Recent content by gralanlinae

"Works of darkness" technically, are also mentioned. I hope to further discussion here, rather than criticize. Even I find it hard to avoid using universals in contexts where they can be misconstrued. To say "There is no Universal Truth", is a universal that nullifies itself; no truth means not...

I would have to say that God tells us that we don't even know how to pray properly, but that Holy Spirit has to interpret our prayers (Rom8.26). Prayers to God also depend on God, not on our faith. For what is faith? It is knowing that God exists, and that God rewards those who seek him...

That passage, in context, has been a source of comfort and conviction for me. I'm convinced we are to reach out to help the disenfranchised, the needy, the abandoned, the helpless. The keeping oneself unspotted by the world however, I've wrestled with. I have been influenced by my...

While we do learn more, there is no new revelation going on; no new standard to God's word and will. Some trouble we have in discussing things is that some words have been imbued with meaning, on one or both sides, that changes the plain meaning of words. This happens in daily life, and is the...

I do not mean to interrupt, so I hope that is not what I'm doing. I would pose a question: God reveals to us that All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. All are dead due to sin (no debate, either Original Sin or personal sin, all have sinned). Going to Hell is not a choice for...

Even having been raised in Reformed Churches, verse 48 gave me peace in knowing this doctrine is sure, and it is sound theology. 26 years ago I was teaching my new-to-the-fold wife about this. It is good to have solid reasons for one's convictions. Even then though we wrestle with things, trying...

God has all glory even before Creation of anything, including angels. It is all about God, and in God we find our purpose of existing - to know God and enjoy God forever. Adam and Eve elevated their position by choosing to do other than God's Will. But that wasn't their right, and in sinning we...

Predestination was held as doctrine in the early church (meaning the first 5 centuries. Augustine first held that God chose those who chose him in the future. That is a popular version. Later on Augustine was convinced and taught that God chose those whom he decided, not relying on the decision...

For a time in the early churches, and some today still do, they set a box in the Narthex or back of the church for folks to put their offerings in. I'm sure there was an elder nearby. Anyway, the idea was give or get as you need. For we need to give offerings, to support those in leadership, pay...

Yes, it is work to walk by faith rather than by the influences of our earthling neighbors. I make the distinction because God does, those who are God's children are aliens and strangers on this planet currently. Since Jesus only spoke truth that came directly from the Father, we must be humble...

Well, that's good for you. I wish you the best in your adventure of faith. God tells us through Paul these things are not to cause division or disruption in the congregation (See Romans 13-15). Recall that God told Noah (as the representative of Humanity after The Flood), that that all flesh...

Yes, not many are testing the spirits, but we are commanded to do so. And we know there are spiritual and medical causes for some phenomenon. I've had experiences I do not share, they made made me humble. I do not trust any signs per my own interpretation, albeit difficult to resist. Scripture...

We are spiritually dead when we enter the world, and our broken self has set in its ways. I liken this to our being a bunch of nuts, and God knows what it takes to break us without smashing the precious new self inside. Only those who are chosen of God are his children, born of God and not by...

It is my experience that prayer to get results usually leaves me feeling barren and somewhat alienated. I believe that God's peace will guard my heart, if I'm faithful to submit all and be thankful. In terms of questioning the effectiveness of prayer with unbelievers, I personally refuse to...

I'm new to this the christian forums dot net. I have not been involved with forums since 1999. My wife and I believe the truth of becoming one, especially in the sense that my wife and I are together one disciple (as such; we need to be a united pairing) We believe that this is a proper sense...