“ Great Sermon! ” Did we hear it right? You said, if someone doesn't take a "watershed" stand on an issue, you'll go to hell. That is what I heard. I don't think you meant that if a believer doesn't stand for life, (in the context you were referring to abortion) that person will go to hell. Do you mean that 'weak kneed' people are not true believers and will go to hell? Do you mean that a Christian can lose their salvation? What DO you mean? I see no problem commending Franklin Graham for courageously taking a stand against abortion. But do not say people are going to hell for not taking a stand against abortion. That is not biblical. I think I just heard it different from what you attempted to say. Could you tell us your theology on what makes a person a Christian, eternally secure? Perhaps you were talking something along the lines of humanly, we shall know people by their fruits. But in God's eyes, and his eternal perspective, he knows who he has saved for eternity. It is not a matter of one's stands one takes on earth. That, is too human centered for eternity.
“ Great Sermon! ” There are many in Asia who understand textual variants in ancient writings, also in copying from one oriental writing and understood by those of another oriental language. It seems that westerners (from England and America, etc.) get into unneeded battles over textual variants. To study is to show yourself approved, and to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide, and proper exegetical tools for many historical documents to help one understand the grammar and the meaning. Big thank you to James White, who helps us understand the historical variations, and the meanings of the texts.
Yes, we need to remain faithful to all of the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments. Yes, we need to preach the whole counsel of God. But why do we at SermonAudio find ourselves at the forefront of condemning the most people as heretics and use such great tenacity at enjoying them burning in hell for such great heresy. It is almost as if there is a competition out there to see who can label someone as a heretic in 24 hours or less. Why don't we build others up in the faith? If you disagree on what someone is preaching, why don't you call them up and talk to them about a more balanced view of the Scripture? Or do we just like to bite and devour one another so marvelously? Didn't the apostles write and command us not to do that so much, or not at all? Just askin' for a little balance.
“ Great Sermon! ” I think a Godly form of entertainment is to read books to children. I am not married, and cannot believe that married people would go to bars when they could be with and talk to their spouse. What a treasure. Not everyone has such a treasure as a spouse. I have always prayed that God would grant me a wife to build up, disciple and lead into Christ's service. But He has provided kids at a children's English school to teach and read to. Much, much better than ESPN or the bar scene!
“ Great Sermon! ” That was an excellent newscast, Sean. The tension between the sovereignty of God and the fact that our nation reaps what we sow was a good one. I believe that we must preach and petition more than ever before to stop abortion in our nation. God have mercy, and may he stop the killing.
Some of the commentary here is of the type that finds someone in the public eye, quickly finds a Bible verse, and blasts the public figure. God holds us accountable for what we say about people. It takes wisdom to know when compromise should be exposed and when people should be respected. Continual accusations and hate accusations with a zinger Bible passage is NOT what our Lord Jesus taught. Remember, many from our culture are blind by the tendency to find (or MAKE) a side, and go on the offense. It is not a balanced view of remaining at the center of Biblical tension. The entire Bible is our wisdom, and not just the favorite verses plucked out for the convenience of attack.
“ Great Sermon! ” I listened to all 5 messages in two sittings. I especially benefited from the more complete understanding of the 2 Old Testament prophesies (Joel, Isaiah) and how each part of 1 Corinthians 12-14 fits what I had thought of in bits and pieces over the years. Thank you for packaging it all together for a more thorough understanding of proper worship, and what is and is not Biblical teaching on languages. (tongues) I would note that the HCSB translates the word languages which agrees with several of your points. I keep telling my charismatic friend that his experiences are clouding him and preventing him from sound hermeneutics, but he just copies Greek passages down and then tells me what he believes (ignoring the full context that you thoroughly explained in your 5 message teaching on the passages.) We must pray for them to understand and that God will open their understanding of these things.
“ Great Sermon! ” I am convinced that teaching the word of God from OT through the NT without coverup is, with prayer, the key to reaching people everywhere. But the places I go always tell me to tone it down, and to emphasize God's love. I think it is time to just read the Bible and pray, and share the Bible in balance of both OT and NT history plus teaching passages. May God bless the reading of his word.
“ Great Sermon! ” Pastor Jeff, it was so touching as you referred us to Acts 8 to show God's love for one lost "sheep" the noble eunuch of Ethiopia. How joyful and righteous is our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the historical account of his saving the Ethiopian noble servant in a desert is so encouraging for us today. Please pray for outreach all over the earth, and God bless you.
“ Great Sermon! ” I have married a thousand couples, and they hear it for their new family during the ceremony: serve your spouse. And as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Good message, pastor.
“ Foundation for World Evangelization ” We need to have solid exegesis in the Old Testament to properly interpret the New Testament. What children can easily understand as a six day creation, and the beginnings of our earth and civilization, should be the basis for our gospel -- in light of God's plan to reach the nations -- and let us teach the entire word of God. The Bible is not that hard to understand if we take God at his word. Study history, grammar, and trust the Holy Spirit to guide us into the basic truths and the treasures of the Scriptures. Thank you, Ken, for getting us back to the basics of Bible study. The authority of the word of God is our foundation.
“ Great Sermon! ” Thank you, Pastor MacArthur, for sharing the truth in love. May God give you wisdom to do this, your task, as well as other ministries you have, will be praying for you.
“ Great Sermon but, don't forget the HCSB please. ” Good message, with a worthing mention of the best translations. I would add the HCSB, as it is not only accurate, but has a vocabulary that is more scholarly than many of the other translations. It is also very faithful to the original languages, though I feel many don't like how it "sounds" in a few places because of their traditional bent toward Tyndale vocabulary.
2/12/13 8:20 AM
