Results 81 - 100 of 263
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Aspiring Overseer Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
81 | Christmas-Is It Christian? | NT general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 106705 | ||
Hi Tess, Here are some notes from the other day you might find helpful: Christmas is a holiday created by man to celebrate the birth of Christ or, from a secular perspective, to enjoy the presence of family and friends. You ask if it is biblical, but I believe you already have your answer. God commands us throughout scripture not to add or take away from His word. Questions to consider: Would a holiday created by mankind, regardless of intent, be desired by God? Does God command Christians to honor Christ's birth? To what extent can a Christian participate (and promote) man-made practices to honor Christ, which are not directed by God? Some other food for thought: Why do many churches display nativity scenes? The scripture in Matthew which refers to the magi does not list a number nor does it allow for them to have visited Him in the manger. If both of these are distortions to fit the worldly religious version of Christmas, why would we expect anything different in the handling of scripture concerning salvation? P.S. What does Paul mean when he rebukes the Corinthians for naming themselves in 1CO1:10-13? How do you think this applies to JW's? AO |
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82 | Christmas-Is It Christian? | NT general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 106734 | ||
Hi Tim, Yes, we drive cars, communicate via computers and live in houses with central plumbing. All of these are vastly different from the first century Christian's way of life and most importantly, they have nothing to do with worship! :-) You stated, "I am only concerned with what Christmas means to me! It is the day I give thanks for God coming into this world to save me!". Is not that the same choice made by Cain in desiring to worship God the way he chose rather than the way God directed? AO |
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83 | Christmas-Is It Christian? | NT general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 106811 | ||
Steve, I agree that Christian worship occurs 24/7. How a Christian handles the "stuff" in their care is very important as it shows where their mind is centered. The reference to "cars, computers and plumbing" was brought up in suggesting society has changed since the first century, but worship of God has not. Unfortunately, denominational Christianity believes otherwise as evidenced by the “anything goes” practices of today. Most interesting is the idea religious people can create their own celebration of God in any manner they chose. Christmas especially may be viewed as a holy event in some people’s minds, but not God’s. Consider Cain: Gen 4:3-7 3So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the LORD of the fruit of the ground. 4And Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and for his offering; 5but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell. 6Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? 7"If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it." NAS Cain thought it would be a good idea to offer his own idea of worship. The original inventors of Christmas followed in the same erroneous steps. Are we to believe that a couple hundred years of honoring Jesus’ birthday may change God’s mind? He had no regard for Cain’s worship thousands of years ago; maybe He has become a more liberal thinker? We are reminded several times: Prov 30:6 6Do not add to His words Lest He reprove you, and you be proved a liar. NAS The wise man will ponder this and pray for guidance, would he not? I am at your service if you would like to discuss this further. AO |
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84 | Christmas-Is It Christian? | NT general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 106917 | ||
Tim, I understand your viewpoint that it is lawful for a Christian to use something that is not specifically prohibited in Scripture. Computers and cars certainly could not be mentioned in the bible, as well as, vaccines, airplanes, submarines, etc. as they did not exist. Did anyone of that day know Jesus birthday? His mother assuredly did, maybe some of His apostles, maybe even Paul. They all lived for many years beyond the start of the Church, yet they seem to have had little influence over establishing a celebration of His birth. Could God have caused to have been written something about His desire for us to honor His son’s birth? Do you think this was an oversight on God’s part? Maybe Paul forgot to include this in his example to the churches of the day? We would have only needed one example to make it a command (unless we are talking about baptism, of course! :-)). Maybe we should approach the issue of whether it is acceptable to observe Christmas from the other direction. Is it specifically prohibited? What does scripture tell us? 1 Cor 10:14 14Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. NAS Is idolatry acceptable during the Christian age? How would we classify nativity scenes, passion plays, angels, decorated trees, yule logs, mistletoe, December 25th, the worship of the Virgin Mary, etc.; the list is long of items not only missing from scripture, but having the distinction of “graven images”. Many will still stand by the doctrine of “Once Pagan, But Now OK”, but does God share this perspective? AO |
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85 | Christmas-Is It Christian? | NT general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 106921 | ||
Steve, You mention, "the example of Cain is irrelevant because there is no prohibition against celebrating Christmas (or Easter, for that matter). Indeed, the lesson of Scripture seems to be that God does not limit our worship to what he has specifically commanded." Where did God command Cain to offer a blood sacrifice? Was that specifically commanded? Where does He “limit worship” to blood only? Did He prohibit an offering of the fruit of the ground? Maybe God forgot to cause Moses to record it in scripture? Of course, it is not mentioned, because it is implied. Cain knew the command, but disobeyed. Cain thought that God should accept what Cain wished to provide; like denominational Christians think God should accept what they wish to provide. God was, is and will always be, very specific in how He is worshiped. He had no regard for Cain, but unlike transgressors today, Cain received immediate feedback! Are we still unsure if God limits His worship to what is specifically commanded? Lets consider Nadab and Abihu: Lev 10:3 10:1Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took their respective firepans, and after putting fire in them, placed incense on it and offered strange fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. 2And fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. 3Then Moses said to Aaron, "It is what the LORD spoke, saying, 'By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy,And before all the people I will be honored.'" So Aaron, therefore, kept silent. NAS The sons of Aaron were priests. They knew what was right, but decided to take a shortcut. God does not accept substitutes! Since we have clearly established God is specific in how He desires to be worshiped we could stop here, but lets continue to review your other objections. You wrote, “When God gave Samuel the victory over the Philistines in 1 Samuel 7, he didn't instruct Samuel to set up a stone named Ebenezer to celebrate. Yet Samuel, on his own, did just that (v.12). That worshipful act didn't seem to make God angry. In fact, in light of God's continued assistance against the Philistines, it seems he found Samuel's "unauthorized" worship quite acceptable. “. How do you know God did not instruct Samuel to “set up a stone”? If He had not, how do we know that it was pleasing to God? All we can agree upon is that the act, “didn’t seem to make God angry”. Many things done by God’s people He tolerated, but did not condone (Christmas is not one of them:-)). It is somewhat dangerous to base your actions on something that “seems” acceptable. Lastly, you also wrote,” More to the point, God did not command the observance of Purim (Esther 9), yet there is no expression of divine (displeasure) with the Jews for doing so. It appears that God really doesn't mind when his people go beyond what is required in honoring and praising him.”. How does removing the distinguished status as God’s People and bestowing that upon Jew and Gentile, alike, strike you as a indication of divine displeasure? Once again, we do not know how God felt about Purim, so we can either delude ourselves into thinking it was an acceptable man-made practice, or we can understand God’s unchanging nature. It’s our choice! AO |
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86 | Christmas-Is It Christian? | NT general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 106931 | ||
Tim, Thank you for the discussion! AO |
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87 | Christmas-Is It Christian? | NT general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 106937 | ||
Steve, I understand your position and thank you for the discussion. AO |
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88 | Is infant baptism scriptural? | NT general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 129866 | ||
Did the member infer that those who did not agree were not welcome or that all would be welcomed, even those who practiced infant baptism? AO |
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89 | Doesn't NT forbid all images-somewhere? | NT general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 132632 | ||
Dear Student, You are correct in stating you have not found anything in the NT instructing God's people not to possess or make images or sculptures of "any" kind, because God is only concerned with those images which represent spiritual things. Secular art or photographs are not a concern to God if they do not relate to spiritual matters. NT Scripture is clear that God still prohibits the manufacture and use of any manmade item possessing a spiritual meaning (Acts 17:29; 19:24-25; 1Jo5:21). Statues or images of Jesus, Mary or angels are clearly not desired by God (Deu 4:15-16; LK 11:27-28; Col 2:18-19), but even less obvious idols such as "WWJD" adornments and "Christian" fish are spoken against in scripture by the necessary inference that God does not desire His people to use symbols of any kind to proclaim their righteousness (MT6:1). We need only to remember Jesus' rebuke of the scribes and Pharisees. (MK12:38-40; MT23:1-7) Though the majority may not agree with this viewpoint, neither did the majority survive the great flood. In the end, you must decide for yourself. Keeping praying for help as you seek an understanding of God’s word. AO |
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90 | Doesn't NT forbid all images-somewhere? | NT general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 132638 | ||
Hi, Doc, The difference is the picture is specifically prohibited by God while the use and replacement of your bible, is not. It does not matter how we feel about them, if scripture prohibits their creation and use, I must go with scripture. Thanks for your input. AO |
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91 | mary's other children | NT general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 163606 | ||
Mike, Here are a few verses which reference the physical brothers and sisters of Jesus. Matthew 13:54-56 55 "Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? 56 "And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man get all these things?" NAS Mark 6:3 3 "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?" And they took offense at Him. NAS Luke 8:19-21 19 And His mother and brothers came to Him, and they were unable to get to Him because of the crowd. 20 And it was reported to Him, "Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, wishing to see You." 21 But He answered and said to them, "My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it." NAS John 2:12 12 After this He went down to Capernaum, He and His mother, and His brothers, and His disciples; and there they stayed a few days. NAS John 7:2-5 3 His brothers therefore said to Him, "Depart from here, and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may behold Your works which You are doing. 4 "For no one does anything in secret, when he himself seeks to be known publicly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world." 5 For not even His brothers were believing in Him. NAS 1 Corinthians 9:4-5 5 Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? NAS Galatians 1:19-20 19 But I did not see any other of the apostles except James, the Lord's brother. NAS As for becoming a priest, I recommend you continue to pray to God for help. He will send you someone who will lead you to the truth. AO |
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92 | mary's other children | NT general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 163608 | ||
Mike, Here are a few verses which reference the physical brothers and sisters of Jesus. Matthew 13:54-56 55 "Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? 56 "And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man get all these things?" NAS Mark 6:3 3 "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?" And they took offense at Him. NAS Luke 8:19-21 19 And His mother and brothers came to Him, and they were unable to get to Him because of the crowd. 20 And it was reported to Him, "Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, wishing to see You." 21 But He answered and said to them, "My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it." NAS John 2:12 12 After this He went down to Capernaum, He and His mother, and His brothers, and His disciples; and there they stayed a few days. NAS John 7:2-5 3 His brothers therefore said to Him, "Depart from here, and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may behold Your works which You are doing. 4 "For no one does anything in secret, when he himself seeks to be known publicly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world." 5 For not even His brothers were believing in Him. NAS 1 Corinthians 9:4-5 5 Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? NAS Galatians 1:19-20 19 But I did not see any other of the apostles except James, the Lord's brother. NAS As for becoming a priest, I recommend you continue to pray to God for help. He will send you someone who will lead you to the truth. AO |
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93 | 1) A man who has his quiver full of them | Genesis | Aspiring Overseer | 49636 | ||
Ps 127:3-5 3Behold, children are a gift of the LORD; The fruit of the womb is a reward. 4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. 5How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; They shall not be ashamed, When they speak with their enemies in the gate. NAS |
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94 | What is Chiristmas? | Gen 1:1 | Aspiring Overseer | 106561 | ||
Holy, Christmas is a holiday created by man to celebrate the birth of Christ or, from a secular perspective, to enjoy the presence of family and friends. You ask if it is biblical, but I believe you already have your answer. God commands us throughout scripture not to add or take away from His word. Questions to consider: Would a holiday created by mankind, regardless of intent, be desired by God? Does God command Christians to honor Christ's birth? To what extent can a Christian participate (and promote) man-made practices to honor Christ, which are not directed by God? Some other food for thought: Why do many churches display nativity scenes? The scripture in Matthew which refers to the magi does not list a number nor does it allow for them to have visited Him in the manger. If both of these are distortions to fit the worldly religious version of Christmas, why would we expect anything different in the handling of scripture concerning salvation? AO |
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95 | which came first the chicken or the egg | Gen 1:20 | Aspiring Overseer | 33178 | ||
This is a simple question, gentlemen. God didn't create Adam as a sperm and egg and grow him into adulthood! Neither did He do this with the Earth, plants, fruit trees, sea monsters and CHICKENS! Each were created fully formed (and in the case of living creatures) able to reproduce after their own kind. | ||||||
96 | which came first the chicken or the egg | Gen 1:20 | Aspiring Overseer | 33326 | ||
My Friend, Is it your opinion that man evolved? If so, what evidence do you have? Why would it be so impossible to believe God's design was to create everything fully grown and mature in every respect? Is anything impossible with God? Does attempting to piece together assumptions in incomplete and incredible schemes serve a useful purpose for you? We can always prove scripture through science, but we should not "bend" scripture to meet our scientific assumptions. That, my friend, is being a true "ostrich". |
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97 | which came first the chicken or the egg | Gen 1:20 | Aspiring Overseer | 33340 | ||
Hank, On a second reading of CurtnSally's posting I conceed you are correct. My apologies, CurtnSally. Paul |
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98 | Questions on Genesis | Gen 4:14 | Aspiring Overseer | 91466 | ||
Andrew, Do you still desire answers to these questions? AO |
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99 | Which commandments are written on our he | Exodus | Aspiring Overseer | 71180 | ||
rferg, I would actually echo most of the already given response with the clarification that our love of God is our obedience to His commandments and our love of our neighbor is our effort to teach others the Word of God. His commandments govern how we worship and, thus, live our lives. One further clarification to what has already been posted, is a newly baptized Christian is given the ability to fully understand the word of God, but they must put in effort (work) to obtain it! God writes His laws upon their mind (heart) by lifting the veil, which previously kept them from fully comprehending His Word by themselves. Note that if a Christian is a "lazy slave", however, and does not put forth the effort to study and teach (love his neighbor), then God will take away the knowledge (and consequently, the reward). The “sealing of the Holy Spirit” is only permanent for those who continue to love God. John 3:36 36"He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." NAS 1 Cor 9:27 27but I buffet my body and make it my slave, lest possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified. NAS P. S. Congratulations on your excellent post on the three personalities of God. I use the concept of the “family” frequently, but have never seen it as clearly explained as in your effort! AO |
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100 | Exodus and a God to fear | Exodus | Aspiring Overseer | 75109 | ||
God has not changed since He created the universe. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom or the application of knowledge. Christians are called today to obey all of God's commands. We are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling; that is to realize that unless we obey the commands of our Lord that we can not expect to be covered by the blood of Christ. Contrary to the doctrine of men, we must put forth the effort God requires of His priests if we are to expect our reward. God is just and God is kind by providing all those who seek him the opportunity for eternal life in heaven. AO |
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