Results 21 - 40 of 57
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Unanswered Bible Questions Author: Parable Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
21 | what purpose served by this distinction? | Num 31:17 | Parable | 175200 | ||
Respectfully, I don't see how v15 addresses the question of distinction. Perhaps my question can be reformulated....was what happened full and correct obedience to God? If yes, what is God trying to do by having the boys (who by definition are not of the age of responsibility) killed, while having the virgin females spared and given to the officers? What purpose is served by eliminating the boys that would not have also been served by eliminating the virgin females? And conversely, what purpose is served by sparing the virgin females that would not have also been served by sparing the boys? Peace, Parable |
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22 | 2 Tim 3:16 | Num 31:17 | Parable | 175216 | ||
Thank you for sharing your opinions about the purpose of this scripture and the interesting commentaries along those lines. My only concern, though, with the ideas that 1) its none of our business, 2) we're not smart enough to understand or 3) we're not interested and just want to complain, comes in light of 2 Tim 3:16 "Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, for training in righteousness" If the purpose of this scripture is not to be explained in the terms I have put the question, and that is certainly possible, then what purpose does Numbers 31:17-18 serve, among those listed by Paul to Timothy? |
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23 | scriptural evidence? | Num 31:17 | Parable | 175248 | ||
That's a good working hypothesis. What scriptural evidence might you suggest to support this idea? |
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24 | guiding principles? | Num 31:17 | Parable | 175251 | ||
So, are you suggesting this is an example of "situational ethics" based on "cultural relativity"? | ||||||
25 | how to rightly divide the Word? | Num 31:17 | Parable | 175259 | ||
Regarding the expectation on boys that was not the same as for girls, you said "This was simply the cultural norm." This implies that cultural expectations influenced the decision to kill the boys and spare the girls. This implies that in a different culture, with different expectations, the outcome might be different. For example, if this were to occur in a society in which the girls would grow into women who feel empowered to act, they too might desire to exact revenge upon the Israelites and therefore would also be killed. Of course, this is speculation. However, if the expectation on the boys is the justification, then this is an example of pre-emptive self-defense, is it not? My point is that while cultural norms are always important to consider in attempting to understand what people do in the Name of God, how does one rightly divide the Word in order to distinguish actions in the context of cultural norms and those that transcend culture and are appropriate in every circumstance? |
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26 | Does God ever change his mind? | 2 Kin 20:6 | Parable | 84287 | ||
Does God ever change his mind? | ||||||
27 | suffering is God's will? | Job | Parable | 98972 | ||
So, suffering is God's will for us? Wasn't it Satan that did all those nasty things to Job? In his book "God at War", Dr. Gregory Boyd discusses the book of Job. His conclusion is markedly different from the idea that bad things that happen are somehow part of God's divine blueprint. Rather, those things are in direct conflict with God's will, but they don't deter Job from having faith in God anyway. |
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28 | God is not the author of evil. | Job | Parable | 98979 | ||
"Nothing happens that God did not intend to happen" is a good summary of Augustine's theology, but not scripture. Did God intend for man to disobey and fall into sin? NO. He intended that man would enjoy harmonious fellowship with Him. Man freely chose to disobey, God did not make this choice for us. Does God intend for children to be kidnapped, raped and killed? Please say no. Stop ascribing to God what can only be explained as moral free agents acting in opposition to God's will. God is not the author of evil. Read Boyd's books "Satan and the Problem of Evil", "God at War" and "God of the Possible". |
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29 | Do animals know God? | Job 12:7 | Parable | 51486 | ||
Given the following verses, what can be said about a) the awareness of God or b) the relationship with God that animals may have? Job 12:7-10 "But now ask the beasts, and let them teach you; And the birds of the heavens, and let them tell you. Or speak to the earth, and let it teach you; And let the fish of the sea declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this, in whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind?" Col 1:23b "...the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven,..." Parable |
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30 | what understanding DO animals have? | Job 12:7 | Parable | 51506 | ||
Mommapbs, Thanks for sharing. I can relate to both things you have learned from Creation and I agree with you that "all creation is a testimony to THE Creator." However, my question relates more to another remark you made, i.e. "but only man can KNOW God in the relational, intimate sense of the word." Do you have any biblical references that support this exclusivity of knowing? In terms of your remark, my question may be restated in two parts, "if Creation is a testimony to the Creator, to whom is this testimony directed?" and "if all creatures are witness to this, what does that imply about their awareness and/or relationship with the Creator?" The verses I cited seem to suggest that at least some kinds of animals know that God is responsible for Creation, e.g. "Who among all these (beasts, birds, earth, fish) does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?" -- Job 12:10 What else does the Bible say about animals and God? Parable |
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31 | God as creator should be obvious | Job 12:7 | Parable | 51547 | ||
Thanks for your thoughtful reply. I agree with what you have said about Man being made in the image of God and having the breath of life. I think the situation with the donkey in Numbers may be a special case because the Lord appeared to the donkey but not to Balaam until his eyes were opened. This accomplished the Lord's purpose in bringing Balaam to recognize his sin. It demonstrates at least that when God chose to show himself, the donkey did in fact see Him. Yet, its not clear if the donkey knew He was the Lord. Job 12 suggests a more general situation with the animals, i.e. that they know God is the Creator. I am fascinated by this idea because it would seem then that mere animals have knowledge that many people reject! Also, isn't Romans 1:20 saying pretty much the same thing, that the truth of God and Creation is obvious? |
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32 | when is literal interpretation wrong? | Job 12:7 | Parable | 51552 | ||
Yes, this is possible. The main point clearly is that God is the Creator and the testimony of the animals is being used as supporting evidence. It is not clear if the animals testify (actively) or if we are to infer something from their existence (defacto). We must be careful not to assume anything we don't understand (or doesn't fit with our present understanding) like) is poetry, allegory or analogy. By what measure can we know when scripture is not to be interpreted literally? |
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33 | Prescription for living? | Ps 14:1 | Parable | 142592 | ||
A secular friend has suggested that the world would be a better place if we would just live such that it doesn't matter if there is a God or not. What does the bible say about this approach to life, pro or con? I'm interested to know if this principle for living is compatible with a biblical worldview or not. Thanks |
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34 | prescription for living, rephrased? | Ps 14:1 | Parable | 142594 | ||
Yes, of course. I agree that respect for God is the beginning of wisdom. But the existence of God is not the question, but rather it concerns the manner of living that is demanded by the requirement that it not matter if a God exists or not. That is (for the sake of communicating with my secular friend) if a God exists, how we live would be acceptable to that God, and if not, that also would be acceptable to everyone else. Or, another way to phrase it, is there any way of living that meets this requirement and would this in fact be compatible with how the bible says we should live? Does the biblical approach to life meet this requirement? I hope this clarifies my question. |
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35 | ... | Eccl 3:21 | Parable | 191607 | ||
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36 | What is hatred? When is it ok to hate? | Matt 5:44 | Parable | 191433 | ||
According to the bible, what does it mean to hate? What is hatred? When is hatred righteous, and when is it sinful? Please be specific with verses that support your answers. |
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37 | access to the tomb? | Matt 27:62 | Parable | 78146 | ||
How long was the tomb unguarded before the guard was posted? |
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38 | Rom 3:11 and Hebrews 11:6 ???? | John 3:16 | Parable | 89259 | ||
Regarding your point with Rom 3:11 THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD; I note Hebrews 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards THOSE WHO EARNESTLY SEEK HIM. (emphasis mine) What is scripture trying to teach with these two seemingly contradictory verses? Thanks, Parable |
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39 | do you concur? | John 3:16 | Parable | 89339 | ||
John, Your explanation seems to differ from the other two offered in response to my question to you. (see "prazn" ID#89262 and "The Lord's Church" ID#89263) However, I may be missing something. Do you concur with their explanations? Also, as noted by Morant61 ID#89075, the antecedent of "it" in Eph 2:8 is salvation, not faith. What is your response to this view? Parable |
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40 | why would God withhold the gift of faith | John 3:16 | Parable | 89357 | ||
I have two quesions about your comment "Grace, we all agree, is from God alone and does not depend on an act of assent from it's recipient." In Romans 5:2, Paul says "through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand." Paul seems to be saying that access to this grace is by faith. 1. Isn't this faith an "assent from it's recipient"? 2. If not, is faith involuntary? Also, regarding your questions "Does "saving faith", come from God alone as well? Or, is it an intrinsic attribute common to all men, fallen and born-again alike?" My understanding is that our intrinsic attributes as His creation include genuine freedom to choose. I grant that saving faith is not part of a person, at least until that person chooses it, by surrendering to the Spirit, acknowledging their guilt and repenting of their wickedness. Otherwise, 3. how can we understand that an all-loving, all powerful, all wise God would withhold faith from some, only to result in them being damned? 4. Why would God create people He knows can never be saved because He withholds the gift of faith? Parable |
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