Results 701 - 720 of 1239
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: jlhetrick Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
701 | John 4:1-2 | Mark 1:7 | jlhetrick | 168651 | ||
Mark 1:7-8 7 And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." NIV The baptism of John and all others prior to the finished work of Christ was a biptism of repentance. The baptism by Jesus was still yet to come at the time of John 4. It would be, and now is, a baptism with the Holy Spirit. Acts 19:1-7 19:1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." 3 So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?" "John's baptism ," they replied. 4 Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. NIV John's baptism was one of repentance, that is, ackknowledging one's condition of sin and need for salvation. It symbolized a desire and committment to turn from sin, but there was no power in it to save. The baptism "into the name of Jesus" could only happen after the Lord's work of atonement was complete. With this said, Jesus did not come into the world to condemn the world He came to save it. Luke 19:10 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." NIV I hope this helps, Jeff |
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702 | Jesus Baptized | Mark 1:7 | jlhetrick | 168713 | ||
Hello again ngkh, BradK's answer is sufficient, and I thought I would add something from Matthew Henry's commentary on the verse BradK quoted. It is helpful in uderstanding the bigger picture. Matt 3:13-17 "I. How hardly John was persuaded to admit of it, v. 14, 15. It was an instance of Christ's great humility, that he would offer himself to be baptized of John; that he who knew no sin would submit to the baptism of repentance. Note, As soon as ever Christ began to preach, he preached humility, preached it by his example, preached it to all, especially the young ministers. Christ was designed for the highest honours, yet in his first step he thus abases himself. Note, Those who would rise high must begin low. Before honour is humility. It was a great piece of respect done to John, for Christ thus to come to him; and it was a return for the service he did him, in giving notice of his approach. Note, Those that honour God he will honour. Now here we have, (from Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition, Electronic Database. Copyright © 1991 by Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.)" Christ provided the greatest example of true humility not only in being born a man, exposing Himself to temptation (though never having sinned), and the most important of all as far as mankind is concerned; dieing on the cross. As BradK pointed out, NO, Christ never sinned. His being baptized was not an acknowledgement of sin, or the need to "repent". Think of this. The penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23). Jesus never sinned. He never had the wages of sin to pay for Himself. But He paid it anyway, on the cross, for you and me and all who will be saved. How awesome is that? He began His ministry preaching, teaching, and living humility. He finished His earthly ministry in total humility, bearing the sins of the world on the cross. He didn't have to do it. He chose to do it. He loved us so much that He was willing to do it. Again, how awesome is that? Jeff |
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703 | Personality disorder or demon possesion? | Mark 5:15 | jlhetrick | 211891 | ||
bandaid- The question is a valid one and proper, in my opinion, for this forum (though it potentially can take a course that is inappropriate). Being that my profession is related to the topic I have questions about this myself, and yes, the Scriptures have some significant points to make regarding this. Welcome to the Forum! The first thing I would like to point out is that the bible speaks of both demon possession and demon oppression. Without getting off topic, my basic understanding is that possession speaks to a indwelling and oppression speaks of a torment or negative influencing, not necessarily a indwelling. With that said, the Scriptures give examples of both and in both cases there can be physical ailments (we would qualify as medical problems) including muteness, epilepsy, blindness, etc. Furthermore, in many cases there seems to be a definite altering of personality as well. The Scriptures don’t use the term “personality disorder” (it wasn’t coined yet) but it does describe personality changes related to demon possession, and oppression as well as reverse changes after the healing. In the example found beginning in Matthew 17:14 the son has apparently been diagnoses by a physician (though we don’t know that for sure) and been given a very specific medical diagnosis (at least by his father). We do not know if the symptoms were in fact from a medical problem or the demonic activity but the passage apparently says two different things were accomplished by the Lord. The demon came out AND the boy was healed instantly. Was Christ accomplishing two works, casting out the demon and healing the boy of a medical condition? Not sure… it may be that the demon coming out and the boy being healed was the same thing (the language experts might help there). With this basic stuff in mind let’s go one or two steps further. Luke was a physician yet we don’t find him denouncing medical treatment after his believing. I don’t find anywhere in Scripture where seeking medical attention for physical symptoms is prohibited or even discouraged; though prayer and trusting God’s will in the matter is to be foremost and there is the function of the church as well. Lots more can be said but in the interest of time and space I will offer my conclusion in short. If one has serious symptoms of an illness why not seek medical attention? However, doing that without prayer and seeking God’s will is trusting in something other than God or at least ignoring the fact that He has authority over it all, including the results of treatment. I have found that many patients are uncomfortable with psychiatric diagnosis. I sometimes deal with this by pointing out that we are not so much treating the diagnosis as we are the symptoms. In other words, the cause may be this or it may be that. We all need healing from sin through the grace of God; this comes through faith in Jesus Christ. At times, our bodies will become sick; we may benefit from medical treatment. We should always encourage others to seek God through faith and prayer. We should never discourage them from seeking medical attention if they are ill. Hope this helps, Jeff |
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704 | Personality disorder or demon possesion? | Mark 5:15 | jlhetrick | 211909 | ||
That's a first Doc, but glad I can help. I know you like to do the work yourself so I'll just point you in the right direction. Acts 10:38 (KJV) 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. “Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw.” (Matt 12:22-23, ESV) “As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to him.” (Matt 9:32, ESV “And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon." (Matt 15:22, ESV) Etc… etc… etc… “It is probably a good idea to make a distinction between demon possession and demon activity or influence, though it may be little more than an academic distinction. If there is a distinction, then in demon possession the base of the demon’s operations is within the person possessed, while demon influence is from outside the person’s being. However, the symptoms or characteristics may very well be the same whether the demon is operating from within or without. Yet if you ask whether a Christian can be demon possessed, seemingly the answer should be no, simply because the indwelling of the Holy Spirit would seem to forbid a rival power like a demon from also possessing him at the same time. But if you ask whether a Christian can be affected seriously by a demon, the answer is certainly yes; the effect of such demon activity may be the same as characterizes demon possession. As stated, sometimes physical disease is the result of demon possession or activity (Mt 9:32–33), and sometimes mental derangement is due to demons (Mt 17:15), but not always (see Dan 4). ” (A Survey of Bible Doctrine, Charles C. Ryrie) That sums it up in a nut shell, however, much more can and has been said on the subject. The Scriptures give clear statements that people can be literally possessed by demons and I would agree that it seems impossible that believers would be possessed based on the truth that we are indwelled of the Holy Spirit. Paul was certainly oppressed, for example… 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 (NKJV) 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Hope this helps, Jeff |
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705 | Personality disorder or demon possesion? | Mark 5:15 | jlhetrick | 211915 | ||
Doc- as you know my career is in the field of psychiatry. I couldn't agree with you more. When I started my academic studies I was a Christian, active in the church. I was young both in age and as a Christian (at least as far as real bible study was relevant). It didn’t take me long (about two weeks) to realize that academia and Christianity were at odds. What made the struggle that much more was the knowing that God had called me to the task; I had to endure the education process in order to obtain my credentials. It wasn’t at all a waste of time. I could tell you story after story of the Lord showing up in class and speaking through me. A Christian friend once told me that he could only imagine how many had heard a portion of the word as a result of our being there. Students young and old, professors, guest speakers. I won’t go into it here of course. So, today I diagnose my patients according to the DSM IV criteria because that’s the only way I can bill their insurance provider. I treat them and provide psychotherapy and just can’t imagine how many the Lord is reaching through this. It’s a rare occasion when I have a patient that is not spiritually starved and the Lord constantly opens the door for me to witness. And He has even given me the skills to teach very practical advice that helps others to work through their issues. I’m blessed and thankful for the opportunity. God bless, Jeff |
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706 | Personality disorder or demon possesion? | Mark 5:15 | jlhetrick | 211917 | ||
John, you know well that it's one of those that certainly can get out of control. bandaid seemed to have a really legitimate need to explore what Scripture has to say about it so I didn’t want to ignore that while at the same time being cautious (in part due to your post) of where it might all lead. I wouldn't say "foot in mouth". I would say appropriate caution and the more eyes and thoughtful consideration the better. Thanks, Jeff |
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707 | reconcile Mark 6:8 and Luke 9:3 | Mark 6:8 | jlhetrick | 188634 | ||
Hello INRI, Welcome to the Forum! Will you please be more specific as to your point in quoting Proverbs 26:4-5. How does your quote fit into the discussion and what do you mean by "I always liked this one because they are side by side." Because I am on my lunch break at work I will offer a brief thought. I will check to see if you have responded when I get home this evening. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but in the context of the thread you seem as eager to assume contradiction in Scripture as another here does. Furthermore, if that was your point, the fact that you "like this one" is very troubling to me. With that said, I can appreciate how an unskilled reader, without the benefit of context and a base understanding of God's word might see verses 4 and 5 here as being contradictory. Perhapse if you read the same verses in a different translation you might get the point of them. Prov 26:4-5 (NASB) Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Or you will also be like him. 5 Answer a fool as his folly deserves, That he not be wise in his own eyes. If you still need help in understanding these great words of wisdom, please respond and I will coach you along on it. God bless, Jeff |
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708 | reconcile Mark 6:8 and Luke 9:3 | Mark 6:8 | jlhetrick | 188664 | ||
INRI, Well said. And thanks for clarifying. I hope you can appreciate how your earlier presentation left plenty to question. On the Forum we try to be specific enough and give enough detail that all readers will have some understanding of our position and point. I truly appreciate your response back. As for translations, I agree with your statement as I understand it. Personally, I have a big enough chore finding time to study the Bible in my own language and have only developed a true interest in the original languages within the past couple of years. I have spent some time evaluating the various translations (based on the true evaluations of trusted scholars) and as a result have concluded that not all translations are created equal. I never read the Amplified (no offense Lockman) and my first choice for accuracy is always the NASB (thanks Lockman). I also spend significant time in the ESV, NKJV and the KJV. Again, thanks for your response. God bless, Jeff |
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709 | How do you just let GOD? | Mark 9:24 | jlhetrick | 164809 | ||
Hello needinghim, Welcome to the forum. Don’t be discouraged by the advise that this forum is not for counseling. They are right, it is not. But if we are unable to apply it to the real life issues of brothers and sisters in need then our vigorous study is of little use. What we learn should be applied, in our own lives as well as to serve others. Some have redirected you to your local church leadership. They were right to do so. But we on the forum are also the church. If we are unable to respond to a brother in need, then our study is of little value. Feel free to continue participating in this forum, there are a lot of really good bible students and teachers (some have responded to you already) and much to be gained from participating. In the future, when you are in need of direction from God’s word, post in the form of a general question being sure to ask something like, “what does the bible say about this or that”. Many are more comfortable with this type of presentation. With that said I go out on a limb to make an assumption. I’m thinking that you, having been a youth pastor, already know the answer you are looking for. It’s probably been “creeping” up in your mind all along. It’s probably something you have taught and counseled one or more youth on before. Sometimes it’s not finding the answer that we need, but rather, being obedient to what we have already been given. Phi 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: With love, Jeff |
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710 | How do you just let GOD? | Mark 9:24 | jlhetrick | 164814 | ||
Hello Tim, Not sure why you posted the last response to me. As if I were encouraging the practice of “counseling” on the forum, I was not. My post was to needinghim and was intended to encourage him and not turn him away. It happens too often on the forum. As one who has spent time, money, and effort to become a professional in the field of Psychiatry, I agree with you that many do not have the skills and other qualifications to “counsel” in the context that you appear to be writing. That’s where the mark was terribly missed. Needinghim asked a question that was specifically regarding his spiritual condition, his relationship with God. Practically every regular on the forum is well capable of pointing directly to the word of God to both encourage and teach a brother or sister in this type of struggle. I will go further to say that anyone calling himself/herself a teacher of God’s word really has the responsibility to do so. I do not intend to argue or be in conflict with you over this issue, but the response you posted to me really does not present well. I follow the forum daily. Your argument that a person’s attempt to justify his behavior (arguing the wife’s call to be submissive so that he can justify his beating her) would be supported by forum members “jumping on the bandwagon” is not really a responsible argument on your part. Give yourself and the rest of us more credit here. You are a regular on the forum and you know better. We both know what would happen. The wife’s submissiveness would be taught in context of scripture to include the protective responsibilities of the husband. So no, this would not be a concern. You also write: “We don't know the real issues involved in the problem. Someone may think that their problem is one thing, but it could be something else entirely” This is a good point. That is why the untrained person should not attempt to do therapy. But it’s not a sufficient reason for not offering the word of God to address the identified problem or question. Let’s not forget that God knows the specifics and His word and the Spirit can cut through the mire. Finally, I do want to say that I did, in my post, agree with everyone’s directing needinghim to a qualified church leader. As mentioned I am educated and licensed in the field but you don’t see me attempting to do therapy on the forum. What I try to do is learn and teach the word of God. I saw needinghim’s issue and question as a sadly missed opportunity for that to take place. With sincerity and love, Jeff |
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711 | How do you just let GOD? | Mark 9:24 | jlhetrick | 164822 | ||
Hello again Tim, I agree that the process of communication is greatly complicated by the limitations of the forum. If it were possible to have made my post privately to needinghim I would have done so. Other forums have this ability (and we can include our emails in "user info"). To be clear, this is not a complaint. It is actually the reason I eventually settled at "StudyBibleForum". The other's I tried attempted to include too many bells and whistles making for a very cumbersome time keeping up with who was who and what was going on. Anyway, thanks for responding and I too apologize for presenting my post in an unclear way. To my discredit, I allow time to force out my words as I have little of it these days. Sincerely, Jeff |
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712 | How do you just let GOD? | Mark 9:24 | jlhetrick | 164873 | ||
Hello brother Lionheart, I agree. I didn't have my email address included in my profile for some time until I saw the benefit of it. I have received some personal contacts from some on the forum and made some as well. I think it is great, especially because I feel a little closer to those I have shared emails with. It does make it more personal. For those of us that are really busy with life, it is a great benefit. Feel free to email me anytime, if I'm slow to respond it's only because I'm busy but I eventually get around to checking my mail. Sincerely, Jeff |
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713 | What does "remaining in Him" really mean | Mark 15:5 | jlhetrick | 179015 | ||
Hi Tim, Detailed looks at the original languages usually bore and confuse me. This is only because it is so far beyond my abilities. That is one reason I am thankful for those such as yourself who are able to take on such tasks. Your post was very helpful in keeping me focused. thanks and God bless, Jeff |
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714 | Why isn't my church growing in numbers? | Mark 16:15 | jlhetrick | 183623 | ||
Hello rickck..., Doc's point is an excellent one. My opinion is that a good number of Christians who truly love the Lord and want to do His will and further His kingdom end up sitting on the side-lines willing, but waiting for the coach (pastor) to send them on the field. Truth is, the owner of the team has already assigned positions and called the plays. More of us need to be practicing obedience individually instead of waiting frustratingly for someone else to take the lead. I count myself among those so please don't be offended. I've heard it said that revival will not occur in the church until it occurs in individuals. I'm not one for cheap talk and slogans, but I believe there is some truth to that. Hope this is helpful, Jeff |
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715 | do we have authority to forgive sins ? | Mark 16:17 | jlhetrick | 210303 | ||
Welcome to the forum! Well put! Jeff |
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716 | do we have authority to forgive sins ? | Mark 16:17 | jlhetrick | 210309 | ||
BradK- very good pointing out the distinction, thanks. Because I know you I knew exactly where you were coming from but didn't want to speak for you. As believers we are to forgive others when they sin against us (and so we have the authority to do so). As I understand it, this has as much (if not more) to do with effecting us as it does the one we forgive (Mark 11:25, Hebrews 12:15). Regarding Matthew 16:19, 16:18 I understand these as speaking to the authority of the Church and not the individual believer (accept in so far as he/she is a functioning part of the Church). Our forgiving has no function in saving; agreed. God bless, Jeff |
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717 | do we have authority to forgive sins ? | Mark 16:17 | jlhetrick | 210310 | ||
CDBJ- you responded to liezonis' post but addressed me so I'm not sure if your response was to me or not. In any case, please see my post 210309. Thanks, God bless, Jeff |
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718 | Lack of Indifference | Mark 16:18 | jlhetrick | 190295 | ||
Hello zoe, Just want to add some thought to the excellent response you have already received from brother Tim Moran. It may be that your concept of war may be what is most influencing your position. I make that statement based on your choice to refer to the killing in war as "murder". I would agree that many (even my own country's US soldiers as shown in history) use the excuse of war to murder others. But those incidents are murder just the same. So when faced with the question as you present it "How can we murder our enemies and love them?" the simple answer is that we can't. Or at least if we do we are sinning. A more appropriate question (in my opinion) and a more appropriate approach to understanding how God and His word deals with the topic; would be to ask something like, "how can the taking of life in war be considered justified?" When we automatically label it as "murder" we have already lost the ability to consider it as anything else. Murder is justified neither in the OT nor the NT. But the taking of life in response to that one's breaking of certain laws is. The whole idea and arguments that some have made to suggest that the Jesus of the NT is different from the God of the OT just doesn't hold water. The new covenent never has and never will represent a change in God's character. While you continue to consider this topic it might be helpful to ask- how can God allow someone to spend eternity in torment if He loves them? Have in mind the never change characteristics of God while pondering this. Hope this is helpul, Jeff |
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719 | Lack of Indifference | Mark 16:18 | jlhetrick | 190315 | ||
Lionheart- your welcome and thank you for your service. 8 years Army myself. :) Jeff |
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720 | Lack of Indifference | Mark 16:18 | jlhetrick | 190319 | ||
Zoe- sorry for the late reply; working two jobs. You asked: "does justification make it right?" Absolutely! By the very definition of the words. If it is just it is right; if it is right it is just. Can’t be one and not the other. As for answering how one can justify taking life in war I believe it might take significantly more space than we have here to answer that fully (considering all of the various scenarios you might respond with- so let’s not go there). Were Hitler and the Nazis just in taking lives in war? Answer- no. How do we know? We hold their actions and motivations up in comparison with God’s law and moral standard. Were the American and allied forces just in taking the lives of the Nazis in war? Answer- yes. How do we know? We hold their actions and motivations up in comparison with God’s law and moral standard. Job 19:29 NASB95“Then be afraid of the sword for yourselves, For wrath brings the punishment of the sword, So that you may know there is judgment.” I won’t attempt to address every statement you made in detail but allow me to simply say that it is a better exegesis to present that Jesus forgives and saves those He loves and not necessarily the other way around. We might rightly argue that Saul of Tarsus absolutely hated Jesus (or at least what He claimed and stood for) right up until the time the Lord saved him. Furthermore, I might argue that the lesson in John 8:7 seems to be speaking more to self-examination, repentance, and unrighteous judgment than forgiveness (though forgiveness is an unmistakable theme here). I very much disagree with your analogies of Heaven. It is neither like a driver’s license nor spandex (though the pun is appreciated). Nor is it a “right” as we do agree on. Most importantly- there is no hope that we might ever “make ourselves ready for it”. Salvation is a gift from God to those of us He chooses to bless with it independent of any “getting ready” we might attempt. Finally you ask: “Do you think Christians have the right to judge? even if that "certain law" has been broken, or not?” I see that brother Brad has already responded to that and offered sufficient Scriptural support so let me simply say this. I am convinced by Scripture that it’s not so much a matter of “right” as it is a matter of responsibility. We are required to do it. Before we ever attempt to apply reason to God’s word; we must first know what God’s word says on a topic. It never works the other way around. Much of your position is easily recognized by one who also grew up believing many of the well intended (I believe) but unscriptural sayings and teachings that has and continues to plague our churches. A good rule of thumb is to never attempt to apply your doctrine to the Scriptures. Rather, always allow the Scriptures to establish what it is you believe. For what it’s worth friend- I haven’t disagreed with a single point here that I haven’t at one point in time agreed with. Furthermore, I am not at a place (and don’t believe I ever will be) where the Scriptures do not continue to correct my thinking and refine my beliefs. God bless, Jeff |
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