Rober H

I pastored a church for about 6 years. I am not currently a pastor.

We believe in our salvation by Faith... and faith is a spiritual thing. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. We have reasons to believe for the hope that is within us and that is what we are to share. The bible tells us that man is a fallen being and that death awaits him because of sin. Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Either a person can see this as true or they can't. I know there is a God because He is self evident. Creation itself bears witness to the Creator. Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Romans 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: God has provided a way for us to be saved because of His love for us. Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. A person can either see this or they can't. I came to the conclusion that the bible was God's word and that it was true after decades of searching. I realized that this revelation from God to me could not be seen by a casual inquisitive cynic or by a person who was simply curious as to why I believed what I believed. 1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 1 Corinthians 2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 1 Corinthians 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. So, you see it is impossible to convince someone who hasn't or won't yield themselves to the spirit of God to understand the things of God. I know this... John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. God only reveals Himself to those who have exerscised the gift of faith and have sought Him diligently. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. The fact is no amount of discussion or evidence, including miracles will bring faith to someone who is not inclined to believe. The world is in an evil state and man is lost. The bible is the only book that has shown that there will be no peace until the prince of peace comes. I can see that this is true. As much as God desires that men should come to Him there is no way He will force anyone to seek or find Him. Christians have an obligation to present the message. They can give an answer for the hope that is in them. 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: No one ever decalred that the answer would be satisfactory to skeptics or those who's true intent is not to discove God but to discover themselves. Psalms 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. In His service, Robert

Good morning brother Keith! 1 Corinthians 15:56-57 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Thanks for the good word brother. May I add? Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

Well said brother eric! Your reply was short, sweet and to the point. 2 Timothy 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.

Thanks for the welcome eric. I am almost 57 now so I have been saved for 14 years. What a journey! God bless and keep the faith! Robert

God gave us His word. It isn't hard to share our faith. We don't have to be out on the street to evangelize. We could be fishing with a friend or listening and waiting for an opportunity to share the gospel with someone who is pouring thier hearts out to us. Sharing our faith should be easy. The eternal destiny of souls is at risk. I have no doubt that God will move your heart and cause your mouth to move if you stay in His word and pray for help in sharing your faith. Paul was a lousy speaker by his own admission and yet he turned the world upside down with the power of the gospel. 2 Corinthians 10:10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. Yet Paul for all his infirmities and short comings knew that the gospel was the power of God. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Christ died for our sins and was buried and rose again from the dead.(1 Corinthians 15:1-4) start with that. I am 57 years old myself and not the brightest light on the tree but I will share the salvation message with anyone who will listen. All of us should. It may not be backsliding but it certainly does not reflect the love of Christ or the love of our fellow man to hold back on the message that could save a person from a Christless eternity. Us old guys have to exhort and encourage one another! In His service, Robert

I agree every believer can share the gospel. I wouldn't go so far as to say a person is "back-slidden" if they don't. There are plenty of "wolves" (back-slidden or otherwise) that share the gospel... Just watch television...they are all over the tube. The gospel goes out in spite of some people. Paul states: Philippians 1:18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. The thing is everyone should care about the non-believing. A sure sign of caring is sharing the most important message on this earth. The message of salvation through the gospel. It isn't about being gifted it is about caring. Preaching the gospel pleases God. 1 Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. What good are we if we keep silent? Are we to wait for some "gifted" preacher to give the only of message of hope on this earth? I hope not. The gospel not the person is the "power of God". Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. If a Christian does not feel a sense of urgency for the lost then I suggest they spend some time spent in fasting, prayer and in the reading of scripture. Paul cared and he preached the gospel. It was his whole life. 1 Corinthians 9:16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! A Christian should at least be waiting to share the word. Paul exhorts Timothy, 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. The gospel is the power of God. The gospel is the message a dying world needs desperately to hear. In short... all Christians need to share the word and the message of salvation. How can we be lights and salt without the message? In His service, Robert

That is a reasonable way to look at it. I cannot find fault with that. God is Soverign. That fact is irrefutable. God bless, Robert

God is not working the same way today as He did during the founding period of the church. Acts 5:12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. Acts 5:13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. Acts 5:15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. Acts 5:16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one. These signs are not present today. These types of healings are not taking place today nor has events like these taken place since the apostalic period of the church. To compare a charlaton like Benny Hinn to the apostles is too much for me to swallow. The miracles that took place during the formation of the church were impossible to deny. Acts 4:14-16 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. The false healers of today cannot make the blind see nor the lame walk. I don't see it and neither can anyone who is willing to open their eyes to the obvious facts. I will say this again. I don't care if I ever see a miracle in this life. I have God's word. His grace is all I need until I see Him face to face. Yours in Christ, Robert I bear no animosity to those who disagree with me...

Hello Arben, I understand your frustration. It helps to remember as you said "I have been where they are". Keep the faith brother!

Good morning brother Keith! 1 Corinthians 15:56-57 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

A person cannot commit themselves to a God they don't know. If a person doesn't know God the fault does not lie with the Creator. Romans 1:19-20 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: The problem always lies in the person. No one can convince a person of spiritual things. They cannot be discerned by the world. A person who asks all the right questions but resists all the right answers is in a state of denial. 1 Corinthians 2:13-14 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 1:21-23 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

I just think that with the chritianity stuff there are so many unanswered questions that its difficult for me too see how it could be true.... faith is just a cop out of saying just trust it...afraid i cant just trust it I came to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ at the age of 43. I am not afraid and my questions have been answered and I can trust God. I can look back on my life and see God's hand in my life. I am in awe of God and His longsuffering, and His incredible love and mercy. If you are truly seeking answers you will find them. If not you won't. Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. I have found that most people that say their are seeking God but can't find Him are really seeking to discover themselves. I know that was true for me. God pursued me and through His grace and mercy I yielded to Him. Before I was a believer I asked God to reveal Himself to me. I developed a thirst for the scriptures and through His word and the prompting of the Holy Ghost I came to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and His gospel. Also, I appreciate the depth of some of the believing posters in this forum. May God continue to bless you guys and your journey towards Him. Thanks for the edifying and thoughtful posts. Proverbs 18:1-2 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. Luke 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

Finally someone who is actually answering my question.... so if a non christian were to pray that there dying father was healed of cancer god would ignore it, as it was not a prayer of repentance or salvation.... sure only god knows their heart... but if there just praying on a whim that maybe this unsure being will help.... will he answer it....?? Many Christians pray that their loved ones will not die of cancer, and their loved ones DO die of cancer. That does not mean God did not hear and answer their prayer. The only promise of Godly action we have is for our soul in eternity, God intervenes for us where it matters and may indeed intervene when we pray for healing for a loved one, and may not intervene. An unbeliever may be totally healed of cancer based on the providence of God. The greatest Kings of the world have held positions of honor and title, yet have been unbelievers. A long healthy life is no evidence of salvation, as a sick poor life on this earth is no evidence that a person has been abandoned by God, or a lack of belief. Some of the greatest Christians of the world have been sick, poor and unsuccessful people. An unbeliever could not pray to Christ as they don't believe in Christ, so what they are saying is just words in the wind directed who knows where. Good answer. I think people who don't know God may still pray to the "unkown God"(Acts 17) and He may or may not answer their prayers. God is very merciful and longsuffering to the wicked when they repent. Nineveh the wicked city was spared and they were not believers in the sense that they were worshippers and followers of God. Excerpt from Eastons Bible Dictionary First mentioned in Ge 10:11, which is rendered in the Revised Version, "He [i.e., Nimrod] went forth into Assyria and builded Nineveh." It is not again noticed till the days of Jonah, when it is described (Jon 3:3; 4:11) as a great and populous city, the flourishing capital of the Assyrian empire (2Ki 19:36; Isa 37:37). The book of the prophet Nahum is almost exclusively taken up with prophetic denunciations against this city. Its ruin and utter desolation are foretold (Na 1:14; 3:19, etc.). Zephaniah also (Zep 2:13-15) predicts its destruction along with the fall of the empire of which it was the capital. From this time there is no mention of it in Scripture till it is named in gospel history (Mt 12:41; Lu 11:32). Lots of non-believers (unsaved pray when things go bad) There is ample evidence in the scriptures that show that God may show mercy to them. This happened after the preaching of Jonah. Jonah 3:6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. Jonah 3:7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: Jonah 3:8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. Jonah 3:9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? Jonah 3:10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not. 2 Peter 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's words to Jonah on why He had mercy on Nineveh. Jonah 4:10-11 Then said the LORD, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night: And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle? Anyway, you seem to be a very thoughtful person. God bless, Robert

Of course God intervenes in the lives of those who don't believe or have rejected Him. How else could a non-believer be saved? Also, God gives people space or time to repent and come to Him. God practices what He preaches and teaches. Matthew 5:45-46 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? Matthew 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? Matthew 5:47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. Paul was speaking to non-believers on Mars Hill when He delivered this speach. Read Acts 17 Acts 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; Acts 17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: Why would Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost say ask us to pray for "all men" if He wouldn't intervene in their lives. 1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 1 Timothy 2:2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 1 Timothy 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. In His service, Robert

There have been people who have claimed to be healed by praying to "Mary" or Hindu's praying to their gods. I am not too impressed by alleged miracles and healings. No offence to anyone here. I am not questioning your honesty nor your love of God. I am saying that being healed of an illness can happen to anyone regardless of what or whom they choose to believe in.

Are you trying to say that healings don't happen today? That we as believers can't lay hands and pray for someone to be healed, as the scriptures say we should? What of all the non-believing Jews still around today? Not to mention all the other non-believing people in other religions or no religion at all... The Jews at the time of the apostles were still be given a chance to receive Christ as their King and Messiah. The Jews today are under a curse until as a nation they call upon their Messiah as Jesus told them. Luke 13:35 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Remember in Acts 2 Peter was calling upon the nation of Israel to repent. Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. The Jews and the non believing world today need to hear the gospel to be saved. What pleases God? 1 Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1 Corinthians 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 1 Corinthians 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; If you carefully read my post you would see that I started off by saying that I believe God can do miracles at any time. Miracles were not and are not commonplace events either in the OT are NT. There were periods in the bible and for various reasons that God did many signs and wonders. Miracles and supernatural intervention by God did not seem to produce faith or trust in the Hebrews that left Egypt did it? Miracles and healings don't always produce the type of faith which leads to salavtion. John 12:37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: TBN's Hinn and his theatrics do nothing but cast Christianity in a bad light. Peter warned us of these men. 2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 Peter 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 2 Peter 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. I have the bible. I love God's word and have faith in Him. I personally don't care if I ever see a miracle. I know where I am going and in whom I have believed. Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. In His word, Robert

I believe that God can do miracles at any time. I am generally skeptical of so called mass healings. I have watched people like Benny Hinn in the United States claim that thousands of people have been healed as a result of his ministry. He cannot produce a single healing like the one described in Acts. Acts 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Acts 3:3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. Acts 3:4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. Acts 3:5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. Acts 3:7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. Acts 3:8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. This man was over 40 years old and had never walked a day in his life. Now, this is a true healing and a miracle. Movie Star Clint Walker went to Benny Hinn to hoping for a miracle and Benny couldn't pull it off. Benny Hinn could not restore Clint Walkers sight. Men like Benny convince people that their "arthritis or back pain is gone through suggestion. I don't believe this charlaton has any power to heal at all. I am not impressed with the "healings" I hear about but that no one can confirm. I am not saying God won't answer prayer but the conditions that were present in the church during the time of the apostles are not present today. A careful study of scripture will show that as the New Testament was being written the "sign gifts" such as healing began to pass away. The purpose of the sign gifts were to confirm the authority of the apostles and convince non-believing Jews that the Messiah had come. Arben, You are within reason and not at all out of line to ask to hear only from non-Pentecostals. However, to be realistic they won't keep out as this is an open forum. God bless, Robert

Hello brother, Keep on posting God's word. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.