Results 1 - 20 of 25
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Results from: Answers On or After: Thu 12/31/70 Author: Zsuzsi Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Zsuzsi, which Scripture don't YOU keep? | 1 Tim 2:12 | Zsuzsi | 123608 | ||
Hi Searcher, Thanks for your reply. No, I didn't say we get to choose what to keep and what not to keep. I only suggested that we keep all of them according to the intentions of God and the writers of the passages, by looking at the biblical and social setting for the actual passage - rather than taking them out of biblical context and so enforcing them in today's social setting. But maybe I am really mistaken... Please read my reply to Angel. God bless you, Zsuzsi |
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2 | "I SAID, 'YOU ARE GODS?'" | Ps 82:6 | Zsuzsi | 122995 | ||
Ray... :-) I am no Hebrew grammar scholar but here is what I think: Counting it to have been said by Deity does not necessarily mean it's 'putting words into God's mouth'. Remember the discussion we had before, ID# 122481 and the replies? If 'gods' (elohim) is interpreted as 'judges/rulers' with reference to the power we received from God (over nature etc, see Gen 1:26-29), and we say that 'children of the Most High' refers to how we have been made in His likeness, it is in no dsagreement with the point Jesus was making in John 10:33-36: if men were given so much power and dignity as to be called 'gods' and 'children of the Most High', how much more was Jesus, who was by nature God Himself (Phil 2:6), 'allowed' to call Himself the Son of God? Reading the whole psalm still makes me think it should be interpreted as 'rulers', 'judges', or 'people possessing some sort of power'... Read Psalm 82:7 (KJV), "But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes". So the reminder is definitely there, we cannot claim 'I am god/deity'. We can claim 'I am mighty' or 'I am a judge' or 'I have power', however. C.v. Psalm 82:1. To me the whole point of this psalm is similar to that of Ezekiel 28, which I was referring to earlier. We do have power to 'judge', even 'unjustly' (v2), but also to 'defend the poor and fatherless' (v3). This is the power which the Pharisees had also - I believe Jesus was referring to that when He used this passage from Scripture against them to prove Himself. For 'they know not, neither do they understand, they walk on in darkness" (v5). C.v: Isaiah 6:10, Jeremiah 5:21, Ezekiel 12:2, John 12:40... So Version 1) definitely makes sense, whether we actually accept that it was said by Deity or the psalmist. In any case, I believe it refers to the earthly power He has given to us, which creates pride in too many people. The psalm is a warning against it, as well as a cry from the humble to the Lord to "judge the earth". See also: "What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? for thou hast made him little lower than angels (NIV and AMP: 'heavenly beings'/'God', NASB: "God"), and hast crowned him with glory and honour" Psalm 8:4-5 (So He made us 'gods' - that's why I think most probably He is talking in this passage, but that's just a personal comment.) Personally I would not go with 2). The word 'gods' ('elohim', Strong's no: 0430) means: "(plu) rulers, judges, divine ones, angels, gods, (sing) god, goddess, godlike one, works or special possessions of God, the (true) God, God". I understand that in some sense, one could translate it as 'God's (works or special possessions)'. But then Jesus' reference would not make much sense, and neither would the rest of the psalm. If the people are 'God's', why does Jesus use the passage against them? And why would the psalmist himself talk about the injustice of the earthly leaders/mighty ones? (Injustice is not of God, it is not characterstic of 'God's' people) Whatever we go with, the point is the same: men have been exalted by God and received much power, but they have abused it; yet when Someone in the very nature of God came with much-much more power, using it only for good things, He was rejected when He claimed to be the Son of God. :-( Hope this helps a little... May God bless you in everything you do for him, but especially in your work with the capitalization of His Word, Zsuzsi |
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3 | The willow tree meaning and purpose. | OT general | Zsuzsi | 122753 | ||
Hi Ruby, I have found that 'willow' appears 6 times in the AMP Bible and KJV, 4 times in NASB, and only once in the NIV. I have not found anything in the NT. In Hebrew (OT), there are two words for 'willow': - 'arab' is the same for 'willow' and 'poplar' (or basically any tree with dark wood). This word was used 5 times altogether in the original Scriptures. - 'tsaphtsaphah' only means 'willow'. This word appears only once, in Ezekiel 17:5. The willow, or poplar, is mentioned first in the context of worship. In Lev 23:40, people are to take leafy branches from trees (including the willow) and 'rejoice before the Lord' on the 'first day', which was to be held as a feast day, a 'holy convocation' or 'holy calling together' (Lev 23). Once the Lord used it in an example of Him taking care of and being above all nature, in Job 40:22, the strongest 'behemoth' (elephant or hippopotamus?) is 'compassed about' by the willow tress/poplars. In Isaiah 44:4 and Ezekiel 17:5, He seems to use the willow as a symbol of fast and secure growth. In another context: the exiles hung their harps on the willow tree to express their grief for the country (commentary in AMP for Ezra 10:11). Psalm 137:2 also mentions that in Babylon they hung their harps on willow/poplar branches, and grieved because of their captivity. In Isaiah 15:7 He mentions a 'Ravine of Willows/Poplars', where wealth would be carried. It is interesting to see that this tree has both positive and negative connotations... I hope this helps some. God bless you, Zsuzsi |
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4 | Was tarshish in spain? | Jon 1:3 | Zsuzsi | 122600 | ||
We do not know. Some claim it was Sri Lanka, others say it was Troy, or somewhere in southern Turkey, or as you say, Spain. But maybe that is beside the point: it was a trading place very far from where Jonah lived, and it was definitely opposite to Ninive ;-) Blessings, Zsuzsi |
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5 | howshould start a bible study ? | Jonah | Zsuzsi | 122571 | ||
Hi reese67, This is my general 'procedure' for Bible study, which usually works: 1) Pray that God may open your eyes and help you understand what He is trying to communicate to you. 2) Read the passage you are studying carefully and consider everything exactly as it is written. Even research the original language if you are uncertain. Ask: what is being said in this passage? 3) Maybe research the history in which the passage was written. When was it written, where, who wrote it, and to whom, etc. This may give you an idea about the purposes of the author and God. 4) Look at the passage in its context - the other parts of the actual chapter, book, and the historical background. Ask: what was the purpose of God and the author with this AT THE TIME? 5) Then go further and ask: what is God's message to me and to others TODAY with this passage? What does it mean to ME and how can I apply it to my life? 6) Once you have arrived at a conclusion, check for supporting or opposing Bible passages, to make sure that you are not mistaken. But if you really listen to the teaching of the Holy Spirit I doubt that you ever will be. It is also interesting to research others' interpretations once you are in this stage, but personally I prefer not to do that before I have studied it myself. 7) And remember to thank God for teaching you... :-) For the book of Jonah specifically, hope this will help in your study: Its author is unknown, the book was possibly written in the 4th or 3rd century BC. This is the era in which Israel increasingly met peoples of different religions and started thinking about what it really meant to be chosen by God.(from my Hungarian Bible) It is actually a very thought-provoking book - but I will not share my own conclusions about it with you until you have arrived at your own. :-) Come back to us about it if you wish... God bless you, Zsuzsi |
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6 | Can somone help me figure out god? | Bible general Archive 2 | Zsuzsi | 122564 | ||
Dear cluelessbutlearning, I know there are online worhsip services here: http://home.christianity.com/ministries/moodychurchhour/ And I know about online Bibles here: http://biblegateway.com I suggest that you start with the NIV translation and the Gospel of Luke (type luke 1), that is the easiest to read, yet quite fathful to the original texts... (KJV is old English, NASB and AMP are constantly interrupted by explanations and cross-references.) I am 16, and had (still have some) similar problems in my family... Yet I can tell you one thing, once the Lord is your Shepherd, no-one can pluck you out of His hands! As for 'figuring God out', here is what Jesus said: "Only the Son knows the Father, and those whom He chooses to reveal Him." (Matt 11:27 and Luke 10:22) May God bless you and lead you to His safe waters. I will pray for you... Zsuzsi |
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7 | ye are gods? ps 82:6 | Ezek 28:9 | Zsuzsi | 122482 | ||
Hi LisaT, I believe the word "god" in Psalm 82:6 refers to the earthly power that certain rulers possessed. The original Hebrew uses 'elohim', both in verse 1 and 6, which means 'mighty ones', that is, judges. Otherwise, we are all created humans, only adopted children of the Most High. If we do have any earthly power, it is from God Himself (Romans 13:1); without Him we are nothing. (John 15:5). We come from dust, and return to dust; there are things in life about which we have no choice, for example death. "But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases." (Psalm 115:3). The fact that we are His children means that He will "think good thoughts" towards us ("For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jer 29:11), so that He can forgive when we sincerely repent of our sin, for Jesus' sake. Actually God has a very definite opinion about this: see Ezekiel 28:9, the passage I chose to support this answer. We were bought at a price, we are God's property... It is a dfferent question that He is good, loves us and shows grace and mercy rather than abusing His authority. "For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." (1Cor 6:20) So we become His adopted children when we are reborn, thanks to His amazing Grace in the sacrifice of Jesus - but He still remains the only God of heaven and earth; the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, Who is, Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty. (Rev 1:8) Hope this helps. God bless you, Zsuzsi |
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8 | speaking in tongues | Mark 16:17 | Zsuzsi | 121762 | ||
Dear Godsgrl52, There are several references to speaking in tongues in the NT: Jesus foretold that the disciples would speak in tongues in Mk:16:17. In Acts we are told how His prophecies came true: see Acts chapter 2, Acts 10:46, Acts 19:6... In the Pauline Epistles speaking in tongues is a great gift of the Holy Spirit. 1Cor 12:10,28. Yet Paul teaches that nobody should boast just because he is speaking in tongues; without charity, for example, miracles are nothing. (1Cor 13:1). He also mentions that speaking in tongues does not benefit other beilevers, unless someone interprets what is being said. (1Cor 14:5) Paul gives a definition of praying in tongues: if someone prays in tongues, his spirit prays but his mind does not; he encourages people to pray with their spirit and their mind too. (1Cor 14:14-15). Paul says that speaking in tongues is a sign for the unbelievers, not for the bevievers (1Cor 14:22). Personally I would connect speaking in tongues to the OT story of the Tower of Babel (Gen 11): what men destroyed with their pride, the Holy Spirit rebuilds. See Isaiah 28:11 for the OT promise of this gift. Hope this helps. Ask if you have any more questions. God bless you, Zsuzsi |
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9 | I Timothy 1:4 - what does it mean? | 1 Tim 1:5 | Zsuzsi | 121534 | ||
Hmmm... Timothy was the delegate who administered Paul's teaching to the community (in Ephesus); he was to be regarded as an 'extension' of the apostle himself. The early, fast-growing and very new Christian communities were rather disorganized, and through his epistles, Paul wanted to 'sort them out': he tried to clarify doctrines, eliminate false teachings, encourage Christian love and give guidelines for Christian lifestyle. In 1Timothy 1:3-7 Paul warned the community against false teachings and 'meaningless talks'. These are teachings which do not come from God: they are based on myths or genealogies and therefore even end in contradictions. Paul confirms that "faith and a good consience" (1:5,19) will lead people towards the goal, which is teaching in, by and with God's love (1:5). He says to Timothy: "...remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines" 1Tim 1:3 If Christians disobey this only commandment of love, they 'shipwreck' the faith (i.e. believe and teach false doctrines; Paul calls this blasphemy). In 1Tim 1:20 Paul names two Christians, Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom he 'handed over to Satan' so that they may learn not to blashpheme. (Being 'handed over to Satan' means being exposed to him without God's protection; this is equivalent to the removal of consolation and/or support coming from God. See also 1Cor 5:5.) The two people he referred to were probably just two examples of disloyalty to the Gospel. In the fast-growing Christian community there were many problems of this kind. Hope this helps. God bless you, Zsuzsi |
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10 | Ordaining Others... | 2 Tim 2:15 | Zsuzsi | 121477 | ||
Dear Ourfathersheart, Why are you questioning what God has already decided? Jn 20:21: Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. If they are called, they are called and nobody is able to pluck them out of the Father's hand. (Jn 10:28-29) You do have the authority which God has given to you, to pray for them and bless them; as Christians we are to represent Jesus on earth: preach as He preached, send as He sent, teach as He taught... What we bind on earth will be bound in heaven and what we loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. (Mt 18:18) But you have no earthly authority to give them a 'legal degree': for that, they will need to attend some sort of education, a Bible school, university or seminary. I think it would be a good idea to send them to learn... They would grow in faith and wisdom, and at the same time they would get the qualifications they need for efficient service. But you can be convinced that they are already ordained by God. Hope this helps. God bless you, Zsuzsi |
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11 | can you explain a little more? thanks | Rom 8:13 | Zsuzsi | 121090 | ||
Dear Leonore, I understand your concern and can assure you that you have absolutely no reason to feel ashamed of asking: Prov 3:13: "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding." I believe the solution to this problem is that you understand 'rebirth'. It doesn't mean that all of a sudden you will not be tempted to do bad things (remember, even Jesus Himself was tempted) - it simply means that you will have an identity as a child of God, so it is actually below your dignity to sin. Read Jesus' answer to Satan when He was tempted: "It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." (Lk 4:4). I.e., 'Yes, I am the Son of God, and this is the very reason why I consider myself more worthy to do my Father's will than to simply satisfy my hunger.' (NB: He had been fasting for 40 days - so He was hungry!) You have to realize that God does not look at you as a wretched sinful rebel any more, since Jesus died for you; and it is this realization that will enable you to live up to your dignity by choosing not to sin. 'Rebirth' really means realizing Jesus WITHIN you, and allowing Him to work His will in your life. This will involve a lot of surrender in the beginning, it is like letting your Father take your dirty clothes and clothe you in white; for the Lord said: Isa 1:18: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." This surrender is what Jesus meant when He said: Mt:16:24: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." 'Deny yourself', that is, 'deny your right to yourself'. You are not your own any more: You are God's. You are 'His personal concern' (1Pet 5:7). Your pain is His pain, your joy is His joy; and vice versa, His pain should be your pain, and His joy your joy. 'Surrender' and 'deny' sound like awful words, but what we are talking about is the sweetest thing that can ever happen in your life. Simply deposit yourself in His hands, love Him, let Him do with you according to His will and watch the miracle happen. You are saved only if you are reborn: and if you are reborn to be His child, you will find it the most natural to keep those commandments. You will delight in His law (Ps 40:8: "I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart."), you will be IN but not OF the world.. Not because you are able to do it yourself, but because God by His Grace has done it already for you! So give yourself to Jesus, without Him you can do nothing. Jn 15:5: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." Turning to the passage you are asking about in light of what I now told you, I believe it means that if you neglect the guidance of the Holy Spirit within you, by concentrating on satisfying your bodily desires (i.e. you are not reborn), you will not gain eternal life. If you, however, 'by the power of the Holy Spirit', 'put to death the deeds of the body', surrender yourself to God, (i.e. you are reborn), you will live. After you have read what Angel advised you to read, please turn to John 3:1-21, John 17 and Psalm 119... Another thing. Generally speaking, the best way to cope with Scripture problems is actually prayer. You'll find that God often reveals the meaning of certain passages right away; He loves you, and He promised: Ps 32:8: "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." So He will sure do it. Ask, and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you... (Mt 7:7) Apart from the Bible, I do recommend a book for you: it is 'Birthright' by David C. Needham, Multnomah Press, Portland, Oregon (1979). (ISBN: 0-930014-75-8). Try to get hold of it; it has helped me a lot in clearing up the true meaning of 'rebirth'. The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. (Numbers 6:24-26) Zsuzsi |
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12 | can you explain a little more? thanks | Rom 8:13 | Zsuzsi | 121089 | ||
Dear Leonore, I understand your concern and can assure you that you have absolutely no reason to feel ashamed of asking: Prov 3:13: "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding." I believe the solution to this problem is that you understand 'rebirth'. It doesn't mean that all of a sudden you will not be tempted to do bad things (remember, even Jesus Himself was tempted) - it simply means that you will have an identity as a child of God, so it is actually below your dignity to sin. Read Jesus' answer to Satan when He was tempted: "It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." (Lk 4:4). I.e., 'Yes, I am the Son of God, and this is the very reason why I consider myself more worthy to do my Father's will than to simply satisfy my hunger.' (NB: He had been fasting for 40 days - so He was hungry!) You have to realize that God does not look at you as a wretched sinful rebel any more, since Jesus died for you; and it is this realization that will enable you to live up to your dignity by choosing not to sin. 'Rebirth' really means realizing Jesus WITHIN you, and allowing Him to work His will in your life. This will involve a lot of surrender in the beginning, it is like letting your Father take your dirty clothes and clothe you in white; for the Lord said: Isa 1:18: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." This surrender is what Jesus meant when He said: Mt:16:24: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." 'Deny yourself', that is, 'deny your right to yourself'. You are not your own any more: You are God's. You are 'His personal concern' (1Pet 5:7). Your pain is His pain, your joy is His joy; and vice versa, His pain should be your pain, and His joy your joy. 'Surrender' and 'deny' sound like awful words, but what we are talking about is the sweetest thing that can ever happen in your life. Simply deposit yourself in His hands, love Him, let Him do with you according to His will and watch the miracle happen. You are saved only if you are reborn: and if you are reborn to be His child, you will find it the most natural to keep those commandments. You will delight in His law (Ps 40:8: "I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart."), you will be IN but not OF the world.. Not because you are able to do it yourself, but because God by His Grace has done it already for you! So give yourself to Jesus, without Him you can do nothing. Jn 15:5: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." Turning to the passage you are asking about in light of what I now told you, I believe it means that if you neglect the guidance of the Holy Spirit within you, by concentrating on satisfying your bodily desires (i.e. you are not reborn), you will not gain eternal life. If you, however, 'by the power of the Holy Spirit', 'put to death the deeds of the body', surrender yourself to God, (i.e. you are reborn), you will live. After you have read what Angel advised you to read, please turn to John 3:1-21, John 17 and Psalm 119... Another thing. Generally speaking, the best way to cope with Scripture problems is actually prayer. You'll find that God often reveals the meaning of certain passages right away; He loves you, and He promised: Ps 32:8: "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." So He will sure do it. Ask, and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you... (Mt 7:7) Apart from the Bible, I do recommend a book for you: it is 'Birthright' by David C. Needham, Multnomah Press, Portland, Oregon (1979). (ISBN: 0-930014-75-8). Try to get hold of it; it has helped me a lot in clearing up the true meaning of 'rebirth'. The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. (Numbers 6:24-26) Zsuzsi |
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13 | Note? | Luke 17:3 | Zsuzsi | 120682 | ||
Try 'Search'... Should be just below the Welcome note... | ||||||
14 | Enemies? | Luke 19:27 | Zsuzsi | 120614 | ||
I believe by 'enemies' Jesus meant the citizens in the parable who did not want the lord to reign over them. Directly Jesus referred to the ones who would torture and kill Him, fearing that He would become their king; but He defeated them and became a King greater than any other. Indirectly He was referring to the ones who reject Him, who love and serve other masters, rather than Him (c.v. Mt 6:24). The servants, in my opinion, are the chosen people of Christ who have been entrusted by special gifts (physical and spiritual) to serve Him. Directly this means the disciples, whom Jesus was still trying to prepare for His death. Indirectly Jesus referred to all the people in the future who would need to serve Him while He is not on earth (including us). As I read these texts it appears to me that the disloyal slave is the person who does not turn towards the Master with faith and trust. Even though he claims to be serving Him, he is not really allied to Him. The failure is due to this mistrust: the servant believes that the Lord 'reaps what he does not sow', so he does not even attempt to satisfy the requirements. This is basically 'spiritual laziness', saying: 'I can't be good so why even try?'. The judgement for this servant, whom Jesus calls 'wicked', is severe: all he has is taken away from him, and he is also cast out of the presence of God. I think the difference between 'enemy' and 'disloyal slave' is that while 'enemies' are directly against God's ruling, 'disloyal slaves' simply mistrust Him and become lazy. 'Disloyal slaves' are not killed right away, they are (only) cast out into the darkness (i.e. absence of God), so they are given a chance of changing their attitude and going back to the Lord (c.v. the prodigal son, Luke 15:11-32). The 'enemies', however, are killed, because their attitude to God is not only mistrust but direct hatred. Please let me know what you think... God bless, Zsuzsi |
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15 | Answer gone? | Luke 17:3 | Zsuzsi | 120611 | ||
Hmmm. Thanks if you did reply, but I never saw your answer. I would be grateful to know what you think, though I understand if you don't feel like posting it again... God bless you, Zsuzsi |
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16 | God's name or a title? | John 1:1 | Zsuzsi | 120586 | ||
There is a special name for God in Hebrew, that is translated 'the LORD' ('Yahweh', that is, "the existing One", always capitalized 'LORD') in basically all Bible versions. The Jews respected the name of the LORD to a great extent, that is why they preferred to use 'titles' at other times; eg. 'Adonay', which is translated 'Lord', was a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence; or 'Elohym', translated 'God', meaning something close to 'Divine Ruler'. And of course there are thousands of other titles, "Tower of Refuge", "Rock of Strength", "Great King", "God of Abraham", "Holy One of Israel", and so on. So I believe God has only one 'name' in the Bible, that is 'the LORD', ie. 'the existing One'; all the rest are mighty and beautiful titles appointed to Him... Truly He deserves every one of them, and He would deserve much more; His Name is above all names. 'Word' refers to Jesus, for in Him the word of God (His law and His promises) was fulfilled. Jn:1:14: And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. Mt:5:17: Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. God bless, Zsuzsi |
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17 | WHO WROTE JOSHUA? | OT general | Zsuzsi | 120532 | ||
This is what I know, though not sure... Joshua, Judges: probably written in a theological school (by a deutoronomist theologian), while the Israelites were in Babylon, 586-583BC. Ruth: some person from Judah's tribe. Time is unknown: either 641-609BC, or approx 400BC. 1Kings and 2Kings: a royal theologian priest. 580?BC 1Chronicles and 2Chronicles and Ezra:...? Probably the same chronicler wrote all of them, I only know the time, between 400-300BC. With old texts like those it is very difficult to know much about the author. God bless you, Zsuzsi |
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18 | Justice in my view sesms better. | Luke 17:3 | Zsuzsi | 120529 | ||
Hi Pete2, I get your argument, but there are minor questions which it does not answer: If there is no God, who decides what is 'good' and what is 'evil' at all? What is good for me might be considered bad for another person: eg. is prostitution okay? Secondly, who gives the authority to those who decide what is good and evil, on what basis? Thirdly, even if it can be decided, if there is no God, why is it bad to be consciously 'evil' (i.e. why can't I -morally- blow up the whole world right away, eg. in a nuclear war, who cares)? Fourthly, why would you care about it anyway if you know everyone perishes after their death? To me it seems that ignoring the existence of God makes the question irrelevant! Fortunately God has been gracious enough to give us the answers to those questions in the Bible... As for what Jesus was teaching, I believe the whole concept of justice can be understood the best from Micah 6:8: He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? DO JUSTLY: Tell if someone is going on the wrong track: tell him privately, then 2 or 3 together, then the church, and if he still doesn't listen, 'let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican' (Matt 18:15-17), that is, pray for them, turn the other cheek and let God do the rest: Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10) LOVE MERCY: Forgive everyone, as the Father forgives you. Forgiveness means 'keeping in love', which is nevertheless not the same as approving of sin. God forgives but out of love He allows the consequences of our sin to take place. (Read 2Samuel 11 and 12 for God's response to David's affair - will help you!) Loving someone often means letting them know that they are doing something wrong. As for children, teach your child, for He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. (Prov 13:24) WALK HUMBLY WITH THY GOD: Remember that you are sinner saved by grace; check for the beam in your eye before you condemn someone else for a mote. (Matt 7:3) You MUST NOT abuse God's grace: the sin against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven! (Mt 12:31-32, Mk 32:29, Lk 12:10 - Jesus' reply to 'the Biblical Achilles Heel'!) Also accept with humility and without complaint when God teaches you by allowing the consequences of your sin to happen, for whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. (Prov 3:12) Yet, know that He has forgiven: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. (Isa 55:7). All Jesus is saying is: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Mt 5:48) Be good to people, pray for them, want good to them, whatever they do to you: be merciful, i.e. forgive, but also just, i.e. teach, so that they may change. And walk humbly with God, and He will let you know what is right and what is wrong; The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. (Prov 15:33) He will also teach you the correct balance between mercy and justice... Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. (Psalm 25:8) Psalm 101:1: I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing. Hosea 12:6: Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually. Reading the book of Proverbs, and the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5,6,7) would do you good. ;) Hope this helps. May my God, Whom you sadly don't believe in, bless you. I will pray for you. Yours in Christ, Zsuzsi |
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19 | I can't find any specific answer | Matt 16:18 | Zsuzsi | 120163 | ||
Defining 'church' is the most difficult part of the question! If by 'church' you mean 'group of people who worship God', then it existed in the form of the Jewish 'church' long before the apostles; the apostles were born into it (just like Jesus Himself!). If 'church' means the 'group of people following Jesus' or 'a group of people sharing the Christian faith', then it was founded by Jesus shortly before His death, see Matthew 16:13-20. Everyone became a 'part' of it once they acknowledged that Jesus was the Son of God. By the time Paul wrote his epistles, the 'church' was spread out all over Palestine; certain groups of people frequently came together to share their faith. Paul was the first to introduce a more formal organisation as well, eg. in his epistles he told the'churches of God' to collect money for the poor, and gave them instructions considering worship services. So I do not think there is a definite time when the apostles 'became part of the church'... God bless you, Zsuzsi |
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20 | Tithing and Giving whats your thoughts? | Bible general Archive 2 | Zsuzsi | 120150 | ||
God's true servants should not be concerned with money issues since they can rest assured on the divine providance of God: Phil:4:19 (KJV): But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Jesus' disciples went without shoes, food or money, and they lacked nothing: Lk:22:35 (KJV): And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. Yet Jesus commanded us to give when we are asked to give: Mt:5:42 (KJV): Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. For God, the offering of the one who has the least has the greatest value: Luke:21:3 (KJV): And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had. Jesus whipped out of God's house those who put money before God: Mark 11:15-17 (KJV): And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. God will severely judge those who abuse His servants: Matthew 18:6-7(KJV): But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! But we are not the ones to decide if what others are doing is right or wrong: Lk:6:37 (KJV): Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. Romans 14:4: Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. So all we have to do is to give, when we can, to the Caesar what is the Caesar's, to God what is God's (Matthew 22:21); and the rest of the time "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10. Also, please Read Matthew 23 for Jesus' opinion about blind guides. May God bless you, Zsuzsi |
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