Results 21 - 40 of 657
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: stjones Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
21 | name of lost book in Bible | Bible general Archive 1 | stjones | 21005 | ||
Hi, Skot; There are several "lost" books; the "Gospel of Thomas" is probably the most infamous. There is also a "Gospel of Peter", a "Gospel of Mary [Magdalen]", "Pistis Sophia", and a few others. There is also a hypothetical Gospel named "Q" which is not known to exist in any form. Copies of many of these were found in Egypt at Nag Hammadi in 1945. Liberal theologians are making a lot of noise about the "discovery" of these "lost" books despite that fact that most of them have been known and their authenticity and claims refuted for more than 100 years. The reason these books were "lost", of course, is that they espoused heretical views - mostly gnosticism - that the early church firmly rejected. They are now presented as equivalent or even superior to the NT, revealing "alternate Christianities". The appeal is obvious: if you don't want to be accountable to a Jesus who sits in judgment, just hang out with one who learned his stuff in India. If you are prepared to believe that Jesus was a Buddha (please say you're not!), you may enjoy them. I recommend "Hidden Gospels: How the Search for Jesus Lost Its Way" by Philip Jenkins (Oxford University Press, 2001). Hope you find this helpful. |
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22 | On Harry Potter? | Bible general Archive 1 | stjones | 21316 | ||
Hi, Tim; I think your approach is very balanced - both in the way you deal with Harry Potter and your refusal to try to impose your approach on other parents. When kids grow up and go out on their own, they're going to decide for themselves what they believe and where to place their faith. I've read that the majority of kids who grow up in Christian homes go through a period of questioning or outright rejection when they find themselves with the freedom to make up their own minds. I think a child who has learned how to deal with Harry Potter (or R. L. Stine or Stephen King or, for that matter, Edgar Allan Poe) will grow into an adult better able to deal with Wicca, or New Age neo-paganism, or Tibetan Buddhism. Just my .02 dollars' worth. Peach and grace, Steve |
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23 | name of lost book in Bible | Bible general Archive 1 | stjones | 21407 | ||
Hi, Nolan; Thanks for the URL. Yes, I've read some of this nonsense and you can see why proponents claim that they present "alternate Christianities" - they definitely don't square with orthodox Christianity. The screwball theologians have found a way to project postmodern relativism back to the first century. "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them--bringing swift destruction on themselves" (2 Peter 2:1) Peace and Grace, Steve |
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24 | did the wine from the water make you dr | Bible general Archive 1 | stjones | 22839 | ||
Non-biblical note about grapes and fermentation - The yeast that turns the sugar in grape juice into alcohol lives on the grape skins. When the grapes are crushed to get the juice, the yeast is mixed in with it. If the juice is not consumed right away (or the yeast killed or filtered out), the juice will inevitably become wine. Grape koolaid, if it existed, could become wine only over a period of several weeks. Either way, Jesus performed a miracle. Peace and grace, Steve |
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25 | Are new worship songs scripturally OK? | Bible general Archive 1 | stjones | 23037 | ||
Hi, Lisa; [If you already know all this, I apologize. Maybe it'll be useful to someone else.] You're right, of course, about the Law, but please don't sell the OT short; it's the bible Jesus read and taught from. He obviously thought that his followers had something to learn from it. Consider this exchange: '"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."' (Matthew 22:36-40) This passage in known not only to Christians but to much of the world which calls it the Golden Rule and imagines that it was a brand new teaching of Jesus. But where is Jesus quoting from? the OT, of course: "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" (Deuteronomy 6:5) "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD" (Leviticus 19:18) The NT focuses on Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The OT focuses on God the Father but with many references and prophecies concerning Jesus and the Holy Sprit. I love the OT, especially Job, Jonah, and Ecclesiastes (weird, I know, but there it is). Just my .02 part of a dollar. Peace and grace, Steve |
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26 | Are new worship songs scripturally OK? | Bible general Archive 1 | stjones | 23165 | ||
Hi, Hank; I think the "push" comes from contemporary songwriters who, like the old-timers you revere, are moved to express their faith, their love of Jesus, their joy, and their gratitude in music. And I think you will find that much of the sacred music you admire was published and/or performed at a profit. Would you say that Charles Spurgeon and D. L. Moody provided all the sermons the church needs? Should we muzzle Billy Graham because Moody already said it? The church was well blessed with hymns before Fanny Crosby wrote her 150 or so, before Horatio Spafford wrote "It Is Well with My Soul", and before Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote (among many others) "Because He Lives". Although the style may differ, I don't think Keith Greene (several wonderful praise songs) or Graham Kendrick (most of the music for the March for Jesus), or Jack Hayford ("Majesty") have anything to apologize for and neither do the congregations who sing their music. Contemporary songwriters still turn to the Sciprtures and often to the Psalms for their inspiration. I'm a 56-year-old Presbyterian; we are sometimes referred to as "the frozen chosen". I think some folks in this thread who may not be Presbyterians could do with a little thawing too. ;-) Peace and grace, Steve |
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27 | Are new worship songs scripturally OK? | Bible general Archive 1 | stjones | 23286 | ||
Hi, Hank; Thanks for the reply; I was afraid I'd been a little prickly in my post. As a mediocre bass, I've sung Handel's "Messiah" in a local symphony chorus (no solos for me!) and I've sung "O Sifune Mungu", a setting of "All Creatures of Our God and King" written in Swahili, in our church choir. I've been blessed by both of those pieces and by many songs in many styles in between. And I've sung a few I just didn't like very much that I nonetheless think Jesus must have enjoyed hearing. The key is this: Our choir director (he also directed "Messiah") never lets us forget to whom we are singing - an audience of one. Peace and grace, Steve |
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28 | Are new worship songs scripturally OK? | Bible general Archive 1 | stjones | 23324 | ||
Amen | ||||||
29 | Are we to follow the old testament? | Bible general Archive 1 | stjones | 23762 | ||
Hi, Martha; Let me add a little to the three excellent answers you've already received: When Paul wrote to Timothy about scripture (2 Tim 3:16), the OT was the only scripture he knew. I suspect he had no idea that those words applied to his own words as well. The OT is the bible that Jesus taught from and quoted. The OT describes God the Father's direct, personal, active involvement with humnaity, not seen in the NT. The OT lays the historical and theological foundation for Jesus' mission and ministry. The OT deals with such things as the character of God, the nature of humanity, the origins of good and evil, the identity of Satan, and much more. The NT touches on these questions but does not delve deeply into them as the OT does. I've studied the OT and NT about equally, with maybe a little more time on the OT because there's more of it. The Bible is a single testament to Jesus and is best understood as a whole. As in so many things, a healthy balance is the key. Peace and grace, Steve |
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30 | unmarried couple kissing | Bible general Archive 1 | stjones | 23896 | ||
No. Some folks believe there's a substantial risk that kissing may lead to forbidden behavior. In that case, prudence, not the Bible, would probibit it. I don't know your situation, but I should mention that parents can probibit it. Obedience to one's parents is commanded by the Bible. I hope this is helpful. Peace and grace, Steve "Indy" Jones |
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31 | is no one going to answer me? | Bible general Archive 1 | stjones | 28046 | ||
Hi, Grace; Why do you play? If it is only to please God (as some suggest should be the case), you should console yourself with the knowledge that your "audience of one" truly does appreciate your hard work. But don't feel guilty if your motives aren't as pure as that. Maybe you play to enrich the congregation's worship experience. Maybe you play because someone asked you to. Christians are supposed to encourage one another (1 Thess 5:11). Encouraging is a gift (Romans 12:6-8). I don't think it's unreasonable to hope for encouragement from the congregation. For some reason, church musicians often seem to be the least appreciated servants, maybe because they "play" while others work. I agree with kalos. A word with the pastor or trusted elder might get your expectations (and needs) and the congregation's better aligned. I hope the collective wisdom of the forum has been of use to you. Peace and grace, Steve aka Indiana Jones |
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32 | Is John 3:16 for real? | Bible general Archive 1 | stjones | 28432 | ||
Hi, Dan; God has made his existence and nature known to everyone: Romans 1:18-21 - The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. He reveals himself to those who seek him: Jeremiah 29:13 - You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. And he will not reject anyone who calls upon him for salvation: Joel 2:32 - everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved (quoted by Peter in his Pentecost sermon in Acts 2 and by Paul in Romans 10) Thus God has opened a path to saving faith even to someone who has never heard the Gospel. The Old Testament faithful were in a similar situation: Hebrews 11:1-2 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. (39-40) These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. John 3:16 is reliable and trustworthy. Hope this is useful. Peace and grace, Steve aka Indiana Jones |
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33 | Is John 3:16 for real? | Bible general Archive 1 | stjones | 28488 | ||
Hi, Dan; Thanks so much. Our choir has sung an anthem based on that passage (29:11-13): '"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."' The piece had been commissioned by a family whose daughter was murdered a few days before her wedding. This was a passage that her family turned to often in their grief. The anthem was beautiful; knowing its origin made it all the more precious and planted that passage firmly in my mind. Anyway, I'm glad I was able to help. God bless you too. Peace and grace, Steve aka Indiana Jones |
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34 | When was the Bible written origionally? | Bible general Archive 1 | stjones | 28582 | ||
Greetings, Nolan; This answer is one of the reasons that the Bible on its own merits is different from all other "holy books" and entirely believable. The Book of Mormon and the Qu'ran, for example, are pure prophecy (messages alleged to be from God). The Hindu and Buddhist writings are collected sayings or books by human authors claiming no inspiration. Only the Bible reveals God as an agent in recorded human history. Only the Bible contains prophecies that can be independently verified. And only the Bible ties the work of so many authors, separated by geography and time, into a single, consistent message. As a believer, I find the Bible believable because it is an inspired testimony to Jesus. To a non-believer, these facts might be persuasive. Peace and grace, Steve aka Indiana Jones |
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35 | Is John 3:16 for real? | Bible general Archive 1 | stjones | 28583 | ||
Thanks again, Dan; You're right; it's not Christianity 101. It's where the rubber meets the road. Author Dallas Willard once said that "God lives at the end of your rope". I have always found that when I get there, God was there waiting. Sometimes I'm so busy trying to climb back up on my own that I forget to notice him there. Dumb me. Peace and grace, Steve aka Indiana Jones |
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36 | When was the Bible written origionally? | Bible general Archive 1 | stjones | 28634 | ||
Thanks, Nolan; Age-wise, I'm somewhere between Indy and Henry. But with the same good looks, of course. ;-) I once preached a sermon that dealt with reasons for believing the Bible is God's inspired word quite apart from any claims it makes for itself. I didn't write any of it down (God gave it to me whole) but if I ever do, I'll post it on the web. Happy New Year. Peace and grace, Steve aka Indiana Jones |
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37 | Inspiration extent to every part | Bible general Archive 1 | stjones | 28695 | ||
Hi, moedee; Yes. I don't know. What do you suppose might have happened? Peace and grace, Steve aka Indiana Jones |
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38 | Where is "Go against the Flow" at? | Bible general Archive 1 | stjones | 29991 | ||
Hi, Brandyb; James Taylor recoreded a version of "Mockingbird" in the 60s that included the line "I'm gonna go with the flow and ride with the tide". I would guess that "go against the flow" might have been coined as a counter-example. Billy Graham isn't afraid to refer to the culture so he might well have originated it. At any rate, EdB is right on with his reference to Romans 2. Peace and grace, Steve aka Indiana Jones |
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39 | Help! | Bible general Archive 1 | stjones | 32131 | ||
Hi, LF; There is a "method" to love; Paul spelled it out in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. There is no mention of emotions or "warm fuzzies" in that passage, just positive, prescriptive actions. I once heard someone suggest an even simpler method. He (she?) defined love as "always ascribing the best possible motive to the other's behavior" - always believing that your loved-one (spouse, friend, child, parent, or God himself) acted out of the best possible motive. How many times have you heard someone say "you did that just to hurt me", or "he said that just to make her jealous", or "you must hate me; if you didn't, you wouldn't have ________"? It's not the action or words (often trivial) that these complaints condemn; it's the presumed motive behind them. That in turn is not an attack on behavior but on the person him/herself. Love would not say or think these things. Instead, love would seek another reason or another viewpoint that would reveal the best, not the worst, in the other person. Love, it has been said, isn't an emotion, it's a decision. Peace and grace, Steve aka Indiana Jones |
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40 | Any biblical corrolation Atlantis? | Bible general Archive 1 | stjones | 32951 | ||
Greetings, Hank; You wisely said "If we knew in minute detail all the facts of creation, what does it profit us if we don't know what we must do to be saved?" I know that statement reveals wisdom because it's a point I've often tried to make. ;-) The proper understanding of Genesis 1 is a great topic for (sometimes heated) debate among saved Christians. But it's a discussion that should be conducted carefully outside the Body. I shudder to think how many unbelievers remain lost because some faithful witness was more interested in preaching literal creationism than salvation in Christ. I don't intend to get that whole debate started again. I just wanted to commend you for giving us a reminder that "What must I do to be saved?" is a much more important question than "How old is the Universe?". Peace and grace Steve aka Indiana Jones |
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