Ultimately; whether it be Armageddon or the final Great White throne judgment; or the individual demise of every person outside of the faith since Adam fell; the fate of unregenerate man is horrible beyond imagination. The biggest problem is that we don't know who Christ is; the eyes of those under Satan's power are blinded ( 2 Corinthians 4:4). Once we can see clearly we will be on our face; so it is better to do it now than under compulsion at judgment. The righteous also are constrained but by His love to praise and worship the Lord. The Holy Spirit when we are fully surrendered will fill our entire being with praise.
For now; it wouldn't surprise me a bit if an atheist would have less of an issue with say capital punishment as many who call themselves Christian. The Antichrist himself is called the "lawless one" and indeed at least one atheist I met was from a worldly standpoint a very "moral" person. What the law does is serve as a "schoolmaster" ( Gal. 3:24) to bring people to faith.
This explains why it is possible for the vilest sinner (such as possibly occured with Jeffrey Dahmer) to change. As Christians we shouldn't have a double standard we can exact justice to protect the innocent but still have an attitude of unconditional love and forgiveness which wouldn't be comprehended by an atheist.
Anyway another good point is that Christ never said the adage that God helps those who help themselves. If there was any other way certainly God would not have allowed His son to go through the suffering on the cross; or turn His back on Him at that instant of time. This shows sin is DEADLY serious.
Also of course 1 Corinthians 11:30 shows that even God' speople can have a shortened life living in disobedience. God delivered a man over to Satan so that at some point before death he would repent (apparently the man came to his senses and eventually was restored to fellowship). Better to make it to heaven through fire than hell.
John 6:54 states: Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
There are two views on the subject; the "transubstantiation" argument of the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions and the purely symbolic or metaphorical doctrines we find in many Protestant churches. In the first view we have to hold to an abhorrent view that there is an ongoing or perpetual reinstitution of Christ's sacrifice at every communion; clearly contrary to where Christ stated "it is finished" on the cross and Hebrews 9:28 speaking of His one time sacrifice for many. The Protestant viewpoint; however can tend to treat communion and in fact many other rites or ceremonies as merely symbolic and thus be calloused to verses such as 1 Corinthians 11:30 which states that many have become sick and died (fallen asleep) due to taking communion unworthily.
Communion therefore is something which each individual is held accountable for but also involves a union in the Body of Christ through the function of the Holy Spirit. We certainly can't isolate these warnings just for communion; for instance we have no business being baptized without a proper confession of faith and marriages also need to be taken seriously in regard to the covenant vows. The New Covenant brings the blood ATONEMENT which essentially exchanges His life for our own as our spiritual sustenance; along with His broken body. He purchased us with the cost of His life and redeemed us from death and hell by taking our place on the cross of Calvary. Such a detestable imagery of a snake on a pole was an early representation of this Numbers 21. A man was cursed when hung on a tree ( Deut. 21:22-23). We are then partakers in Christ and His sufferings ( 1 Peter 4:13); see also Hebrews 3:14 on enduring to the end.
In terms of eternal physical life; we of course have the tree of life as mentioned in the Garden. We also will be raised incorruptible if we are in Him.
Job 13:15 states: Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
In 1 Kings 13; we see a story of an unnamed prophet who God slayed after disobeying the command not to eat or drink or go back the way he came after a fellow prophet lied to him; later the word of God came through that same prophet foretelling his burial won't be with the other ancestors and he died after leaving the meal; mauled by a lion who then stood next to his natural pray a donkey by the body. It is understood that the Spirit wasn't indwelling as it is today permanently with believers; but it would seem this man was disciplined by the Lord rather than going to hell. The same principle is stated in 1 Corinthians 11:30 where it talks about taking the Lord's supper unworthily (interestingly related to a meal taken wrongly as well).
My general point here is that there are many out there who claim we can "lose our salvation". We forget the many verses that contradict this which I won't get into right now; because there are so many others that seem to justify this concept. I have already discussed at length many times the idea of God chastising those He loves (and the opposite fact that we are all illegitimate sons if not ( Heb. 12:8).) What I am saying now is that the dying process begins at the day of our salvation and continues throughout our "sanctification" process. The outer evidence of this comes from the fruit in our hearts and is tied into our behaviors; attitudes; words; praises; service; etc. The world has it's own way of "sacrifice" whether as dramatic as "stigmata" or some kind of outer manifestation that appears like the wounds of Christ on their body (certainly demonic); or acts of contrition; service; etc. I don't want to force the terminology realted to the 5 points of Calvin to make my point. I do want to suggest that when God begins a work He completes it. Let us learn the lessons from scripture and take them to heart.
Thank you Momsage for your love for me, your sister in Christ. Please pray for me, I am down and out. Wondering why no healing? It will be 4 years in June. I have had massive hair loss and it is very painful for women to go through this. My husband and I have been claiming 1 Corinthians 11:15 and nothing. Thank you and God bless you.
Terry, beautiful and powerful prayer. Heavenly Father, I agree with Terry, to heal All diseases, illnesses, sicknesses including alopecia, hair losswe claim 1 Corinthians 11:15 for Your daughters.
Jeremiah 33:3, "Call unto Me and I will answer thee"
Jeremiah 33:6, "Behold I will bring thee health and cure, and I will cure them"
Be Healed, In the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Thank You Father God, Thank You Jesus Christ and Thank You Holy Spirit. Amen
I thank you for discussing this and I consider you as a brother in Christ. I do not feel I have represented Scripture in any kind of mystical or spiritual way. I am not trying to convince you, but to explain my understanding. I believe Jesus was a man same as the first Adam without sin, 1 Cor. 15:471 Timothy 2:5 Jesus is the only begotten Son of God miraculously conceived, born of the virgin Mary, Matthew 1:20Acts 17:31Rev. 12:5
Take Hebrews 1: 5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father? How could God say I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son if Jesus eternally existed with the Father.
Hebrews 2:7 from Psalms 8:5-6 God the Father made and set Jesus His only begotten Son over all His works of His hands this tells me the Father is the creator. 1 Corinthians 15:24-28Philippians 2:9. To me that is simply saying God the Father is superior and they are not coequal, God the Father highly exalted Jesus His Son.
Christ means He is the Anointed One nothing is above God so God cannot be anointed or anoint Himself, God is the one who anoints, as Jesus was anointed with the full measure of the Holy Spirit/Ghost when He was baptized by John the Baptist. We also see in 1 Corinthians 11:3 This to me shows they are not equal, and God the Father is the head over all.
1 Peter 1:19-21 If Jesus preexisted how could he be foreordained? Eph. 1:10
Chris, I may could say more, maybe we can pick this back up again, but I hope you have some idea of my understanding, this is not to end this but just to pause I hope that is ok.
Jesus to me is Devine He is the Devine only begotten Son of God. He has been placed over all that is in heaven and earth and every knee will bow to Him. You do not think He had a beginning; I believe His beginning was in God's plan before any creation and was brought forth in the fulness of time.
Hebrews 11:1 states: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." In my last post I discussed the concept of repentance and that it isn't something we merely learn by our own wisdom or intuition but that it is a gift from God as many scriptures state. 2 Timothy 2:25 as well as scriptures in Acts; 2 Peter and Romans show how repentance is granted or given by the Lord. As stated in my earlier comments no contrition on our part is able to save us. This is not to say; however that the admonition in Romans 6:1-2 isn't pertinent; we shouldn't seek to sin more for more grace. Our testimony should come from a genuine admission of realization of our state before salvation. We realize that we are no better than a murderer; adulterer or any other sinner that is repugnant to society at large. Of course our NATURE has to be understood; or else we are as Judas Iscariot did just sorry for our actions rather than realizing the cause is a rotten heart needing to die to itself and be rebirthed. Peter had a downfall and Thomas doubted but they recognized the Lord when He made Himself known to them.
My earlier statements should by no means detract from the importance of emulating external actions which are outflows of GOOD FRUIT in our lives. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (easy to memorize with this numbering) gives Paul's exhortation to imitate him as he imitates Christ. Demonstrations of such behaviors are much like a parent to a child in this case. How we need such examples in church leadership today! How many of these mega pastors live even close to Paul who would work for himself so as not to burden the churches and suffer as he did with deprivation and imprisonment for the cause of Christ?
We are not to idolize people but those of Godly character should motivate us; and also bring the fear of the Lord and His holiness to unbelievers as Paul did with the prison guard ( Acts 16:30-33). Our lifestyles must back up our words.
Hi Mary Jay. As you know, we don't align in our understanding of the Scriptures, but thought to address this one post from you as an example.
In answer to your question, I exist as a physical person, now saved & revived by the Blood of Christ & His Spirit, joined to the Body of Christ. Am I "the BODY of Christ?" NO. My understanding of the Scriptures is that the Body of Christ is the Church ( Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18,24). So, I'm not the Body, Christ is; I am a part of that Body, the parts of which comprise the Church ( Romans 12:4,5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14). There can only be one Body, or else, if each member is the Body of Christ, then Christ is no longer the Head of His Church but the Head of each person. And though 1 Corinthians 11:3 states, "...that the head of every man is Christ...", this verse speaks about the position, in the spiritual realm & of the Church presenting before God, of woman to the man, of man to Christ & of Christ to God.
So with Galatians 2:20, my understanding of "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me...", is that my life that I now live is not my own (my ownership), but belongs to Christ (His ownership) with Christ (by His Spirit) Who now lives in me. This is a personal relationship with the risen Christ, with Whom all others who completely identify with Him, also enjoy. Thus together we form His Church, which is His Body; so the individual can never be Christ's Body - only His Church can be, which is the collection of believers.
Goose, please agree with my husband and I for thanking Jesus for healing our daughter from cancer. We believe that she is healed now we pray for the manifestation of His healing power.
Will you also agree with us that Jesus bless me with His word, 1 Corinthians 11:15.
Thank you Jema for your reply. On the Isaiah 13:12 reference, we would find no agreement at all, as the verse, when understood naturally & in context refers to the scarcity of human life during those times of the LORD's intervention & destruction. If you are finding Jesus in there (i.e. "I will MAKE A MAN more precious than fine gold"), then that would have to be a personal discovery rather than a textual truth.
And likewise with Colossians 3:10, the text doesn't allow for such an interpretation (i.e. of God creating Jesus). Paul is writing about two 'persons': the new man (i.e. the human being renewed by the Spirit), and of God (Who creates in His (God's) Image). So, it doesn't speak of Jesus, but of man who was once created in God's Image (Adam), & then after the fall, that image was marred, which necessitated a re-creation of that image in man. And to do this, man had to be changed inwardly (becoming a 'new man'), who now is being "renewed in knowledge" into the image of the One (God) Who created him (man). Yes, we do have 2 Corinthians 4:4 & Colossians 1:15 to support your use of 'image' as to Christ's 'creation', but we also have Genesis 1:27 & 1 Corinthians 11:7 to support man being made in God's Image. But to put Christ in Colossians 3:10 would violate the point of that verse which is directed to man's renewal.
Lastly, you wrote that you "don't really relish the idea of a big debate". That puzzled me since you initiated those questions for our responses. If we gave responses without 'debate/discussion', then the whole exercise would be entirely fruitless & pointless. So maybe you just wanted to share your understanding of those verses, but not willing to defend your beliefs; and these matters (of Christ's Divinity, eternal judgement, etc.) are vital to Christians & also in the preaching of the Gospel. Without these fundamentals, we have no Gospel - we have no message of liberty & hope to share with a lost world.
No. 1 Corinthians 11:15, crown of glory equals women's beautiful hair. Dress moderately does not mean to cover all your body. Plain and simpleNo. God bless you Msawders77
I will mention that the remnant was 7000 out of all the Jews at that time. We see that principle with only Joshua and Caleb out of the whole generation making it into the Promised Land; Moses of course was saved but his behavior at one time kept him out.
We see also the principle of some receiving the crown or crowns for specific acts when on earth. Let us face it not everyone runs for the prize; some make it into heaven as through the fire ( 1 Cor. 3:15). Christ Himself turned away some would be disciples who didn't want to count the cost. It is possible of course to amend our ways; Christ purges more to sanctify us. There are certainly variations as to how much fruit we have; 30 fold; 50 fold; 100 fold. We can just look around to see those who are undistracted and have their lives balanced; those who are on fire for Christ we should be discerning to recognize. We all struggle with sin there is no doubt; some who claim to be believers aren't even saved while others are in various levels of maturity.
Again not a point to argue about. God can use death in order to prematurely end a life (see 1 Corinthians 11:30) where MANY sleep because they have taken communion unworthily. There are also verses in Corinthians about the body in 1 Corinthians 5:5 where God allows someone to die or get near it to preserve the soul; in other words perhaps they would have been lost if this hadn't happened because they would go so deep in sin as to be reprobate; that is only a theory.
These verses should help clarify as to where many are; and that not everyone gains the same reward just as the other principle that some suffer more in hell (see Matthew 11:21).
>The word of God cuts both ways, a two edged sword.
>How many husbands love their wives as CHRIST loves the church ..... probably NONE.
>The word says you are the WIFE of Christ, so these scripture of a wife submitting to her
>HUSBAND apply as much to you as to any earthly wife.
Your original meaning and intent were clear. You obviously meant that by presenting Christian women with the need to submit, then the "husband" is in the corporate body hence he is metaphorically described as the bride and the wife now places him in the position to submit as does the wife in the marriage relationship. That is against the divine order found in 1 Corinthians 11:3 and contrary to what Ephesians 5 is even stating. What you were attempting to do was blasphemous!
Even though the corporate body of believers, is metaphorically described as the "bride" or "wife" of Christ to symbolize our deep spiritual union and devotion to Him, this metaphor DOES NOT extend or CONTRADICT the commands regarding marital roles. The submission of wives to husbands and the love of husbands for their wives, as described in Ephesians 5, are SPECIFIC instructions for how husbands and wives should relate to each other within the marriage covenant.
Our spiritual relationship with Christ is indeed a profound and personal one, characterized by faith, love, and devotion, but it doesn't prescribe the same roles and dynamics as those within a marital relationship. Therefore, while we are spiritually connected to Christ as His followers, the commands related to marital roles are distinct and apply within the context of marriage, as outlined in Ephesians 5:22-25.
It's essential to interpret and apply biblical principles in their intended context. Ephesians 5:22-25 addresses the ROLES and RESPONSIBIlITIES of husbands and wives within marriage, using the metaphor of Christ and the Church to illustrate these roles, but this metaphor doesn't change the specific commands for marital relationships.
1.>The word of God cuts both ways, a two edged sword.
2.>How many husbands love their wives as CHRIST loves the church ..... probably NONE.
3.>The word says you are the WIFE of Christ, so these scripture of a wife submitting to her
4.>HUSBAND apply as much to you as to any earthly wife.
" 2 Peter 3:16 (KJV) 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
All of Christendom is part of Christ's CHURCH, it is no mere building. All saints are part of his church. The church is the wife of Christ but does not lower the husband's position to that of wife. God's divine order is revealed in 1 Corinthians 11:3 (KJV) 3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
Having the husband being in the corpus of the church does NOT make him the WIFE of Christ as you stated in 3. & 4. above and then the order for wifely submission would then apply to him as you also stated. This is utter blasphemy!
You have in your past wrested with scripture to make it say what you wanted in the past and it has affected your exegesis. You have mingled the Word & Self in a dangerous way for yourself.... "which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction."
Repent before it is too late and you go down the road of apostacy!
God loves men and women equally he just has different roles for them. 1 Corinthians 11:7 (KJV) 7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
God has his divine order of things... God > man > woman...
Concerning Women's Head Coverings 1 Corinthians 11:2-16
Note the following verses.
11:5-- "but any woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered disgraces her head--it is one and the same thing as having her head shaved."
11:6-- "For if a woman will not cover herself, then she should cut off her hair; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or to be shaved, she should keep it covered.
11:7-- "For a man ought not to cover his head . . ."
11:10-- "For this reason a woman ought to have [a symbol of] authority on her head"
11:13-- "Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?"
11:15-- "but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory . . ."
Several points can be made here.
(1) If 'covering' = 'hair,' then all men should shave their heads or go bald because the men are to have their heads uncovered.
(2) If 'covering' = 'long hair,' then v 6 seems to suggest a tautology: "if a woman will not wear long hair, then she should cut off her hair." But this in no way advances the argument.
(3) The argument caves in by its own subtlety. To see 'hair' = 'head covering' means that one has to go through several exegetical hoops.In short, it hardly appears to be the plain meaning of the text.
(4) Verses 10 and 15 would have to be saying the same thing if long hair is the same as a head covering. But this can hardly be the case. In v 10, a woman is required to wear a 'symbol of authority.' Such a symbol represents her submission, not her glory.
To argue, then, that long hair is the woman's head covering seems to miss the very point of the function of the head covering and of the long hair: one shows her submission while the other shows her glory.Both of these are contrasted with an uncovered head while praying or prophesying, or a shaved head at any time: such would speak of the woman's humiliation and shame.
Jema, thank you for asking. I have repeatedly tried to directly respond but it is not going through. I will try again and if it won't go through please place my name whenever you read 1 Corinthians 11:15 Thank you and God bless you.
Heavenly Father, for three years I have been asking for You to heal me. For a woman to lose her crown of glory is unbearable. Father God, Romans 8:32, You said that You and Your Son Jesus will freely give us our need. By Your stripes Jesus we are healed but no manifestation of Your power. I have read over and over 1 Corinthians 11:15 and no results. Please take me home.
1 Corinthians 11:4 discusses a woman praying or prophesying with a head covering; hence the concept of silence is only perhaps in a formal service. It also may suggest that asking questions as a distraction isn't to happen rather than the concept of always remaining silent.
These verses also show the limit of a woman in regard to expression in worship settings since they are not to have authority over a man ( 1 Timothy 2:12). This fairly well mirrors the Old Testament where at least in the Book of Judges and a few other instances there were women acting as a Prophetess. There were no female priests at least with Judaism; these occurred with pagan rights quite often; however. It will be noted the consistency in messages at that time with God's overall plan in other texts as well as overall history. Judges 4:9 is an interesting passage with Deborah predicting victory in Sisera at the hands of a woman; perhaps that is one reason God used her. It is also said the lack of visions and available male prophets at the time may have necessitated God using her in this occasion.
There are cases where women would praise God in a prophetic manner; in Exodus 15 Moses started off with a victory song; and Miriam joined in later in verses 20-21. This shows they were in one accord.
If we survey what are the fruits or results of women who take on roles forbidden in scripture usually we see spurious doctrine manifest. 1 Samuel 15:23 reminds us that rebellion is as witchcraft. We see quite often the other half of the problem; namely men that are unwilling to take on the role as head of the household and the responsibilities in worship services. Thus we have a major part of the breakdown of society.
Women also need to fully take on teaching their children; guiding younger women as well as evangelizing to women in this generation; albeit perhaps leaving some more dangerous assignments to men. A woman with more intellegence can help men behind the scenes.
many actually stopped following Jesus that day he said here in the Gospel of John 6:48-58.
Jesus three times identifies Himself as that spiritual bread ( John 6:35, 48, 51).
And twice He emphasizes faith (a spiritual action) as the key to salvation:
"My Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life" (verse 40)
and "Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life" (verse 47).
Jesus then compares and contrasts Himself to the manna that Israel had eaten in the time of Moses: "Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die" John 6:49-50.
The words I have spoken to you-they are full of the Spirit and life" ( John 6:63). Those who misunderstood Jesus and were offended by His talk about eating His flesh and drinking His blood were stuck in a physical mindset, ignoring the things of the Spirit. They were concerned with getting another physical meal, so Jesus uses the realm of the physical to teach a vital spiritual truth.
At the Last Supper, Jesus gives a similar message.
We are to proclaim the Lord's death until he comes"
1 Corinthians 11:26.
Jesus was speaking metaphorically about His flesh and blood and hold that the bread and wine are symbolic of the spiritual bond created with Christ through faith.
Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God'" ( Matthew 4:4, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3). The implication is that the bread is God's Word and that is what sustains us. Jesus is called the Word of God who came to earth and was made flesh ( John 1:14). The Word of God is also the Bread of Life ( John 6:48).
as a male i had long hair for a while but was moved to cut it off so i could be better in line with Gods word and not dishonor myself when out soulwinning and being in the church.
I thought it fitting to also point out how those in leadership will also be held accountable on this subject. There are few in ministry who will ask the congregation to pray for their needs; or who will openly acknowledge when they have done something amiss. Specifically; it is methodologies that are often held from worldly experience that are used to build up ministries; such as slick advertising campaigns. I prefer to hold to the seeker unfriendly camp; or perhaps what has been coined "your worst life now". Such advice is exemplified in Paul's harsh retort to the Corinthians who were living "like kings" at the time ( 1 Cor. 4:8). Sounds familiar; right? It would be wonderful to see the Gospel preached out of envy ( Philippians 1:15-16). That would be the case if the world was being turned "upside down" ( Acts 17:6); but in truth there are few that want to go down in a blaze of glory which the martyrdom at the time exemplified.
Exhortation; or iron sharpening iron ( Prov. 27:17) is also becoming a rare art heading toward extinction. Sin may be covered by the blood; but undoubtably still can lead to death; at least as far as the body is concerned. Such is the case with 1 Corinthians 11:30. For us to not have some awareness of the Holy Spirit convicting us of sin after salvation ignores passages such as Galatians 5:17. It is easy to ignore the desires of the Holy Spirit in the contentious struggle and just focus on the struggle with the flesh; for conflict to occur evidence of the Spirit's sanctification must be present. Again; without such things all of our "good deeds" simply are a remake of our actions to satiate God to the best of our ability; without ceding control to the Lord's authority and power. His RIGHTEOUSNESS is the only way we are going to want to obey His commandments; the whole emphasis of Psalm 119 as an example. And the Bema Seat keeps us humble now; every action is judged ( 1 Cor. 3:13)
You are replying to a comment by "Bagwill" 5 days ago:
Where in the Bible does it say that it's okay for women to be preachers.
MOUNTHOREB REPLY: Woman can prophecy not new info outside of the scriptures 2 Timothy 3:15-17. However, They preach what they have learned to others outside of the church or congregation. When asked a question about the bible. a woman can reply to anyone who is asking the question. even if it's a man, elder 1 Timothy 3 or someone in authority. but within the church or congregation 1 Timothy 3, a woman does not have authority over a man to speak to the whole church or Congregation 1Timothy 2:11,12,14 (unless there's no men available, if this is the case she covers her head within the congregation to PREACH 1 Corinthians 11:5;16 because of the angels in heaven) however, Outside of the building, yes a woman can teach others outside (family, neighbors etc.) Acts 2:16,17.
Jesus allowed women to speak to him and listen. even sit at his feet and ask questions. he allowed woman to speak and listened to them. and to follow him as he preached. Luke 1:36-38; John 4:7-54; John 11:20-29; John 20:11-18; Acts 1:14; Luke 8:1-3; Luke 10:38-42; Romans 16:1-5; Acts 18:2; Acts 18:24-26;
In marriage: Ephesians 5:21-33
These are all the scriptures I can think of. Revelation 22:17 "Its free"
Today in Sunday school; the discussion came up about finishing the race well and the verse 1 Corinthians 11:1 or another to that affect was pondered. One participant stated that she would like that to be true for her and her children and grandchildren on imitating the example set forth. Further delving into the matter of those with integrity in scripture (there are many) brought up the examples of Isaiah and Jeremiah the "weeping" prophet. I thought of Jeremiah in Lamentations and the parallel to Christ in the New Testament weeping over Jerusalem in Matthew 23:37. We need to balance the hard truths such as the excoriation of the Pharisees and the prophets warnings to Israel and the collateral damage inevitably to result with the fact that when calamity did strike the Prophets would mourn and suffer; understanding God's own sentiments toward such things. That is brought out quite effectively with Hosea and the judgments to come on Ephriam such as in chapter 11 verse 8. In fact; in the prophet's personal life with his unfaithful wife he had to purchase again as well as with eventual reconciliation with Israel mentioned in earlier chapters we see past what many consider an unloving Old Testament God with one who doesn't have any joy in the destruction of the wicked ( Ezekiel 18:23).
In this discussion of the "goodness and severity of God" ( Romans 11:22) we can apply these principles to the discipling efforts that elders are commissioned to be part of along with the rest of the congregation. Open rebuke is better than hidden love ( Proverbs 27:5). There is too much laxity in such matters today from my vantage point. Let's be honest; we are more likely to take a rebuke to heart than some meaningless compliment and retain such in our memory. That can be true for something said in an insensitive manner; but most times we can at least apply some truth from the Word in our lives and respect the messenger.
Hi Adam. As I go through James 5:19,20, I'll share my understanding:
"Brethren (i.e. those in the faith from the Jewish diaspora), if any of you err from the truth ('planethe', to go astray or wander), and one convert him ('epistrepse', to turn him back); Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way (returns or guides him onto the path of holiness of life) shall save a soul from death (from God's Judgement by virtue of physical death, cf 1 Corinthians 11:27-32, noting that God's Judgement is done in Love, to the end "that we (the Christian in sin) should not be condemned with the world, as those who are consigned to Hell)...and shall hide ('kalypsei', to hide/conceal) a multitude of sins (by restoring a wayward believer by his repentance & restoration, that his sins repented of, will no more be judged by God).
Indeed, "a Christ follower can fall away, stray, wander, err from the truth" as you wrote, but if he is "in Christ" as "Christ in him", he will always, repeat always, be gently ministered to by the Holy Spirit & led back to the path of true & abundant living. Not one of Christ's sheep will ever be lost, even though they stray afar. But if they remain obstinate & continue to dabble in sin, as in the case of incest at Corinth, the apostle using his authority, delivered that soul to Satan's domain "for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus".
I hope that brings out my understanding clearly, though I could not understand your last question, re: Billy Graham gaining more forgiveness/more grace.
I don't see how anyone can say that for sure. The answer would be maybe. There seems to be some sort of confusion as to the concept of the "unforgiveable sin". That; according to the Gospels is spelled out fairly clearly-that of ascribing God's Spirit to Satan (or Beelzebub otherwise known as the king of the demons) which is basically the same despite some blowback I have had on the subject. That is why Christ says that any offense against Him is forgivable but not to the Holy Spirit. This shows how the Spirit is God's testimony to the world which is to remind us of "sin; righteousness and judgment to come" ( John 16:8).
There is another common misconception around the "sin leading to death." ( 1 John 5:16-17). There are certain sins which Paul mentions in the Corinthian church such as when the man was given over to Satan so that the flesh may be saved. ( 1 Cor. 5:5). Indeed; Paul makes it clear that if Communion isn't taken properly many have gotten sick and "fallen asleep" (died) as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 11:30.
There is always the chance that in a last minute repentance (such as the thief on the cross) or perhaps right before death repentance can occur. This would certainly be the exception rather than the rule as sadly "few" will be saved ( Matthew 7:14 etc). There is a difference of someone who is in a lifestyle of sin compared to say someone that slips up once or twice (as seems to be the case with many Fentinol overdoses these days). We would also have to assess if the man in question ever confessed Christ previously; and if any fruit evident of true repentance was in his life ( Matt. 3:8-10). There is a whole host of other things Satan uses such as music and the occult; the desire to be popular; etc. which drugs can be used as a gateway. That is different; although tied in with the physiological dependencies someone is trapped in; or emotional state of suicidal behavior that triggers such a sad ending.
When the Bible speaks in a teaching capacity, it's to the man, brother, son, father, etc. There is a hierarchy, where Christ is over the man, the man is over the woman 1 Corinthians 11:3. But, yes, God's Word pertains to both men and women. Example, "brotherly love"...it's presented in the masculine, but it pertains to both brothers and sisters in Christ. I hope that helped. God Bless.
Ultimately; whether it be Armageddon or the final Great White throne judgment; or the individual demise of every person outside of the faith since Adam fell; the fate of unregenerate man is horrible beyond imagination. The biggest problem is that we don't know who Christ is; the eyes of those under Satan's power are blinded ( 2 Corinthians 4:4). Once we can see clearly we will be on our face; so it is better to do it now than under compulsion at judgment. The righteous also are constrained but by His love to praise and worship the Lord. The Holy Spirit when we are fully surrendered will fill our entire being with praise.
For now; it wouldn't surprise me a bit if an atheist would have less of an issue with say capital punishment as many who call themselves Christian. The Antichrist himself is called the "lawless one" and indeed at least one atheist I met was from a worldly standpoint a very "moral" person. What the law does is serve as a "schoolmaster" ( Gal. 3:24) to bring people to faith.
This explains why it is possible for the vilest sinner (such as possibly occured with Jeffrey Dahmer) to change. As Christians we shouldn't have a double standard we can exact justice to protect the innocent but still have an attitude of unconditional love and forgiveness which wouldn't be comprehended by an atheist.
Anyway another good point is that Christ never said the adage that God helps those who help themselves. If there was any other way certainly God would not have allowed His son to go through the suffering on the cross; or turn His back on Him at that instant of time. This shows sin is DEADLY serious.
Also of course 1 Corinthians 11:30 shows that even God' speople can have a shortened life living in disobedience. God delivered a man over to Satan so that at some point before death he would repent (apparently the man came to his senses and eventually was restored to fellowship). Better to make it to heaven through fire than hell.
There are two views on the subject; the "transubstantiation" argument of the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions and the purely symbolic or metaphorical doctrines we find in many Protestant churches. In the first view we have to hold to an abhorrent view that there is an ongoing or perpetual reinstitution of Christ's sacrifice at every communion; clearly contrary to where Christ stated "it is finished" on the cross and Hebrews 9:28 speaking of His one time sacrifice for many. The Protestant viewpoint; however can tend to treat communion and in fact many other rites or ceremonies as merely symbolic and thus be calloused to verses such as 1 Corinthians 11:30 which states that many have become sick and died (fallen asleep) due to taking communion unworthily.
Communion therefore is something which each individual is held accountable for but also involves a union in the Body of Christ through the function of the Holy Spirit. We certainly can't isolate these warnings just for communion; for instance we have no business being baptized without a proper confession of faith and marriages also need to be taken seriously in regard to the covenant vows. The New Covenant brings the blood ATONEMENT which essentially exchanges His life for our own as our spiritual sustenance; along with His broken body. He purchased us with the cost of His life and redeemed us from death and hell by taking our place on the cross of Calvary. Such a detestable imagery of a snake on a pole was an early representation of this Numbers 21. A man was cursed when hung on a tree ( Deut. 21:22-23). We are then partakers in Christ and His sufferings ( 1 Peter 4:13); see also Hebrews 3:14 on enduring to the end.
In terms of eternal physical life; we of course have the tree of life as mentioned in the Garden. We also will be raised incorruptible if we are in Him.
In 1 Kings 13; we see a story of an unnamed prophet who God slayed after disobeying the command not to eat or drink or go back the way he came after a fellow prophet lied to him; later the word of God came through that same prophet foretelling his burial won't be with the other ancestors and he died after leaving the meal; mauled by a lion who then stood next to his natural pray a donkey by the body. It is understood that the Spirit wasn't indwelling as it is today permanently with believers; but it would seem this man was disciplined by the Lord rather than going to hell. The same principle is stated in 1 Corinthians 11:30 where it talks about taking the Lord's supper unworthily (interestingly related to a meal taken wrongly as well).
My general point here is that there are many out there who claim we can "lose our salvation". We forget the many verses that contradict this which I won't get into right now; because there are so many others that seem to justify this concept. I have already discussed at length many times the idea of God chastising those He loves (and the opposite fact that we are all illegitimate sons if not ( Heb. 12:8).) What I am saying now is that the dying process begins at the day of our salvation and continues throughout our "sanctification" process. The outer evidence of this comes from the fruit in our hearts and is tied into our behaviors; attitudes; words; praises; service; etc. The world has it's own way of "sacrifice" whether as dramatic as "stigmata" or some kind of outer manifestation that appears like the wounds of Christ on their body (certainly demonic); or acts of contrition; service; etc. I don't want to force the terminology realted to the 5 points of Calvin to make my point. I do want to suggest that when God begins a work He completes it. Let us learn the lessons from scripture and take them to heart.
Jeremiah 33:3, "Call unto Me and I will answer thee"
Jeremiah 33:6, "Behold I will bring thee health and cure, and I will cure them"
Be Healed, In the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Thank You Father God, Thank You Jesus Christ and Thank You Holy Spirit. Amen
I thank you for discussing this and I consider you as a brother in Christ. I do not feel I have represented Scripture in any kind of mystical or spiritual way. I am not trying to convince you, but to explain my understanding. I believe Jesus was a man same as the first Adam without sin, 1 Cor. 15:47 1 Timothy 2:5 Jesus is the only begotten Son of God miraculously conceived, born of the virgin Mary, Matthew 1:20 Acts 17:31 Rev. 12:5
Take Hebrews 1: 5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father? How could God say I will be to him a Father and he shall be to me a Son if Jesus eternally existed with the Father.
Hebrews 2:7 from Psalms 8:5-6 God the Father made and set Jesus His only begotten Son over all His works of His hands this tells me the Father is the creator. 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 Philippians 2:9. To me that is simply saying God the Father is superior and they are not coequal, God the Father highly exalted Jesus His Son.
Christ means He is the Anointed One nothing is above God so God cannot be anointed or anoint Himself, God is the one who anoints, as Jesus was anointed with the full measure of the Holy Spirit/Ghost when He was baptized by John the Baptist. We also see in 1 Corinthians 11:3 This to me shows they are not equal, and God the Father is the head over all.
1 Peter 1:19-21 If Jesus preexisted how could he be foreordained? Eph. 1:10
Chris, I may could say more, maybe we can pick this back up again, but I hope you have some idea of my understanding, this is not to end this but just to pause I hope that is ok.
Jesus to me is Devine He is the Devine only begotten Son of God. He has been placed over all that is in heaven and earth and every knee will bow to Him. You do not think He had a beginning; I believe His beginning was in God's plan before any creation and was brought forth in the fulness of time.
God bless,
RLW
My earlier statements should by no means detract from the importance of emulating external actions which are outflows of GOOD FRUIT in our lives. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (easy to memorize with this numbering) gives Paul's exhortation to imitate him as he imitates Christ. Demonstrations of such behaviors are much like a parent to a child in this case. How we need such examples in church leadership today! How many of these mega pastors live even close to Paul who would work for himself so as not to burden the churches and suffer as he did with deprivation and imprisonment for the cause of Christ?
We are not to idolize people but those of Godly character should motivate us; and also bring the fear of the Lord and His holiness to unbelievers as Paul did with the prison guard ( Acts 16:30-33). Our lifestyles must back up our words.
Based on this verse do you think people who wear ballcaps at church and forget to take them off during a prayer (or prophesy) is condemning himself?
What about when its cold and men wear a beanie, such as for an outdoor Christmas service?
In my years of attending church I don't remember one time ever seeing a woman covering her head.
This verse is very clear what it means, yet I don't see any Christians following it. Are people displeasing God by ignoring this verse?
In answer to your question, I exist as a physical person, now saved & revived by the Blood of Christ & His Spirit, joined to the Body of Christ. Am I "the BODY of Christ?" NO. My understanding of the Scriptures is that the Body of Christ is the Church ( Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18,24). So, I'm not the Body, Christ is; I am a part of that Body, the parts of which comprise the Church ( Romans 12:4,5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14). There can only be one Body, or else, if each member is the Body of Christ, then Christ is no longer the Head of His Church but the Head of each person. And though 1 Corinthians 11:3 states, "...that the head of every man is Christ...", this verse speaks about the position, in the spiritual realm & of the Church presenting before God, of woman to the man, of man to Christ & of Christ to God.
So with Galatians 2:20, my understanding of "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me...", is that my life that I now live is not my own (my ownership), but belongs to Christ (His ownership) with Christ (by His Spirit) Who now lives in me. This is a personal relationship with the risen Christ, with Whom all others who completely identify with Him, also enjoy. Thus together we form His Church, which is His Body; so the individual can never be Christ's Body - only His Church can be, which is the collection of believers.
Will you also agree with us that Jesus bless me with His word, 1 Corinthians 11:15.
All for the glory of our Lord God Almighty.
Thank you Goose
And likewise with Colossians 3:10, the text doesn't allow for such an interpretation (i.e. of God creating Jesus). Paul is writing about two 'persons': the new man (i.e. the human being renewed by the Spirit), and of God (Who creates in His (God's) Image). So, it doesn't speak of Jesus, but of man who was once created in God's Image (Adam), & then after the fall, that image was marred, which necessitated a re-creation of that image in man. And to do this, man had to be changed inwardly (becoming a 'new man'), who now is being "renewed in knowledge" into the image of the One (God) Who created him (man). Yes, we do have 2 Corinthians 4:4 & Colossians 1:15 to support your use of 'image' as to Christ's 'creation', but we also have Genesis 1:27 & 1 Corinthians 11:7 to support man being made in God's Image. But to put Christ in Colossians 3:10 would violate the point of that verse which is directed to man's renewal.
Lastly, you wrote that you "don't really relish the idea of a big debate". That puzzled me since you initiated those questions for our responses. If we gave responses without 'debate/discussion', then the whole exercise would be entirely fruitless & pointless. So maybe you just wanted to share your understanding of those verses, but not willing to defend your beliefs; and these matters (of Christ's Divinity, eternal judgement, etc.) are vital to Christians & also in the preaching of the Gospel. Without these fundamentals, we have no Gospel - we have no message of liberty & hope to share with a lost world.
You are correct, at one time I was the son of perdition.
1 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel, even Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Have you come to this truth.
God Bless YOU!
We see also the principle of some receiving the crown or crowns for specific acts when on earth. Let us face it not everyone runs for the prize; some make it into heaven as through the fire ( 1 Cor. 3:15). Christ Himself turned away some would be disciples who didn't want to count the cost. It is possible of course to amend our ways; Christ purges more to sanctify us. There are certainly variations as to how much fruit we have; 30 fold; 50 fold; 100 fold. We can just look around to see those who are undistracted and have their lives balanced; those who are on fire for Christ we should be discerning to recognize. We all struggle with sin there is no doubt; some who claim to be believers aren't even saved while others are in various levels of maturity.
Again not a point to argue about. God can use death in order to prematurely end a life (see 1 Corinthians 11:30) where MANY sleep because they have taken communion unworthily. There are also verses in Corinthians about the body in 1 Corinthians 5:5 where God allows someone to die or get near it to preserve the soul; in other words perhaps they would have been lost if this hadn't happened because they would go so deep in sin as to be reprobate; that is only a theory.
These verses should help clarify as to where many are; and that not everyone gains the same reward just as the other principle that some suffer more in hell (see Matthew 11:21).
Agape; Rich P
>The word of God cuts both ways, a two edged sword.
>How many husbands love their wives as CHRIST loves the church ..... probably NONE.
>The word says you are the WIFE of Christ, so these scripture of a wife submitting to her
>HUSBAND apply as much to you as to any earthly wife.
Your original meaning and intent were clear. You obviously meant that by presenting Christian women with the need to submit, then the "husband" is in the corporate body hence he is metaphorically described as the bride and the wife now places him in the position to submit as does the wife in the marriage relationship. That is against the divine order found in 1 Corinthians 11:3 and contrary to what Ephesians 5 is even stating. What you were attempting to do was blasphemous!
Even though the corporate body of believers, is metaphorically described as the "bride" or "wife" of Christ to symbolize our deep spiritual union and devotion to Him, this metaphor DOES NOT extend or CONTRADICT the commands regarding marital roles. The submission of wives to husbands and the love of husbands for their wives, as described in Ephesians 5, are SPECIFIC instructions for how husbands and wives should relate to each other within the marriage covenant.
Our spiritual relationship with Christ is indeed a profound and personal one, characterized by faith, love, and devotion, but it doesn't prescribe the same roles and dynamics as those within a marital relationship. Therefore, while we are spiritually connected to Christ as His followers, the commands related to marital roles are distinct and apply within the context of marriage, as outlined in Ephesians 5:22-25.
It's essential to interpret and apply biblical principles in their intended context. Ephesians 5:22-25 addresses the ROLES and RESPONSIBIlITIES of husbands and wives within marriage, using the metaphor of Christ and the Church to illustrate these roles, but this metaphor doesn't change the specific commands for marital relationships.
1.>The word of God cuts both ways, a two edged sword.
2.>How many husbands love their wives as CHRIST loves the church ..... probably NONE.
3.>The word says you are the WIFE of Christ, so these scripture of a wife submitting to her
4.>HUSBAND apply as much to you as to any earthly wife.
" 2 Peter 3:16 (KJV) 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
All of Christendom is part of Christ's CHURCH, it is no mere building. All saints are part of his church. The church is the wife of Christ but does not lower the husband's position to that of wife. God's divine order is revealed in 1 Corinthians 11:3 (KJV) 3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
Having the husband being in the corpus of the church does NOT make him the WIFE of Christ as you stated in 3. & 4. above and then the order for wifely submission would then apply to him as you also stated. This is utter blasphemy!
You have in your past wrested with scripture to make it say what you wanted in the past and it has affected your exegesis. You have mingled the Word & Self in a dangerous way for yourself.... "which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction."
Repent before it is too late and you go down the road of apostacy!
God has his divine order of things... God > man > woman...
Note the following verses.
11:5-- "but any woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered disgraces her head--it is one and the same thing as having her head shaved."
11:6-- "For if a woman will not cover herself, then she should cut off her hair; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or to be shaved, she should keep it covered.
11:7-- "For a man ought not to cover his head . . ."
11:10-- "For this reason a woman ought to have [a symbol of] authority on her head"
11:13-- "Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?"
11:15-- "but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory . . ."
Several points can be made here.
(1) If 'covering' = 'hair,' then all men should shave their heads or go bald because the men are to have their heads uncovered.
(2) If 'covering' = 'long hair,' then v 6 seems to suggest a tautology: "if a woman will not wear long hair, then she should cut off her hair." But this in no way advances the argument.
(3) The argument caves in by its own subtlety. To see 'hair' = 'head covering' means that one has to go through several exegetical hoops.In short, it hardly appears to be the plain meaning of the text.
(4) Verses 10 and 15 would have to be saying the same thing if long hair is the same as a head covering. But this can hardly be the case. In v 10, a woman is required to wear a 'symbol of authority.' Such a symbol represents her submission, not her glory.
To argue, then, that long hair is the woman's head covering seems to miss the very point of the function of the head covering and of the long hair: one shows her submission while the other shows her glory.Both of these are contrasted with an uncovered head while praying or prophesying, or a shaved head at any time: such would speak of the woman's humiliation and shame.
These verses also show the limit of a woman in regard to expression in worship settings since they are not to have authority over a man ( 1 Timothy 2:12). This fairly well mirrors the Old Testament where at least in the Book of Judges and a few other instances there were women acting as a Prophetess. There were no female priests at least with Judaism; these occurred with pagan rights quite often; however. It will be noted the consistency in messages at that time with God's overall plan in other texts as well as overall history. Judges 4:9 is an interesting passage with Deborah predicting victory in Sisera at the hands of a woman; perhaps that is one reason God used her. It is also said the lack of visions and available male prophets at the time may have necessitated God using her in this occasion.
There are cases where women would praise God in a prophetic manner; in Exodus 15 Moses started off with a victory song; and Miriam joined in later in verses 20-21. This shows they were in one accord.
If we survey what are the fruits or results of women who take on roles forbidden in scripture usually we see spurious doctrine manifest. 1 Samuel 15:23 reminds us that rebellion is as witchcraft. We see quite often the other half of the problem; namely men that are unwilling to take on the role as head of the household and the responsibilities in worship services. Thus we have a major part of the breakdown of society.
Women also need to fully take on teaching their children; guiding younger women as well as evangelizing to women in this generation; albeit perhaps leaving some more dangerous assignments to men. A woman with more intellegence can help men behind the scenes.
Part 2.
This reminds me of John 6:60 when
many actually stopped following Jesus that day he said here in the Gospel of John 6:48-58.
Jesus three times identifies Himself as that spiritual bread ( John 6:35, 48, 51).
And twice He emphasizes faith (a spiritual action) as the key to salvation:
"My Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life" (verse 40)
and "Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life" (verse 47).
Jesus then compares and contrasts Himself to the manna that Israel had eaten in the time of Moses: "Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die" John 6:49-50.
The words I have spoken to you-they are full of the Spirit and life" ( John 6:63). Those who misunderstood Jesus and were offended by His talk about eating His flesh and drinking His blood were stuck in a physical mindset, ignoring the things of the Spirit. They were concerned with getting another physical meal, so Jesus uses the realm of the physical to teach a vital spiritual truth.
At the Last Supper, Jesus gives a similar message.
We are to proclaim the Lord's death until he comes"
1 Corinthians 11:26.
Jesus was speaking metaphorically about His flesh and blood and hold that the bread and wine are symbolic of the spiritual bond created with Christ through faith.
Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God'" ( Matthew 4:4, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3). The implication is that the bread is God's Word and that is what sustains us. Jesus is called the Word of God who came to earth and was made flesh ( John 1:14). The Word of God is also the Bread of Life ( John 6:48).
God bless.
- 1 Corinthians 11:4
I thought it fitting to also point out how those in leadership will also be held accountable on this subject. There are few in ministry who will ask the congregation to pray for their needs; or who will openly acknowledge when they have done something amiss. Specifically; it is methodologies that are often held from worldly experience that are used to build up ministries; such as slick advertising campaigns. I prefer to hold to the seeker unfriendly camp; or perhaps what has been coined "your worst life now". Such advice is exemplified in Paul's harsh retort to the Corinthians who were living "like kings" at the time ( 1 Cor. 4:8). Sounds familiar; right? It would be wonderful to see the Gospel preached out of envy ( Philippians 1:15-16). That would be the case if the world was being turned "upside down" ( Acts 17:6); but in truth there are few that want to go down in a blaze of glory which the martyrdom at the time exemplified.
Exhortation; or iron sharpening iron ( Prov. 27:17) is also becoming a rare art heading toward extinction. Sin may be covered by the blood; but undoubtably still can lead to death; at least as far as the body is concerned. Such is the case with 1 Corinthians 11:30. For us to not have some awareness of the Holy Spirit convicting us of sin after salvation ignores passages such as Galatians 5:17. It is easy to ignore the desires of the Holy Spirit in the contentious struggle and just focus on the struggle with the flesh; for conflict to occur evidence of the Spirit's sanctification must be present. Again; without such things all of our "good deeds" simply are a remake of our actions to satiate God to the best of our ability; without ceding control to the Lord's authority and power. His RIGHTEOUSNESS is the only way we are going to want to obey His commandments; the whole emphasis of Psalm 119 as an example. And the Bema Seat keeps us humble now; every action is judged ( 1 Cor. 3:13)
Where in the Bible does it say that it's okay for women to be preachers.
MOUNTHOREB REPLY: Woman can prophecy not new info outside of the scriptures 2 Timothy 3:15-17. However, They preach what they have learned to others outside of the church or congregation. When asked a question about the bible. a woman can reply to anyone who is asking the question. even if it's a man, elder 1 Timothy 3 or someone in authority. but within the church or congregation 1 Timothy 3, a woman does not have authority over a man to speak to the whole church or Congregation 1Timothy 2:11,12,14 (unless there's no men available, if this is the case she covers her head within the congregation to PREACH 1 Corinthians 11:5;16 because of the angels in heaven) however, Outside of the building, yes a woman can teach others outside (family, neighbors etc.) Acts 2:16,17.
Jesus allowed women to speak to him and listen. even sit at his feet and ask questions. he allowed woman to speak and listened to them. and to follow him as he preached. Luke 1:36-38; John 4:7-54; John 11:20-29; John 20:11-18; Acts 1:14; Luke 8:1-3; Luke 10:38-42; Romans 16:1-5; Acts 18:2; Acts 18:24-26;
In marriage: Ephesians 5:21-33
These are all the scriptures I can think of. Revelation 22:17 "Its free"
Today in Sunday school; the discussion came up about finishing the race well and the verse 1 Corinthians 11:1 or another to that affect was pondered. One participant stated that she would like that to be true for her and her children and grandchildren on imitating the example set forth. Further delving into the matter of those with integrity in scripture (there are many) brought up the examples of Isaiah and Jeremiah the "weeping" prophet. I thought of Jeremiah in Lamentations and the parallel to Christ in the New Testament weeping over Jerusalem in Matthew 23:37. We need to balance the hard truths such as the excoriation of the Pharisees and the prophets warnings to Israel and the collateral damage inevitably to result with the fact that when calamity did strike the Prophets would mourn and suffer; understanding God's own sentiments toward such things. That is brought out quite effectively with Hosea and the judgments to come on Ephriam such as in chapter 11 verse 8. In fact; in the prophet's personal life with his unfaithful wife he had to purchase again as well as with eventual reconciliation with Israel mentioned in earlier chapters we see past what many consider an unloving Old Testament God with one who doesn't have any joy in the destruction of the wicked ( Ezekiel 18:23).
In this discussion of the "goodness and severity of God" ( Romans 11:22) we can apply these principles to the discipling efforts that elders are commissioned to be part of along with the rest of the congregation. Open rebuke is better than hidden love ( Proverbs 27:5). There is too much laxity in such matters today from my vantage point. Let's be honest; we are more likely to take a rebuke to heart than some meaningless compliment and retain such in our memory. That can be true for something said in an insensitive manner; but most times we can at least apply some truth from the Word in our lives and respect the messenger.
"Brethren (i.e. those in the faith from the Jewish diaspora), if any of you err from the truth ('planethe', to go astray or wander), and one convert him ('epistrepse', to turn him back); Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way (returns or guides him onto the path of holiness of life) shall save a soul from death (from God's Judgement by virtue of physical death, cf 1 Corinthians 11:27-32, noting that God's Judgement is done in Love, to the end "that we (the Christian in sin) should not be condemned with the world, as those who are consigned to Hell)...and shall hide ('kalypsei', to hide/conceal) a multitude of sins (by restoring a wayward believer by his repentance & restoration, that his sins repented of, will no more be judged by God).
Indeed, "a Christ follower can fall away, stray, wander, err from the truth" as you wrote, but if he is "in Christ" as "Christ in him", he will always, repeat always, be gently ministered to by the Holy Spirit & led back to the path of true & abundant living. Not one of Christ's sheep will ever be lost, even though they stray afar. But if they remain obstinate & continue to dabble in sin, as in the case of incest at Corinth, the apostle using his authority, delivered that soul to Satan's domain "for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus".
I hope that brings out my understanding clearly, though I could not understand your last question, re: Billy Graham gaining more forgiveness/more grace.
There is another common misconception around the "sin leading to death." ( 1 John 5:16-17). There are certain sins which Paul mentions in the Corinthian church such as when the man was given over to Satan so that the flesh may be saved. ( 1 Cor. 5:5). Indeed; Paul makes it clear that if Communion isn't taken properly many have gotten sick and "fallen asleep" (died) as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 11:30.
There is always the chance that in a last minute repentance (such as the thief on the cross) or perhaps right before death repentance can occur. This would certainly be the exception rather than the rule as sadly "few" will be saved ( Matthew 7:14 etc). There is a difference of someone who is in a lifestyle of sin compared to say someone that slips up once or twice (as seems to be the case with many Fentinol overdoses these days). We would also have to assess if the man in question ever confessed Christ previously; and if any fruit evident of true repentance was in his life ( Matt. 3:8-10). There is a whole host of other things Satan uses such as music and the occult; the desire to be popular; etc. which drugs can be used as a gateway. That is different; although tied in with the physiological dependencies someone is trapped in; or emotional state of suicidal behavior that triggers such a sad ending.
Hope this helps somewhat.
Agape.