JonBoy,
Wow in typing my last response, you posted and I was not aware. Before commenting I want to clarify what you said. Semantics is very important when it comes to understand essential beliefs. First in regards to the Trinity, are you telling me you believe that the Trinity exists as one person? I like to explain the Trinity as 3 persons with one essence. Jesus existed here on earth, while the Father was in Heaven and the Holy Spirit had not been permanently left on earth until after Pentecost. Jesus also prayed to The Father in heaven on many occasions. Don't get me wrong, I don't believe that this is an issue that I would die for, meaning that there is little our finite minds can do to try to understand something as unexplainable as the Trinity. On that note however, the gospel is something that must be understood and is an issue I would die for. All eternity is hanging in the balance. So with that said let me address your comments on water baptism and the Lord's Supper. First I'd like to talk about the Lord's Supper. Our church does partake in the Lord's Supper. However we adhere to the belief that it is an act of obedience and it is a symbolic gesture. With baptism things get a little tricky. You said that baptism is essential to salvation. Exactly what do you mean by that? Are you saying that people not baptized are not saved? I will let you answer before I continue. Also, I would like to know what you mean by the phrase "influencing salvation". Finally, to get to the heart of the matter, let's say that I came to you asking about being saved, what would you tell me?

Thanks,
Q

 

Before I comment on the rapture, and you were right, I have lots to comment on what you said, I would like to first tackle the issues of baptism and salvation, if that is ok with you.
Thanks
Q

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by qmahmudapex
[B]JonBoy,

 

JonBoy,
Okay, Okay, I'm not really sure what to start with. Do you think a person can repent without the Holy Spirit? Are you talking about being willing to repent? The reason I asked is because the word repent is often misunderstood. Also, I'm not sure what you mean when you said"it only means they won't go in a rapture". Has there been a past rapture? Then I have one question for you.....is he thief on the cross in Heaven. What about people that are saved on their death bed? Another question that may help me understand some of your views, besides your pastor what theologians do you read and share the views of?

Thanks,
Q

 

Just as an afternote, I may not have all of the answers you require (at least, not right at my finger tips - I may need to do some studying to answer). I don't profess to know it all or anything, and I'm willing to be proven wrong in any way. I don't want you (Q) or anyone thinking I think I know it all because I definitely don't. Just wanted to make sure that's understood - I'm no pastor or even a teacher, so intellectually I probably don't know nearly so much as a lot of others...

 

JonBoy,
I agree with you. I always tell everyone when I have a discussion with someone about the Bible and theology....."the only thing that is worth dying for is the gospel, everything else is open for debate"

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by qmahmudapex
[B]JonBoy,

 

For any that care here's a bit of what church history and the Bible contributes.

For almost 1200 years the title Apostle was given to a woman (Junia)

Gen 2:18 Man's "helper" Some say this is the place women. It's obvious this does not mean subserviant to from Ex 18:4 (God my helper).

Num 6:1-2 Both men and women could take a Nazarite vow.

Women were leaders in early Judiasm & Christianity:
Deborah was Judge and Prophet (Judges 4:4-5)
Ruth - Book of the Bible
Esther - Saved the nation

John 4:26 Jesus reaveled himself as Messiah to a woman first
John 3:39 Women went and evangelized a city
Matt 28:7-10 Only women witnessed Jesus burial, saw angel at tomb and first commissioned
Acts 2:17 Women would prophesy
1 Cor 11:5 Women prayed and prophesied in church
Acts 21:9 Four prophets were "daughters"
Rom 16:3 Priscilla & Aquila were equal fellow workers (man and woman)
Acts 18:26 A woman (Priscilla) taught a preacher (Apollos)
Acts 18:18 Priscilla named first (Greek emphasis of importance?)
1 Tim 3:11 Deacon/deaconess - Phoebe mentioned (Rom 16:1)
House churchs: 4 women leaders Chloe, Lydia, Marks mother and Nympha
Gal 3:26-29 "Neither male or female..."

Blessings,
garyj

 

I am headed home, both will be back tomorrow, same bat time, same bat channel. GaryJ, look into what we have posted and we welcome your comments.

See Ya Guys,
Q

 

GaryJ,
What type of church do you attend? Just trying to get an understanding of where you are coming from.

Q