Results 121 - 140 of 166
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Results from: Notes Author: Just Read Mark Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
121 | Translations of "began" or "beginning" | Acts 1:1 | Just Read Mark | 167590 | ||
Thanks. Well, I guess I should learn some greek, because these kinds of questions come up a fair bit. I found your breakdown of the verbs --- NRSV's changing the verb to a noun --- very helpful. I usually find the NRSV very acurate, noting difficulties in the text when they are there, etc. I find the "Jesus began" to be more evocative as a reader... the sense that the Acts are a continuation of Jesus "teaching and doing".... continuing on to today as well, as we find ourselves in the arc of the biblical drama. But, just because I like it, doesn't mean its true ; ) So thanks for the greek. JRM |
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122 | can we eat pork? | Acts 10:15 | Just Read Mark | 117053 | ||
Food and conscience. Horray for Christian liberty: that we have freedom to enjoy this world created by a generous God! Let us buy at the market, unless... Unless the food is produced by companies that breach human rights.... or the meat is contaminated with growth hormones that are affecting our health.... or the animals have been kept on low-grade antibiotics, so that antibiotics are becoming ineffective even in human medicine..... The ethical questions around food are a little different now than during Paul's day, perhaps. JRM. |
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123 | How would you respond to their claim? | Romans | Just Read Mark | 168259 | ||
What does "true" mean? Hi Kalos. While I agree with your argument, it has this problem: it assumes the people care about truth. The fact is, many people feel that no one can really know what is true. When they say "this is true for me" they don't really mean "objectively true." They are making a much more modest claim: they just mean that it's at the heart of their experience. People feel bullied by "truth" -- and indeed, with so much corruption in government, media, business etc... people are right in mistrusting "official truths." Personally, I wouldn't bring up the word "Truth" until much later in the conversation... instead, compel them with meaningful experiences. It is important, I think, to start by speaking of God in THEIR OWN language (like Paul did in Athens) instead of trying to reclaim our own language (like the word Truth). Once they start asking questions -- because they are hungry -- then discussion of what "truth" means can follow. JRM |
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124 | How would you respond to their claim? | Romans | Just Read Mark | 168262 | ||
Postmodernism around us. John, I am sure "God has you in this study for a reason." As an artist in my 30's, I encounter postmodernism all the time. Maybe you will see it more clearly as you study it, for it shapes TV shows and movies and novels. I even have a children's book of "Goldilocks and the three bears" -- from one side, it tells it from the Bears' perspective; you flip the book over, you have it from Goldilock's perspective. There are two covers (front and back) so neither version is priviledged as the true account. The child must decide, or decide that there isn't enough information - thereby putting the question of "truth" aside, and just enjoy the tension in the story. Let me add: some postmodern elements aren't bad. It's ability to question abuses of power has been good for our world. It's ability to listen to outsiders is akin to our Christian call to care for the orphan, the powerless, etc. These, again, are opportunities. We must be more discerning and less reactionary in our response to Postmodernism. Postmodernism is not a systemic philosophy, but a general term for a range of traits and ways of thinking. |
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125 | How would you respond to their claim? | Romans | Just Read Mark | 168269 | ||
Experiences and Scripture Of course, I am not suggesting to draw attention to ourselves. Rather, to celebrate what God has done, in our lives and the lives around us. To express that our every-day lives are formed by a biblical world-view is very powerful. There are many chances to speak about scripture in a living, connected-to-life way. When Truth claims are separated from a faith lived out, they are poisonous to the church. If we can show our neighbouring post-modernists that our lives are shaped by scripture --- rather than just quoting scripture --- good things will happen. When Paul speaks of his conversion experience, and how remarkably his life was changed (Galatians 1:11ff) -- this enables his readers to perceive God's call in their lives. We are not just to quote Paul, but follow his example (2 Timothy 3:10 ff). His example compells us to speak of our experiences in such a way as to bring people to the Lord. (by the way, I didn't read John's response as "gracious" but as honest.) |
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126 | How would you respond to their claim? | Romans | Just Read Mark | 168270 | ||
Sounds like a great study. I am delighted that your church is taking on these issues, and equiping the church to be effective. We have to know the times in which we live. | ||||||
127 | Active Homosexuals: Truly Christian? | Rom 1:21 | Just Read Mark | 87055 | ||
Long road to sanctity. Why do we think homosexuality is any different from other sins? It is always included in a long list of other failings, including sins as common as greed. We do not expect people to be perfect BEFORE they come into the church --- if a gay couple enter the church, seeking, we should not shun them. It could take years of following Jesus for them to sort out how to be faithful. The sanctifying process takes time, as God exposes layer after layer of our darkness IN HIS TIMING. Think about being an alcoholic. There is a mixture of personal choice and genetic predisposition. We have sophisticated support networks to help alcoholics change. We understand how hard their struggle is -- and if they fall off he wagon, we help them back on. Why, then, do we treat our brothers and sisters who struggle with homosexuality with either silence or scorn? This is hypocracy. We have all fallen short, and continue to do so. We are all in utter need God's grace. I am glad the Exodus program exists. I like what Leanne Payne has written as well. Let us learn to understand the struggles of homosexuals, so that we can be effective disciplers and prayer partners. |
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128 | 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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129 | Is God Sovereign in the Church today? | Rom 1:22 | Just Read Mark | 168511 | ||
I am confused. It seems you have written this post in support of the "Pastors' Letter" quoted above. The letter (which many find offensive) claimed that "the timeless truths of the Bible and the discoveries of modern science may comfortably coexist." Isn't that also the point of your post? JRM |
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130 | Is God Sovereign in the Church today? | Rom 1:22 | Just Read Mark | 168523 | ||
Hi Ocelot. Yes, my question was more to you... I thought Mark's statement was quite clear. I guess I thought the scientists you quote would probably have a more metaphorical reading of Creation etc. I guess I suspect that Jastrow, an astronomer, would be one of the ones signing the letter Mark quoted... his study of the stars, and the vast expanse of time, could draw him to the God of Genesis... rather than interpreting a 6 day creation. ..... Just found this interview on the net. GCMI: You've written that the Big Bang is at least consistent with the idea of a creator or a first cause. DR. JASTROW: The theoretical cosmologists are very active inventing various exotic ideas for a non-deist first cause, and that means, of course, the possibility of the creator. I'm an agnostic because I see the thrust of the discoveries toward the idea of a first cause, but everything else I know about humankind and the universe tells me that it could have happened without an overarching plan. And yet, when you step back and look at the whole picture that seems hard to believe. So as I've said in a number of places, I'm just stuck in the middle. |
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131 | why was Jacob Loved and Esau Hated | Rom 9:1 | Just Read Mark | 119466 | ||
Does this make it a little hard to sing "Jesus love me"? For, if Essau was taught that song, it would have been a falsehood. | ||||||
132 | women? | 1 Corinthians | Just Read Mark | 82708 | ||
Thanks. Hey there Justme. I have written a couple of responses on a thread "can women lead" (you may want to add to that conversation too...) Anyway, I just found your text here --- thanks for the insight. |
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133 | Must a woman have long hair | 1 Corinthians | Just Read Mark | 85030 | ||
Chemotherapy. I don't really understand what is meant by "her hair is her glory" --- surely not sex appeal. I find the elaboration in your study Bible useful. This issue immediately makes me think of the women I have known (my wife included) who have lost all of their hair due to illness, and how devastating it can be. I would not want to burden them with a prescriptive view of this text. |
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134 | Should we ask God for the gift of tongue | 1 Cor 12:11 | Just Read Mark | 111640 | ||
Amazing Gibberish. Obviously, this is a divisive issue. I am from a mainline denomination, not known for its use of spiritual gifts. I have some friends who are very open to these things, however, and have learned as much as possible. At one service recently --- an event with perhaps 600 worshipping --- one of these friends prayed in his "prayer language," in the context of praying through "Christmas" texts in Isaiah. Driving home, a woman mentioned to another aquaintance of mine, "you guys are always surprising me. How did J. learn to speak an indiginous language from Ethiopia?" So this woman heard the text from Isaiah in her traditional language, from her remote area of Ethiopia. This has been a powerful testimony in her life, and for others as well. To me, it was gibberish. To Jeff, it was an act of trusting God amid sounds he could not understand. To Satan, it was the power of God to minister to a particular person who needed to hear God's word in a fresh way. I am quite stunned by this, happening with people that I know. How do I make sense of this? I think the reasons that the gifts were needed then are the same reason the gifts are needed now. |
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135 | Should we ask God for the gift of tongue | 1 Cor 12:11 | Just Read Mark | 111643 | ||
Amazing Gibberish. Obviously, this is a divisive issue. I am from a mainline denomination, not known for its use of spiritual gifts. I have some friends who are very open to these things, however, and have learned as much as possible. At one service recently --- an event with perhaps 600 worshipping --- one of these friends prayed in his "prayer language," in the context of praying through "Christmas" texts in Isaiah. Driving home, a woman mentioned to another aquaintance of mine, "you guys are always surprising me. How did J. learn to speak an indiginous language from Ethiopia?" So this woman heard the text from Isaiah in her traditional language, from her remote area of Ethiopia. This has been a powerful testimony in her life, and for others as well. To me, it was gibberish. To Jeff, it was an act of trusting God amid sounds he could not understand. To Satan, it was the power of God to minister to a particular person who needed to hear God's word in a fresh way. I am quite stunned by this, happening with people that I know. How do I make sense of this? I think the reasons that the gifts were needed then are the same reason the gifts are needed now. |
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136 | Tongues, madness or sign for unbeliever | 1 Cor 14:22 | Just Read Mark | 151055 | ||
Thanks for the in-depth answer. It is fascinating, and I appreciate how the OT quote is integrated into it ( ... although it is a strange passage for Paul to quote. It's relation to tongues is certainly metaphorical...). So, if I understand it right, Paul is saying that tongues are for unbelievers. If the tongues are improperly used, however, they will be discrediting to the church. If they are properly used, they will somehow reach unbelievers. I have two questions.... first, why would an unbeliever be impressed by unintelligable words? Second, if Paul's criticism is simply that they are using tongues badly, why doesn't he contrast "good tongues" to "confusing tongues" instead of contrasting tongues to prophecy? I hope I have made my questions clear.... it seems a bit muddled. JRM |
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137 | Tongues in different settings? | 1 Cor 14:22 | Just Read Mark | 151097 | ||
Wow, Tim. I never would have read the words like that. It makes me want to learn greek. It results in a completely different meaning to the verse --- but certainly more harmonious with the larger context. So, if the verse is a rhetorical question, does that work with the OT quote that sets it up? |
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138 | 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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139 | Beware "Another" | 2 Cor 11:4 | Just Read Mark | 156389 | ||
We can also learn from Victor here. When the Pope points to Christ, we should celebrate this, for as LionHeart has said, all who follow Christ are the church. There are different ways to organize a church. Are there problems with Catholic hierarchy... Probably. Are there problems with community churches that spring up all over the place, and are accountable to no larger body... Probably. Every way we have of organizing ourselves will have problems, for we are fallen people. The new testament has many examples of hierarchy (Paul emphasizing his authority, and appointing leaders to keep congregations growing in the right direction. like Titus 1:5) and also many examples of diverse leaders under Christ (1 Corinthians 3:5) Doc, your initial post implies that the Pope was pointing to Another Christ,or Another Gospel. When so many Catholics are true believers, this is objectionable. Expecially since you didnt explain the grounds for your criticism. Furthermore, the Pope s comments about avoiding a consumer attitude to religion is certainly a worthy critique of much contemporary faith practice. It is better to hear the wisdom in the words, than to be dismissive. JRM (PS -- I am writing from a French computer, and the forum is not allowing me to use question marks or quotation marks or appostrophes... sorry for the weirdness that causes) |
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140 | Beware "Another" | 2 Cor 11:4 | Just Read Mark | 156415 | ||
I dont understand why everyone is responding to Victors tone, and not his message. Hes new to the forum, so Id give him some leeway. Please, someone, deal with the issue he raised. Having read your post, Doc, I continue to find it troubling. Instead of expressing any explicit criticism, you just place a description of the Pope in the context of Another Christ and Another Gospel, and the Gospel of Satan. Fact is, the greatest number of Christians in the world are Catholic. And Catholics participate in this forum. So when the Pope points to Christ, we should celebrate it. The true church is not the entire catholic church, or any institution... but God uses that institution mightily. We would do well to heed the Popes criticism about consumer-faith, which is certainly relevant to the North American church. JRM |
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