Results 61 - 80 of 190
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Bill Richardson Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
61 | Paul's missionary work | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231141 | ||
Doc and BradK Apparently I owe you both an apology. I have just looked up all of these new words and downloaded quite a bit of information on all of them. It will, as you mentioned, take me a little while to assimilate all this. I briefly scanned the smaller creeds; I'd like to think they're in harmmony with the Bible but that one Canon of the Council of Orange is huge. I did notice there's been several "updates" to the first 3 creeds. Which ones are approved by your groups? Please advise. Another couple of questions: 1) Are you all saying you believe in the requirement of baptism, as stated in the Nicene Creed of 1988? 2) Are you also saying these creeds and canon are placed on a religious level with the Bible, equal in Power and Authority? Please advise on all the above. Thanks for your patience and Go with God in all His Ways. Bill |
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62 | Christians Proselytizing in Prisons? | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231136 | ||
My father and brother were involved in Prison Ministry for many years. And like John says it does depend on which state or Federal status to which you're referring. In their case, they could preach about Christianity in general but they had to avoid denominational issues but they did give out Bibles. When prisoners graduated to a special trustee status, sometimes they were allowed to carry on a private conversation with the "ministers" and get more information. Quite often they would become christians and get out of prison and become a member of my dad's and brother's congregation. Or they might go home and place membership there. The bottom line: One must read carefully the guidelines of the Prison and follow them as closely as possible. God bless you in this new miistry. We'll be praying for your efforts. Go with God in all His Ways, Bill |
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63 | White robe with red cross? | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231134 | ||
Sounds like the robe covering the armor in some of the old movies I've seen depicting soldiers involved in the crusade. But like Doc mentioned, it certainly was NOT done because of any verse in the Bible. You can go to the Internet and find a tremendous amount of history about the crusades. You might even find a few pictures, especially if you punch in strategic words, like soldier. God bless you in your study of His Word, Bill |
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64 | do you need to fasten | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231133 | ||
I don't think it's required to fast to make it to Heaven but it probably would be a good idea. It seems too many of us (me included), especially here in America spend too much time at the table and don't do enough "push aways." I'm hearing and seeing signs of obesity all around me, including us christians. So I'm thinking Jesus' Words sounds like pretty good advice from... Matt 6:16 “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. Fasting was a big custom in that part of the world at that time and it does serve a good purpose, helping us to focus our minds on a particular issue or difficult problem in our life. During a fast, a person would be motivated to study God's Word and pray to Him for enlightenment about that issue/problem. And the great side benefit would be the self-discipline gained instead of eating to excess. But again, I don't see any scriptures requiring this practice to get to Heaven. But I could be mistaken. Hope this helps; Go with God in all His Ways, Bill |
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65 | What evidence does the Letter of Galatia | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231132 | ||
I'm thinking one of the biggest controversies was shown clearly by Paul's confrontation to Peter. Remember it was Peter who was called by God to the house of Cornelius and for the first and only time in history, the Holy Spirit descended on Cornelius and his family, just as He did on the Apostles in Acts 2. This story is described in detail in Acts 10. Remember it took a bit of persuading from God for Peter to understand the vision he saw in Joppa. His heritage of a thousand years plus prevented him from seeing that he could now eat a much larger array of food from animals than he had enjoyed before. But he finally got the real point of God's vision as described in... Acts 10:28 Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?” Now back to Galations, Chapter 2. There we see Peter has fallen back to his old habits of preferring to associate more closely with his Jewish christian friends than with his new Gentile christian friends. And Peter does this in spite of his defense of the new era of Jesus' idea of Christianity for the whole world as detailed in Acts 11:1-18. I can imagine how difficult it was for Peter and the rest of the Jewish Christian community to open their minds and hearts to this idea of fully empowered Gentile christians, especially during this first generation of Christianity. But that was Paul's main point in Galations 2. He was trying to help the whole world of Christianity gain a better sense of balance. Gal 2:11 Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; 12 for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. Notice even Paul's good friend, Barnabas gets carried away by this "inner circle" of the Jews over the Gentiles. God doesn't show ANY favortism to anyone for any reason. His Era of Christianity is to be freely extended to the whole world. And this was one of Paul's "passions" in his ministry to his Lord. 1 Tim 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 FOR WHICH I WAS APPOINTED A PREACHER AND AN APOSTLE-I AM SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN CHRIST AND NOT LYING-A TEACHER OF THE GENTILES IN FAITH AND TRUTH. Later on eventually Gentile christians outnumber Jewish christians by tens of thousands but again Paul is trying to establish and maintain a balance of love and forgiveness WITH full benefits to all who come to the Lord. Hope this helps; Go with God in all His Ways, Bill |
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66 | only one interpretation for scripture | 2 Pet 1:20 | Bill Richardson | 231127 | ||
That's one reason I'm grateful for a Forum such as this. Prov 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. I'm thinking Christianity is the very best form of teamwork with the very best Head Coach, our Lord and Saviour. Go with God in all His Ways, Bill |
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67 | Adopting a Ministry | Matt 18:30 | Bill Richardson | 231126 | ||
It's a Bible based college in fellowship with our group. We have several teachers with their PhDs in Bible. I just started this first course a few weeks ago and I'm really enjoying it. Are you going to school? Say, that reminds me; I just gotta ask, how did you get the nickname, Doc? And finally, can I now look forward to some real dialouge on my questions on this thread? Hoping and praying that we can go with God in all things, Bill |
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68 | Paul's missionary work | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231125 | ||
Not sure what this word meant so I looked it up on Wikipedia: Universalism, in its primary sense, refers to religious, theological, and philosophical concepts with universal application or applicability. Religion in this context is defined as a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs. Universalism is a term used to identify particular doctrines considering all people in their formation. Universalism in the religious context claims that religion or religious man (sic) is a universal quality. This can be contrasted with nonuniversalist religions. In its secondary sense, a church or community that calls itself Universalist may emphasize the universal principles of most religions and accept other religions in an inclusive manner, believing in a universal reconciliation between humanity and the divine. For example Abrahamic religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam still claim a universal value of their doctrine and moral principles because they feel they are inclusive. A belief in one common truth is also another important tenet. The living truth is seen as more far-reaching than national, cultural, or religious boundaries. In response, I can only say I believe simply what the Bible says from... Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” to John 3:16 As far as God's Plan of Redemption, the scripture below seems to speak for itself... Eph 1:7 IN HIM WE HAVE REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS, ACCORDING TO THE RICHES OF HIS GRACE 8 WHICH HE MADE TO ABOUND TOWARD US IN ALL WISDOM AND PRUDENCE, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. Concerning your query of "Plan B," again I can only respond with more scripture... Gal 1:6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 BUT EVEN IF WE, OR AN ANGEL FROM HEAVEN, PREACH ANY OTHER GOSPEL TO YOU THAN WHAT WE HAVE PREACHED TO YOU THAN WHAT WE HAVE PREACHED TO YOU, LET HIM BE ACCURSED. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. And Jude 3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I FOUND IT NECESSARY TO WRITE TO YOU EXHORTING YOU TO CONTEND EARNESTLY FOR THE FAITH WHICH WAS ONCE FOR ALL DELIVERED TO THE SAINTS. 4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. (All caps above are mine for emphasis and clarity.) So in summary, I certainly don't believe in anything but God's Word for anything pertaining to Heaven, Godliness in accordance with His Word. Are you telling me that your group requires you to believe in some Plan B or this Universalism? I do believe in the one single way to get to Heaven as described by our Lord in... Jn 14:“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I AM THE WAY, I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE. NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME." Hope this helps; Go with God in all His Ways, Bill |
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69 | Pauls Teaching | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231120 | ||
His greatest strategy was clearly reflected in... 1 Cor 9:19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you. Go with God in all His Ways, Bill |
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70 | Adopting a Ministry | Matt 18:30 | Bill Richardson | 231119 | ||
Thanks for guidance. I am taking college level courses in Bible and I have taught Bible to teens and adults for several years. We do have some lively discussions as we encourage that sort of thing whereas I grew up in a fairly conservative church area. But now back to the topic at hand. How about responding to my questions on this thread? Looking forward to your intellectual responses and/or suggestions. What have you experienced? Go with God in all His Ways, Bill |
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71 | Paul's missionary work | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231117 | ||
The biggest controversy in this regard was started because of the long history of animosity between Jews and Gentiles. Both parties hated each other with great intensity. The Jews thought they had an exclusive relationship with God Almighty forever, in spite of the OT scriptures hinting otherwise. Naturally as with all things in the world, the Gentiles had grown in developing their own kind of laws and religious thinking. Most of it was pagan and immature but at least some laws like that from Hammorabi was a little bit similar in being far more humane. So God in His Infinite Wisdom chose to bring His Son into the world to save ALL mankind from our sins as shown in... Eph 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. I've been taught that's why God in His Providence allowed the establishment of a common language such as Greek to promote His Son's Gospel and the construction of Roman roads throughout the Mediterrain world to promote travel of missionaries with this Good News. Wonderful timing, don't you think? Paul and the church handled these controversies with just a little more firmness than you and I can do in this day and age. Remember Paul and the Apostles had a miraculous measure of the Holy Spirit empowering them to look into the hearts and minds of those causing controversy. For example: Acts 13:6 Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, 7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? 11 And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.” Other times, Paul was quite the diplomat with certain folks like Felix and Festus in Acts 24 and 25. One of Paul's Masterpieces of Diplomacy is the Book of Philemon dealing with the issue of slavery in his world. Notice he didn't require doing away with slavery but seemed to recognize it as a way of life but it is obvious that God doesn't want us to treat human beings as such based on Jesus' teachings. Yes somewhat a quandry for us modern christians. Just my thoughts; Go with God in all things, Bill |
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72 | Adopting a Ministry | Matt 18:30 | Bill Richardson | 231115 | ||
I guess that's part of my personality; never have favored the politics that enters into an organization with human beings involved. It's so much more ideal to just simply follow God's Word, agree on Doctrine and maintain options as God allows. That's why our group call ourselves christians; we're all in agreement. We find we get along better by maintain that kind of focus. Does your congregation leadership encourage this kind of adopting a ministry for everyone, especially after being a christian for several years? How does your group get the 80-20 ratio a little closer to 50-50 or better? Anyone else? Go with God in all things, Bill |
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73 | Paul's controversy in the church? | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231114 | ||
I'm thinking one of Paul's biggest problems in the church of the first century was that of the Judaizers following the missionaries, himself, Silas, along with Barabas and John Mark. They were preaching simply "Christ and Him crucified" but the Judaizers were traveling around preaching the supplemental requirement of have christians be circumcised. This finally got elevated to the famous "Council of Jerusalem," Acts 15 but the Judaizers never stopped their false teaching. One of the more interesting responses from Apostle Paul was illustrated by handling the false teaching in two different ways with his two different sons of faith, Timothy and Titus. Go with God in all things, Bill |
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74 | King Soloman | Eccl 12:13 | Bill Richardson | 231112 | ||
It does seem that a Godly portion of His Wisdom dumped into a human mind was too much for any human to handle. I agree with you to a certain degree, Solomon did get to be a little too full of himself. And followed exactly that which he recommended NOT to do. Throughout the Book of Ecclesiastes he seems to be describing his life. He seemed to enjoy any pleasure, any kind of sin he could possibly get into. He married at least 700 women, most of them from other countries who had no knowledge of God and didn't have such a desire. He also enjoyed at least 300 concubines (mistresses). Can you imagine trying to keep all these competing women happy? All that wisdom and what a fool. It does seem he didn't take full advantage of the wisdom with which he was blessed. Ecc 12:8 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “All is vanity.” 9 And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yes, he pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs. 10 The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright—words of truth. 11 The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. 12 And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh. 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil. I've always wondered whether we'll see Solomon in Heaven. Did he finally repent like his father, David did? Who could know but God, the Father of us all. Go with God in all things, my friend. Bill |
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75 | Adopting a Ministry | Matt 18:30 | Bill Richardson | 231110 | ||
Not sure how that comes into the discussion but I'm talking about the same church in the NT. Thanks for the dialouge, Bill |
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76 | Heaven: Physical or Spiritual Body | Phil 3:21 | Bill Richardson | 231105 | ||
I recently went to a Bible Seminar in which we discussed this topic, the kind of body with which we'll go to Heaven. A large group of these folks believe that we'll go with a physical body whereas during all my past life as a christian, I've been taught we'll simply have spiritual bodies. I always thought this verse was pretty clear but then those closest to me in this group remind me of Jesus' Ascension into Heaven with emphasis on the last words of the "men in white apparel"... Acts 1:9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” My friend also reminds me with Jesus' special body, He was able to walk through walls and escape from crowds of people with ease. So His physical body was very different from ours. But I'm still inclined to believe as I've been trained all my life. To me personally, being transformed from one physical body to another one in Heaven just doesn't sound nearly as Glorious and Majestic as the Words I read about Heaven, in Revelation and elsewhere. Back at this Seminar, I brought up the Words from Peter below... 2 Pet 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. I asked how is this physical body in Heaven going to breathe; what substance will go thru our veins to keep us alive. The Seminar leader suggested that the Power of God would be breathed and go thru our veins. Again this just doesn't do it for me. I've always been a big SF fan, esepcially Star Trek; no, I'm not a "trekkie." But I did like the episode where the star ship travelers run into a being that was just a light of some sort and moved thru walls as easily as you and I move thru air. Then there's Q and his host of beings, so there's a whole genre of thinking along these lines. Anyway, I checked with some friends back here at home upon my return and they're in agreement with me. What do you folks think on this matter? Which set of scriptures seems to make more sense? Yeah, tough call, I know. Looking forward to some good discussion. Go with God in all things, Bill PS: I realize this topic has been discussed quite a bit but this Seminar was an "eye opening" experience for me. Kinda radical at least to me. I'd appreciate a few words for you all. |
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77 | gay or lesbial in the New Testment | NT general | Bill Richardson | 231102 | ||
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78 | Who were Jesus' main opponents during Hi | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231100 | ||
For the most part, Jesus' most frequent enemies were those trying to trip Him up and say something in opposition to the OT. Most of the time, this was the Scribes and Pharisees. If you'll punch in these words into your Search Engine, you'll see many such examples. The biggest reason for their opposition was the fact that Jesus taught publically against their Traditions, especially when they went against God's Word or the Law of Moses. Examples: Blowing a trumpet to announce their prayers, Corban and buying plots of land so they could walk from one possession to another on the Sabbath. They taught these Traditions to the lower class of people but didn't abide by them. Jesus could see into their hearts and knew their secrets and intents which was to hold power over their people and had no intention of obeying God or extending His Love to the Gentiles in spite of the OT hinting of such things. Is 60:1 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. 3 The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising. Instead of being God's people to the Gentiles, the Jews hated them, treating them like and even calling them "dogs." Go with God in all things, Bill |
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79 | Adopting a Ministry | Matt 18:30 | Bill Richardson | 231099 | ||
I agree with your statement but assuming that a person is a regular member and is in good standing, what do you think of the basic proposition as stated? Is it something our Lord wants us to do to please Him or is it one of those optional choices He extends to us. Along with the Parable from Matthew 18, I'm thinking the Parable of the folks with talents, Matt 25, is also most instructive. You remember the harsh Judgment from the Lord on the one fella who wasted the one and only talent he had. Tell me what ya think. Thanks for your quick response. Naturally I'm also looking for responses from everyone else. Go with God in all things. Bill |
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80 | The Certainty of God! | Bible general Archive 4 | Bill Richardson | 231095 | ||
I'm thinking the most powerful statement from God is the very first verse of the Bible. Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. From there the narrative describes the whole story of the Creation. It's far more complete and easier to believe than the other competition from around the world. I understand there are many good solid websites which promote God's Existence, Creationism and Evidences for Christianity. Just insert these kind of words into your Search Engine and you'll find them. Now there's just one problem with the Bible and this topic. The Scriptures don't come right out and prove "beyond a shadow of a doubt" there is a God. Paul does a pretty good job, about as good as anyone else in Romans 1. So we're left with gathering evidence, ie witness accounts from Josephus, the Dead Sea Scrolls and archelogical evidence. Then there's circumstantial evidence, you know the stuff they gotta settle for in a court of law to convict a criminal. When you put it altogether, I'm thinking an objective person concludes with just one thought. Oh and there's books on this stuff. I got one for my library just a couple of days ago, written by a former atheist, Les Strobel. The title: The Case for Christ. I'm looking forward to reading it. After all this, God does tell us one item in warning... Ps 53:1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. You see God wants us to accept Him AND believe Him on Faith. IF we could study all the above and come to an absolute, empirical conclusion there is God, then that would NOT be faith. Remember... Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. That's all I can think to say, partner. Go with God in all things. Bill |
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