Can We Really Exercise Free Will?

[Magenta]

This happened to me once. It seems to be a glitch of some kind. However, I discovered that if you delete the text and then click on preview it will go away.

Messages are automatically saved as drafts so you can come back and continue adding to them later if so desired. You can also save them, or delete them, using the icon above the message box that looks like a little floppy disk, with a down-pointing arrow. It is the second to the last on the right hand side. If you are deleting a draft, watch closely, because a little green light comes on while it is performing that task. Once the little green light goes off, the task is completed and the draft is deleted. Then when you return it is no longer there.

Drafts will also disappear if your device is turned off or restarted, so if you have a draft you wish
to keep it may be best to save it as a text document if you don't want to lose it. Toggle off the cog
icon (last one on right hand side) and it will save all your hotlinks and font effects as well.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

Yes but James had one audience and Paul had a different audience with different problems being addressed.

Paul is addressing the resurrection body and how we will be raised up again natural v spiritual

See Paul’s subject here isn’t who can hear the gospel but rather

“But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?

…..So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: it is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural;( body ) and afterward that which is spiritual. ( body )

The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, ( the natural )

we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. ( the spiritual )

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood ( natural body ) cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”( from natural to spiritual bodies )
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:35, 42-44, 46-47, 49-52‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This is about how we’ll be raised up no longer natural bodies which we had foret but spiritual bodies which are to come made for the new things

 

[Mem]

I just tried that, and I only got a notification that said I had to enter valid text.

No worries either way though. The 'glitch' comes in handy in cases that I don't want to lose what I'd written but need to take a pause for some reason.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

Exactly.
That is why we have 2 Timothy 4:3!

For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine.
Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great
number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.​

That was quite prophetic.

Yep and consistently preached

“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.

And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭2:1-2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

[Mem]

Messages are automatically saved as drafts so you can come back and continue adding to them later if so desired. You can also save them, or delete them, using the icon above the message box that looks like a little floppy disk, with a down-pointing arrow. It is the second to the last on the right hand side. If you are deleting a draft, watch closely, because a little green light comes on while it is performing that task. Once the little green light goes off, the task is completed and the draft is deleted. Then when you return it is no longer there.

I love learning new things! I've never tried out that icon and I only now noticed the green dot come on when I begin a draft! How nice not to have to struggle with a work around!

 

[Blain]

In my opinion?
You are overreacting.
It is something too personal for you.

What you seek?
When a pastor teaches in church, everyone is to be silent and to keep their own opinions to themselves.
This format of an open forum and is not a church.
It can become a battlefield at times.
You don't like that. I understand.

Here is what is going on with this kind of doctrinal exchange, where what is on everyone's mind is open to be seen by all.

Don't you remember!?
Paul traveled and debated openly in the synagogues?
Things got heated at times when that happened.


Here is what Paul said, what can take place.

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. ​

On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. ​

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up ​

against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought​

to make it obedient to Christ.​

​

2 Corinthians 10:4-5

This place not a church where the pastor speaks and everyone is to remain quiet and think to themselves.
Some express opposing arguments that are pretentious. Paul said that becomes 'warfare.'
And, to demolish with Truth.

I will tell you again...
If you want to be in total privacy to learn?
No one will try to contradict you while being taught?

Try this. https://www.rbthieme.org/index.html

Start with the Basic series.
Also check through the long list of topics!
No money will be asked for.

Yes, the basics.
The basic series can be quite advanced when compared to what we find today in typical churches.

Now? If you want to stay in a public forum like this one?
Realize that it is not like a local church.

It is for debate and open discussion.
Spiritual warfare will take place at times, because those who like to cause trouble find these places.

Don't try to stop it and turn it into a church atmosphere.
For you may be aiding and abetting the enemy when you do.

Interesting point:
If you ever want to see real sarcasm expressed in the Bible?
Find a pastor who can expertly teach you from the original languages.
The Holy Spirit will be very sarcastic at times.

Most translations have been designed to teach young children, those just starting out.

grace and peace ...........

Oh I am well aware this is an open forum and debates even heated debates happen but there is a right way of doing it and a wrong way of doing it. It requires one to be mature and respond in a mature manner even when faced against slander which happens a lot in these debates, I go by what the scriptures teach not what others think and the scriptures give a clear picture as to how we are to treat each other yes even in heated debates the fruits of the spirit you know them right? now tell me in your battle ready mind where the fruits of the spirit fit in there?

It is truth that we wield as a sword as refernced in scripture the wsord of truth which abolishes all falacies but this sword is not one of slander nor mockery nor is it of any kind of unkind words it is scripture and the scriptures are very clear encourage one another build each other up teach each other show the fruits of the spirit ect.

Debates are good for growth if done in the correct manner it can give you more insight and wisdom as you learn from others but that is the thing you have to have a mature attitude about it there is a huge difference between debating and senseless arguing and it requires discernment to know the difference between the two

 

[Pilgrimshope]

Oh I am well aware this is an open forum and debates even heated debates happen but there is a right way of doing it and a wrong way of doing it. It requires one to be mature and respond in a mature manner even when faced against slander which happens a lot in these debates, I go by what the scriptures teach not what others think and the scriptures give a clear picture as to how we are to treat each other yes even in heated debates the fruits of the spirit you know them right? now tell me in your battle ready mind where the fruits of the spirit fit in there?

It is truth that we wield as a sword as refernced in scripture the wsord of truth which abolishes all falacies but this sword is not one of slander nor mockery nor is it of any kind of unkind words it is scripture and the scriptures are very clear encourage one another build each other up teach each other show the fruits of the spirit ect.

Debates are good for growth if done in the correct manner it can give you more insight and wisdom as you learn from others but that is the thing you have to have a mature attitude about it there is a huge difference between debating and senseless arguing and it requires discernment to know the difference between the two

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

[Mem]

Personally, I think the sword exhibitions are pretty darn interesting.

 

[Genez]

Oh I am well aware this is an open forum and debates even heated debates happen but there is a right way of doing it and a wrong way of doing it. It requires one to be mature and respond in a mature manner even when faced against slander which happens a lot in these debates, I go by what the scriptures teach not what others think and the scriptures give a clear picture as to how we are to treat each other yes even in heated debates the fruits of the spirit you know them right? now tell me in your battle ready mind where the fruits of the spirit fit in there?

There you go again.
You claim to understand.
Then revert right back to wanting to direct the TV show to your liking.

There is still much you do not understand.
One big one is how the Holy Spirit can be when need be.

Now, don't try to change things again.
They must be this way until the Lord returns.

You end up aiding and abetting the troublemakers when you openly wish what you desire.
And, they will use your kind to hide behind.

This is NOT a church.
Stop applying passages that are directed to the behavior of those who attend the same church.

If this were a church?
Some people would be kicked out of here and told to go find a church where they believe as they do.

So, try to be silent and watch what some have been assigned by God to do - that rubs your flesh the wrong way.

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up
against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought
to make it obedient to Christ.​

But, must do so very gently.
​

and we take captive every thought
to make it obedient to Christ.

Please put your hands behind you back so I can handcuff you?​

​

That's the way it is when you enter a public forum.
.

​

 

[studier]

Yes but James had one audience and Paul had a different audience with different problems being addressed.

They both speak of maturity and issues concerning getting there.

 

[Blain]

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Yes exactly well said

 

[studier]

Exactly.
That is why we have 2 Timothy 4:3!

For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine.
Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great
number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.​

That was quite prophetic.

From the looks of things even in the NC and surely in history, that "prophetic" didn't take long to begin.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

Yes exactly well said

Scripture always tends to speak well if we’re listening . It’s when we’re telling others what he said without scripture that we get the authored confusion but not by him. If more of us would let the Bible teach us prayerfully first we’d have a lot more in common with our beliefs

 

[Blain]

There you go again.
You claim to understand.
Then revert right back to wanting to direct the TV show to your liking.

There is still much you do not understand.
One big one is how the Holy Spirit can be when need be.

Now, don't try to change things again.
They must be this way until the Lord returns.

You end up aiding and abetting the troublemakers when you openly wish what you desire.
And, they will use your kind to hide behind.

This is NOT a church.
Stop applying passages that are directed to the behavior of those who attend the same church.

If this were a church?
Some people would be kicked out of here and told to go find a church where they believe as they do.

So, try to be silent and watch what some have been assigned by God to do - that rubs your flesh the wrong way.

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up
against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought
to make it obedient to Christ.​

But, must do so very gently.
​

and we take captive every thought
to make it obedient to Christ.

Please put your hands behind you back so I can handcuff you?​

​

That's the way it is when you enter a public forum.
.

​

It may be how it is but it is not how it should be, where do the scriptures say to act one way in church but another outside of it? it doesn't the scriptures say what they say there is no loop hole around it to act a certain way here then another there either you obey the word of God or you don't you don't get to pick and choose.

The verse you posted has nothing to do with acting like children bickering with each other it speaks of how truth is wielded but where does it say to bocker amongst ourselves?
Galatians 5:15:
"But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you be not consumed one of another
1 Thessalonians 5:11 states, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing
John 13:34-35, Jesus gives a new commandment: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

2 Timothy 2:23-26, which advises against foolish and divisive arguments and encourages gentleness in teaching, and Philippians 2:14, which urges believers to do everything without grumbling or arguing. Additionally, Proverbs 20:3 suggests that avoiding fights is a mark of honor, while Proverbs 15:1 highlights the power of a soft answer to diffuse anger.

So it may be your opinion that I am over reacting but the scriptures say otherwise

 

[BillyBob]

Messages are automatically saved as drafts so you can come back and continue adding to them later if so desired. You can also save them, or delete them, using the icon above the message box that looks like a little floppy disk, with a down-pointing arrow. It is the second to the last on the right hand side. If you are deleting a draft, watch closely, because a little green light comes on while it is performing that task. Once the little green light goes off, the task is completed and the draft is deleted. Then when you return it is no longer there.

Drafts will also disappear if your device is turned off or restarted, so if you have a draft you wish
to keep it may be best to save it as a text document if you don't want to lose it. Toggle off the cog
icon (last one on right hand side) and it will save all your hotlinks and font effects as well.

Thanks,
This has irritated me several times! Just like @Jackson129. I knew that what I did to rid myself of the text was not the correct way to do it. Glad to learn about the draft icon.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

It may be how it is but it is not how it should be, where do the scriptures say to act one way in church but another outside of it? it doesn't the scriptures say what they say there is no loop hole around it to act a certain way here then another there either you obey the word of God or you don't you don't get to pick and choose.

The verse you posted has nothing to do with acting like children bickering with each other it speaks of how truth is wielded but where does it say to bocker amongst ourselves?
Galatians 5:15:
"But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you be not consumed one of another
1 Thessalonians 5:11 states, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing
John 13:34-35, Jesus gives a new commandment: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

2 Timothy 2:23-26, which advises against foolish and divisive arguments and encourages gentleness in teaching, and Philippians 2:14, which urges believers to do everything without grumbling or arguing. Additionally, Proverbs 20:3 suggests that avoiding fights is a mark of honor, while Proverbs 15:1 highlights the power of a soft answer to diffuse anger.

So it may be your opinion that I am over reacting but the scriptures say otherwise

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:24-26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

[Magenta]

Thanks,
This has irritated me several times! Just like @Jackson129. I knew that what I did to rid myself of the text was not the correct way to do it. Glad to learn about the draft icon.

You are welcome! I think if you erase the message you don't want and then save draft it will make it go away, also, no need to preview, and of course erasing and saying anything else or erasing if it pops up with another quote from the same thread will cause it to disappear forever also LOL. The last paragraph I added about toggling the BB code is important if you have hidden links you want kept or you use any kind of font effect or any other coding. Toggling the cog shows all the coding and so if you copy that, when you go to paste it in whenever, all that will be saved and transfer over. If you copy your text without doing that, you lose all links and effects, and other coding.

 

[Blain]

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:24-26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Yes this is truth right here the scriptures speak on this very well

 

[GWH]

Can we really exercise faith?

 

[Pilgrimshope]

Yes this is truth right here the scriptures speak on this very well

Even if we’re “right” about something and someone knows it if our attitude and demeanor isn’t right it’s hard for them to acknowledge what’s been said .