Results 101 - 120 of 166
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Results from: Notes Author: Just Read Mark Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
101 | When is it time to say no? | Matt 13:55 | Just Read Mark | 111034 | ||
Thanks, kalos. That is very helpful to me. Was I right that punctuation is also very hard to deal with from the Greek? I heard that the sentences run together, so determinng where each thought ends is a delicate matter. JRM. |
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102 | Baby Smashing? | Ps 137:9 | Just Read Mark | 111032 | ||
Hi srbaegon --- Thanks for the commentary. I guess the question is, what is "just retaliation." For another take on it, see my note below. I would be interested in your response. JRM. |
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103 | Baby Smashing? | Ps 137:9 | Just Read Mark | 111027 | ||
The violence of nationalism. Thanks for your great answer. There is much to think about there. Here's what I've been thinking about since I posted the question. I'm not certain about it (and its definately a different take than what you have offered) but I think it makes sense. I read this Psalm with great empathy, thinking of all that they have lost. Their whole sense of God's action in their midst was centred on the Temple and the promised land --- losing both must have been devastating. It seems to me that, while God can execute judgement, it is not our place to call out for the smashing of baby's heads. God is judge; we are to turn the other cheek and get hit again (Matt 5:39). Since violence begetts violence, God often uses the wicked to judge the wicked --- which doesn't leave much room for "Blessed"... To destroy the children for the parents' fault also goes against Ezekiel 18. So, what then to make of this verse? Certainly it is the human cry of anger and humilation, crying out for "justice." But, as we are prone to do, it is a vision of justice gone awry. Then, looking back up the Psalm, we see other distortions that lead the lament to this point. The identification with Jerusalem is stronger than the identification as God's people. Exile does not alienate them from being God's people --- in fact, exile is anticipated in the Mosaic covenant (Deut 29:28). But, due to their nationalism, they are unable to sing the Lord's song in a foreign land. "If I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy." (v 6) Only God should be their highest joy. Thus, their idolatry of national pride leads them to the brutality of the final verse. |
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104 | trials and tribulations | Bible general Archive 2 | Just Read Mark | 110918 | ||
Apocrypha. Hi Kalos. I, too, have been digging though the Apocrypha a little. My interest was in reading Maccabees, having recently read Daniel. Also, it is interesting to flesh out some of the history before the time of Jesus. It does help to understand the gospels, I think. I am reading a book by N.T. Wright called "The New Testament and the People of God" --- it is really helping me to understand threads withing Judaism in the time before and after Christ. Peace, JRM. |
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105 | Do animals have souls? | Eccl 1:1 | Just Read Mark | 110619 | ||
Human and Animal Souls. Hi there. As per my other questions on Ecclesiastes (see discussion on Ecc 7:16) -- it can be hard to interpret Ecclesiastes. In this text about afterlife, it is saying that -- as far as we can see -- humans and animals have the same fate. We all die. That is all that the Teacher presents as certain: animals and people all return to dust. He goes on to say, "who knows what happens after that?" (v.21) With the New Testament we have a clearer picture of life after death... But can this passage in Ecclesiastes teaches us much about what we'll find? Yours, JRM. |
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106 | Don't be too righteous; nor too wicked? | Eccl 7:16 | Just Read Mark | 110618 | ||
What does "righteous" mean here? Hi Kalos. I don't have clear answers, but here's what I'm thinking. A general theme throughout the Bible is that we should strive for holiness. Admittedly, we fall short. But the New Testament reiterates the refrain of the Olde: "Be Holy, for I am Holy" (ie. 1Peter 1:16) This verse (I think) contradicts that instruction -- saying that seeking holiness can lead to a lot of problems. Look at Jeremiah being thrown in the cistern, and the persecution of the prophets in general. Look at people that stick up for justice today, and are punished. Holiness is very costly, and brings not peace but a sword. (Matt 10:34) One of the themes is Ecclesiastes seems to be "don't stand out. Just do your work, take pleasure in simple things." To strive for more than this is dangerous. So I would say "overly righteous" means to truely strive after holiness. The Amplified Version, I think, wants to gloss over the difficulty of this. Thus, they make the word righteous to mean "self-righteous" --- an arrogant attitude of legalism or pride. I see no reason for this in the text (other than to avoid difficult questions), and no echoes of it elsewhere in Ecclesiastes. If I am right about this, I am still left with a puzzle. How should I understand the moments of advice offered in this book? I see a struggling philosopher, trying on various approaches to life (work, pleasure, family, etc) - and then discarding them. So, is "be neither too righteous nor too wicked" advice to follow, or is this an opionion he experiments with and then rejects? How do we read this verse in context? |
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107 | Where in the Bible or where is it a para | 2 Cor 10:12 | Just Read Mark | 109518 | ||
King of Tyre. As we struggle to read the Bible in an accurate way, so many questions are raised. We are told to read them in the sense they were written (which can involve some serious historical research) --- yet also to allow the Spirit to bring about new interpretations in the life of the believer. Anyway, the use of Ezekiel above is troubling. The context is a series of denunciations of foreign nations --- nations that surrounded Israel at the time of Ezekiel. I see a prophetic denunciation of a human king, who has risen to great power and then been corrupted by that wealth. The references to Eden, and the mountain, are metaphors describing his blessed state --- including this pagan ruler within the narrative of Israel. His iniquity, however, is leading to his downfall. The problem with "proof texting" is that it ignores the larger context of the passage. Of course, the beginning of that chapter sees the King of Tyre making god-claims for himself. So, while this may not describe Satan, it does basically tell the same story. We can all be like Satan, when we turn from God's grace and revel in our own ambition. Another interesting passage --- it talks about "Lucifer" but in the context of Babylon --- is Isaiah 14:12-21. Any thoughts about the historical / allegorical readings of these passages would be welcome. JRM. |
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108 | Matthew 19:24 is a puzzle for me ? | Matt 19:24 | Just Read Mark | 108753 | ||
clarification --- I realize the "Widow's Mite" is not a parable, but Jesus using an event as a "teachable moment." Jesus does feature the poor in many stories, however --- like Lazarus the beggar, and the outcasts invited to the Banquet... |
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109 | how do you deal with unrequited feelings | Bible general Archive 2 | Just Read Mark | 107892 | ||
2 scriptures. Of course, I agree that we should leave specific council to people in face-to-face community. Here are two verses, however, that may be fruitful to look at -- adressing the general theme of singleness rather than Bnbriones' specific case. ... I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, do not stir up or awaken love until it is ready! (Song of Songs 8:4 ) This warning is a refrain through the Song, occuring 3 times. Also, see how Paul privileges celebate singleness in 1Corinthians chapter 7. Read the whole chapter. ... Our culture, which makes singles feel like they are missing out, is distorting God's view on the matter. Many people live under presure to find a partner -- when God has many other issues for us to put our longing into. Yours, JRM. |
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110 | Thompson Chain Reference: useful? | Bible general Archive 2 | Just Read Mark | 107456 | ||
Thanks for the replies. I understand, of course, that it is a human resource, but at least it is constantly pointing me back into the scripture. I have found a few typos already, in the lists of verses. And there are verses that fascinate me that have no chain attached at all! It may encourage me to add my own links and chains, following the format. I notice there are many blank pages at the back of my edition: perfect! I love the idea of how it started. A minister's personal notation system! I love being taught by those older and wiser, and there is something so pleasing about knowing how this system started. EdB: your comments about how to break in the Book are well taken. You noticed, of course, that my favorite Bible is falling apart! It is so annotated, and carried about, that the hard-cover is broken. The binding, however, is still in good shape. I'll take your advice on breaking the new book in. Thanks. JRM |
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111 | Who wrote Daniel? | Dan 12:4 | Just Read Mark | 107454 | ||
Thanks, Pastor Glen, for some resources to check out. This is an honest inquiry, and I would love to read some material that tackles the issues I have encountered. I believe in the authority of the Scriptures, but live in an environment where I need to be informed about these issues. |
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112 | when will jesus christ return | Bible general Archive 2 | Just Read Mark | 107374 | ||
Preterist Return? Hi. It has always been clear to me that the NT writers EXPECTED Jesus to return very soon. I have just thought that they were mistaken (seeing through the glass darkly) but that we are to live with the same view as they did: that Christ will come very soon. To ALWAYS live as if Christ is coming soon. I have never heard of your interpretation before. You are saying that Christ already did return? This makes my mind reel with questions: 1) Why wouldn't the NT writers have mentioned something about that? The canon wasn't set til later anyway. 2) And why didn't anything change upon his return (for Revelation and Thessalonians would certainly cause us to expect radical change)? 3) And -- if what you say is true -- what do we have to look forward to? |
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113 | Christ and war | Is 9:6 | Just Read Mark | 107368 | ||
Inner and Outer Peace. Hi. I've been thinking about this for a few days, so it isn't just a response to JCrichton's post. Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Merry 2nd day of Christmas to those who celebrate the season). Certainly, this peace is an inner peace -- that we have been reconciled to God, individually, by Christ's sacrifice for us. Thanks be to God for this truth. We are also to be making peace in the world around us. This is not a polite declaration of "peace, peace when there is no peace." Jeremiah 6:14. Here are two scriptures to think on: When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. --- Prov.16:7 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. -- Colossians 1:19-20. Christ is reconciling ALL THINGS. This reflects the Old Testament notion of "shalom" -- a deep peace that is interconnected and societal. Even the oceans and the stars are embraced by Christ's reconciling act. An earlier post mentioned "turning the other cheek" limited to interactions with people of other faiths. I think "turning the other cheek" is a radical reshaping of relationships. The ultimate example is how silently Christ went to the cross. I believe we are to be peacemakers in the broadest sense. |
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114 | Christ and war | Is 9:6 | Just Read Mark | 107226 | ||
I agree with you--- what is really required is Christ's transformation of every conscience. But let us also remember how many Christians thrwarted equality. The protests served to spark debates around many kitchen tables, I am sure. No justice system will shape people's hearts, but it does help limit the damage. As Christians, I believe we need to be vocal about the issues of our day. May justice roll like a might river. |
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115 | Christ and war | Is 9:6 | Just Read Mark | 107221 | ||
The civil rights movement, with Mr. King, is a perfect example of the Gospel and political protest working together for good. |
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116 | Christ and war | Is 9:6 | Just Read Mark | 107164 | ||
Christian Protest. Hi EdB. I am surprised by the conclusion you draw -- that we are to do nothing other than pray for our elected leaders. We have a democratic systems (in my country, Canada, as well as most participants in the forum) which require participation beyond election time. The great thing about Democracy is it forces accountability on our leaders, and enables citizens to shape the direction of their country. Of course, we don't see democracy in the Bible ;-) but it is a good and faithful system. We need to pray, certainly. But also engage the process. Protest is a very important part of political debate. |
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117 | Who wrote Daniel? | Matt 24:15 | Just Read Mark | 106974 | ||
I find this passage in Matthew particularly interesting because it takes the prophecies of Daniel into a future time (beyond Antiochus) -- perhaps referring to the destruction of the Temple (Herod's construction). -- also, looking to Revelation. I don't find it particurly definitive, in terms of who wrote Daniel. I think Jesus could speak the language of his day, and of the internal language of the Bible -- which would refer to Daniel as the author, and similarly with the books of Moses. So my question, then, is about relating the authorship of Daniel to external historical evidence. |
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118 | Christmas-Is It Christian? | NT general Archive 1 | Just Read Mark | 106889 | ||
Thanks, Taleb. Very cool. I have never heard that before, and the connection to the Temple is very rich indeed. |
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119 | Christmas-Is It Christian? | NT general Archive 1 | Just Read Mark | 106738 | ||
Most Christians believe that God continues to communicate with believers. We are to test our listening against the Scriptures. The celebration of Christmas is a fruitful way to honour the birth of our Savior. It draws people together as a group to honour God, as opposed to our individual devotional patterns which may lead us to consider the Incarnation at various points in time. Focusing on Christ corporately is so important. The date of December 25th is not in the Bible, but it is not arbitrary. It is just past the shortest day in the year. I am not saying it is a pagan festival --- I am saying that the date reiterates Isaiah's prophesy "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light." As for the magi, we know that the Bible doesn't say how many there were. Perhaps a dozen started, and only 4 had the conviction to finish? It is speculation. But, on the other hand, look at the symbolism of the 3 -- from different continents (often portrayed as Europe, Asia, and Africa) thus symbolizing the whole world.... or 3 different ages (young, mature, elderly.) These are rich ideas, though not literally Biblical, they are consistent with the message of the Gospel. Don't many Christian authors imagine themselves into the Biblical drama to edifying results? Of course, we don't treat these cultural productions as authoritative. But prayerful production is an important way to serve our Lord. Every time I see a nativity scene, I celebrate. Especially on private lawns. People are making a public declaration of their faith. How much easier to put up a banal snowman or Santa! But no, some people put their faith on display to their neighbours. Let us be flamboyently celebratory this Christmas, stealing the attention from the capitalist frenzy. Let us find ways, united in faith, to celebrate the incarnation on the streets, not just in private devotion. Sing carols door to door that explicitly proclaim who Christ is. I plan to lean into it, for Christ is here and people need to know it. |
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120 | Active Homosexuals: Truly Christian? | Rom 1:21 | Just Read Mark | 87245 | ||
Hi Justme. Thanks for your note. This is a difficult matter. Perhaps there are two different circumstances to deal with: those growing in faith who are still involved in some sinful practice; and those already mature in faith who turn their back on what they know. I think people often need to study the Word for some time, to be discipled in the faith, to experience God's presence in worship BEFORE they are willing to transform their key commitments in life. So we should expect to have people in our churches -- seeking the Lord -- who are quite engaged in sinful practices. We should be inviting them, seeking out our neighbours like this. I repeat my question of before: say a gay couple had bought a house together... and raised a child together... how hard it would be to abandon that life! How many commitments and vows would have to be broken! I don't think the person would see his way clear the first day of conversion. Even after giving one's life to God, there is a sanctification process that takes time. In my own experience, there are deeper and deeper levels of sin that have been given to God over successive years. (start off with obvious things like lying; later deal with pride, or insidious materialism...) I am grateful for God's leading, cleansing, and nurture. I think firm patience plays a role. (Not saying everything is OK -- but acknowledging the struggle.) As for the Corinthians passage -- I think it is about someone moving the wrong direction. If someone were to enter into a new sinful relationship -- where they have known the truth and willfully reject it. I fear we are all being a little theoretical. I posted that other question in this thread, about a "faithful response to gays/ lesbians." It seems that people have many opinions but not a lot of experience. I'd love to hear from a Christian that has worked through homosexual struggles -- to find what blessed them in their church community. Just as we have learned how to help alcoholics -- and there are good resources about this -- we need to find out how to help homosexuals. |
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