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Results from: Answers On or After: Thu 12/31/70 Author: Just Read Mark Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | who did jesus send fishing for taxes | Matt 17:24 | Just Read Mark | 225019 | ||
The tax collectors approached Peter, and Jesus sent Peter to find payment in the mouth of a fish. Deacon, it's a pleasure to find and share answers like this. But you may find it a blessing to search for this kind of answer using the computer tools. Search for "fish" in the Gospels, for example, and you'd find this one quickly. |
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2 | 2 people Dalila paid 2 know sampson st | Judg 16:5 | Just Read Mark | 225016 | ||
As I understand the tale, Delilah was PAID money by others. It was her intimate relationship with Samson that caused him to reveal the secret of his strength. I don't know how many people paid her; the text just says "the lords of the Philistines." |
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3 | what scripture relates blessings to luck | Matt 5:3 | Just Read Mark | 176873 | ||
Luck is, I'm pretty sure, a pagan concept having more to do with "fate" than "grace". To go for "Lucky are the poor" would be absurd. "Blessed are the poor" sounds absurd to many, but it goes to a deeper truth. Luck is impersonal and capricious. Blessing is personal (ie given by the Living God) and generous. I hope this helps. (Though I'm not sure where it leaves your study....) |
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4 | Authority of Tobit? | OT general | Just Read Mark | 176203 | ||
Ok --- having read and thought about it a bit more, I feel more comfortable phrasing the question the other way around. Why is it included in the Canon for Catholics? | ||||||
5 | a womans hair is her glory | 1 Cor 11:15 | Just Read Mark | 168773 | ||
1 Corinthians 11:15 A difficult (con)text... By the way, using an online concordance finds these kinds of "find the quote" questions very quickly. On this site, there is the "Get Bible Text" search tool. |
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6 | how many years did jacob serve Levi? | Gen 29:30 | Just Read Mark | 168299 | ||
I don't think Jacob served Levi, for Jacob was Levi's father. Perhaps you are thinking of the 14 years that Jacob served Laban, his father-in-law. |
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7 | Are faithful Jews saved? | Deut 7:9 | Just Read Mark | 168297 | ||
Romans chapters 9-11 I don't really have an answer, Robin, but I'd certainly look at Romans chapters 9 - 11. You can see Paul's grief, as a Jew, about the splintering of his people (9:3). You really have to read the whole thing to make sense of any part of it. He talks about Jewish efforts by works as stumbling (9:32), the need for Christ to be preached (10:14), but also that the gifts and call of God to the Jews are irrevocable (11:29). Can others help make sense of these passages as a whole? |
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8 | How would you respond to their claim? | Romans | Just Read Mark | 168252 | ||
Postmodern Opportunities Postmodernism is very skeptical of "master narratives" that make universal claims. So, in that way, it is hard for them to hear Christ's call --- for Christ makes universal claims of the grandest kind. You talk about convincing people by reason. But the kind of "apologetics" we are used to, that work in a very reasoned way, often don't work from a postmodern viewpoint anyway. Reason itself is suspect --- if you look at where the "age of enlightenment" or the "age of reason" has brought us. Our challenge is conveying the gospel is very different than it was, say, 30 years ago -- when reasoned arguement was the way to go, it seems. There are amazing entry points, however. People are less closed to the idea of the miraculous, the idea that there is more than a measurable reality. The idea that God can act in creation is not as "heretical" to our society as it used to be. While people balk at master-narratives, they are increasingly open to the personal story. Once you say, "God has changed my life in this way..." people are very open. "I was reading this in the Bible, and it compelled me to do such and such...." Sure, they may put the information in a box labelled "someone else's experience." But they are listening, engaging, and Also, people are hungry. So, in telling a personal story, God can use that story to touch their desire for more meaning. Beneath the cynicism of postmodernists, there lies a hunger for meaning, for justice, for authentic experience. Look, for example, at the protests against the World Trade Organization -- people are trying to envision a better world, and are trying to raise their voices. Personal story (a strategy that Paul used a lot, if you look through the letters, especially Ephesians, or Galatians...) Touching their hunger (like, for instance, Paul in Athens, picking up on their altar to the unknown God) These can lead to more systematic discussions on what who Jesus is, what the cross means, what the Bible is, etc. Here is a book I found amazing: "Colossians Remixed." It looks thoroughly at the book of Colossians -- within the context it was written (Roman Imperialism) and asking questions about the Empires Christians live within today. It also includes a "questioning voice" that is basically your postmodernist... that voice keeps raising questions throughout the book, and the authors respond. In a sense, the whole book is written with that postmodernist audience in mind (the authors are, I think, Inter Varsity worker in Toronto -- so they are fighting the good fight within a sophisticated postmodern culture) |
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9 | Inspired or not? | OT general | Just Read Mark | 168062 | ||
What does inspired mean? Hi Trigger, and Brad. The Bible is inspired by God. It is God's Word. I agree with these statements. There are a range of opinions about what those statements mean, however... so I may not mean the same thing as others on this forum. Also, there will be a diversity of view within the forum --- although they are hard to see at first. It is critical to read the whole Bible. All its parts. Over the centuries, this amazing book has been formed -- with so many voices and histories and songs -- yet it is one Story. To interpret each part, I believe, you need to see where it falls within the great arc between the Creation and the New Creation. Like Paul, I believe our wisdom will pass away as God reveals ultimate reality at the end. (see the end of I Corinthians 13). Our understanding is partial. The Bible is reliable, but there is more to come. The Bible celebrates a union of God and creature --- that we are given physical bodies... that physical creation is celebrated... we are not over-riden by God, but shaped and used by God. The writers of scripture, then, bring their personalities and experiences to bear on their writing. Luke's character and insights are different than Matthews --- they tell the same Gospel story, but in different ways. Those ways enlighten us. We are seeing God WORK THROUGH his creatures. I do not believe their hands were taken over, and God wrote through them like possessed people.... rather, God's Holy Spirit worked through all that they had lived and learned - to produce something true. Sometimes, in this process, we see these faithful people struggling to find the right response for their culture and time. We will find things - wearing certain clothing for instance - that make little sense for today. But we can ask ourselves: what was the motive for that instruction? Where is their faithful heart in this? And then that can be applied today. It is applied as we live within the complete story of scripture, not just isolated verses. Sometimes we will see traces of the Fall in scripture. This can happen a few ways. First, the Bible can show an accurate representation of a fallen thing. The Old Testament often describes scenarios that are horrific, and leave us to draw the conclusion of whether they were right or not. It's often hard to tell, just like in life. The Bible is not a polite book at all. Another thing, however, is that God can move people within their historical context --- not to an ideal position (timeless) but to an improved position from where they were. The slavery question is probably one of those... the cultures around them sold their children into slavery, and so Moses is inspired to put limits on that practice. To the first listeners, it would be radical justice.... to us, it seems like condoning the slavery. But, when we see it in context, we can see the steady advance of the Kingdom of God. I believe God intends every word in the Bible to be there for us, to shape how we think, how we ask questions, how we pray. God has given us every word of it. Even parts that may be culturally "tainted". God's Word is perfect, in that --- as we immerse ourselves in it --- it shows us the direction of God's plan, including the direction we are headed in our future as a planet. Some parts of scripture can "critique" other parts, so we need to look at the big picture of the whole Bible. (For example, Jonah functions as a critique of Nehemiah, I'd suggest. We need to read both, to get the balance right. God made sure both were in there...) We see this plan more accurately, then, by tracing the large themes through the whole of scripture, rather than looking at specific instructions given at a particular point. You asked how I can have a vibrant faith despite the degree of questioning I live with. I have a relationship with the Living God. God is not afraid of questions. My questions do not stop me from loving God, serving God, listening to God. They make me fall into Christ's everlasting arms, knowing that my mind is not enough.... only God can save me. I am His. Also, and this is important.... if you read throught the questions I have posted, those are just the questions. There is so much I am confident about, each day, as I walk the faith. Obviously, if you look over the questions I've posted over several years, you'll get a bit of a slanted look at how I think. I live in the confidence of Jesus my Lord, repenting of my broken ways, walking in his Spirit, attempting to be a slave in love, and enduring in the hope of resurrection. Peace. JRM |
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10 | Sex Is For Whaaa? | Bible general Archive 3 | Just Read Mark | 168053 | ||
Paul on sexual desire. I would guess that your professor is bringing some prior assumptions to bear... so that texts about sexual purity are interpeted in his mind as avoiding desire. So, to find some texts that affirm erotic desire might help. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul is addressing the question of whether to marry or remain celebate. While he talks about sex, nowhere does he mention having children. Certainly, he does celebrate celebacy --- which some take as an anti-senxuality stance --- except that he also affirms marriage. I would say that our culture, and church culture, do not celebrate celebacy enough... but Paul certainly makes space for passionate sexuality within marriage. He says if you don't marry, you might fall back into sin (v2) That you should not refuse each other's "marriage rights" --- ie. enjoy the sensuality of being married (v 5). If you decide to marry, by all means, DON'T deny yourselves the sex, unless for a short time, to focus on prayer. That it's better to marry than to burn with lust. (v 9) Hope this helps. JRM PS. Of course, within a Biblical world-view -- which Paul surely had -- the Song of Songs would shape views of sex. You may want to show that to your professor ; ) |
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11 | Cannot mix different cloths in O.T.? | OT general | Just Read Mark | 167711 | ||
Hello Trigger. It's a pretty interesting web page, and goes a lot deeper than just looking at old-testament laws. I think the author of that satirical page should be given some credit. Often, when we talk about the Bible being perfect, we leave the impression that you can flip open the Bible to any page, and get God's answer for today. This leads to the kinds of misunderstanding presented on the webpage. We are seen as hypocritical, for changing our views on mentration, or slavery, but not homosexuality. Each verse must be read in the context of the whole Bible. This was part of Tim's reply: reading the Old Testament through the lense of the New. But Tim's reply doesn't say it all, because slavery (mentioned on the website) is permitted by Paul... yet there are Biblical grounds to oppose slavery. As we work out the themes of the Bible --- including sin, forgiveness, freedom, servanthood --- we will find the correct and Biblical response to the times we live in. The website mentions Exodus 21:7. It talks about selling one's daughter as a slave. Surely, this is a horrific thing. It goes on, to set boundaries around it --- there are some protections for the woman (for instance, she cannot be re-sold to foreigners, and should have the status of a daughter or wife). If the owning master doesn't keep his end, however, there is no compensation to her (verse 10). How are we to see God's Word in this? I would suggest there is a fair bit of fallen culture in there, as Moses and the Israelites struggle to find justice -- but use their fallen culture as a starting point. The desire for justice is there in these words --- yet they fall short of Love and Justice we expect of the Kingdom of God. This verse has much to teach us... but not about how to treat our slaves or daughters. Living within the whole Biblical story -- not just "proof texts" -- will disarm the kind the of argument the website put forward. Perhaps the author really does seek the truth... so we should present the truth in a more compelling way than we have been. |
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12 | Why are the 7 thunders not written about | Rev 10:4 | Just Read Mark | 153247 | ||
God is beyond our understanding. God has told us everything we need to know, but this verse about the "seven thunders" emphasizes that there is so much beyond our knowing. This is a fearsome thing, that makes wonder and adoration spring from within us. |
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13 | did ezra build the first temple? | 1 Kin 8:27 | Just Read Mark | 151060 | ||
Solomon built the first temple. David really wanted to, but God said his warrior hands were too bloody. I love Solomon's prayer of dedication --- 1 Kings 8: 22-53. The first Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians. ( 2 Kings 25:9) This resulted in Ezra and Nehemiah rebuilding it. |
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14 | Is there intelligent life on earth? | John 17:17 | Just Read Mark | 142951 | ||
How about the Message? Sometimes the religious language of the Bible stunts our ability to aprehend for our whole lives. I think the Message is very good, even taking into account the original languages. My respect for the message jumped up a few notches when studying Isaiah. The traditional rendering of Isaiah 28:10 goes like this: "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little." But the commentary I was reading acknowledged that we really don't know what this passage means, and that the traditional rendering is on loose ground. The commentary then mentioned that many scholars think the text is not actually a sentence at all, but an immitation of baby sounds..... OK, now look at the message: "Da, da, da, da, blah, blah, blah, blah. That's a good little girl, that's a good little boy.'" So, Eugene Peterson is not only sassy, he's done his research. Paraphrases, done well, have an important but subserviant relation to the Real Thing. JRM |
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15 | Are Christain who murder exluded? | Rev 21:8 | Just Read Mark | 142944 | ||
I just finished reading Revelation today (and also my first complete read-through of the bible since university days! I'm so energized!) I have found the apolalyptic books (Zecheriah, Daniel, Revelation) some of the hardest to understand, though certainly exciting. I feel swept into the arc of God's story, even if I don't get the details. The verse in question lists people thrown into the fire. The verse immediately before it declares the "victor's heritage" --- indeed, the whole book has repeated blessings for "those who overcome." Those who overcome, it seems, are blameless -- while the sinners are condemned? BUT it is clear from the letter to the churches (Rev Ch 2-3) that the churches are not blameless: some are deceived, some are legalistic, some are prideful etc. These flawed churches are still encouraged to strive for the reward. They are given the vision of overcomers: life radical lives for God and be rewarded! The description of the white (pure) robes gives a clearer sense of what it means to be among the overcomers: "they have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb." (7:14) This is reiterated as a goal for us, the readers, at the end of the book: "Happy are those who wash their robes clean! They shall be free to eat from the tree of life....."(22:14) - this bit is followed by a list of those left outside, very like topic of this thread. The contrast seems to NOT be: "be holy or be excluded" --- but RATHER, "be washed or be excluded." I present these thoughts in all humilty, as I found the book confusing. JRM |
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16 | the purpose of hebrews | Heb 8:6 | Just Read Mark | 137744 | ||
Hebrews shows how Jesus fulfills and supercedes the old covenant. The book looks at many aspects of O.T. faith, such as priesthood, sacrifice, and sabbath rest --- and shows how Jesus has fundamentally altered our relationship with God. As in the verse I selected, words like "better" and "more excellent" come up very often. Hebrews is complicated in all of its allusions and references --- but it is so rewarding to read! And it continually challenges readers to press on -- to be dynamic and faithful followers of this amazing Priest / King / Servant. |
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17 | did we pre-exist as a spirit being? | Job 38:4 | Just Read Mark | 136072 | ||
Heavenly Home (w some Wordwsorth) The idea of pre-existance is not a Biblical idea. It has been held by many people, and is expressed in the following quote from William Wordsworth's "Ode: Intimations of Immortality" "Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting: The Soul that rises with us, our life's Star, 60 Hath had elsewhere its setting, And cometh from afar: Not in entire forgetfulness, And not in utter nakedness, But trailing clouds of glory do we come 65 From God, who is our home..." This poem sees childhood as an innocent and virtuous time, which the ills of society darken. While still a wonderful poem, it does differ from the Biblical narative: we are born the servants of our cravings, and need Christ's redemption to free us. Heaven is, however, our true home (even though we haven't been there). Like Abraham, we wander until we arrive at our eternal home (see Hebrews 11:9-10.) This can be a useful way to explain about heaven, and those we love who we miss dearly. Christ used the image of the mansion with many rooms: what a welcome that will be. May God bless your Bible study --- that's great to do at work! JRM |
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18 | How literal is the Bible? | Bible general Archive 2 | Just Read Mark | 135812 | ||
I am afraid to contribute to this topic --- and I won't go on and on. But the discussion seems to have a consensus that seems forced. A lot of the Bible is symbolic. We use symbolic language so often in life, day to day --- perhaps we avoid it in legal language, but so much of language functions as metaphor. Metaphors do NOT use the words "like" or "as" to clarify them. So when Jesus talked about the camel going through the eye of the needle, what did he mean? It's a puzzle that people solve in different ways (ie. the eye of the needle was actually a gate into Jerusalem, etc.) It is difficult to interpret the symbolic language without understanding the time period. One of the main things to look at is the genre. Sure, the wisdom books are full of imagery --- but they also recount history.... What about apocalyptic writing, such as Daniel? There is so much metaphor in there, it has been argued about ever since the 2nd century BC. Not every word is literal. But every word IS authoritative. So we have to study and wrestle. As for Jesus' resurrection --- I am convinced this is literal. The goal is to read the words as they were intended by the authors, and if you read Acts, it is clear they were empowered by encounters with a physically risen Lord. I think this is the most critical thing for us all to deal with, and is the foundation of our faith. As for the creation account, well, I'd say the genre shifts from "mostly mythic" to "mostly history" around Genesis 12. Every word is true, and God wants us to align our lives with it. But exegesis that takes it all literally is imposing a kind of modernist empiricism on the text that doesn't belong there. They are reading it as science, in a way that didn't exist before 1600. Most of all, the Bible should be read as a whole. The relationship between the Garden and the Heavenly City; the suffering servant in Isaiah and Christ's passion; the promises and their fulfillment. We need to immerse ourselves prayerfully in the whole text in order to interpret each part. I know much of this note won't be accepted by the majority of forum users... but I really enjoy discussing the Bible with people who love it as much as I do. Blessings to all. JRM |
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19 | Info me of a good study bible, please. | Is 34:16 | Just Read Mark | 135803 | ||
Hello --- I hope you find some good tools to help you. This isn't exactly a "Study Bible" ---- it doesn't explain what verses mean. But it is a WONDERFUL study tool --- called the Thompson Chain Reference. It has helped me to study themes through the whole Bible. For example, you could look up verses about forgiveness, even if they don't have the word "forgiveness" in them (so it's different than a concordance.) I hope someone else answers your question, suggesting a more typical "Study Bible" ---- but I wanted to make this suggestion. Type "107390" in the quick search box, to see more discussion about this reference tool. Peace. |
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20 | Is the Bible itself evil? | 2 Tim 3:16 | Just Read Mark | 134998 | ||
Merlin and the Gospel. I can understand your desire for Tolkien's world. Did you know that Tolkien was a devout Christian? While the Lord of the Rings is not an allegory ( there is no Christ figure like in the Narnia Chronicles) is does emobdy Christian values. Fight of good and evil; community of saints; self sacrifice; the corruption of power; etc. Merlin even rises from the dead. Taking this further --- you seem to see the world in very physical, scientific terms. You think God only sets up the rules of cause and effect, and doesn't interfere. That may be the reason you long for a Tolkien world: you see reality as very flat and sterile. Let me suggest to you that reality is far more strange and "magical" than materialism allows for. God invites you into a surprising and meaningful world -- the real world. Jesus is alive, and want to draw us into a great adventure. But it's not one you make up: you have to listen to the wise mentor. Don't keep your head in the hobit's "safe" Shire --- for you know, that's not safe at all. Most hobbits don't believe there is a war going on.... it's our job to join the adventure. Ralf Wood has writen a good book called "The Gospel According to To Tolkien: Visions of the Kingdom in Middle Earth." yours JRM |
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