanded that Jesus be killed, and the Romans were the ones that did it - in fulfillment of Scripture, might I add.

Cool story His Son. Glad that it worked out for you after all!

I think Brad's definition is pretty accurate. In a perfect world, there would probably be no such things as Christian denominations (I seriously doubt they will exist in heaven!). But, as we are imperfect creatures, and since "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known," I think that denominations are not necessarily sinful, but they are just a part of our understanding of God's Word. I will agree though, any church you attend should be a Bible-believing one. I went to a Disciples of Christ church for a while that was NOT a Bible-believing church, though it looked like one from the outside. It was not a good place to be, and I couldn't do much to affect any change in it, so I left. And I also agree with Andrew and cleaninglady... non-denominational churches, especially the Church of Christ and the Christian Church, are just as much a denomination as the Lutherans or Baptists. I should know - I grew up in the Church of Christ. Beautiful singing!!!

My wife was the victim of an adulterous husband in her first marriage. I had no issues marrying her, because Jesus did explictily say that adultery was a permissible reason to divorce (Matthew 5:32). Now we are happliy married, and I feel that there is nothing wrong with it.

Chatter: I played in high school, and college intramurals, so hopefully this will help. Shooting: Shoot often. Depending on your position, you'll want to practice different shots, but shoot at least 100 free throws a day. When you can't shoot, you can do the gooseneck drill: hold the ball in your shooting hand, and, without using your other hand, push up on the ball like you are shooting, then catch the ball with that same hand. Blocking: blocking shots? Or blocking out for rebounds? Well, here's advice for both. To block shots, you should first be at least 6 inches taller than the shooter! Actually, you'll just need to learn how to time a person's shot. Play tight defense, and always put your hand in their face when they shoot. Blocking out for rebounds... use your butt and keep them out of your way! Also, don't be afraid to push (gently) with your arms/elbows to get position. Offense: hmmm... learn to dribble adeptly with both hands. Learn to make quick, accurate passes. And be a good shot! Hope this helps a little bit!

I agree... I think his point of taking verses out of context when they stand alone is something we should take care to watch for. However, I have no idea where the prophecy thing came from.

DadErnie, I agree that "his own" did not receive Him. I hold that "His own" would be all of mankind. I think that I even mentioned our spiritual guilt that was the reason Christ had to suffer and die. But it was indeed the religious Jews who requested that Jesus be put to death. (all emphasis mine) Matthew 27:1-2 When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. And they bound him and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate the governor. Matthew 27:15-26 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, "Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream." Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor again said to them, "Which of the two do you want me to release for you?" And they said, "Barabbas." Pilate said to them, "Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all said, "Let him be crucified!" And he said, "Why, what evil has he done?" But they shouted all the more, "Let him be crucified!" So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves." And all the people answered, "His blood be on us and on our children!" Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified. Mark 15:1-15 And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole Council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. And Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" And he answered him, "You have said so." And the chief priests accused him of many things. And Pilate again asked him, "Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you." But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed. Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. 9And he answered them, saying, "Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?" For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. And Pilate again said to them, "Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?" And they cried out again, "Crucify him." And Pilate said to them, "Why, what evil has he done?" But they shouted all the more, "Crucify him." So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

Does anyone know where one might go if they were looking at the possibility of being a missionary in Iraq? I know that Samaritan's Purse and the Southern Baptists are sending missionaries, but I didn't know if anyone else was sending people there.