Lockman - Bible questions and answers

Results 1 - 20 of 125		Pages: [ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ] > Last [7] >>
Results from: Answers On or After: Thu 12/31/70 Author: Brian.g Ordered by Date
Results		Verse	Author	ID#
1	Soul can be destroyed?	Acts 3:23	Brian.g	219611
	John The key to properly interpreting Acts 3:23 is the tail-end of verse '... from among the people' or '...exterminated from among the people'. This means the soul shall be 'cut-off' or 'not in union' with the people of the community - it does not get physically destroyed. Remember, even to the moment of our death, God is always calling us to Him. Brian
2	perfect? or good?	Mark 10:18	Brian.g	203418
	Azure I would like to join you in discovering the answer. Two things that come to mind: in Mark 10:18, Jesus said "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone. Second, in Romans 5:12-13 Therefore, just as through one person sin entered the world, and through sin, death, and thus death came to all, inasmuch as all sinned for up to the time of the law, sin was in the world, though sin is not accounted when there is no law. Help me understand the difference between 'good' and 'perfection' Brian
3	to get closer to god	Matt 6:6	Brian.g	203360
	God calls man first. Man may forget his Creator or hide far from his face; he may run after idols or accuse the deity of having abandoned him; yet the living and true God tirelessly calls each person to that mysterious encounter known as prayer. Our response to God (our first step), is prayer. (CCC 2567) Scripture often speaks that it is the heart that prays. The heart is the dwelling-place where I am, where I live; the heart is the place "to which I withdraw." The heart is our hidden center, beyond the grasp of our reason and of others; only the Spirit of God can fathom the human heart and know it fully. The heart is the place of decision, deeper than our psychic drives. It is the place of truth, where we choose life or death. It is the place of encounter, because as the image of God we live in relation: it is the place of covenant. (CCC 2563) “You see then, that perfect prayer is not attained through many words, but through affection of desire, the soul raising herself to God, with knowledge of herself and of God’s mercy, seasoning the one with the other.” St Catherine of Siena But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Mt 6:6
4	explanation of agape love	1 Corinthians	Brian.g	200081
	brg In Greek philosophy, there are three basic words for representing different types/levels of love. Eros, philia and agape. Eros is an erotic or physical type of love - in the purest sense, a love of beauty. Not only in the human-physical sense, but also of art, nature and so on. Philia is a brotherly-love or a love of neighbor or countryman. Agape is is the highest level of love. It is the love which God has for man. It is a completely self-giving type of love without the demand or expectation of reward or payback. Agape is a total self-giving type of love - the love a parent (God, our Father) has for a child, Christian-brotherly love at its highest level, when in union with God. Brian
5	seated At the right hand of the father	Col 3:1	Brian.g	198890
	wagabam In a monarchy, the seat at the right-hand of the king is the most highly revered place in the world. It requires the king, himself, to give an individual this place of honor which is second, only to the king. When the person who sits at the right hand of the king speaks, he is considered to be speaking with the full authority of the king. Brian
6	How do i find God's purpose for my life?	Luke 9:23	Brian.g	197455
	Your Answer DragonflyPrincess Your profile tells the exact purpose of life. First, to be in true union with God (John 17:22-23). Second, to reach out to those who do not know God's love. The method by which you reach out to other people, is unimportant - the reaching out is what's important (Mt 9:35-38) Brian
7	why did god create the universe?	Gen 1:1	Brian.g	195897
	Racheeyy Gen 1:28-30 does tell us that the earth was given to man. However, Scripture does not definitively say why the universe (outside of our world) was created. But, we know that God created man out of love. To suggest that God made man for his own self-glory would be to imply a deficiency of ego within God. It would imply that God needed man's existence (or worship) in order to feel 'complete'. That would imply man's value is so great that God, Himself, must have our affirmation of His greatness. And, we know that it is not so. God does not need man. Nor was God compelled by some outside force to create man. That would imply that there is a force or being in the universe greater than God. Again, we know that is not so. God did not create man to fulfill an internal deficiency, nor was God compelled by an outside force. The only motive which remains is love. However, it is right that everything we do should be done for the glory of God. When man is in full union with God, and we know and experience the fullness of God's love, we have no desire but to glorify God and all of His greatness. Brian
8	A certain way to drink-why?	Judg 7:5	Brian.g	195697
	Novelist In this passage, there were 32,000 soldiers total. 22,000 who were afraid, were told to leave in Judges 7:3 This reduced the number to 10,000, of those the 9,700 who drank by lapping the water were dismissed as being careless, not ready or on their guard against the enemy. They were to complacent. The remaining 300 soldiers who drank by kneeling were always being on guard for the enemy - ready to resist attack - and ready to fight. They were the chosen soldiers. They were the best soldiers. Jesus is more interested in the quality of his disciples, not the quantity. Jesus wants as disciples those who are always ready and on guard against evil. Brian
9	Why is wisdom referred to as HER?	Bible general Archive 4	Brian.g	194950
	bhazz Referring to wisdom as 'her' has its historic roots in Greek mythology. Sophia was the Greek goddess of wisdom and it carried forward as a result of the Hellenistic influence of the Greek and Roman empires and ultimately into the Septuagint. From a philosophical standpoint, philosophy itself means 'love of wisdom'. And, like a woman giving birth to a child, wisdom, when added with a sincere desire for discovering truth - gives birth to knowledge. Brian
10	writing in the sand?	Bible general Archive 4	Brian.g	194765
	Michael John 8:6 first states that the scribes and Pharisees were testing Jesus so they could bring charges against Him. John 8:6 They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger. Subsequently, Jesus' response of writing in the sand is a reference to Jer 17:13 O LORD, the hope of Israel, All who forsake You will be put to shame. Those who turn away on earth will be written down, Because they have forsaken the fountain of living water, even the LORD. Brian
11	Can we claim Jeremiah 29:11?	Jer 29:11	Brian.g	194015
	icwessantiago Jer 29:11 must be read within the fullness of Jer 29: 1-14, where there are two main topics: living in exile and trusting in God. When we live our lives away from God, focusing our attention on money, fame, etc, then we are in a sense living our life in exile from God, similiar to the Jewish people physically living in exile of Isreal. That is relevant to people of all times. The second part is that when you experience the fears and anguish that goes along with living in 'exile' from God, then stop and remember that God is always with us and He anxiously awaits our return. That God's love is never-ending and He always has plans for our good, and not for causing more anquish in our lives. Trust God. Come back from your exile from God. This is the same message which Jesus gave us in Matthew 6:24-34. First, man cannot serve two master. He is either in union with God, or he is in exile from God while serving another master. But, always trust that God loves you and is with you and is waiting for your return with open arms. And, not to worry about the fears and anquish of life, know and trust that God will always be there to take care of you as He does the birds in the sky. Brian
12	Confused?	Bible general Archive 3	Brian.g	192288
	Hello Believer I hope this might be of help to you.. In Jer 31:31-35, God said that the day will come in which he will make a new covenant with the people of Isreal. A covenant written on the hearts of people. This new covenant is Jesus. In Mt 5:17-20, Jesus said he did not come to change the law, but to fulfill it. This is to be understood as the difference between the 'letter of the law' versus the 'spirit of the law'. Jesus explained this difference at the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapters 5,6 and 7. In Scripture, there were various times in which Jesus was accused of breaking the law, but in turn Jesus explained the spirit of the law. Subsequently, the laws of Moses which the scribes and the Pharisees insisted that people follow, was replaced by the teachings of Jesus. In one sense, the laws of Moses still remain, but our duty as Christians (and our gift from Jesus) is to understand and live within the spirit of the law rather than just living a 'checklist-style of religion'. In our new covenant, we do not have to say that 'yes, I have completed 'this' obligation' or 'no, I did not violate 'that' rule', with the exception of our obligations and responsibilities in accordance with the teachings of Jesus. But more so, to be able to say that I have lived this day in accordance to the teachings of, and in the Spirit of, our Lord. With regard to Tithing. In the old covenant, God did not give any land to the people of Levi. It was the responsibility to the priests to serve God and the responsbility of the people to support the priests. That responsibility is still the same, today. But, the greatness of the act of tithing is when it is done for the love and glory of God and with our trust in Him. As did the widow in Mk 12:42-44 Brian
13	Mediator	Heb 4:16	Brian.g	188979
	Christian2003 The most basic hope of Christianity is eternal union with God. Our hope is that after we die, we will be allowed into the presence of God, to live in union with God. In His passion, Jesus prayed for the unity of all mankind with Him, with God and with each other. (Jn 17). When Jesus prays for our unity with God that means that we will also be united with the saints, who are already in union with God. The Father has judged these saints to be worthy of union with Him. As Christians, we cannot deny the existence of our brothers and sisters in heaven, whom God has found to be worthy of union with Him. These brothers and sisters of ours do not cease to exist. They do not cease to love us. They do not cease to join Jesus in His prayer for all of us to be in union with God In numerous parts of Scripture, we are asked to pray for other people. In Mt 5:44, we are asked to pray for those who persecute us. In Romans 15:30 and 31, Paul asked the people to pray for him. How can we ask a sinner here on earth to pray for us and believe that that prayer is pleasing to God - and then deny the ability or the worthiness of the saints to pray for us? Do you know how much more pleasing the prayers of the saints are to God than the prayers of the sinners? Rev 5:8 When he took it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each of the elders held a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the holy ones. Rev 8:4 The smoke of the incense along with the prayers of the holy ones went up before God from the hand of the angel. St Jerome said: The Apostle Paul declares that two hundred seventy-six souls, sailing with him, were freely given him; and, after he is dissolved (died) and has begun to be with Christ, shall he close his lips, and not be able to utter a word in behalf of those who throughout the whole world believed at his preaching of the Gospel? It is right and proper to ask the saints, the holy ones, including Mary, to pray to God on your behalf. Brian
14	neglecting to talk about God	Ezek 3:17	Brian.g	188892
	Cindercat Ezekiel 3:17-19 Brian
15	God's Right to Rule.	Ps 2:11	Brian.g	188344
	LockN Before we go any further, asking this type of academic-style of question in order to understand the fullness of Christ’s message is fine and acceptable and I have no problem with you asking it. However, to ask the same question as a challenge to the First Commandment is to put ourselves into the role of judging God. We would be judging whether God should be allowed to make this demand of us; whether the demand is fair and just; and we would be challenging God’s wisdom. Regardless of the final outcome of our judgment, we are saying that our intellect, our fairness and our ability to judge, is greater than God’s. And that would be wrong. • In your response you said “Is the mere fact that God created man the only reason why God has a right to rule over men or is there another more legitimate basis for understanding this divine right?” My response that there is a more complete answer to Divine Right. In addition to creating man, God created not just man, but everything including Divine Rights. Who has a greater wisdom for granting and deciding rights and privileges, than God? Nobody. It is God’s right to make any demand He chooses of man and man does not share in that Divine Right to challenge God. • Towards what end or purpose was God’s reason for creating man? My response is for unity with God. This is an important question, because our relationship with God is predicated on His purpose of creating us. In John 17, Jesus prayed for our unity with God and with Jesus. This was God’s reason for creating us. • What compelled God to create man – what was the driving force which caused God to act? o Was it an external force or urge driving God to create man? No, because prior to creation, there was nothing outside of God. After creation, there is nothing outside of God powerful enough to compel or force God to act. o Was it an internal force; some thing or some need within God; driving God to create man? No, because that would imply that God created man in order to fulfill some form of deficiency, incompleteness or void within God. God is whole and complete. o The only reason remaining as to why God created man is compassion. – love. • We have love as God’s driving force for creating man; with the end purpose of God’s act of creation being our unity with God. • With love being God’s reason for creating man, it is safe to say that God would follow through, after the act of creation, in a manner which would be for our continued best interest, including protecting and nurturing man. God would not create man with the purpose of unity with God and then abandon man to the evil one. Ours is a jealous and protective God. • Should our unity with God be on our terms, God’s terms, or someone else’s terms? When comparing God’s terms to our terms for the purpose of union with God, God’s wisdom is infinitely greater than ours. As such, man will experience far greater enjoyment and good from our union with God by following God. As far as someone else defining the terms of our relationship with God, the evil one does not work to accomplish God’s purpose. Brian
16	A three letter word phase which refers t	John 6:51	Brian.g	188244
	I AM John 6:48 John 6:51
17	By What Right Does God Rule Man?	Ps 2:11	Brian.g	188078
	LockN This is a powerful (almost overwhelming) question and can be interpreted in numerous ways. Could you help me understand the context of this question. Is it intended as a statement of indignation, or as a question of relative relationships, or something else? I believe this effort on your part will help facilitate an appropriate answer. Regards Brian
18	Looking into the heart for assurance?	Matt 7:21	Brian.g	187143
	LookN I mistakenly read your original question as one of measuring piety. I now understand that your question is about quantifying orthodoxy. Sorry. To reiterate your question: am I living and believing what Jesus was actually teaching. Am I united with the Truth, which is Christ? In reality, the question becomes one of who do I trust to help me learn the truth, who will be my ‘Teaching Authority’. 1. There are those who read Scripture and accept that the Holy Spirit will lead each person to a true and accurate personal interpretation without any human assistance. The Holy Spirit is their only ‘Teaching Authority’. Christianity is not a private venture. It is meant to be learned and shared with others. 2. There are those who read Scripture and who will listen to any quack that comes along, including fortune-tellers, mediums, and others. This is their ‘Teaching Authority’. 3. There are those who read Scripture and look to individuals such as their pastor, TV Evangelist or Theologians for an interpretation. These sources become the ‘Teaching Authority’ for that individual. 4. There are those who read Scripture and then turn to their Church, as a whole – not just a local pastor, as for guidance in understanding. For example, the Catholic Church and the ‘Magisterium’ which is a Latin word for ‘Teaching Authority’. The challenge we all face is how do we separate out the human opinions of our Teaching Authorities from truth or who do we trust to show us the truth in order to choose the best and most accurate Teaching Authority. I can only give you a response from my own personal belief in regard to this question. First, as a foundation, I defined what truth actually is. I believe truth is not created and as such, it is from the essence of God and is never changing, ever. I believe that Jesus is truth, not only his words and actions, but his total being is truth, his divinity being the word of God, his humanity being in union with God. I believe that there is absolutely no deviation in what and who Jesus is and Scripture. Scripture is the printed Word of God and Jesus is the Word of God, made flesh. Scripture and Jesus are one with God. I reject any teaching authority which proclaims, among other things that: • Jesus as anything other than God. • The ‘primary’ purpose of Jesus becoming man, as anything other than mans unity with God and the eternal salvation of our souls. • Belief in Jesus will guarantee us monetary wealth or material goods. • Does not focus first on the worship of God and second, the love of our neighbor. Next, I look for the ‘organic unity’ of the teachings of this authority. Are there any obvious inconsistencies in their teachings today, in comparison to their teachings over the years? Do they completely change or modify what they teach, over time. I believe a teaching authority can expand on a teaching or a thought, but it cannot outright change its beliefs, that action demonstrates that the Teaching Authority does not recognize, understand or teach truth, but instead opinions. Opinions change, truth does not. In their teachings, is there truth building upon and joining with truth – an ‘organic development’. Can the teachings of an authority hold up under scrutiny – true academic-style in-depth examination and not just simple off-the-cuff opinions? Use this as a starting point and build upon it. As a result of this type of examination, I chose the Catholic Church. Within the Catholic Church, there are those who teach their opinions. I reject those people and listen to what the Magisterium of the Catholic Church teaches. You have to make your own decision. Brian
19	How does one know their faith is real?	Matt 7:21	Brian.g	186965
	LookN.. Faith in God and Jesus, can at times be very hard. And when it is hard, that is when you will know if you have true faith and trust in Jesus. When we go through life and we have material success, money in the pocket, good home, happy family, new car, the respect and admiration of your friends and peers, it's easy to have faith in Jesus. It is when the pocket is empty and the bills are due, when you have a debilitating illness, when you suffer the loss of a loved one, when in the middle of the night the fear of tomorrow is almost overwhelming, and when God 'hides his face' (Ps 13:1) and you don't feel God is with you while there are enemies all around. When you can face these sufferings without blaming God, without asking why you are being punished, without trying to make a deal with God to get you out of this mess.... without believing that God has abandoned you. And if you can still firmly believe that Jesus is still with you because he said he would be, then you have faith and trust in Jesus. As a Catholic, we believe that God uses our suffering as a test of faith. 1 Peter 1:6-9 In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of (your) faith, the salvation of your souls. When Jesus, the man, was suffering as they drove each nail into his hands and feet, He never lost faith in God. Unite your suffering with Jesus' suffering, gain the strength of Jesus' faith, and stand firm in your faith and trust and give praise to the name and glory of God. Look into your heart for the truth of what you believe, that is where God is looking. Brian
20	Would Adam and Eve have fallen?	Gen 3:13	Brian.g	186963
	Vincent There are two ways to look at this question. First: as you asked it - would Adam and Eve have fallen if the devil never entered the garden Second: Did Adam and Eve have the power or ability to reject sin - whether the devil was present or not. The devil does not have ultimate power or control over mankind. Man has to participate and make the final decision as to whether or not to sin. Gen 4:7 If you do well, you can hold up your head; but if not, sin is a demon lurking at the door: his urge is toward you, yet you can be his master." Mt 4:3-10 ...At this, Jesus said to him, "Get away, Satan ... In the first example, God tells us we have the ability to reject Satan.. In the second example, Jesus the man, rejects the temptations of the devil. In both cases, God is telling and showing us, we have the intellect and strength to reject sin, if we desire to. Actually, the third way to look at this question would be: would Adam and Eve used their intellect to question God's command, in the first place - and if so, could they have come to the conclusion or opinion (because this would be an act of the intellect or reason), that God was wrong. Well, I think we see enough actions in this world where people have come to the conclusion that they are more capable of making a proper decision about things than God is and I don't think Satan can take credit for all of those acts, I think sometimes man can do it, all by himself. When man reasons with his intellect that his decision is more right than God's, it is a sign of man's lack of faith and lack of trust in God and Jesus. Mark 11:22 Jesus said to them in reply, "Have faith in God. Brian

Result pages: [ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ] Next > Last [7] >>

Search for your Bible question and answer here: