Results 121 - 140 of 3692
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Results from: Notes Author: Makarios Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
121 | A difficult question | Bible general Archive 4 | Makarios | 210502 | ||
Hello Hank! You have given a most excellent suggestion with Josh McDowell's "The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict." Another worthy selection would be "The Case For Christ" or another "Case For" book by Lee Strobel. Take care big brother in Christ, Makarios |
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122 | 400 years in Egypt. | Genesis | Makarios | 209935 | ||
Greetings Thomas8! A few key passages help shed some light on this. For background: Genesis 15:13-16, Exodus 12:40-41, Acts 7:6, Acts 13:19. Key passages: Exodus 11:7, Exodus 19:5-6. You ask "What sin caused the captivity?" Looking back on history, we know that God foreknew and foretold to Abraham that his descendants would be strangers in a land that would not be theirs and afflicted for 400 years (Genesis 15:13). When the people of Israel (Jacob) entered Egypt, they were 70 people (Exodus 1:5). When they left Egypt, they were 600,000 plus men (Exodus 12:37) which is perhaps a very conservative estimate. If you are asking if Israel committed a sin to cause the 400 year bondage, then you are forgetting that God actually saved Israel from the severe famine by bringing them to Egypt in the first place (Genesis 47:11-12, 50:20). It was through fear, the passage of time, and the rising of a Pharoah "who did not know Joseph" that the affliction of the Israelites began (Exodus 1:8-11). But God in His sovereignty was taking a large family (70 people) and forming a nation out of them - a nation that would be so obviously distinguished from any other nation (Exodus 11:7), and one that would be "a special treasure" to God "above all people" (Exodus 19:5-6). The entire earth belongs to the only God, and of all the nations that He could of chosen, He chose Israel to be His one and only, His very own! What is unique about the Mosaic Covenant as compared to the Abrahamic, Davidic, or New Covenant is that the Mosiac Covenant was conditional on Israel's obedience towards Him (Exodus 19:5, Deut. 7:12 versus Gen. 12:1-3, 2 Sam. 7:12-16, Jer. 31:31-33). I have heard the assertion that Israel must have sinned in order to incur the Egyptian slavery, but I disagree with this assertion/assumption. I do not believe that Israel must have done anything aggrievous enough to warrant 400 years of bondage: what sin could they have committed as a people of 70 to warrant such a calamitous situation of bondage? The "sin" that God was dealing with here was the sin of the seven nations (Acts 13:19) who were currently inhabiting the land (Deut. 7:1-8) that God would use Israel to annihilate when their sin was "complete" (Gen. 15:16). So, perhaps God's judgment on these 7 nations was delayed, but it came at last when Israel was ready to rely on the one and only God to drive out those nations who were more numerous and appeared to be stronger (Numbers 14:6) then they were. It was not part of God's promise that they would not go through pain, slavery and persecution, but God would always walk WITH them (Psalm 23:4) through that same pain, slavery and persecution. In the same way, God has chosen those who put their faith in Christ to be that "chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people" that we "may proclaim the praises of Him who called" us out of darkness and into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9-10)! Blessings to you, Makarios |
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123 | do women have to wear dersses | 1 Pet 3:3 | Makarios | 199340 | ||
I apologize, it was Peter who said that, not Paul. :) | ||||||
124 | Why can't I have several wives? | Ex 21:10 | Makarios | 196522 | ||
David and Solomon voilated God's law (Deut. 17:17; Lev. 18:18) by acquiring many wives. Deuteronomy 17:17 "And he shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away, nor shall he acquire for himself excessive silver and gold." (ESV) Leviticus 18:18 "And you shall not take a woman as a rival wife to her sister, uncovering her nakedness while her sister is still alive." (ESV) So, are people "disappointed" by what the Bible says? If so, then they should stop sinning, turn towards God, and repent of their sins. The Bible does not give anyone a 'license to sin' because they disagree or are disappointed by what it says. If man does not obey God's commands, then the judgment will follow. There is no other way. Blessings to you, Makarios |
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125 | Ethiopian eunuch proclaimed the Gospel | Acts 8:38 | Makarios | 196308 | ||
Acts 8:38 "And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him." (KJV) I was reading "Eusebius: The Church History" and found an interesting paragraph in regards to this verse: "While the saving message spread day by day, some providence brought from Ethiopia an officer of the queen, for that nation is still traditionally ruled by a woman. He was the first Gentile to receive the divine Word from Philip by revelation and the first to return to his native land and preach the Gospel. Through him the prophecy was actually fulfilled that states, "Ethiopia shall stretch out its hands to God" (Psalm 68:31)." (1) Blessings to you, Makarios (1) Eusebius-The Church History: A New Translation with Commentary, copyright 1999 by Paul L. Maier, pg. 59 (2.1), Kregel Publications |
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126 | are there errors in the bible? | Bible general Archive 4 | Makarios | 195534 | ||
So true, Doc, so true.. | ||||||
127 | Tell me about the 10 percent of giving | Heb 7:2 | Makarios | 195219 | ||
Hi Lionstrong! Dear Brother, it's great to hear from you. I agree: there is more to tithing than just the textbook definition and how it is traditionally interpreted (which is pretty much what I gave to Glossy44). I liked the verses that you cited especially Philippians 4:19 and Psalm 37:25, which are speaking to my own situation now since I am looking for a job. If only we could be more like the church in Acts 2:44-45; I suppose that it is possible that we would not even need a standard 'rate' of tithing, if we simply gave to everyone who was in need. However, Paul also says in 1 Corinthians 9:4,11,14 that those who preach are entitled to having their needs met as well, such as obtaining food and making a living. It would be sufficient for the church to have a way to pay for those who minister to it. Blessings to you, Makarios |
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128 | Search for Timothy's family Eunice, Lois | 2 Tim 1:5 | Makarios | 194787 | ||
I apologize, I meant to say that both Eunice and Lois helped to bring up Timothy from a young age in the Christian faith (2 Tim 3:15), showing an early Christian family heritage, spreading from generation to generation. | ||||||
129 | Would Jesus be considered a prophet? | Eph 4:11 | Makarios | 194452 | ||
Greetings Miller521, "This is that Moses who told the Israelites, 'God will send you a prophet like me from your own people.'" (Acts 7:37; see also Deut. 18:15, NIV) "You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him- you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it." (Acts 7:51-53, NIV) "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:31) "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16, KJV) Perhaps by reading the parable of the tenants (Luke 20:9-19) will help you understand the role of Jesus in relation to the prophets. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Blessings to you, Makarios |
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130 | Not a Hypothetical Savior | 2 Thess 2:13 | Makarios | 193946 | ||
Greetings Doc, So very true is that assessment by Dr. James White in light of how people forget the implied responsibility of "faith" on the part of man in order to accept salvation. I love this verse that you pointed out, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, since all three persons of the Trinity are mentioned. Blessings to you, Makarios |
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131 | Why "servant"? | Rom 16:1 | Makarios | 180915 | ||
Greetings Rodent Tamer! The Greek word for 'servant' in Romans 16:1 is actually 'diakonos' (Strong's #1249) which appears in 31 different places in the Greek New Testament. However, it is rendered in three different ways in the King James Version of the Bible alone: 'minister' in 20 of the 31 passages, 'servant' in 8 passages, and as 'deacon' in 3 passages. The actual meaning of the word 'diakonos' is "1) one who executes the commands of another, esp. of a master, a servant, attendant, minister, a) the servant of a king, b) a deacon, one who, by virtue of the office assigned to him by the church, cares for the poor and has charge of and distributes the money collected for their use, c) a waiter, one who serves food and drink." (1) Just a word before we begin this study - I am choosing to use the King James Verson of the Bible for this study, since this particular translation is unique in that it can truthfully make the claim (simply because of its antiquity) of complete objectivity in regards to gender inclusive language and gender accuracy in Bible translation, easily being completely 'nonconformist' in all respects in regards to gender neutral or inclusive language throughout the Biblical text, due mostly to its longevity, as the last date of revision (1769) was not a time when gender inclusiveness was something not even imagined to be an issue in regards to Biblical translation. So, with that objectivity in mind, I will proceed with the following.. The KJV renderings for 'minister' can be found in: Matt. 20:26, Mark 10:43, Romans 13:4 (twice), 15:8; 1 Cor. 3:5; 2 Cor. 3:6, 6:4, 11:15 (twice), 11:23; Galatians 2:17; Ephesians 3:7, 6:21; Colossians 1:7,23,25, 4:7; 1 Thessalonians 3:2; 1 Timothy 4:6 (20 different verses) The KJV renderings for 'servant' can be found in: Matt. 22:13, 23:11; Mark 9:35; John 2:5,9, 12:26; Romans 16:1,27 (8 different verses) The KJV renderings for 'deacon' can be found in: Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8,12 (3 different verses) As we examine the above 31 different passages and the different English renderings for the Greek word 'diakonos,' we see that each of the 3 different KJV renderings could possibly 'fit' in different places (even different from where the KJV translators) and make perfect sense in English within the context.. For instance, in Matt. 20:26, Jesus is saying "whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister".. The NASB, NIV, Amplified, NRSV, ESV, and NKJV all have "servant" in Matt. 20:26, and I would agree with the more recent translations that "servant" would be a better rendering, at least in this verse. However, in 2 Cor. 3:6, the KJV and NIV both have "minister" in this verse, and I favor that rendering over 'servant' in the context of 2 Cor. 3:6. In three passages, the KJV actually uses the word "deacon" for 'diakonos': Phil 1:1, 1 Tim 3:8 and 12. In Phil 1:1, 'diakonos' is used alongside the Greek word 'episkopos', which means "overseer" or bishop, and a distinction must be made, resulting in the rendering of "deacon." In 1 Tim 3:8 and 12, the context demands that the rendering of 'diakonos' be as specific as possible (as 'deacon'), since the context clearly tells us that Paul is describing a single office and its requirements in the church, himself being very specific. So, all in all, the translators have done a very good job in rendering 'diakonos' according to the context in which the word was used. Now, we come back to Romans 16:1 and 16:27, which both describe Phoebe, a Christian woman, as a 'servant' of the church. The Amplified Bible and the NRSV both use the word "deacon" to describe Phoebe, while the vast majority of other translations used "servant" instead. As I said before in my post in 2001, the translators rendered this word 'diakonos' in Rom. 16:1 based upon their "approach" to this passage in its context. It is not so much that by either 'playing up' this rendering as "deacon" or by 'playing down' this rendering as "servant" makes any specific declaration or should be considered as such, but simply should be seen in the light of the context of the passage in which the Greek word is used, and is probably best taken within that context. As for the wider, more general debate on whether or not the Bible states that women should hold a position of ministry or deaconship within the church, these verses, Romans 16:1 and 16:27, really do not objectively lend any such support to either side of that position, when considered within the context of Romans chapter 16. And there is no 'hidden agenda' that could possibly be blamed for how the translators wrote this verse, as the longevity of the venerable KJV would so dismiss such an argument. Makarios (1) Blue Letter Bible. "Dictionary and Word Search for 'diakonos (Strong's 1249)' " . Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2002. 11 Dec 2006. http://www.blueletterbible.org/ |
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132 | Distinction between Christian/disciple? | Acts 26:28 | Makarios | 173723 | ||
Hello Hank! Thank you also for your response! I am of the same opinion- that there is no Biblical distinction between describing yourself as a "Christian" verses a "disciple of Christ".. You know, this topic could possibly have a 'reverse' meaning as well: I am thinking of 1 John 2:4-6, where it says, "Any man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.." So, if those who call themselves "Christians," but don't really mean that they are actually committed disciples of Christ may find this verse (1 John 2:4-6) as very hard to swallow.. As for the 'Engle scale,' believe it or not, this is the first time that I am hearing of it! But, I agree with you: Paul and Silas didn't put the Philippian jailer through the Engle scale, and neither did Paul subject Agrippa to such a scale in Acts 26:28 (I am sure that Paul would have not forgotten it.. :) ).. And Philip did not give such a 'scale' to the eunuch in Acts 8:27-40 either.. So, I'm of a like mind on this subject as you are, my friend! As always, it is great to talk to you! Wife and baby on the way are doing well. Please keep me and Katie in your prayers, as we are moving to a townhouse on June 30th and expecting our little girl on August 13th. Bless you for your prayers! May the Lord continue to richly bless you, Makarios |
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133 | Distinction between Christian/disciple? | Acts 26:28 | Makarios | 173722 | ||
Hi Doc, Thank you for your response! I read your post (#153858), which was very good.. My wife and I were studying with a group at Trader's Point Christian Church here in Indy, and we discussed this topic in a group.. I am in favor of there being no distinction between saying that you are a Christian and saying that you are a 'disciple,' since of the 3 places where the word "Christian" is mentioned in the NT (Acts 11:26, 26:28, 1 Peter 4:16), the word "Christian" is used virtually interchangeably with describing believers, or disciples. But others were of the idea that a 'disciple' of Christ is a "more committed" Christian, per se.. I attempted to describe the Christian walk as a journey that starts at conversion, and the saved person is called a "Christian" throughout the entire journey, but I believe that some of that reasoning probably fell on deaf ears.. :) Thank you for your 2 cents! Makarios |
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134 | Who were the women at Passover :Acts1:14 | Luke 23:49 | Makarios | 173619 | ||
Hello Emmaus! Great answer! Great minds think alike.. :) Makarios |
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135 | Blood transfusions | NT general Archive 1 | Makarios | 171944 | ||
Greetings Bliss! The simple fact of the matter is that the Bible does not address human blood transfusions; not stating whether or not they are acceptable. The ingesting of blood spoken of in Genesis 9:3-4, Leviticus 7:26, and 17:11-12,14 that you mentioned is quite different when studied in light of the Biblical context then simply a matter of whether or not the blood goes through the mouth or the veins. Genesis 9:3-4 "Every moving thing that is alive shall be food for you; I give all to you, as I gave the green plant. Only you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood." Genesis 9:3-5 and Leviticus 7:26, 17:11-14 state that the reason the Lord required for abstaining from ingesting the blood of the sacrifice was because the blood was identified as being the actual 'life' of the sacrifice itself. The animal sacrifice was a sacrifice to God, and was therefore to be sacred to God, and all of the Old Testament verses that prohibit the ingestion of blood have to do with animals, not human blood. Jehovah's Witnesses and members of Christian Science will point out that when a person takes a blood transfusion, they are actually 'ingesting' the blood of another person, thereby going against God's commandment in Leviticus. However, Jesus had a very different point of view in regards to blood, stating, "He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him." (John 6:56). Blood transfusion involves the saving of life. Even orthodox Jews who hold to strict Old Testament laws, and who certainly know how to translate the Old Testament more accurately than the Watchtower Society, accept the practice of blood transfusion. Under Jewish law, such a blood transfusion would been permitted in order to save a life, since to save a life is more important than to not eat blood. If internet reports are correct, then in recent years the Watchtower Society itself has apparently somewhat lifted its ban on blood transfusions. Perhaps those Jehovah's Witnesses who have lost their loved ones to Watchtower Society doctrine and then realized their error should begin considering taking the necessary steps to abolish the ban of blood transfusions. Blessings to you, Makarios |
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136 | Blood transfusions | NT general Archive 1 | Makarios | 171943 | ||
Greetings Bliss! The simple fact of the matter is that the Bible does not address human blood transfusions; not stating whether or not they are acceptable. The ingesting of blood spoken of in Genesis 9:3-4, Leviticus 7:26, and 17:11-12,14 that you mentioned is quite different when studied in light of the Biblical context then simply a matter of whether or not the blood goes through the mouth or the veins. Genesis 9:3-4 "Every moving thing that is alive shall be food for you; I give all to you, as I gave the green plant. Only you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood." Genesis 9:3-5 and Leviticus 7:26, 17:11-14 state that the reason the Lord required for abstaining from ingesting the blood of the sacrifice was because the blood was identified as being the actual 'life' of the sacrifice itself. The animal sacrifice was a sacrifice to God, and was therefore to be sacred to God, and all of the Old Testament verses that prohibit the ingestion of blood have to do with animals, not human blood. Jehovah's Witnesses and members of Christian Science will point out that when a person takes a blood transfusion, they are actually 'ingesting' the blood of another person, thereby going against God's commandment in Leviticus. However, Jesus had a very different point of view in regards to blood, stating, "He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him." (John 6:56). Blood transfusion involves the saving of life. Even orthodox Jews who hold to strict Old Testament laws, and who certainly know how to translate the Old Testament more accurately than the Watchtower Society, accept the practice of blood transfusion. Under Jewish law, such a blood transfusion would been permitted in order to save a life, since to save a life is more important than to not eat blood. If internet reports are correct, then in recent years the Watchtower Society itself has apparently somewhat lifted its ban on blood transfusions. Perhaps those Jehovah's Witnesses who have lost their loved ones to Watchtower Society doctrine and then realized their error should begin considering taking the necessary steps to abolish the ban of blood transfusions. Blessings to you, Makarios |
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137 | If we told Jesus the whole truth... | Mark 5:33 | Makarios | 169718 | ||
Greetings Kalos! You ask, "If we told Jesus the whole truth would we see more miracles? Why or why not?" I believe that we would see more miracles if we were more honest with God. If we can be open with God about our own sinfulness (Psalm 51) and our continuing struggle with sin (Romans 7:14-8:1), we won't be prone to mislead others about sin and faith. God knows that we are not sinless and He calls us to be honest (1 John 1:8). As Paul stood before the hostile Jewish council, he could honestly declare that he had a clear conscience (Acts 23:1). He said the same thing later when he and his accusers appeared before Governor Felix (Acts 24:16). That gave him tremendous freedom and boldness, even though his powerful opponents were hostile and wrong. Paul was by no means perfect, just honest about his failures (Acts 23:5). He was real. He didn't cover up in an attempt to look good as a Christian witness. Jesus does not ask us to project an impossibly perfect image. But He does challenge us to admit our failures, and delights in forgiving us when we do (Mark 11:25). If we can be honest about ourselves with others, it can give them hope for their own failings and turn them toward our gracious God. Joshua 3:5 leads us to believe that the Lord desires purity among His people prior to performing miracles among us. And the Lord looks upon our hearts and motives most of all (Matthew 5:8, 22:37; Acts 5:4, 8:21, 15:8-9; Romans 2:5, 2:29, 6:17, 10:9; 1 Corinthians 4:5, 14:25; Ephesians 4:18, 6:6; Exodus 7:13; Acts 16:14; Hebrews 3:12, 4:12; 1 Peter 3:4; 1 John 3:17,20,21). "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you." (Joshua 3:5, ESV) We must have honesty before the Lord (Psalm 24:3-4) and an honest life-style (Proverbs 20:7). Even though integrity may be despised by some (Proverbs 29:10), honest character is desired above all (Proverbs 30:7-9), and an honest answer is like a kiss (Proverbs 24:26). Honesty will defend us (Proverbs 12:13), and there will be no deceit in God's house (Psalm 101:7). Blessings to you, Makarios |
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138 | Walk in the Light | 1 John 1:6 | Makarios | 165477 | ||
Greetings Mommapbs! Thank you for your response. It is very likely that walking in darkness would be a result of an erring belief that is contrary to the Word of God, since the Word of God points us to the Light. Many of the beliefs in today's religious cults are examples of walking in darkness because they lead people to hold to non-scriptural and anti-scriptural beliefs. Blessings to you, Makarios |
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139 | Reading too much into C S Lewis ? | 2 Tim 2:15 | Makarios | 164140 | ||
Greetings Mark! Thank you for your kind words, my friend! I, too, believe that we Christians can be extremely judgmental at times, to the detriment of true objectivity. - Makarios | ||||||
140 | anything about manipulation? | Eph 4:25 | Makarios | 163425 | ||
Thank you, Hank! I was watching a TV-cable network the other day and saw something like that as well. You know, these "religious" televangelist-manipulators are doing much more harm than good, confusing people's understanding of how God really works. If that isn't a type of blasphemy, then I don't know what is. -Makarios | ||||||
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