Results 1301 - 1320 of 1618
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Results from: Answers On or After: Thu 12/31/70 Author: BradK Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1301 | An Unknown God? | Acts 28:2 | BradK | 157795 | ||
Hi Robin, I would agree with kalos! Heres why. Paul is not endorsing or acknowledging that there are other gods in his sermon on Mars Hill. Note verse 29: "Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man." The God who we as believers worship and Orthodoxy upholds is the triune God revealed in scripture. The true God is found in the pages of our Bibles. It is His Son Whom we seek for salvation and life. The fact that others may worship gods doesn't mean that they are the same as ours! They're not, because there is only one God as Deut. 6:4 says, "Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!" Allah is not our god nor is he the same as the Lord God (Jehovah Elohim) of scripture! You would need to prove by scripture your argument that it is otherwise:-) Speaking the Truth in Love, BradK |
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1302 | Jeses spent three days in hell? Where is | Eph 4:9 | BradK | 157698 | ||
Hi BBR, There is no specific scripture given that says Jesus literally descended into hell! The Apostles creed uses the term hell which I think is not the best translation and it gives an inaccurate sense. The closest passage you're probably thinking of is Eph. 4:9: "(Now this expression, "He ascended," what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth?" [NASB] The term "lower parts" probably refers to the ground (or the close proximity of) in which Christ was placed after He died. The word is not "Gehenna" (Gr.) which is the commonly used word referring to the place of eternal torment. (1 Peter 3:19 is also thought by some to refer to this abode though its' full meaning is debatable). I hope this helps, BradK |
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1303 | Should Christians get Insurance? | 1 Tim 5:8 | BradK | 157668 | ||
Hi jm, I'd place this under the admonition in 1 Tim. 5:8: "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." No, I do not believe it a sin at all. I would call it providing for my household. As a licensed insurance professional for over 18 years, I'd be walking in major sin otherwise. God does ask that we trust Him and place our faith in Him. However, He also gave us a brain and He most certainly would have us use common sense:-) I think there is a direct application found in Proverbs 22:3: "The prudent sees the evil and hides himself, But the naive go on, and are punished for it." Lastly, there is no prohibition in scripture against insurance. I hope this helps, BradK |
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1304 | doctrinally unsound? | 2 Tim 2:15 | BradK | 157626 | ||
Dear uma, I don't know if this is intended as a leading question or not? But, offhand, it is all scripture, every word of it from the Bible. The only thing "unsound" about it is the random stringing together of the verses of scripture. The verses themselves are sound. The random piecing of them together may not be. Could you elaborate as to where you're headed with this? Speaking the Truth in Love, BradK |
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1305 | where can I find step out in faith | 2 Tim 2:15 | BradK | 157555 | ||
Hi mobubree, Welcome to the Forum! The phrase "step out on faith" is not found in the Bible. It is, however, a human expression of our placing trust in Christ and walking by faith. That Jesus "will always be with me" is probably attributable to Jesus in Matt. 28:20. I hope this helps. BradK |
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1306 | 1 Samuel 15:3 - a loving God? | Ps 115:3 | BradK | 157487 | ||
Hi Rob, Your question is certainly not without merit! I can understand your concern. Let me answer it by first asking you some questions and then by looking at a few , specific attributes of God:-) You said you're starting to loose faith!? I would ask in Whom is your faith? What is your faith based upon? Is it upon the Lord Jesus Christ and His all-sufficiency? Have you placed your faith and trust in Him? (Rom. 10:9-10) Islam and Biblical Christianity serve 2 entirely different gods! We need to recognize a couple of things: 1. God is sovereign (Ps. 115:3). This means He is not dependent upon any outside forces nor is He beholden to His creation. Read Romans 9:13-21. Verse 16 reads: "So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy." 2. God is holy! A.W. Pink writes, "In Scripture He is frequently styled "The Holy One": He is so because the sum of all moral excellency is found in Him. He is absolute Purity, unsullied even by the shadow of sin. "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5). Holiness is the very excellency of the Divine nature: the great God is "glorious in holiness" (Ex. 15:11). Therefore do we read, "Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity" (Hab. 1:13)." God’s holiness is manifested in His works. "The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all His works" (Ps. 145:17). God’s holiness is manifested in His law. That law forbids sin in all of its modifications: in its most refined as well as its grossest forms, the intent of the mind as well as the pollution of the body, the secret desire as well as the overt act. Therefore do we read, The law is holy, and "the commandment holy, and just, and good" (Rom. 7:12). God’s holiness is manifested at the Cross. Wondrously and yet most solemnly does the Atonement display God’s infinite holiness and abhorrence of sin. How hateful must sin be to God for Him to punish it to its utmost deserts when it was imputed to His Son! We often confuse the love of God- the attribute of His being Love with that of His wrath. That is, He is a God of love, but His love allows- rather demands - that He be wrathful as well. Again, A.W. Pink writes, "There are three things told us in Scripture concerning the nature of God. First, "God is spirit" (John 4:24). In the Greek there is no indefinite article, and to say "God is a spirit" is most objectionable, for it places Him in a class with others. God is "spirit" in the highest sense. Because He is "spirit" He is incorporeal, having no visible substance. Had God a tangible body, He would not be omnipresent, He would be limited to one place; because He is spirit He fills heaven and earth. Second, God is light (1 John 1:5), which is the opposite of "darkness." In Scripture "darkness" stands for sin, evil, death; and "light" for holiness, goodness, life. God is light, means that He is the sum of all excellency. Third, "God is love" (1 John 4:8). It is not simply that God "loves," but that He is Love itself. Love is not merely one of His attributes, but His very nature. There are many today who talk about the love of God, who are total strangers to the God of love." In contrast, His wrath can be understood by this: "It is sad to find so many professing Christians who appear to regard the wrath of God as something for which they need to make an apology, or at least they wish there were no such thing. While some would not go so far as to openly admit that they consider it a blemish on the Divine character, yet they are far from regarding it with delight, they like not to think about it, and they rarely hear it mentioned without a secret resentment rising up in their hearts against it. Even with those who are more sober in their judgment, not a few seem to imagine that there is a severity about the Divine wrath which is too terrifying to form a theme for profitable contemplation. Others harbor the delusion that God’s wrath is not consistent with His goodness, and so seek to banish it from their thoughts. Now the wrath of God is as much a Divine perfection as is His faithfulness, power, or mercy. It must be so, for there is no blemish whatever, not the slightest defect in the character of God; yet there would be if "wrath" were absent from Him!" Because God is holy, He hates all sin; And because He hates all sin, His anger burns against the sinner: (Psalm 7:11., Is. 48:9). In 1 Sa. 15:3, God is merely being faithful to his Word and what He promised to His people, Israel. I hope this helps, BradK |
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1307 | What is the history on Nephilims? | 2 Tim 2:15 | BradK | 157371 | ||
Hi 5967, Welcome to the Forum. Your best bet- because this question has been asked numerous times- is to go to the "Search" box. You'll find it at the right upper corner of the Home Page. Then, type in "Nephilim" and you'll find probably more than you're looking for:-) I hope this helps, BradK |
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1308 | Hypocrites | Prov 12:15 | BradK | 157369 | ||
Hi lunar, I debated even taking the time to respond, my friend. Here's why: You don't at all appear serious about your gripe! Not that I care, but the fact that you are hiding behind the bush taking pot-shots instead of addressing SPECIFIC issues says it all. If you have some legitimate gripes- which I doubt- bring them forth and quit games. It's YOUR problem, lunar:-( For what it's worth, I consider it a huge compliment to be associated with 8 out of 9 of those you mention! For lunar: 1 Kings 8:3:-) Speaking the Truth in Love, BradK |
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1309 | WHAT DOES THIS REALLY MEAN | Phil 2:2 | BradK | 157264 | ||
Hi Carmen, Paul is asking the Phillipians to fill his joy by doing 4 things: 1. First, he wants them to be of "the same mind", i.e. same mind-set and the same pattern of thinking. It refers to the characteristics of Christ mentioned in 2:1. It is Paul's purpose for their think to be synonymous with the mind-set of Christ- to fill up his joy. (2 Cor. 13:11) 2. He desires that they have the same love as manifested by the above characteristics of Christ; 3. He wants them to be of "one accord", to be souled-with, joined in soul, or united in life principle; 4. He wants them to be one in thinking-to have the same mind and thinking as Christ. I hope this helps, BradK |
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1310 | what is trinty ? | 1 John 5:7 | BradK | 157257 | ||
Hi Luky, The Trinity, is that God is One, yet exists in three Persons, all co-equal but God. The word is not found in scripture, yet it is clearly taught. C.H. Spurgeon in his Puritan Catechism gave these 2 Q and A's: "Q. Are there more Gods than one? A. There is but one only, (Deuteronomy 6:4) the living and true God. (Jeremiah 10:10) Q. How many persons are there in the Godhead? A. There are three persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one God, the same in essence, equal in power and glory. (1 John 5:7); (Matthew 28:19) I hope this helps, BradK |
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1311 | Please explain Chapter 10 - verses 16-20 | 2 Tim 2:15 | BradK | 157247 | ||
Hi Karen, Since I don't know our background, here are some general tips. I would read and re-read the passage, if possible from several different translations. Take particular note of the context! Who's speaking, who's being spoken to and what is being spoken about. Also,there are a number of good online resources such as crosswalk.com. there are serveral Commentaries available that should aid you. Here are some basic principles of Biblical interpretation from CARM.org that hoprefully will be useful: Biblical Interpretation The Bible is God’s Word. But some of the interpretations derived from it are not. There are many cults and Christian groups that use the Bible claiming their interpretations are correct. Too often, however, the interpretations not only differ dramatically but are clearly contradictory. This does not mean that the Bible is a confusing document. Rather, the problem lies in those who interpret and the methods they use. Because we are sinners, we are incapable of interpreting God’s word perfectly all of the time. The body, mind, will, and emotions are affected by sin and make 100 per-cent interpretive accuracy impossible. This does not mean that accurate understanding of God’s Word is impossible. But it does mean that we need to approach His word with care, humility, and reason. Additionally, we need, as best as can be had, the guidance of the Holy Spirit in interpreting God’s Word. After all, the Bible is inspired by God and is addressed to His people. The Holy Spirit helps us to understand what God’s word means and how to apply it. On the human level, to lessen the errors that come in our interpretations, we need to look at some basic biblical interpretive methods. I’ll list some of the principles in the form of questions and then apply them one at a time to a passage of scripture. I offer the following principles as guidelines for examining a passage. They are not exhaustive nor are they set in concrete. 1. Who wrote/spoke the passage and to whom was it addressed? 2. What does the passage say? 3. Are there any words or phrases in the passage that need to be examined? 4. What is the immediate context? 5. What is the broader context in the chapter and book? 6. What are the related verses to the passage’s subject and how do they affect the understanding of this passage? 7. What is the historical and cultural background? 8. What do I conclude about the passage? 9. Do my conclusions agree or disagree with related areas of scripture and others who have studied the passage? 10. What have I learned and what must I apply to my life? I hope this helps, BradK |
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1312 | Unforgiven sin? 1John 5 vs 16 | 1 John 5:16 | BradK | 157187 | ||
Hi k_peace, This is one of those difficult passages in scripture where there is no easy answer. Scripture doesn't specifically tell us and the good many scholars who've studied this passage are not agreed either! The basic question is: "Is there a sin from which there is no recovery? There is certainly no problem with the concept that one should pray for a fellow Christian who sins. With John, Christians recognize that “all wrongdoing is sin” and that all of it separates individuals from God. Thus prayer and restorative counsel (Gal 6:1) appear to be in order when we observe a fellow believer who has sinned. Where John causes problems, however, is in mentioning “a sin that leads to death,” for which prayer is not in order (not that it is necessarily wrong, but that it is useless). What type of sin is this? And what type of death is intended—physical or spiritual death? Since we ourselves fall into sin at times, the questions are of practical importance to each of us. This is no mere resolving an academic problem of Scripture." [Hard Sayings of the Bible] We know the only unforgivable sin is that of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:28). The IVP Background Bible Commentary offers this view: "Given the use of “life” for eternal life and “death” for its opposite in this epistle, a “sin unto death” (KJV) would seem to be a sin leading one away from eternal life (cf. Gen 2:17; 3:24). The two sins John would likely have in mind would be hating the brothers and sisters (the secessionists’ rejection of the Christian community) and failing to believe in Jesus rightly (their false doctrine about his identity as the divine Lord and Christ in the flesh); see comment on 3:23. The Old Testament and Judaism distinguished between willful rebellion against God, which could not be forgiven by normal means, and a lighter transgression. More relevant here, some ancient Jewish texts (e.g., the Dead Sea Scrolls, Jubilees) also spoke of a capital offense as “a matter of death,” which was normally enforced by excommunication from the community rather than literal execution. Those who were sinned against could secure forgiveness for their opponents by prayer (Gen 20:7, 17; Job 42:8), but a sin of willful apostasy from God’s truth nullified the efficacy of secondhand prayers for forgiveness (1 Sam 2:25; Jer 7:16; 11:14; 14:11). John is presumably saying: God will forgive erring believers at your request, but those who have gone completely after the heresy are outside the sphere of your prayers or (on another interpretation) simply must directly repent to receive forgiveness." This is obviously not the "last word" on this topic, nor necessarily a complete answer. Volumes have been written. If you'd like more, I know there are numerous good articles available online to aid you. I trust this gives you some small measure of understanding that you sought:-) Speaking the Truth in Love, BradK |
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1313 | Is it mt 26:60-61 happening today? | 1 John 4:2 | BradK | 157142 | ||
Hello deep input, The Council at Nicea is based on fact! It is fact that of the 318 Bishops in attendance, 316 of them voted to declare Arianism a heresy! The major topic of dicsussion was (and still is) the Diety of the Lord Jesus Christ. Might I ask why you believe the council is a major heresy? What facts establish this as true? I believe if you seriously and honestly look at Church History and study it, you'll conclude otherwise. The weight of Church History , the Church fathers and the many, many scholars that have placed their faith in Christ is against your contention. 2000 years is alot to simply discard and call heresy and leaven! On the other hand, the Watchtower organization is built upon lies and deceit! I do not say this lightly either. From Charles Taze Russell, to Frederick Franz to the New World (Perversion), there is very little solid basis for the Watchtower to stand on. Since you come from the background you do, I'd highly recommend, "The Kingdom of the Cults" By the late Dr. Walter Martin and read the section on Jehovahs' Witness. Who's is telling the truth? Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life! No one comes to the Father, except through Him! The God of the Watchtower is not the God of the Bible. I gain nothing by telling you these things,and I say them in love. The error of the Watchtower in their false predictions alone should be enough to convince anyone that they are a false cult! Keep searching, my freind and ask the Lord to reveal Himself to you. He will:-) Speaking the Truth in Love, BradK |
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1314 | Is there an (if) to this verse? | 2 Thess 3:3 | BradK | 157094 | ||
Hi fw..., The verse says, "But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one." There is no "if" in this verse. It is not conditional. I'm not sure why you ask? Faithfulness is one of the Divine attributes. It is Who He is, always without diminishment. A.W. Pink wrote in his work, "The Attributes of God" this: "Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God" (Deut. 7:9). This quality is essential to His being, without it He would not be God. For God to be unfaithful would be to act contrary to His nature, which were impossible: "If we believe not, yet He abideth faithful; He cannot deny Himself" (2 Tim. 2:13). Faithfulness is one of the glorious perfections of His being. He is as it were clothed with it: "O Lord God of hosts, who is a strong Lord like unto Thee? or to Thy faithfulness round about Thee?" (Ps. 89:8). So too when God became incarnate it was said, "Righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins, and faithfulness the girdle of His reins" (Isa. 11:5). What a word is that in Psalm 36:5, Thy mercy, "O Lord, is in the heavens; and Thy faithfulness unto the clouds." Far above all finite comprehension is the unchanging faithfulness of God. Everything about God is great, vast, incomparable. He never forgets, never fails, never falters, never forfeits His word. To every declaration of promise or prophecy the Lord has exactly adhered, every engagement of covenant or threatening He will make good, for "God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?" (Num. 23:19). Therefore does the believer exclaim, "His compassions fail not, they are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness" (Lam. 3:22, 23). God is true. His Word of Promise is sure. In all His relations with His people God is faithful. He may be safely relied upon. No one ever yet really trusted Him in vain. We find this precious truth expressed almost everywhere in the Scriptures, for His people need to know that faithfulness is an essential part of the Divine character. This is the basis of our confidence in Him. But it is one thing to accept the faithfulness of God as a Divine truth, it is quite another to act upon it. God has given us many "exceeding great and precious promises," but are we really counting on His fulfillment of them? Are we actually expecting Him to do for us all that He has said? Are we resting with implicit assurance on these words, "He is faithful that promised" (Heb. 10:23)?" I hope this helps, BradK |
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1315 | Who are the just? What is Faith? | Rom 3:26 | BradK | 157072 | ||
Hi CSM, Who are the just can be answered,in part by Rom. 3:26 "for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." Further, Rom. 5:1 tells us that the believer is, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," Heb 11:1 answers the question, "What is faith?" "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." I hope this helps, BradK |
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1316 | Hypocrites | Eph 4:15 | BradK | 157049 | ||
lunar, If you're truly serious then, by all means feel free to list some of the alleged "contradictions" that you see on the Forum between the more prominent contributors. Please be specific so that we know to what you refer. I will add, it's easier to find fault than it is to be part of the solution! Hopefully you're seeking to be part of the solution. I await your reply. Speaking the Truth in Love, BradK |
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1317 | The meaning of the word Akador | Deut 13:3 | BradK | 156878 | ||
Dear fw... I would question "who" showed you this word in your dream! I doubt the source was God! C.H. Spurgeon said this and though it not directly addresses your dream, may it help speak to your question: "What a number of persons have been infatuated by the number of the beast, and have been ready to leap for joy because they have found the number 666 in some great one’s name. Why, everybody’s name will yield that number if you treat it judiciously, and use the numerals of Greece, Rome, Egypt, China, or Timbuctoo. I feel weary with the silly way in which some people make toys out of Scripture, and play with texts as with a pack of cards." Speaking the Truth in Love, BradK |
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1318 | Was Ponchas Pilate considered a Christia | Rom 8:32 | BradK | 156700 | ||
Hi mookie, Well, we could hold 3 groups as being responsible: 1. The Roman soldiers killed Christ; 2. The Jewish leaders Killed Christ; 3. Our sins (yours and mine) killed Christ. 4. God killed Christ (Acts 2:23, Rom. 8:32) No, Biblically there is no evidence that Pilate was a Christian. He tried to absolve himself of responsibility for certain. Your "friends" attempt to place blame on the Christians simply shows either ignorance or contempt. I hope this helps, BradK |
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1319 | do angels really play harps | Ps 150:3 | BradK | 156504 | ||
Hi dahawg, This is more of a myth than a biblical reality. I'm not aware of any instances in scripture of (or function of) angels playing harps! We as believers are to "Praise Him with harp and lyre." (Ps. 150:3) About the closest I can get is Rev. 5:8 where we are told, "When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints." I hope this helps, BradK |
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1320 | Pearls and Swine? | Matt 7:6 | BradK | 156405 | ||
Hi brazos, The Commentary Critical offers this insight: "6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs—savage or snarling haters of truth and righteousness. neither cast ye your pearls before swine—the impure or coarse, who are incapable of appreciating the priceless jewels of Christianity. In the East, dogs are wilder and more gregarious, and, feeding on carrion and garbage, are coarser and fiercer than the same animals in the West. Dogs and swine, besides being ceremonially unclean, were peculiarly repulsive to the Jews, and indeed to the ancients generally. lest they trample them under their feet—as swine do. and turn again and rend you—as dogs do. Religion is brought into contempt, and its professors insulted, when it is forced upon those who cannot value it and will not have it. But while the indiscriminately zealous have need of this caution, let us be on our guard against too readily setting our neighbors down as dogs and swine, and excusing ourselves from endeavoring to do them good on this poor plea." I hope this helps, BradK |
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