|
| |
Is this |
|
|
|
Rom 6:3
|
| |
Yes, this refers to water baptism. Read the conversion of the Ethiopian in Acts 8:26-39. Notice the reference to baptism and water in verses 36-39. Not only was water involved, but it's apparent that the Ethiopian was immersed in the water. If sprinkled, why did they go down into and come up out of the water? Also, referring back to Romans 6, you must be buried with Christ in baptism in order that you might be resurrected with him. This implies being covered by water and, when coming up out of the water, being resurrected a new creation. |
| |
How old is the earth scripturally? |
|
|
|
Gen 1:1
|
| |
There is no solid conclusive evidence in scripture to give a date of how old the earth is. It is possible to calculate the ages of Adam and his discendants and GUESS the date, but this is not conclusive either. Many have suggested that the earth could be as old as evolutionist say, justifying that answer by saying God could have created it that way or a day with God is like a thousand years to us. This dont stand either if you understand the Bible as Gods perfect Word...inerrant and infalliable, God Breathed...It says that a day is a day, morning and night and it was a day...period. Nothing in the text...which is where our answers have to come from...says that we should belive otherwise. Lets not limit God by suggesting that He would NEED billions of years to create the world and all that is in it. As far as scientist dating the earth by carbon dating and such, note...conclusively, one must first date an object that has a known age to be sure that your dating method is accurate. I dont think we have and witnesses to items billions of years ago. How can they be sure the date is correct. Is it accurate plus or minus a few million years. Think about it, a few million is a huge amount of time to be off. Also note... It does not require millions of years to form land masses like the Grand Canyon. Scientist know for certain that massive gorges were formed in just hours when Mt St. Helens erupted. Evolutionist have a real hard time with events like a world wide flood. It messes up the Geological column...ie. fossils are stirred up and settle in a ramdon order, not in the approiate strata layer like they need... For a really good argument to give and evolutionist, ask they How do scientist date fossils? They say by the strata layer that they are found in...Then ask How do you date the strata layer then? The answer is in any Encyclopedia...strata is dated by the fossils found in them! This is a circular argument. These types of Evolution break downs are limitless. Consult the Institute for Creation Research, ..ICR.. on the web for more. By the way, The THEORY of evolution is not even a theory. The scientific method requires a theory be something that is testable and retestable with reasonably close results...evolution is not testable first of all and definately not retestable. It is only a hypothisis or maybe better said a scientific guess. Last, as you try to find out how old the earth is, keep these thoughts in mind...1.God does not need millions of years to create. 2.In the beginning God created the heavens and earth...and not once after that did He feel it necessary to prove it to anyone, nor do we bare that burden. 3.ONLY, evolutionist NEED the earth to be a certain age, and that is very, very old. Else their guess would not have enough time to make all of those mutations. How old is the earth? Im not really sure. Not billions for certain! The Biblical guess is somewhere between 6 to 15 thousand years. My answer is ..it is not as important as many think.. Did God create all of it just the way He said He did?...is a more improtant question. If you dont believe Genesis chapters 1-11 to be totally accurate and literal, then the rest of your Bible is of no use to you. God does not need a human justification or scientific explanation of His ability to create. |
| |
Was Pharaoh responsible? |
|
|
|
Rom 9:17
|
| |
There is certainly room for disagreement on how much control God exercised over Pharaoh's heart and decisions at this time, but I think Romans 9:19-23 laves no question that Pharaoh was held guilty for the attitude that he had toward the Lord and his people. -- -- I am not of a Beza-Calvinist position that would suggest deliberate control over a person's final responsiveness to the Holy Spirit's conviction. Immediately before this exposition of God's control is the sequence of Romans 8:28-30, where God's foreknowledge of his people is followed by predestination to conform us to his image, then calling, justification and glorification in respective sequence. -- -- I assert that Pharaoh's heart was against God and his people. However, even a king who refused to worship God and love his people would be expected to exercise wisdom through temporary repentance. It is this temporary repentance that God prevented. His objective was not to have his people go into the desert, worship him, and return to slavery under a pagan king; his objective was to lead his people into a new life free from slavery and under willing submission to Himself as Lord and Savior. God controlled circumstances and even intervened in Pharaoh's heart and plans to accomplish this purpose and to bring himself glory. -- -- God does not choose to crush the wicked (whom he foreknows) before they are born but endures them despite his knowledge that their creation will result only in rebellion and destruction. However, he intervenes as he wishes in order to reveal Himself and to keep his plans for the righteous on course. -- -- I don't know whether the totality of what Pharaoh saw finally convicted him -- bringing him to repentance -- or whether he went the route of (most of) the Pharisees in blaspheming the Spirit in the face of unquestionable demonstration of God's power and authority in the world. His part in the Bible story ends at the Red Sea, but there is no indication in the history that I know that either Pharaoh or the Egypt of Pharaoh's time turned from their idols to God. Instead, those who turned to God apparently left with the Israelites as part of the "mixed multitude" (Ex.12:38). |
| |
Where did Satan come from? |
|
|
|
Ezek 28:12
|
| |
This passage, Eze 28:12-19, speaks of the king of Tyre, but allegorically it speaks of Satan. Notice that he was created in perfection he was beautiful and walked in the garden of God until sin was found in him. This passage speaks of his creation, early life and his fall from perfection. Notice that it was his pride, self sufficiency, that cost him everything. |
| |
where was good hell b4 Abrahams bossom? |
|
|
|
Luke 16:19
|
| |
The answer is found in Luke 16:19ff. The "hell" there is literally "hades" defined as "the place of the unseen." Evidently hades consists of two compartments or parts, one of which is torment and the other one paradise. The events depicted in Luke 16:19ff took place while the Law of Moses (the Old Covenant) was still in effect. Thus, the righteous entered the same place as Lazarus did and the wicked entered the same place the rich man did when they died. This is how it has been from the beginning of creation. |
| |
Who did Cain marry to have children? |
|
|
|
Gen 6:4
|
| |
Dear Ostmarkgasse, Genesis 6:4 states that there are 'sons of God' and 'daughters of men.' Since angels are spiritual beings, they cannot procreate with humans, and are not the 'sons of God.' Therefore, these 'sons of God' could mean 'of Adam,' compared with the creation of man in Genesis 1:27, who would be the 'daughters of men.' If we insist that Genesis 1:27 speaks of Adam and Eve, indeed I can only guess that Cain married and unmentioned sister. (I don't favor this interpretation) |
| |
Are there angels before earth was formed |
|
|
|
Gen 1:1
|
| |
Angels were created before the creation of the world. Job 38:6-7 NASB "On what were its (i.e., earth's) bases sunk? Or who laid its cornerstone, When the morning stars sang together And all the sons of God shouted for joy?" "Sons of God" are angels. The phrase is used of angels in Job 38:7; Job 1:6; Gen. 6:2; and elsewhere in Scripture . . . This interpretation harmonizes with the fact that Satan, himself an angelic being, joined them on the occasion spoken of in Job 1:6. . . . Ryrie writes "The phrase 'sons of God' is used in the O.T. almost exclusively of angels." . . . (from the Ryrie Study Bible, Moody Press) |
| |
Explain million year old dinosaurs. |
|
|
|
Job
|
| |
The answer here is fairly simple. They are really not 1 million years old and the earth is not much more than 6,000-10,000 years old either. Now you say, "Prove it". This requires a lot of study. Fortunately a lot of very smart scientists have done it and continue to do so. I recommend you visit the Website of the Institute for Creation Research found at www.icr.org |
| |
God will not erase names of Christians. |
|
|
|
NT general
|
| |
Rev 3:5 "Book of Life." A divine journal records the names of all those whom God has chosen to save and who, therefore, are to possess eternal life ( Rev 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27,: 22:19; compare Dan 12:1; Luke 10:20). Under no circumstances will He erase those names . . . , as city officials often did of undesirable people on their roles. (MacArthur Study Bible, p. 1996)
. . . Phil 4:3. "Book of Life." In eternity past, God registered all the names of His elect in that book which identifies those inheritors of eternal life . . . (MacArthur Study Bible, p. 1828).
. . . When were our names written in the book of life? "From the foundation of the world." Before the first man was ever born, the names of the elect were written in the book of life.
. . . Rev 17:8 NASB
"The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and go to destruction. And those who dwell on the earth, whose name has not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, will wonder when they see the beast, that he was and is not and will come."
. . . 13:8 (NASB)
All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.
. . . "Lamb slain". The Lord Jesus who died to purchase the salvation of those whom God had chosen was fulfilling an eternal plan.
. . . "from the foundation of the world". According to God's eternal, electing purpose before creation, the death of Christ seals the redemption of the elect forever (compare Acts 2:23; 4:27, 28). Antichrist can never take away the salvation of the elect. The eternal registry of the elect will never be altered, nor will the saved in the Antichrist's day worship him. (MacArthur Study Bible, p. 2010) |
| |
Is God responsible for evil? |
|
|
|
Bible general Archive 1
|
| |
There is room for a wide range of interpretation on what is meant by the "sovereignty" of God -- particularly in the realm of the degree in which he chooses to exercise his power and authority; many great theologians more learned than I am have traced doctrines throughout the Scriptures on this, but I would like to make a few observations from Romans 8 and 9 that do much to resolve this without delving too deeply into the fray. First of all, Romans 8:28-30 declares that we can be confident of God overseeing all (as an entire synergistic whole) that enters the life of each one who loves him to his or her good. He specifically confirms that this is "because" he first foreknew those who would love him then predestined us to be conformed to the image of his son. It is this predestination (to conformity to Christ) of those whom he foreknew that he uses to sovereignly direct the overall entirety of what comes into our lives. In addition, those whom God thus predestines, he then calls, then justifies, then finally glorifies.
Another sense in which we see God exercising his sovereignty is in his endurance of "vessels of wrath prepared for destruction" as in Romans 9:22. One solid interpretation (among others) is that God knows that their end is destruction prior to their (or any of their ancestors') creation but(contrary to the human wisdom of many parents who exercise their power to terminate the life of an unwanted or imperfect pregnancy, or who might if they knew in advance that the child would be a criminal) God does not choose to exercise his sovereignty by refusing their existence. He allows them to be made, live, rebel, blaspheme any and all loving conviction of his Spirit, and finally go on to the "destruction" that they will and do thus bring upon themselves.
These examples of God's exercise of his divine sovereignty give partial indication of both his attitude toward evil (something to be temporarily endured and then destroyed) and his deliberate limitation of its ability to prevent the spiritual growth of his children. There is much more to say, but this is already a long posting. |
| |
BOOK OF LIFE |
|
|
|
NT general
|
| |
Rev 3:5 "Book of Life." A divine journal records the names of all those whom God has chosen to save and who, therefore, are to possess eternal life ( Rev 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27,: 22:19; compare Dan 12:1; Luke 10:20). Under no circumstances will He erase those names . . . , as city officials often did of undesirable people on their roles. (MacArthur Study Bible, p. 1996) . . . Phil 4:3. "Book of Life." In eternity past, God registered all the names of His elect in that book which identifies those inheritors of eternal life . . . (MacArthur Study Bible, p. 1828). . . . When were our names written in the book of life? "From the foundation of the world." Before the first man was ever born, the names of the elect were written in the book of life. . . . Rev 17:8 NASB "The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and go to destruction. And those who dwell on the earth, whose name has not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, will wonder when they see the beast, that he was and is not and will come." . . . 13:8 (NASB) All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain. . . . "Lamb slain". The Lord Jesus who died to purchase the salvation of those whom God had chosen was fulfilling an eternal plan. . . . "from the foundation of the world". According to God's eternal, electing purpose before creation, the death of Christ seals the redemption of the elect forever (compare Acts 2:23; 4:27, 28). Antichrist can never take away the salvation of the elect. The eternal registry of the elect will never be altered, nor will the saved in the Antichrist's day worship him. (MacArthur Study Bible, p. 2010) |
| |
How long did Adam and Eve live in Eden |
|
|
|
Genesis
|
| |
This is a long posting. I'm not sure that you read my posting, Seven, except for a few words here and there that seem to have offended you and hindered (or colored) your reading of the remainder. The question that I was answering dealt with how long Adam and Eve were in the garden. I said that we don't know for sure. My impression is that you automatically assume that virtually no time transpired simply because events are not described. This is possible but speculative.
I agree with your (possible) underlying concern that speculation about what is not there should never be used as a basis for doctrine or exposition; I noted this in my earlier posting. However, you seem to have gone beyond this in assuming that ONLY that which is explicitly stated could possibly have happened; in this you go too far. For reasons within God's all-knowing and sovereign nature, God has chosen to include some events while excluding the vast majority of human (and heavenly) events that happened from the beginning of creation until the completion of the canon (i.e. the Revelation of John). This is affirmed at the end of John's gospel (John 20:30-31; 21:25); there is much that has been left out. The events and timeframe of Adam and Eve's life together in the garden prior to Satan's possession of the serpent are left out of the Biblical account.
There is no benefit in defending my suggestions about possible (but completely speculative) children born BEFORE Adam ate of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil and what would have happened to them. Although I believe the ideas are easily defensible, they are irrelevant to the study of Scripture, since they are merely speculation. However, I do feel that I should address your apparent underlying assumptions that what is not there does -- by default -- not exist. For example, the vast majority of Bible scholars recognize Luke's and Matthew's genealogies to trace Jesus's lineage separately through Mary and Joseph, although Mary is not mentioned in either genealogy. The two genealogies trace Jesus through separate sons of King David all the way down to Jesus himself but agree prior to David; they are obviously not the same genealogy, so there is a question created. Furthermore, Matthew deliberately skips all generations prior to Abraham and many generations after that; yet we know that those generations really existed on both sides of Jesus's genealogy. Questions can make us feel pressed for answers, but not all of them have simple pat answers. The questions of 1) how long Adam and Eve were in the garden prior to the fall, and 2) what their lives and relationship(s) were like prior to the fall are left unanswered in the Scriptures. Any answers (either way) are fantasy and speculation and should be processed in this light. Opting for rejection of the possibility of anything not there is no less speculative than opting for the possibility of something more; it is simply tidier in that it generates less unanswered questions. |
| |
Calling, contrary to scripture? |
|
|
|
1 Tim 2:12
|
| |
"Women are not to assume the office of teacher in the church (see 1 Cor 14:34). Women may teach as long as they do not usurp the place of leadership and authority of men in the church. The injunction is based on the relationship of man and woman in the original creation (Gen. 2:18; 3:6)." (Ryrie Study Bible, 1976, 1978) |
| |
Questions for my Calvinists friends. |
|
|
|
Job 38:1
|
| |
In reply to: "Questions for my Calvinists friends."
. . . Re: your question 1. I'm not sure that there is an answer to your hypothetical question, "Why go to all the trouble of populating the world and wipe it out with a flood?" For that matter, why did God go to the trouble of creating a world of humankind when He knew that the vast majority of that creation would be lost and never see eternal life? This is the kind of "Why" question that is God's business and none of my business. I would not dare question God about WHY He does this or that? One thing we do know is that all God's acts are consistent with His Eternal nature. All God's acts are done in perfect justice and righteousness. And, like it or not, our finite minds cannot grasp all the ways of God.
. . . Nor does He owe us an explanation. Deuteronomy 29:29 (KJV) "The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law." What IS revealed is, not Calvinism, but a BIBLE doctrine of election. What is NOT revealed is questions that ask: if election were true, then why would God do this and why would God not do that?
. . . Re: your question 2. Heb 9:22 KVH "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission." Without shedding of blood is NO remission -- for neither the elect nor the non-elect nor the undecided. That is why Jesus had to die on the cross.
. . . Re: your question 3, Matt:19:24, Mark 10:25, Luke 18:25. Q: "Why would it be harder for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven?" A: It is more difficult because a rich person seldom senses his personal need for salvation as readily as a poorer man does.
. . . (Compare, for example, the conversion rate in the mud hut villages of Zambia, Africa with those of Marin County, California, Beverly Hills, California or Jupiter Beach and Jupiter Island, Florida. This may or may not be an apt comment on the above question or answer. However, it remains a fact that it IS more difficult for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven; and it is a fact for the reason given, i.e., because a rich person seldom senses his personal need for salvation as readily as a poorer man does.)
. . . Now I have given sincere, if not lengthy, answers to your original 3 questions. I'm not trying to win a battle of wits; I merely seek to answer your questions as they were asked.
. . . (More to come) |
| |
(still) God created evil? |
|
|
|
Genesis
|
| |
No you dont seem to have it quite yet !OK you have a good analogy there. lets start at the top. computor manufacturer Mr G decides to make a self thinking computor.So th is giant trains the best people, knowing one day they can at any time go out on ther own but he lets them in on all the top secret stuff and raises them up to be big heads of departments Mr s. But Mr s wants the whole show and rebelion starts and Mr G says get lost this is my baby. So Mr s takes a thrird of the workers all high up and highly trained persons. So Mr G makes millions of those self thinking computors they are all programed with the same basic program .a virus is put out by the competetor Mr s, who used to work for the giant because he tried to take over the corporation he was a very smart and knowledgablehe knew all the corporation ways and how every computor would react. each an individual computor. Mr G knew Mr s would start a rival corporation and send out viruses to corupt the files in these computors. Mr s got to them all even the ones in the office of Mr G so he had to get them out before they corrupted any other files or the main frame as they were not connected to that yet.so out they went and had to think for them selves guards were placed on the doors just in case they tried to get back in.Mr G watched on and wept as he saw the viruses change his creation to something so hiddius and aweful he couldnt watch any more.Something had to be done . Mr G had a son he loved so much so he said i will make my son a computor Mr J and put an anti virus pack and a modem to the mainframe so who ever connects to him will will recieve an new anti virus program and program it so that the real anti virus would be installed after the computors had restarted.Mr s was waiting for this new species of computor when it was released he bombarded it with as much spam as he could but the anti virus program worked wonderfully and he connected with a few and they recieved the new programs then Mr s got real mad and got the most infected computors and programed them to destroy this new breed of computor starting with Mr J. but Mr s hadnt realised that Mr J had net worked. so as it came to pass Mr s turned Mr J off and threw him back to Mr G who in turn took his son in and turned him back on with new parts installed and a net work and modem still in operation he then sent his son back out to tell all that there is a way to fix your selves by getting this modem so that they could recieve updates and hot fixes and work like they should with speed and efficency many recieved this modem and were different computors each day they connected with auto update but many couldnt see past their key boards and stayed infected to different degrees of corruption. it was their choice and they chose not to update.Will you make that choice?------ you see if Mr G hadnt of trained Mr s knowing that this might happen , well knowing that a person who has trust will give their best in all things but trust had to be given first same as Love we reap what we sow and what has God sown for us all ? Bless your reading |
| |
Violence by force? Matt 11:12 |
|
|
|
Matt 11:12
|
| |
I think it has more to do with spiritual warfare than anything else. For too long, Satan has been distracting us from God, distracting our praise and love from our Focus. God seems to be saying in the form of Jesus "OK Satan, you've had your fun with my creation, drawing them away from me, pressing them further into sin, now with my Son shedding His blood for them, I'm taking them back!"
We know that we must suffer and die for the cause of Jesus (Matthew 10:39), and our suffering allows us to truly appreciate what Jesus did for us and by strengthening our faith further (ie, Job). The forcefulness comes from our professing our faith and love to Christ while striving to be more like Him. By doing that, we are hitting Satan hard, and he would like to have nothing better than to destroy us. Our picking up the armor of God with the Word as our sword serves as a notice to Satan that we will fight him and that we have already been guaranteed the victory.
Hope that helps. I'd like to hear other comments, too. |
| |
why did God create the world |
|
|
|
Gen 1:1
|
| |
Xapis has a great response, but I'd like to add one more observation in reply. Your comment, "...look at all the suffering and evil that would have been avoided" had He not created the world only scratches the surface. What I mean is "look at all the LOVE that would NOT have been demonstrated" had He not created the world. You see, I can appreciate your question of "why" after you point out that the omnipotent God "knew all the suffering, pain, and evil that would happen in the world." While at first, that may appear to contradict God's other characteristics of "loving and merciful," it really doesn't because it's only part of the picture. I agree He "knew" of the suffering, pain, and evil WE'd have to endure and that WE even cause (after all, we all have sinned in one way or another during our lives) but what amazes me all the more is that He also "knew" the suffering, pain, and evil HE'd have to endure at the hands of His own creation. Jesus willingly submitted to the cross, the nails were driven in, and the death caused by mankind--His creation--because of His love for His creation. Your observation is revealed and answered in the simple quote: 1 John 4:19 We love, because He first loved us. (See also 1 John 4:10) That's why I love Him all the more! |
| |
How can we influence who is saved? |
|
|
|
1 Pet 2:9
|
| |
Forgiveness and mercy are available free. But we must recieve it.God gives salvation free.This is preordained.He knows. Superceding this is the free will God created in us. We are preordained to be saved not condenmed.All are created for His fellowship and pleasure.Otherwise creation and teachings of Jesus in Gospels seem invalid.But anyone can walk out of this,which is not preordaind. |
| |
where do blacks come from? |
|
|
|
Bible general Archive 1
|
| |
We are all descended from Noah and his sons, at least on the male side. We don't know the skin color of Noah, his wife, his sons or his sons' wives. The Bible is loudly silent with regard to any importance whatsoever being placed upon general skin color. (The only references that I'm aware of deal with leprosy or other skin conditions, not the skin's natural melanin content.)
The only divisions (so far as I know) that God touches on (other than gender, which is related to completion, fellowship and procreation) in the Scriptures are related to language, genealogy, and beliefs -- with no general distinctions made based on skin color. Furthermore, Biblical Christianity requires a loving transcendence even of these distinctions -- EXCEPT BELIEF.
Faith alone determines our salvation and joint (not individual) adoption into Christ's family as his brothers, sisters and heirs. There are brothers and sisters "from every tongue and tribe and nation" worshipping eternally at the throne of God. |
| |
Blood sacrifices during the Millenium? |
|
|
|
Not Specified
|
| |
I recently sat under the teaching of a DD, who stated that there would be blood sacrifices, by Christians, during the Millenium. He said there would be no other way the point the unsaved offspring of the Christians to the Cross of Jesus.
I believe that we will reign with Christ over the remainder of humanity. We will have glorified bodies, with out aging, death and sin, no sexual desires or pro-creation. Further, I believe that there will never again be blood sacrifices for the remission of sin, not even for a remerance, like communion.
Please show me where to search out scripture to refute this DD. |
| |
Blood sacrifices during the Millenium? |
|
|
|
Heb 10:12
|
| |
I recently sat under the teaching of a DD, who stated that there would be blood sacrifices, by Christians, during the Millenium. He said there would be no other way the point the unsaved offspring of the Christians to the Cross of Jesus.
I believe that we will reign with Christ over the remainder of humanity. We will have glorified bodies, with out aging, death and sin, no sexual desires or pro-creation. Further, I believe that there will never again be blood sacrifices for the remission of sin, not even for a remerance, like communion.
Please show me where to search out scripture to refute this DD. |
| |
Blood sacrifices during the Millenium? |
|
|
|
Heb 10:12
|
| |
Dear Nrojac, Hebrews 10:12 states, " but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God," This is said in other ways throughout the New Testament. For anyone to negate this teaching, it would seem the burden of proof is upon the one proposing it. I can find no reference to reinstatement of blood sacrifices, and have no reason to believe God is going to send 'Christian offspring' to hell. In Jesus
|
| |
Preordained free will? |
|
|
|
1 Pet 2:9
|
| |
R. C. Sproul quote: "There are aspects of God's own nature that remain shrouded in mystery. How He governs His creation by a soverign will that works through human agents without destroying their volition or responsibility is one."
John Calvin quote: "Now the reason why the LORD treats some mercifully and exercises the rigour of His judgement towards others we must leave to be known by him alone, for He, with very good intentions, has wished that it should be hidden from us all. The course insensitivity of our mind would not be able to bear such a great light; nor would our smallness be able to understand such great wisdom."
I have had a easier time when confronted with what seems to be contradiction by accepting the mystery. Deuteronomy 29:29 says it well ! |
| |
The Trinity. |
|
|
|
John 1:1
|
| |
This is very easy; No problem. He is the Father in Creation, He is the Son in Redemption, and He is the Holy Spirit in the Chruch. In the book of Revelation the first chpt and v8 he said I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end. John 1:1 In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God. Also Isaiah 44:6 He said I am the first and the last, besides me theirs no other God. St.John the first chpt. explain that Jesus Christ was the Word. and the 14th verse said the Word became flesh and dwelled among us. Matt. 1:23 He is call Emmanuel means God with us. God is one Spirit being, manifested in three beings, He is the Father with is in heaven, and son in the earth, and the Holy Spirit in the Church which is his present. I you have any more questions. contact me at:
ministerhudson@hotmail.com. Here's a website you can use
www.blueletterbible.org
May the Lord bless you with the knowledge and understanding of his Word. |
| |
Is Jesus God? |
|
|
|
John 1:1
|
| |
Matt.1:23 Emmanuel means (God with us)
John 1:1 (If the Word was God) John 1:14 said the Word became flesh and dwelled among us. Which is evident that Jesus is God manifested in the flesh, simple because the Word became flesh and dwelled with us in the earth. Revelation 1:8 He said I am the Alpha and Omega. Alpha translation is first or beginning and Omega translation is last or end. That was Jesus Christ speaking to John the revelator on the isle of patmos. That scripture coincide with Isaiah 44:6 I am the first and the last besides be there no other.
God did come in this earth as Jesus the Christ but by law he had to be a son of God, although he was God. Which means he had to have a body to dwell in while he was here legally in earth. Anyone in the earth including animals, and insects has to line up with the word of creation.
You just can't have a spirit and live on earth. The devil had to use the serpent body and brought
sin and God use Jesus body and brought redemption
but both had to live in this earth and used a phyical form whether amimanls or a man. Here's some reference scriptures: John 1:1-5,1:10,1:14; Rev.1:8; Is. 44:6, 7:14,8:8 is Immanuel and Matt.2:23 is Emmanuel. He is the father in Creation, the Son in Redemption, and the Holy Spirit in Church. Remember this in your teachings if you do not have the Spirit of God, then you will not, can not, nor see the kingdom of heaven or know things of God. Fools hate knowledge ICr.2:12 you are correct with that one scripture and thats all you need to show any one, if they don't receive you then they rejected the one who sent you. Besides some people are stuck in denial. My email is ministerhudson@hotmail.com contact me if you have any queistons.
here's a website address www.blueletterbible.com
|
| |
Nephilim Humans? |
|
|
|
Gen 6:4
|
| |
Dear Brent Douglass (not your name :-), Actually, I don't believe that the Nephilim were angels. Before I go into that, though, why is it bad hermeneutics, to say that if one 'created spiritual being' (angel) can procreate with humans, then another 'created spiritual being' of the same type (demon, fallen angel) can, too? This is all based an a theory I don't believe anyway, but as a hypothetical, both should have the same basic capabilities. After all, we are not told that the demons were neutered before they were cast down. In fact, this is the point of my question: Many Christians ascribe to Satan and his minions power they do not have! Satan is the 'prince of lies,' and many good Christians believe those lies. In addition, we have 'Rosemary's Baby' and 'Omen'-type movies that are accepted as the way things are. (Sadly, many uninformed or misinformed Christians believe in Hollywood) Well, the Bible does not say that that is the way things are.
Friend, you are absulutely correct, the most logical idea is that they were 'big guys,' but human. Often, however, logic is chucked in favor of the sensational.
In the area of speculation, how about that the Nephilim were the 'sons of God' in the sense that they were of Adam and Eve, as compared to 'daughters of men' who were not of Adam and Eve? The idea has some merit, but would be heretical to 'absolutists' that say that all mankind had to come from Adam and Eve. 'Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."' Genesis 1:26 NASB tells of the creation of man, human beings, but not God's chosen race. Then "Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being."
Genesis 2:7 NASB could speak of a spiritually 'living being' that was 'special,' God's chosen race. This would explain many of the 'complications' involved inexplaining the various races and who Adam's children married, etc. This speculation is at least as good as some of the other theories portrayed as 'absolute truth.'
In any case, my friend, it is speculation, just as you said.
Thanks for a good, insightful answer. Blessings to you in Christ Jesus. charis |
| |
Spiritual beings procreate? |
|
|
|
Gen 6:4
|
| |
Dear inhzsvc, Let me first state that I really liked your answer. Well thought out and presented, but not 'case closed.' As I stated in my above and below postings, I have not set this 'speculation' into my theology or doctrine. I merely state that this would answer a few pertinent questions which have not been fully answered for millennia. To call it heresy would mean that I attach it as a bulwark to my faith, which I do not. Nor do I continue to dwell on it as an 'answer to mystery.' Indeed Genesis 3:20 uses the same word for living as Genesis 2:7, so it isn't conclusive, though a very good point.
I guess the point I am trying to make is that spiritual beings being capable of procreation with humans is exactly where the extremist Charismatics, exorcists, and 'healing ministries' base their premises. Fortunately, I live in Japan, and we don't get all the wonderful 'Christian TV' that you fellows enjoy :-) I have never heard of 'raping demons' until today, but I know where it came from. I still do not see conclusive evidence that spiritual created beings are capable of relations with humans, nor do I see any evidence that they had at one time, but now cannot.
As to the 'proprietary' nature of Adam and Eve, I have never stated that I do NOT believe them to be the first human beings, I simply state that this has been an area of confusion to many for a long time. Dogma never saved anyone, but the love of Christ Jesus does every day.
Blessings in His name, charis |
| |
Who moved the Sabbath to Sun.? |
|
|
|
Col 2:16
|
| |
The 7th day Sabbath is a part of the 10 commandments. It points to God has our creator. The claim that we no longer have to observe it is nonsense. Christ himself observed it. He said He was Lord of the Sabbath. The Apostles kept it long after Jesus death and ressurection. And it is still binding today. God never changes, no shadow of turning. It is in the heart of His royal law, the foundation of His government in heaven and on earth. Read the book of James concerning breaking just one of the commandments, we become guilty of them all. As far as the day of the week. Look at your calander what day is the first day of the week? Sunday. what day is the 7th day of the week. Saturday. God created the sabbath day at creation. As a day of rest for man. To honor and worship the creator. The Sabbath was made for man not man for the Sabbath.
Don't we all think that God knows what is best for us. |
| |
How can we assist our youth? |
|
|
|
Bible general Archive 1
|
| |
Dear Brent, I am mother of three (23,22, and 14) and a grandmother of two. Having been in the military and a traveling nurse we have been to many churchs. I hope I will be able to give some suggestion that will be helpful.
First - I believe that the most important thing is to pray for youth leaders who will meet the teens at their level and be accepting of them the way they are - no matter how they dress, how much jewelry they wear, what color their hair is or whether it is neatly combed or standing up in spikes. Jesus never cared how someone looked and neither should we. Youth today are seeking love and acceptance. Many don't get either of these at home unfortunitly. The need of these things often is what leads them to gangs and drugs. The church has to be able to meet those needs. Youth leaders have to be able to sincerly care for them and love them. No one can recognize a false front as fast as a teen. They also have to know that they CAN TRUST the leader. That no matter what problem they have they can go to the leader and talk about anything and it will be kept in strict confidence. Usually kids go to friends for advice because they have no one they can trust - wouldn't it be much better if they had someone they could trust that would give them Godly advice?
2nd - You have to make the teens feel a part of the church. They need to be needed. Let them do nursery duty (we always have one teen and one adult), let them usher - (I have seen some 8 and 9 year olds usher better than adults), let them help teach the little ones, let them read the scripture sometimes or say the prayers. Every 5th Sunday of the month we have Youth Sunday. The youth plan the service (with an adult to oversee), pick the speaker, do the praise and worship and run the service. You will be amazed at what they are capable of.
3rd - You have to make church and bible study interesting to them. They have to be able to relate to the sermon or teaching. Nothing can turn my kids off of a church faster than not being able to understand or relate to what is being said.
4th - You have to give them music they enjoy, that will keep them coming back. I like some of the old hymns but very, very few youth do. They want to hear rock or rap or gospel. I used to hate rock but I have learned to enyoy it - still don't like alternative though. :o).
5th - You said you wanted to get ideas for church, bible study and youth activites. The best thing is to ASK THEM. They know what they like, what they enjoy. Let them plan their activites. Let them do the fund raisers. Teach them to be responsible. Then support them in whatever they decide whether it be a concert (just take some earplugs and go), skating, a street dance, a lock-in (a big slumber party at the church), or a camping trip. There are many 2-3 day long music festivals during the summer such as Creation or Sunshine. Pick the closest one and suggest a short trip. One thing our church did was to have youth "vs" adult forums where youth could voice their concerns and there not be any repurcussions afterward. The parents never heard what was said. Also do it vice versa where the parents can voice their concerns and the youth have to respond to those concerns.
You also mentioned young adults. They need the same things plus more, especially single parents.
One of the main problems I experienced as a single parent is that my sons had no one they could go to for fatherly advice and guidance. No role model. This is a very big problem of today. I think that for every one parent family where the father has no involvement or negative involvement the church should step in and fill this very important role. If it is a single mom then some man from the church needs to step in and spend time with the children. If it is a single father then a woman needs to step in and spend time with the children. Something similar to the big brother/big sister idea. There must be consistance though. There are lots of other needs for a single parent but that is another issue.
I don't remember who said it but they said the youth of today WILL be our leaders of tomorrow. Teach them to care, to listen, to be responsible. Many unfortunetly don't get these lessons at home anymore. I hope this has helped you because our youth are the most important thing in the church. |
| |
| To See More, Click Here... |
|
|
