Results 1 - 20 of 20
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | What do you like about the church? | Eph 2:22 | Aixen7z4 | 117887 | ||
I would like to talk about the church, and bring out some of the qualities to show what a marvelous thing it is. But I do not know how to introduce the subject to force a focus and to avoid distracting from it. So I'll just say, "What do you like about the church?" | ||||||
2 | What do you like about the church? | Eph 2:22 | kalos | 117888 | ||
Define "church." In your question, are you asking about the true church, the visible church or local churches? | ||||||
3 | What do you like about the church? | Eph 2:22 | Aixen7z4 | 117889 | ||
Let us focus on the church of Ephesians 2:22. | ||||||
4 | What do you like about the church? | Eph 2:22 | kalos | 117892 | ||
NASB Ephesians 2:22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:22 does not mention the word "church" at all. That is why I asked you to define "church." |
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5 | What do you like about the church? | Eph 2:22 | Aixen7z4 | 117894 | ||
The word "church" is not there, but the church is there. Please look carefully. It might help if you also looked at Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 3:10, Ephesians 5:25-27, Eph5:32; Col 1:18; 1Peter 2:5. I do not want to make this a great mystery; I am speaking of "the" church, as mentioned in those passages. |
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6 | What do you like about the church? | Eph 2:22 | kalos | 117895 | ||
If you truly do not want to make this a great mystery, then answer the question: define "church". As mentioned in those passages you cited, what is the church? Are those passages talking about the true church, the visible church or local churches? |
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7 | What do you like about the church? | Eph 2:22 | Aixen7z4 | 117899 | ||
Let's talk about the true church. | ||||||
8 | What do you like about the church? | Eph 2:22 | kalos | 117901 | ||
The True Church...the actual body of Christians 'The word [church] is used in two senses: the visible and the invisible church. The visible church consists of all the people that claim to be Christians and go to church. The invisible church is the actual body of Christians; those who are truly saved. 'The true church of God is not an organization on earth consisting of people and buildings, but is really a supernatural entity comprised of those who are saved by Jesus. It spans the entire time of man's existence on earth as well as all people who are called into it. We become members of the church (body of Christ) by faith (Acts 2:41). We are edified by the Word (Eph. 4:15-16), disciplined by God (Matt. 18:15-17), unified in Christ (Gal. 3:28), and sanctified by the Spirit (Eph. 5:26-27)' (http://www.carm.org/dictionary/dic_c-d.htm#_1_29). |
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9 | What do you like about the church? | Eph 2:22 | flinkywood | 117904 | ||
Kalos, I'd never heard of, or thought of, the church in terms of "invisible-visible". How much dust would fly if the invisible became visible and vice-versa? Colin |
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10 | But can we answer the question? | Eph 2:22 | Aixen7z4 | 118004 | ||
I will provoke another thought now, that I hope will have repercussions for this entire forum. I will accuse us of a low level of processing. We can talk about a topic. We can talk about talking about a topic. We can talk around a topic. We can even quote scriptures that relate to a topic. We can talk about a question, but we either give an easy theoretical answer or we don‘t answer it at all. We can parry about and go off on tangents. But we find it hard to get to the guts, to answer a question in practical terms and to apply the word of God. We can talk about what “invisible” means and now, about how much dust would fly if the invisible became visible and vice-versa. It is more difficult to express an appreciation for what the word of God says about the church that Christ is building. But I like this forum. I have talked about its potential. One aspect of it I like is the tree-like format of the thing. We can make this part a tangent end and stretch it out. Or we can get to the higher level and actually answer the question. But is it not wonderful that we can talk all day about what “church” means and never ever say what we like abut the church? I challenge us to make a choice here. Say that it is wrong to provoke. Ask for a definition of “repercussions”. Impugn the motive. Argue the etymology of the word “church”. Engage in a personal attack on Nobel Aixen. Accuse him of bringing psychology onto a Bible Study forum because he used the words “level of processing". Cut him off. Or rise to the higher level and answer the question. What do you like, marvel at, appreciate, admire, about the wonderful work that the Lord is doing on this earth, building his church? See the vast building See it rise The work, how great! The plan how wise! How do you like it? To many, within and without, the church may not seem very beautiful now. There is all the dust and rubble of construction. Just as they may not see much beauty in Aixen. But when he shall appear, we shall be like him. I hope we get to shout to the principalities and powers then, “How do you like me now?” But Jesus is the Master Builder, and he is building his church. Down around here, amidst the dust and the rubble, we can hardly see the beauty of the thing. Let us rise to the higher level and look at it, and say what we think. Or must I put it in the form of a question? |
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11 | But can we answer the question? | Eph 2:22 | EdB | 118009 | ||
Nobel You have more than once convinced us you like to dabble in the hypothetical, the philosophical, and perceived rather than the tangible, absolute, and never changing. You asked what we like or dislike about the church. I dislike how the hypothetical, philosophical, and the perceived is invading the church. God is real, constant and absolute as should the church be. We have allowed situational ethics, relative truth and experience replace what God designed to be the standard, the stalwart, the consistent, the fact and the truth. We have done it name of intellectualism, relevance, and just plain keeping up with the times. However the truths God gave us span time, span philosophy, span analytical mumbo jumbo. We can try to reduce God down to our feelings, our perception, or even our state of mind but the fact remains God is still God. Instead of trying to find out how our thoughts fit in the church, or how the church can be changed to allow our thoughts to fit in, we need to make our thoughts conform to what God has defined as constants in this world. God and the things of God are not hypothetical, philosophical nor perceived. And we need to learn to accept, conform and be content with in them. What do like about the church? Everything God has done! EdB |
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12 | But can we answer the question? | Eph 2:22 | Aixen7z4 | 118015 | ||
And thus, with a simple dismissive statement, we trivialize the question. I did not ask what we like “or dislike” about the church. I tried as hard as I could to frame the question so as to solicit only positive comments. Those comments, meanwhile, may come from statements in the word of God. We do not have to “dabble in the hypothetical, the philosophical, and perceived”. But you folks are so predictable now, it is almost like a self-fulfilling prophecy, or the power of suggestion. Or maybe there is such a ting as reverse psychology. Predict, state, suggest, express a fear that you will go off on a tangent, and that is exactly what you do. But I like this forum. I have talked about its potential. One aspect of it I like is the tree-like format of the thing. We can make this part a tangent end and stretch it out. Or we can get to the higher level and actually answer the question. I challenge us to make a choice here. Stay on this tangent and discuss these things. Say some more about how much you dislike what you perceive as “the hypothetical, philosophical, and the perceived … invading the church”, or rise to the higher level and answer the question. And please do not say what you dislike. Search the scriptures for the beauty of the church, and tell the world how you like it. |
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13 | But can we answer the question? | Eph 2:22 | EdB | 118016 | ||
Noble I think you have a hang up focusing of negativity. Every time someone says something to you, you seem to turn it negative and chastise them for it. Perhaps it is you that is shallow and dismissive? While I did explain my concern with your line of questioning and how it opens doors of discontentment, which is quite common in the psychological environs today, I quite openly told you what I liked about the church. God is in control. Now if that is to simplistic for you perhaps you don’t fully understand all that is implied by that statement. EdB |
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14 | But can we answer the question? | Eph 2:22 | Aixen7z4 | 118022 | ||
I do have a hang-up on negativity. I think that rude and nasty talking among Christians is not good. Or maybe it is "a hang up focusing of negativity". I'm not sure. Call me shallow if you will. That is what I called your thinking, though I think it is wrong to attack a brother's person. (The behavior, not the person. Get it?) Maybe a statement such as "God is in control" is enough, and too profound for me, and I need elaboration. I really wish we did not have to talk about this, but I guess the more I say that the more we will. Maybe I should say please do not go to the higher thread and answer the question. Maybe then you will. Maybe I should say I enjoy rude talk and put downs and that I hate to see us stick to a topic. I'll think about it. | ||||||
15 | But can we answer the question? | Eph 2:22 | EdB | 118026 | ||
Noble Are you paranoid? I'm talking about “behavior” not “the person” here so don't be insulted. You ask 'twilight zone' type questions and then get insulted when people tell you this isn't the correct vehicle for that type of question. One thing I have learned through the years is the more we explore the psychological environs the more dissatisfied we have a tendency to be. We also have a tendency to embellish and enhance our perceptions when asked question of this type, ‘What do you think of ‘X’ ?” therefore such direct questions carry little true information. If you have ever studied the mechanics of a opinion surveys, they are designed to counter act this phenomena and eventually boil down the answers to reveal the underlying but true feeling. However you insist on attempting to do this with vague and primary questions which are sure to be tainted. EdB |
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16 | But can we answer the question? | Eph 2:22 | Aixen7z4 | 118029 | ||
Yes, I am paranoid. But they say that a little paranoia is good when there is real danger around. And make no bones about it, my friend, words hurt. They drive people away from this forum and away from the church. So do not think that the behavior here is harmless. You can characterize me, or my words in any way you like. I have an idea what a vague question is but I do not know what a "primary" question is, though I suspect it is not a credit to the person who asks it. Yes, I may be paranoid, but I am sane enough to admit it. And I am secure in Christ, enough so I can stand here and answer your questions. But my heart bleeds for the people who have shed tears on this forum, here, before departing. I see it also in the church. Yet I stand here, and there, to ask them not to leave this place or the church in spite of your behavior. In spite of this the church is a wonderful thing, and I'd really rather talk about that. Should I go now to study the mechanics of opinion surveys? I'd really rather stay here and talk about the good things that the Bible says about the church. I have an idea it will encourage someone. |
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17 | But can we answer the question? | Eph 2:22 | EdB | 118031 | ||
Noble You have a funny way of encouraging someone. I know every time I interact with you I walk away with what I feel is a slapped face while you stand there yelling foul. Why it that? Your questions are open and vague and when your asked to define them you attack the person’s “behavior” but never their “personage” (what a play on words that was) picturing yourself as the innocent victim of a forum conspiracy. Your behavior not person can be viewed as devious and contemptible in that aspect. If you call it encouragement I would hate to see what you do to someone you want to discourage. I pray that the only people that leave this forum are people that push an agenda that magnifies something other that our Lord Jesus Christ. However I fear there are many that leave because they are tired of innocent victims of the forum conspiracy beating their breastplates crying foul. If you have a verse or a passage you would like to discuss then let us discuss it. However if you only have hypothetical “what if” questions perhaps you can find a Bible hypothetical “what if’ forum that would better suit you. There you can declare yourself a victim of the forum conspiracy you have been put upon because the Study Bible forum wants to study the Bible not hypothetical ‘what if’ aspects of Christianity. EdB |
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18 | But can we answer the question? | Eph 2:22 | Aixen7z4 | 118037 | ||
There you go. Tell them to go somewhere else. As if this is your forum. As if the church belongs to you. After you run out of words such as "devious" and "contemptible" you may try some other ploys. But I came on here to ask a simple question, and I am convinced all of this is simply a distraction. You are avoiding a discussion of a substantive subject. Now I must leave for church. That might give someone the opportunity to wonder why I go to church on Saturday or start to beat up on those who do. Would it help if I said I was not an Adventist? It won't matter. You will find something negative to say anyway. But my only regret is you will not rise to the higher level and answer the question. I think that after all of this you will feel right about saying something good. There you go. Tell them to go somewhere else. As if this is your forum. As if the church belongs to you. After you run out of words such as "devious" and "contemptible" you may try some other ploys. But I came on here to ask a simple question, and I am convinced all of this is simply a distraction. You are avoiding a discussion of a substantive subject. Now I must leave for church. That might give someone the opportunity to wonder why I go to church on Saturday or start to beat up on those who do. Would it help if I said I was not an Adventist? It won't matter. You will find something negative to say anyway. But my only regret is you will not rise to the higher level and answer the question. Yes, I am the one who caused it. Because I did not know how to define "the church". I had no idea that the Bible scholars on this forum would not know what the definite article “the” stands for, and I thought there was only one church. But the Bible scholars here thought I might be talking about the church up the street, that everyone on this worldwide forum might know about. Amazing. No. There is another spirit here, that is oppositional ,and focused on deflecting us from any practical application of the truth. Whom resist, steadfast in the faith. Well, God knows that I tried. All I was looking for was some Biblical statements about how wonderful a thing the church is, and we get this. Do we have anything positive to say? Can we get off Aixen’s case, move up higher, and talk positive about the church? It will take some effort. How can we say anything positive after this? There are some positive things from the Bible about the church. Maybe when I get back I will find some. |
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19 | What do you like about the church? | Eph 2:22 | Rowdy | 118043 | ||
Okay, I'm hoping everyone on the Forum agrees that the church is only one thing: the church is the living, breathing human beings that make up its membership. All other physical aspects of the church are be used as aids to help accomplish the mission as directed by Her Lord, our High Priest. The building, song books, different versions of the Bible, all this represents tools to help us go to Heaven. My point is with this statement is to ask you one last time...what do you like about the church? Of course, I might have missed it in an earlier post. God bless. --Rowdy |
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20 | What do you like about the church? | Eph 2:22 | justme | 118051 | ||
Rowdy: May I be nitpicky? None of the items "help us go to Heaven." The items you listed are things we use in worshiping and renewing, and growing in maturity in Christ Jesus. What I like about the "church is the worshiping of our Lord Jesus as a group of Christians we call the "church" or "Body" Nothing depends as much as my attitude in Worshiping the LORD. Blessings. justme |
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