Results 21 - 40 of 166
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Results from: Notes Author: Just Read Mark Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
21 | What say you? | OT general | Just Read Mark | 168257 | ||
No Private Interpretation. Hi Kalos and Lionheart. You suggest I spend 90 percent fo my time looking for Old Testament doubts. That surprised me, as my main point was to read the entire Bible... so I looked at my posts. My questions have been half new testament, half old. I'm not looking for doubts or trouble, but posting questions from my prayerful and studious reading of the Word. I wasn't saying that the Bible isn't God's Word. I agree with every scripture Lionheart quoted. We will differ, it seems, in the tools used to interpret the scripture. For sure, the Bible is not for "individual interpretation" --- there are interpretations that violate the text, and God's intent for us. I won't say there is only one interpretation, because God has used the same texts in different ways, over the centuries, to his own Glory. My deepest desire is to live in accordance with God's will for my life, and to see other lives called into relationship with Him. Hopefully I'm communicating more clearly than I have been : ) Given our different interpretive tools, I would be interested in your response to the website in Triggers' question, that started this whole discussion... Like, maybe the "daughter-slavery" question that I used in my answer. While we don't have to justify God to human standards... it is our task to witness clearly to the character of God, to spread his Kingdom. The website shows how God is perceived, due to our actions and interpretations. JRM |
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22 | 30 minute fun bible study for couples | 2 Tim 2:15 | Just Read Mark | 168206 | ||
Doug... I, too, am not sure what you think of as "fun." This might be totally weird as a structured Bible study, but I bring it up, because it sparked a very interesting discussion with some teenagers I work with. There's been some discussion on this forum about 1 Corinthians chapter 7... it's a whole chapter on whether to remain single or get married. It is actually a great discussion starter. A teenager was griping about being dumped by his girlfriend, and I told him it was just as well, because Paul emphasizes the good in singleness. It lead to a great conversation, as different teens piped in with their stories and experiences. The verses talk about sexuality, faithfulness, holiness. About the burdens of responsibility that can prevent us from being effective for the Kingdom. About the goal of being active for the mission of the church, and evaluating relationships in terms of that goal. I can think of MANY fascinating questions, that would bring scripture and life together. You'd get to know each other, and the Word, much better. This text really makes people think, whether married or single. May be totally inappropriate for your context, but it was good for us. JRM |
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23 | Creative Misquotation | Eph 4:8 | Just Read Mark | 168132 | ||
Thanks, Brad. The very last verse of the Psalm does mention God giving gifts: "he gives power and strength to his people." (Psalm 68:38) I'm not sure that's enough to define the "essence of the Psalm" as "that a military victor has the right to give gifts to those identified with him." The Psalm focuses more on the fate of the enemies, and the celebration of the Victor's people. Interesting, though, to think that Paul is pulling verse 38 into his reading of verse 18. That is helpful. Oh: I also like the comment on taking "captivity itself a captive" NRSV. This is so rich. Thanks be to God. JRM |
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24 | Cannot mix different cloths in O.T.? | OT general | Just Read Mark | 168043 | ||
Hi Trigger. Too bad about the lost questions. I have had things go missing, sometimes, too -- especially if I was going back and forth between screen to edit what I'd written. A "thread" is simply a chain of messages --- so, when you ask a new question, it starts a thread. When someone answers that question with a scriptural reference, the thread gets placed at that verse --- and all the responses follow after. So, to reply to my answer, you just click on my answer, and write a "follow-up on this note." I tried to find your post by clicking on your name (beside your other posts, in this thread...) That takes me to a screen where I can see what questions you've asked, or what answers you've given. I don't see your missing post in that list, so it must be lost. (By the way --- clicking on a name like that can be a good way to use the site. If there is someone you learn a lot from, you can find what other topics they are writing about.) Some people write their responses on their own word processor (like Word, Word Perfect, etc) and then -- after a spell check even -- past it into this website. That works well -- plus, if something weird happens, you still have it saved on your own computer. I look forward to your questions, if you're up to re-typing them. JRM |
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25 | 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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26 | Modern application of slavery texts? | Titus 2:9 | Just Read Mark | 156561 | ||
Well, Mark. I really am enjoying your responses. I must read James again, I think! Submission is a spiritual discipline that can deepen the heart in many ways, and bring a sense of peace in many ways. So often, we are in the struggle to achieve... as a self-employed person, I wonder how submission should be working more in my life. Submission to the Word, submission to the needs of others... I ll have to think about this. Sorry, that was a bit off topic (sort of, but not) To sum up: The slaves task is to submit, not struggle for a change in status. The masters task is to be just, which results in good treatment of the worker, and perhaps release from slavery (and today, certainly)... And the bystander is called to love his neighbour (the slave) and contend for his freedom in whatever way possible. I see wisdom in each part of this. I still think it puts the Underground Railroad in a bad light, because in that case, the slaves made the moves themselves. With support of others, certainly, but mostly by themselvesÂÂ. Unions are another interesting case, where the under-dog struggles to bring change for the betterment of his group. goodnight. |
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27 | Praise Him | Ps 117:2 | Just Read Mark | 156517 | ||
Hi WOS. What you wrote made me think of another text. Paul kept requesting something of God, and Gods answer was no. But the place it brings Paul to is wonderful: And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. You said that, If He never gives us anything else, He is still worthy of our highest praise. In the text I quoted (2Corinthian 12:9), Paul learns that Gods grace is a wonder, even when his request is not granted. I love that passage, and the place of relying on Christ it brings us to. |
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28 | Slavery | Titus 2:9 | Just Read Mark | 156425 | ||
Thanks, Mark. What a great ramble! The teaching that we are slaves of Christ is powerful. (I also love it when Paul talks about being in chains for the Gospel, and freedom in Christ, in the same breath. You know that he is experiencing what he preaches. The slavery theme is very similar.) Thank you, also, for putting slavery in some kind of historical perspective. In the Roman world, some slaves were very priveledged (for example, the secretary of a land-owner would be literate and live a relatively comfortable life). Other slaves, however, would be treated very harshly indeed. Paul makes no distinction between various situations... if only we knew whether he meant it as a blanket statement, or if he knew the particulars of the slaves concerned. So here is another angle. Perhaps it is not the slaves place to protest his condition... going along with your statement that, if God has put him in that situation, who is he to object. (I feel a bit awkward writing that, as I am loath to attribute such conditions to God...) But another part of the question is, what should OTHERS do to help the slave. Paul writes Philemon, to encourage him to release his slave. If we are not to stand up for our own freedoms, perhaps we ARE to stand up on others behalf. For most people, controlling a docile worker, will not be moved to gratitude, but to further work load. The passive stand, if taken by everyone, leads to deterioration rather than justice. While you say the Bible downplays issues of social change, the Bible, from beginning to end, is filled with appeals for justice and mercy. This concern for justice - which was very political, when you look at the prophets - provides a powerful backdrop for the question of slavery. |
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29 | Beware "Another" | 2 Cor 11:4 | Just Read Mark | 156421 | ||
Thanks, Mark. I feel your response is very clear, and generous. |
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30 | Beware "Another" | 2 Cor 11:4 | Just Read Mark | 156416 | ||
Hi Victor. I agree with the concern you raised about anti-catholocism. You will find some diversity in the forum (feel free to look though my posts and questions, for example). Why do I check out the forum from time to time, over several years now: because this group loves the Bible. I travel sometimes, and just want to chat about what Im reading with others that love the Bible. I wouldnt bail from the forum, though I would be more tactful... JRM |
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31 | 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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32 | Slavery | Titus 2:9 | Just Read Mark | 156413 | ||
3 thoughts on slavery. Hi Mark. Well, first off, it conflicts with my comfort zone ; ) I will try to flesh out some of the thoughts in my head. I would be interested in YOUR understanding of how slavery is treated in the NT. Perpective 1. This passage tells slaves to obey their master beyond the letter of the law. This whole book emphasizes orderly behaviour for all people, and is applied to slave as well. Where some would see resisting injustice as the kind of Good Work we are called to perform, freedom for the slaves is not suggested here. So then, this is one side of it... accepting slavery as uncomfortable but not immoral. The higher importance is placed on living an orderly, rather than rebellious, life. Perspective 2) When Paul says that, in Christ, there is neither male nor female, slave nor free (Gal 3:28), he is not saying I cease to be a male... rather he is saying we are equal. Same for slaves. Thus the radical claim is that slave and master are EQUALS before God. Perspective 3) The whole book of Philemon. Here, Paul appeals for the freedom of a Slave. The letter underscores the absurdity of Master and Slave beeing equal in Christ, but so unequal in their relationship to each other. Paul, here, is appealing to a master who is devout. What hope, then, is there for slaves who have pagan (or perhaps capitalist) masters. So theres a start. This isnt so much a contradiction as a complexity worth understanding. JRM |
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33 | Slavery | Titus 2:9 | Just Read Mark | 156411 | ||
Regarding the Underground Railroad. I just find it illuminating to see how people from other times have interpreted the same words we study today. It sometimes helps us to get beyond our own assumptions. Participants in the underground Railroad were certainly aware of Bible texts, and used the Exodus extensively. While many could not read, others could, and the messages were shared orally. I am not supporting slavery. As for Paul, I dont think he supported slavery as ideal. Yet he seems to think people could be faithful WITHIN it anyway, and that opposing it was not what the 1st century demanded of Christians. I just wonder how slaves have found these words, through the centures, to reflect their freedom in Christ. |
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34 | self-righteous and Truth | Prov 21:2 | Just Read Mark | 156390 | ||
I think the best illustration of self-rightousness comes from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus is talking about judging others, and the hypocracy we are prone to. The text is Matthew 7:1-5. Then, taking these words of Jesus to heart, we need to pray that we will be able to see things clearly. With humility, we draw others of God s truth. JRM |
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35 | 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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36 | Merciful Sheep? | Matt 5:7 | Just Read Mark | 153345 | ||
Hi Steve. Does that definition of "mercy" make sense in Luke 10:37? |
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37 | Merciful Sheep? | Matt 5:7 | Just Read Mark | 153344 | ||
Hi Doc. I agree that God is showing mercy to the sheep. And it is beautiful how humble they are about the whole thing: "Lord, when did we...." Now, the actions that the "sheep" take toward those in need (the thirsty, hungry, etc) --- are those rightly called acts of "mercy"? Some say "yes" --- because the sheep are responding to suffering without expectation of a return for their efforts. Others say "no, it's not mercy" because the sheep are not in positions of power over the sufferers. I'm just trying to figure this out, in relation to Matt 5:7. Thoughts? |
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38 | What is mercy? | Matt 5:7 | Just Read Mark | 153210 | ||
From the context of Salvation, can you reframe "mercy" in the context of christian life. Blessed are the merciful --- this means Christians in areas of authority or power not metting out the punishments that people deserve? |
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39 | What is mercy? | Matt 5:7 | Just Read Mark | 153207 | ||
I like the example of Saul and David. Saul was king, but in that instance David had the power. So David had mercy on Saul. Turning now to the Good Samaritan --- we don't usually think of Samaritans as having power to yield. But he had the resources to aid the wounded traveller, so perhaps that is power enough. Aid was his to either give or withhold, and he was merciful. Does that follow from your statement about power and mercy? |
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40 | What is mercy? | Matt 5:7 | Just Read Mark | 153206 | ||
Grace and mercy. Here is a different way of distinguishing grace from mercy. "The two terms are frequently synonymous; but where there is a distinction between the two, it appears that grace is a loving response when love is undeserved, and mercy is a loving response prompted by the misery and helplessness of the one on whom the love is to be showered. Grace answers to the undeserving; mercy answers to the miserable." -----D. A. Carson, "The Sermon on the Mount" What do you think? |
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