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Results from: Notes Author: Brian.g Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | to get closer to god | Matt 6:6 | Brian.g | 203378 | ||
Azure You are right. But, in this case, the search is over - it is now time to talk and get to know each other. Brian |
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2 | to get closer to god | Matt 6:6 | Brian.g | 203363 | ||
There is no need to seek God. He has found you. Just answer Him from your heart Brian |
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3 | A certain way to drink-why? | Judg 7:5 | Brian.g | 195736 | ||
John I believe that I may have contributed to your confusion in misunderstanding what I had written, by using the term 'lapped', which was used in Scripture to describe both the 9700 soldiers (Judges 7:5) and the 300 soldiers (Judge 7:6). It would have been better had I termed it as 9,700 soldiers who 'laps the water with his tongue like a dog' were the complacent ones. While, the 300 who drank by 'putting their hand to their mouth' were the more committed and vigilant soldiers. Sorry to confuse you. Brian |
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4 | A certain way to drink-why? | Judg 7:5 | Brian.g | 195735 | ||
Doc I'm sorry if I confused the discussion with the use of the term 'complacent'. I went to my old (and sometimes dusty) Merriam-Webster dictionary. First, I double checked the spelling and it is correct for the word I was intending to use. Then, I double-checked to make sure I used the correct word to convey the meaning of my thought. The folks at Merriam reconfirmed that my use of the word 'complacent' does actually represent the meaning of the thought I was trying to convey: Complacent: 'unruffled or blasé satisfaction about the security of one's position or by careless acceptance of events around one' So, those 9,700 soldiers who drank 'like dogs' were 'complacent'. While, the 300 who drank by 'putting their hand to their mouth' were ever-vigilant. Also, you did ask me chapter and verse, so... Let's compare the characteristics of all three groups of soldiers to the 1 Peter 5:8 'Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for (someone) to devour.' Now, let's compare the quantity of soldiers to Mt 17:20 I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you' With an army the size of a mustard seed - just 300 (from 20,000) vigilant and dedicated soldiers, together with God, nothing was impossible. Or, you can take one Jesus, as opposed to thousands of Pharisees and scribes, and change the world. Last, yes, you are correct in that they may just have been the best dang horn-tooters around. They may have been the national champions of the bugle-segment of the local 'drum and bugle corp'. However, I think all of us would really have to insist that you provide chapter and verse to support that theory. Brian |
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5 | Confused? | Bible general Archive 3 | Brian.g | 192375 | ||
The correct quote is 'you have heard that the ancients were told'. Here are the statements from Jesus and the corresponding written word (10 Commandments) from Exodus. Matt 5:21 "You have heard that the ancients were told, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER' and 'Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court EX 20:13 "You shall not murder" Matt 5:27 "You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY'; Ex 20:14 "You shall not commit adultery" Brian |
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6 | Confused? | Bible general Archive 3 | Brian.g | 192328 | ||
Jesus explaining the spirit of law: Luke 6:1-5 and Luke 6:6-10 Matthew 5:17-19 Jesus replaced blindly following the letter of the law; with reason and understanding of the law. The law remained the same, but the meaning of the law is fuller in the hearts of man, as we see in the above examples in Luke. In Matthew 5:21, Jesus talks of the commandment not to kill. And, in Mt 5:22-26 Jesus further expands on the fullness of meaning of that commandment. In Mt 5:27, Jesus addresses the commandment of adultry and in Mt 5:28-32 Jesus fulfills the meaning of the commandment. The commandment is the letter of the law, the explanation by Jesus is the spirit of the law. The spirit of the law has a broader scope of meaning. Each single law is in effect two laws. The narrow-scope version of the scribes and Pharisees; and the broader-meaning law taught by Jesus. Both are exactly the same law, but they are different. One is followed with a checklist; the other is lived within the heart. Brian |
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7 | Confused? | Bible general Archive 3 | Brian.g | 192291 | ||
The letter of the law versus the spirit of the law. Brian |
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8 | Mediator | Heb 4:16 | Brian.g | 189007 | ||
Hank That sound like a fine idea As always, it's a pleasure speaking with you! Brian |
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9 | Mediator | Heb 4:16 | Brian.g | 188994 | ||
Hank My use of the term 'saint' was with a lower case 's' and consistent with the term used in the New Testament about 45 times. The definition of the term of 'saint' is 'consecrated to God, holy, sacred, pious'. I believe that definition would also include those who have died and have gone to heaven and are in union with God. Now, if we can ask a living sinner to pray for us, why can we not ask a 'saint' in heaven to pray for us? I am not saying we should worship the 'saint' in heaven, but only to ask that they pray for us. And, I believe my two citings from Revelation would support it. Brian |
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10 | Mediator | Heb 4:16 | Brian.g | 188984 | ||
Doc If you will reread my response, it is about asking the saints to pray for us, in the same manner in which we ask sinners to pray for us. And, I gave two examples from Scripture about the saints offering their prayers to God. I believe I have complied with the letter and the spirit of this forum. Brian |
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11 | Is it ok to sell books or eat in church. | John 2:16 | Brian.g | 188513 | ||
Hank As a Catholic, my parish takes a similiar position as your church. However, we absolutely draw the line at people who expect to play Bingo for free. Brian |
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12 | Looking into the heart for assurance? | Matt 7:21 | Brian.g | 187557 | ||
LookN Greek philosopher Plato’s classic story, ‘Euthyphro’ is a story of an encounter between Greek philosopher Socrates (S) and a fellow named Euthyphro (E). Euthyphro (E) and Socrates (S) meet while E was enroute to reporting his father to the authorities for causing the death of a murderer. The man had died while E’s father was restraining him while waiting for the authorities. E stated that due to his devotion to the gods (piety), he has a moral responsibility to report his father. S asked E if he believed the stories the poets had written about the gods: of the battles, wars, and bitter hatred among the gods. E affirmed his belief. S further questioned that hadn’t the wars, battles and bitter hatred between the gods been caused by gods having different beliefs? E agreed. S then challenged E with a simple question: ‘what is piety?’ After some dialogue, E finally constructs an answer that piety is that which is pleasing to the gods. S further challenged E: if battles and wars are caused by gods not agreeing, then do all gods agree on the exact same meaning of piety? In effect, Socrates was asking Euthyphro – what is the correct interpretation of the moral action of piety (which Greek god will he listen to), and is E acting in accordance with the correct interpretation of truth. This story parallels the spirit of your comments: Ultimately, the question becomes: ‘what is the truth, which is Jesus?' If you turn to John Doe and John Smith as your Teaching Authorities, and at some point, they disagree, who represents the truth - who will you trust. Will you go left with Doe or right with Smith. And at the next crossroads, which way will you go. With truth, there is only one straight path. Look for the 'organic unity' in what they are saying. Truth has no conflict. Brian |
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13 | Would Adam and Eve have fallen? | Gen 3:13 | Brian.g | 186982 | ||
ebrain I have reviewed your analysis and I would like comment on it. Your comparision of Adam to Jesus is interesting, but incomplete. Jesus never sinned. Adam sinned. Jesus took on the weight of man's sin with the purpose of uniting man with God - but he did not sin. Jesus was united with God and trusted God, he was not afraid to be seen by God. Adam joined with Eve in sinning against God. If his intent was to protect Eve, then it was to protect Eve, against God. Jesus recognized that mankind does sin, but through true repentence and by seeking God's foregiveness we can again unite with God. Adam took a defensive position against God and tried to hide his sin. In Gen 3:8-9, Adam and Eve hid in the bushes. Jesus never advocated hiding from God, but to repent so we can be with God. I hope this helps Brian |
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14 | Would Adam and Eve have fallen? | Gen 3:13 | Brian.g | 186977 | ||
WOS You are correct that I omitted that God calls man first. After which, man will accept or reject God. Thank you Brian |
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15 | Would Adam and Eve have fallen? | Gen 3:13 | Brian.g | 186966 | ||
Steve This is a good reference, thank you Man's desires is a driving force. God says 'this', but my desires say 'that'. Ultimately, man has to decide, by using his intellect, whether he is going to trust in God or is he going to judge God as wrong, by choosing his own opinions. But, man has the ability and the freedom of will to choose God. Thanks Brian |
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16 | 2 Natures? | Phil 2:6 | Brian.g | 186913 | ||
Hi John I wanted to expand a bit on your answer... In John 14:6, Jesus said ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’. What is truth? If we look at the simple mathematical statement of 1 plus 1 equals 2, we find out the following about truth: • All truth is never changing – it does not change from generation to generation; from community to community; from person to person (Mt 5:17-18) • All truth existed prior to man – prior to man declaring, judging or opinionating on it. (Jn 17:24) • Truth is not subject to change based upon man’s opinion: it ignores man’s opinion as to whether 1 plus 1 should equal any value other than 2. (Mt 16:13-14) • All truth existed prior to anything physical; such as the planets and the universe. In the darkest voids of space, the truth of 1 plus 1 remains. (Gen 1:1) • All truth will continue to exist after man and for all time. (Rev 1:8 and 1 Jn 2:25) • Truth does not contain deception or fraud (Mk 9:7; Is 53:9; 1 Peter 2:22) Where does truth come from? • All truth is discovered or revealed, not created (Mt 16:15-17) • The source of truth is the essence, reason or rationality of God (Jn 1:14) • If truth had been created by God, then it would be changeable – the artist or storyteller can change his creation. If created, 1 plus 1 could equal some other value (Jn 1:2 and 1 Peter 1:25) • By being of the essence of God, then like God, truth has no beginning, it is never changing and never ending (Rev 1:8 and Rev 1:17-18) • Truth proceeds from truth o as fire proceeds from fire o as light proceeds from light o as speech (words) proceed from reason (Gen 1:1-3 and Jn 1:1-5) John 1:14 And the Word became flesh Like man in every way except sin (1 Jn 3:9; Heb 4:14-15) What is man’s responsibility towards truth? • Man’s responsibility is to: o Seek to truly discover o Strive to understand with his heart o Live, convey and unite with truth, which is the essence of God. o (Mt 13:13-16; Jn 4:22-24 ; Jn 6:45; Jn 17:19-23; Jn 14:6) Brian |
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17 | Virgin Mary | Ex 20:4 | Brian.g | 183035 | ||
WOS In your reply, you referenced Luke 1:46-48. "...from henceforth, all generations shall call me blessed" Blessed means to be make or pronounce as holy. To be holy means "perfect in righteousness and divine love : infinitely good : worthy of complete devotion and trust : commanding one's fullest powers of adoration and reverence" To be 'righteous' means conforming oneself to the divine or moral law. Lev 11:44-45 For I, the LORD, am your God; and you shall make and keep yourselves holy, because I am holy. You shall not make yourselves unclean, then, by any swarming creature that crawls on the ground. Since I, the LORD, brought you up from the land of Egypt that I might be your God, you shall be holy, because I am holy. God would not expect man to be holy, if it was not possible. Mary proved it was and is, possible, as did Noah (Gen 6:9) and Abraham (Gen 15:6). Therefore, Scripture did say that Mary was perfect, in righteousness. Which is what we would expect from the perfect disciple of Christ. Brian |
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18 | Same Bible? | Gen 21:18 | Brian.g | 144561 | ||
Hi Hank, Thanks for the welcome back. I'm not sure if I like being four years older, maybe it would be easier if I also got four years wiser - but I'm not sure that happened. Congratulations on your upcoming 70th birthday. Brian |
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19 | Same Bible? | Gen 21:18 | Brian.g | 144524 | ||
Now Hank, I used quotation marks to indicate a difference. Brian |
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20 | "Least in the kingdom of God"? | Matt 11:11 | Brian.g | 123398 | ||
Zsuzsi I’m sorry for jumping into your discussion with Emmaus. However, I enjoyed it and wanted to offer a few thoughts on the topic. So, I hope you both don’t mind…. There is a term called 'self-mastery'. This concept is a paradox in the sense that by being the absolute master of our own lives, we freely put ourselves into slavery. Jesus and Paul were both excellent examples and teachers of the concept. Very simply, as we are able to control and/or remove from ourselves all of the different forms of personal slavery (Gen 4:7 and Mt 6:24) - whether it’s the holding on to old feuds, dislikes for this person or that person, addictions, and so on. Then we are able to progress to the point in which we are in a position to allow ourselves to more fully and freely experience Gods love. (By the way, God provides healing grace to help us reach that point). The more we allow ourselves to freely accept Gods love, the more we will desire to continue experiencing the greatness of that love. And, we will also desire to respond to that love with our own love and desire to serve God with all of our heart, soul and mind (Mt 22:37) – to put ourselves into a voluntary slavery. Love responds to love. Our response to that love will be such that we will want to do whatever God asks of us. As an act of self-love (Mk 12:31) we always move towards what we feel is the greatest good. By desiring to live within the presence of Gods love, we are freely choosing this as the greatest good. God’s purpose for creating man is for all men and women to live in union with God (Lev 19:2 and Jn 17:21). God’s desire is that we give glory to God (Jn 17:1) and to help our brothers and sisters come into union with God (Jn 17:22 and Mt 9:31) in order that they also will experience (as we do) Gods love (Jn 17:26 and Mk 12:31). To paraphrase St Catherine of Siena: ‘The sweetest tears that we can ever express, are for those who will never experience God’s love – because their source is a love for our brother, as strong as we have for ourselves”. The question now becomes, to what degree do we try to serve God; specifically in helping our brothers and sisters experience Gods love. Will it be just on Sunday at our church service or will it be every moment of every day, in good weather or bad, to people who respond to our efforts as well as those who will mock us and humiliate us and sometimes, provide us with physical suffering (Jn 17:14). However, keep in mind that there where times in which Jesus, Himself, turned and left a town rather than being attacked. So God prefers that we also use a little bit of wisdom. By mastering our own being, we will have absolute and complete control over our life - and when we fully experience Gods love, we will freely give up our own life in order to become a slave to serve God (Mt 10:39 and Rom 1:1). Not a physical death, but a death to serving our own desires (our other masters) and choosing the life of serving God. Our free-response sacrifice (a free-will response to Gods love) for the glory of God is not just to appreciate what Jesus did for us – but it is actually joining Jesus in the act of His love for God (Jn 17:18-22). It was this act (His ministry and suffering on the cross) – all done with the purpose of serving God by bringing His brothers and sisters to know God’s love (Mt 12:49-50). This is how the acts of sacrifice and suffering is loved by God, as well as God’s love for the individual. Any other sacrifice and suffering not with this center, is hollow. We must also remember that the main teaching of Jesus, first and foremost, was about loving God, not loving Jesus. Although, we do love Jesus with all of our heart, soul and mind. Brian |
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