Results 721 - 740 of 1003
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Rowdy Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
721 | How are pre-Christians made perfect? | Heb 11:40 | Rowdy | 114675 | ||
Thanks again. Definitely something to think about although the scriptures aren't particularly clear on this subject, it certainly is quite possible. | ||||||
722 | Was the church embarassed? Come see. | Gal 2:11 | Rowdy | 114674 | ||
I appreciate your response. Although I think you're very, very close to my position, I'd like to see other responses from the rest of the group. What'd ya say, gang? Let us hear from you. Thanks and God bless you all. |
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723 | What does He 11:39,40 mean? | Heb 11:40 | Rowdy | 114622 | ||
I've copied the verses below for context: Heb 11:37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated 38 (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. 39 And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect. First of all, we should remember the main theme throughout the book of Hebrews is the superiority of Christianity, as Law of Liberty over the previous Law of Moses. Second point is this chapter 11 in particular is known by most Bible scholars as the "Hall of Fame" of God's faithful. Now we know who verse 39 is talking about. They didn't have a clear idea of redemption or salvation in the OT. They didn't even have a clear portrayal of Heaven in the OT so they really did have to put their faith in God. And of course we all know they didn't get forgiveness for their sins, not as far as God was concerned until His perfect sacrifice was made on the Cross IAW Rom 8:13. So the Plan of Salvation that is clearly described throughout the NT, is made available and is fully known to us in this dispensation. See Heb 8:6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. ...and thank God for it. God's blessings to you. |
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724 | Was the church embarassed? Come see. | Gal 2:11 | Rowdy | 114616 | ||
I've got what I consider to be a tough question. Let me set it up for you to see. Most everyone knows the story of Cornelius in Acts 10 and the fact that Peter reiterates the story to his fellow Jews in Acts 11. I'm sure a few of you but maybe not all might know about the time one Apostle "chewed out" another Apostle, "opposed him to his face." Check out the story in Gal 2:11-21 from Paul himself. Yes, Paul opposed Peter in this touchy subject, set him straight and reminded of what he supposedly learned as cited in Acts 10 and 11. Now, my question: Where was the Holy Spirit if He was supposed to "dwelling in" the Apostles, including Peter? Why did He allow Peter to make this big goof and maybe even "embarass" the church at that time? As I'm sure this confrontation between Apostles caused quite a stir. Another minor question: Why did Paul see fit to spread this "gossip" to the brethren in Galatia if he discourages gossiping elsewhere as in 1 Tim 5:13? Please respond to both if you can. And of course, cite scriptures in support of your answers to these questions. |
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725 | A Study of Joseph, Jesus' earthly father | Bible general Archive 2 | Rowdy | 114606 | ||
This subject has been discussed before although the Bible provides very little information about Joseph. It seems the Lord doesn't intend for us to know much more about Him. It could be inferred that kind of knowledge would eclipse Him as His Heavenly Father. I noticed you've posted 25 questions/notes to the Forum since Nov 2001 but we still don't have a profile on you. Is there any way we can entice you to tell us more about your personality and what's important to you? Tell us about your religious background by update your user profile to the left of your screen. God bless. |
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726 | The Posture of The Angel | Judg 6:11 | Rowdy | 114590 | ||
I think it's wonderful, our God knows just what kind of message and who should be the carrier of that message, depending on the intended recipient. To Moses, God first appeared as a burning bush and then as their relationship developed, Moses grew more and more bold, even negotiating for the lives of God's followers, the Isrealite nation. Jacob wrestles with an angel and gets a special message from him. It's already been mentioned on this Forum before the talking donkey. There were the Judges of God sent to be leaders for the Israelite nation but of course we know they grew to prefer their own king, like their neighbors. There was the hand of God writing on the wall for a foreigner, King Belshazzar in Daniel 5. And the cloven tounges of fire to the Apostles in Acts 2. We have all the prophets of God throughout the OT and the NT relaying God's guidance to mankind. And of course, the ultimate mouthpiece for God was His very own Son, a perfect representation of God Himself came to this earth to show us what perfect Godliness is all about AND to die and save the lost of mankind. Yes, God has come to mankind in a wide variety of ways and through a tremendously wide variety of men and women from all walks of life to get His message of love and desire for reconcilation. Thanks be to Him, He is perseverant in pursuing us so that we might listen to what He has to say. God bless you. |
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727 | prophets role in the church today Eph 4 | Bible general Archive 2 | Rowdy | 114584 | ||
They should be considered "mouthpieces" for God IF they're speaking from God's Word, same as their primary function in the OT. There most of them had some measure of miraculous powers available to them whereas in today's world, miracles are manifested directly from God, hopefully through our prayers. God bless. | ||||||
728 | what is Enigma of Evil? | Bible general Archive 2 | Rowdy | 114580 | ||
Where do you get such a phrase? I don't believe it's from the Bible. Can you tell us what Bible related product is is from? We really need the context wherein you got this so as to respond. Otherwise you're just talking about another puzzle, the meaning of Enigma. It's also helpful if you could provide more information about yourself and your background by updating your profile to the left of your screen. God bless. |
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729 | What can we do to have salvation | NT general Archive 1 | Rowdy | 114578 | ||
Part 2 of 2: Baptism to “Obey God” instead of “For the Remission of Sins” Lately, some have been willing to accept into fellowship those who were not baptized for the remission of sins. They reationalize that one who was baptized knew that he was doing so to “obey God,” so that would be sufficient. While it is good to want to obey God, one cannot “obey God” without understanding God’s Will. Jesus said, “It is written in the prophets, “And they shall all be taught of God. Every one that hath heard from the Father, and hath learned, cometh unto me” (Jn 6:44-5). The Biblical order in conversion is learning and then coming to God, not coming to God and then learning. Every religious action in the New Testament has a spiritual meaning behind it. There are no unnecessary rituals. One cannot misunderstand the meaning and still complete the action acceptably. Take the Lord’s Supper for instance. Once cannot eat the bread just to “obey God” and not understand that it represents His Body and do so in a manner well pleasing to God (Matt 26:28; 1 Cor 11:23-8). Paul found some in Ephesus who had been baptized incorrectly. Though they had been immersed, and had done so to “obey God,” they were lacking in their understanding of the Holy Spirit and the coming of Christ (Ac 19:1-6). When they learned that they did not properly understand baptism under the Great Commission, they were baptized again. Notice that since they were taught wrong, their baptism was wrong. No man can be taught wrong and baptized right. When one is being baptized, he must have faith that God is removing his sins. Examine Paul’s words: “Buried with him baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operatrion of God, who hath raised Him from the dead” Col 2:12) God performs an operation in the water. He does not cut away a cancerous organ or a diseased limb, but He does remove sin from the soul. We must have faith in that operation and in the Operator in order for it to be successful. 2) There is no such list possible because there is no one example or story in the NT where a person followed these 5 steps. BUT the challenge therein is that neither can Hank or anyone else come up with an absolute case or example of a person following THEIR plan of salvation. That's been one of my main points all along--we MUST take God at His Word and we MUST assume we should obey all of His commands to become a family member of our Lord's Kingdom--just to be on the safe side. 3) And finally "significance of the finished work of Christ" is for nought IF we aren't in God's family on God's Judgment Day. On that point, we can agree readily enough. It's the point of entry that causes so much controversy and I'll agree to that. There are several verses but I'll just cited one from Gal 3:26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. I do hope these two posts in total is clear to everyone and God bless. |
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730 | What can we do to have salvation | NT general Archive 1 | Rowdy | 114574 | ||
I need to respond to this post in two parts as I have a lot to say: 1) I've already cited in previous posts, the 5 distinct steps of Salvation. The only one that is so controversial to so many folks is that of baptism so the bulk of the post is devoted to that topic as provided below. Watered Down Baptism by Allen Webster When we “water something down,” it is diluted, weakened and made less potent. In the old days, taverns “watered down” firewater to make it go further. (You may have been inrestaurants that did the same thing to ketchup for the same reason.) Some medicines are “watered down” so they will not be too strong for children. If paint becomes too thick while setting in a shed, it has to be “watered down” with mineral spirits. In religion, some things have been watered down. In a decadent age of loose morals, many religious teachers have “watered down” the Gospel to make it more appealing to the vice-ridden, self-indulgent (cf. Gal 1:6-10). We are told: “Dress provocatively, if you want, but don’t go naked;” Gamble if you like, if it’s for a good cause, or entertaining, just don’t become addicted;” “Sex before marriage is acceptable, so long as it is between ‘consenting adults’ who intend to marry one day.” Thus homosexuality is blinked at, gambling sanctioned immodesty defended, and adulterers accepted without question. (cf. Rom 1:24-28; 12:17; Prov 23:29; Eph 6:18; 2 Tim 2:9; Gal 5:19-21; Mt 19:9). Baptism, too, has long been diluted in the Protestant and denominational world. No one can deny the importance that the Bible places on baptism since the word occurs nearly one hundred times in various forms in the New Testament. The Bible doctrine of baptism has been “watered down” in at least three ways. Baptism by Sprinkling instead of Immersion Some have watered down baptism by taking most of the water out. When Jesus was baptized, He was immersed. The text says He “went up straightway out of the water” (Matt 3:16). In order to go “up out of the water,” one has to be in the water. Further, the New Testament word for baptism (baptidzo) means “to dip, plunge, or submerge” (consult any standard reference work, such as Thayer or Liddell and Scott). John the Baptist found places to baptize where there was “much water” (John 3:23). The apostles practiced immersion. Paul call baptism a burial (Rom 6:3,4; Col 2:12). One who is buried is completely covered. The first historical case of sprinkling is documented—not in Scripture, but from church history. It was administered in 251 AD to a man named Novation who lay sick in bed. It was not accepted, generally, until a thousand years later at the Counsil of Ravenna in 1311. Sprinkling is watered down baptism. There is not enough left to save. Baptism “To Show One has been Saved” instead of “To Save” The purpose of baptism, according to the Bible, is to remove sins (Acts 22:16). Nowhere in the Bible does one read of a baptism to show the world that one has already been saved. Paul explained that it is a kind of re-enactment of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (Rom 6:3-17). It shows the world that one has died to sin; then the dead man is buried so a new man can arise and be alive unto God. That does not discount the fact that God removes sins in this act of obedience. Jeesus said that it saves (Mk 16:16). Peter proclaimed it “for the remission of sins” (ac 2:38) and “commanded” those of Cornelius’ house to submit to it (Ac 10:48). Paul said that it puts one “into Christ” (Gal 3:26-7), where all spiritual blessings are (Eph 1:3—including salvation, 2 Tim 2:10). Peter later said that baptism “saves” (1 Pet 3:21). Baptism “to show you have been saved” is watered down. It has lost its potency. |
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731 | Jesus' temptation | John 1:32 | Rowdy | 114571 | ||
This reflects some of the reasons why there were need for 4 different Gospel writers. Each had his own particular personality with his own distinctive priorities and preferences. Thus we see the Gospels of Matthew and Luke which seem to follow the Gospel of Mark somewhat but with a few differences thrown in. The account from John is quite different. One could compare this contrast to the different accounts of a major event say the attack of the Twin Towers on Sep 11, 2001 as cited in the different newspapers across this nation in the days following. Different writers are all inspired to report something new and fresh, yet accurate and detailed enough to maintain interest of the reader. In stark contrast to this kind of reporting in modern journals, we see great consistency and wonderful blending between the Gospel writers, especially considering their varying levels of education. Whereas with newspapers articles, in spite of modern aids of computers, phones, FAXs, internet, we still get "glitches," mistakes, and conflicting reports. I have no problem with the fact that there is some small amount of variance from the different Gospel accounts. It's that variance that gives them their distinct character and personality. Thus Mark portrays Christ with power, as a Man of action. Matthew portrays Him with majesty and leadership qualities. Luke's account reflects more humanity from a more medical perspective. John cites more acts of love and compassion. Personally, I think the Apostles realized that the Lord only spent a scant 3 years with them and yet crammed such an incredible amount of teaching and Godliness into their lives. This crowding probably inspired them to write concisely and with much brevity. So repeating of a few brief stories such as those cited in the traditional "Harmony of the Gospels" reflects relatively few matches. Since all 3, Matthew, Mark and Luke mentioned Jesus' going into the desert for the confrontation with the Devil, John saw no need to mention it yet again. I hope this helps to clear up the matter. Good question and God bless. |
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732 | Who was the witness? | John 1:32 | Rowdy | 114570 | ||
John's version of this story is not quite as clear as in Matt 3 as follows: 13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 15Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. 16As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." Apparently from the fact, we have these two accounts, everyone who was present at the baptism of Jesus saw and heard everything as cited. It's certainly not stated or implied that any special sub-group experienced this event. Maybe you're referring to the phrase "He saw" in verse 16 and inferring that only Jesus saw the dove and heard the voice of God. Then how do you explain these separate accounts from two witnesses of the same event? IF this is the thrust of your post, I must counter with John 21 as follows: 24This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. 25Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. Is there something more I'm missing? Another perplexing question: Why would God hide this event from the eye witnesses there and reveal this event to us, the rest of the world? Please share with us your views? God bless. |
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733 | Where is the authority for christmas...? | Gal 4:9 | Rowdy | 114516 | ||
I've copied from Paul's letter to the Galatians as follows: Gal4:8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. 9But now that you know God--or rather are known by God--how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? 10You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! 11I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you. 12I plead with you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong. Throughout the NT, the only day that we as christians are to pay any really significant amount of attention to is the first day of every week; we call it Sunday. All other days in our life as christians should pale in significance. Now, don't get me wrong. As I indicated earlier in a previous post on this thread, I think it's OK to celebrate Christmas with our friends, family and loved ones. But we MUST as christians keep this in perspective. After all, it's pretty much a fact of history, this habit of celebrating this date and some of the associated activities all started as a pagan festival. As with so many of the activities of our lives as Americans, moderation is the key, especially when the Bible is silent on a particular subject as in this case. BUT we MUST make certain that our liberties in this area don't hurt people or restrict others in celebrating their liberties. The most important item we're supposed to learn about Christianity is to learn what real genuine love of God is all about and practice that unconditional love as much as possible. God bless you all. |
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734 | What is the Bible? | 2 Tim 3:16 | Rowdy | 114513 | ||
You might be interested in checking into Zondervan's new Bible Handbook. It's expensive but it has an excellent introduction which has some very good answers to your question. I purchased a copy for our library. It's actually quite heavy for a book its size because of the high quality paper and the pictures thereon. God bless. | ||||||
735 | Where had Jesus been? | Luke 2:51 | Rowdy | 114510 | ||
Your answer is in Luke 2. God bless. | ||||||
736 | The last reference of Joseph | Luke 2:51 | Rowdy | 114508 | ||
I've transposed the following for context: Luke 2:48 When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You." 49 And He said to them, "Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father's house?" 50 But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them. 51 And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart. It looks like you overlooked this verse for in same chapter, Joseph is referred by pronoun them. It does look like this is the last time the Bible refers to Jesus' earthly father. Kinda humbling to us guys, huh? Savior of the world and His earthly father barely gets a half dozen verses said of him. God bless. |
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737 | wondering about this in my life | 2 Tim 3:16 | Rowdy | 114503 | ||
I take great comfort from the following: Deut 4:25 After you have had children and grandchildren and have lived in the land a long time-if you then become corrupt and make any kind of idol, doing evil in the eyes of the LORD your God and provoking him to anger, 26 I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you this day that you will quickly perish from the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess. You will not live there long but will certainly be destroyed. 27 The LORD will scatter you among the peoples, and only a few of you will survive among the nations to which the LORD will drive you. 28 There you will worship man-made gods of wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or eat or smell. 29 But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. 30 When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the LORD your God and obey him. 31 For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath. Please notice even the most vile creature among us can change his ways and turn his heart toward God. Yes, I'm convinced that if we turn to God in prayer, He'll turn to us and answer our prayer, whatever condition or relationship we're in. We just need to resolve to study God's Word and obey the instructions we read there. God bless. |
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738 | Teaching about Santa Claus? | John 10:10 | Rowdy | 114502 | ||
Dear Pixel, I have to agree with charis. We did basically the same thing with our two boys who are now grown and have their own lives to live. Personally, I think we have precious little time to spend with them as parents. Let them have fun, especially as young as your daughter is. Believe me, once you get as old as I am, you'll wish you had spent far more "pretend" time with her like I do with my boys. God bless your ultimate decision. |
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739 | who is the thief in John 10:10? | John 10:10 | Rowdy | 114500 | ||
See my post no 114499 to Mammopbs. | ||||||
740 | Some questions to consider on John 10:10 | John 10:10 | Rowdy | 114499 | ||
I tranposed the following for context: John 10:8 "All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. 11 "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. 12 "He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 "He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep. In this discussion, Jesus is painting a wonderful contrast between himself as the real deal, the actual owner of the sheep as the shepard and the deceiver or imposter, one who claims to be something he's not. We must be on constant guard against such persons who are wolves in sheep's clothing. Their words and actions must be compared to God's Words. When we notice discrepancies between the two, then we must approach the one in disagreement and attempt to correct him, doing so with love and concern for their souls of course. Upon their defiant refusal to turn away from the deceptive ways, they should be marked and avoided. While I was stationed in Greece, I found out some interesting tidbits about sheparding sheep, especially in Bible times. (Thought you might want to know.) In Israel, good shepards were expected to corral their sheep at night, especially when it was cold and they needed to stay warm. During this time, the shepard was expected to literally sleep in the doorway just as is depicted in Jesus parable here in John 10. It makes the story come alive a little more for the reader as the shepard was to give his life in defense of those sheep just as our Perfect Shepard did at the cross. Good questions and God bless. |
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