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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Sir Pent and GeneralWas, notice please. | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 14549 | ||
Sir Pent, there was no offense taken whatsoever. Please don't feel that I've taken any. I just wanted to make it very clear that I have no ties with GeneralWas (as far as I know). To be honest, that link was forwarded to me from another forum poster and I have not even read anything on it concerning Fowler's theory of the Trinity. The Trinity issue, for me, is something that I (rightly or wrongly) have never been able to comepletely understand and I accept it as fact by faith. Go in grace, brother. In Christ, Bill Mc |
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2 | Sir Pent and GeneralWas, notice please. | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 14607 | ||
GeneralWas, thanks for your confirmation. To make your search easier, the web site link is www.christinyou.net You make a very good point about the "search for truth." To me, truth is what God says. God says that we would know it because the Spirit would take the things of Christ and make them known to us. There are many wonderful Christian brothers and sisters that post on this forum. But there is also a tendency for some to reply to questions with a 'cut and paste' answer from their commentaries. While I agree that a commentary can be a great tool, it can also become a crutch. As you said, the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth of scripture interpretation as we rely on Him to reveal the meaning. In my opinion, many Christians know what scripture SAYS but they are clueless as to what it MEANS to them because they rely on the theologians and commentaries first instead of letting the Spirit and other scripture interpret scripture. Continue to be a Berean and thanks for your reply. In Christ, Bill Mc |
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3 | How can Christ return be imminent? | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 14670 | ||
Greetings CDBJ and Tim, same here. Pre-wrath is the only position that lines up with all scriptures dealing with the second coming and rapture. I was pretrib for most of my life just because that's what I was taught. One of the problems I have with explaining prewrath to my fellow brothers and sisters who hold to pretrib is that they want to view the rapture and the 2nd coming as 2 separate events. I try to explain it this way: What did the 1st coming of Christ entail? 1. His birth 2. His earthly ministry 3. His death 4. His burial and resurrection 4. His ascension. All separate events but they together constitute His first coming. Likewise, His 2nd coming will entail: 1. the rapture 2. the great tribulation 3. the wrath of God/start of the Day of the Lord 4. the battle of Armeggedon 5. His triumphal return (White horse) 6. Setting up the millenial kingdom. All separate events but together they constitute His second coming. What do you think? In Christ, Bill Mc |
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4 | How can Christ return be imminent? | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 14715 | ||
Dear Debbie, The study of the rapture and Christ's second coming is, as you know, surrounded by much debate. And it's difficult to 'convince' anyone by just citing one or two verses and saying, "see there?" That is why, after looking at ALL the verses that deal with this subject, I found that the prewrath theory is the only one, for me, that stands up to close scrutiny. But I will try to answer your questions in brief. I'm at work, so I won't be able to list all the verses necessary to support this view. But one of the sources of confusion in this topic is the labeling of events. If we look at what scripture has to say, the 7 week period is NEVER called the Tribulation period. It is called Daniel's 70th week and it is divided into two three-and-one-half periods. The first 3.5 years is the time Christ calls 'labor pains'. The last 3.5 years contains what Christ calls the 'Great Tribulation' and the Day of God's Wrath. The great tribulation is also known as the time of Satan's wrath - against the church and the nation of Israel. This time period is cut short by God's wrath upon Satan and unbelievers. But before God's wrath is poured out on the world (the 7 bowls), believers, as you rightly discerned, His children are pulled out (the rapture). God's children are NEVER subject to His wrath because Christ took it for us. So, we will be spared the wrath of God. And, as you said, God performed the plagues in Egypt and delivered His children (Jews) from them. God performs the plagues in the Day of the Lord, and He delivers His children (believers) from them. My friend, this is only a summary and not at all comprehensive. If you would like to check out a couple of books that go into detail on this view, click on my name, email me, and I'll be happy to share them with you. Or email me if you would just like to discuss it further. Take comfort in the fact that we are never destined for God's wrath. I personally believe that God will protect most Christians through the time of Satan's wrath (the great tribulation) unless they willing step forward to proclaim the gospel and willing lay down their lives for the Savior of their own accord. I hope and trust that I didn't further confuse you. In Christ, Bill Mc |
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5 | Where does one start who has never reall | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 15485 | ||
Dear Nomad, the gospel of John is a wonderful book to start with. John (one of Christ's disciples) does a wonderful job of portraying why Christ came. As you read, notice (in fact, underline if you don't mind marking up your Bible) all the references where Jesus talks about the new life that He came to give. And, as Tim has recommended, ask God to reveal Himself to you as you read. He will! The Bible is the only book we read in order to get to know the Author of it. God bless you as you begin your new life! In Christ, Bill Mc |
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6 | Are Sovereignty and Free Will Exclusive? | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 15526 | ||
Tim, agreed! And I'm not even Armenian! Mostly Irish. Does it show? Thanks. | ||||||
7 | Are Sovereignty and Free Will Exclusive? | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 15529 | ||
All seriousness aside...I'm glad we don't take ourselves too seriously. Especially on such a 'heavy' subject. Blessings in Him, Bill Mc | ||||||
8 | Are Sovereignty and Free Will Exclusive? | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 15530 | ||
Big Mac is Calvinist, isn't it? The Whopper is where you can get it 'your way.' I better shutup now. | ||||||
9 | What is 'being saved' here? | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 15546 | ||
My post (Bill Mc) was convoluted. That is the post I was refering to, not Tim's. And you're right, mine was convoluted. That is what I was admitting. | ||||||
10 | What do you think of 1 Cor 1:18? | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 15555 | ||
Dear Tim, thanks for the response. I'll let this one go. The only other meaning that crossed my mind was not a 'progressive' salvation for individuals but, rather, a progressive 'saving' of mankind down through history. Possibly, "but to all the people who are being and will be saved as the generations pass, it is the power of God." I don't know. But thanks, brother, for your input, critique, gentle spirit, and even for your hard questions. Keep contending for the faith. In Christ, Bill Mc |
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11 | soul and spirit | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 17412 | ||
Tim, I though you might find this interesting. This is a slightly different view of Gen 2:7: "When God the Creator created man, He "formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man become a living soul" (Gen. 2:7). This reiterative record of man's creation is loaded with insights into man's constitution and intended function. The body of man was "formed of dust from the ground," into which God breathed the breath (or spirit) of life, and man became a behaviorally functional soul (nephesh). Man was created with the capacity for spiritual life-function so that the very presence of the Spirit of God might dwell within the spirit of man in order to activate the character of God within the behavioral life-function of man's soul and allow such to be expressed in man's external behavior of the body unto the glory of God. As the highest order of creation, mankind was designed with the capacity to incorporate the spiritual life of God within his spirit, and express God's character of love, joy, peace, patience, etc. in his behavior, as no other part of the created order is capable of doing." - Jerry Fowler I'm not real good with big theological terms but he seems to be saying the God created us so that He could live through us. Or as my friend, Bob George says, "Jesus gave His life for us, so that He could give His life to us, so that He could live His life through us." We were designed as vessels, houses, temples for the God of the universe to live in and through - 2 Cor 4:7, 2 Cor 5:1, 1 Cor 6:19. What a privelege! My temple is starting to get wrinkly and gray, though. (I've heard His got another imperishable one in the wings for me, though.) Grow in grace, Bill Mc |
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12 | New to the Word | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 17678 | ||
Hi EdB, it's nice to know that there are a few other inductive studiers out there. I just finished the two-year course in Revelation. I've done (and taught) Philippians, 1 Timothy, and Romans in the inductive method with Precept Ministries. It's a real blessing to just get into God's Word and dig, letting scripture interpret scripture. Blessings to you, Bill Mc |
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13 | Where did our souls come from? | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 18050 | ||
Dear dawveed, The Bible does not give clear, concise definitions of soul and spirit. Sometimes the terms are used interchangeably. Sometimes there seems to be a distinction. So, the best we can do is to research the scriptures and decide for ourselves what we believe. Tim has a very valid view and his opinion has merit. My view is slightly different but I think that it also has merit. Here is what I believe about Gen 2:7: We know that God created the plants and animals before man. As I understand it, these animals were called creatures and had what we would call souls, Hebrew word nephesh. This means that they had intellect, will, and emotions - behavior to varying degrees depending the the complexity of the creature. God created man with an animal body and a soul (behavior) but according to Gen 2:7, I believe that God, at man's creation, breathed His divine life (Spirit) into him. This made him a 'living' - alive to God - soul. So, not only did man have a body and soul (like the animals) but God gave man His life essence so that man could respond to God with love and fellowship. The animal world does not share this attribute. They have no spirits and cannot relate to God. When man sinned, this part of him, his spirit died to God. What I mean by this is that God withdrew His divine life from man the day that Adam and Eve disobeyed and they spiritually died. Thankfully, through our Lord's life, death, burial and resurrection, God can once again restore His divine life to His creation. This is why the NT often says that we, as believers, have been made alive to God - Rom 6:11; Rom 8:10; 1 Cor 15:22; Eph 2:5 and Col 2:13 - 'When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions,' This 'new man' - the new creation in Christ - is created in righteousness and holiness - Eph 4:24. So our spirits are once again united with God's Spirit and alive to God, and, per my interpretation, man can, once again, be a 'living soul' with God's Spirit and life inhabiting him. Note: this is only my opinion so I, obviously, cannot support this with specific scriptures other than what I have shared. A new creation in Christ, Bill Mc |
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14 | Where did our souls come from? | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 18054 | ||
Sorry, dawveed. I put my post in the wrong spot. Your perspective sounds quite similar to mine. Bill Mc |
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15 | Is 'breath' physical life or spirit life | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 18066 | ||
Tim, thanks for your answer. I appreciate it. Thanks for the clarification on the original words. You're right, the passage just doesn't provide us with as much information as we'd like. The only thing that I would like to add is that I believe the Image of God is the divine life of God (call it what you will) in His creation. I don't believe that the Image was the physical body. Thank God that Jesus Christ has provided a way for man to be reunited with His Creator. In Christ, Bill Mc |
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16 | Body/soul/spirit? | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 18198 | ||
This is a good question. Though there is not a scripture as such that says that Adam's spirit died, by the process of elimination, we can achieve some sense of what happened. It really goes back to what we believe about man's make up. Let's look at a couple of possible scenarios: 1) Man is two parts : body and soul/spirit (same thing). Now we know that Adam did not physically die the day he sinned. He lived to about 900 years as I recall. So, if one holds to a two-part man understanding, the soul/spirit would have been the only thing left to die that very day. Most biblical references to the soul show it to be the seat of intellect, emotions, and will. If this is the part of him that died, it becomes a little hard to swallow because he still had intellect, emotions, and will after the fall (as did his children). Obviously, his body did start to 'die', age and grow old. But Gen 2:17 says that 'something' in Adam died that day. In fact, whatever this 'something' is, from God's viewpoint it was Adam's identity. 'You will die', God says, not 'part of you will die.' 2) Man is two parts: body and soul/spirit (same thing). But God, at creation, imparted the Holy Spirit to Adam making him, at that point, tripartate. Then God withdrew the Holy Spirit when Adam sinned because God cannot inhabit a sinful vessel. This view has it's problems because, again, God said, "You (not God or His Spirit) will die." 3) Man is tripartate: body, soul, and spirit (his own). When Adam sinned his spirit died, leaving him still with a functional (though fallen) soul and body. In this view, some say that Adam's spirit literally died, and some believe that it was still alive (to sin) but dead to God. Adam's spirit could no longer function as designed. 4) Man is tripartate in nature but is designed to have his spirit inhabited by God's Spirit. This is the view that I personally lean to although I am open to hearing other views. This view is very similar to number 3 except that it hold's that God designed man not to be autonimous but dependent upon God's Spirit (spiritual life) in Him. When Adam sinned, God's Spirit departed from Adam and, as in view 3, Adam's human spirit died to God. God, at new birth of His creation, recreates the human spirit (alive to God) and joins it to His divine Spirit once again. So that the end result is that man is once again spiritually alive and God is in His creation as designed. Admittedly, the scriptures do not prove this. I am not 100 percent sure that this is a correct understanding. What I am sure of is that our spirits (1 per person, please) have been recreated and joined to Christ's Spirit. All that being said, if someone would like to 'gently' correct me or enlighten my understanding, I am open to it. I would like to settle this issue in my mind and, unfortunately, most of the people at my church are not interested in such 'deep':) things. Nevertheless, I know who I am in Christ and, thank God, I am no longer in Adam. As always, in Christ, Bill Mc |
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17 | Body/soul/spirit? | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 18237 | ||
Hi There :), I do indeed appreciate your input. You bring up some very good points. Permit me to answer your questions: 1) If the number 4 view is correct, it does not invalidate the tree of life in the garden. My reasoning is that God put His divine life in Adam, but Adam (and Eve) had to choose whether or not they would keep that forever by eating from the tree of life. I believe that by God's design, man needed to make a choice considering what 'life' he would live out of. This is pure speculation, but I think that they could have chosen to eat from the tree of life and then they would have had God as their source in them forever. Instead, they chose to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and chose not to remain dependant upon God and what He said. So, if number 4 is correct, God withdrew His divine life from them and they died. In a nutshell, they, on some level, chose NOT to walk in the Spirit (with God as their source) and decided to walk in the flesh (with themselves and their souls as their source). 2) If this is true (big IF), then why doesn't God withdraw His Spirit and life from us when we sin? Because Jesus paid for the complete penalty. If view 4 is correct, Adam and Eve suffered the wages of their sin (spiritual death) the day they disobeyed God. But God has designed man in such a way that he 'runs' on God. He is not designed to be self-sufficient. Only God is self-sufficient. Self-sufficiency is the lie of Satan - "You don't need God's sufficiency. Do this and you will be like Him." He preaches the same garbage even now, "Do these things and you will be more godly..." The thing that made God withdraw His Spirit is sin. (Consider Saul and David.) But Christ has dealt with our sin on an eternal basis on the cross - taking it away. So now, for the believer indwelt by God, when we sin we deserve spiritual death - separation from God. We deserve for God's Spirit to leave us. Why can't that happen as it did to Adam and Eve, Saul, David? Because Christ has taken away that penalty. He took it all. So now, even though the wages of sin is death, the gift of God is ETERNAL (you can no longer lose it) LIFE. This is why Rom 8 says that there is no more judgment (condemnation) left for the believer. Why? Because the law of the spirit of LIFE in Christ Jesus has set me free from the old law that said 'if you sin, you die'. God's Spirit will never leave me nor forsake me because the ONLY thing that could make Him do so, sin, has been taken care of at the cross. But, even as a believer indwelt by the Spirit, I can still chose to walk out of the sufficiency of Christ in me (walk by the Spirit) or walk by my own sufficiency (really, from Satan's lie) and walk in the flesh. That is why Paul urges me to walk by the Spirit and I won't fulfill the desires of my flesh. But, even if I do, at some point, choose my flesh, He doesn't leave me like He did Adam. Here's my comments on the spirit/soul thingy. I believe that the spirit is the true essence, the true identity. It is the core of our being and, once it is united with God's Spirit, we are to believe out of that resource. I believe that the spirit of the man, not his soul, is his true identity. This is the true inner man, the eternal part of him. That being said, I think that the soul is the 'personality' that the spirit maifests itself through. The spirit is the essence but it 'displays' itself through the soul - mind, will, emotions. The soul (with God's Spirit as it's source) manifests itself through the body to others. Man without the Spirit of God, can only respond to his environment and others around him out of his soul - what do I think, what do I feel, what do I want? Living out of the soul resource is fleshly. But with God's Spirit in us, God wants us to live out of His sufficiency. God does not want the Christian to live out of his soul alone. What we think, what we feel, what we want, is not only self-centered, it changes from minute to minute. God wants us to live out of our spiritual union with Christ. This involves getting past what we think, feel, and want to what God says is true - His Word, Christ in us. I'm not sure about the disembodied spirit returning to God in an unbeliever. We know that the spirit can be corrupted. There are evil spirits, spirits in Hell. So I don't think that all 'spirit' is necessarily divine and returns to God. But I'm not sure on this point and your view has considerable merit. I do see that the soul can be sent to hell. I'm not sure about the spirit. Again, thanks for your post. I agree that our new birth once again allows man to reflect the Creator. Jesus Christ was the EXACT representation of the Father. "If you've seen ME, then you have seen the Father." Would that the world could always see CHRIST IN US, the hope of glory. Blessings to you, There, Bill Mc |
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18 | Body/soul/spirit? | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 18247 | ||
Steve, God did indeed say when - Gen 2:17 - "but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for IN THE DAY that you eat from it you will surely die." Satan echoed this - Gen 3:5 - "For God knows that IN THE DAY you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Granted, God did not say what part. But if you re-read my post, I stated that we can come to some understanding concerning what did not die. To say that it was only physical death does not line up with the rest of scripture that says that, because of Adam's disobedience, we are born dead in trespasses and sins. CDBJ has a good explanation in this thread about what 'dead' means here. I, too, think that every man has a soul and spirit. In Christ, Bill Mc |
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19 | Body/soul/spirit? | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 18249 | ||
Steve, Yes, I believe that even unbelievers have a spirit. See James 2:26; Luke 8:55. But I believe that it is, like Adam's spirit was, dead to God - separated from Him. In Christ, Bill Mc |
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20 | Body/soul/spirit? | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 18263 | ||
I understand. I use the NIV quite often. It is an excellent dynamic equivalent translation. But it does, occasionally, have a few problems. This is where some other formal equivalent translations shine. Blessings to you, Bill Mc. | ||||||
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