Results 181 - 200 of 294
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Just Read Mark Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
181 | 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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182 | v18-20 refers to church leaders? | Rom 1:18 | Just Read Mark | 108767 | ||
"For since the creation of the world ..." (v. 20) I think Paul is talking about all people. I don't think that he means people understood the specifics about God that we see in the Bible: but rather, that God's creation tells us general truths about Him (powerful, eternal, generous...). Based on this "book of nature," all cultures worshiped God, in some pale way --- seeing Divine power around them, and seeking moral standards. The idea, I think, is that this innate feeling in humanity prepares us to hear the gospel, and recognize it's Truth. Instead of pursuing the creator, people were satisfied with adoring the created things. The glorious hope of connection with God at the beginning (which echoes Eden) underscores the descent into depravity that follows. With the (recent) development of Atheism, people are unable to see a starry night and feel that "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament displays his handiwork." (Psalm 19) So the place of "obviousness" that Paul begins with seems less obvious to our culture today. "Professing to be wise, they became fools." (v.22) Still, I wish Paul didn't start from a place of "isn't it obvious!" and "There's no excuse!" For many of todays sincere seekers, it is not obvious. JRM. |
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183 | Gospels differ re Jesus and passover | Bible general Archive 2 | Just Read Mark | 108761 | ||
The synoptic gospels have many similarities in their portrayal of the passover meal. Institution of the "Last Supper" .... Jesus predicts Peter's denial (in all 4, but how many times will the rooster crow?) Matthew 26:17-30. Mark 14:12-21. Luke 22:7-13. John 13-17 ---- wow. Is this whole passage presented as during the "Last Supper"? Or did I miss a scene change somewhere. Those amazing prayer passages, I had always pictured happening on the Mount of Olives --- more intimate --- but here, teaching and praying flow seamlessly together. Around the Seder table. Now Kewerman -- Chapter 13 begins with the phrase, "Now before the Feast of the Passover...." Is this the phrase that troubles you as a contradiction? It goes on with "And supper being ended...." (verse 2) So, I think John does show them celebrating the passover together. It shows Jesus' thoughts before the Feast, and his discussion with the disciples after. I love the elements included in John's gospel --- the footwashing, for instance. I think it is important to read the gospels together, AND separately. By conflating each of their narratives, we sometimes miss the distinctive emphasis of each unique gospel. |
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184 | Missing posts? | Not Specified | Just Read Mark | 108756 | ||
I posted an answer and a note, but neither of them have showed up on the home page.... Is there a delay? It wasn't a "quarantined" thread or anything..... how does this work? JRM |
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185 | Missing posts? | Bible general Archive 2 | Just Read Mark | 108759 | ||
I posted an answer and a note, but neither of them have showed up on the home page.... Is there a delay? It wasn't a "quarantined" thread or anything..... how does this work? JRM |
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186 | 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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187 | Matthew 19:24 is a puzzle for me ? | Matt 19:24 | Just Read Mark | 108750 | ||
Widow's Two Mites. Jesus told many stories that privilege the poor. This story is a great one -- where Jesus honours this poor woman’s contribution over the large contributions of the wealthy. See Mark 12:41-44. Interesting that Jesus did not say the wealth of the rich was bad --- but pointed out their attitude, and focused on the poor. I think the "prosperity gospel" is certainly a distortion of the self sacrifice I find in the New Testiment. A certain TV host made a display of generosity, giving gifts to African kids at Christmas. While these gifts are helpful, the giver certainly didn’t feel any cost. North Americans, in general, have an astonishing degree of privilege and wealth. Sometimes giving is merely tokenism and sentimental. Our economic systems have detrimental human costs, and environmental costs. How we use our resources - our stewardship - is an issue of justice, and we need to work a lot harder at it. This is certainly an area I struggle with --- how to live it out --- especially when my income fluctuates through the year.... and my work is considered a luxury product purchased by those with “disposable incomes”! So, some difficulty indeed. Another difficult (and freeing) thing Jesus said is Matthew 10:9-10, where Jesus sends out the twelve disciples to preach for the first time. Jesus tells them..."Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep." Peace. JRM. |
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188 | 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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189 | 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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190 | 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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191 | 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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192 | Thompson Chain Reference: useful? | Not Specified | Just Read Mark | 107370 | ||
My favorite Bible (NRSV) is falling apart! I'm getting it rebound, but bought a new version for the interim. It's a NKJV --- but with a Thompson Chain Reference. I'm really excited about this tool, because I've been reading whole books of the Bible for the last few years -- and I'm excited about doing more thematic studies in the coming months. Any stories about the merits or pitfalls of the Thompson Chain Reference? Yours, JRM |
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193 | Thompson Chain Reference: useful? | Bible general Archive 2 | Just Read Mark | 107390 | ||
My favorite Bible (NRSV) is falling apart! I'm getting it rebound, but bought a new version for the interim. It's a NKJV --- but with a Thompson Chain Reference. I'm really excited about this tool, because I've been reading whole books of the Bible for the last few years -- and I'm excited about doing more thematic studies in the coming months. Any stories about the merits or pitfalls of the Thompson Chain Reference? Yours, JRM |
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194 | Who wrote Daniel? | Dan 12:4 | Just Read Mark | 107369 | ||
Many scholar say that there is no evidence of people reading Daniel until the 2nd century BC. At that point, they say, the book rapidly gained acceptance as an inspired book. The book claims to be written around 536 BC, but seems to have been out of circulation for 400 years. Many scholars see this as evidence of a late date of authorship. The verse above, however, talks about the book being sealed up until "the time of the end." Could this be saying that Daniel wrote the book, but it was then hidden from view for 400 years, until it was needed by the faithful who were suffering under the Antiochian persecution, in the 2nd century BC? Please, I am seeking historical evidence about the book of Daniel. I know the book itself is very clear about its authorship (Ie. first person narrative in chapter 8) and that Jesus refers to Daniel. I know the forum is full of knowledgable folk, so I'm seeking help disecting the "historical critical" view of Daniel. Yours, JRM |
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195 | 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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196 | Christ, War, and Patriotism | Is 9:6 | Just Read Mark | 107367 | ||
Nation and Kingdom of God. I understand why the Forum can't get swamped in this kind of discussion. On the other hand, surely it is important for believers to discuss -- in a broader forum than our local church. I'd like to contribute some thoughts. It is interesting how the link between nation and God's Kingdom changes over the course of the Bible. It starts with individual families, then follows the growth of Abraham's descendents into nationhood. The prophets then declare the need for the nation to be faithful. I read Ezekiel this month. Fascinating: here is a prophet speaking to exiles, who have had their identity as a nation quashed. Furthermore, the Temple was desecrated. God, for a time understood as dwelling in the Temple, is seen dramatically as the limitless God of "wheels within wheels." There is still the dream of reinstating the Temple, which finds it's fullness in Revelation's City of God. The identity of "Nation" equalling "God's Chosen" is breaking down. We are, like Ezekiel's original listeners, people in Exile from our true home. Like Jesus, we are creating a counter-culture WITHIN the nations, all over the world, where we live. We should expect to be speaking against our nation, as a prophetic people, loyal to God's call. I believe there is a healthy civic participation -- which is really about loving your neighbour. It is important for churches to participate in the national scene. But identifying strongly with one's nation is problematic and troubling, leading to a distortion of the gospel and clouding of the message of another way. |
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197 | 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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198 | 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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199 | Christ and war | Is 9:6 | Just Read Mark | 107165 | ||
Pacifism and Just War. Hello proffitt79. Many Christians are pacifists. Look into how Mennonites deal with international relations, for instance. Check this out to see more: http://www.ploughshares.ca/ While their view is quite extreme (preferring to be killed than to kill) I always find them challenging and edifying when I here them speak. The larger stream in Christian thought is the "Just War" discourse. This includes a leaning to pacifism as well --- "we will not engage in warfare unless these conditions are met..." Pacifism is the default position. Warfare is an option that is taken with grate deliberation. Many Christians do not feel that the conditions for "Just War" were met in the case of Iraq. As for me, I am glad to see Saddam overthrown, but find the stated reasons for the war problematic (ie. supposed connection to 9/11, and weapons of mass destruction). The real problem is that debate is thwarted by blind patriotism (ie. "united we stand"). |
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200 | 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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