Results 61 - 79 of 79
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Zsuzsi Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
61 | Ordaining Others... | 2 Tim 2:15 | Zsuzsi | 121477 | ||
Dear Ourfathersheart, Why are you questioning what God has already decided? Jn 20:21: Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. If they are called, they are called and nobody is able to pluck them out of the Father's hand. (Jn 10:28-29) You do have the authority which God has given to you, to pray for them and bless them; as Christians we are to represent Jesus on earth: preach as He preached, send as He sent, teach as He taught... What we bind on earth will be bound in heaven and what we loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. (Mt 18:18) But you have no earthly authority to give them a 'legal degree': for that, they will need to attend some sort of education, a Bible school, university or seminary. I think it would be a good idea to send them to learn... They would grow in faith and wisdom, and at the same time they would get the qualifications they need for efficient service. But you can be convinced that they are already ordained by God. Hope this helps. God bless you, Zsuzsi |
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62 | can you explain a little more? thanks | Rom 8:13 | Zsuzsi | 121090 | ||
Dear Leonore, I understand your concern and can assure you that you have absolutely no reason to feel ashamed of asking: Prov 3:13: "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding." I believe the solution to this problem is that you understand 'rebirth'. It doesn't mean that all of a sudden you will not be tempted to do bad things (remember, even Jesus Himself was tempted) - it simply means that you will have an identity as a child of God, so it is actually below your dignity to sin. Read Jesus' answer to Satan when He was tempted: "It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." (Lk 4:4). I.e., 'Yes, I am the Son of God, and this is the very reason why I consider myself more worthy to do my Father's will than to simply satisfy my hunger.' (NB: He had been fasting for 40 days - so He was hungry!) You have to realize that God does not look at you as a wretched sinful rebel any more, since Jesus died for you; and it is this realization that will enable you to live up to your dignity by choosing not to sin. 'Rebirth' really means realizing Jesus WITHIN you, and allowing Him to work His will in your life. This will involve a lot of surrender in the beginning, it is like letting your Father take your dirty clothes and clothe you in white; for the Lord said: Isa 1:18: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." This surrender is what Jesus meant when He said: Mt:16:24: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." 'Deny yourself', that is, 'deny your right to yourself'. You are not your own any more: You are God's. You are 'His personal concern' (1Pet 5:7). Your pain is His pain, your joy is His joy; and vice versa, His pain should be your pain, and His joy your joy. 'Surrender' and 'deny' sound like awful words, but what we are talking about is the sweetest thing that can ever happen in your life. Simply deposit yourself in His hands, love Him, let Him do with you according to His will and watch the miracle happen. You are saved only if you are reborn: and if you are reborn to be His child, you will find it the most natural to keep those commandments. You will delight in His law (Ps 40:8: "I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart."), you will be IN but not OF the world.. Not because you are able to do it yourself, but because God by His Grace has done it already for you! So give yourself to Jesus, without Him you can do nothing. Jn 15:5: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." Turning to the passage you are asking about in light of what I now told you, I believe it means that if you neglect the guidance of the Holy Spirit within you, by concentrating on satisfying your bodily desires (i.e. you are not reborn), you will not gain eternal life. If you, however, 'by the power of the Holy Spirit', 'put to death the deeds of the body', surrender yourself to God, (i.e. you are reborn), you will live. After you have read what Angel advised you to read, please turn to John 3:1-21, John 17 and Psalm 119... Another thing. Generally speaking, the best way to cope with Scripture problems is actually prayer. You'll find that God often reveals the meaning of certain passages right away; He loves you, and He promised: Ps 32:8: "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." So He will sure do it. Ask, and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you... (Mt 7:7) Apart from the Bible, I do recommend a book for you: it is 'Birthright' by David C. Needham, Multnomah Press, Portland, Oregon (1979). (ISBN: 0-930014-75-8). Try to get hold of it; it has helped me a lot in clearing up the true meaning of 'rebirth'. The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. (Numbers 6:24-26) Zsuzsi |
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63 | can you explain a little more? thanks | Rom 8:13 | Zsuzsi | 121089 | ||
Dear Leonore, I understand your concern and can assure you that you have absolutely no reason to feel ashamed of asking: Prov 3:13: "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding." I believe the solution to this problem is that you understand 'rebirth'. It doesn't mean that all of a sudden you will not be tempted to do bad things (remember, even Jesus Himself was tempted) - it simply means that you will have an identity as a child of God, so it is actually below your dignity to sin. Read Jesus' answer to Satan when He was tempted: "It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." (Lk 4:4). I.e., 'Yes, I am the Son of God, and this is the very reason why I consider myself more worthy to do my Father's will than to simply satisfy my hunger.' (NB: He had been fasting for 40 days - so He was hungry!) You have to realize that God does not look at you as a wretched sinful rebel any more, since Jesus died for you; and it is this realization that will enable you to live up to your dignity by choosing not to sin. 'Rebirth' really means realizing Jesus WITHIN you, and allowing Him to work His will in your life. This will involve a lot of surrender in the beginning, it is like letting your Father take your dirty clothes and clothe you in white; for the Lord said: Isa 1:18: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." This surrender is what Jesus meant when He said: Mt:16:24: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." 'Deny yourself', that is, 'deny your right to yourself'. You are not your own any more: You are God's. You are 'His personal concern' (1Pet 5:7). Your pain is His pain, your joy is His joy; and vice versa, His pain should be your pain, and His joy your joy. 'Surrender' and 'deny' sound like awful words, but what we are talking about is the sweetest thing that can ever happen in your life. Simply deposit yourself in His hands, love Him, let Him do with you according to His will and watch the miracle happen. You are saved only if you are reborn: and if you are reborn to be His child, you will find it the most natural to keep those commandments. You will delight in His law (Ps 40:8: "I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart."), you will be IN but not OF the world.. Not because you are able to do it yourself, but because God by His Grace has done it already for you! So give yourself to Jesus, without Him you can do nothing. Jn 15:5: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." Turning to the passage you are asking about in light of what I now told you, I believe it means that if you neglect the guidance of the Holy Spirit within you, by concentrating on satisfying your bodily desires (i.e. you are not reborn), you will not gain eternal life. If you, however, 'by the power of the Holy Spirit', 'put to death the deeds of the body', surrender yourself to God, (i.e. you are reborn), you will live. After you have read what Angel advised you to read, please turn to John 3:1-21, John 17 and Psalm 119... Another thing. Generally speaking, the best way to cope with Scripture problems is actually prayer. You'll find that God often reveals the meaning of certain passages right away; He loves you, and He promised: Ps 32:8: "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." So He will sure do it. Ask, and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you... (Mt 7:7) Apart from the Bible, I do recommend a book for you: it is 'Birthright' by David C. Needham, Multnomah Press, Portland, Oregon (1979). (ISBN: 0-930014-75-8). Try to get hold of it; it has helped me a lot in clearing up the true meaning of 'rebirth'. The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. (Numbers 6:24-26) Zsuzsi |
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64 | Enemies? | Luke 19:27 | Zsuzsi | 120834 | ||
:) That's actually what we are commanded to do: "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Prov 1:5-7 I am convinced that it hurts the Lord deeply when people bigotedly hold on to their own ideas, especially about His Word, without consulting Him; they wouldn't turn to Him even when they find themselves in those fierce, never-ending debates... No wonder God's blessing is not there! But if it hurts me so much, how much can it hurt Him?? Aren't we are supposed to seek the TRUTH, rather than ways to prove ourselves right? Prov 22:4: "By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life." So I am just doing what I was commanded to do. I am an unprofitable servant: I have done that which was my duty to do. (Luke 17:10) But thanks anyway for the blessing, may God bless your day too. Zsuzsi |
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65 | Enemies? | Luke 19:27 | Zsuzsi | 120806 | ||
Hi Mommapbs, Thanks for your answer and for this excellent study topic. I am sorry about the delayed response but I have actually been researching and praying about what you said... And as a matter of fact, your interpretation does make sense in a way, it can stand language-wise and it is supported by a few other Bible passages. Here is what I found: 'enemy' - 'echthros' (Gr), means hated, used in many cases for 'bitter enemy of divine government'. 'slave' - 'doulos' (Gr), means slave or bondman, one who gives himself up to another's will. In a metaphorical sense, Jesus uses this word in a few places for the people who devote themselves to His service. Also see, for example: Mt 13:44: Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Together with: Lk 17:21: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. Jn:15:5: I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. etc... Nevertheless if we take your interpretation, we still have the question about the difference between 'enemy' and 'unworthy slave'; neither have I found any Biblical reference that Jesus was referring to Himself, and your interpretation, to me, seems somewhat out of context (Luke 19 - Zacchaeus, the colt and triumphant entry to Jerusalem, and Jesus clearing the temple). Zacchaeus: Jesus came to save those who are lost; The colt and enrty in Jerusalem: "..if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." Lk 19:40 Clearing the temple in Jerusalem: God's house should not be made a den of thieves. Also, Luke 19:11 says, "And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear." To me that suggests that Jesus was trying to tell the people that He would not save the world in the way they imagined... Besides, I do not believe in 'Grace-Only' salvation, I am reminded of Jn:14:15: If ye love me, keep my commandments. (Lk:6:46: And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Mt:7:21: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. etc) Personally I believe maintaining an intimate relationship with Jesus is the most important, which necessarily involves a strong determination to keep His commandments. The rest is His Grace. I think He definitely did not die to 'entitle' anyone to sin... He died so that we would be 'in' but not 'of' the world. (John 17). Additionally, as I said above, He does use 'servant' for the people who serve Him, which makes me think my interpretation can also stand. So to me the idea that Jesus was urging us to at least attempt to use the talents He has given, however little, seems more straightforward. But of course that is just my personal opinion. I know the feeling when the Holy Spirit touches you through God's Word, and if this is what you believe happened to you now, I am really no-one to convince you of my own opinion. A single word of the Holy Spirit outclasses all our tries in grammatico-historical and whatever approaches. Your interpretation is well within the borders of what I call 'sensible Christian faith' and I have not found anything that would belie its truth. Jesus is indeed a treasure in our heart, to me He is actually much more than that. After some hours of prayer I believe it is not His will that I should try to change your opinion about this, "Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." Romans 14:6 This is all I can say to you: if you are unsure, pray about it once more, and see what the Lord answers. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. Prov 2:6. In case you would like to discuss it a bit more, I am willing to pray and explore this more in depth with you. Thank you again and God bless you, Zsuzsi |
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66 | Note? | Luke 17:3 | Zsuzsi | 120682 | ||
Try 'Search'... Should be just below the Welcome note... | ||||||
67 | Enemies? | Luke 19:27 | Zsuzsi | 120614 | ||
I believe by 'enemies' Jesus meant the citizens in the parable who did not want the lord to reign over them. Directly Jesus referred to the ones who would torture and kill Him, fearing that He would become their king; but He defeated them and became a King greater than any other. Indirectly He was referring to the ones who reject Him, who love and serve other masters, rather than Him (c.v. Mt 6:24). The servants, in my opinion, are the chosen people of Christ who have been entrusted by special gifts (physical and spiritual) to serve Him. Directly this means the disciples, whom Jesus was still trying to prepare for His death. Indirectly Jesus referred to all the people in the future who would need to serve Him while He is not on earth (including us). As I read these texts it appears to me that the disloyal slave is the person who does not turn towards the Master with faith and trust. Even though he claims to be serving Him, he is not really allied to Him. The failure is due to this mistrust: the servant believes that the Lord 'reaps what he does not sow', so he does not even attempt to satisfy the requirements. This is basically 'spiritual laziness', saying: 'I can't be good so why even try?'. The judgement for this servant, whom Jesus calls 'wicked', is severe: all he has is taken away from him, and he is also cast out of the presence of God. I think the difference between 'enemy' and 'disloyal slave' is that while 'enemies' are directly against God's ruling, 'disloyal slaves' simply mistrust Him and become lazy. 'Disloyal slaves' are not killed right away, they are (only) cast out into the darkness (i.e. absence of God), so they are given a chance of changing their attitude and going back to the Lord (c.v. the prodigal son, Luke 15:11-32). The 'enemies', however, are killed, because their attitude to God is not only mistrust but direct hatred. Please let me know what you think... God bless, Zsuzsi |
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68 | Answer gone? | Luke 17:3 | Zsuzsi | 120611 | ||
Hmmm. Thanks if you did reply, but I never saw your answer. I would be grateful to know what you think, though I understand if you don't feel like posting it again... God bless you, Zsuzsi |
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69 | God's name or a title? | John 1:1 | Zsuzsi | 120586 | ||
There is a special name for God in Hebrew, that is translated 'the LORD' ('Yahweh', that is, "the existing One", always capitalized 'LORD') in basically all Bible versions. The Jews respected the name of the LORD to a great extent, that is why they preferred to use 'titles' at other times; eg. 'Adonay', which is translated 'Lord', was a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence; or 'Elohym', translated 'God', meaning something close to 'Divine Ruler'. And of course there are thousands of other titles, "Tower of Refuge", "Rock of Strength", "Great King", "God of Abraham", "Holy One of Israel", and so on. So I believe God has only one 'name' in the Bible, that is 'the LORD', ie. 'the existing One'; all the rest are mighty and beautiful titles appointed to Him... Truly He deserves every one of them, and He would deserve much more; His Name is above all names. 'Word' refers to Jesus, for in Him the word of God (His law and His promises) was fulfilled. Jn:1:14: And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. Mt:5:17: Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. God bless, Zsuzsi |
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70 | WHO WROTE JOSHUA? | OT general | Zsuzsi | 120532 | ||
This is what I know, though not sure... Joshua, Judges: probably written in a theological school (by a deutoronomist theologian), while the Israelites were in Babylon, 586-583BC. Ruth: some person from Judah's tribe. Time is unknown: either 641-609BC, or approx 400BC. 1Kings and 2Kings: a royal theologian priest. 580?BC 1Chronicles and 2Chronicles and Ezra:...? Probably the same chronicler wrote all of them, I only know the time, between 400-300BC. With old texts like those it is very difficult to know much about the author. God bless you, Zsuzsi |
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71 | Justice in my view sesms better. | Luke 17:3 | Zsuzsi | 120529 | ||
Hi Pete2, I get your argument, but there are minor questions which it does not answer: If there is no God, who decides what is 'good' and what is 'evil' at all? What is good for me might be considered bad for another person: eg. is prostitution okay? Secondly, who gives the authority to those who decide what is good and evil, on what basis? Thirdly, even if it can be decided, if there is no God, why is it bad to be consciously 'evil' (i.e. why can't I -morally- blow up the whole world right away, eg. in a nuclear war, who cares)? Fourthly, why would you care about it anyway if you know everyone perishes after their death? To me it seems that ignoring the existence of God makes the question irrelevant! Fortunately God has been gracious enough to give us the answers to those questions in the Bible... As for what Jesus was teaching, I believe the whole concept of justice can be understood the best from Micah 6:8: He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? DO JUSTLY: Tell if someone is going on the wrong track: tell him privately, then 2 or 3 together, then the church, and if he still doesn't listen, 'let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican' (Matt 18:15-17), that is, pray for them, turn the other cheek and let God do the rest: Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10) LOVE MERCY: Forgive everyone, as the Father forgives you. Forgiveness means 'keeping in love', which is nevertheless not the same as approving of sin. God forgives but out of love He allows the consequences of our sin to take place. (Read 2Samuel 11 and 12 for God's response to David's affair - will help you!) Loving someone often means letting them know that they are doing something wrong. As for children, teach your child, for He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. (Prov 13:24) WALK HUMBLY WITH THY GOD: Remember that you are sinner saved by grace; check for the beam in your eye before you condemn someone else for a mote. (Matt 7:3) You MUST NOT abuse God's grace: the sin against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven! (Mt 12:31-32, Mk 32:29, Lk 12:10 - Jesus' reply to 'the Biblical Achilles Heel'!) Also accept with humility and without complaint when God teaches you by allowing the consequences of your sin to happen, for whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. (Prov 3:12) Yet, know that He has forgiven: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. (Isa 55:7). All Jesus is saying is: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Mt 5:48) Be good to people, pray for them, want good to them, whatever they do to you: be merciful, i.e. forgive, but also just, i.e. teach, so that they may change. And walk humbly with God, and He will let you know what is right and what is wrong; The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. (Prov 15:33) He will also teach you the correct balance between mercy and justice... Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. (Psalm 25:8) Psalm 101:1: I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing. Hosea 12:6: Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually. Reading the book of Proverbs, and the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5,6,7) would do you good. ;) Hope this helps. May my God, Whom you sadly don't believe in, bless you. I will pray for you. Yours in Christ, Zsuzsi |
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72 | I can't find any specific answer | Matt 16:18 | Zsuzsi | 120163 | ||
Defining 'church' is the most difficult part of the question! If by 'church' you mean 'group of people who worship God', then it existed in the form of the Jewish 'church' long before the apostles; the apostles were born into it (just like Jesus Himself!). If 'church' means the 'group of people following Jesus' or 'a group of people sharing the Christian faith', then it was founded by Jesus shortly before His death, see Matthew 16:13-20. Everyone became a 'part' of it once they acknowledged that Jesus was the Son of God. By the time Paul wrote his epistles, the 'church' was spread out all over Palestine; certain groups of people frequently came together to share their faith. Paul was the first to introduce a more formal organisation as well, eg. in his epistles he told the'churches of God' to collect money for the poor, and gave them instructions considering worship services. So I do not think there is a definite time when the apostles 'became part of the church'... God bless you, Zsuzsi |
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73 | Tithing and Giving whats your thoughts? | Bible general Archive 2 | Zsuzsi | 120150 | ||
God's true servants should not be concerned with money issues since they can rest assured on the divine providance of God: Phil:4:19 (KJV): But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Jesus' disciples went without shoes, food or money, and they lacked nothing: Lk:22:35 (KJV): And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. Yet Jesus commanded us to give when we are asked to give: Mt:5:42 (KJV): Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. For God, the offering of the one who has the least has the greatest value: Luke:21:3 (KJV): And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had. Jesus whipped out of God's house those who put money before God: Mark 11:15-17 (KJV): And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. God will severely judge those who abuse His servants: Matthew 18:6-7(KJV): But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! But we are not the ones to decide if what others are doing is right or wrong: Lk:6:37 (KJV): Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. Romans 14:4: Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. So all we have to do is to give, when we can, to the Caesar what is the Caesar's, to God what is God's (Matthew 22:21); and the rest of the time "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10. Also, please Read Matthew 23 for Jesus' opinion about blind guides. May God bless you, Zsuzsi |
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74 | Why was God fearfull of man's knowledge? | Gen 11:7 | Zsuzsi | 120147 | ||
Hi Marty J, I think you are asking two very important questions! I believe with 'US' God refers to Himself as the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost. 'US' from God's mouth first appears in the Bible at the creation of men, Genesis 1:26 - men were created in THEIR own likeness, having dominion over all things on earth. The second time it appears is in Genesis 3:22, when He states that men 'have become like one of US, knowing the difference between good and evil.' The third time is the verse you are referring to. Notice that the usage is always connected to 'godly knowledge'; first it was given to men, then it was abused, and finally some of it was taken away. As for your second question, I do not think God was 'fearful' as such, He simply confused their language because of their pride (look at the people's reason for building - verse 4). God showed them that He was yet more powerful! Genesis 3:22 states that people were given the possibility of knowing all things ('have become like one of US'), so if God had not prevented it, we would have been able to know too much by co-operating easily with each other. (By 'too much' I mean 'enough to forget God' - notice the wording, 'nothing they PLAN TO DO', not 'nothing' in general; i.e. people would have known enough to satisfy themselves to the point where they feel no need for God.) It was actually good for us, people, that we weren't allowed to know everything at once, because this way we still have a chance of seeking God, if anything, for knowledge! (Proverbs 2:5-6: Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.) Just look at what is happening today.. The more we are able to communicate with each other, the more we know, and the more we know, the more proud we become of things we never created, omitting the importance of our Creator! But the Bible tells that God had a different plan for us: He would first humiliate us for our sin and pride (including confusing our language and scattering us all over the globe), but then He would have mercy and put right all the things we put wrong, 'for He longs to be gracious to us' (Isaiah 30:18), which He did in Jesus. And then we will be able to have 'safe' knowledge again: He would gather the ones He once scattered (Jeremiah 31:10), and He would enable us again to understand each other (as in Acts 2). But then we would use our language to glorify Him rather than to blaspheme. That is when Jesus' prayer, that eventually we may all be one with THEM, even as THEY are one (John 17:11, 21-23), will be fulfilled. I actually think we should thank God that He stopped us at Babel, for only this way are we able to receive His kingdom as children, and not with eyes waxed with knowledge (Matthew 13:14-16)! ...for He hides His truth from the wise and learned, and reveals it to babes. (Matthew 11:25) |
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75 | why did God confuse thier language. | Gen 11:7 | Zsuzsi | 119879 | ||
Because people became proud and thought they could build a tower way up to heaven. Read Genesis 11:1-9 and I believe you will understand. God bless you, Zsuzsi |
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76 | scripture reference-Temptation | Bible general Archive 2 | Zsuzsi | 119876 | ||
I suggest that you read James 1 together with Psalm 119 from the beginning to the end. I know they are long chapters but trust me, it's worth it... May God bless you and give you wisdom and strength, Zsuzsi |
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77 | prayer to St. MIchael | Bible general Archive 2 | Zsuzsi | 119872 | ||
Praying to saints is a popular Roman Catholic devotion; but it is not Bible-based, i.e. it does not say anywhere in the Bible that a prayer to St. Michael repeated daily will gain any indulgence at all. According to the Roman Catholic Church, "An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment for sin the guilt of which is already forgiven, which a properly disposed member of the Christian faithful obtains under certain and definite conditions. It is granted by the Church which, as the minister of redemption, authoritatively dispenses and applies the treasury of the merits of Christ and the Saints." I.e. The Catholic Church believes that souls will suffer in Purgatory for their forgiven sins, for non-forgiven ones they will get to hell. By indulgence the punishment is eliminated partially or completely. Besides, there is no direct Biblical evidence for the existence of Purgatory either. So the answer to your question is, shortly: it means that if you repeat a prayer to St. Michael from now on until the end of your life, you will not suffer in Purgatory for sins equivalent to 3 years in your life. But, as I said, neither this, nor the existence of Purgatory is stated anywhere in the Bible; the Roman Catholic Church claims to know them by Revelation. God bless you, Zsuzsi |
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78 | God will bless those who thank Him | Bible general Archive 2 | Zsuzsi | 119868 | ||
Dear Dorisjoann, I do not think the Pauline Epistles mention that exact promise anywhere. There are a few similar verses, however, see for example: Exodus 20:24: (...) Wherever I cause my name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you. But: Malachi 2:2: If you do not listen, and if you do not set your heart to honor my name," says the LORD Almighty, "I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. (...) See also Jeremiah 30:19, that is a promise for the future: From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing. (...) I will bring them honor, and they will not be disdained. Otherwise, I believe the Bible teaches that thanksgiving should be honest and it is only honest if we do it out of pure love, and not because we want to be blessed for it or because we are afraid what would happen if we didn't give thanks. See, for example, Psalm 107:1: Give thanks to the LORD , for he is good; his love endures forever. Notice that it doesn't say, "..because He will bless you!" Also, read Luke 17; Jesus first explains that we should not expect rewards for our duty, then lets us know that it is actually our duty to give thanks. Hope this helps. God bless you, Zsuzsi |
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79 | Matt 11:11/Luke 7:28 | Matt 11:11 | Zsuzsi | 119831 | ||
Personally I believe Jesus is referring to Himself in the second part of His statement. I have looked at the original Greek and the context and also other supporting Bible verses. It seems to work - here are a few things of what I found: Firstly, the Greek translation does NOT contain "prophet", as for example KJV or the Catholic Douay version. "mikroterov', i.e. "least" is used in a positive sense -while Jesus prefers to use 'elaxistov' for 'least [in the kingdom]' in a negative sense (eg. Matt 5:19). It fits well into the context of both Luke 7 and Matthew 11, into Jesus comparing Himself to John, and it is also supported by other Bible passages (e.g. Phil 2:6-11). Yet, as I see, many have interpreted it in a different way... |
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