Results 1 - 20 of 35
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Jehonadab Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | What's the sign? | Matt 24:27 | Jehonadab | 155503 | ||
Three days before Jesus was put to death, his disciples asked him: "What will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?” (Matt 24:3 ) Then, in replying, at Matthew 24:30, Jesus says: "And then the sign of the Son of man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in lamentation, and they will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." Thus, there is the "sign of your (Jesus) presence" and the "sign... of the Son of man coming on the clouds". Hence, there is a difference between these. Some Bibles use the word "coming" at Matthew 24:3. However, the Greek word used there is pa·rou·si´a, meaning "presence", not er´kho·mai, which is a common verb for "come". Therefore, during Jesus pa·rou·si´a or "presence", there are several features Jesus gave to identify his invisible "presence", such as "nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be food shortages and earthquakes in one place after another. All these things are a beginning of pangs of distress." (Matt 24:7,8 ) This would extend over a period of time. However, Jesus further said that "For just as the lightning comes out of eastern parts and shines over to western parts, so the presence of the Son of man will be. Wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together." (Matt 24:27,28 ) Thus, those who have spiritually keen "eyesight", like eagles, are able to discern Jesus invisible "presence". Yet, during Jesus' "presence and of the conclusion of the system of things", but just preceeding Jesus' "coming", that the "sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken."(Matt 24:29 ) The description Jesus gave certainly is closely related to Joel 2:29-31. Here, Joel sees "portents in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun itself will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and fear-inspiring day of Jehovah." This "fear-inspiring day of Jehovah" came in 70 C.E., when the Roman armies came against Jerusalem, under the command of General Titus. Likewise, when the "great tribulation" begins, prior to the events mentioned at Matthew 24:29, the militarized “horns” of the international “wild beast” turn on “the great harlot,” Babylon the Great. (Revelation 17:1, 10-16) But many people will remain, for kings, merchants, ship captains, and others mourn the end of false religion. Doubtless many will realize that their judgment will be next.(Revelation 18:9-19.) Doubtless, in the early part of the great tribulation, many luminaries—prominent clergymen of the religious world—will have been exposed and eliminated by “the ten horns” mentioned at Revelation 17:16. No doubt political powers too will have been shaken up. Could there also be frightening events in the physical heavens? We know that in the ancient past, God displayed his power to cause such cataclysmic effects, and he can do so again.—Exodus 10:21-23; Joshua 10:12-14; Judges 5:20; Luke 23:44, 45. At this point all three Gospel writers use to´te (then) to introduce the next development. “Then the sign of the Son of man will appear in heaven.” (Matthew 24:30; Mark 13:26; Luke 21:27) Jesus’ true disciples have discerned the composite sign of his invisible presence, like "eagles", while most people have not recognized it.(Matt 24:39 ) But Matthew 24:30 points forward to a further “sign” appearing in the future, that of “the Son of man,” and all nations will be compelled to take note. When Jesus comes with clouds of invisibility, opposing humans worldwide will have to recognize that “coming” (Greek, er·kho´me·non) because of a supernatural demonstration of his kingly power.(Revelation 1:7) Matthew 24:30 uses to´te again to introduce what comes next. Then the nations, sensing the consequence of their situation, will beat themselves and lament, perhaps recognizing that their destruction is imminent. How different with God’s servants, for we will be able to lift our heads up, knowing deliverance is near! (Luke 21:28) | ||||||
2 | Why Esau not got his blessing back? | Gen 27:35 | Jehonadab | 155464 | ||
Esau proved that he had no love of God, disdaining even his birthright.(Gen 25:30 ) However, Jehovah God had already spoken prophetically that "the one national group will be stronger than the other national group, and the older will serve the younger.” (Gen 25:23 ) Later, in harmony with the inclination that Jehovah had already foreseen and that had caused him to love Jacob more than he did Esau, Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for just a bowl of stew.(Ge 25:29-34).Legally, as Jacob well knew, he was entitled to act in the role of Esau, the firstborn of Isaac.Hence, Esau no longer had the firstborn's rights. But Isaac was unaware that Esau had sold his birthright to Jacob when he came in for a blessing, but God was well aware of this and was pleasing to him. Esau later showed further disregard for spiritual things by marrying "Ju´dith the daughter of Be·e´ri the Hit´tite and also Bas´e·math the daughter of E´lon the Hit´tite", Caaanite women that proved to be a "source of bitterness of spirit to Isaac and Re·bek´ah."(Gen 26:34,35 ) Isaac and Rebekah both recognized the badness of the Caananites and commanded Jacob not to seek out a wife from among the, unlike his brother. (Gen 28:1) Exactly why Rebekah and Jacob handled the matter in the way they did, we do not know, except that both of them knew that the blessing belonged to Jacob. Jacob did not maliciously misrepresent himself in order to get something that did not rightfully belong to him. The Bible does not condemn what Rebekah and Jacob did. The outcome was that Jacob received the rightful blessing. Isaac himself evidently saw that Jehovah’s will had been accomplished. Shortly after this, when sending Jacob off to Haran to get a wife, Isaac further blessed Jacob and specifically said: “God Almighty . . . will give to you the blessing of Abraham.” (Ge 28:3, 4) So we properly conclude that the outcome of the matter was what Jehovah purposed. The Bible states clearly the lesson that we should draw from this account, warning that we should be careful “that there may be no fornicator nor anyone not appreciating sacred things, like Esau, who in exchange for one meal gave away his rights as firstborn.”—Heb 12:16. | ||||||
3 | how do you explain romans 9:13? | Bible general Archive 2 | Jehonadab | 155409 | ||
Though Esau had the birthright, even before their birth in 1858 B.C.E., God told Rebekah: "Two nations are in your belly, and two national groups will be separated from your inward parts; and the one national group will be stronger than the other national group, and the older will serve the younger.”(Gen 25:23 ) Esau became a skilled and adventurous hunter, “a wild man.” Unlike his brother, “blameless” Jacob, Esau was fleshly-minded and materialistic. (Ge 25:27) Hence, when he came in from hunting and was "tired", he asked Jacob for some of his red lentil stew. Jacob then asked him to sell his birthright, of which Esau showed great disregard, by replying: "Here I am simply going to die, and of what benefit to me is a birthright?” (Gen 25:32 ) He thus sold his sold his birthright for a bowl of stew, showing a complete lack of faith in his Creator, Jehovah God, and was later given the name of Edom, meaning "Red" from the red lentil stew for which he sold his birthright. (Gen 25:30 ) He further continued this unspiritual attitude by marrying "Ju´dith the daughter of Be·e´ri the Hit´tite and also Bas´e·math the daughter of E´lon the Hit´tite", daughters of the land of Caanan. (Gen 28:1 ) These therefore became "a source of bitterness of spirit to Isaac and Re·bek´ah." (Gen 26:34,35 ) Thus, Esau showed great disdain for spiritual things, whereas "blameless" Jacob was blessed with being the progenitor of the nation of natural Israel, through whom the promised "seed", Jesus Christ, came. Yet, even the nation of natural Israel showed disdain for God's "anointed one" Jesus, by seeing that he was put to death on Nisan 14, 33 C.E. Therefore, Jesus had already said of the nation of natural Israel: "This is why I say to you, The kingdom of God will be taken from you and be given to a nation producing its fruits."(Matt 21:43 ) | ||||||
4 | Husband problems again! | Phil 4:8 | Jehonadab | 155369 | ||
There is evidence that various forms of modern communication may encourage aggressive conduct. Regular exposure to violence depicted on television, in movies, in video games, and on the Internet is said to desensitize the conscience and inspire violent crimes. Dr. Daniel Borenstein, president of the American Psychiatric Association, stated: "At this time there are more than 1,000 studies based on more than 30 years of research demonstrating a causal connection between media violence and aggressive behavior in some children." Before a U.S. Senate committee, Dr. Borenstein testified: "We are convinced that repeated exposure to entertainment violence in all its forms has significant public health implications." Thus, what we take in through our senses can have a dramatic effect on us , as well those we are close to. Hence, the apostle Paul wrote: "Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits."(1 cor 15:33 ) What we watch, play, in any way socialize with, can therefore have either a good or detrimental effect on us. It is necesary to see the need to follow closely what the apostle Paul said that "whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well spoken of, whatever virtue there is and whatever praiseworthy thing there is, continue considering these things." (Phil 4:8 )Thus, if a husband or wife loves their family, then, they will surely consider their feelings and make time to spend with them, trying to imitate the perfect example of Jesus Christ, for Paul wrote: " Husbands, continue loving your wives, just as the Christ also loved the congregation and delivered up himself for it".(Ephesians 5:25 ) | ||||||
5 | the word e-phod in exodus. | Bible general Archive 2 | Jehonadab | 155332 | ||
A priestly vestment. The special ephod to be worn by the high priest is described in detail in God's instructions to Moses. It was apparently an apronlike garment, made of "gold, blue thread and wool dyed reddish purple, coccus scarlet material and fine twisted linen, the work of an embroiderer." It consisted of front and back parts, these being joined together. A girdle of the same material was "upon" it, perhaps fastened to the ephod, holding it close around the waist. In gold settings on the shoulder pieces were two onyx stones, each engraved with the names of six of the sons of Israel. From the gold settings of these stones hung the breastpiece, by chains of gold having the workmanship of a rope. From the bottom corners of the breastpiece blue string ran through gold rings that were fastened to the lower extremity of the shoulder pieces of the ephod just above the girdle. The ephod apparently reached a little below the waist, perhaps not down to the knees.-Ex 28:6-14, 22-28. The ephod was worn by the high priest over the blue sleeveless coat, called the "coat of the ephod," which, in turn, was atop the linen robe. (Ex 29:5) This ephod was not worn on all occasions. When it was necessary to inquire of Jehovah God about a matter of importance to the nation, the high priest wore the ephod and the breastpiece containing the Urim and the Thummim. (Nu 27:21; 1Sa 28:6; Ezr 2:63) On the annual Day of Atonement, after presenting the sin offerings, the high priest would wash and change garments, taking off the pure white garments and apparently putting on his beautiful garments, including the ephod, before offering up the burnt offerings.-Le 16:23-25. |
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6 | Mat. 24:36 | Bible general Archive 2 | Jehonadab | 155298 | ||
In answering the question concerning the " sign of your presence and the conclusion of the system of things" at Matthew 24:3, Jesus gave features that would identify this time period. However, of his "coming", as found at Matthew 24:30, he said that "Concerning that day and hour, noboby knows, neither the angels, nor the Son, but only the Father." Thus, Jesus stated that this event as to when he is to "come" and hence begin the "great tribulation", as found at verses 15-22, was known only by his Father, Jehovah God. To further show that Jesus is not all-knowing, when asked by his disciples after his resurrection: "Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?", Jesus replied: "It does not belong to you to get knowledge of the times or seasons which the Father has placed in his own jurisdiction." In addition, Jesus sometime earlier had told the Jews: " I do nothing of my own initiative; but just as the Father taught me I speak these things."(John 8:28) Therefore, Jesus shows that he is not omniscient, but rather was taught by and listens to his Father. | ||||||
7 | Are names of God important? | Bible general Archive 2 | Jehonadab | 155191 | ||
In the Hebrew Scriptures or "Old Testament" of the Bible, the name of God is found almost 7000 times in the form of the Tetragrammeton, meaning "four letter". This is translatd as "Jehovah". This name "Jehovah" is the best known English pronunciation of the divine name, although "Yahweh" is favored by most Hebrew scholars. The oldest Hebrew manuscripts present the name in the form of four consonants that may be transliterated into English as YHWH (or, JHVH). The Hebrew consonants of the name are therefore known. The question is, Which vowels are to be combined with those consonants? Vowel points did not come into use in Hebrew until the second half of the first millennium C.E. Furthermore, because of a religious superstition that had begun centuries earlier, the vowel pointing found in Hebrew manuscripts does not provide the key for determining which vowels should appear in the divine name. Thus, the name of God as Jehovah is used in many Bibles and has became the accepted pronunciation of the divine name in English. This retains the essential elements of God's name from the Hebrew original. Thus, Exodus 3:15 says: "And God said moreover to Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel: Jehovah, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you. This is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations." (Darby's Bible ) Even the Greek name Jesus corresponds to the Hebrew Yeshua or Yehohshua and means "Jehovah Is Salvation". | ||||||
8 | How does God speak to us? | Heb 1:1 | Jehonadab | 154295 | ||
God used his prophets to be his spokesmen up to the time of Jesus arrival, as the Christ, in the fall of 29 C.E. But three days before his death, Jesus told his disciples that spiritual food would be provided through a "faithful and discreet slave". He asked:"Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time?" Thus, Jesus said that after his death, there would a "slave" class that would giving out spiritual food to the members of God's household "at the proper time". Thus, when the issue of "cicumcision" arose in 49 C.E., the "older men and apostles" gathered together in Jerusalem to settle the issue. Hence, after coming to a unanimous accord, these sent out Paul and Barnabus with letters to the different congregations, so that they could be fed "at the proper time" and for these to remain unified.(Acts 15) This "faithful and discreet slave" began when the holy spirit was poured upon the 120, on Pentecost, 33 C.E.(Acts 2:1-4) These were anointed to serve as "kings and priests" in the heavens after their death and resurrection.(Rev 5:9,10 )Today this "slave" class is dispensing the food "at the proper time", for Jesus further said that "Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. Truly I say to you, He will appoint him over all his belongings."(Matt 24:46,47)He also told of an illustration whereby, a "man of noble birth", traveling to become a king, "committed to them(his "slaves" ) his belongings." These were to do "business" with the king's "talents" and increase the "master"s "belongings".(Matt 25:14-30) Hence, those of this "faithful and discreet slave" class provide spiritual food during these "last days" and therefore is how God speaks to us now. | ||||||
9 | Prophetic perfect tense in other verses? | Ps 102:16 | Jehonadab | 103233 | ||
Yes, I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses. And I do appreciate the textual accuracy of the New World Translation. For example,consider the perplexing text at Matthew 5:3: “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” (King James Version) The New World Translation rendered it: “Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need.” The apostle Paul’s admonition rendered “be careful for nothing” (King James Version) was translated: “Do not be anxious over anything.” (Philippians 4:6) And the apostle John’s reference to “the concupiscence of the flesh” (Douay Version) reads, “the desire of the flesh.” (1 John 2:16) Clearly, the New World Translation opened up a new world of understanding. Various scholars were impressed. For example, British Bible scholar Alexander Thomson noted that the New World Translation is outstanding in accurately rendering the Greek present tense. To illustrate: Ephesians 5:25 reads “Husbands, continue loving your wives” instead of saying merely “Husbands, love your wife.” (King James Version) “No other version appears to have exhibited this fine feature with such fulness and frequency,” said Thomson regarding the New World Translation. For one thing, closely related words in the original Bible languages are translated, where possible, by different English words, thus alerting the Bible student to possible different shades of meaning. Thus, syn·te´lei·a is rendered “conclusion” and te´los “end,” although both words are translated “end” in many other versions. (Matthew 24:3, 13) The word ko´smos is rendered “world,” ai·on´ “system of things,” and oi·kou·me´ne “inhabited earth.” Again, many Bible translations use merely “world” to represent either two or all three of these Greek words, although, in fact, there are differences between them.-Matthew 13:38, 39; 24:14. Similarly, the New World Translation carefully notes the difference between gno´sis (“knowledge”) and e·pi´gno·sis (translated “accurate knowledge”)-a difference ignored by many others. (Philippians 1:9; 3:8) It also distinguishes between ta´phos (“grave,” an individual burial place), mne´ma (“tomb”), mne·mei´on (“memorial tomb”), and hai´des (“hades,” referring in the Bible to the common grave of dead mankind). (Matthew 27:60, 61; John 5:28; Acts 2:29, 31) Several Bible translations distinguish between ta´phos and mne·mei´on at Matthew 23:29 but not consistently elsewhere.-See Matthew 27:60, 61, New International Version. Verb tenses are carefully and precisely rendered. For example, in the Revised Standard Version, 1 John 2:1 reads: “If any one does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” Shortly after, the same translation renders 1 John 3:6: “No one who abides in [Jesus] sins.” If no follower of Jesus sins, how does 1 John 2:1 apply? The New World Translation resolves this seeming contradiction. At 1 John 2:1, it says: “I am writing you these things that you may not commit a sin. And yet, if anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ, a righteous one.” John used the aorist tense in this verse, indicating the committing of an isolated sin, the kind of thing all of us do from time to time because we are imperfect. However, 1 John 3:6 reads: “Everyone remaining in union with him does not practice sin; no one that practices sin has either seen him or come to know him.” John here used the present tense, indicating an ongoing, habitual course of sin that would invalidate anyone’s claim to be a Christian. At John 1:1 the New World Translation reads: “The Word was a god.” In many translations this expression simply reads: “The Word was God” and is used to support the Trinity doctrine. Not surprisingly, Trinitarians dislike the rendering in the New World Translation. But John 1:1 was not falsified in order to prove that Jesus is not Almighty God. Jehovah’s Witnesses, among many others, had challenged the capitalizing of “god” long before the appearance of the New World Translation, which endeavors accurately to render the original language. Five German Bible translators likewise use the term “a god” in that verse. At least 13 others have used expressions such as “of divine kind” or “godlike kind.” These renderings agree with other parts of the Bible to show that, yes, Jesus in heaven is a god in the sense of being divine. But Jehovah and Jesus are not the same being, the same God.-John 14:28; 20:17 These are but a few instances to show why the New World Translation is enjoyed by many. |
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10 | Jehonadab, Why C.E. and B.C.E.? | 1 John 2:2 | Jehonadab | 103147 | ||
In Hebrews 5:10, it is said of Jesus,that "he has been specifically called by God a high priest according to the manner of Mel·chiz´e·dek." Thus the apostle Paul clearly notes that the appointment of priest must come from God, for he says,at Hebrews 5:4, "Also, a man takes this honor, not of his own accord, but only when he is called by God, just as Aaron also [was]." But what of the Christ? Paul continues,"So too the Christ did not glorify himself by becoming a high priest, but [was glorified by him] who spoke with reference to him: “You are my son; I, today, I have become your father.” Just as he says also in another place: “You are a priest forever according to the manner of Mel·chiz´e·dek" He states what was already prophetically spoken concerning Jesus, at Psalms 110:4, which reads,"Jehovah has sworn (and he will feel no regret):"You are a priest to time indefinite,according to the manner of Mel·chiz´e·dek!" Yes, Jesus was called by Jehovah God to a priest after the manner of Melchizedek, who was king of Salem and "priest of the Most High God".(Gen 14:18) Hence, Jesus was anointed in 29 C.E. to act as God's High Priest, not as a descendant of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel, but after the likeness of King-Priest Melchizedek. Our Creator, Jehovah God saw fit to make his firstborn Son the central, or key, figure in the outworking of all His purposes. | ||||||
11 | Jehonadab, Why C.E. and B.C.E.? | 1 John 2:2 | Jehonadab | 102846 | ||
It is very clear why Jesus came to the earth, for was it not spoken concerning him, at Psalms 40:6-9, "Sacrifice and offering you did not delight in; These ears of mine you opened up.Burnt offering and sin offering you did not ask for. In view of that, I said: "Here I have come,In the roll of the book it being written about me. To do your will, O my God, I have delighted,And your law is within my inward parts. I have told the good news of righteousness in the big congregation. Look! My lips I do not restrain.O Jehovah, you yourself know that well." Furthermore, Jesus said to Pilate,at John 18:37 "For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone that is on the side of the truth listens to my voice." Hence, Jesus obeyed his heavenly Father, yes to do His will. He came to provide the ransom, according to Matthew 20:28, but he also came to lay the foundation for a "kingdom". This required unswerving obedience to, not himself,but to his Father, just as Isaac willingly obeyed his father Abraham.( Gen 22:9,10; Heb 11:17) How else then, would the "damage" done in the Garden of Eden be "undone",clearing Jehovah God's name of all reproach, yes, even a restoring to what was originally purposed for the earth,as spoken through Isaiah, " For this is what Jehovah has said, the Creator of the heavens, He the [true] God, the Former of the earth and the Maker of it, He the One who firmly established it, who did not create it simply for nothing, who formed it even to be inhabited."(Isaiah 45:18) Therefore, Jesus had to come to the earth, not only to "give his soul a ransom in exchange for many", but more importantly to make known "the sacred secrets of the kingdom of the heavens" and lay it's foundation.(Matt 13:11) Did not Jesus tell his eleven faithful apostles, "I make a covenant with you, just as my Father has made a covenant with me, for a kingdom,"(Luke 22:29) What did Jesus mean by the "mysteries" or "sacred secrets of the kingdom"? |
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12 | Jehonadab, Why C.E. and B.C.E.? | 1 John 2:2 | Jehonadab | 102834 | ||
At Hebrews 5:7. | ||||||
13 | Jehonadab, Why C.E. and B.C.E.? | 1 John 2:2 | Jehonadab | 102580 | ||
Nisan 14, 33 C.E. is the date on which Jesus Christ was impaled on the torture stake, for he pictured the 'passover lamb' (1 Cor 5:7). This was the date the Jews were commanded to observe the Passover, for Jehovah God said, "This month will be the start of the months for you. It will be the first of the months of the year for you....Speak to the entire assembly of Israel, saying, ‘On the tenth day of this month they are to take for themselves each one a sheep... And it must continue under safeguard by you until the fourteenth day of this month, and the whole congregation of the assembly of Israel must slaughter it between the two evenings. And they must take some of the blood and splash it upon the two doorposts and the upper part of the doorway belonging to the houses in which they will eat it....And in this way you should eat it, with your hips girded, sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand; and you must eat it in haste. It is Jehovah’s passover. " Furthermore, He says, " Let there be a remembering of this day on which you went out of Egypt, from the house of slaves, because by strength of hand Jehovah brought you out from here. So nothing leavened may be eaten. Today you are going out (of Egypt) in the month of A´bib." This was to take place on " the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month," (Exodus 12:1,3,6,7,11,18; 13:3,4 ) However, this "first month" Abib was later called Nisan ( March/April ) after the nation of Israel came back from bondage to Babylon, for Mordecai wrote." In the first month, that is, the month Ni´san, in the twelfth year of King A·has·u·e´rus." (Esther 3:7) The Jews had been released from Babylonian captivity on October 5/6 539 B.C.E. and the writing of Esther was completed about 475 B.C.E.and therefore the Jewish Passover was held on the date of Nisan (formerly called Abib) 14. Hence, Jesus celebrated the Passover on Nisan (Abib) 14, 33 C.E. and then afterward passd the loaf and the wine, thereby establishing the celebration of the Lord's Evening Meal. | ||||||
14 | Jehonadab, Why C.E. and B.C.E.? | 1 John 2:2 | Jehonadab | 101916 | ||
There is no real issue for using C.E. or A.D. This is a choice, and for those wishing to understand Bible chronology, it is most helpful in dating Biblical events. For instance, when did the Flood in Noah's day occur or what year did the Israelites leave Egypt? Or when was the nation of Israel destroyed by the Babylonian armies, so as to know when " the appointed times of the nations are fulfilled" upon "Jerusalem"? ( Luke 21:24; Ezek. 21:26,27) The use of Bible chronology can help one to understand approximately how long the "creative days" are, to see where we are in the stream of time..( Gen 2:1-3) And concerning the deity of Christ, Jesus himself said that he was "God's Son", for to the Jews who wanted to stone him, he replied,"do you say to me whom the Father sanctified and dispatched into the world, ‘You blaspheme,’ because I said, I am God’s Son? " Just moments before, Jesus had said, "I and the Father are one.” "( John 10:31,36) Is this teaching the Trinitarian Doctrine ? Sometime later, Jesus, on Nisan 14, 33 C. E., in prayer to his Father, said,"I make request, not concerning these only, but also concerning those putting faith in me through their word; in order that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in union with me and I am in union with you, that they also may be in union with us" Then Jesus continues," Also, I have given them the glory that you have given me, in order that they may be one just as we are one." ( John 17:20-22) If Jesus and God are one in a Godhead, then Jesus eleven apostles would also have to be literally one body, for he said, "that they may be one just as we are one." Hence, what was Jesus praying to his Father about ? Unity, not being part of a Godhead. And also for his eleven faithful apostles to work as "one" , for he continues praying, "I in union with them and you in union with me, in order that they may be perfected into one." (John 17:23) Here is where we can ask some needed questions. (1) If Jesus is God, then why would have to "appeal" to his Father for "more than twelve legions of angels" ? (Matt 26:53) (2) Too, if he is Almighty God, then why was "he was favorably heard for his godly fear", for God fears no one? (3) Also, how can he have " learned obedience from the things he suffered", for God is not obedient to anyone? In addition, Paul writes that Jesus was "called by God a high priest according to the manner of Mel·chiz´e·dek" (4) Does God call himself to serve in an office ? ( Heb 5:7-9 ) Even after returning to heaven, the apostle Paul wrote some 20 years later to the Corinthians,"But I want you to know that the head of every man is the Christ; in turn the head of a woman is the man; in turn the head of the Christ is God. " (1 Cor. 11:3) (5) How can this be,that the Christ has a head, if he is God,since even Nebuchadnezzar quickly noted,concerning God, that "he is doing according to his own will among the army of the heavens and the inhabitants of the earth. And there exists no one that can check his hand or that can say to him, ‘What have you been doing?’" (Dan 4:35) In addition, the Trinity Doctrine teaches that Jesus never had a beginning, hence was uncreated. (6) If that is the case, then how is it that the apostle Paul wrote that "he (Christ Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation;"? ( Col 1:15) This doctrine also teaches that God and Jesus are coequal. . If that is so, then why did Jesus say " If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going my way to the Father, because the Father is greater than I am." ? ( John 14:28 ) Furthermore, and concerning the "great tribulation", Jesus said,"Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father." ( Matt 24:36 ) ( 7 ) If Jesus is coequal with God, having all knowledge,then how can the "Son" not know when the "great tribulation" would begin ? (8) Also, if Jesus is God, then why was “all authority... given (Jesus) in heaven and on the earth", for no one gives any authority to God ? ( Matt 28:18 ) (9) If Jesus is God, then why did he pray,"“My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me. Yet, not as I will, but as you will." And a second time he prayed, " My Father, if it is not possible for this to pass away except I drink it, let your will take place." ( Matt 26:39,42 ) (10 ) If Jesus is God, then why would he wish to submit to his "Father's will" ? (11 ) Furthermore, if he is God, then why would he say, "When once you have lifted up the Son of man, then you will know that I am [he], and that I do nothing of my own initiative; but just as the Father taught me I speak these things." Yet Isaiah wrote, concerning God, "who as his man of counsel can make him know anything ?" ( Isaiah 40:13, John 8:28 ) ( 12 ) Hence, how can Jesus be "taught"if he is God, since God is taught by no one ? |
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15 | Just wondering about your wandering | 1 John 2:2 | Jehonadab | 101333 | ||
George, Matthew wrote ,concerning Jesus, at the start of his ministry, in 29 C.E., "From that time on Jesus commenced preaching and saying: “Repent, you people, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.” (Matt 4:17) Furthermore, in answer to the question , "What will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?”, Jesus replied,"And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come." (Matt 24:3,14) Prior to this, he said concerning God's Kingdom, "But from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of the heavens is the goal toward which men press, and those pressing forward are seizing it." (Matt 11:12) Jesus gave a life saving commission to his disciples just before he ascended to heaven, to "be witnesses of me both in Jerusalem and in all Ju·de´a and Sa·mar´i·a and to the most distant part of the earth." (Acts 1:8) Are you among the throngs who have responded to this commission and is publishing the "good news of the kingdom" ? Did not Jesus say, "He that exercises faith in the Son has everlasting life; he that disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him." (John 3:36) What does it mean to "exercise faith"? It surely cannot be by just going to church or even "being religious", for were not the Jews of Jesus day "religious"? However, he said concerning the religious leaders of his day," Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you shut up the kingdom of the heavens before men; for you yourselves do not go in, neither do you permit those on their way in to go in." Matt 23:13) Is the "kingdom" being made known by the churches today ? And why did Jesus speak so much of the "kingdom"? And when before Pontias Pilate, he said, "My kingdom is no part of this world. If my kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be delivered up to the Jews. But, as it is, my kingdom is not from this source.” (John 18:36) Hence,from the start of his ministry, to just before his death, he made known "God's kingdom". Are you making known this "government"? After having given an illustration concerning different types of "soil", his disciples asked, "Why speakest thou unto them in parables ?" , he answers,"Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not." (Matt 13:10,11, Isaiah 9:6 KJV) Can you explain what "the mysteries of the kingdom" are? There are those who "shall be willing in the day of thy power" to make known this "kingdom" government, in obedience to Jesus command, for Mark records Jesus as saying, " Also, in all the nations the good news has to be preached first." ( Mark 13:10, Psalms 110 :3 KJV) In the illustration of the "mina" at Luke 19, Jesus,spoke of "a certain man of noble birth traveled to a distant land to secure kingly power for himself and to return." He continues, "Calling ten slaves of his he gave them ten mi´nas and told them, ‘Do business till I come.’ " Three slaves are mentioned, but how did they respond to the "king's" command? "Eventually when he got back after having secured the kingly power, he commanded to be called to him these slaves to whom he had given the silver money, in order to ascertain what they had gained by business activity. Then the first one presented himself, saying, ‘Lord, your mi´na gained ten mi´nas.’ So he said to him, ‘Well done, good slave! Because in a very small matter you have proved yourself faithful, hold authority over ten cities.’.... But a different one came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mi´na, that I kept laid away in a cloth. You see, I was in fear of you, because you are a harsh man; " How did the "king" respond? "He said to him, ‘Out of your own mouth I judge you, wicked slave. You knew, did you, that I am a harsh man, taking up what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Hence why is it you did not put my silver money in a bank? Then on my arrival I would have collected it with interest.’" Then the "king" says "Take the mi´na from him and give it to him that has the ten mi´nas.’ But they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten mi´nas! ‘I say to you, To everyone that has, more will be given; but from the one that does not have, even what he has will be taken away..’” How important is it to do the "king's" , that is Christ Jesus , bidding ? It is a matter of life and death. You can choose for yourself what you wish to do, but the command to preach "this gospel of the kingdom" is required to gain Jehovah God's approval. Hence,it is upon me to speak the truth, yes as Jesus said to Pilate "for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone that is on the side of the truth listens to my voice."(John 18:37) |
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16 | How do we preach the Gospel? | 1 John 2:2 | Jehonadab | 101017 | ||
If someone does not accept the Bible as God's word, then tell how you would convince them there is a Creator? What foundation would you lay, so that they would begin to recognize that the Universe and us was a product of creation, rather than evolution? How would you reason with an evolutionist? Remember that you cannot use the Bible. What did the apostle Paul do when before the Areopagus, in Greece and spoke to the Athenians? How did he reason with them,for these did not know of the Christ? Also,Jesus said, three days before he was impaled, "And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come." (Matt 24:14) Then after his resurrection, he told his disciples,"Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you."( Matt 28:19,20) How would you teach people " to observe all the things I have commanded you.", for the "good news of the kingdom" has to be done worldwide and only approximately one third of it professes to be Christian? What about the rest, since many of these do not accept the Bible? Paul wrote that God's "will is that all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth. "(1 Tim 2:4) Since "all sorts of men " are to be saved, how then would you reach them if they are an atheist, or an agnostic? | ||||||
17 | Jehonadab, Why C.E. and B.C.E.? | 1 John 2:2 | Jehonadab | 100799 | ||
Any system of counting time must have a specific starting or reference point. For example, Christendom counts time from the year in which Jesus Christ was supposed to have been born. Dates since then are said to be in the Christian era. They are often designated by the notation A.D., from the Latin anno Domini, meaning “in the year of the Lord.” Dates before that period are marked B.C., “Before Christ". In the B.C.-A.D. system of dating, events that occurred before the traditional time of Jesus’ birth are designated “B.C.” years (before Christ); those that took place after are labeled “A.D.” years (Anno Domini—“in the year of our Lord.”) However, some informed scholars prefer to use the secular designations “B.C.E.” (before our Common Era) and “C.E.” (of our Common Era.) The use of C.E and B.C.E. provides an accurate basis for dates in the Bible. How though did the the use of the term" A.D" begin ?. Early in the sixth century C.E., Pope John I commissioned a monk named Dionysius Exiguus to develop a system of computation that would allow the churches to set an official date for Easter. Dionysius set to work. He calculated back in time, past Jesus’ death, to what he thought was the year of Jesus’ birth; then he numbered each year forward from that point. Dionysius designated the period from Jesus’ birth “A.D.” (for Anno Domini—“in the year of our Lord.”) While intending only to devise a reliable way of calculating Easter each year, Dionysius inadvertently introduced the concept of numbering the years from what he reckoned as the birth of Christ forward. Although most scholars agree that Jesus was not born in the year Dionysius used as a basis for his calculations, his system of chronology does allow us to locate events in the stream of time and see their relationship to one another. He, although an amateur mathematician, tried calculating the date of the birth of Jesus, and made that date the starting point for the Christian world. He calculated the birth of Christ as having occurred in 753 according to the count from the founding of Rome. Dionysius followed the convention of his times and, as the Roman calendar moved from the year 753 to 754, he called the latter "year one" of the New World order—anno domini the year of our Lord. But some informed Bible scholars have come to prefer the use of B.C.E. and C.E. in understanding Biblical chronology. The dating terms of B.C.E. and C.E. are derived from a different source, not from what Dionysius used as his basis for the birth of Christ. Reliable Bible chronology is based on certain pivotal dates. A pivotal date is a calendar date in history that has a sound basis for acceptance and that corresponds to a specific event recorded in the Bible. It can then be used as the starting point from which a series of Bible events can be located on the calendar with certainty. Once this pivotal point is fixed, calculations forward or backward from this date are made from accurate records in the Bible itself, such as the stated life spans of people or the duration of the reigns of kings. Thus, starting from a pegged point, we can use the reliable internal chronology of the Bible itself in dating many Bible events.Hence, many scholars prefer the use of B.C.E.and C.E. when dating accurately events in the Bible, chronological happenings, for they make separate from the use of A.D.and these are based upon two pivotal dates that informed Bible scholars use-the night that the world power Babylon fell and the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar. ( Daniel 5:30; Luke 3:1, 3 ) Thus this system of dating allows one to date accurately the baptism of Jesus, his death, along with Biblical events dating all the way back to the Garden of Eden. There is no issue here ,but rather an understanding of dating terms and uses. |
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18 | How do we preach the Gospel? | 1 John 2:2 | Jehonadab | 100722 | ||
George, Truly the Bible is God's Word. However, if a person has no belief in it or believes that we were a product of evolution, then using the Bible would perhaps produce little or no results. Therefore, one has to use 'tools' that this person will accept, thus laying a 'foundation' that hopefully will lead to them looking into the Bible. For example, if a person is an atheist, would using the Bible convince him that there is indeed a Creator ? However, if one reasons with him or her on the construction of the Universe, giving evidence that there has to a Creator, then this can possibly have an impact on their 'looking' into the Bible. Please allow me to use an example, a person believes that we evolved. Those who accept this theory feel no accountability to a Creator, for in their mind no such person exists. Several questions can be asked that might lead one to start seriously thinking that life could not have arisen by itself, that is "evolved". ( 1 ) If "man" evolved, then where did the woman come from? ( 2 ) If man and woman evolved, how did they manage to get together? ( 3 ) If man and woman evolved, then how did "evolution" know to to make it where these two could produce a child? ( 4 ) When one looks at a car, and you ask them where did this vehicle come, they will tell you that it was manufactured; in other words, it had a maker, a mind being used to design and arrange all the pieces to form a car. Then ask, If a car had a maker, then how could you say that we evolved, we being far, far more complex than any car will ever be? Let's consider for a moment about the basic building blocks of life-amino acids. This is a stubborn problem that confronts evolutionary theory. Remember, there are over 100 amino acids, but only 20 are needed for life’s proteins. Moreover, they come in two shapes: Some of the molecules are "right-handed" and others are "left-handed." Should they be formed at random, as in a theoretical organic soup, it is most likely that half would be right-handed and half left-handed. And there is no known reason why either shape should be preferred in living things. Yet, of the 20 amino acids used in producing life’s proteins, all are left-handed! Also,what chance is there that the correct amino acids would come together to form a protein molecule? It could be likened to having a big, thoroughly mixed pile containing equal numbers of red beans and white beans. There are also over 100 different varieties of beans. Now, if you plunged a scoop into this pile, what do you think you would get? To get the beans that represent the basic components of a protein, you would have to scoop up only red ones-no white ones at all! Also, your scoop must contain only 20 varieties of the red beans, and each one must be in a specific, preassigned place in the scoop. In the world of protein, a single mistake in any one of these requirements would cause the protein that is produced to fail to function properly. Would any amount of stirring and scooping in our hypothetical bean pile have given the right combination? No. Then how would it have been possible in the hypothetical organic soup? The proteins needed for life have very complex molecules. What is the chance of even a simple protein molecule forming at random in an organic soup? Evolutionists acknowledge it to be only one in 10(113) (1 followed by 113 zeros). But any event that has one chance in just 10(50) is dismissed by mathematicians as never happening. An idea of the odds, or probability, involved is seen in the fact that the number 10(113) is larger than the estimated total number of all the atoms in the universe! Some proteins serve as structural materials and others as enzymes. The latter speed up needed chemical reactions in the cell. Without such help, the cell would die. Not just a few, but 2,000 proteins serving as enzymes are needed for the cell’s activity. What are the chances of obtaining all of these at random? One chance in 10(40,000)! More difficult to obtain than these are nucleotides, the structural units of DNA, which bears the genetic code. Five histones are involved in DNA (histones are thought to be involved in governing the activity of genes). The chance of forming even the simplest of these histones is said to be one in 20100-another huge number "larger than the total of all the atoms in all the stars and galaxies visible in the largest astronomical telescopes." Hence,it is necessary to reason with people, just as Jesus did, for he used illustrations and examples that the Jews were personally familiar with and accepted. |
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19 | How do we preach the Gospel? | 1 John 2:2 | Jehonadab | 100611 | ||
This stands for Before the Common (Christian) Era. In the B.C.-A.D. system of dating, events that occurred before the traditional time of Jesus' birth are designated "B.C." years (before Christ); those that took place after are labeled "A.D." years (Anno Domini-"in the year of our Lord.") However, some informed scholars prefer to use the secular designations "B.C.E." (before our Common Era) and "C.E." (of our Common Era.) |
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20 | How do we preach the Gospel? | 1 John 2:2 | Jehonadab | 100609 | ||
As with a court case, evidence needs to be brought forth that will prove whether someone is innocent or guilty. Hence,for those that are really wanting to know the truth of a matter or is even willing to reason effectively, then evidence that is compelling, will make them think seriously. This is what Jesus did, by the use of illustrations and even real life examples, such as the one at Luke 13:2-5. For those that have their minds made up no matter what evidence is presented, though weighty or even positive proof of something, then these will again not listen. Jesus was a master teacher,fulfilling what is written at Isaiah 50:4,"The Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself has given me the tongue of the taught ones, that I may know how to answer the tired one with a word." Yes, he taught so convincingly that, after giving the 'Sermon on the Mount', that Matthew wrote,"Now when Jesus finished these sayings, the effect was that the crowds were astounded at his way of teaching; for he was teaching them as a person having authority, and not as their scribes."(Matt 7:28,29) However, not all listened to him.The religious leaders of his day, the Pharisees, Sadducces and the scribes did not put faith him for the most part, despite the fact of his performing numerous miracles. Even after resurrecting Lazarus from the dead, these were wanting to put him, along with Lazarus, to death.(John 11:53; 12:9-11) Jesus, after his resurrection from the dead in 33 C.E., gave the command to "Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit,teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you."(Matt 28:19,20) Therefore, it is upon those that wish to obey this command, to teach others the truth of the Bible, specifically about God's kingdom. In giving the illustration of Lazarus and the Rich Man,at Luke 16, Jesus clearly showed that their would be many that, despite overwhelming evidence to fully convince someone reasonable,would reject this evidence. The "rich man" in this illustration,after "existing in torments",asked of "Abraham","I ask you, father, to send him (Lazarus) to the house of my father, for I have five brothers, in order that he may give them a thorough witness, that they also should not get into this place of torment." However, "Abraham" replied,"They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to these." But the "rich man" in turn says,"No, indeed, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them they will repent." But finally "Abraham" says,"If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.'" What was the point of the illustration here ? That, despite convincing proof, there will be those that will disregard it, even if someone is resurrected from the dead before their eyes. Jesus gave this simple direction,"Into whatever city or village you enter, search out who in it is deserving, and stay there until you leave. When you are entering into the house, greet the household; and if the house is deserving, let the peace you wish it come upon it; but if it is not deserving, let the peace from you return upon you. Wherever anyone does not take you in or listen to your words, on going out of that house or that city shake the dust off your feet."(Matt 10:11-14) Our Creator, Jehovah God, is looking for those that are "deserving", "those who were rightly disposed for everlasting life."(Acts 13:48) These will "listen" to the evidence, for as Jesus said, concerning his "sheep", "The doorkeeper opens to this one, and the sheep listen to his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has got all his own out, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, because they know his voice."(John 10:3,4 ) The "deserving" ones will be found, for Jesus said,after giving the command to "Go therefore and make disciples","And, look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things."(Matt 28:20) On the other hand, those unwilling to "listen", will be judged as unworthy of life, for Jesus said, " He that exercises faith in the Son has everlasting life; he that disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him." (John 3:36 ) |
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