Results 61 - 80 of 119
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Unanswered Bible Questions Author: Bill Mc Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
61 | Dear charis, could you clarify this? | Gen 5:3 | Bill Mc | 16144 | ||
Dear Charis, Thanks for your response. I appreciate hearing other views. I do agree with you that man is tripartate - spirit, soul, and body. But your statement, 'Our spirit is created in His holy image, but not yet turned toward God because of the influence of our fallen nature, which is flesh and soul' seems to imply that everyone's spirit is holy. You have stated that this is your belief and I do respect that. But do you have any scripture to support the implication that everyone's spirit is holy? If you do indeed beleive that every person is born with their spirit created in His holy image, then why do you say later in your post that 'our regenerated spirit reigns'? What need is there for a regenerated spirit if it is created holy at our birth? And doesn't God's Word say that the things of God are spiritually discerned, not 'soulishly' discerned? Thank you for reminding us that if we boast, we are to, like Paul, boast in the Lord and what He has done. In Him, Bill Mc |
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62 | Is God still creating man in His image? | Gen 5:3 | Bill Mc | 16122 | ||
Granted, man, as a species was made (past tense, at creation) in the image of God. I am not questioning that. But is God still creating man in His image everytime someone is born? The reference verse above does not say that Seth was born in the image of God. It says that Seth was born in Adam's image. I believe that, after the fall, man was no longer the exact representation of God's image. He became, through Adam's sin, a fallen creature. When Christ came, He showed us man as man was designed to be - totally dependant upon God. God was His life source. Christ said, 'I don't do or say anything unless the Father tells Me to do or say it. Why? Because My Father and I are one.' And scripture says that He (Christ) was the exact representation of God's nature. Philip said to Jesus, 'Show us the Father.' Jesus replied, 'If you've seen Me, you've seen the Father.' Now, with Christ in us, we, too, can reflect the image of God as we let Him live through us. We, as believers, are one spirit with Him. But, my question is, is man, in his fallen natural state (born dead in trespasses and sin) still being created in the image of God? On a personal note, I don't understand how the terrorist who have attacked the US could be considered 'created in the image of God.' Or someone like Adolf Hitler, who tried to exterminate the Jews, how is he the iamge of God. I see the opposite. Or someone like Bill Mc, who left to his own devices, before he was saved, could have, but for the grace of God, committed any crime I could think of. I have hated, I have lusted - in my heart I was guilty of murder and adultery. I cannot look at my life and say that it was always the image of God. People will say that we have no right to execute criminals for their crimes because man is the image of God. I think we forfeited that attribute when Adam sinned. Is God still, present tense, creating man in His image? If He is, I believe it is only at new birth - Rom 6:4, 2 Cor 5:17, Gal 6:16, Eph 2:10. What do you think? |
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63 | Are all men created in God's image? | Gen 5:3 | Bill Mc | 16085 | ||
We know that God created Adam and Eve. Genesis makes this clear. As Christians, we believe that all human life is sacred. However, is there any Biblical substantiation that the rest of humanity (other than Adam and Eve) are created by God? Adam was created in God's image. What this means is muchly debated and I would prefer not to try to resolve that particular question in this thread. But the referenced verse makes it clear that Seth was born, not created, in Adam's image. By this point in time Adam had, as the father of the human race, sinned and was spiritually dead to God. This attribute Paul explains in the NT as being 'born dead in trespasses and sins' and this 'flaw' was passed down to all of us. So, was Seth in the image of God the same way that his father was when Adam was created? Or was he a product of his mother and father's union without God's creative intervention? Did God actually finish His creative work on the first sabbath or is He still creating humans? The reason that I ask this is because it is frequently quoted that 'all men are created in the image of God.' Does scripture actually support this view? Adam and Eve were, but does that mean that all the rest of humanity is still, even in our fallen state, 'in the image' of God? Please note, I believe that all life originated with God, but is our view of the sanctity of human life based on a correct scriptural premise? As always, please use scripture to support your answer. |
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64 | Let unite in prayer believers in Christ! | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 15942 | ||
Fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, Let's start praying for the tragedies that are happening at the Pentagon, the Twin Towers and the threat at the White House. Many people have died, are dying, or will die as result of these attacks. Many souls are going into eternity this morning. Let put aside any differences we have and ask our Lord to intervene during this time of crisis. |
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65 | What resources would you recommend? | Matt 10:33 | Bill Mc | 15921 | ||
Dear Tim, Thanks for your input. I've stated elsewhere that the Holy Spirit is the true interpreter of God's Word and that I don't believe that a believer has to know Greek in order to understand God's Word. That being said, there are times in my studies that I wish I did know some of the original language to help complete my understanding. What would you recommend for the layperson who would has an interest in learning more of the donor language but cannot take a 4 year course in Greek? I've heard that "a little knowledge of Greek is a dangerous thing." I assure you, I am not out to write my own translation. But, as there are so many resources out there, is there a few that you could recommend that would help the "average" Christian to understand God's Word a little better? Or would it just be more helpful to use more than one translation? I use my NASB for "serious" study, my NIV for general passage comprehension, and my New Living Translation for "casual" reading. I've found that they generally agree (in meaning) 95 percent of the time. The other 5 percent leave me scratching my head as to what the original manuscripts say and meant. I have Vine's Expos Dict and an interlinear but they aren't always that helpful. (I will often look up a word and it will say, 'This word could be rendered in English in 5 different ways...') So, is there 3 or 4 resources that lay people would find helpful? What do you think? In Him, Bill Mc |
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66 | My question is still open, PLEASE help? | Matt 10:33 | Bill Mc | 15827 | ||
Dear kalos, No. I don't believe the question is out of line. I have spoken with John Best. And he really seems to know his Greek (runs my poor brain in circles). However, as anyone who has studied Greek can tell you, English is much more imprecise and there can often be more than one translation. So I was soliciting to see if any one else could confirm or deny what I have been told. I have been told this information. I do not know Greek and therefore must 'trust' someone to inform me. And I try to stay open to other's interpretations. So, come on, you Greekoids, help me out here. In Him, Bill Mc |
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67 | When did disciples receive the Spirit? | John 20:22 | Bill Mc | 15824 | ||
Did Christ's disciples receive the Holy Spirit before Pentecost? If so, why did He tell them to wait for it? |
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68 | Is this an accurate translation? | Matt 10:33 | Bill Mc | 15820 | ||
Steve, can you verify this? Dr. John Best of Dallas Theological Seminary teaches Greek. He says that the literal translation of verse 22 says, "Jesus breathed (sighed) and said, "Receive (future tense - when it comes) the Holy Spirit." I have not verified this through another source. Can you add or clarify this verse any? In Him, Bill Mc |
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69 | Is saved and Christian the same thing? | Matt 10:33 | Bill Mc | 15809 | ||
Dear forum readers, I agree that the Old Testament saints were 'saved by faith.' Hebrews chapter 11 makes that indisputably clear. I believe that they were saved by putting genuine faith in whatever God's word to them was at the time. However, in these last days, God's Word to us is Jesus Christ. He, and He alone, is where we must have faith. What I disagree with is that it is being implied that they (OT saints), as well as Christ's disciples before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, were 'Christians.' The word 'Christian' was not used until Antioch and it was used to speak specifically of the followers of Christ (not Judaism) who, I believe, because of Romans 8:9, have the Spirit of Christ (the Spirit of God) in them. My 'beef' was with the way the original question was worded. I was not trying to be nit-picky. I was trying to say, if you will read my original reply, that some people take everything that Christ said as a mandate for Christians (those IN Christ with Christ IN them). I was then trying to demonstrate, through subsequent posts, how that type of theology is dangerous. Not every command of Christ while He was physically here on earth is a mandate for the Christian. We must allow the Spirit of Christ to help us discern what is and is not applicable to the 'saved' Christian. Otherwise we will be so caught up in rules and regulations that we begin to think that Christians are defined by what they do or do not do. This, I believe, is dangerous. Christians are defined, in scripture, as those who have put their faith in Christ and what He did. Because of that faith, Christ ACTUALLY indwells us by His Spirit. We were born dead in trespasses and sin, but He has now made us ALIVE by His Spirit. If you don't have Christ's Spirit in you, you DO NOT belong to Him. It doesn't matter what you do right or what you don't do wrong as far as your identity is concerned. If keeping the Law is 'Christianity', then the Pharisees were the best Christians of all. The Holy Spirit will guide your actions as you walk in Him, but it is from inward motivation, an actual change in who you ARE at your deepest level, your spirit, not because you are trying to measure up to external regulations. So were the disciples Christians? I don't believe that they were until the Holy Spirit indwelt them at Pentecost. I do believe they were called of Christ and that He knew they would soon, after His death, be indwelt by Him. In fact, He told them specifically to wait for the Holy Spirit. But, for reasons, that I have stated, I, personally, would not call them 'Christians' before the Spirit indwelt them. In conclusion, were the disciples Christians before they were indwelt by God? I don't believe so. Were they saved by faith in Christ before Christ died? Yes, I believe so. Is there a difference between Christians and OT saints? Yes, I believe so. Would do you, dear readers, think? Am I being too nit-picky? In Him, Bill Mc |
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70 | Where to offer the commanded sacrifice? | Matt 10:33 | Bill Mc | 15768 | ||
Dear Steve, Here is another young Christian's question: Matthew 5:23,24 says, "Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering." So isn't Jesus saying that we, as Christians, need to still be bringing our lambs, goats, and bulls to the altar to be sacrificed? This is an offering for sin, isn't it? And Jesus did say that if I don't forgive my brother, that God will not forgive me. So it makes sense. I need to make sure I forgive my brother (or God won't forgive me) and then bring my sin offering to the altar. Steve, where can I find the altar to bring my sin offering to? The Jews no longer have temple sacrifice and I want to be obedient to the Lord's commands. Jesus did say, 'come and present your offering.' I want to do what the Lord has commanded of me. He said if I love Him then I will keep His commands. Can you help me be obedient here? Under law, Bill Mc :) |
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71 | So ALL who believe in Christ are saved? | Matt 10:33 | Bill Mc | 15765 | ||
Dear Steve, Please permit me to ask a young Christian's questions then: It is a historical fact the Peter denied Christ. Not just once, but three times. So, when Peter did this, was he saved? What if he had died after denying that he knew Christ? Would he have gone to hell? We know that he had, at some point, 'believed in the Lord Jesus Christ'. He actually said to Jesus, "You are the Christ." So was Peter saved when he denied Christ? How about Satan? He believes that the Lord Jesus Christ exists. The demons believe that God exists and tremble. Acts 16:31 says, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved...' Are they saved? Why or why not? The angels believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Are they saved? The Jehovah's Witnesses believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as well as the Mormons. Are they saved? Muslims believe that Jesus existed and was a prophet. Are they saved? Isn't then, everyone who 'believes in the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31) saved? That is what the scripture says. Is it true? In Christ, Bill Mc |
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72 | Was Nahum 2:4 fulfilled in Acts 2:1? | Nah 2:4 | Bill Mc | 15640 | ||
Dear Nolan, I'm not sure if this is a prophecy for the automobile or not. It does say 'chariots'. However, we know that the New Testament did fulfill much of the prophecy of the Old. That being the case, it is possible that this was indeed a prophecy that was fulfilled in Acts 2:1. Here it states that the disciples were all in one Accord, (KJV) obviously a Honda. Note that the last part of the verse does say that they were in one place. I'll need to check my commentaries here but I think it is probably because gasoline had not been invented yet. What do you think? In Him, Bill Mc |
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73 | What? | Rom 8:14 | Bill Mc | 15614 | ||
Ray, Let me phrase this as gently as I can - WHAT? Where did you read that I seemed to deny that the Holy Spirit is the Holy Spirit? You lost me on this one, brother. In Him, Bill Mc |
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74 | Where is the answer to these verses? | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 15600 | ||
Tim, thanks for your response. These verses still have me stumped but I have to admit that the limitation is on my part. In fact, I may never get answer to them this side of heaven. One of the problems for me as a lay person is that, in some difficult passages, the underlying Greek just confuses the issue, not because Greek is a problem but because translation is not an EXACT science. Translator try, I believe, to find the closest receptor language word that means the same as the original donor language. Obviously, that is why SO many different translations exist today. And the matter becomes even worse if the translators have a particular theological bent. Where this causes a problem for me is in the area of doctrinal purity. I can find, right now, about 20 verses that say our salvation is a done deal and that we can never lose it. But, along with the ones you've posted here, I can find about 3 others that seem to imply that salvation can be walked away from, lost, not made sure, etc. It's the same with water baptism. I can find plenty of verses that say the water baptism is not part of salvation as we know it. But then there is that one or two that imply that it might be. So, as a layman, how do we reconcile these pieces of the puzzle so that they all fit? Can we? Should we? I don't know. Because I, in myself, can't, I encourage others to be Bereans and check out what I say for themselves or to come along side me and help dig for the answer. That is where I think this forum can be a wonderful tool. Unfortunately, there are not many people in my local church that I can take certain questions to. We have many retired pastors there but my honest questions are usually looked upon as 'doubter's syndrome.' That is hardly the case. But I do want to be ready to give every person reasons for my faith. I believe that my faith is based on facts, not just 'pie-in-the-sky' beliefs. And I believe our faith can withstand 'serious' questions as long as we avoid fast food issues. So what do we do when we don't have all the answers? I find that I have to keep pointing my fellow brothers and sisters back to Jesus. Not as a copout but because that is where truth is found. God knows everything. Unfortunately, He has not told us everything He knows. Our little brains would explode. But I do believe that Jesus is full of both grace and truth. And if we need either one (when don't we?), He is where we need to turn. He said we would know the truth and that the truth is what sets us free from error. I believe that. But I find, in my journey, that the WHEN of knowing the truth is a process. So, what do we do when we can't find the answers? Or what do we do if our respective answers disagree? What if we can't make all the pieces of the puzzle fit? Just curious, thanks for your graceful spirit. I see Christ in you. In Him, Bill Mc |
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75 | Does a rose always smell as sweet? | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 15551 | ||
Dear Tim, I don't know Greek but you have forced me to get out my interlinear - I may never forgive you :). I have another thought about these passages and wanted to run it by you. The whole crux of the matter here seems to rest upon the one little word "if" - you are saved IF; IF you continue in the faith; IF you do these things. This word is 'ei' in the Greek. If you look closely at this word 'ei', sometimes it is translated 'if' and sometimes it is translated 'since', especially in the NIV. See Col 2:20; Col 3:1. Here I believe that the NIV has captured the meaning of the verse even better than the NASB (oh, my, Bill's REALLY in hot water now). Paul says, "Since you have died with Christ..." and "Since, then you have been raised with Christ..." The NASB's usage of 'if' in these phrases can make it sound, to English ears, like it is conditional. In the English language, there is usually quite a difference between 'if' and 'since'. 'If' sounds like a condition. 'Since' sounds like a conclusion is drawn. And sometimes, to complicate matters, even when it is translated 'if', it means 'since.' Consider the temptation of our Lord when Satan said, "If you are the Son of God..." Satan knew good and well Jesus was the Son of God. Satan's 'if' was not asking Christ to prove Himself. He was saying, "Since you are the Son of God, turn these stones to bread...throw Yourself down." I believe Satan knew all along who Christ was (he tried to have Him killed shortly after birth, didn't he?) Can we use the word 'since' in the three passages you have given us? I don't know. I tried plugging 'since' into the verses and, to me, it completely changes the meaning. Oh, the wonderful interface of Greek and English. What do you think, dear brother? In Christ, Bill Mc |
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76 | What do you think of 1 Cor 1:18? | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 15547 | ||
Hi Tim, Without straying too far from your subject (please forgive me), what about 1 Cor 1:18? Do you think that this in any way substantiates the, as I put it, 'soul salvation' of being (progressively saved)? Thanks, Bill Mc |
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77 | What is 'being saved' here? | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 15525 | ||
Dear Tim, Thanks for the reply. It was a thought. A little convoluted maybe, but still a thought. One important consideration though, is the word 'saved.' My studies have led me to believe that salvation or deliverance is a 3-fold process. I believe that my spirit is saved (delivered from the penalty of sin - spiritual death) at conversion. My human spirit was united with Christ's divine Spirit which is spiritual life. I believe that my soul (mind, will, and emotions) is in a process of being saved (delivered from the power of sin - sanctification). This is where God is renewing my mind with His Word to conform my behavior to the truth of His Spirit in me. And I believe that one day my body will be saved (delivered from the presence of sin - resurrection). It sure needs it. But, my true identity, who I am, is determined by my birth in Christ. That is who I truly am and therefore, if I physically die, I will be absent from my body and present with the Lord. So I am, at the deepest level of my being, truly saved (past tense). I am also, in my behavior, being saved (present tense). And one day (soon I hope), my body will be saved (future tense). Do you feel that any of this might apply to Paul's use of the term "being saved"? In Him, Bill Mc |
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78 | Are Sovereignty and Free Will Exclusive? | Bible general Archive 1 | Bill Mc | 15521 | ||
Hey Guys! Can I muddy the waters? I've already stated elsewhere that I know nothing of Calvinism and Armenism (or however it is spelled), but here's what I think. Of course, my opinion is always subject to 1) being wrong 2) being right 3) being corrected by those who know more than I and 4) being ridiculed by those who know it all. :) Here goes: I hardly know anything of the Sovereignty/Free Will debate. But I do believe that God is both sovereign and that we have free will. I don't think that they are mutually exclusive. I think that Philippians 2:6-8 gives us a small glimpse of that. Here we see that although Jesus was completely God, He chose to set aside His divine right (sovereignty, complete control), as God, and become a servant (a man with free will). He was, I believe, completely God and completely human. He had both God's Spirit in Him and a human spirit. He had a soul. And He had a will that He chose to submitted to His Father's will (not only in the garden but throughout His earthly ministry. He did only what His Father told Him to do). I know this may sound crazy (not my first time), but I think that God, being sovereign, can chose to set aside exercising that sovereignty in order to permit human chosing. What do you think? How far off the bubble am I? In Christ, Bill Mc |
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79 | Where are the scriptures, believers? | Matt 6:15 | Bill Mc | 15254 | ||
Dear fellow believers, Please humor me for a moment. Permit me to say, that 1 John 1:9 is NOT for believers. Temporarily pretend that it is NOT in the scriptures. Now, where else after Christ death on the cross (that provided forgiveness and taking away of sins) does any believer mention asking God to forgive their sins? Please show me a passage. The evangelical doctrine of 'keep on asking for forgiveness when you sin' surely MUST have more than just one verse to substantiate it. So where is it? Surely Paul, Peter, James or the writer of Hebrews substantiated John's assertion that believers are NOT completely forgiven (according to some). Where is the scripture to back it up? Please show me where, other that 1 John, the wages of sin in ANYONE's life is anything other that death. Can anyone do this? Thank you, In Christ, Bill Mc |
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80 | Darkness vs. Light | Matt 6:15 | Bill Mc | 15253 | ||
Radioman, Nice quotes out of the Scofield but my Bible doesn't say that (NASB). Neither does your text. Your text says that the wages of sin is death - period. Not broken fellowship. Scofield can say whatever he likes. See these verses: Eph 5:8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light Col 1:13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 1 Thess 5:4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; 1 Thess 5:5 for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; 1 Pet 2:9 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; Look closely at these references: 1) you WERE FORMERLY darkness - NOW you are LIGHT in the Lord 2) He rescued us from the domain of darkness 3) But you, brethren, are not in darkness 4) Him who has called you out of darkness Darkness is not a synonym for 'sinning.' Darkness is a synonym for unbelief in Christ. See Acts 26:18. Jesus said that whoever followed Him will NEVER walk in darkness, did He not? No disrespect for Dr. Scofield, but, how can a Christian walk in darkness. Jesus said that he couldn't. Isn't it interesting, body of Christ, that no one has answered my question concerning one other passage other than 1 John 1:9, where a (supposedly) believer is told to keep on asking for forgiveness from God. Why is that? I thought that scholars say, "One should not build a doctrine around one verse of scripture." So, convince me. Find one other passage where Paul says to keep asking for forgiveness. Or where Paul says what he had to do to stay in fellowship with God. If being out of fellowship with God is such any important doctrine (and it must be because Christians throw out all the other verses dealing with forgiveness), surely Paul or Peter can testify to the necessity of 'keeping yourself forgiven WITHOUT shedding any blood.' Why don't they? Can anyone do this? In Him, Bill Mc |
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