Results 41 - 57 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# | |||
41 | How to explain Jesus' exclusive claim? | John 14:6 | Parable | 44452 | ||
In John 14:6b, Jesus says "No one comes to the Father except through me." Many reject Christ, or have real trouble accepting Him because of His unique, exclusive claim. When witnessing to unbelievers, how do you explain to them why you accept His claim? And, in practical terms, what difference does it make to your walk with him? I'm not looking so much for bible verses that support the truth of His statement, but rather how you explain to unbelievers why this makes sense, knowing that they do not yet recognize the authority of scripture. |
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42 | How to show Christ is God? | John 14:6 | Parable | 44509 | ||
Excellent advice! If I may follow-up ..... Your answer hinges on Christ not only being the incarnation of God, a radical idea to be sure, but also that Jesus is ONLY incarnation of God, an offensive idea for many because it denies the legitimacy of other religions. This of course is the essence of our faith, but for unbelievers, it is perhaps the most difficult truth to accept. As I work in a highly secular environment, a university, I'm looking for credible ways to share the truth of Christ without depending on Scripture as ultimate authority, at least at first, and without assuming the person accepts that Jesus is God and that He is the ONLY incarnation of God. |
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43 | John 15:2, "cut off" or "lift up"? | John 15:2 | Parable | 47483 | ||
My question is about how we come to understand the meaning of scripture. I use the example of John 15:2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. (NKJV) Some have used this verse to support the idea that salvation can be lost due to poor performance as a servant of Christ. This idea is hard to understand in light of Romans 8:1 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," and Ephesians 2:8-9 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast." Also, the footnote on John 15:2 provided at www.biblegateway.com, suggests the word for "takes away" can be translated "lifts up". How are "takes away" and "lifts up" related? Given these questions, how are we to understand what Jesus is really saying? In his book "Secrets of the Vine", p. 33, Bruce Wilkenson offers this: "..a clearer translation of the Greek word 'airo', rendered in John 15 as 'take way, would be 'take up' or 'lift up'. We find accurate renderings of airo, for example, when the disciples 'took up' twelve baskets of food after the feeding of the five thousand (Matthew 14:20), when Simon was forced to 'bear' Christ's cross (Matthew 27:32), and when John the Baptist called Jesus the Lamb of God who 'takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29)." He continues, "In fact, in both the Bible and in Greek literature, 'airo' never means 'cut off'. Therefore, when some Bibles render the word as 'takes away' or 'cut off' in John 15, it is an unfortunate interpretation rather than a clear translation." Clearly, Wilkinson is critical of the many Bibles that translate 'airo' in a way he does not accept. He goes so far as to say "in the Bible and Greek literature, 'airo' NEVER means 'cut off'." This is a bold statement, considering that so many Bibles do translate the meaning as 'take away' or 'cut off'. (See John 15:2 at www.biblegateweay.com and compare versions.) Also, he appeals to Greek literature, a non-biblical source, to support his position. Is it acceptable to question the Bible in this way? Is it acceptable to compare the Bible with other sources? I say YES to both. First, the Bible itself instructs us to "Test everything. Hold on to the good." -- 1 Thess 5:21 Second, the Bible often uses comparisons with life to make its point. Parables are the clearest example of how comparisons with things we already understand from life help us to understand God's truths. Third, Jesus' intent simply is not faithfully conveyed by "takes away" or "cut off". In light of everything the Bible teaches about grace, mercy and love, especially the redeeming work of Christ on the Cross and the meaning of His resurrection, the fact one verse may be translated in a way that is contrary to that global meaning should cause us to question that translation rather than the global meaning. Furthermore, if there is a reasonable way to translate that verse such that it supports the global meaning of Scripture, rather than confound it, we are duty-bound to examine the evidence in support of that translation and its consequences for interpretation. Given this responsibility, how does "take up" or "lifts up" faithfully convey Jesus' meaning? Wilkison explains it this way, in a conversation with a vinedresser he met. He stresses that the vinedresser wants each and every branch to be fruitful. Vinedresser: "New branches have a natural tendency to trail down and grow along the ground. But they don't bear fruit down there. When branches grow along the ground, the leaves get coated in dust. When it rains, they get muddy and mildewed. The branch becomes sick and useless." Wilkinson: "What do you do? Cut it off and throw it away?" Vinedresser: "Oh, no! The branch is much to valuable for that. We go through the vineyard with a bucket of water looking for those branches. We lift them up and wash them off. Then we wrap them around the trellis or tie them up. Pretty soon they're thriving." This is the understanding Jesus wants us to have because it is what the disciples and everyone else of that day would have understood. No one then would have accepted the idea of discarding an entire branch and neither should we. Pruning, on the other hand, is a different matter, and it is likewise understood to be loving discipline, not disposal. My questions to the forum? 1. Is this a biblical understanding of John 15:2? 2. Is there anything wrong in the method used to support this interpretation? 3. If you disagree, what do you suggest is the proper method and interpretation? Parable |
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44 | What then, is the meaning of John 15:2? | John 15:2 | Parable | 47485 | ||
The idea of comparing John's usage here to the gospel as a whole seems reasonable. Given that you prefer "take away" to "lift up", what is the meaning for us? Do you endorse the interpretation that if we don't bear fruit, we will be discarded? If so, please explain how this fits with the rest of John's theology. |
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45 | so "cuts away" means "prunes"? | John 15:2 | Parable | 47493 | ||
For the branches that bear fruit, I agree. But for those that does not bear fruit, the verse, by the translation "cuts away", seems to suggest the branch is removed completely. Are you suggesting that the fruitless branch is only being pruned, and not cut away altogether, in order to stimulate growth? |
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46 | the barren branch never was a branch? | John 15:2 | Parable | 47525 | ||
In other words, as I understand the conclusion of the commentary you provided, the barren branch never was a genuine offshoot of the Vine. Is this an accurate description of what you believe? |
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47 | what does baptism mean in each verse? | Acts | Parable | 49050 | ||
Are you suggesting that the baptism of Eph 4:5 is different from the baptism of Mt 29:19? Eph 4:5 "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" Matt 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" |
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48 | can you be more specific? | Rom 10:15 | Parable | 77411 | ||
You raise a good question. I am inspired to followup: Regarding signs, wonders and miracles, I presume you are referring to 2Cor12:12. Given this, what qualifies as a sign, wonder or miracle? Regarding the requirement of having seen the Lord, what scriptures are you referring to? |
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49 | Did Paul actually "see" Jesus? | Rom 10:15 | Parable | 77543 | ||
I'm having trouble with the idea that "an Apostle had to actually have seen Christ" because I believe Paul to have been an Apostle, but I can't find any scripture that says he actually "saw" Jesus. On the road to Damascus, Acts 9:2-4 describes that a light from heaven flashed around Paul and he heard a voice, but not that he ever actually saw Jesus himself. Another thought: The others on the road, physically with Paul at the time, were in the presence of the risen Lord. They were speechless, having heard a voice, but not seeing anyone. How is their experience different from Paul's? Regarding servants worthy of the title "apostle", I think Billy Graham and Mother Teresa are good candidates. But that's just my opinion. |
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50 | why does Paul qualify his experience? | Rom 10:15 | Parable | 77549 | ||
What does Paul mean by "as by one born out of due time"? | ||||||
51 | HOW did He take our sin upon Himself? | 2 Cor 5:21 | Parable | 91132 | ||
I understand that Jesus took our sins upon Himself and paid the price to redeem us. What I do not understand, is HOW those sins were taken up by Him, HOW those sins were crucified with Him, and HOW He was made sin in our place. I don't expect that scripture explains the details of this mystery, but I am interested to know how to explain this, according to Peter's instruction to be prepared to explain the faith I have within me. Thanks for your insights. Parable |
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52 | why is sacrifice the means to salvation? | 2 Cor 5:21 | Parable | 91301 | ||
Pastor Glenn, Thanks for your insights. You bring up another question... You said "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins." My question: "Why is it necessary to spill blood for our sins to be erased?" In other words, why did God establish sacrifice, especially this sacrifice, as the means to salvation? I'll try to ask my other questions in separate postings. Peace, Parable |
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53 | what is the world made of? | Eph 2:19 | Parable | 84918 | ||
What does the bible say this world is made of, that is, its composition? (I'm not asking for a description of its character or nature at this time.) Please cite specific verses if possible. Parable |
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54 | How has God sanctified you? | 1 Thess 4:3 | Parable | 41738 | ||
This is for believers who have been experiencing sanctification by the Holy Spirit. Aside from being made a new creation in Christ, how has sanctification changed your life, your outlook and your relationships with others? |
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55 | Scripture alone? | James 1:5 | Parable | 191871 | ||
I propose the following to those who would willingly undertake an experiment here, to explore a different way of interacting: Instead of answering a question with a combination of scripture verses and commentary, either one's own or from other sources, answer in verse only. That is, nothing but scripture would appear in your response, period. This should be sufficient, since "all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work". (1Tim3:16,17), and in Luke 24:45, Jesus "...opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures", and in James 1:5, we are instructed "if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." We need not interject our limited understandings, personal insights and experiences, historical analyses or applications….that is, God will take of what we might otherwise presume to undertake. So, if you are willing to try something different, for this thread and only this thread, either 1) ask a question, or 2) post a response containing scripture and nothing but scripture. Of course, a response to a response would likewise follow this pattern. When asking a question, try to limit the setup for the question so as not to introducde too many ideas at once. For example, if you have concerns about this approach, please demonstrate it rather than explain it by quoting a verse that supports your concern, but let the verse speak for itself without extraneous input or explanation. You got game? Parable |
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56 | another hypothetical, applied ethics | James 4:7 | Parable | 47778 | ||
Here's another hypothetical to spark your imagination. Yes, there are many reasons it is silly, but that's why its called a hypothetical: You are a paramedic. You find Satan lying on the ground, injured and bleeding. Without first aid, he will die. Let us also say that if Satan dies, the evil now present in the world would disappear. Your options are: do nothing, let him die render aid, save his life kill him, hasten the removal of evil What should you do? Explain. |
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57 | How do we respond to Sam Harris? | 1 Pet 3:15 | Parable | 177095 | ||
In his book "The End of Faith: Religion, Terror and the Future of Reason", author Sam Harris suggests faith itself is understood as belief that transcends reason, yet at the same time is justified by appealing to physical evidence, such as the miracles described in scripture. (my paraphrase) Of course, Harris questions the historicity of miracles and suggests that the idea scripture is the inerrant word of God is merely because scripture says so, which he suggests is circular reasoning and therefore invalid. What does the bible teach about the nature of faith itself? And given this nature, what does the bible say about why God values faith, perhaps even more than love? (because it seems faith is a prerequisite to love) Finally, what does the bible say about Harris' suggestion that religion is the bane of mankind? Didn't Jesus also criticize religiosity in favor of relationship? Harris' book is a direct challenge to the most cherished tenets of christianity, indeed all religions, in that he is challenging all beliefs that depend on mystical faith. As per 1 Peter 3:15, how would the bible have us respond to this most fundamental objection to faith itself? |
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