Author Topic: Let's Study The Holy Bible (Read 31439 times)

lawrence · « **Reply #240 on:** March 11, 2010, 02:55:12 AM »

NO. that's what we call BLIND OBEDIENCE.

Lorenzo · « **Reply #241 on:** March 11, 2010, 02:57:06 AM »

(In the Original Greek)

Îµá¼°Î¼Î¯ Î´Î Ï€Î¯ÏƒÏ„Î¹Ï‚ á¼Î»Ï€Î¯Î¶Ï‰ á½‘Ï€ÏŒÏƒÏ„Î±ÏƒÎ¹Ï‚ Ï€Ïá¾¶Î³Î¼Î± á¼”Î»ÎµÎ³Ï‡Î¿Ï‚ Î¿á½ Î²Î»ÎÏ€Ï‰
(Hebrews 11:1 )

(In The Original Latin)

est autem fides sperandorum substantia rerum argumentum non parentum
Hebrews 11:1

(In Cebuano Bisaya)
Karon ang pagtoo mao ang pasalig kanato sa mga butang nga atong ginapaabut, ug ang panghimatuod sa pagkaanaa sa mga butang nga dili nato makita.
Hebrews 11:1

Lorenzo · « **Reply #242 on:** March 11, 2010, 03:02:03 AM »

On the contrary. There is nothing 'Blind' about Faith.

Let's get back to Scripture Study.

Lorenzo · « **Reply #243 on:** March 11, 2010, 01:22:26 PM »

Brothers and Sisters,

I want to bring up to you all the beautiful Parable of the Wheat and the Tares (Weeds). Let's Read it shall we.

Matthew 13:24-30
24 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: â€œThe kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. 26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. 27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, â€˜Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?â€™ 28 He said to them, â€˜An enemy has done this.â€™ The servants said to him, â€˜Do you want us then to go and gather them up?â€™ 29 But he said, â€˜No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, â€œFirst gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but xgather the wheat into my barn.â€

~~

THE PARABLE EXPLAINED

A. IN ANSWER TO THE DISCIPLES' REQUEST, JESUS IDENTIFIES...
1. THE SOWER - "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man"
a. I.e., Christ, who in His preaching went about proclaiming
the gospel of the kingdom - cf. Mt 4:23
b. Who is identified in Daniel's vision as one who received a
kingdom - Dan 7:13-14
c. Who after His ascension claimed to have received such
authority - Re 2:26-27; 3:21
2. THE FIELD - "The field is the world"
a. Into which the Son of Man came to sow the seed
b. Over which the Son of Man now exercises His authority,
i.e., His kingship - cf. Mt 28:18; 1Pe 3:22; Re 1:5
3. THE GOOD SEED (WHEAT) - "The good seeds are the sons of the
kingdom"
a. Those who gladly own Jesus as their Lord and King,
submitting to Him freely
b. I.e., His disciples, who observe all that He commands - cf.
Mt 28:19-20
c. When we compare this with "The Parable Of The Sower", we
come up with slightly mixed metaphors...
1) The disciples are those who constitute the "good soil",
in which the seed has been sown (The Parable Of The
Sower)
2) But in The Parable Of The Wheat And Tares, the disciples
are the "good seed" themselves
d. Thus, when one receives the "seed" of the kingdom (the Word
of God), they become "good seed" (a son of the kingdom)
4. THE TARES - "The tares are the sons of the wicked one"
a. Those later defined as they that..
1) Offend
2) Practice lawlessness - cf. Mt 13:41
b. Though within the realm of the Lord's reign (for the Lord
will later gather them out of His kingdom), they clearly
are not submitting to the Lord's authority!
c. Their actions reveal that they are really "sons of the
wicked one"!
5. THE ENEMY - "The enemy who sowed them is the devil"
a. Who tried to tempt Christ and failed - cf. Mt 4:1-11
b. Who now tries to destroy the efforts of Christ to save
souls and enlarge the influence of His kingly rule
6. THE HARVEST - "The harvest is the end of the age"
a. That "age" in which...
1) The gospel of the kingdom is being preached
2) People who receive the gospel can become the "sons of
the kingdom"
-- I.e., the present gospel dispensation - cf. Col 1:13;
Re 1:9
b. An "age" that will end with a great "harvest", identified
elsewhere as the glorious coming and appearance of our Lord
- cf. Mt 26:31-32; 1Ti 6:14-15
7. THE REAPERS - "The reapers are the angels"
a. Angels will accompany Christ when He comes again - 2Th 1:
7-9
b. They will separate the wicked from among the just - cf. Mt
13:49

B. JESUS STRESSES THE MAIN POINTS OF THE PARABLE...
1. In verse 40...
a. The problem of the "tares" will not be fully addressed
until the "harvest"
b. This is done out of consideration for the "good seed" (cf.
Mt 13:29)
2. In verse 41...
a. It is at the end of the age that the Son of Man will
finally resolve this problem
b. With His angels He will "gather out of His kingdom all
things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness"
(i.e., the sons of the wicked one)
3. In verse 42...
a. Those so gathered out of His kingdom will properly dealt
with!
b. Cast into "the furnace of fire", where there will be
"wailing and gnashing of teeth!"
4. In verse 43...
a. The blessedness of the "righteous" (the good seed, the sons
of the kingdom) is described
b. After the harvest they will "shine forth as the sun in the
kingdom of their Father"!

[Jesus ends His explanation of the parable with the same admonition
that followed the telling of The Parable Of The Sower:

"He who has ears to hear, let him hear" - Mt 13:9

D. ONE MAY BE IN THE KINGDOM NOW, BUT NOT IN THE FUTURE!
1. Note that the angels will gather certain ones "out of His
kingdom - Mt 13:41
2. Those ones who were "in the kingdom" are then "cast into the
furnace" - Mt 13:42
3. Who would these be?
a. Those who "offend" (cause others to stumble)
1) Against which Jesus warned His disciples - Mt 18:6-7
2) Against which Paul warned the Christians at Corinth and
Rome - 1Co 8:11-13; 10:31-11:1; Ro 16:17-18 (cf. 14:13,
19-21)
b. Those who "practice lawlessness" (do things without
authority)
1) Remember the warnings of Jesus and John - Mt 7:21-23;
2Jn 9
2) The way to avoid lawlessness is given in Col 3:17
4. Because of the very real danger of not "entering our heavenly
rest", we find warnings to persevere - cf. He 3:12-14; 4:1-2,
11

E. A PLACE OF PUNISHMENT IS THE REWARD OF THE WICKED!
1. We saw where those "that offend" and who "practice
lawlessness" would...
a. Be cast into the "furnace of fire"
b. Experience "wailing and gnashing of teeth"
2. This punishment of the wicked is a recurring theme in several
of the parables...
a. The Parable Of The Dragnet - cf. Mt 13:49-50
b. The Parable Of The Unforgiving Servant - cf. Mt 18:34-35
3. And as described in the Judgment Scene, Jesus talks of a place
prepared for the wicked - cf. Mt 25:41, 45-46
4. Thus a proper proclamation of the gospel of the kingdom must
of necessity include a warning to those who do not receive the
kingdom!

CONCLUSION

1. Indeed, this very parable is a warning to all not to allow
themselves to be influenced by the wicked one!
a. As Peter wrote, our adversary is very much seeking to destroy us!
- 1Pe 5:8
b. But if we can allow the word of God to abide in us, we can
overcome the wicked one - cf. 1Jn 2:14

2. We learn from this parable, then, that the kingdom of heaven...
a. Will spread as people become "sons of the kingdom" (by heeding
the Son of Man)
b. Will not preclude the efforts and influence of the devil (so
expect to see some "tares")
c. Though inaugurated with the Son of Man's first coming (especially
with His ascension to the right hand of God and the outpouring of
the Spirit on the day of Pentecost - Acts 2), the kingdom of
heaven will not be fully culminated until...
1) The Son of Man returns with His angels
2) He gathers all things out of His kingdom that offend and
practice lawlessness
3) And delivers the kingdom to God (cf. 1Co 15:24)

3. At that time...
a. We will have an abundant entrance "into the everlasting kingdom
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" - cf. 2Pe 1:11
b. "Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of
their Father" - Mt 13:43

"He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"

lgbluer · « **Reply #244 on:** March 12, 2010, 10:43:15 AM »

thanks for the words for the day...,

lawrence · « **Reply #245 on:** March 12, 2010, 11:42:23 PM »

wow. this is a good study. if we can't explain, let's move on to the next topic.

by the way, is it your own understanding that is being discussed in this study or other people's understanding?

Lorenzo · « **Reply #246 on:** March 13, 2010, 12:19:16 AM »

The Book of Maccabees was found in the earliest versions of the Holy Bible as seen in Codex Vaticanus, which was printed and compiled in the early 4th century as well as in the Septuagint, for those that do not know what the Septuagint is, it is the Bible that was written in the original Greek.

It is essential for us, Christians who read Scripture and aware of the chronology of Scripture, that the language of the day during the early Church was Greek. Greek at the time was the acceptable written form, even the Romans, who then ruled what was the Mediterranean world, utilized the Greek writing and language to communicate with the people whom they controlled; namely the region of Judea, Egypt, as well as Asia Minor; namely because Greek was the language of trade in that region of the world.

One can see this in that the Book of Corinthians, Thessalonians, which are specific books in the New Testament, which were sermoned in what was known as Corinth and Thessalonikki, which are Greek states. Much of the early gentiles that converted to Christianity due to the proliferation of the Faith by the Apostles and Disciples were inadvertently Greek, Jews, Romans, and slaves. Much of the early church were composed of Greeks, and the life and accounts of Apostle Paul implicates and illustrates this. If one reads thoroughly New Testament, one can see this.

The English Version of the New Testament, particularly the generalized ones, do not completely emphasize the message, or inadvertenly over simplify it. Let alone that the King James Version follows the implementation of Martin Luther and removed over 7 books of the Original Holy Bible. That is why one cannot find the Book of Maccabees in Protestant Versions. Martin Luther removed these books because they legitimized the Catholic Authority and if he kept it, it would have undermined the cause to split form Ecclesiastia Catholica. So, he removed it. Even specific verses in The Book of James that stress the notion of Good Works and Salvation. As Christians and as Bible Reading Christians, we have to know the full message of The Gospel of Christ. If we limit ourselves by reading an oversimplified version, then Truth is limited and hampered. Namely because these books solidify and defend the institutions of the Sacraments and the Catholic Doctrine of the existence of Purgatory.

This is why when I study the Holy Bible, I read from the Original Holy Bible. The Roman Catholic Bible. The Complete Form.
I Highly Emphazie the importance of reading a CATHOLIC BIBLE. The COMPLETE Form. The TRUTH.

I answered the question you had, as well as tried my best to point out the specific biblical passages that supports the Catholic Church's Doctrine of the existence of Purgatory. It is given to you. It is given to all of us.

It is only emphasized that we be aware of the original translation and be sensitive to the different wordings in proliferation gand spreading the Word of God. Because in my opinion, just because there are alterations in some phrases, this does not hamper the Blessed Message, which is the GOOD NEWS. The Gospel of Christ which the Church has continuoulsy defended and proliferated since its inception in Pentecost.

Discussion stands. Know that your question was answered. It is not my responsibility that you believe or not, it is merely the brotherly love that we have for one another that the Good News be Spread. As it is said.

Faith comes to those and those who are blessed to see what the eyes cannot see.
He who has ears ought to hear.

John 8:32
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Lorenzo · « **Reply #247 on:** March 13, 2010, 12:22:32 AM »

Lawrence, your questions were answered. But if you do not believe, there is no point in discussing with you.
If you do not have faith, then there is no point.

Faith is not blind, Faith is a blessing from God.
Faith speaks when the heart is full of Blessing from the Lord God.
Faith Sees what the Eyes Cannot See.
Faith Sees and Manifests the Presence of the Holy Spirit of God.

God Bless You.

Lorenzo · « **Reply #248 on:** March 13, 2010, 12:38:13 AM »

A State After Death of Suffering and Forgiveness: Purgatory

Some specific bible verses that point to this state.

Matt. 5:26,18:34; Luke 12:58-59 â€“ Jesus teaches us, â€œCome to terms with your opponent or you will be handed over to the judge and thrown into prison. You will not get out until you have paid the last penny.â€ The word â€œopponentâ€ (antidiko) is likely a reference to the devil (see the same word for devil in 1 Pet. 5:8 ) who is an accuser against man (c.f. Job 1.6-12; Zech. 3.1; Rev. 12.10), and God is the judge. If we have not adequately dealt with satan and sin in this life, we will be held in a temporary state called a prison, and we wonâ€™t get out until we have satisfied our entire debt to God. This â€œprisonâ€ is purgatory where we will not get out until the last penny is paid.

Matt. 5:48 - Jesus says, "be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect." We are only made perfect through purification, and in Catholic teaching, this purification, if not completed on earth, is continued in a transitional state we call purgatory.

Matt. 12:32 â€“ Jesus says, â€œAnd anyone who says a word against the Son of man will be forgiven; but no one who speaks against the Holy Spirit will be forgiven either in this world or in the next.â€ Jesus thus clearly provides that there is forgiveness after death. The phrase â€œin the nextâ€ (from the Greek â€œen to mellontiâ€) generally refers to the afterlife (see, for example, Mark 10.30; Luke 18.30; 20.34-35; Eph. 1.21 for similar language). Forgiveness is not necessary in heaven, and there is no forgiveness in hell. This proves that there is another state after death, and the Church for 2,000 years has called this state purgatory.

Luke 12:47-48 - when the Master comes (at the end of time), some will receive light or heavy beatings but will live. This state is not heaven or hell, because in heaven there are no beatings, and in hell we will no longer live with the Master.

Luke 16:19-31 - in this story, we see that the dead rich man is suffering but still feels compassion for his brothers and wants to warn them of his place of suffering. But there is no suffering in heaven or compassion in hell because compassion is a grace from God and those in hell are deprived from God's graces for all eternity. So where is the rich man? He is in purgatory.

1 Cor. 15:29-30 - Paul mentions people being baptized on behalf of the dead, in the context of atoning for their sins (people are baptized on the deadâ€™s behalf so the dead can be raised). These people cannot be in heaven because they are still with sin, but they also cannot be in hell because their sins can no longer be atoned for. They are in purgatory. These verses directly correspond to 2 Macc. 12:44-45 which also shows specific prayers for the dead, so that they may be forgiven of their sin.

Phil. 2:10 - every knee bends to Jesus, in heaven, on earth, and "under the earth" which is the realm of the righteous dead, or purgatory.

2 Tim. 1:16-18 - Onesiphorus is dead but Paul asks for mercy on him â€œon that day.â€ Paulâ€™s use of â€œthat dayâ€ demonstrates its eschatological usage (see, for example, Rom. 2.5,16; 1 Cor. 1.8; 3.13; 5.5; 2 Cor. 1.14; Phil. 1.6,10; 2.16; 1 Thess. 5.2,4,5,8; 2 Thess. 2.2,3; 2 Tim. 4.8 ). Of course, there is no need for mercy in heaven, and there is no mercy given in hell. Where is Onesiphorus? He is in purgatory.

Heb. 12:14 - without holiness no one will see the Lord. We need final sanctification to attain true holiness before God, and this process occurs during our lives and, if not completed during our lives, in the transitional state of purgatory.

Heb. 12:23 - the spirits of just men who died in godliness are "made" perfect. They do not necessarily arrive perfect. They are made perfect after their death. But those in heaven are already perfect, and those in hell can no longer be made perfect. These spirits are in purgatory.

1 Peter 3:19; 4:6 - Jesus preached to the spirits in the "prison." These are the righteous souls being purified for the beatific vision.

Rev. 21:4 - God shall wipe away their tears, and there will be no mourning or pain, but only after the coming of the new heaven and the passing away of the current heaven and earth. Note the elimination of tears and pain only occurs at the end of time. But there is no morning or pain in heaven, and God will not wipe away their tears in hell. These are the souls experiencing purgatory.

Rev. 21:27 - nothing unclean shall enter heaven. The word â€œuncleanâ€ comes from the Greek word â€œkoinonâ€ which refers to a spiritual corruption. Even the propensity to sin is spiritually corrupt, or considered unclean, and must be purified before entering heaven. It is amazing how many Protestants do not want to believe in purgatory. Purgatory exists because of the mercy of God. If there were no purgatory, this would also likely mean no salvation for most people. God is merciful indeed.

Luke 23:43 â€“ many Protestants argue that, because Jesus sent the good thief right to heaven, there can be no purgatory. There are several rebuttals. First, when Jesus uses the word "paradise,â€ He did not mean heaven. Paradise, from the Hebrew "sheol," meant the realm of the righteous dead. This was the place of the dead who were destined for heaven, but who were captive until the Lord's resurrection. Second, since there was no punctuation in the original manuscript, Jesusâ€™ statement â€œI say to you today you will be with me in paradiseâ€ does not mean there was a comma after the first word â€œyou.â€ This means Jesus could have said, â€œI say to you today, you will be with me in paradiseâ€ (meaning, Jesus could have emphasized with exclamation his statement was â€œtodayâ€ or â€œnow,â€ and that some time in the future the good thief would go to heaven). Third, even if the thief went straight to heaven, this does not prove there is no purgatory (those who are fully sanctified in this life â€“ perhaps by a bloody and repentant death â€“ could be ready for admission in to heaven).

Gen. 50:10; Num. 20:29; Deut. 34:8 - here are some examples of ritual prayer and penitent mourning for the dead for specific periods of time. The Jewish understanding of these practices was that the prayers freed the souls from their painful state of purification, and expedited their journey to God.

Baruch 3:4 - Baruch asks the Lord to hear the prayers of the dead of Israel. Prayers for the dead are unnecessary in heaven and unnecessary in hell. These dead are in purgatory.

Zech. 9:11 - God, through the blood of His covenant, will set those free from the waterless pit, a spiritual abode of suffering which the Church calls purgatory.

2 Macc. 12:43-45 - the prayers for the dead help free them from sin and help them to the reward of heaven. Those in heaven have no sin, and those in hell can no longer be freed from sin. They are in purgatory. Luther was particularly troubled with these verses because he rejected the age-old teaching of purgatory. As a result, he removed Maccabees from the canon of the Bible.

Lorenzo · « **Reply #249 on:** March 13, 2010, 02:58:58 AM »

This discussion of faith is quite beautiful actually. It proves to us, brothers and sisters, that we should not have to put lip service and or prove ourselves to the thoughts of men. But prove our worthiness only to the ONE who matters and not be a self seeking, self reighteous pharaiscal individual. Hypocrisy, as they say.

To God ALONE be Honor, Praise, and Majesty. To God alone should we prove ourselves to. And never, ever, to the eyes of man. For it is the LORD YOUR GOD, who has power to Save and Destroy.

~~~

Again, it is the beauty and mystery of FAITH.
Amen, my brothers and sisters. Amen!

Lorenzo · « **Reply #250 on:** March 13, 2010, 03:06:15 AM »

The topic of Faith refers back to the Wisdom of God. Wisdom comes from God. As Faith is a gift we choose to accept that is the very essence and umbilical cord that connects us, as Christian brothers and sisters, to one another to our Sovereign King, Jesus Christ, who sits on the Right Hand of God The Father.

So let us talk more about this issue, which seems to me is quite necessary in this day of age.

FAITH

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. - Hebrews 11:1

In Hebrews we are actually given the definition of what faith is. Simply put it is something that you believe in even though you can't see it. For example, we all believe that there is oxygen to breathe but none of us can see it. Or if you've ever been to camp they sometimes have campers do this trust building activity where someone closes their eyes and crosses their arms and falls backwards and their friends catch them. They can't see your friends but they have faith that you'll catch them. Like I said in the opening having faith in God is the same way, you can't see him but you believe that he exists.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. - James 1: 5,6

James Chapter 1 reveals something that I don't think many people know. God says that when we ask him something he will tell us what we should do but only if we have faith that he will answer. If we go before God with a question and we're not sure if he's really going to answer but we thought we'd ask anyway, then you're not going to get your answer. So next time you ask God for wisdom about something, believe that he is going to answer and he will.

Let children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these. - Matthew 19:14

Faith is the key to any Christian's salvation. Christians can't spend eternal life with God if they don't have it. Christians should always have faith in God. I know it sounds simple, too simple to sound possible but everything will truly be fine if we just give everything over to God.

Its the beauty and simplicity of Faith.

Lorenzo · « **Reply #251 on:** March 13, 2010, 03:17:03 AM »

Jealousy, is a vice that comes from an evil spirit. It was jealousy that prompted Satan to rebel against God. It was jealousy of God's perfect creation man that led to Satan in tempting Eve to take and eat of the Tree of Knowledge. It was jealousy that led Cain to kill Abel. It was jealousy that led the brothers of Joseph to sell him into bondage into Egypt, despite the righteous innocence of Joseph. Jealousy is a vice and a sin that is propagated by the Father of Lies, Satan.

Let us talk about the issue of Jealousy and how Scripture defines it. And how we, as brothers and sisters in Christ, can overcome it in Jesus' Name.

----------

"What does the Bible say about jealousy?"

When we use the word â€œjealous,â€ we use it in a sense of being envious of someone who has something we do not have. This kind of jealousy is a sin and is not characteristic of a Christian; rather, it shows that we are still being controlled by our own desires (1 Corinthians 3:3). Galatians 5:26 says, â€œLet us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.â€

The Bible tells us that we are to have the perfect kind of love that God has for us. â€œLove is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.â€ (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). The more we focus on ourselves and our own desires, the less we are able to focus on God. When we harden our hearts to the truth, we cannot turn to Jesus and allow Him to heal us (Matthew 13:15). But when we allow the Holy Spirit to control us, He will produce in us the fruit of our salvation, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Being jealous indicates that we are not satisfied with what God has given us. The Bible tells us to be content with what we have, for God will never fail or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). In order to combat jealousy, we need to become more like Jesus and less like ourselves. We can get to know Him through Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with mature believers. As we learn how to serve others instead of ourselves, our hearts will begin to change. â€œDo not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will isâ€”his good, pleasing and perfect willâ€ (Romans 12:2).

Lorenzo · « **Reply #252 on:** March 13, 2010, 03:25:30 AM »

Now that we have talked about FAITH, brothers and sisters, we should also defend the FAITH that we have and so love!

One did ask, "Does the Bible / Scripture call us to defend the Faith?"

Lets see what the bible has to say:

The classic verse promoting apologetics (the defense of the Christian faith) is 1 Peter 3:15, which basically says that believers are to make a defense "for the hope that you have." The only way to do this effectively is to study the reasons for why we believe what we believe. This will prepare us to "demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ,” as Paul said we should (2 Corinthians 10:5). Paul practiced what he preached; in fact, doing apologetics was his regular activity (Philippians 1:7). He refers to apologetics as an aspect of his mission in the same passage (v.16). He also made apologetics a requirement for church leadership in Titus 1:9. Jude, an apostle of Jesus, wrote that "although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (v.3).

Where did the apostles get these ideas? From the Master Himself. Jesus was His own apologetic as He stated time and again that we should believe in Him because of the evidence He provided for what He taught (John 2:23; 10:25; 10:38; 14:29). In fact, the whole Bible is full of miracles specifically being done by God to confirm what He wanted us to believe (Exodus 4:1-8; 1Kings 18:36-39; Acts 2:22-43; Hebrews 2:3-4; 2 Corinthians 12:12). People rightly refuse to believe something without evidence. Since God created humans as rational beings, we should not be surprised when He expects us to live rationally. As Norman Geisler says, “This does not mean there is no room for faith. But God wants us to take a step of faith in the light of evidence, rather than to leap in the dark.”

Those who oppose these clear biblical teachings and examples may say things like “the Word of God does not need to be defended!” But which of the world’s writings are the word of God? As soon as someone answers that, he is doing apologetics. (How well he does it might be another story!) Some claim that human reason cannot tell us anything about God—but isn’t that a "reasonable" statement about God? If not, then there is no reason to believe it, and if so, then they have contradicted themselves. A favorite saying is, “If someone can talk you into Christianity, then someone else can talk you out.” Why is this a problem? Did not Paul himself give a criterion by which Christianity should be accepted or rejected in 1 Corinthians 15? It is only misplaced piety that answers in the negative.

Now, none of this is to say that bare apologetics, free from the influence of the Holy Spirit, can bring someone to saving faith. This creates a false dilemma in the minds of many. But it does not have to be “Sprit vs. Logic.” Why not both? We must not confuse the fact that the Holy Spirit is required to move one into a position of belief with how He accomplishes this feat. With some people God uses trials; in others it is an emotional experience; in others it is through reason. God can use whatever means He wants. We, however, are commanded to use apologetics in as many or more places as we are told to preach the gospel. How is it then that all churches affirm the latter but so many ignore the former?

ms da binsi · « **Reply #253 on:** March 13, 2010, 03:35:45 AM »

What is wrong with this thread???

you only discusses the issues in your taste! i dont think that is an essence of a good teacher!!!!!

how can you convince people to believe in what you say when they see what you are doing?

you can't give what you don't have.

James 2:20, "...that faith without works is dead."

Im sorry, this site is no longer a FORUM! $:-\$

Lorenzo · « **Reply #254 on:** March 13, 2010, 03:38:27 AM »

I will now begin a reading of The Bible, from Old Testament to the New Testament.
This will probably take couple of months even years to complete, but I would like to share with all of you,
and perhaps we all can take a message or two and even contribute to the Study of Scripture.
So do join me in the reading. We start from the beginning and will continue till the end of the New Testament.
Points and key issues will be addressed regarding the reading, which should be done on daily basis.
Let us continue to Study the WORD of GOD.

Thank You.

Lorenzo · « **Reply #255 on:** March 13, 2010, 03:44:41 AM »

What is wrong with this thread???

you only discusses the issues in your taste! i dont think that is an essence of a good teacher!!!!!

how can you convince people to believe in what you say when they see what you are doing?

you can't give what you don't have.

James 2:20, "...that faith without works is dead."

Im sorry, this site is no longer a FORUM![/size] $:-\$

We will discuss issues pertaining to the Bible. And the study of Scripture. This will not include personal issues or personal matters that does not involve Scripture but only to attack one's faith. This thread is for the means of studying the Word of God. From Old Testament to New Testament. Thank You.

Let us keep this purely Biblical. There are other threads that can be used to channel personal. This is For Biblical Study.
Since it was created 2 years ago. Thank You.

And we are not all perfect teachers. We do what we can with the means that we have. We all must humbly walk with our GOD even if others do not agree. Let them. But this thread will remain purely a BIBLE STUDY.

Thank You.

ms da binsi · « **Reply #256 on:** March 13, 2010, 03:50:12 AM »

perfect teachers.[/b] We do what we can with the means that we have. We all must humbly walk with our GOD even if others do not agree. Let them. But this thread will remain purely a BIBLE STUDY.

Thank You.

So we should listen to our STUDENTS!

Dili naman ni bible study oi!

mura naman ni ug kadtong mga suicide bombers nga lugoson ug pa tuo ang mga tawo...

there is nothing wrong with this study but you have to listen too.

It feels life we are in a HAMAS here.

Lorenzo · « **Reply #257 on:** March 13, 2010, 04:00:18 AM »

We will now begin reading the Book of Genesis.
I invite all of you to read. We begin today on Friday and will end next Friday by starting the Book of Exodus.

The first passage of Genesis:

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void, and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said,"Let there be light." And there was Light.
{Genesis 1:1-3}

Genesis continues throughout about the creation of the World. What are your views on this? (refer to chapter 1 and 2)

Lorenzo · « **Reply #258 on:** March 13, 2010, 04:04:40 AM »

If you would like to talk about bible scripture, you are more than welcome to include your views. We're now discussing Genesis. Your comparison of Bible Study to Hamas is unfair and libelous. Where do we condone the death and destruction of innocent peoples? Or the bombing of innocent peoples. This thread was started to share the Word of God. Not plan for the destruction and deaths of innocent peoples. No one is forcing a view on anyone. No one is forcing you to read this. If you do not want to take part, don't take part.

Sincerely and Honestly,
Lorenzo

Brownman · « **Reply #259 on:** March 13, 2010, 04:38:16 AM »

Peace to all my brothers and sisters, All God wants to see is Peace On Earth and If people felt better about themselves and if they got rid of the everyday stresses of life and stopped fighting about things, then we could all find more balance and harmony.

Author Topic: Let's Study The Holy Bible (Read 31439 times)

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