Results 1 - 8 of 8
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Violent correction? | Neh 13:25 | Rowdy | 119407 | ||
I must admit, I don't understand how my post introduced the concept of repentance into this discussion BUT since you brought it up, I'll respond. I agree with you, I do think that a lot of folks don't understand the proper and full meaning of repentance. As I'm sure you know, it does mean a complete reversal from the previous lifestyle of sin. That lifestyle means different things to different people. To some it's obvious when sin dominates their lives; they must repent and resolve and stop those sins of commission. But to others who are fairly good people with a mostly good moral life, they seem to miss the fact that they, along with all of us need to repent from their shortcomings and learn to stop the sin of omission in their lives. Also, don't forget the teachings in James, especially Chapter 2. Yes, emphatically we are saved absolutely due to the work of our Lord, BUT our Lord is expecting to see OUR works as proof that we really are His children and NOT just saying "Lord, Lord" to get ourselves into Heaven. Thanks for the tip on mold. I actually had a rug for a few months and paid handsomely for it at the encouragement of my wife. But it just wasn't for me. The biggest thing was it was expense in monthly maintenance and washing it with expensive shampoos. God bless you, dear friend. --Rowdy |
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2 | Violent correction? | Neh 13:25 | Just Read Mark | 119413 | ||
Repentance and correction. Ok: I think I brought up the idea of repentance, in response to the "cut out your eye" passage. That text encourages us to turn from our temptations - whatever the cost - and turn toward God. Chopping out the eye has some similarity to Ezra pulling out his beard (Ezra 9:3). Perhaps he does this is for dramatic effect -- but it is certainly a sign of grief over Israel's sin. It is a sign of acknowledging sin, and turning to God. Here, the pulling of hair doesn't disturb me, because Ezra is setting an example, doing it TO HIMSELF. Another scene of hair being ripped out is Isaiah 50:6. One of the "suffering servant" sections --- where Isaiah is being unjustly reviled. The hair removal is violent and a sign of contempt. Perhaps this is more like Nehemiah's use? Again, returning to my question... I would think that Nehemiah's goal would be to have the wayward Israelites repent of their intermarriage. Repenting is an inward action of the soul and heart, turning toward God. Can a leader use beating and humiliation to trigger a contrite heart? Yours, JRM |
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3 | Violent correction? | Neh 13:25 | Rowdy | 119447 | ||
I'm thinking we're basically talking about the value of life. As we're seeing in today's world on the other side of the ocean, in some countries and cultures, life doesn't mean very much, especially to the upper crust. The people in those wonderfully blessed positions in life have so much for which to be grateful and yet they don't see a need to share with their very own neighbor who might be among the poorest people on the earth. To such a monarch in such a country and culture, pulling hair and other extreme demonstrations of drama to make a point are merely another attempt to get the attention of his continuency. I can only imagine the contemporary kings to Solomon. Upon hearing about his wise question to the deceiving mother and his offer to cut the child in half, some of his neighboring kings probably thought "I would have gone ahead and cut the child in half and handed the two halves to the two women; would've serve the true mother right for associating with such scum." This of course, is conjecture on my part. In my travels and reading of international newspapers, I have heard of some pretty bad deeds perpetrated by the rulers across the world. Thank God America still has a modicum of decency and has a court system to prevent such abuses. God bless. --Rowdy |
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4 | Violent Correction | Neh 13:25 | Just Read Mark | 119458 | ||
I like Rowdy's post, but I am left with a question. Let's see if we can get at the issue that keeps eating at me. We are indeed talking about the value of human life. In your post, you speak of wealthy leaders that treat their people with contempt. Here's my struggle: are you saying that Nehemiah is like that? The tension I am trying to understand is this: 1) Nehemiah is a celebrated leader who leads God's people to renewal; and 2) Nehemiah corrects his followers by beating them and pulling out their hair. Nehemiah even sees item (2) as something that commends him in God's eyes (unlike David's faults, that he became aware of ...). So to resolve this tension, we have some choices: a) Nehemiah is right to lead in this way, and we are oversensitive prudes. b) Nehemiah is presented as being right, but the text is out of date (yikes) c) Nehemiah is wrong to lead in this way, and there are indications of this within the book of Nehemiah. d) Nehemiah is a little mixed up, but we balance that against other passages of scripture --- use other Biblical texts to critique Nehemiah. e) other? help me out here. JRM |
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5 | Violent Correction | Neh 13:25 | Rowdy | 119468 | ||
I'm pondering on my next response but meanwhile I've noticed you and I have dominated this thread and I'd be interested in what our other Forum folks think on this subject. What do yall (that's you all in southern USA talk) think? I'll tune in later on. God bless. --Rowdy |
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6 | Violent Correction | Neh 13:25 | Just Read Mark | 119505 | ||
Blocked thread. Hi Rowdy. I think we were all hoping other voices would contribute to the thread, but it has been blocked! I don't understand that --- do you? Anyway, thank you for your posts --- same to CDBJ. May God bless your study of His word. And, if you have a wise answer to my previous post, please do let me know. Yours, JRM. |
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7 | Violent Correction | Neh 13:25 | Rowdy | 119507 | ||
In answer to your question about Why the Block? I don't know in this case. I can only guess that one or more of us (it could be me) has touched briefly on a subject the "Forum Protectors" feel is controversial or denominational and thus damaging to the image of the Forum. I'm afraid I have to admit quite a few of the threads I like to participate on are done that way. In my opinion, if we're not to try to correct misunderstandings or false teaching as it relates to the Bible, then why have the Forum in the first place? But then again, it is very important that we all maintain an open mind AND an open heart to all of God's Word. It's also very important that we should be polite and courteous to one another. That's sometimes difficult to do with stubborn knuncle-heads like me. I do hope I didn't cause your thread to be blocked. God bless. --Rowdy PS: I really should extend my apology to CDBJ as well. |
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8 | Violent Correction | Neh 13:25 | Just Read Mark | 119613 | ||
The only reason I can think of is my list of options, a few posts back, included "out of date" as an option. I wasn't suggesting that I would choose that option. Rather, including it shows the importance of addressing difficult questions like this one.... If we don't address this kind of passage - if we basically ignore it - we are silently selecting the "out of date" view! Another option not listed is, "Scripture is true, but I humbly submit that I don't know how to interpret this bit..." I'm often left in that position, hoping for more light in the future. Peace. |
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