Results 3041 - 3060 of 3133
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Results from: Answers On or After: Thu 12/31/70 Author: Makarios Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
3041 | clear conscience | 2 Timothy | Makarios | 7175 | ||
In answering this question, one should review 1 Timothy 3 and see the importance of why a leader, or minister, should be 'above reproach' or keep a clear conscience. How does a minister keep a clear conscience? How does anyone keep a clear conscience for that matter? We should review Galatians 5:16-26 to answer these questions of attempting to keep a 'clear conscience'. Why is it important to have a clear conscience? The Lord loves the righteous (Psalm 146:8), and the righteous will flourish (Proverbs 11:28). Most importantly, the righteous will inherit eternal life with Jesus Christ our Lord! (Matt. 25:46). These are some of the reasons to show the importance of living with a clear conscience. | ||||||
3042 | Please help. Post your comments. | Bible general Archive 1 | Makarios | 7162 | ||
Hank, tonight I've been going through every single one of your postings, in wake of your recent decision to leave the Forum. After getting this far and reading all your posts, I have to conclude (as an answer to this question) that a way that this Forum can be 'improved' would be to have you back on it, participating again..Yours in Christ, Nolan | ||||||
3043 | Anything wrong with dating? | Bible general Archive 1 | Makarios | 7134 | ||
Hello again JVH.. As you know, I am a single man and 25 years old.. I have been told by many a church leader and pastor that 'dating is not of the Bible!'.. I've also read that book, "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" by Josh Harris. Maybe our Lord wants me to enjoy singleness for the rest of my life, who knows? But I find it hard and a difficult thing for the church to address when confronted with the idea of single people dating. I'm a decent looking guy and I make friends very easily. The Lord has put a desire in my heart to have companionship with a woman, much like Jeremiah (Jer. 16:2). However, I have chosen to follow God with all my heart and to keep the utmost purity in all my life! To this day, I am a living success story of purity, fleeing from temptation (much like Joseph) several times! But the Lord has set a hedge around me, protecting me from all the arrows of lust and fornication. Being single at 25, I do not think that dating is entirely wrong, but I feel that a sense of 'courtship' could be warranted where it involves the parents and the families of both the man and the woman. Christianity Today recently came out with an article that said that most churches really don't know how to meet the needs of singles. Its not that we are somehow 'lacking' or 'not complete' in any way since we haven't found a mate. What we really need is prayer and to follow God where He leads us. I, as a single young man, need this the most. There is another book called "I Gave Dating a Chance" by Jeramy Clark who makes a valid argument for Christian dating. I've read this also and recommend it to those who would like a 'balanced' view between extremes. Until I meet that Godly woman who will spur me on in my faith (and I hers), I will continue to be unhindered by the things of this world as I set out to complete my Master's work in my life.Thanks for the discussion, JVH, and I hope that I can continue to encourage you also. :) | ||||||
3044 | NAS like the NWT??? I HOPE NOT! | Bible general Archive 1 | Makarios | 7123 | ||
Dear roverjbh99,What you came upon is 'false propaganda' that was created by someone or some organization with an agenda of their own in mind. This is tragic, since it falsely spreads misinformation among the saints, therefore casting doubt on the translations of the Bible that we hold so dear! Here is the truth: the NASB, the AV (KJV), and the NIV are VERY different from the NWT (New World Translation)! In fact, they are so different from that translation that you will find that it is the NWT that should be avoided, and avoided AT ALL COSTS! The New World Translation is a book from Satan, written by the "Jehovah's Witnesses" cult. It ascribes ABSOLUTELY no Deity at all to Jesus Christ!Check this out... One way that you can tell if a translation can be trusted or not is to look at the following verses to see if it ascribes Deity to Jesus: John 1:1, John 1:18, John 20:28, Acts 20:28, Romans 9:5, Philippians 2:5-6, Colossians 1:15-17, Colossians 2:9, 1 Tim 3:16, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 1:8, 2 Peter 1:1. If you take these verses and look them up in your Bible and if your Bible ascribes Deity to Jesus in at least half of these verses or more, then you know that you have a good Bible! If not, then you know that your Bible is a fake! Blessings, Nolan Keck | ||||||
3045 | What is a tent-maker? | Acts 18:3 | Makarios | 7122 | ||
Blessings dear brother charis!A 'tent-maker' is a trade or profession (Acts 18:3) that was passed from a Jewish father to his son(s), and it was an important industry in the city of Tarsus. Another important trade was carpentry (Mark 6:1-3). Tent-makers simply built and created the materials necessary for buildling tents. What made this profession special was the fact that the Hebrews dwelt in tents since their nomadic ancestry and their exodus from Egypt. In Genesis 4:20, we see that Jabal was the 'father of those who live in tents', which began the 'tent community'. From there, we see that tents were places of residence (Gen. 9:21,12:8,13:5, Ex. 18:7), objects of beauty (Num. 24:5), and a dwelling place for women (Judges 5:24). The Lord protects the tents (Psalm 91:10), and tents serve as shelter for shepherds (Isaiah 38:12, Jeremiah 6:3). So a 'tent-maker' not only would be one that would help to carry on this tradition, but also as one who would build 'homes' for the Hebrew people. Some phrases reminding the Hebrew people of their ancestry include 'going home' or 'to one's tent' (Judges 19:9), and in the recurring call, 'to your tents (to your homes), O Israel' (1 Kings 12:16). The Hebrew tent, even in later days, cannot have differed much from the simple Bedouin tent of today, made by sewing together strips of the native goats' hair cloth. These 'curtains' (Jer. 4:20, Ex. 26:2) are held up by poles, generally 9 in number, arranged in three rows of three, and 6-7 ft. high, which are kept in position by ropes or 'cords', and the 'tent-cord' (Job 4:21), attached to 'stakes' or 'tent-pins' driven into the ground by a mallet (Judges 4:21). The larger the tent, the longer the cords and the stronger the stakes, according to Isaiah 54:2. The tent, then as now, was probably divided into two parts by hanging a curtain from the three middle poles along the length of the tent- the front division open and free to all, the back closed and reserved for the women and the privacy of domestic life (Judges 15:1, Genesis 18:9). In time of war we read both of booths (2 Sam. 11:11) and of tents (2 Kings 7:7, Jer. 37:10). Soldiers' tents were conical in shape, supported by a central pole with two arms. In early times a special tent was pitched for a newly wedded pair (Psalm 19:5, Joel 2:16, cf. 2 Sam. 16:22), as is still the custom among the Arabs. Priscilla and Aquila, as well as the Apostle Paul were tent-makers (Acts 18:2-3). And Paul could have very well learned this trade, being from Tarsus. | ||||||
3046 | what does Hebrews 6v4-6 mean? | Heb 6:4 | Makarios | 7115 | ||
Good question. Here's what Ryrie's Study Bible says about this verse:"This much-debated passage has been understood in several ways. (1) Arminians hold that the people described in these verses are Christians who actually lose their salvation. If this be so, notice that the passage also teaches that it is impossible to be saved a second time. (2) Some hold that the passage refers not to genuine believers but to those who only profess to be believers. Thus the phrases in vv. 4-5 are understood to refer to experiences short of salvation (cf. v. 9). The 'falling away' is from the knowledge of the truth, not personal possession of it. (3) Others understand the passage to be a warning to genuine believers to urge them on in Christian growth and maturity. To 'fall away' is impossible (since, according to this view, true believers are eternally secure), but the phrase is placed in the sentence to strenghten the warning. It is similar to saying something like this to a class of students: "It is impossible for a student, once enrolled in this course, if he turns the clock back [which cannot be done,] to start the course over. Therefore, let all students go on to deeper knowledge." In this view the phrases in vv. 4-5 are understood to refer to the conversion experience. Notice how the words "enlightened" (10:32), "taste" (2:9), and "partakers" ("share," 12:10) are used elsewhere in Hebrews of genuine experiences." | ||||||
3047 | who was jacov | Gen 1:1 | Makarios | 7112 | ||
I am under the impression that you are referring to Jacob and Laban in the Book of Genesis. If so, Jacob served his uncle Laban for 14 years- seven years service for his wife Leah, seven years service for Rachel. This can be found in Genesis chapter 29. Blessings, Nolan | ||||||
3048 | Aquila and Priscilla? | Acts 18:2 | Makarios | 7077 | ||
Aquila and Priscilla, the names of a married couple first mentioned by Paul in 1 Cor 16:19 and by Luke in Acts 18:2.. Only in these verses do their names appear in this order. In later references, the order is always "Priscilla and Aquila' (Acts 18:18,26, Romans 16:3, 2 Tim 4:19). A natural conclusion from this is that Priscilla was a more active worker in the Christian church than her husband. Aquila was a Jew of Eastern origin- 'a man of Pontus by race' (18:2). Claudius drove them from Rome, Italy, because of the fact that they were Jews. They welcomed Paul into their home, listened to Paul (18:4), and became 'fellow workers in Christ Jesus' (Romans 16:3). Aquila and Priscilla also accompanied Paul to Ephesus, and at their house Christians assembled for worship (1 Cor. 16:19). Also, they were instrumental in sharing the 'secret power' of ministering the gospel of grace (Acts 18:26). This devoted pair returned to Ephesus (2 Tim 4:19) and their fellowship with Timothy would aid to strengthening him 'in the grace that is in Christ Jesus' (2 Tim 2:1). | ||||||
3049 | Confidence? | Acts 4:13 | Makarios | 7074 | ||
After being imprisoned, brought before the Sanhedrin and severely questioned, Peter and John were not intimidated. They were filled with confidence by the Holy Spirit and reflecting on their direct personal relationship with Jesus Christ, having confidence stemming from that relationship and by being empowered by the Holy Spirit. They preached Jesus and blamed the Sanhedrin for crucifying Him. The defendant had become the prosecutor! The authorities were amazed at the boldness of Peter and John, especially since they were 'unlearned and ignorant' (Acts 4:13). They were laymen, not religious experts, and they had no formal training. But it was clear that these apostles had 'been with Jesus,' who had spoken just as authoritatively, even though He had no official training (Matt. 7:28-29; John 7:15). It was with His authority that they spoke.The council was also silenced by the presence of the healed man (Acts 4:14). Apparently, he had been summoned as part of the 'evidence' against the apostles (vv. 9-10), but he proved to be an embarrassment to the accusers. They could not deny the miracle, and being unwilling to accept Peter's explanation, they were left with the question of what to do to these men (v. 16). All the council could do was forbid the apostles to continue their ministry (Acts 4:17-18). But this feeble effort was like a dam made of toothpicks before the mighty, onrushing power of the Holy Spirit! | ||||||
3050 | Did Jeremiah have a wife and kids? | Gen 1:1 | Makarios | 7072 | ||
According to Jeremiah 16:2, Jeremiah himself was forbidden to marry. I believe that he was never married, since his call (Ch. 1) came to him as a reluctant young man, yet he is "set over the nations, to to pluck up and to break down, and to build and to plant"! Forbidding him of marriage is bitter to his tender and affectionate nature, since his imagination was haunted by his lost home happiness (Jer. 7:34,16:9,25:10,33:11). He was bound to be a man of sorrows. | ||||||
3051 | But didn't He? | 1 Tim 3:2 | Makarios | 7069 | ||
Hello Ed, I feel that it doesn't have to insist on marriage. I can read this as saying, "the husband of but one wife".. In other words, I feel that Paul is addressing the condition of one's morality here since he goes on to mention one's temperence, prudence, respectability, and hospitability, etc, etc.. which all have to do with a person's character or moral integrity- which is a direct relationship to where they are in relation to our Lord Jesus Christ. In other places of Scripture, Paul mentions the condition of sexual purity first before any others, and I believe that he is doing it here also.Before Paul even mentions the phrase "the husband of one wife", he says that "An overseer, then, must be above reproach".. Therefore, the phrase "husband of one wife" serves as a description of exactly how one should be "above reproach". In either case, I feel that Paul is not infusing the meaning that being married is a prerequisite for being an overseer or leader. EdB, I thank you for your brotherhood in Christ. I did not write the following in any 'mean spiritedness', but I believe that my point should be displayed to the greater consciousness of the Forum since I am coming straight from the Bible. | ||||||
3052 | Can you be a husband without marriage? | 1 Tim 3:2 | Makarios | 6987 | ||
Good question EdB! Now this is a question that we can all respect! Does 1 Tim 3:2 suggest that a man should be married as a requirement before assuming a role of leadership? That is a good question, and the question at the entire root of the thread. If the answer is 'yes', then this would exclude all those who are single or widowed, regardless of the circumstances. If the answer is 'no', then this would include all those who are married and also re-married who have been single, widowed, or divorced at previous points in their lives. In my own interpretation of this passage, I believe that this passage does not hold marriage as a prerequisite for leadership candidacy. I am very confident, however, that it speaks of the high moral integrity that is expected of such a leader. However, this is just my own opinion.Thank you, EdB, for rephrasing this question and presenting it in a sensible way. Your brother in Christ, Nolan | ||||||
3053 | Is Steve really all wrong? | 1 Tim 3:2 | Makarios | 6984 | ||
EdB, I realize that you feel that Steve was just providing his point of view, and by all rights, he has that privilege as we all do. However, the issue here is not "Whether we should take the Bible literally or not". The issue has gotten way off the original question that was posted, and it has led one of our fellow members to do so much as doubt the leadership of Paul, which is proven factual through Scripture! This and other erroneous misinterpretations that have resulted from the misinterpretation of the above cited verse (1 Tim 3:2) have caused the reponses by a few members to provide some 'constructive criticism' where it is needed so that we may study the Bible without bringing our presuppositions to it. In no way can Steve back up his claim and that has been pointed out to him. It is these types of 'misrenderings' that can be either (1) taken as a joke, or (2) read by someone who is not a believer or 'weak' believer and taken as truth, or (3) taken seriously and rebuked or corrected by those who want to see good Bible based answers to good questions. In no way do we want to 'exclude' any members, but we should keep a tight restraint on what we put here on the Forum, since ANYONE can see this, and we should be dealing with Truth instead of the opinions of a few people that refuse to provide sensible answers in good stewardship (or in this case, one person).I appreciate your allusion to your church and what you spoke of, but I believe that it does not relate entirely to the situation at hand. I appreciate your concern and I appreciate your willingness to 'pull for the underdog' here, but this is exactly the type of thing that threatens the health of the Forum and keeps good students of the Bible (who will provide good, solid answers to Biblically based questions) away from the Forum or only as 'observers' of the Forum, afraid to come into the 'limelight'. | ||||||
3054 | What is the origin of Purim? | Esther | Makarios | 6944 | ||
On the 14th and 15th of the month Adar (March) fell the celebration of the Feast of Purim or Lots. This commemorated the deliverance of the Jews from Haman, who in B.C. 473 had plotted their extermination throughout the Persian empire (Esther 3:7, 9:15-32). In the Apocryphal book of 2 Maccabees 15:36 it is called 'Mordecai's day'. The observance of this festival was probably not at first universal, but Josephus mentions its occurrence, and it held an established position before the time of Christ. At first no special religious services were enjoined to mark it, nor was there any prohibition of labor. It was a time of feasting and joy, of the giving of presents and alms. In later times it was celebrated by a synagogue meeting on the evening of the 13th and the morning of the 14th, when the Book of Esther was read through, special prayers and thanks were offered, and the congregation pronounced curses on Haman and blessings on Esther and Mordecai. The rest of the feast was given up to good cheer and boisterous enjoyment. The 13th of Adar is also recorded as the Fast of Esther (Esther 9:31, 4:3). The celebration took place on the 11th if the 13th happened to be a Sabbath.The origin of the Purim feast is a matter of dispute. It is difficult to identify any known Persian word with pur (Esther 3:7, 9:26), which gave the festival its name. Some have supposed that the nameless feast mentioned in John 5:1 was Purim. But this is not convincing, for (a) Purim was never one of the great national solemnities which called for attendance at Jerusalem: it was observed locally and not only at the capital, (b) Christ would naturally go up for the Passover in the next month. And it is more probable that the Passover is the feast here intended.Sources: Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (Hendrickson) | ||||||
3055 | Confirm the way the O.T. was written. | OT general | Makarios | 6941 | ||
Greek and Hebrew are very different languages, and altogether different from English. They not only 'look' different, but they differ dramatically in their form and function. Because English is related through other languages to Greek, most people can make out some of the Greek letters and can understand certain Greek terms. But Hebrew is another story. There are very, very few terms in Hebrew that even sound similar to English terms. And most people think of 'chicken scratchings' when they see the Hebrew script. If you have ever seen Hebrew, it is a language far removed from English form and does not contain punctuation. The two languages also differ in their complexity and flexibility. Hebrew is an ancient tongue, and as such is rather 'concrete' in tone. What is says, it says, and it does not contain nearly the same ability to express subtle nuances and shades of meaning as either English or Greek. Often one is left with a number of possible renderings of particular Hebrew phrases. The language simply does not narrow down the possibilities as well as modern tongues. Greek, on the other hand, far exceeds English in its ability to convey intricate meanings and delicate turns of thought. This same ability makes it possible to narrow the spectrum of possible English translations to a much greater degree than that seen in Hebrew. Greek is a more technical language, a more precise language then either Hebrew or English. The form of writing that was used in both the Old and New Testaments changed over time as well. The Hebrew language grew and changed over the centuries, as did the characters utilized to write it. Our modern Hebrew texts are written in a form of that is different than that which was used originally. Furthermore, the dots or 'vowel pointing' that you see in some manuscripts under Hebrew letters were not used until much later. Similarly, the NT manuscripts were first written in all capital letters (and are therefore called 'uncial' texts) without punctuation or spaces between words. This literary form of writing prevailed until about the 9th century, when a different style of writing, the 'minuscule' form, became predominant.Sources: Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible, "The King James Verson Debate" by D.A. Carson, "The King James Only Controversy" by James R. White | ||||||
3056 | Looking to download the NASB | Bible general Archive 1 | Makarios | 6903 | ||
The only link that I was able to find was www.ibiblio.org, which points you to Lockman so that you can voice your concern with them.. Sorry I couldn't have been more help. Nolan | ||||||
3057 | Study Bible Forum -- or Circus? | Gen 1:17 | Makarios | 6894 | ||
Hello Hank! I apologize for taking so long to address this question. I couldn't agree more with our focus on this Forum and where it 'should' be.. Too often a member writes a note, question, or answer that touches off an emotional chord with another member. I believe that using scripture in all cases is the only way to go here, and that this Forum is not at all a place to vent, since we as members have been given the 'privilege' by Lockman to contribute to this Study Bible Forum with an unlimited margin! I see this Form as a novelty and something that has drawn me into several great friendships and has greatly aided my continued learning of the Bible. The great danger is when members make responses that do not address the original question at hand and bring their own presuppositions to the Forum. Maybe we should all go through a 'check your brain' at the door type of ritual before logging on. But I believe that one must examine him or herself before addressing a fellow believer in Christ (don't try to take the speck out of your brother's eye before removing the plank in your own!). If there is ever a problem that would prohibit any member of the Forum from sharing in communion with any other member(s), then that problem must be addressed and dealt with in Christian love, and most preferrably, off of the Forum, unless it is a conciliatory apology from or to the parties involved. However, I hope to continue to encourage the growth and helpfulness that the Forum has shown so far- good answers to good questions- and I pray that I would continue to show that example by sharing my knowledge and experience in Christian love. Blessings in Jesus Name! Nolan | ||||||
3058 | rahab in Jesus line, how | Matt 1:5 | Makarios | 6853 | ||
Yes, in Matthew 1:5, Scripture clearly shows that Rahab and Ruth are in the ancestral line of Jesus Christ. What exactly would you like for us to expound upon here? | ||||||
3059 | define and describe apostasy. | Bible general Archive 1 | Makarios | 6851 | ||
Apostasy is a defection from the tenets of a religious community. In Acts 21:21, it describes the charge brought against Paul by the Jews- that he taught that the Jews should abandon Mosaism. In 2 Thess 2:3 it describes the defection of Christians which was to accompany the 'man of lawlessness' (or Antichrist). This expectation is an illustration of what seems to have been a common belief- that the return of the Christ to establish His Kingdom would be preceded by exceptional activity on the part of His superhuman opponent, and that this would result in an abandonment of Christian faith on the part of many of those nominally Christian. Other examples of apostasy include Exodus 32:1, Deut. 13:12-13; Judges 2:17, Neh. 9:26, Ezek. 36:20, Acts 7:39, 2 Timothy 4:10, Hebrews 6:6 and 1 John 2:19..There are several warnings against apostasy in 2 Tim. 4:4, Hebrews 3:12, and 2 Peter 3:17.. Nave's Topical Bible (Hendrickson) | ||||||
3060 | Why was Paul accused of promoting evil? | Rom 3:8 | Makarios | 6832 | ||
And here is Paul's response to those accusations.."He says no more by way of confutation but that, whatever they themselves may argue, the damnation of those is just. Some understand it of the slanderers; God will justly condemn those who unjustly condemn his Truth. Or, rather, it is applied to those who embolden themselves in sin under a pretence of God's getting glory to himself out of it. Those who deliberately do evil that good may come of it will be so far from escaping, under the shelter of that excuse, that it will rather justify their damnation, and render them the more inexcusable; for sinning upon such a surmise, and in such a confidence, argues a great deal both of the wit and the will in the sin- a wicked will deliberately to choose the evil, and a wicked wit to palliate it with the pretence of good arising from it. Therefore their damnation is just; and whatever excuses of this kind they may now please themselves with, they will none of them stand good in the great day, but God will be justified in His proceedings, and all flesh, even the proud flesh that now lifts up itself against Him, shall be silent before Him. Some think Paul herein refers to the approaching ruin of the Jewish church and nation, which their obstinacy and self-justification in their unbelief hastened upon them apace."Matthew Henry Unabridged Commentary of the Whole Bible (Hendrickson) page 2199.. | ||||||
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