Results 61 - 80 of 125
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Results from: Answers On or After: Thu 12/31/70 Author: Brian.g Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
61 | Ash Wednesday, valid or not? | Esth 4:1 | Brian.g | 34811 | ||
Scott I am happy for you that your are continuing your relationship with Christ. Regardless, of the church you are affiliated, there will be certain traditions and such, which will need to be studied by you, in order to receive its full benefit. I wonder if you had understood this better while you were a practicing Catholic, if it would have had more meaning to you. The Wednesday after Quinquagesima Sunday, which is the first day of the Lenten fast. The name dies cinerum (day of ashes) which it bears in the Roman Missal is found in the earliest existing copies of the Gregorian Sacramentary and probably dates from at least the eighth century. On this day all the faithful according to ancient custom are exhorted to approach the altar before the beginning of Mass, and there the priest, dipping his thumb into ashes previously blessed, marks the forehead -- or in case of clerics upon the place of the tonsure -- of each the sign of the cross, saying the words: "Remember man that thou art dust and unto dust thou shalt return." The ashes used in this ceremony are made by burning the remains of the palms blessed on the Palm Sunday of the previous year. In the blessing of the ashes four prayers are used, all of them ancient. The ashes are sprinkled with holy water and fumigated with incense. The celebrant himself, be he bishop or cardinal, receives, either standing or seated, the ashes from some other priest, usually the highest in dignity of those present. In earlier ages a penitential procession often followed the rite of the distribution of the ashes, but this is not now prescribed. There can be no doubt that the custom of distributing the ashes to all the faithful arose from a devotional imitation of the practice observed in the case of public penitents. But this devotional usage, the reception of a sacramental which is full of the symbolism of penance (cf. the cor contritum quasi cinis of the "Dies Irae") is of earlier date than was formerly supposed. It is mentioned as of general observance for both clerics and faithful in the Synod of Beneventum, 1091 (Mansi, XX, 739), but nearly a hundred years earlier than this the Anglo-Saxon homilist Ælfric assumes that it applies to all classes of men. "We read", he says, "in the books both in the Old Law and in the New that the men who repented of their sins bestrewed themselves with ashes and clothed their bodies with sackcloth. Now let us do this little at the beginning of our Lent that we strew ashes upon our heads to signify that we ought to repent of our sins during the Lenten fast." This information is from the Catholic Encyclopedia. Brian |
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62 | Having problems with my faith. | Genesis | Brian.g | 34622 | ||
Chynna I have read all of your postings to this forum, and you ask some excellent questions. I don’t know if I can answer your question, but I would like to share an assortment of the thoughts that came to mind, as I read your collective posts. Maybe we can build on these thoughts. By the way, these are just random thoughts and not everything will flow together smoothly. Man's relationship with God can be difficult to comprehend, because God is so magnificent that we just can't always grasp everything about Him. Two things demonstrate God’s compassion: Genesis 3:21 and 4:6-7. Adam and Eve had just sinned, but here God is making clothes for them. In Gen 4:6-7, God had just told Cain He didn’t approve of Cain’s sacrifice. Then God spoke to Cain with love and encouragement that he, Cain, can do better. Here are two cases in which God was angry/disappointed, but still very concerned and loving towards His children. In Job 38-39, God describes himself. Take your time and read this. It puts into perspective the greatness of God. God created everything and then, out of His love for man, simply gave it to us (Re: Genesis 1:28) As God has dominion (supreme authority) over man, God gave man dominion over all other creatures. Ours is a jealous God. Now, in addition to being a magnificent, loving and compassionate God, ours is a jealous God. That means simply, is that God is intolerant of unfaithfulness. (Re: Deut 4:23-24, 5:8-9, and 6:14-15) Let’s talk about sacrifice, sacrifice means: to devote irrevocably to the worship of God by a solemn ceremony. Holocaust means: a sacrifice consumed by fire. The first time we see a sacrifice in the Bible is in Genesis with Cain and Abel. It does not say that God required a sacrifice. Why was Abel’s sacrifice pleasing to God, two reasons: First, it truly was to devote, irrevocably, to the worship of God. As a symbol his devotion to God, Abel selected the best firstling (look it up) of his flock. Why an animal? Abel’s job was to raise animals for food. And Abel offered God the best food he had. Abel had complete devotion to God and he did not keep the best for his own consumption. There is no purer sign of love, honor and devotion among mankind, as when a child picks the prettiest flower and gives it to his or her mother. Although, the mother did not require this act of devotion, she accepts it because it is pleasing to her. At this time, the relationship between the mother and child is one of complete devotion and is perfect in goodness and righteousness. It is holy. (Re: 1 Peter 1:14-16) Why burn the offering, how else will it be received by God? Offerings were burned, evaporated or decayed. The sweet aroma of the sacrifice – it is meat and in my house, a roast does smell nice when its cooking. However, this term is used symbolically in the Bible. Why did God look down upon Cain’s offering? Cain was a farmer and he offered to God the results of his efforts as a farmer. However, note in Genesis that Cain did not offer God the best firstling of the crops. It appears that Cain kept the best for himself and made to God, an inferior offering. Now, the second child, not understanding the full significance of giving flowers to the mother, grabs a handful of plants from the garden, which includes broken flowers and weeds, and gives them to the mother. The mother, who still loves the child, will explain why this is not a good gift (because it is not from the heart) and with the hope/expectation that the child will properly honor her love and their relationship, the next time. (Re: Genesis 4:6-7) God, in all of His magnificence, creates all things and with all love and compassion for us, He simply gave it to us. Then, man goes and creates false gods and idols to worship. As said earlier, ours is a jealous God. And when man created idols and worshiped them with sacrifices, our God said, no. Man has only one God and if we want to make a sacrifice, it will be to Him. (Re: Deut 32:16-19) Notice that God hasn’t demanded that man makes sacrifices, but if man is going to worship a god, it is going to be our God. First and foremost, it is pleasing to God when man does demonstrate his love and devotion to God. Second, God will not tolerate man making this devotion to a false god or idol. Third, God does expect the honor to be proper, which is Leviticus. In Leviticus, God also thought it good that man joins together in the celebration of the sacrifice. Together worshipping God, lead by a priest who insures that all join together to worship God, properly. This, in turn, helps build the unity of the family of God (Re: Job 36:22). Does God require sacrifices, let alone blood sacrifices of animals? Read Psalms 50:5-23, and pay particular attention to lines 5, 8-13 and 23. (Psalms 50:23 Those who offer praise as a sacrifice honor me; to the obedient I will show the salvation of God."). Sacrifices/Sacraments are pleasing to God. Brian |
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63 | Geography of the Forum! | Acts 21:39 | Brian.g | 34411 | ||
Brian - Chicago, Illinois USA | ||||||
64 | suffering - for individual or family? | Phil 4:12 | Brian.g | 33976 | ||
Mrs. Shetty To fully understand what Paul was saying, it is important to read the complete Phillippians 4:10-20. In this section, Paul is thanking the Phillippians for the financial gifts which they had given him. Normally, Paul was reliant upon himself and God for his needs, but he did accept gifts, as in this case. But, while Paul was thanking the Phillippians, he felt it important to emphasize that monetary concerns needed to be secondary to God. With this, Paul was reiterating what Jesus said about God providing for human needs in Matthew 6:25-34. 25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat (or drink), or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? 27 Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? 28 Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. 29 But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. 30 If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?' 32 All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. 34 Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil. Mrs Shetty, as Christian parents, we want all good things for our children, but the greatest gift we can give our children is a relationship with Christ. One last thought, I have known many people whose high quality of character was forged by poverty. Sometimes poverty can be a greater gift than wealth. In all cases, it becomes a question of what do we do with that, which has been given to us. Should Christians who have wealth, be blinded of the needs of our fellow man or should their gifts be used to lift him up. And, should a man of poverty also use his gift to lift up his fellow man. Yes, to both - through Christ. Brian |
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65 | Visit other churches? | Rom 16:16 | Brian.g | 33956 | ||
Charis About 6 months ago, I decided to begin attending different Christian services, so far, I've only attended a couple. In both cases, I made a point of attending with a friend of that denomination who could answer any questions which I had. My reason for attending is simply to obtain a better understand other Christian denominations. Just for the record: 1. In both cases, I felt the presence of Christ. 2. I attend Catholic services at 4:30 on Saturday evenings or 7:30 Sunday morning. 3. No, I am not leaving the Catholic Church. I hope this helps. Brian |
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66 | Jesus went to Hell before Resurrection? | Matt 12:40 | Brian.g | 32412 | ||
WaterChief Eph 4:10 He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.) 1 Pet 3:19 in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, Phil 2:10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, I hope this helps Brian |
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67 | Should we Divorce? | Mal 2:16 | Brian.g | 31292 | ||
Pricefhome I would like to offer my assistance, if I may. With that, could you answer some questions for me: 1. How long have you been married 2. How old are your children 3. Are drugs, alcohol or violence involved in your marriage or private lives for either. 4. Do you have severe financial problems 5. Do either of you suffer from real mental health problems. 6. Have either of you been or continue to be unfaithful to the other. 7. Do both or either of you have permament employment 8. What is the 12 Step Support Group you're involved with 9. What are your wifes reasons for wanting a divorce. 10. After 2 years, why hasn't she filed for a divorce. 11. Does your wife respect you and you, her. If not, why 12.Prior to joining the 'start-up' church, do you and/or your wife have any denominational history - were either of you brought up in a specific denomination, etc. 13. When you say you have not loved your wife for many years - do you mean physically or emotionally. 14. Have you ever hit or beat your wife Brian |
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68 | What about those who never heard of JC ? | Bible general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 30930 | ||
Bob, My answer to your question is drawn from the parable of The Good Samaritan. Main characters: · A Levite and a Priest – both high ranking representatives of Judaism · Samaritan – from a community, which was considered, at the time, to be the equivalent of satanic religion (John 8:48). Basic Theme of the Parable The one closest to what God desires from man, the one who most exemplified Gods desire for mercy and compassion, was the person who was perceived as being the most distanced from God. This is the person who had no introduction to Scripture (Gospel). Summary 1. God is good 2. All that God creates is good, including man. 3. God did not create man with the intent of inflicting evil upon him. 4. God offers salvation to all men, none are excluded. 5. With God being good and all-knowing, God would not create a single man with the full knowledge that salvation for that man was never possible. That would be an act of evil. 6. God created man knowing that some men will not be exposed to the Gospel. Being a God of good, God must have a plan of salvation for those souls. 7. God has not revealed to man, His plan of salvation for the man who has not heard the Gospel. 8. The man who hears and rejects, the Gospel of Christ: through his own free will, is rejecting God and salvation. This lose of salvation is an act of man, not of God. 9. It is our sincere actions (as opposed to ‘good works’), which pleases and honors God, more than our knowledge of Gods Law 10. Rom 9:15 For He says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." 11. The truth of Romans 9:15, being from the Old Testament, was not changed in the New Testament. Conclusion: By the actions of the Samaritan, and Jesus’ subsequent approval of the Samaritan, we can conclude that even the Samaritan, can also be pleasing to God. Those who, through no fault of their own, have not been exposed to the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience - those too may achieve eternal salvation Brian |
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69 | In what way was Job supposed to suffer? | Job | Brian.g | 28894 | ||
Samantha I stole this answer from another source. But, before I give you my answer, I am curious as to why you have posted five different questions related to suffering. What has prompted your questions? The Book of Job, named after its protagonist, is an exquisite dramatic poem which treats of the problem of the suffering of the innocent, and of retribution. The contents of the book, together with its artistic structure and elegant style, place it among the literary masterpieces of all time. Job, an oriental chieftain, pious and upright, richly endowed in his own person and in domestic prosperity, suffers a sudden and complete reversal of fortune. He loses his property and his children; a loathsome disease afflicts his body; and sorrow oppresses his soul. Nevertheless, Job does not complain against God. When some friends visit him to condole with him, Job protests his innocence and does not understand why he is afflicted. He curses the day of his birth and longs for death to bring an end to his sufferings. The debate which ensues consists of three cycles of speeches. Job's friends insist that his plight can only be a punishment for personal wrongdoing and an invitation from God to repentance. Job rejects their inadequate explanation and calls for a response from God himself. At this point the speeches of a youth named Elihu (Job 32-37) interrupt the development. In response to Job's plea that he be allowed to see God and hear from him the cause of his suffering, God answers, not by justifying his action before men, but by referring to his own omniscience and almighty power. Job is content with this. He recovers his attitude of humility and trust in God, which is deepened now and strengthened by his experience of suffering. The lesson is that even the just may suffer here, and their sufferings are a test of their fidelity. They shall be rewarded in the end. Man's finite mind cannot probe the depths of the divine omniscience that governs the world. The problems we encounter can be solved by a broader and deeper awareness of God's power, presence (Job 42:5) and wisdom. Brian |
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70 | Sumission to authority? | Heb 13:17 | Brian.g | 28652 | ||
Mommapbs The church is an imperfect and finite instrument of God, created by Jesus, with the purpose of guiding men to God, through Jesus. It is imperfect, in that, even though it was created by Jesus, it is run by man. With man's imperfections, the church will also be imperfect. The church is finite, in that, the instant Jesus returns, the church will immediately cease to exist, since it has no other purpose than to help guide man to a personal relationship with God. This is also the role of the clergy (pastor, ministers, and so on). Being that the church is an imperfect institution, each denomination will have 'flaws' or areas in which not everyone will agree. If you leave your current denomination and go down the street until you find another - I assure you, that you will find new areas of disagreement. Your pastor has a sacred responsibility to maintain the standards which Jesus set forth. If he fails to do so, he will be judged harshly. If, the pastor is trustworthy, has reviewed the situation with honesty and an open heart, consulted others, and has prayed and sought guidance from the Holy Spirit. Then, the members of the church, for the good and the unity of the church, have a responsibility to accept his decision, as if it is without error. This means, with humility (or submission) accept his decision as correct - even if deep down, you may not agree with it. Anything less will divide the church and as a potential minister of the church - you cannot permit this to happen - that is your sacred responsibility. As a minister of the church, you will be accepting some of the responsibilities you referenced in Hebrews 13:17. You are accepting a sacred responsibility in guiding people to Jesus, through the ways of your church - not through your personal interpretation. If you are wrong, then the people you are trying to guide will suffer in their relationship with Jesus. Are you sure that you are prepared for the responsibilities of being a minister, or do you think that maybe, you should pray on it a little longer. There is no hurry to accept this responsibility before you are ready. Always remember, there are other ways to serve God with which you may be more comfortable. Brian |
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71 | Why did Joesph wait to divorce Mary? | Matt 1:19 | Brian.g | 27342 | ||
Searcher I think the answer to this question relates directly as to why God chose Joseph to be the human father of Jesus. Joseph was a good man, a patient man, a man of honor, a just man, a man who respected other people - a man who valued the diginity of man. Because of this, I believe he was as concerned about Mary (and maybe even more so), as he was about himself - even though there were doubts and concerns in his mind. Could any lesser of a man be the father of Jesus? Brian |
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72 | Did Jesus go to hell after dying? | Ephesians | Brian.g | 26468 | ||
Timotheus This is interpretted as Jesus descending into hell in order to save all souls 1 Peter 3:18-20 Brian |
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73 | About the Forum | Bible general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 24677 | ||
To all on the Forum: Please accept my apology for straying from the intent of this forum. You are correct. Brian |
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74 | Is there middle ground? | Romans | Brian.g | 22196 | ||
Ed In the early days of Christianity, similiar questions were being asked. One of the first times was when Gentiles were being converted to Chrisitanity and they were not required to follow Jewish laws or customs. The Church of Jerusalem, which, at the time, was the head of the Christian Church, strongly questioned whether Gentiles could become Christians, and if so, wouldn't they have to follow Jewish Laws. The Bishops of the Church met at a Council and debated the issue and came to the conclusion that Christianity was for all people and in fact, may be practiced differently - as long as the core belief was the same. The Bishops then searched for the one unifying - defining statement - which would define whether a person was a true Christian or not. The Apostles Creed was selected as the 'Rule of Faith'. Tradition states that the Apostles Creed was first written, by the Apostles, on the original Pentecost. In this way, as the Apostles traveled and converted - all twelve Apostles had on single unifying standard. I think this is the common ground you are seeking. Brian |
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75 | WHAT WAS JESUS ATTITUDE | 2 John 1:3 | Brian.g | 22049 | ||
Moses taught us God's law. Jesus taught us how to apply God's truth, grace, mercy and peace, to God's law. Brian |
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76 | HOW COULD JESUS BE A DESCENDANT OF DAVID | Bible general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 20958 | ||
The genealogy of Christ according to the First Evangelist descends from Abraham through three series of fourteen members each; the first fourteen belong to the patriarchal order, the second to the royal and the third to that of private citizens. Matthew 1:17, shows that this arrangement was intended; for the writer expressly states: "So all the generations, from Abraham to David, are fourteen generations. And from David to the transmigration of Babylon, are fourteen generations: and from the transmigration of Babylon to Christ are fourteen generations." First Series 1. Abraham 2. Isaac 3. Jacob 4. Judas 5. Phares 6. Esron 7. Aram 8. Aminadab 9. Naasson 10. Salmon 11. Booz 12. Obed 13. Jesse 14. David Second Series 1. Solomon 2. Roboam 3. Abia 4. Asa 5. Josaphat 6. Joram 7. Ozias 8. Joatham 9. Achaz 10. Ezechias 11. Manasses 12. Amon 13. Josias 14. Jechonias Third Series 1. Jechonias 2. Salathiel 3. Zorobabel 4. Abiud 5. Eliacim 6. Azor 7. Sadoe 8. Achim 9. Eliud 10. Eleazar 11. Mathan 12. Jacob 13. Joseph 14. Jesus By virtue of Joseph's marriage with Mary, Jesus could be called the son of Joseph, he can for the same reason be called "son of David" (St. Augustine, On the Harmony of the Gospels, II, i, 2). Brian |
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77 | How do we know the Bible is the truth? | Bible general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 18178 | ||
1. God is truth 2. Jesus is the Christ - the ideal truth that came as a divine manifestation of God 3. We have the testimony of Jesus. 4. History alone allows us to establish the fact that Jews and Christians have always believed in the inspiration of the Bible 5. Those who first recognized in the Bible a superhuman work, had as foundation of their opinion, the testimony of the Prophets, of Christ, and of the Apostles, whose Divine mission was sufficiently established by immediate experience or by history. 6. To this purely rational argument can be added the authentic teaching of the Church 7. Every Christian sect, still deserving that name, believes in the inspiration of the Scriptures, although some have more or less altered the idea of inspiration. 8. Thus, the Bible is truth Brian |
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78 | Possible Lockman Forum Improvement #1? | Bible general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 17872 | ||
Sir Pent I agree with your plan Brian |
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79 | Advise on contradictions found in bible | Ps 25:4 | Brian.g | 17659 | ||
Benjibabs It was an interesting conclusion to your question, by seeing your question posted twice and the resulting confusion, as to what was said by whom, when, and etc. I curious, was this to reinforce a point or strictly by accident. Brian |
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80 | Advise on contradictions found in bible | Bible general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 17622 | ||
All Other 'Contradictions' Upon closer inspection, all will realize that there is no contradiction - only loose interpretations of the Bible - God's word - based upon a single passage or phrase, instead of learning the whole word of God. When people take the time to learn the whole word of God, then the full meaning, truth and greatness of God's word, and of God Himself, will become evident to each person. Brian |
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