Results 1 - 7 of 7
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Is 2 Timothy describing modern people? | 2 Tim 3:5 | coop1 | 24593 | ||
Hello, In 2 Timothy, chapter 3...there is described the type of people that will arise in the end times: 1)This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2)For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3)Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4)Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; 5)Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such turn away... (KJV) My question is; Do you suppose this could be describing people right now in America and in the world? |
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2 | Is 2 Timothy describing modern people? | 2 Tim 3:5 | Makarios | 24596 | ||
Hello coop1, This passage in 2 Timothy 3:1-9 is a list of attributes that characterize the people in the "perilous seasons".. This list is similar to the Lord's description of unbelievers in Mark 7:21,22. You have listed these attributes, as stated in the KJV, and I agree: all of these characteristics can be found in our current generation. Even though I believe that this is a reference to the "perilous seasons (or times)", I believe that Paul was speaking of the whole period between the writing of this letter and the Lord's return, since Jesus' followers expected His return almost immediately (Acts 1:11). However, as each new day approaches, His return draws near, and these characteristics in 2 Tim. 3 will intensify (see 1 Tim. 4:1-5). The description that follows (vv. 2-9) is of mass corruption, of a breakdown of law and tradition. Good study! Nolan |
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3 | Do you think 2 Tim. 3:5 is nations too? | 2 Tim 3:5 | coop1 | 24601 | ||
Hi Nolan, Thank you for your response. I agree with your answer, also that the term 'end times' refers to the time period since Jesus ressurection. I would like to focus in on verse 5, if I may... we are commanded here to turn away from such a people as described in the above passages. "...having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such turn away..." My question to you then is this...do you believe this could also mean our own family? And to extend that question just a bit further...do you believe it could also mean nations and peoples, opposed to just individules? I look forward to your comments. Thanks! coop1 |
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4 | Do you think 2 Tim. 3:5 is nations too? | 2 Tim 3:5 | Makarios | 24603 | ||
Greetings coop1! Yes! These verses in 2 Thess. 3 could even be including members of our own family. For Jesus said, "Mat 10:34 "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword! Mat 10:35 For I came to turn 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Mat 10:36 A person's enemies will be members of his own family.'" [International Standard Version] I come from a very disruptive family, more disruptive then any average "church family", and my father was a pastor! :-) But I have seen divorce, death, beligerance, stubbornness, and outright sin effect my family on many occasions. That partly explains the reasoning behind my hesitation to marry, since I am still single. But the Lord is beginning to heal our family once again, primarily through me and my cousins (who are also saved), who have decided to take a stand for Christ, no matter what happens! And in this way, my cousins are closer to me than my own brothers, sisters, mother, or father, who unfortunately continue to hurt each other by their actions and words. I am 25 years old and haven't lived with either one of my parents since I was 18 and able to "escape" and go to college. As for a 'national' perspective, I would agree, since there are many nations out there who are presently persecuting Christians (www.persecution.com) and those who hold to a religion ("having a form of godliness"), that has no resemblance at all to Christianity. Blessings to you! Nolan |
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5 | Do you think US has these people? | 2 Tim 3:5 | coop1 | 24614 | ||
Hi Nolan, Thank you for your quick answer. Let me say first, I am sorry about your family...I have very similar stories and I think their are many people who have shared similar experiences. I know that helps ease your pain any...but sometimes it helps to know that "we are not the only ones". The good news is...as a Christian, you now have a new family, with a very bright future! I tend to agree with you that this could mean families and nations as well. I noticed when you were talking about nations you distinguished between those who persecute Christians or who have no resemblance to Christianity, but did not mention those who do practice Christianity? When I read back over the passage 2Tim. 3:5...I saw that it said; highminded, lovers of self, boasters, lovers of pleasure, unthankful, disobedient to parents, unholy ect...but did not see anything in that passage to indicate that this may only include nations that deny Christianity. What I am saying is, I think even nations who allow Christian worship can also contain people like these passages descibe. Would you agree? Look at America, we allow Christian worship...but we also allow no worship and the worship of false gods. We certainly have our fair share of boasters, and prideful people, lovers of pleasure and disobedient children, ect..wouldn't you say? I think that would be a hard point to question. Therefor, I would ask you...Do you think America could be one of those countries (in it's present state) that we could be called to turn away from? I know this is a hard question because it brings about feelings of treason on some level, and then there is the whole "submitting to the governing authorities thing"...but if you can, please answer honestly and from a spiritual stand point. And if you agree with this...than how do we do both? Turn away from a country...where we must obey the governing laws? Thanks...coop1 :-) |
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6 | Do you think US has these people? | 2 Tim 3:5 | Makarios | 24620 | ||
Greetings coop1! I appreciate your sympathy for my family. They are continually kept in prayer. :-) I would agree! Even the United States of America has its share of people who fit the unwholesome characteristics that are described in 2 Tim. 3:1-9. But then again, every nation of people does. And there would always be the potential for these unwholesome characteristics wherever the sinful nature is present. If you feel a leading to turn away from the United States or to reject America's laws, then by all means, you do have the freedom to do that and to leave the United States. And I'm sure that you realize, that while you are on American soil, you will be expected to cooperate with America's laws and the governing authorites. But of course, you knew that already, and I, along with you, pledge allegiance to a 'higher authority', that being Jesus Christ, even though I believe that He has blessed us richly by placing us in such a country as America is. However, I have a different calling than you. I am not led to abandon the United States. The Lord has put it upon my heart to be a "lamp of light" where I am at- in the United States. He has chosen me to be one of His representatives in America, where I am, so that I may win others for Him. So with me, it is not a case of rejecting America because of the unwholesomeness within its borders, but it is a case of fulfilling my calling, which was placed upon me by Jesus Christ: to win some of those who practice "unwholesomeness" to a saving knowledge of God's grace. I believe that there is nowhere on earth where I can go to escape this sinful nature, since it is inherent within my very self.. Your Brother in Christ, Nolan |
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7 | Do you think US has these people? | 2 Tim 3:5 | coop1 | 24643 | ||
Good evening Nolan, Very well said! It is not that I have a leading to abandon the United States...and like you...I am doing what I can do to change hearts with the help and grace of God. It is just that our self righteousness, as a nation, has been laid upon my heart very heavy. What I mean is, (and it is very hard to use constructive critisim on this issue without sounding like a trader or communist or nut case or something...I'm not doing a good job here), but what I mean is...well this new sense of forceful pride that we are seeing coming out of our nations tragedies. I see it as kind of...well, a snake...waiting to turn on us and devour. Please, let me try to explain. On one hand, the fact that we all have come together is very good. I think the terrorist attacks came as a much need wake up call and caused many to reconsider their priorities. Which is all good. I see another element taking effect here that concerns me deeply. We seem to becoming a more forceful, powermongering kind of people. And we are labeling it with titles like, 'good' and 'justice'. I truly believe that we (speaking generally) are really enjoying these attacks and bombings. We are enjoying war! Listen...My son is in the Air Force. And I am very proud of him. I feel as though we are contributing greatly to this cause. In all honesty, I could pay a very high price and my son...the ultimate price. I have him in God's hands, but God's will may be different than mine, ya' know? I am not afraid...but deeply concerned that he is partaking in something that is becoming very sinister. When this all started, I cautiously and soberly hung my flags out to show my support for my country and my son. But as time went by, and I listened closely to our government officials and to people at work and family and neighbors and my son...I realized that we are just taking to much pleasure in this violence and chaos. I mean everyone, including the blue haired lady across the street is practically parading and chanting..."kill 'em, kill 'em...yaaa!" While they wave their flags high. Every bubba in the nation has the American flag on one side of their truck and "kill the s-o-b's" on the other...speeding through town, slinging beer cans and shouting yahoo! I mean, this is suppose to be about "justice" and what is right....issued by a peaceable, Christian founded nation. And while that is all still being professed, I see underneath that is not really the case anymore. Now the American flag is a bit tainted to me. It no longer stands for all the things it use to stand for...to me. It is becoming something else. When I see the flag now, I wonder if like the majority seems...that person is so filled with anger and pride and revenge, they even have thought of how God might want us to deal with all this or a care of the death that will arise. Maybe it is like they all say and we must do away with him...although just writing that caused me some uncomfortablness...but should killing be so...joyful? I don't think taking someones life should be a pleasurable experience. Do you? I mean, would right hearts actually take pleasure in the fact that another human being, a creation of God must be killed? Please don't mistake that for a sympathy for Bin Ladin or his out fit or causes. But more a sympathy for mankind. And we are operating out of this...place, that I have described...and presenting ourselves like we are the purest people on the earth! I am deeply saddened by the death of our enemy and very, very saddened by the fact that our young men and women may loose theirs in the process. I really do believe that all we need to do is turn to God. He will take care of it. We can trust Him...and should He bellow down from heaven, "GO TO WAR"...than so be it. I do not feel like parades or waving flags around in celebration or even bragging up our country. I am ashamed of it in some ways. I am a native American. My grandfather was born on a Cherokee Indian reservation. And while the blood line has been removed a couple times..my roots are here on this land, and this land a part of my body. I don't know that there is a point to this. I just maybe needed to express it all. I have taken my flags down from my mail box and porch. And the ones in my heart are at half mast. I hope you understand. coop1 |
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