Results 581 - 600 of 802
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Wild Olive Shoot Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
581 | Is belief in the bible needed to be save | NT general Archive 1 | Wild Olive Shoot | 161107 | ||
First of all, you cannot keep claiming the New Testament is accurate and reliable and then turn around and not accept what it says. It describes what faith is. You do not accept that definition but yet you still claim it is reliable and accurate. You see how when you start picking and choosing, it begins to unravel. So now, only some of it is accurate and reliable? There is power in God’s word my friend. More power than any book written by any other could ever muster. So if I had a choice between reading God’s inspired revelation to man or those other titles you mention, I choose the Bible. Jesus claimed He is the Way, the Truth, the resurrection and the life. We know Him to be the Son of God, our Savior and Lord. He claims that He is the only way, so whatever other religions claim is false. I have faith in my Lord that what he spoke was true. Therefore I also have faith, so to speak, that all other claims of faith are false and not worthy of attention. You cannot claim faith across the board or think that everyone has an entitlement to their own faith in whatever they believe. You establish your faith in Christ and holdfast that He is true. You know false claims of faith are just that. Why would you even attempt to use an argument of that nature? WOS |
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582 | Is belief in the bible needed to be save | NT general Archive 1 | Wild Olive Shoot | 161102 | ||
Inspired in this sense, is being under the influence of. Being guided by. If a person inspires you to do something, you still remain in full control, functioning upon your on will. The Holy Spirit of God is an altogether different entity. To be guided and led by God and to simply be inspired by another person to perform an act are not even comparable. Do you think they are? WOS |
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583 | Is belief in the bible needed to be save | NT general Archive 1 | Wild Olive Shoot | 161027 | ||
Lead pipe, You claim: "Faith comes from evidence, anyone who trusts their eternal destiny on something without evidence is never truly sure." My friend, you don't come close to God's definition of faith. Read Hebrews 11:1,2. 1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2This is what the ancients were commended for. That's what faith is, there is no "evidence". Faith does not come from evidence, it comes from hearing God's word. Romans 10:17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Repost ID# 160873: Dear hetfield, I’ll offer my opinion if you’ll hear it: Our Bible, both Old and New Testaments are the inspired word of God. I’ve seen a definition of biblical inspiration that states it is “the Work of the Holy Spirit by which, without setting aside their personalities and literary or human faculties, God so guided the authors of Scripture as to enable them to write exactly the words which convey His truth to men, and in doing so preserved their judgments from error in the original manuscripts.” Through (fallible) human authors, God manifested the infallible and errorless writings, which convey His messages. If you admit that the New Testament is not the inspired word of God, you must admit then, that is simply the work of fallible humans. If that is the case, how can you further attest to its accuracy and usefulness and its reliability. Throughout the ages men have proven to be unreliable and to history’s account, well history, or our perception of it, depends on who we are and who’s account we read. Example: George Washington was a great hero to the Revolutionary Army of the colonial United States. To England, he was a traitor. His character is depicted differently depending on whose version you read. The same can be said of Benedict Arnold. He was a national hero in one view, a treasonous rebel in another. So to put your trust in the historicity of the New Testament while it was composed and written by uninspired men is dangerous to say the least. How do you know for sure that it is the undeniable truth? If written by uninspired men and therefore not the word of God, then you never really can. Can you? History is infested with fallacy. The New Testament is more than just simply some historical document. It is part of God’s revelation to man. We damage so severely the word of God, our Bible, when we think we can play God and pick and choose what Scripture is inspired and which is not. In doing so, quite quickly, the rest of the Bible begins to unravel. Only God has the authority to decide what is inspired and what is not. Scripture attests to the fact that all of it is inspired, as has been pointed out by numerous people throughout this thread. You can claim this is circular reasoning but that is God’s reasoning. He determined to inspire the men He did to record His word. If God is truth: (John 3:33, Romans 3:4) then you must admit that what is breathed out by God must also be true and infallible. The Holy Spirit is the inspiration behind the Prophets and Apostles. They spoke the truth predicated on that inspiration, which was then recorded for our benefit and secured by God Himself through His Holy Spirit, to ensure that was recorded, remained unadulterated by the “fallible” human authors. Now the Bible cannot save you, that is for sure. But it can direct your ways to discover the One who can, which you attest to already knowing. You seem to put your faith in Christ and strongly and consistently state that, but you diminish the authority of the Word that pointed you in His direction. As you stated: “I can and do believe in Jesus because of the bible.” If your faith is in Christ and your salvation is true, it is because the Holy Spirit, a work of God has made it so. The same Holy Spirit that so divinely inspired the written Word of God in which you question. Just some thoughts. WOS |
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584 | Is belief in the bible needed to be save | NT general Archive 1 | Wild Olive Shoot | 161004 | ||
Yes, He inspired it. I believe I stated that in my post #160873. The words are His words because His Holy Spirit inspired and guided those that wrote them. WOS |
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585 | Is belief in the bible needed to be save | NT general Archive 1 | Wild Olive Shoot | 160873 | ||
Dear hetfield, I’ll offer my opinion if you’ll hear it: Our Bible, both Old and New Testaments are the inspired word of God. I’ve seen a definition of biblical inspiration that states it is “the Work of the Holy Spirit by which, without setting aside their personalities and literary or human faculties, God so guided the authors of Scripture as to enable them to write exactly the words which convey His truth to men, and in doing so preserved their judgments from error in the original manuscripts.” Through (fallible) human authors, God manifested the infallible and errorless writings, which convey His messages. If you admit that the New Testament is not the inspired word of God, you must admit then, that is simply the work of fallible humans. If that is the case, how can you further attest to its accuracy and usefulness and its reliability. Throughout the ages men have proven to be unreliable and to history’s account, well history, or our perception of it, depends on who we are and who’s account we read. Example: George Washington was a great hero to the Revolutionary Army of the colonial United States. To England, he was a traitor. His character is depicted differently depending on whose version you read. The same can be said of Benedict Arnold. He was a national hero in one view, a treasonous rebel in another. So to put your trust in the historicity of the New Testament while it was composed and written by uninspired men is dangerous to say the least. How do you know for sure that it is the undeniable truth? If written by uninspired men and therefore not the word of God, then you never really can. Can you? History is infested with fallacy. The New Testament is more than just simply some historical document. It is part of God’s revelation to man. We damage so severely the word of God, our Bible, when we think we can play God and pick and choose what Scripture is inspired and which is not. In doing so, quite quickly, the rest of the Bible begins to unravel. Only God has the authority to decide what is inspired and what is not. Scripture attests to the fact that all of it is inspired, as has been pointed out by numerous people throughout this thread. You can claim this is circular reasoning but that is God’s reasoning. He determined to inspire the men He did to record His word. If God is truth: (John 3:33, Romans 3:4) then you must admit that what is breathed out by God must also be true and infallible. The Holy Spirit is the inspiration behind the Prophets and Apostles. They spoke the truth predicated on that inspiration, which was then recorded for our benefit and secured by God Himself through His Holy Spirit, to ensure that was recorded, remained unadulterated by the “fallible” human authors. Now the Bible cannot save you, that is for sure. But it can direct your ways to discover the One who can, which you attest to already knowing. You seem to put your faith in Christ and strongly and consistently state that, but you diminish the authority of the Word that pointed you in His direction. As you stated: “I can and do believe in Jesus because of the bible.” If your faith is in Christ and your salvation is true, it is because the Holy Spirit, a work of God has made it so. The same Holy Spirit that so divinely inspired the written Word of God in which you question. Just some thoughts. WOS |
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586 | calling all sinners | Matt 13:11 | Wild Olive Shoot | 160786 | ||
Ebrain, You stated: “If when you read, it is your will that God's will be done, and you really mean it, then you will know exactly what God is saying to you.” I don’t necessarily disagree with you and can’t really, but I believe God has determined to use others as well, to edify us for whatever reason. The verses you pointed out do support your statement but I think it is also important to realize that God can, and does, not only use His word to instruct us, but men who our strong in its understanding as well. I’d point out Acts 8:26-40. There is no indication that the Ethiopian was reading and not really trying to know the truth. He was in Jerusalem to worship after all. For whatever purpose God intended, He determined to send Philip to teach this man about the Christ. I think this shows that not always do we have the capacity to understand, due to our own self or some other means, and therefore God has bestowed upon certain men the ability to teach His word when and where He may have determined. I know many times I have read God’s word and have struggled with it. But thanks to Him, He has allowed me the opportunity to associate with men who are well grounded in His word who have properly instructed me otherwise. There are many good teachers, pastors and ministers whose calling is to teach the word of God and instruct others in His word. Don’t unintentionally sell them short. God has seen a purpose for them and we should recognize that. Just some thoughts brother. WOS |
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587 | Paradise on earth | Revelation | Wild Olive Shoot | 160420 | ||
Read Revelation 21 in its entirety. Verses one through five are below. Revelation 21 (NIV) 1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." 5He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." Also see Isaiah: Isaiah 65:17-18 (NIV) 17 "Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. Isaiah 66:22-23 (NIV) 22 "As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me," declares the LORD, "so will your name and descendants endure. 23 From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come and bow down before me," says the LORD. WOS |
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588 | Adam's or God's likeness? | Gen 5:3 | Wild Olive Shoot | 160303 | ||
Doc, I realize in my last post there was no reference to Scripture as to why I have the opinion I have. Please allow me to quickly follow up and I hope I get this out prior to you commenting. Gen 9:6: God indicated to Noah that it was unacceptable for another person to be killed. God states that man is still made in His image. I would tend to think that applies to us today as well. I apologize for not including this with my last post. WOS |
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589 | Adam's or God's likeness? | Gen 5:3 | Wild Olive Shoot | 160301 | ||
Brother Doc, Hah! You should know by now that I stay confused. By the way, glad to be back. Business had me traveling for a while. I sure missed you folks. Anyway… I don’t disagree that my references are as if comparing apples and oranges. Though they are two completely different subjects in their entirety, they are derived from the same source aren’t they? My implication was that that God created man in His own image. In that image, man was given freewill; God permitted disobedience, which in essence was the catalyst in the fall. Man freely chose to disobey. We still have that “characteristic” today which was originally placed into man by God. We still have other godly “characteristics” that are indicative of our Creator and being formed in His image. Therefore, my thoughts are that even today, in our sinfulness, in our morally corrupt nature, we still have the ability to choose to honor God and obey, which we had from the beginning, and to what I think the Word is referencing, in part, when it tells us we were made in God’s image, that we have certain abilities bestowed upon us that are derived from God and only God. My thinking, and I’m not real sure now, is that our parents were made in God’s image. The fall shouldn’t negate that fact since it was “post-creation”, for lack of better terminology. Since we multiply and reproduce in kind, don’t we all reflect that same image? I don’t necessarily think of it as whether or not Adam had the “ability” to pass this image to his children. It was God that started the process and continues it from generation to generation. You did point to the repetition of “in his likeness” as being contrasting. But I didn’t necessarily get from it that the contrast was in the context that we no longer remain in the likeness of God. Unless I take that statement in conjunction with “Adam could not pass on the image of God, who are all conceived in sin.” Adam was not able but does God perform this work? Where my apples and oranges comparison is applicable: just as we have no control over imputed sin, we have no control over God’s image remaining part of what constitutes us as being human, which by the way, I think is what, in part, keeps us separate from every other everything of God’s creation. I agree with your statement: “The imago Dei existed in man before the fall. After the fall, it was marred and distorted.” It may be marred and distorted, but it is still there. Is it not? I guess the point I was trying to convey to searcher56 should have been just that. WOS PS: I think I just confused myself! |
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590 | Adam's or God's likeness? | Gen 5:3 | Wild Olive Shoot | 160295 | ||
If sin can be passed from generation to generation, or rather our sinful nature, then why couldn’t the “image of God” be passed from generation to generation? If our sinful nature can be traced and accredit to Adam and Eve, why don’t we trace our likeness to God or being made in His image the same. God made male and female in His image knowing good and well they would fall, but yet it still pleasured Him to do so. Simply because Adam and Eve fell doesn’t actually change the fact that they were still made in God’s image. The fact that we were created in the image of God, as a reflection, seems evident today and still yet to come. Couldn’t the references to God’s likeness and Adam’s likeness in Gen. 5 simply indicate that Adam was created sinless (by God) but the generations to follow would not be in a sinless state due to the fall? If we are not made in God’s image, then who’s? Man’s? If the latter, do you really believe we are still able to give glory to God or would even want to for that matter. C. S. Lewis wrote that God was the source from which all of our reasoning power comes. I agree with him, and if that is true, we have to be able to reflect some of God’s characteristics, which would seem to indicate, we are in His likeness, yes even today. WOS |
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591 | who is cornelius | Acts 10:2 | Wild Olive Shoot | 160253 | ||
10438 onsl, Acts 10(NIV) 1At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 2He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. Cornelius’s story is found in Acts 10:1 – 11:18. He was a Roman Army Officer. One of the first Christian converts. He was a godly man respected by the Jews. He actively sought God, revered God. He was told by God to send for Peter who would give him more knowledge of the God he so earnestly sought. WOS |
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592 | Holiness | 1 Pet 1:15 | Wild Olive Shoot | 160251 | ||
Ashlyn, Following are a few links to articles that I think may help answer your questions. WOS http://www.gotquestions.org/holiness-Bible.html http://www.gotquestions.org/in-but-not-of-world.html http://www.gotquestions.org/take-control-thoughts.html |
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593 | why do good people suffer? | Rom 3:23 | Wild Olive Shoot | 159366 | ||
john divico jr, The following links may help you to answer your question. http://www.gotquestions.org/bad-things-good-people.html http://www.gotquestions.org/innocent-suffer.html WOS |
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594 | An Exegete of Acts 2 | Acts 2:16 | Wild Olive Shoot | 159156 | ||
I’m going to offer my opinion on this whether it is warranted or not. Personally, I disagree with your assessment of Doc and what he offers to the forum and will confidently state there are far many more that would also disagree with you than agree. It’s obvious that Doc has come to his standing and belief based on years of diligently searching Scripture for the truth and has formed his opinions based on those studies. His knowledge and elucidation of what he has learned to others, has proven to be nothing less than helpful in my search for the truth and I’m sure he has been more helpful than not to many more. I say this knowing that I have at times disagreed with Doc on certain subject matter but even so, I would never disregard what he says and would do myself wrong if I did not honestly consider his views. (Just to let you know, in my humble opinion, he has proven worthy and correct time and time again) There are many others using this forum that have known Doc much longer and could state from their experience of how his activity on the forum is helpful. One will find criticism whenever one looks for it. One will also find offense when opinions differ. That’s just life isn’t it? It’s all about the perspective one has when discussing a certain topic. I have found Mark’s post to be as helpful as Doc’s, I just haven’t personally conversed with Mark as often as I would like to. Differing opinions and thorough discussion of a topic is helpful to most forum members, I would assume, as it allows one to research, study and learn and form their own opinion. What kind of world would we live in if we couldn’t form our own opinions and then respectfully share those with others? I guess I’ll leave my two cents at that. I think both Doc and Mark have proven to be nothing less than beneficial to the forum, or at least in my short experience with it. To be honest, I’ve seen harsh criticism on the forum, not siding one way or another as to whether or not it was called for, but Doc’s posts are what I would consider, mild mannered, compared to some. You stated: “What I do believe is that pride sometimes stands in the way of one ever excepting that he/she may be wrong or from excepting that he/she may not know.” Pride will also stand in the way of one accepting another’s personal views that disagree with their own and can even lead to rash and harsh criticism when we feel we have been belittled, when in fact, that may not have been the case. Respectfully, WOS |
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595 | Divorced pastors and repentence | 1 Cor 4:2 | Wild Olive Shoot | 159117 | ||
1Co 4:2 (NIV) Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. isaiah4031nc, I’m posting to your previous post on this subject so as to leave your current available for others to respond to. Following in an excerpt from “Acts 17:11 Bible Studies” that I think addresses your question and concerns: “While we are all guilty in heart (who has not lusted after a woman?), and thus are all thrown at the mercy of Christ, we must also realize that the actual doing of certain sins has severe natural and spiritual consequences. If after we have been told (by the Voice that spoke and created all that we see) "Go, and sin no more" we then deliberately choose to sin, we had better make real peace with God before hankering to get a "position" back. Again, before we knew better it would be different. But afterwards, what excuse will fly before God? Will He, can He, disregard His word? Better to beat our breast in public display and beg God for mercy, if we ever find ourselves in such a situation. The fear of the Lord is greatly chided and out of fashion nowadays, but such sins might well be used of God to prod us back into obedience. But on to your specific question. Paul said... 1Co 9:27 (NIV) No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. This scripture assumes that one can be "disqualified" from preaching or ministry. Scandalous and toxic (to the community) sins like adultery or child molestation clearly disqualify one for ministry. If the one who sinned so dramatically and hurtfully repents, he should be restored to fellowship as a public testimony and "sermon" of the forgiveness and restoration of our God--and for the salvation of the soul of the one who has sinned, but in NO WAY should such a one EVER be in leadership ministry again. In Scripture, this is not even an option... unless we wish to please men more than God. For--again--this is a serious matter (1 Cor 6:9, Heb 10:26-31) and not one that is the least bit ambiguous. Titus 1:6 (NIV) An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife... (1Co 6:16) Titus 1:7 (NIV) Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless... 1Ti 3:5 (NIV) (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) Removing--and keeping out of leadership--such a one is not "judgment" on the part of the remaining deacons and elders (let us be clear on this) but simple obedience to Scripture as to who can be in leadership. As to judgement, if the man has truly repented, his punishment will be born by Jesus Himself. But we must not act as if we have "choices" here or as if God has been "vague" or that we have any latitude concerning those who do not "pass the test". We are constrained by Scripture, which is all too clear about positions even less visible and delicate than being Pastor... 1Ti 3:2 (NIV) Now the overseer must be above reproach... 1Ti 3:7-10 (NIV) He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap. Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect... They must first be tested; and then IF there is nothing against them, let them serve... Consider, in this, that the greater grace might eventually come to those thus fallen and forgiven. (See our Bible Study on Shame) For "the first will be last"... right? To go from being the loudmouth speaker or the "apparent leader" (Gal 2:2) to being assigned among those who silently clean feet... might make for a better reward in the (real) life to come. This fall, if indeed repented of, might well be the "fertilizer" for a much more important ministry in God's eyes for this man than that of being in the limelight, for which he has clearly disqualified himself. 1 Tim 5:20-21 (NIV) Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning. I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favouritism.” You can read in its entirety at: http://www.acts17-11.com/dialogs_adultery.html WOS |
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596 | "Flies" should read "given" | Eccl 10:1 | Wild Olive Shoot | 158777 | ||
sid, You state: “Besides that, you should know that flies do not smell.” Sorry, but I have never felt the need to find out first hand. That’s one of those things in which I’ll simply take the author’s words as being true. Proverbs 30:5Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. Besides, I do know what stinks, and dead flies aren’t as concerning. Psalm 38:5 My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness. “Nothing will disquiet the heart of a good man so much as the sense of God's anger. The way to keep the heart quiet, is to keep ourselves in the love of God. But a sense of guilt is too heavy to bear; and would sink men into despair and ruin, unless removed by the pardoning mercy of God. If there were not sin in our souls, there would be no pain in our bones, no illness in our bodies. The guilt of sin is a burden to the whole creation, which groans under it. It will be a burden to the sinners themselves, when they are heavy-laden under it, or a burden of ruin, when it sinks them to hell. When we perceive our true condition, the Good Physician will be valued, sought, and obeyed. Yet many let their wounds rankle, because they delay to go to their merciful Friend. When, at any time, we are distempered in our bodies, we ought to remember how God has been dishonoured in and by our bodies. The groanings which cannot be uttered, are not hid from Him that searches the heart, and knows the mind of the Spirit. David, in his troubles, was a type of Christ in his agonies, of Christ on his cross, suffering and deserted.” – Matthew Henry WOS |
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597 | Divorced pastors and repentence | Matt 3:8 | Wild Olive Shoot | 158752 | ||
isaiah4031nc, 1Ti 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 1Ti 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 1Ti 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 1Ti 3:4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 1Ti 3:5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 1Ti 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 1Ti 3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Reference: 1Ti 3:2 “He must be the husband of one wife; not having given a bill of divorce to one, and then taken another, or not having many wives at once, as at that time was too common both among Jews and Gentiles, especially among the Gentiles.” – Matthew Henry Reference: 1Ti 3:7 “He must be of good reputation among his neighbours, and under no reproach from former conversation; for the devil will make use of that to ensnare others, and work in them an aversion to the doctrine of Christ preached by those who have not had a good report.”—Matthew Henry I don't know how effective one could be in that position given his past practices while previously holding it. Personally, I would not want him to assume leadership again, but that's just me. WOS |
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598 | "Flies" should read "given" | Eccl 10:1 | Wild Olive Shoot | 158748 | ||
Hi sid, Please help me out a bit if you would. You stated: “"Death given" (10.1) is about the death of Israel being prophesied in Verse 3.2. Matthew Henry and Andrew Fausset agree with this interpretation of Verse 3.2.” Can you please point me to your source on that? As far as I have read Matthew Henry’s commentary, I cannot see where he referenced Ecc. 3:2 in regards to Ecc. 10:1. I’m not saying he hasn’t, just that I haven’t seen it. Or are “you” claiming that Ecc. 10:1 is referencing Ecc. 3:2 based on your own interpretation? Also, if you would, please explain to me how Ecc. 10:1 can make any sort of sense if “flies” should read “given”? “(Death) ???GIVEN??? cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honor.” I am by no means qualified to interpret but my common sense tells me that the verse rendered your way lacks any real sort of meaning. Ecc 10:1-3 - In these verses Solomon shows, What great need wise men have to take heed of being guilty of any instance of folly; for a little folly is a great blemish to him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour, and is as hurtful to his good name as dead flies are to a sweet perfume, not only spoiling the sweetness of it, but making it to send forth a stinking savour. Note, 1. True wisdom is true honour, and will gain a man a reputation, which is like a box of precious ointment, pleasing and very valuable. 2. The reputation that is got with difficulty, and by a great deal of wisdom, may be easily lost, and by a little folly, because envy fastens upon eminency, and makes the worst of the mistakes and miscarriages of those who are cried up for wisdom, and improves them to their disadvantage; so that the folly which in another would not be taken notice of in them is severely censured. Those who make a great profession of religion have need to walk very circumspectly, to abstain from all appearances of evil, and approaches towards it, because many eyes are upon them, that watch for their halting; their character is soon sullied, and they have a great deal of reputation to lose.” -- Matthew Henry “He recommends wisdom to private persons, who are in an inferior station. 1. It is our wisdom to preserve our reputation, in managing our affairs dexterously (Ecc_10:1-3).” -- Matthew Henry WOS |
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599 | How old is the earth? | Gen 1:1 | Wild Olive Shoot | 158522 | ||
You stated: "Science has proven that evolution is a fact" ??? The last I had heard, evolution was still only a theory. Has that changed? There are many inconsistencies and assumptions which plague current scientific theory. If these things are "fact" as we are often led to believe, then why are the "facts" continually changing? Evolution promotes transmutation, that we mutate from one species to a higher more intelligent one. God created man as man, in God’s own image. The Bible teaches lateral growth. That species created by God multiply and create species of their own kind, they don’t mutate into something else. God instructed the species that he created to be fruitful and multiply in kind. That is the only way we have become what we are today. We were human in the beginning and we are human now. Sheep were sheep in the beginning, they are sheep now. Wolves were wolves in the beginning, they are wolves now. The Bible remains consistent while the scientific theories continue to change. God created the world and everything in it. That is for sure. In most cases, science itself can prove that. Darwinism and Darwin’s theory will not endure like the Bible has. It is being broken down day after day and proven wrong on too many accounts. It will eventually be dismissed as the other creation theories have been. With Science the facts continue to change. The facts of the Bible have remained the same for thousands of years. WOS |
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600 | what blessing that tithing bring to our | Bible general Archive 3 | Wild Olive Shoot | 158517 | ||
Reference Malachi 1:6-14: How do these versus directly relate to us today? We offer God unworthy sacrifices just as they did. They offered blemished animals and we offer ourselves half-heartedly. Romans 12:1 informs us that we are to be living sacrifices to our God. If we give God only our left over time and energy, then we are repeating the same sin as these worshippers did. What we give God, time, energy, money or whatever, reflects our true attitude toward Him. Our tithe and offering to our Lord should be our life. We should be giving Him His due honor, respect, worship and time. Sometimes we are led to believe that following God is supposed to make life more comfortable. God is not a God of convenience. It takes commitment and hard work to live up to God’s high standards. We will have to make certain sacrifices of our time and energy but what we do give up is nothing compared to what we gain, eternal life with God. Reference Malachi 3:6-15: How were the people robbing God? The same thing we do today, by withholding tithes and offerings. Now tithing to us is not the same as it was in the Old Testament when it was a ten percent offering. Now as Christians, we tithe out of love. Then, they tithed because of regulatory requirements. We tithe and offer today with our time, our money, our help to others, committing to God’s will and by doing His work. But we withhold, don’t we? We all have other things that we have committed to and there is nothing wrong in keeping those commitments. But we need to learn better allot our time. We can’t withhold ourselves from God. We can’t offer Him our left over time and believe that is acceptable. We need to wholly offer ourselves to God. Yes, it will take some sacrifices. Yes it can cause some hardships, but keep your eyes on the goal. The rewards are unimaginable compared to what we give to God, or tithe. Don’t rob God. We can’t sit back and ask what do we gain by serving the Lord either. We know what we gain. We should really be asking what good does it do for God if I serve Him. After all, He is God and He deserves our service. God even asks us to test Him in this. Give the whole tithe to Him and see how much blessing He pours out on us. And know that God stays true to His word. A tithe is obligatory giving. An offering is voluntary giving. Christian obligations (tithes) should become habit. The spontaneous extras we give above and beyond our obligations are offerings. When by faith, seeing nothing, we abundantly give tithes and offerings and our whole self to God, only then do we also experience that God pours out His blessings upon us. So much that it seems our hearts do not have the capacity to contain the Joy and satisfaction. We give tithes and offerings by faith out of love. God deserves the best we have to offer and nothing less. We should change our ways if needed. We should be sensitive to God’s refining process. We should tithe and offer all that we can and then some. There is no room for pride in the presence of God. WOS |
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