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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
301 | What is "one baptism" in Eph. 4:5? | Eph 4:5 | Rowdy | 119469 | ||
You may have noticed my seeming to be almost obsessive about reflecting what I like to call a fully balanced thread from God's Word on any particular subject. You or some of the other scholars of the Bible are very good at digging up some really challenging questions. Sometimes the Bible doesn't answer all the questions on a particular topic. BUT when the Bible does give several different passages representing different facets on a particular subject, I like to TRY to do my part and make certain that balance is maintained. As you know, one of the most controversial subjects in all of Christendom is that of baptism as our dear friend CDBJ has just made obvious. IF by any chance at all, I assumed incorrectly that you have a different opinion, please accept my sincere apology. In my opinion, it is paramount that we as God's children represent God's Word as accurately as possible, especially when there are so many folks on this Forum with varying levels of Bible knowledge and a wide span on the spectrum of conservative to the liberal. I really do appreciate all the tremendous amount of Bible study and the amazing amount of time that you spend on the Forum, along with Hank, CDBJ, Mekarios, Kalos and all of the other Bible scholars I'm overlooking. In my mind our Lord is literally banking on this kind of teamwork to maximize the greatest number of human beings to make it to Heaven. It's this kind of exchange and discussion that keeps our "spiritual swords" sharp AND refines our other skills like loving souls and praying for them, compassion for their pains and their problems in life. Well I've "pontificated" enough now. I must say "kala mera," that's Good Day in Greek and God bless. --Rowdy |
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302 | Violent correction? | Neh 13:25 | Rowdy | 119447 | ||
I'm thinking we're basically talking about the value of life. As we're seeing in today's world on the other side of the ocean, in some countries and cultures, life doesn't mean very much, especially to the upper crust. The people in those wonderfully blessed positions in life have so much for which to be grateful and yet they don't see a need to share with their very own neighbor who might be among the poorest people on the earth. To such a monarch in such a country and culture, pulling hair and other extreme demonstrations of drama to make a point are merely another attempt to get the attention of his continuency. I can only imagine the contemporary kings to Solomon. Upon hearing about his wise question to the deceiving mother and his offer to cut the child in half, some of his neighboring kings probably thought "I would have gone ahead and cut the child in half and handed the two halves to the two women; would've serve the true mother right for associating with such scum." This of course, is conjecture on my part. In my travels and reading of international newspapers, I have heard of some pretty bad deeds perpetrated by the rulers across the world. Thank God America still has a modicum of decency and has a court system to prevent such abuses. God bless. --Rowdy |
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303 | What is "one baptism" in Eph. 4:5? | Eph 4:5 | Rowdy | 119445 | ||
Let's not forget the other verses from God's Word that describe this one baptism such as this one example: Acts 8:34 The eunuch answered Philip and said, "Please tell me, of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself or of someone else?" 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him. 36 As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch *said, "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?" 37 [And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."] 38 And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing. Of course, I'm already anticipating your response with a different opinion but I must ask if this one baptism from the Bible DOESN'T include immersion in water, how can you dismiss all the many scriptures which describe baptism in just this way? Don't you see the safer position is to assume the same position the Bible presents and that is that baptism includes ALL the features as ascribed to it. Yes, indeed it is about being baptized into our Lord Jesus AND it is being baptized into His death, putting that man of sin to death and raising up as a newborn babe in Christ. It's all done then and there at that very moment, forgiveness of sins, contact with the blood of Christ through faith. The act of baptism, being totally immersed is an act of humble submission to God's terms and conditions as set forth throughout the Book of Hebrews, as posted previously. God bless. --Rowdy |
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304 | Can we agree? A case of agreement? | 1 John 5:8 | Rowdy | 119412 | ||
Ray: But if you would say that God does not have a spirit I would disagree with that. For Jesus gave up His spirit when He breathed His last. God also breathed into Adam's nostrils the breath [sic] of life. John 3:8 talks about the wind or the spirit from God. Rich: I must emphatically insist that God's Word does certainly state that His Spirit not only exists but He longs for our return, ALL mankind. He longs for this but He knows it won't happen for everyone. As a matter of fact, the Bible pictures only a remnant or a minority will make it to Heaven as cited in Matt 7:13. Ray: For Ezekiel 36:26,27 I don't know if the spirit occurances there should agree in case or not. Rich: I must admit, I don't know for certain. I see your puzzlement. A person could argue either Pro or Con. John 3:11, NASB, "Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony." John 3:11, NKJ, "Most assuredly I say to you, We speak what we know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness." Ray: I go with the NKJ for that verse. Can you see the possibility of the spirit and the Spirit as determining a plural of "Our witness"? Rich: I would have side with you on this choice. Here Jesus is speaking and is clearly referring to Himself and the Godhead in general. Ray: 1) Certainly the witness of our spirit is worthwhile but the the witness of God is greater. My witness as a man in agreement with the Scriptures, (I believe), is that the understanding should be-- that the authors intended to say-- "For there are three that bear witness, the spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement." 1 John 5:9, "If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for the witness of God is this, that He has borne witness concerning His Son." Ray: What is His witness? That Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:6, "This is the One [sic] who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood." And the [One], the Spirit, is the truth. Rich: In this case, one must go with the context and decide in favor of the deity of the Spirit. The part I have difficulty in comprehending is the blood and water's interaction in this scenario. The only water of any value in the NT is that of the baptism. The only blood of any significance in the NT is that of Jesus Christ. So my question to you: Should the blood and water in this verse be capitalized, indicating their deity? I've got to summarize this whole discussion by asking or mentioning one thing. I say question as I'm not sure. (Please correct me, you Greek scholars, if you see fit to do so.) But if I recall correctly, the Greek language in the first century DID NOT provide for upper case or lower case of letters. I guess they didn't see a need to address this concept of deity in their written language upon discussing their many gods. Thus we as modern Bible students are left with the task of interpreting what the authors really intended. Again, almost with the risk of repeating myself to nausium, in my mind, the Bible presents two kinds of spirit: 1) God's Spirit of the Godhead 2) spirit of man which might. Also, you didn't address my other question: Do you see room in God's Word for yet a third kind of spirit? What would be your scripture in support thereof? God bless. --Rowdy |
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305 | Violent correction? | Neh 13:25 | Rowdy | 119409 | ||
I'm not sure where you inferred or inserted the idea of repentance into this discussion but I would invite you to check out my recent post to CDBJ, post no 119407. In most scenarios where we see this kind of extreme drama in the Bible, like the High Priest "renting his clothes" while interigating Christ during His trial, it was done to emphasize the speaker's/renter's point. A person might say that this could possibly take the place of profanity or some other form of vocal extremeism. Instead of this kind of drama with oaths, tearing of hair or our clothes, we're now commanded by Christ Himself as follows: Matt 5:33 "Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, 'YOU SHALL NOT MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR VOWS TO THE LORD.' 34 "But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING. 36 "Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 "But let your statement be, 'Yes, yes' or 'No, no'; anything beyond these is of evil. Now of course, I recognize this is tough to do for we're all human and we ALL tend to lean to a little more drama in our lives than we see in the life of Jesus. I'm not saying it's wrong to enjoy drama or comedy and the other aspects of the human side in all of us. BUT I am saying that God would like for us to graduate from the love affair with which we all seem to suffer. I'll admit, I laugh at inappropriate jokes and I still enjoy a good ole movie with lots of action. Our wives (most women in general) want to go to a movie, the proverbial chick flick or a romantic comedy. We all need to see ourselves as growing up spiritually and preferring the world of our Father without all this human excess of drama. I realize this is probably NOT going to be a very popular position for most people to adopt BUT that's the way I see it in the scriptures. Your response? God bless. --Rowdy |
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306 | Violent correction? | Neh 13:25 | Rowdy | 119407 | ||
I must admit, I don't understand how my post introduced the concept of repentance into this discussion BUT since you brought it up, I'll respond. I agree with you, I do think that a lot of folks don't understand the proper and full meaning of repentance. As I'm sure you know, it does mean a complete reversal from the previous lifestyle of sin. That lifestyle means different things to different people. To some it's obvious when sin dominates their lives; they must repent and resolve and stop those sins of commission. But to others who are fairly good people with a mostly good moral life, they seem to miss the fact that they, along with all of us need to repent from their shortcomings and learn to stop the sin of omission in their lives. Also, don't forget the teachings in James, especially Chapter 2. Yes, emphatically we are saved absolutely due to the work of our Lord, BUT our Lord is expecting to see OUR works as proof that we really are His children and NOT just saying "Lord, Lord" to get ourselves into Heaven. Thanks for the tip on mold. I actually had a rug for a few months and paid handsomely for it at the encouragement of my wife. But it just wasn't for me. The biggest thing was it was expense in monthly maintenance and washing it with expensive shampoos. God bless you, dear friend. --Rowdy |
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307 | i just dont understandthe verse. | Matt 1:1 | Rowdy | 119405 | ||
I can only add my testimony from my own personal life. As you may know from my profile, I spent several years in the military, including 4 years each in Athens, Greece and in Okinawa, Japan. Christianity is a particularly tough thing to share in the Japanese culture. The main religion in Japan is Shintoism, which is the worship of the Japanese ancestry. Family is incredibly important to these folks as you may have heard, and that's a good thing...to a point. It's far more important than most Americans dare to imagine. It consumes them because it forms the basis for their religion. When the Japanese die, they look forward to their descendents taking care of them in a spiritual sense thereafter. Their bodies are buried in the family tomb, then years later, their family dig up the bones left behind and put them into a smaller place within that tomb. (I guess you know land, space and room is an extreme commodity of high value in Japan.) Anyway, every year the Japanese celebrate the holiday of Obon and every family prepares a large plate of food items and take it out to the family tomb for homage and "feeding" the spirits of their ancestors. A week after leaving this food out there, they retrieve the plate of food with obvious signs of nibbling which in their minds is proof of their ancestors' spirits and their consumption of this food. Now comes the tough part. Most Japanese can accept the idea of adding to their pantheon of gods and will gladly "add" Jesus and His Father. BUT when you mention that this ADDING is NOT to be done in accordance with God's word but Jesus and His Father must TAKE the place of and be in total dominance, that's when the older family members are totally incensed and literally disown the younger family members for this disecretion. As you can imagine, over the past few decades, christianity has been making some progress and some inroads into the Japanese culture but again it is very, very tough and at TREMENDOUS cost to those poor folks. They literally give up everything that's precious to them with reference to anything that's represented by the family relationship. So consequently, the growth of christianity in these countries with this kind of mentality (as in Muslim countries) is very slow. We have SO VERY much for which to be grateful in this country. Now let's pray we can keep this country this way for our kids and their kids. God bless. --Rowdy |
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308 | what does J.C means | Mark 3:30 | Rowdy | 119307 | ||
I'm sorry, nae-nae-04, you misunderstood. Yes, as Hank stated, my statement was meant to be a very sincere compliment. Maybe when you've accumulated a few more years in your life, you'll realize the wonderful value of this kind of naivety. Believe it or not, I used to be that naive. I didn't even start dating until I was 17. I was never really tempted to do drugs or to drink alcohol. My weakness lies in other areas. If however, you really consider my original statement to be insulting, I'll withdraw it. God bless. --Rowdy |
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309 | is dating right in gods eyes | Bible general Archive 2 | Rowdy | 119276 | ||
Isn't providence a wonderful thing? What's even better is when we as the recipient sees that hand of God in our lives. God bless. --Rowdy | ||||||
310 | Can we agree? A case of agreement? | 1 John 5:8 | Rowdy | 119274 | ||
It seems to me that the most important thing that should be discussed when considering such topics is "What did the originating authors actually intend to say?" Hopefully, that kind of thinking is uppermost in all good, thorough and honest interpreters as they consider God's Word in rendering a new translation or updating one. As I said in my initial post, it still seems to me the Bible discusses two basic types of spirit: 1) His Spirit or 2) our spirit. That's because His priority is that He wants us to come Home to Him in Heaven instead of going home to the devil or hell which has been prepared for ALL those who refuse to believe AND obey His commands. Did you come up with another type of spirit? I don't see it in your response herewith. I await your reply, dear friend. Thanks for some interesting discussion and God bless. --Rowdy |
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311 | is dating right in gods eyes | Bible general Archive 2 | Rowdy | 119273 | ||
I apologize for the oversight. It's hard to believe that I missed that; so hard, I went back to your profile to see for myself. Anyway, I appreciate your kindness and your forgiveness. It's wonderful that you knew to take this advice in the spirit with which it was intended for it certainly does apply to all christians, regardless of your sex. I'm glad your fiance is a christian. Believe me, if only more young people (like my son) would believe their parents, things in your life will be so much better, between you two AND your children. Of course, it will help if both of you get some marital counseling AND parental counseling. It helps to make certain that you both talk about all the important things in your lives like what kind of parents do you want to be. Where do you both want to live? Do you both want to travel or stay close to your parents? There's absolutely no substitute for discussing ALL of these important issues to both of you BEFORE you get married. God bless you, dear lady. --Rowdy |
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312 | Is it possible to sin in heaven? | 1 John 3:2 | Rowdy | 119252 | ||
I have to agree with Hank and BradK. When you make a broad statement like this which seems to go counter with the Bible, it's best to cite scripture in support. Maybe then, we can come to an agreement as to exactly what the Bible says on the matter. You may have noticed. Sometimes, some of my posts don't go down so well with the "establishment of the Forum." Sometimes, I'm able to support my statements with scriptures and ocassionally I have to admit they're opinions or conclusions on my part. God bless. --Rowdy |
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313 | 2 co-habit or not 2 co-habit | Bible general Archive 2 | Rowdy | 119251 | ||
Allow me to be the first of many on the Forum to say: Praise the Lord!! Amen and more power to you. I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship in discussing God's Word with you AND your friend. We'd be interested in hearing from her as well. God bless you, dear friend. --Rowdy |
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314 | i just dont understandthe verse. | Matt 1:1 | Rowdy | 119214 | ||
Cited for reference and context: Matt 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them: "Do not go in the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter any city of the Samaritans; 6 but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 "And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' 8 "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. 9 "Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, 10 or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support. 11 "And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. 12 "As you enter the house, give it your greeting. 13 "If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. 14 "Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet. 15 "Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city. 16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 "But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues; 18 and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 "But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. 20 "For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. 21 "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 "You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved. This chapter describes what is known as the "Limited Commission." You might say this was God's last ditch effort to try to bring His Israelite children back to repentance of their sins as cited in verses 5 and 6. This also afforded the disciples (future Apostles) with a prelude of experience for the start of the church after Christ wraps up His ministry here on earth. So in verse 21, Jesus warns his disciples that the cost will be high for those few that choose Jesus and His Father instead of continuing their life of sin away from Him. Throughout His ministry, Jesus maintains this kind of talk and makes it plain to all His disciples as in Luke 14:26 "If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple." Hope this helps and God bless. --Rowdy |
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315 | i just dont understandthe verse. | Matt 1:1 | Rowdy | 119213 | ||
Cited for reference and context: Matt 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them: "Do not go in the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter any city of the Samaritans; 6 but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 "And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' 8 "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. 9 "Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, 10 or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support. 11 "And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. 12 "As you enter the house, give it your greeting. 13 "If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. 14 "Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet. 15 "Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city. 16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 "But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues; 18 and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 "But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. 20 "For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. 21 "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 "You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved. This chapter describes what is known as the "Limited Commission." You might say this was God's last ditch effort to try to bring His Israelite children back to repentance of their sins as cited in verses 5 and 6. This also afforded the disciples (future Apostles) with a prelude of experience for the start of the church after Christ wraps up His ministry here on earth. So in verse 21, Jesus warns his disciples that the cost will be high for those few that choose Jesus and His Father instead of continuing their life of sin away from Him. Throughout His ministry, Jesus maintains this kind of talk and makes it plain to all His disciples as in Luke 14:26 "If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple." Hope this helps and God bless. --Rowdy |
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316 | Are the remarried forgiven? | Matt 12:31 | Rowdy | 119157 | ||
No slam intended. I noticed you used the term twice in the same post so... I should probably mention I'm one of the worst at this art of proofing my own work, especially when it involves manipulating a keyboard. I hope in reading my post, you were inspired to read God's Word. Sometimes it is challenging to figure out exactly what our Lord is telling us to do but I AM convinced that God's Word is whole, and it is in complete harmony; we just have to learn to adjust our lives in agreement with It. God bless. --Rowdy |
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317 | Favoritism? | Acts 10:34 | Rowdy | 119156 | ||
You're welcome! I'm just a very small part of a great team here at the Forum. God bless. --Rowdy | ||||||
318 | resurrection of the dead | Bible general Archive 2 | Rowdy | 119155 | ||
Do you have specific questions and scriptures from the NT on this issue of "resurrection of the dead?" I acknowledge what we see in the OT but since we have no such kind of miraculous powers ourselves in this dispensation with the NT, it behooves us to stick with guidance as given in the NT. Also if you've read my profile, I do like to give preference to NT issues and concerns. As far as the rest of your post, it just sounds like a personality clash. Don't get too concerned about it. I've also had such clashes in my life and most of us just learn to be patient with that kind of person. AND they (most at least) learn to be patient with me. Remember, "if it doesn't kill you, you're made all the stronger for it." I'm afraid almost all of us have learned to make certain compromises in our lives. What can you do when you run into a brick wall? Seems life is but a series of bumps into such walls and learning to get around them, under or over them somehow. Go with God and pray constantly. God bless. --Rowdy |
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319 | Brades,Pearls,gold | 1 Tim 2:9 | Rowdy | 119154 | ||
I would urge a note of caution here. Since God saw fit to have the whole Bible preserved for us, as His children, we ought to consider His Word as absolutely sacred. After all, we are both agreed that whichever person wrote this guidance or to whom it was written, the whole Bible was authored for our benefit, so we really should prayerfully consider its tremendous value. Even those few places as in 1 Cor 7, where Paul specifically says it's his recommendations not "commands of the Lord." Paul's clear intentions were for the benefit of the recipients of his words and he did have the inspiration of the Holy Spirit which dominated his whole life, after his conversion. Basically, it all boils down to our attitude as with so many things in our lives. What exactly are we trying to say when we actually choose to wear a certain outfit and/or adorn ourselves with a certain level of makeup, etc? It's always wise to think about the ultimate consequences of our choices when we "doll" ourselves up for an event. Is our inner beauty showing through or is it obvious that we think more of the outside than what's going in our hearts? We need to cultivate an attitude of submission to God's lifestyle and priorities. By the way, this recommendation would be applicable to all, men and women. God bless. --Rowdy |
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320 | is it wrong to wear fine clothing | 1 Tim 2:9 | Rowdy | 119105 | ||
Wow!! What a ministry. God bless you in your efforts. --Rowdy | ||||||
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