Openly Curious

23 hours ago, bittermara said:

 

Are we predestined for hell ? 

 

 

If you have not called out to God, repented (confessed with your mouth) of your sins, accepted Christ into your heart as the sacrifice for your sins. And believe that Jesus died on the cross, that he was buried and arose again on the third day.  Then you no longer are a child of disobedience but a child of obedience obeying the will of God.  No longer predestined to hell but are now part of Christ's body.

However if you have not called on the name of the Lord repenting of your sin then you still are a child of disobedience predestined to hell because you have not obeyed the will of God concerning salvation.

The fear of the Lord is to shun (hate) evil.

21 hours ago, Walty said:

I agree. I studied how much God hates divorce. He only puts up with it because of our (humanity) sinful nature and unbelief. 

I deeply feel that it would be against God's will if I was to break up my marriage.  So, maybe I'm under some spiritual attack. Doesn't the devil use scripture against us? He used scripture again to Jesus himself in the wilderness.  This marriage-divorce-remarriage thing really has gotten me down. I honestly feel at times I'm not it the will of God. The devil can easily use scripture, take it out of context a little to condemn God's children. Am I right?

Good works doesn't help earn anyone into heaven, so does evil works "sin" doesn't warn anyone into hell. It's rejecting Jesus's gift of salvation. But, where does repentance come in?

Yes the devil will use scripture against us he will twist it and add lies within the truth just as he did to Jesus in the wilderness and has done from the beginning.  Satan is a liar and nobody will listen to a known liar in this world would they?  It should be that way as believers when it comes to Satan He Is A Liar and when he comes to confuse us we shouldn't listen to him as he is the author of confusion.  But it is Christ who is the author and finisher of our faith.

Doing what is right or good according to scripture in this life being righteous.  Doing what is wrong (sin, wickedness, evil bad deeds or works) in this life disobeying the scripture is being unrighteous in this world.  If you sow good things then you will reap everlasting life.  If you sow evil things and wrong doings in this world the you will reap eternal damnation (Galatians 6).

Repentance comes in only with a godly sorrow working in our hearts.  One can be sincerely sorry for something they have done wrong at a particular time.  But then turn around the next day and do the very same thing all over again and again being truly sorry each time they do the wrong but they never come to true repentance.  Being sorry isn't repentance.  True repentance comes with having a godly sorrow for the wrong you have done in your life.  It is having remorse before God and others for the wrong you did.  Godly sorrow working in our hearts says I'm sorry for my sins (wrong doing) and does not do it again as there is remorse with repentance go and sin no more.  Repentance spoken about in the scripture come with godly sorrow working in one's heart with remorse that turns them away from wrong doing.

I'm sorry the devil has gotten you weary in this battle but scripture tells us that if we resist the devil he will flee from us.  He will come back to fight against us again but having the armor of God on he will have a much harder time in the next battle.

There can be no fellowship or communication if one doesn't open their hearts door and let Jesus in.

"Here I Am" is a biblical term as some have already mentioned.  Samuel kept hearing his name being called and he went to Eli every time and asked him what was it he wanted.  Finally Eli realized that it was the Lord who was actually calling Sameul.  Eli then instructed Samuel to go back to bed and if he heard the voice calling his name again the he was to answer and say "Here I Am Lord Send Me".  Samuel heard the voice again and he did respond to the voice as Eli had instructed him and the Lord gave the prophet Samuel a word to give to Eli in how the Lord was going to bring judgment upon his household as Eli did not discipline his sons as he should have. As a result his sons serving as priest in the temple done wickedness while serving in the temple.

Isaiah also heard the call of God and answered the Lord by saying "Here I Am Lord Send Me".  Both Samuel and Isaiah were called to be prophets or mouth pieces for God.  The Lord would give them message and send them out to whomever he would send them unto and deliver the "Thus saith the Lord" message from God.

Many hear the call of God but will not answer it.

51 minutes ago, Yowm said:

It  can all be remedied by a 1/2 tsp of garlic powder. 

It is not the will of God to divorce your current wife.  Do you not think God can forgive a person who has had a divorce in their past and give them a new start in life.  Do you actually think you will be more righteous to put your wife away for no reason other than her past marriage?   You have admitted that both of you have repented and now are living for God does it not bring any reasoning to your current walk That God Hates Divorce?  Will you then sin against her by putting her away without a cause?    

15 hours ago, worthy said:

 

I think when reading this chapter you should take what you can out of it and apply it to your life it is not saying to do everything like this chapter describe. Because if you love the Lord and truly want to do right then you already are a virtuous woman

I wish more women would realize this.  Doing what is right makes you virtuous in it's finest essence. 

What I get out of Proverbs 31 is that each Christian woman has virtues (values) of their own and they practice them to the good of others.  Implementing and using one's personal values is very beneficial in her live her familes life and to the reputation of her husband life in the community.  Implementing her values can also benefit the life of others.

But not having any values (virtues) of her own she can't be a blessing to herself or any one else for that matter.   

17 hours ago, Alylovesall said:

When I'm lonely I always go to God! But as a human we need other humans to interact with. I come from a background where I was shut off from the real word! Now I'm trying to become a better person but I find it a little bit displeasing! Why do I say that? Because I feel like I have no "friends" and I especially have no one to talk to! Right now the only person I can talk to is in jail(my boyfriend). And I just feel like I'm becoming worse everyday! When I get angry (which is everyday ) I use the tongue of the devil! I just want to overcome this and know where and how to start ! Any and every advice is welcomed, I really appreciate it. 

Visiting those in the nursing home is a good way to overcome your loneliness as there are many who have no one to visits with them and they have needs like blankets, combs etc., that can be ministered unto.  Lot of them can entertain you with their stories and share their recipes  with you.  You can create a purpose for yourself to overcome your loneliness.  blessings  

6 hours ago, WilliamL said:

So by all means visit your doctor, so that he can supply you with manufactured pharmaceuticals; and by all means stay away from herbs of the field.

Well I'm not the one with the nerve problem now am I.   Marijuna is not used as a herb or spice do you sprinkle it over your food and actually cook with it.  uhumm

On 9/2/2016 at 8:41 AM, WilliamL said:

Keeping ourselves from something is called abstinence. Moderation is using something, but not to excess. The Bible teaches that there is a place for both, depending upon individual circumstances. I believe what the Bible teaches.

People's biases are certainly evident in this topic. How willing, even eager, Christians are to judge one another! Nothing has changed since biblical times, when the Pharisees condemned people for not washing their hands before eating.

If one is smoking pot they are getting high or else they wouldn't smoke it because they would be no benefit in doing so just a bunch of coughing.   Abstinence is the only way to keep oneself from getting high as their is no smoking pot in moderation.  You can get high with one puff or two of it.  

The harvest is white already to harvest but the workers are few pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest send forth laborers.

How shall they hear without a preacher and how shall they preach except they be sent.  Beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news of the gospel.

One cannot respond to the gospel message by faith without first hearing the gospel.  Going out into the highways and hedges is one way to compel those in the world that are not saved to come to Christ.   Evangelism is a calling and gift from God and it can be and effectual way for others to hear the gospel message responding to the call or rejecting the call of God to come to repentance.

On 8/8/2016 at 9:29 PM, ChristianGirl7770 said:

Hey everyone,

Yesterday I visited a new church on my (Church Adventure). During the sermon the pastor was talking about Salvation. And the one thing that threw me off guard was the fact that he said "Revelation IS Salvation" I know that when it comes to the book of Revelation. There is lots of symbolism, and meaning to the end of days with the rapture and the mark of the beast. He tried explaining Salvation in Revelation. But it is impossible for me to see Jesus giving Salvation when he returns since he is going to bring justice for his people and finish the wicked. I wanted to know your opinion on Salvation and if it in any way relates to the book of Revelation?

Salvation is given to us by divine Revelation of Jesus Christ revealing to us who the Son of God is as the eyes of our understanding on a personal level become open to what he did for us on the cross.  Being the sacrificial lamb who was slain for the sins of mankind on the cross and then accepting Christ body and shed blood as the sacrifice and atonement for our sins.  There are different time periods or dispensation to which God has divinely revealed his will to mankind.  Today we live in the dispensation of grace where we are saved through faith in Jesus work on the cross.  During Moses time under the dispensation of law people were saved by keeping the law of Moses in which God gave to them.   God divinely reveals his plan throughout the ages so they can be saved in those time periods on the earth such as the things recorded in the book of Revelation.   If a person takes the mark of the beast for example during the seven year tribulation period in their right hand or forehead or worships the beast they will be eternally doomed so one must resist the plans of the Anti-Christ and trust only in the God who made the heavens above and the earth beneath being Christ Jesus Himself. 

On 8/22/2016 at 8:38 AM, tinyrules777 said:

i have a friend she is 23 i told her i'm in love with her sister who is only 18 i told her don't tell her sister i'm in love with her because i am older than her i know she is too young for me but i really do love her with all my heart she is Christian as well i told her that her sister belong to God and csn never know how i feel about her my heart is broken but i pray God will heal my heart my question is did i make the right choice by not telling her? i am so confused i know i must trust fully in God alone.

No one can really tell you if sharing your feelings with someone is right or wrong.  There certainly no sin in telling another how we feel about them.  However acting on those feelings may not be the right move for us that has to be between you and God.  There is no need to be confused about these feelings as you said the answer to your question in your last line of your OP when you said, "I know I must trust fully in God alone".   Putting your trust in God is the right move and he is faithful to guide your footsteps in the matter.

On 8/15/2016 at 3:22 PM, ChristianGirl7770 said:

Hey everyone,

How would you respond to people who slander or make remarks about God in a vile way?

Saying stuff like, "God is cruel." and other things?

I tend to get defensive over the issue and I find myself always defending God or correcting them.

 

I would say to them "If you don't know much about Him and the things he's done for you then please don't criticize Him he's the ROCK I'm leaning on".  I too would pray God would reveal His Son Jesus to them.

On 8/23/2016 at 11:23 PM, kwikphilly said:

No predictions here...only advice:

BE READY!

Always be ready to give an answer to those who ask.  

Sis my answer too is "I Will Therefore Be Ready".

The Bible does not give the particular dates, times or the specific year for His Return but it teaches us to BE READY instead regardless of the times and seasons we are in. 

On 8/23/2016 at 11:23 PM, kwikphilly said:

No predictions here...only advice:

BE READY!

Always be ready to give an answer to those who ask.  

Sis my answer too is "I Will Therefore Be Ready".

On 8/8/2016 at 7:25 PM, Dallan said:

What are everyone's personal predictions for when the second coming will happen and why? 

Hi Dallan,  Just am curious to know if you yourself have a personal prediction when the second coming will happen?

Also I am not clear what you are meaning in your use of the term "second coming".   Are you referring to what is known as the "rapture" or the Church being "caught up" in the air?   Or are you referring to the beginning of the 1000 year Millenial Reign of Christ?  Thanks for clarifying in advance.

On 9/1/2016 at 8:59 PM, Out of the Shadows said:

To get the same basic relaxation effect I get from drinking a beer after dinner.   Despite the Cheech and Chong stereotypes, not everyone that smokes marijuana is doing a bag, or even a joint a night.  

And this is your common sense answer.

Quenching a thirst after dinner is and can be a relaxing thing but so could a glass of ice tea.   I don't think that everyone who smokes marijuana is smoking a bag at a time or even smoking a joint a night.  But if you are comparing one beer to smoking pot in any amount there is nothing similar about the two.     If you are smoking pot you are getting high which you think it is okay because it relaxes you.   

Is marijuna legal in your state?  

If you are simply wanting relaxation why not take a nap, go for walk?  why does your relaxation have to come from a can or a bag.  Do you grow your own marijuna or do you help support drug dealers to get relaxed?.....Maybe you should see a doctor for something legal for your nerves if they are that bad or stick to your after dinner drink.

10 hours ago, GoldenEagle said:

What I took away from Galatians 6:7 – 8 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 is if a person sows good fruit (fruits of the Spirit) there will be good results (others will feel loved and point to Jesus). Those who live in rebellion (say rob banks) will likely receive bad results (jail time or even potential loss of life).

If a person invests in friendships with others they will have friends in times of need. If someone is a loner and doesn't invest in friendships with others he or she may find it hard to find help in times of need.

This seems to me how the law of sowing and reaping works.

Lesson I learned:

Our actions have consequences. Someone will bear them. Don’t interrupt this law by regularly bailing others out.

God bless,
GE

The passage teaches me that there is eternal consequences of what I sow in this life on earth.  If I sow to the Spirit (walk in the Spirit) I will reap everlasting life.  If I on the other hand walk in the flesh I will reap eternal damnation. 

If I walk in the Spirit I will do the things that are right being our fruits (deeds, works or actions we show through our behavior).  I don't agree with not helping people out when they need help because it would interrupt the law of sowing and reaping in their life as was said above.   It is totally up to me who I choose to show meekness, longsuffering, kindness, mercy, gentleness, love, peace, joy and faith with.  I couldn't or anyone else couldn't interrupt this law of sowing and reaping.   It is the same if I do the deeds(works, fruit unto death, sinful actions in our behavior) of the flesh towards others or in my life the consequences are eternal.   You can sow to the Spirit and you will reap everlasting life.  Or you can sow to the flesh and reap eternal damnation.  You can have your fruit unto death or have your fruit unto life.  You can inherit eternal life or throw it away by foolish living. 

44 minutes ago, Out of the Shadows said:

I do not believe this is an accurate statement. I know it is oft repeated on this forum, but to be blunt about it, it just ain't true.

Then please do tell us WHY they smoke it? 

45 minutes ago, Out of the Shadows said:

Can, in your opinion, a Christian drink a beer and God approve of it?

Drinking a beer or having a glass of wine is totally different than smoking pot.  A person smokes pot to get high period or else you wouldn't smoke it as there would be no need to do it.  I'm not talking about those who legitimately use it for series medical purposes but of those who use it to get high.  If you smoke your going to get high unless you got a hold of some homegrown stuff that was no good then you wasted your lungs for nothing.   If a person is smoking they are doing so to get a buzz better known as a high.

And NO God does not approve of getting high (buzzed, high,tipsy or drunk) while drinking beer, wine or hard liquor etc.,

Moderation is keeping ourselves from something not giving ourselves over to it.

1 hour ago, WilliamL said:

Like I said before, moderation. Paul covers the general subject well:

Rom. 14:10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. ... 12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way. ...14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. ...22 Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.

This scripture in Romans that you posted has absolutely nothing to do with doing things in "moderation".  If I take your advice I can as a believer in Christ go take up pot smoking all over again and the Lord would be much pleased with me doing so.  Not only that I would be the only one that could judge my moderation in smoking it.  You are advocating that Christians can smoke pot and that God approves of it.   Wonder if my would be suppliers are still in business.   My my how things are so backwards today.

32 minutes ago, WilliamL said:

I am not advocating anything other than common sense, which, as this topic has well-demonstrated, often flies out the window when people's emotions and prejudices get involved.

Could you please tell me what that "common sense" is that your advocating?

Well said Oakwood and I agree we can't promote our own weaknesses as being right.