Let's Study The Holy Bible

[Lorenzo]

Numbers 21:5-9 divulges about the complaints of the Hebrews and their ill-contempt for the deliverance the LORD had promised them and had given them from Bondage.

'The people complained against God and Moses, "Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in this desert, where there is no food or water? We are disgusted with this wretched food!'

In punishment the LORD sent among the people saraph serpents, which bit the people so that many of them died. Then the people came to Moses and said, "We have sinned in complaining against the LORD and you. Pray the LORD to take the serpents from us."

So Moses prayed for the people, and the LORD said to Moses,

"Make a saraph and mount it on a pole, and if anyone who has been bitten looks at it, he will recover."

Moses accordingly made a bronze serpent and mounted it on a pole, and whenever anyone who had been bitten by a serpent looked at the bronze serpent, he recovered.'

In this excerpt, it was the Hebrews that tempted the LORD with their arrogance and their ingratitude. They who were in bondage by Egypt for hundreds of years, whose same prayers rose to the Throne of Divine Mercy like sweet incense to be heard by The Almighty. That the Lord of Hosts sent Moses to be the deliverer of His People. Even after the miracles of the great plagues, even after the appearance of the Whirlwind of Fire that The LORD sent to hold back Pharaoh's charriots, and even after The LORD opened the Red Sea and SWALLOWED Pharaoh's Army at the same time; still the Hebrews would not stop complaining.

One here is reminded that 'tempting' the Lord Your God is by the use of words of arrogance, ingratitude, and sacrilegious actions in reference to the Divine Person.

We are reminded of this in In Deuteronomy 5, through Moses, He had rehearsed to the children of Israel the Ten Commandments. Then, in chapter 6, He told them to "love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might" (verse 5). He further told them to teach God's ways to their children, fear Him, stay away from other gods, and do "not tempt the LORD your God" (verses 7, 13-14, 16). As Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 show, God's blessings would flow to them if they were obedientâ€"blessings that include the promise of protection.

And again in another verse;

In Matthew 4, Satan tempts Christ in various ways. At one point, he tries to get Jesus to throw Himself off the roof of the Temple, saying, "For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge concerning you,' and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone'" (verse 6). Here Satan twists Psalm 91:11-12, which says, "For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. They shall bear you up in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone." God is promising protection to His people here, telling us that He will place His angels about us. He is not telling us to attempt to hurt ourselves in a deliberate effort to see if He will come through for us.

This, my brothers and sisters, is the ACT OF TEMPTING the Lord of Hosts. No One should EVER tempt the Lord, to see if the Lord Will Do or Not Do. The LORD wills things to happen because%2

[bulak]

Dong Enzo naserious kog ahat naka basa ani nga thread. Pero murag exempted ko ani dah!

Tig timpla lang ko og coffe niyu ha..

[Lorenzo]

Bulak, you are part of it, sis. Any views you have, i-hatag pood kai you know you'll never know that we are thinking of the same thing. Bulak, the Holy Spirit dwells within ALL of us. You, Me, a child, an elderly. Our bodies are His temple, so let us use our mouths to speak a portion of the truth. Okay?

God Bless You!

[Lorenzo]

Today, I could not help but observe the commotion that was happening in the thread opened by Marjun about the bleeding statue of Jesus in the church in Calape, Bohol.

I stayed away from the argument because I personally thought it was inappropriate to talk about personal beliefs, denying miracles, and what not in a thread that was about Christ Jesus. As I tried to prepare to type something in that thread to reprimand some members, something told me to stop. And Think. I opened the Bible and my hands led me to a beautiful excerpt in the Book of Corinthians. Chapter 10, verse 23-33. It is entitled "Seek the Good of Others"

"Everything is lawful," but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is lawful," but not everything builds up. No one should seek his own advantage, but that of his neighbor. Eat anything sold in the market, without raising questions on grounds of conscience, for "the earth and its fullness are the Lord's" If an unbeliever invites you and you want to go, eat whatever is placed before you, without raising questions on grounds of conscience. But if someone says to you, "This was offered in sacrifice," do not eat it and on account of conscience; I mean not your own conscience, but other's. For why should my freedom be determined by someone else's conscience? If I partake thankfully, why am I reviled for that over which I give thanks?

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the GLORY of God. Avoid giving offense, whether to Jews or Greeks or the Church of God. Just as I try to please everyone in every way, not seeking my own benefit but that of the many, that they may be saved.
Corinthians 10: 23-33


Guys, I know that it is hard sometimes to get along with others as we all have our own points of views, and most of us (if not, all of us) are very adamant about our own beliefs. But we should always try to evade in insulting others for a mere idea and for a concept, because the words we use can hurt. Insulting someone's intelligence or someone's ability to read and talk or hear is not a way to portray and send out your message. It will only anger the person who you said that to, that and hurt others who read or hear such things. Just as this particular passage talks about the glorification of God, and the exaltation, one must be open minded about where one is. Do not take everything as an insult, for everything, is seen by the Almighty, either we believe it or do not, it is  so. Give thanks lang ta that we are able to discuss things, talk to one another. As what a fellow member in here, Ms. Grace P.N said, "It is okay to agree to disagree."

Guys, remember that wherever we are, or whoever we are with, do things for the Glory of the Lord and do not offend those around you. Let us be like Christ and imitate him, despite our personal iniquities.

In His Most Holy Name,

[ms da binsi]

I  had onced talk about the calling or that time that i thought GOD has chosen me, in some other thread. I would like to share to you my story when at  that time  HE gave me the sign that HE loved me was when i had my first child. I was always a happy person and always contented of what i had, and at that time i thought i have everything that a woman wanted, good education, good job, material thing, love and affection and i would always say i could not ask for more. I was wrong because in the midst of all that, i was longing for  something that i really didn't know what. ( I even  sometimes realized it now that i had a post partum syndrome at that time or what ever, it was long ago.)

So i was searching for something that really would gratify that longingness. Until one friend of mine told me to read Matthew 28:20, I didn't even know why she said that. It says: "Jesus said, I will be with you until the end of time."   It didn't struck me at first, not at all. Then she said to me while she handed me The Book(which for me was really very easy to understand than the other versions), to read the Ecclesiastes, and i asked her which part, and she said all if you have time. Then I read it, over and over again. That really had touched me, that no matter what hardwork  we do here, that will all go to oblivion.

I really don't know how to relate on how i was converted but all i knew is that our life is just a vehicle of our spirits to prepare to face Heaven and it is all up to us on how to drive it...

[Lorenzo]

Amen, Ate Belle. Hapit pood ko mo hilak reading your post uy. Bitaw, and you are blessed to have children, to give and make life. Sometimes, 'te when we long for something or someone, the Lord comes into our heart. I remember several months ago when you mentioned about reading Ecclesiastes. I learn from your faith, 'te, and the faith of others and thank you kaayo for indirectly helping strengthen my own faith.

So I say to you, Amen! My dear Ate Belle!

Continue to be a warmth to your children, your husband and your family.

[Lorenzo]

There is a particular psalm in the Book of Psalms that I truly love to read. It is Psalm 27; in times of need and whenever I find myself painfully in need of His presence, I always read it. The message in the psalm straightens my quivering hands, solidifies my back, and answers the questions that resound in my head. Whenever I find myself despairing or feeling bad due to an argument, I read this excerpt. It is so very comforting, and tells us to put our Trust in God. 

Psalm 27: Trust in God

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom do I fear?
The Lord is my life's refuge;
of whom am I afraid?
When evildoers come at me
to devour my flesh.
These my enemies and foes themselves stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me,
my heart does not fear;
Though war be waged against me,
even then do I trust.

One thing I ask of the Lord;
this I seek:
To dwell in the Lord's house
all the days of my life,
To gaze on the Lord's beauty,
to visit his temple.

For God will hide me in his shelter
in time of trouble,
Will conceal me in the cover of his tent;
and set me high upon a rock.
Even now my head is heald high
above my enemies on every side!
I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with the shouts of joy;
I will sing and chant praise to the Lord.

Hear my voice, Lord, when I call;
have mercy on me and answer me.
"Come" says my heart, "seek God's face."
your face, Lord, do I seek!

Do not Hide your face from me;
do not repel your servant in anger.
You are my help; do not cast me off;
do not foresake me, God, My Savior!
Even if my father, and mother foresake me,
the Lord will take me in.

Lord, show me your way;
lead me on a level path
because of my enemies.
Do not abandon me to the will of foes;
malicious and lying witnesses have arisen against me.
But I believe I shall enjoy the Lord's goodness
in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord, take courage;
be stouthearted, wait for the Lord!

[Lorenzo]

Have you ever been charged with a job to do? A calling in a particular field by an entity above you?
Yes, I would like to engage in dialogue with readers in here about the concept of work. Holy Work.
In fact, as we all are engaged in our professional callings, whatever it may be, there is a sense of purpose. There is a reason for it. There is always a vision, that Christ Jesus instills in all of us. Either we choose to accept that vision or not, it is there. For there is no one who is rejected by the Holy Spirit, who lives in all of us. Our Loving Father does not reject us, he accepts all of us--from the sinner to the pious priest. It is up to the individual to accept the Lord or Not.
That is Grace. The Power of Grace. And I know some of you are personal about this, but just take this in--think about it. Please share pood your own words as I would like to hear it, and am sure all of us would love to read about it. We are all in a journey, in this Earthly life--which is our Earthly Pilgrimage. Let us all help each other bear each other's burden. In the end, we all go to the same cross. In search of the Same Lord.

So, it goes back to concept of a job. The charge we were given. The responsibilities we are given is no more different to that Simon Peter was given by Christ Jesus.


And Jesus came into the quarters of Cesarea Philippi: and he asked his disciples, saying: Whom do men say that the Son of man is?

But they said: Some John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am?

Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.

And Jesus answering said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven.

And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.

Matt 16:13-19

[simplylee]

nindot bitaw jud ang magbible study. kinanindotan gyod tun an ang pulong sa DIYOS kay ang resulta ani dili ra man dinhi kun dili hangtod sa kinahangturan. sa among grupo naay bible study nga ginabuhat ka upat sa usa ka semana ganahan pod ko moshare unsay among natun an ngadto sa mga tawong adunay interest bahin sa bible. kun nahigugma ta sa DIYOS gusto jud ta nga makaila kinsa ug unsa SIYA. wala may laing paagi nga siya mailaila pinaagi ra man sa Iyang pulong. the Word of GOD is the mind of CHRIST.

[grazie7y]

Dong, I dunno if I can answer some of your questions.  When I graduated college, I had one visual in mind:  to work in a fancy office and well, I am embarrassed to accept that becoming a a boss was one of my goals.  Of course, I wanted to become big so I could help my family but I think most of it, I want to achieve something that could feed my ego.  When I was accepted to work in the bank, I was so happy.  I knew then I was on way to fulfilling my dreams. I started as an encoder and at the same time an accounting clerk in the bank.  I worked so hard.  I was so impatient to learn everything there was to learn in my scope of work and more.  I was driven. 

My first year job assessment came and I got an "above expectation" rating - or maybe they didn't expect much from a be-pimpled, skinny promdi girl that I was.  At that time, I think I was enjoying more on my work and the promotions were just inevitable.  By the third year, I was already a junior officer.  It was a glimpse of being a boss already.   I became addicted to work - like big time.  I don't go home until late night and sometimes at dawn time, go home, take a cat nap and back again to work.  There were times I couldn't celebrate Christmas and New Years with my family because I needed to work especially year-end is the busiest day in any banks.  One of my brothers got married and I wasn't able to attend the wedding because I had more important thing to do in the bank.  I so regretted that now.

I started to miss my meals because it was a waste of time.  I then started to get ill.  I was diagnosed ofchronic myalgia of the upper trapezius.  Not only that, my friends started to see signs of eating disorder.  I don't know if it was anorexia or bulimia but whenever I eat, I started to throw up.  I landed in the hospital to force me to relax.  I had therapy for my aching shoulders. 

One night I woke up.  I asked, what am I doing this for, Lord?  and then I didn't feel his presence.  Oh yeah, I felt that my heart was empty of God's presence.  No matter how busy I was, I didn't forget church every Sundays and sometimes Wednesdays and Fridays but that particular moment, I couldn't feel God's presence.  I was panicking.  I felt like God deserted me.  I kept pushing and pushing for his attention.  I talked to a colleague and she said, she felt that way too.  It was a  relief but I kept knocking on God's door to let me in again.  He did.

Then I had a chance to work in a tripartite project in South Cebu and being in boondocks.  I grabbed it.  It meant more work and travel because that was on top of my job in the bank but I wanted something new.  It proved to be what I needed for.  I was to help set up a bank for the people.  Meaning, I deal with people.  I work with them.  I eat with them.  These are the real people.  The farmers, the cooperative organizers, and more.  I loved that work.  I was working for my family and yet I was able to help people.  It was fun.  I got to attend community meetings to explain and inculcate the value of savings. I got to eat with them in the farm.  I was accepted and in that 2-year experience, I gained friends. Real friends.  It later became an even more of a blessing when, after about 7 years, my Mom was in Cebu Chong Hua Hospital fighting for her life, the same friends helped and comforted my sisters and cousins who were there with Mommy.  One of them was Manang Nessy.  She brought her son to the hospital so my sisters and cousin would have an errand boy to buy medicines, etc..  What was a huge blessing from God. 

Working in the commercial bank in the big city was nothing compared to working with the people in the barrios and boondocks.  But my work in the bank in the city led me to my experience in Cebu.  It was glorifying.  That kind of job made me feel like I am doing something good for God and not just for myself and my family.  I further realized that there's a lot of ways to do your work and at the same time glorify the Lord.

Dong, your job as a doctor is a very important one.  You'll be helping life.  You'll be God's hand in healing people.  I have no doubt in my mind that you will do an excellent job not because you are summa cum laude but because you have the heart.  You have the conscience. You have tremendous faith in the Lord I don't get to see always in young men like you.  Keep grounded with your faith, Dong, because you will go far and every step of the way, God will guide you.

[Lorenzo]

nindot bitaw jud ang magbible study. kinanindotan gyod tun an ang pulong sa DIYOS kay ang resulta ani dili ra man dinhi kun dili hangtod sa kinahangturan. sa among grupo naay bible study nga ginabuhat ka upat sa usa ka semana ganahan pod ko moshare unsay among natun an ngadto sa mga tawong adunay interest bahin sa bible. kun nahigugma ta sa DIYOS gusto jud ta nga makaila kinsa ug unsa SIYA. wala may laing paagi nga siya mailaila pinaagi ra man sa Iyang pulong. the Word of GOD is the mind of CHRIST.

Ma'am Lee, I must admit that for some time I was always afraid, embarassed, and unworthy to call on the name of Jesus. For me, His Name is like the purest of pure light, and during my teenage years and early college days, I always felt that I needed to express my thanks to other means. As in reading about the saints, the works of the saints, the religiosity of the saints, the benedictions. Yes, they did help in rekindling my faith during college years, but I cannot deny that I always had a feeling of distance. As if I was one of the multitude, and as if I was addressed but not personally. When I began my Catholic Confirmation in the Fall term of my Junior Year of college, I was able to meet up with not only my sister (both of us were getting our confirmation), but we also met up with Fr. Mark Hofman, our college catholic chaplain, and several students and town people who were looking to confirm their faith. We divulged into deep bible study, reading the different books and having conversations. And I guess I first started asking and addressing Christ Jesus on a personal basis after that event.

I am a sinner, a humble man, with temptations that all of us have. And I felt that I was unworthy to call on Christ Jesus, but when I started to call on Him. I developed an almost personal calling and personal relationship with Him.

There are times that I come to church in the middle of the night. In the dead of night when there is no one there, I can pour out my emotions like a lid being removed from a topper ware. I am able to release my pains, my anguishes, my hopes, my pleas. Just me and Him. There is no worry of etiquette or not, kai i am just being myself to Him. It is at the dead of night that I can cry like a baby in church. And you know, it is through bible study, through personal relationship with Jesus that allowed me to do this.

Hard bitaw sometimes having to be normal with my friends and yet having time for faith. Pero, naa man jud na a pull to me to pray. Even if sa night time ra, naa bitaw na. Ug di ko maka pray, dili jud ko maka tulug. Ug di ko mo pray before I study, dili jud ko maka concentrate. Ma anxious ko, ma scared, uneasy, restless.

Amen, I say you are very right, Ma'am Lee.
The Word of God is the Mind of Christ.

[pioneer]

Bran, I suggest we focus on one topic in our Bible study. One thread will be dedicated to one area. In this way we can concentrate on what we need to know about the words of God.

[simplylee]

maayo jud bitaw naa ang matag usa personal relationship with the LORD JESUS CHRIST as savior first unya as friend hangtod mailhan jud nato SIYA. lahi ra jud ang atong panglantaw sa kinabuhi kun naa tay personal nga relasyon sa DIYOS. when we put GOD's plan for us the center of our lives everything will work accordingly and without hitch kay sa DIYOS walay sulagma o coincedence tanan IYA na nahibaw an wa pa gani ta ipakatawo. bisan kining paghimo ni mike ani nga site naa na ni sa plano sa DIYOS aron magkakitakita ta. Rom. 8:28

[Brownman]

This might be a good suggestion Mike to give space and time to the words of God
in this way we will become more committed to Christ, the hackers wil run away in our path.

[Lorenzo]

Dong, I dunno if I can answer some of your questions.  When I graduated college, I had one visual in mind:  to work in a fancy office and well, I am embarrassed to accept that becoming a a boss was one of my goals.  Of course, I wanted to become big so I could help my family but I think most of it, I want to achieve something that could feed my ego.  When I was accepted to work in the bank, I was so happy.  I knew then I was on way to fulfilling my dreams. I started as an encoder and at the same time an accounting clerk in the bank.  I worked so hard.  I was so impatient to learn everything there was to learn in my scope of work and more.  I was driven. 

My first year job assessment came and I got an "above expectation" rating - or maybe they didn't expect much from a be-pimpled, skinny promdi girl that I was.  At that time, I think I was enjoying more on my work and the promotions were just inevitable.  By the third year, I was already a junior officer.  It was a glimpse of being a boss already.   I became addicted to work - like big time.  I don't go home until late night and sometimes at dawn time, go home, take a cat nap and back again to work.  There were times I couldn't celebrate Christmas and New Years with my family because I needed to work especially year-end is the busiest day in any banks.  One of my brothers got married and I wasn't able to attend the wedding because I had more important thing to do in the bank.  I so regretted that now.

I started to miss my meals because it was a waste of time.  I then started to get ill.  I was diagnosed ofchronic myalgia of the upper trapezius.  Not only that, my friends started to see signs of eating disorder.  I don't know if it was anorexia or bulimia but whenever I eat, I started to throw up.  I landed in the hospital to force me to relax.  I had therapy for my aching shoulders. 

One night I woke up.  I asked, what am I doing this for, Lord?  and then I didn't feel his presence.  Oh yeah, I felt that my heart was empty of God's presence.  No matter how busy I was, I didn't forget church every Sundays and sometimes Wednesdays and Fridays but that particular moment, I couldn't feel God's presence.  I was panicking.  I felt like God deserted me.  I kept pushing and pushing for his attention.  I talked to a colleague and she said, she felt that way too.  It was a  relief but I kept knocking on God's door to let me in again.  He did.

Then I had a chance to work in a tripartite project in South Cebu and being in boondocks.  I grabbed it.  It meant more work and travel because that was on top of my job in the bank but I wanted something new.  It proved to be what I needed for.  I was to help set up a bank for the people.  Meaning, I deal with people.  I work with them.  I eat with them.  These are the real people.  The farmers, the cooperative organizers, and more.  I loved that work.  I was working for my family and yet I was able to help people.  It was fun.  I got to attend community meetings to explain and inculcate the value of savings. I got to eat with them in the farm.  I was accepted and in that 2-year experience, I gained friends. Real friends.  It later became an even more of a blessing when, after about 7 years, my Mom was in Cebu Chong Hua Hospital fighting for her life, the same friends helped and comforted my sisters and cousins who were there with Mommy.  One of them was Manang Nessy.  She brought her son to the hospital so my sisters and cousin would have an errand boy to buy medicines, etc..  What was a huge blessing from God. 

Working in the commercial bank in the big city was nothing compared to working with the people in the barrios and boondocks.  But my work in the bank in the city led me to my experience in Cebu.  It was glorifying.  That kind of job made me feel like I am doing something good for God and not just for myself and my family.  I further realized that there's a lot of ways to do your work and at the same time glorify the Lord.

Dong, your job as a doctor is a very important one.  You'll be helping life.  You'll be God's hand in healing people.  I have no doubt in my mind that you will do an excellent job not because you are summa cum laude but because you have the heart.  You have the conscience. You have tremendous faith in the Lord I don't get to see always in young men like you.  Keep grounded with your faith, Dong, because you will go far and every step of the way, God will guide you.

There is a saying baya, Ate Ging,

Learn to think in positive affirmations. Affirmations are any statements you make. Too often we think in negative affirmations. Negative affirmations only create more of what you say you don't want. Saying, I hate my job, will get you nowhere. Declaring, I now accept a wonderful new job, will open the channels in your consciousness to create that.

-Louisse Hay

and this saying almost applies to your personal anecdote. You are a work-a-holic, 'te. Even before I read this or talked to you about this in our countless conversations, whenever I read your posts or look at the pictures of the activities you have with friends and family, maka conceptualize pood ko tha you are work-oriented.

There is organization and categorization in your objectives, in your duties, in your passions. When you cook something, it is followed almost in meticulous order; whenever you take pictures, you start of in order, when you explain a saying or a personal story, there is always an element of organization and fluid-like systemic approach. There is always a life lesson, which goes back to scriptural references, in all of your explanations. To tell you the truth, that is one of the many reasons why I love to read your posts and internalize it personally.

When you say something, it is astute. A lesson to learn.

As for your experiences in Manila as a successful banker and officer, I know you are quite successful. I already knew this before reading your personal stories. In fact, one can see it through how you explain things, it is always blanketed. Total coverage

Ate, I personally think you are so lucky in that you have the experience in urbanized banking, but also you have the experience in grass-roots organization, agrarian-based banking, local systems, and also Most Importantly, you are so family oriented. Your life lesson reverberates to all of us, Ate Ging. And what a powerful experience you have, something I can only dream of even experiencing. Some of us students are mostly theory-based; wa pa jud mi ka interact on a 'hands-on' basis. So to hear from your experience and digesting your lessons is like a breath of fresh air.

For me, there are two kinds of people:
Those who prioritize work, and those who prioritize family.
You cover both, Ate Ging.

[Lorenzo]

Sige, let us get back into topic of bible study.

I apologize for going of topic.

Please, someone start a topic of study.

Thanks, guys

[simplylee]

 

[Lorenzo]

I need someone to explain to me something, as I have been trying to understand a particular scriptural saying.

"You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men"
(Matthew 5:13).

My question is what does the Lord mean by the salt? Are Christians, in general, the salt? Or is the salt humanity in general? Just what did Christ mean by saying that salt could loose its savor?
What can we do in order to prevent this from happening?

[Lorenzo]

These past few days, I've been contemplating on the awe-inspiring power of the Lord. Everytime I ask for something and pray for guidance or for divine Providence' intercession, it somehow manifests itself. Though sometimes my answers are not answered according to my expectations, Providence always answers it according to His Will. And one immediately knows that the said action was the answer one was looking for. Even if it is reading a particular verse in the Bible. 

Reading the Bible, I stumbled on the answer that I was looking for and contemplating for the other day. Isn't it amazing how it was answered?

There is a specific verse in the Bible in Wisdom 7: 7-12

"Solomon Prayed and Wisdom and Riches Came to Him"

Therefore I prayed and prudence was given me;
I pleaded and the spirit of Wisdom came to me.
I preferred her to scepter and throne,
And deemed riches nothing in comparison with her,
nor did I like any priceless gem to her;

Because all gold, in view of her, is a little sand.,
and before her, silver is to be accounted mire.

Beyond health and comeliness I loved her,
And I chose to have her rather than the light,
because the splendor of her never yields to sleep.

Yet all good things together came to me in her company,
and countless riches at her hands;

And I rejoiced in them all, because Wisdom is their leader
though I had not known that she is the mother of these.



Beautiful isn't it? Pray for Wisdom, and It surely will come to you. Not only wisdom, but riches. Sometimes not in terms of wealth, but richness according to the Will of God.

[slackware]

I need someone to explain to me something, as I have been trying to understand a particular scriptural saying.

"You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men"
(Matthew 5:13).

My question is what does the Lord mean by the salt? Are Christians, in general, the salt? Or is the salt humanity in general? Just what did Christ mean by saying that salt could loose its savor?
What can we do in order to prevent this from happening?

sa karaang panahon sa middle east, kanang asin gi mining na siya. bulto2x ang gidak-on sa bato ana. inig human ug separate sa asin sa bato, ang bato na nagtangag ug asin himo-on na na nilang murag silbing doormat sa ilang balay. mao to literal na meaning sa gisuti ni jesus na "  but if the salt has lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men"

the salt not only gives balance to the taste to the food but also act as a food preservative. the salt mentioned here are the good people, they keep the balance in the world. they make the difference...they make the world a better place to live...if they lose their savor, mao to dapat na cya silutan ug yatak yatakan nalang. in order not to lose its savor, one must continue studying the words of God. once must continue doing the will of God.

[Lorenzo]

Thank you for your explanation, Anastasio. I really appreciate it.

[Brownman]

Brothers and sisters here's a spiritual meaning of salt which was taken from (Ezekiel 47:11);

That salt signifies the longing of truth for good, is evident from the signification of salt, as being that longing for good which is of the love of truth; hence salted denotes that in which is this longing. The reason why there must be a longing of truth for good is that this longing is conjunctive of the two; for in so far as truth longs for good, so far it is conjoined with it. The conjunction of truth and good is what is called the heavenly marriage, which is heaven itself with man; and therefore when in Divine worship, and in each and all things of it, there is a longing for this conjunction, heaven is in each and all things there. Thus the Lord is in them. This is signified by the requirement that the incense should be salted. Salt has this signification from its conjunctive nature; for it conjoins all things, and from this gives them relish; salt even conjoins water and oil, which otherwise will not combine.

[Lorenzo]

Beautifully written, Mr. Brownman. Thank you for your personal interpretation. I personally like your figurative example in describing how salt signifies the truth for good.

My respects,

[Lorenzo]

 In 2 Kings 2:8, we read that the waters of the Jordan were parted and Elijah and Elisha crossed over on dry ground. Where are there two more Biblical instances of waters being parted and the people passing over on dry ground?

Please write them.

[benelynne]

In 2 Kings 2:8, we read that the waters of the Jordan were parted and Elijah and Elisha crossed over on dry ground. Where are there two more Biblical instances of waters being parted and the people passing over on dry ground?

Please write them.

(1) Exodus 14

This happened when Moses and the Israelites were pursued by the Egyptians and were hemmed in behind them by the marauding army and in front of them by the sea.

21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided,

22 and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.

(2) Joshua 3

This happened when the Israelites led by Joshua, after taking over the helm from Moses who already died, were about to cross to the Promised Land and were given a divine sign that they would defeat the occupants of Canaan.

14 So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them.

15 Now the Jordan is in flood all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water's edge,

16 the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.

17 The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.

[simplylee]

guys want to know how to live after this life? you have to study this, not just read but learn how

         B- basic
         I- instructions
         B- before
         L- leaving
         E- earth

[ms da binsi]

ahaha

i like it Lee!

[simplylee]

mao na among ginabuhat dire ka upat sa usa ka semana

[ms da binsi]

Lee naa baja koy bible study sa una sa LA pa ko. It lasted for years, akong mga classmates mga bajut, adto mi sa akong apartment mag tipok, dajun naa sad mi pastor mo lead. That was fun and i wish i could find some people here in my town who are interested to do that thing. Mo host jud ko.

[simplylee]

maayo bitaw na dili lang maghisgot ug tinuohan basta kay bible ra jud.

[ms da binsi]

Mao man jud na ang buttom line ngano nga naay mga reliheyon nga lain2x. ang purpose unta gud para mag tapok kay tun-an ang bibliya.

I considered that group a small church baja! di ba ang church is not a structure? but a group of people, big and small???

[simplylee]

Mao man jud na ang buttom line ngano nga naay mga reliheyon nga lain2x. ang purpose unta gud para mag tapok kay tun-an ang bibliya.

I considered that group a small church baja! di ba ang church is not a structure? but a group of people, big and small???

korek ka dyan ms da bins

[Lorenzo]

(1) Exodus 14

This happened when Moses and the Israelites were pursued by the Egyptians and were hemmed in behind them by the marauding army and in front of them by the sea.

21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided,

22 and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.

(2) Joshua 3

This happened when the Israelites led by Joshua, after taking over the helm from Moses who already died, were about to cross to the Promised Land and were given a divine sign that they would defeat the occupants of Canaan.

14 So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them.

15 Now the Jordan is in flood all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water's edge,

16 the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.

17 The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.

Well answered, Tito Benne. Very thorough.

Lets continue, shall we?

According to Numbers 21:5-9, in what way did the people tempt God? How were they punished for tempting God? Lastly,  What does Paul mean when he says we "tempt the Lord"?

[simplylee]

1. the israelites were always complaining even with God's provisions and blessings, their mental attitude are full of arrogance and sins so they cannot see what God did for them on the previous verses. they were looking at themselves rather than looking on what God did, can do and is doing for them. they spoke against God and they even blame moses for leading them out of slavery from egypt. as their punishment, the Lord sent fiery serpents, many were bitten and died. then the people realized that they sinned against God so the repent and asked moses to intercede
with the Lord, then with God's mercy and faithfulness He give solution to their problem by showing them that looking unto God is the answer not by looking unto themselves. the serpent on the standard is the shadow of what will happen on the cross. by believing what the Lord Jesus Christ has done on the cross gives us life which is eternal.
2. "tempt the Lord" can i ask the passage of the new testament about this.

[benelynne]

1. the israelites were always complaining even with God's provisions and blessings, their mental attitude are full of arrogance and sins so they cannot see what God did for them on the previous verses. they were looking at themselves rather than looking on what God did, can do and is doing for them. they spoke against God and they even blame moses for leading them out of slavery from egypt. as their punishment, the Lord sent fiery serpents, many were bitten and died. then the people realized that they sinned against God so the repent and asked moses to intercede
with the Lord, then with God's mercy and faithfulness He give solution to their problem by showing them that looking unto God is the answer not by looking unto themselves. the serpent on the standard is the shadow of what will happen on the cross. by believing what the Lord Jesus Christ has done on the cross gives us life which is eternal.
2. "tempt the Lord" can i ask the passage of the new testament about this.

Ari ko sa tupad nimo aning klase, kay murag malandagan ta ug dugang. In the New International Version that I read, the word used is "testing" God rather than "tempting"   Him. For example, the command in Deuteronomy 16:6 in the NIV version is "Do not test the LORD your God as you did at Massah."

I think, Dong, it would be advisable if you specify the version or translation of the Bible, as well as the particular text, so that we will have a common point of reference. I sometimes read more than two versions, sometimes Catholic and Protestant versions, just to get more understanding of the text.

I would also like to know which specific New Testament text you're referring to when Paul spoke of "tempting the Lord."

[Lorenzo]

Numbers 21:5-9 divulges about the complaints of the Hebrews and their ill-contempt for the deliverance the LORD had promised them and had given them from Bondage.

'The people complained against God and Moses, "Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in this desert, where there is no food or water? We are disgusted with this wretched food!'

In punishment the LORD sent among the people saraph serpents, which bit the people so that many of them died. Then the people came to Moses and said, "We have sinned in complaining against the LORD and you. Pray the LORD to take the serpents from us."

So Moses prayed for the people, and the LORD said to Moses,

"Make a saraph and mount it on a pole, and if anyone who has been bitten looks at it, he will recover."

Moses accordingly made a bronze serpent and mounted it on a pole, and whenever anyone who had been bitten by a serpent looked at the bronze serpent, he recovered.'

In this excerpt, it was the Hebrews that tempted the LORD with their arrogance and their ingratitude. They who were in bondage by Egypt for hundreds of years, whose same prayers rose to the Throne of Divine Mercy like sweet incense to be heard by The Almighty. That the Lord of Hosts sent Moses to be the deliverer of His People. Even after the miracles of the great plagues, even after the appearance of the Whirlwind of Fire that The LORD sent to hold back Pharaoh's charriots, and even after The LORD opened the Red Sea and SWALLOWED Pharaoh's Army at the same time; still the Hebrews would not stop complaining.

One here is reminded that 'tempting' the Lord Your God is by the use of words of arrogance, ingratitude, and sacrilegious actions in reference to the Divine Person.

We are reminded of this in In Deuteronomy 5, through Moses, He had rehearsed to the children of Israel the Ten Commandments. Then, in chapter 6, He told them to "love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might" (verse 5). He further told them to teach God's ways to their children, fear Him, stay away from other gods, and do "not tempt the LORD your God" (verses 7, 13-14, 16). As Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 show, God's blessings would flow to them if they were obedientâ€"blessings that include the promise of protection.

And again in another verse;

In Matthew 4, Satan tempts Christ in various ways. At one point, he tries to get Jesus to throw Himself off the roof of the Temple, saying, "For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge concerning you,' and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone'" (verse 6). Here Satan twists Psalm 91:11-12, which says, "For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. They shall bear you up in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone." God is promising protection to His people here, telling us that He will place His angels about us. He is not telling us to attempt to hurt ourselves in a deliberate effort to see if He will come through for us.

This, my brothers and sisters, is the ACT OF TEMPTING the Lord of Hosts. No One should EVER tempt the Lord, to see if the Lord Will Do or Not Do. The LORD wills things to happen because he has already seen the things that are yet to come. And came. As a Christian, all we have to do is BELIEVE and GLORIFY the LORD. Not 'tempt' him or 'test' him. In the grand scheme of things, we are but an insignificant speck in contrast to the Throne of the Divine Mercy. BUT it is in HIS GRACE that he cherishes us and LOVES us absolutely and UNCONDITIONALLY.

We are INSIGNIFICANT yet he LOVES us anyways.

We have NO RIGHT to Tempt the Lord, Our God. Only to Glorify Him. Now and Forever.

When Satan attempts to persuade Christ to jump off a building to prove that He truly is the Son of God, He answers the Devil, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the LORD your God'" (Matthew 4:7). Certainly, Jesus knew that God's angels were all about Him, but He also knew not to test God deliberately. Christ was quoting from Deuteronomy 6:16, where hundreds of years earlier, He Himself had said this very same thing to the Israelites. 


Tito Benne, The Only Bible I read is the one on my table, the Holy Bible: Catholica Magesterium

[Lorenzo]

Let's continue.

Is circumcision necessary for salvation?

[ms da binsi]

Salvation from germs ang unsa pa nang mga kagaw2x diha!

Thats all i can say. What has TULI something to do with GOD?

nothing, they only knew then nga ang tuli is a hygiene.

Nag sugod ang Tuli sa mga Jews, as far as i have known and they were not christians...

Jews are just the cleanest people I have ever known in my entire life, dili lang sa ilang genitals but in everything.

[Lorenzo]

Salvation from germs ang unsa pa nang mga kagaw2x diha!

Thats all i can say. What has TULI something to do with GOD?

nothing, they only knew then nga ang tuli is a hygiene.

Nag sugod ang Tuli sa mga Jews, as far as i have known and they were not christians...

Jews are just the cleanest people I have ever known in my entire life, dili lang sa ilang genitals but in everything.

Certain men from Jerusalem travel to Antioch and begin teaching that certain believers (Gentiles) must be circumcised in order to receive salvation (Acts 15:1, 5). After Paul and Barnabas discuss and dispute this teaching with those promoting it, they and other church members go to Jerusalem to confer about the issue with the apostles and elders (Acts 15:2, Galatians 2:1-2).

After arriving in Jerusalem Paul and Barnabas privately meet with James, Peter (Cephas) and John about the circumcision question (Galatians 2:4-10). The issue of whether converted Gentiles should be circumcised or not is then discussed with the entire church (Acts 15:6, 12, 22). It is ultimately decided that Gentiles need not be circumcised (Acts 15:19). A letter regarding this decision is delivered to the Gentile Christians in Antioch by a group composed of Paul, Barnabas, Silas and others (Acts 15:22-31).

Circumcision was mandated as a way to delineate which one was God's people. The Hebrews are circumcised because it was mandated by the Almighty as told in the Talmud. Many Christians to this day do this because of cultural and traditional methodology.

It links the relationship of Early Christianity with Jewish practices.

[benelynne]

Salvation from germs ang unsa pa nang mga kagaw2x diha!

Thats all i can say. What has TULI something to do with GOD?

nothing, they only knew then nga ang tuli is a hygiene.

Nag sugod ang Tuli sa mga Jews, as far as i have known and they were not christians...

Jews are just the cleanest people I have ever known in my entire life, dili lang sa ilang genitals but in everything.

Hi Belle,

You saved me from a stressful day! Wa jud muot ang TB ug wa ka dire... Sa mga Bible Study ra ba, mas lively ang discussion kung naay mga interjection nga in-ani.

[ms da binsi]

Hi Belle,

You saved me from a stressful day! Wa jud muot ang TB ug wa ka dire... Sa mga Bible Study ra ba, mas lively ang discussion kung naay mga interjection nga in-ani.

Thanks Bene san, kay ug sigi serious maka lutog ang mga mo attend sa bible study! hahaha

During the time of our  bible study Ben, was never a dull moment kay gawas sa naay bihon ug empanada nag huwat sa lamesa, puro pa jud mi mga bajut! pero we lasted for years baja sa among bible study, and we go to the same small but lively church...

Even in my Nursing School days in LA ako gihapon nag tig lagwgaw sa klase and yes even some of  my teachers emailed me every now and then that they missed me! hahahah

[Lorenzo]

What is your personal interpretation of the saying,

"The Fear of God Includes a Full
Understanding of the Danger
and Consequences of Sin."

Please share your interjections, interpretation, argument etc.

Let's discuss!

[benelynne]

Let's continue.

Is circumcision necessary for salvation?

Circumcision was part of God's covenant with Abraham and the Jews:

Genesis 17

10 This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised. 11 You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you. 12 For the generations to come every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised, including those born in your household or bought with money from a foreignerâ€" those who are not your offspring.

Circumcision was an external sign of a spiritual relationship, which set the Jews apart from the rest of mankind as the chosen people of God. However, history showed that the Jewish people became more and more fixated to the external signs, statutes, and ceremonies rather than their inward spirituality. Of course, this tendency is not peculiar to the Jews but resonates to human nature in general. Rather than facing our frailties, we explain away our violative tendencies through legalism.

The dispensation of grace, as contrasted to that of law, ushered in by Christ in the New Testament restores the pre-eminence of our relationship to God in our practice of spirituality. For instance, Christ has redefined the legalistic frames of such common offenses as "adultery" and "murder." We commit adultery not only when we lie in bed with someone not our spouse but also when we look at another person with lust. We commit murder not only when we kill a person by intent but also when we harbor deep hatred in our hearts towards him.

Thus, as with the Jews, we can no longer use physical circumcision as a blanket affirmation of our belongingness to God. Note that even in the Old Testament, physical circumcision was meant to come together with circumcision of our hearts, as was commanded in Deuteronomy 10 and 30. Unless our hearts are marked as of God, it does not matter much if we are externally marked as God's people in circumcision. We cannot use religious appearances in place of real spirituality of the heart.

Paul preached this in his letter to the Romans:

Romans 2
29No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God.

Therefore, physical circumcision is not a necessary and essential condition for salvation, but spiritual circumcision is.

[Lorenzo]

Excellent answer, Tito Benne. I agree jud with you, Tito.


Let us proceed to the next question, which, in my opinion, will be one of great interest and research for us.

What are the Biblical titles and names given to Jesus?

[Lorenzo]

The List of Titles that are Exalted Unto the Name of Jesus Christ, The Only Incarnate Son of the Eternal and Living GOD.




    * Adam 1Corinthians 15:45

    * Advocate 1John 2:1

    * Almighty Revelation 1:8

    * Alpha and Omega Revelation 1:8

    * Amen Revelation 3:14

    * Angel Genesis 48:16; Exodus 23:20, 21

    * Angel of his presence Isaiah 63:9

    * Anointed Psalms 2:2

    * Apostle Hebrews 3:1

    * Arm of the Lord Isaiah 51:9, 10

    * Author and Finisher of our faith Hebrews 12:2

    * Beginning and end of the creation of God Revelation 3:14; 22:13

    * Beloved Ephesians 1:6

    * Blessed and only Potentate 1Timothy 6:15

    * Branch Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 3:8

    * Bread of life John 6:48

    * Bridegroom Matthew 9:15

    * Bright and Morning Star Revelation 22:16

    * Brightness of the Father's glory Hebrews 1:3

    * Captain of Salvation Hebrews 2:10

    * Carpenter Mark 6:3

    * Carpenter's son Matthew 13:55

    * Chief Shepherd 1Peter 5:4

    * Chief Cornerstone 1Peter 2:6

    * Chiefest among ten thousand Song of Songs 5:10

    * Child Isaiah 9:6; Luke 2:27, 43

    * Chosen of God 1Peter 2:4

    * Christ Matthew 1:16; Luke 9:20

    * The Christ (Messiah) Matthew 16:20; Mark 14:61

    * Christ, a King Luke 23:2

    * Christ Jesus Acts 19:4; Romans 3:24; 8:1; 1Corinthians 1:2, 30; Hebrews 3:1; 1Peter 5:10, 14

    * Christ Jesus our Lord 1Timothy 1:12; Romans 8:39

    * Christ of God Luke 9:20

    * Christ, the chosen of God Luke 23:35

    * Christ the Lord Luke 2:11

    * Christ, the power of God 1Corinthians 1:24

    * Christ the wisdom of God 1Corinthians 1:24

    * Christ, the Son of God Acts 9:20

    * Christ, Son of the Blessed Mark 14:61

    * Commander Isaiah 55:4

    * Consolation of Israel Luke 2:25

    * Cornerstone Ephesians 2:20

    * Counselor Isaiah 9:6

    * Covenant of the people Isaiah 42:6

    * David Jeremiah 30:9

    * Daysman Job 9:33

    * Dayspring Luke 1:78

    * Day Star 2Peter 1:19

    * Deliverer Romans 11:26

    * Desire of all nations Haggai 2:7

    * Door, the John 10:7

    * Elect Isaiah 42:1

    * Emmanuel Isaiah 7:14

    * Ensign Isaiah 11:10

    * Eternal Life 1John 5:20

    * Everlasting Father Isaiah 9:6

    * Faithful and True Revelation 19:11

    * Faithful Witness, the Revelation 1:5

    * Faithful and true witness, the Revelation 3:14

    * Finisher of faith Hebrews 12:2

    * First and last Revelation 1:17; 2:8; 22:13

    * First begotten Hebrews 1:6

    * First begotten of the dead Revelation 1:5

    * Firstborn Psalms 89:27

    * Foundation Isaiah 28:16

    * Fountain Zechariah 13:1

    * Forerunner Hebrews 6:20

    * Friend of sinners Matthew 11:19

    * Gift of God John 4:10

    * Glory of Israel Luke 2:32

    * God (deity) John 1:1

    * God blessed forever Romans 9:5

    * God manifest in the flesh 1Timothy 3:16

    * God of Israel, the Saviour Isaiah 45:15

    * God of the whole earth Isaiah 54:5

    * God our Saviour 1Timothy 2:3

    * God's dear Son Colossians 1:13

    * God with us Matthew 1:23

    * Good Master Matthew 19:16

    * Governor Matthew 2:6

    * Great Shepherd of the sheep Hebrews 13:20

    * Head of the ekklesia (body) Ephesians 1:22, 23; 5:23; Colossians 1:18, 24

    * Heir of all things Hebrews 1:2

    * High priest Hebrews 4:14

    * Head of every man 1Corinthians 11:3

    * Head of the corner Matthew 21:42

    * Holy child Jesus Acts 4:30     (Reference to the Blessed Santo Nino; "The Holy Child")

    * Holy one of God Mark 1:24

    * Holy one of Israel Isaiah 41:14; 54:5

    * Holy thing Luke 1:35

    * Hope (our) 1Timothy 1:1

    * Horn of salvation Luke 1:69

    * I AM John 8:58

    * Image of God Hebrews 1:3

    * Israel Isaiah 49:3

    * Jehovah Isaiah 40:3

    * Jehovah's fellow Zechariah 13:7

    * Jesus Matthew 1:21

    * Jesus Christ Matthew 1:1; John 1:17; 17:3; Acts 2:38; 4:10; 9:34; 10:36; Romans 1:1, 16:18; 3, 6; 2:16; 5:15, 17; 6:3; 1Corinthians 1:1, 4; 2:2; 2Corinthians 1:19; 4:6; 13:5; Galatians 2:16; Philippians 1:8; 2:11; 1Timothy 1:15;

Hebrews 13:8; 1John 1:7; 2:1

    * Jesus Christ our Lord Romans 1:3; 6:11, 23; 1Corinthians 1:9; 7:25

    * Jesus Christ our Saviour Titus 3:6

    * Jesus of Nazareth Mark 1:24; Luke 24:19

    * Jesus (of Nazareth), King of the Jews John 19:19; Matthew 27:37

    * Jesus, the Son of God Hebrews 4:14

    * Jesus, the Son of Joseph John 6:42

    * Judge Acts 10:42

    * Just man, Just person, Just One Matthew 27:19, 24; Acts 3:14; 7:52; 22:14

    * King Matthew 21:5

    * King of Israel John 1:49

    * King of the Jews Matthew 2:2

    * King of Saints Revelation 15:3

    * King of Kings 1Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14

    * King of Glory Psalms 24:7-10

    * King of Zion Matthew 21:5

    * King over all the earth Zechariah 14:9

    * Lamb Revelation 5:6, 8; 7:9, 6:16; 10, 17; 12:11; 13:8, 11; 14:1, 4; 15:3; 17:14; 21:9, 14, 22, 19:7, 9; 23, 27

    * Lamb of God John 1:29

    * Lawgiver Isaiah 33:22

    * Leader Isaiah 55:4

    * Life John 14:6

    * Light John 8:12

    * Light, everlasting Isaiah 60:20

    * Light of the world John 8:12

    * Light to the Gentiles Isaiah 42:6

    * Light, true John 1:9

    * Living Bread, the John 6:51

    * Living Stone 1Peter 2:4

    * Lion of the tribe of Judah Revelation 5:5

    * Lord Romans 1:3

    * Lord of Lords Revelation 17:14; 19:16

    * Lord of all Acts 10:36

    * Lord our righteousness Jeremiah 23:6

    * Lord God Almighty Revelation 15:3

    * Lord from heaven 1Corinthians 15:47

    * Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 2Peter 1:11; 3:18

    * Lord Christ Colossians 3:24

    * Lord Jesus Acts 7:59; Colossians 3:17; 1Thessalonians 4:12

    * Lord Jesus Christ Acts 11:17; 16:31; 20:21; Romans 5:1, 11; 13:14

    * Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour Titus 1:4

    * Lord of glory James 2:1

    * Lord of Hosts (armies) Isaiah 44:6

    * Lord, mighty in battle Psalms 24:8

    * Lord of the dead and living Romans 14:9

    * Lord of the sabbath Mark 2:28

    * Lord over all Romans 10:12

    * Lord's Christ Luke 2:26

    * Lord, strong and mighty Psalms 24:8

    * Lord, the, our righteousness Jeremiah 23:6

    * Lord, your holy one Isaiah 43:15

    * Lord, your redeemer Isaiah 43:14

    * Man Christ Jesus 1Timothy 2:5

    * Man of sorrows Isaiah 53:3

    * Master Matthew 23:8

    * Mediator, the only 1Timothy 2:5

    * Messenger of the covenant Malachi 3:1

    * Messiah John 1:41

    * Messiah the Prince Daniel 9:25

    * Mighty God Isaiah 9:6

    * Mighty one of Israel Isaiah 30:29

    * Mighty one of Jacob Isaiah 49:26

    * Mighty to save Isaiah 63:1

    * Minister of the sanctuary Hebrews 8:2

    * Morning Star Revelation 22:16

    * Most holy Daniel 9:24

    * Most mighty Psalms 45:3

    * Nazarene Matthew 2:23

    * Offspring of David Revelation 22:16

    * Only begotten (Greek monogenes: one and only, unique) John 3:16

    * Only begotten (Greek monogenes: one and only, unique) of the Father John 1:14

    * Only begotten (Greek monogenes: one and only, unique) Son (the best mss. have "God" instead of "Son" here) John 1:18

    * Only wise God, our Saviour Jude 1:25

    * Overseer 1Peter 2:25

    * Passover, our 1Corinthians 5:7

    * Plant of renown Ezekiel 34:29

    * Potentate 1Timothy 6:15

    * Power of God 1Corinthians 1:24

    * Physician Matthew 9:12

    * Precious Cornerstone Isaiah 28:16

    * Priest Hebrews 7:17

    * Prince Acts 5:31

    * Prince of Life Acts 3:15

    * Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6

    * Prince of the kings of the earth Revelation 1:5

    * Prophet Deuteronomy 18:15, 18; Matthew 21:11; Luke 24:19

    * Propitiation (expiation, our Sin-offering) 1John 2:2

    * Rabbi, Rabboni John 1:49; 20:16

    * Ransom 1Timothy 2:6

    * Redeemer Isaiah 59:20

    * Resurrection and the Life, the John 11:25

    * Redemption 1Corinthians 1:30

    * Righteous Branch Jeremiah 23:5

    * Righteous Judge 2Timothy 4:8

    * Righteous Servant Isaiah 53:11

    * Righteousness 1Corinthians 1:30

    * Rock 1Corinthians 10:4

    * Rock of Offence 1Peter 2:8

    * Root of David Revelation 5:5; 22:16

    * Root of Jesse Isaiah 11:10

    * Rose of Sharon Song of Songs 2:1

    * Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2

    * Salvation Luke 2:30

    * Sanctification 1Corinthians 1:30

    * Sanctuary Isaiah 8:14

    * Saviour Luke 2:11

    * Saviour, Jesus Christ 2Timothy 1:10; Titus 2:13; 2Peter 1:1

    * Saviour of the body (ekklesia) Ephesians 5:23

    * Saviour of the world 1John 4:14

    * Sceptre Numbers 24:17

    * Second Man, the 1Corinthians 15:47

    * Seed of David 2Timothy 2:8

    * Seed of the woman Genesis 3:15

    * Servant Isaiah 42:1

    * Servant of rulers Isaiah 49:7

    * Shepherd Mark 14:27

    * Shepherd and Overseer of souls 1Peter 2:25

    * Shepherd, Chief 1Peter 5:4

    * Shepherd, Good John 10:11

    * Shepherd, Great Hebrews 13:20

    * Shepherd of Israel Psalms 80:1

    * Shiloh Genesis 49:10

    * Son of the Father 2John 1:3

    * Son of God,

    * Son of Man,

    * Son of the Blessed One (God) Mark 14:61

    * Son of the Highest One (God) Luke 1:32

    * Son of David Matthew 9:27

    * Star Numbers 24:17

    * Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2

    * Surety (Guarantee) Hebrews 7:22

    * Stone Matthew 21:42

    * Stone of Stumbling 1Peter 2:8

    * Sure Foundation Isaiah 28:16

    * Teacher John 3:2

    * True God 1John 5:20

    * True Vine John 15:1

    * Truth John 14:6


    * Unspeakable Gift 2Corinthians 9:15

    * Very Christ Acts 9:22

    * Vine, the John 15:1

    * Way, the John 14:6

    * Which is, which was, which is to come (equivalent to the tetragrammaton (YHWH), the Eternal One, I AM THAT I AM) Revelation 1:4

    * Wisdom Proverbs 8:12

    * Wisdom of God, the 1Corinthians 1:24

    * Witness Isaiah 55:4; Revelation 1:5

    * Wonderful Isaiah 9:6

    * Word John 1:1

    * Word of God Revelation 19:13

    * Word of Life 1John 1:1

[ms da binsi]

Circumcision was part of God's covenant with Abraham and the Jews:

Genesis 17

10 This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised. 11 You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you. 12 For the generations to come every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised, including those born in your household or bought with money from a foreignerâ€" those who are not your offspring.

Circumcision was an external sign of a spiritual relationship, which set the Jews apart from the rest of mankind as the chosen people of God. However, history showed that the Jewish people became more and more fixated to the external signs, statutes, and ceremonies rather than their inward spirituality. Of course, this tendency is not peculiar to the Jews but resonates to human nature in general. Rather than facing our frailties, we explain away our violative tendencies through legalism.

The dispensation of grace, as contrasted to that of law, ushered in by Christ in the New Testament restores the pre-eminence of our relationship to God in our practice of spirituality. For instance, Christ has redefined the legalistic frames of such common offenses as "adultery" and "murder." We commit adultery not only when we lie in bed with someone not our spouse but also when we look at another person with lust. We commit murder not only when we kill a person by intent but also when we harbor deep hatred in our hearts towards him.

Thus, as with the Jews, we can no longer use physical circumcision as a blanket affirmation of our belongingness to God. Note that even in the Old Testament, physical circumcision was meant to come together with circumcision of our hearts, as was commanded in Deuteronomy 10 and 30. Unless our hearts are marked as of God, it does not matter much if we are externally marked as God's people in circumcision. We cannot use religious appearances in place of real spirituality of the heart.

Paul preached this in his letter to the Romans:

Romans 2
29No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God.

Therefore, physical circumcision is not a necessary and essential condition for salvation, but spiritual circumcision is.

Most French are not circumcized, so far sa akong na kulokadidang! hahahha duha ra noon (im not kidding i dont want to be hypocrite here) and yet French are very catholic. So did they missed that part of the bible?

[Lorenzo]

I never knew that, 'te. Very interesting indeed; new information jud ni for me.

[benelynne]

Most French are not circumcized, so far sa akong na kulokadidang! hahahha duha ra noon (im not kidding i dont want to be hypocrite here) and yet French are very catholic. So did they missed that part of the bible?

Dong Lorenzo, OT (Off-topic) sa ko from OT (Old Testament) Can't help but notice Belle look like French royalty in her new avatar. Unsay pasabot sa kulokadidang? Murag colorful kaayo ni nga lingwahe.

As Antoine de Saint Exupéry once said, "What is essential is invisible to the eye." So it is not the physical circumcision that you can see (even in the dark, Belle?) which matters to God, but circumcision of the heart--that is, setting oneself apart to be of Him and serve Him.

[asianfairy]

B,  dire sa most part sa Europe, at least in the nordic countries wa man ipractise ang circumcision or tuli.

pero tuli or wa parehas raman na sila kalami. Aw mora pod ug daghan ko natilawan. ha..ha..

bitaw..depende raman na sa laki kon hinloan or dili.:-))

[asianfairy]

Korek da Bins. To reiterate : what has tuli got to do with GOD?
hasta  man gani pari dire way tuli. ha.ha..ha..ha..

Salvation from germs ang unsa pa nang mga kagaw2x diha!

Thats all i can say. What has TULI something to do with GOD?

nothing, they only knew then nga ang tuli is a hygiene.

Nag sugod ang Tuli sa mga Jews, as far as i have known and they were not christians...

Jews are just the cleanest people I have ever known in my entire life, dili lang sa ilang genitals but in everything.

[asianfairy]

Dong Bran,

No offense meant pero di nako maget nang tanang nakasulat sa Old testament, because the fact that is it hard to fathom for normal people like us,
I find some of its content inconsistent with the worlds present reality.


Cheers!

Let's continue.

Is circumcision necessary for salvation?

Certain men from Jerusalem travel to Antioch and begin teaching that certain believers (Gentiles) must be circumcised in order to receive salvation (Acts 15:1, 5). After Paul and Barnabas discuss and dispute this teaching with those promoting it, they and other church members go to Jerusalem to confer about the issue with the apostles and elders (Acts 15:2, Galatians 2:1-2).

After arriving in Jerusalem Paul and Barnabas privately meet with James, Peter (Cephas) and John about the circumcision question (Galatians 2:4-10). The issue of whether converted Gentiles should be circumcised or not is then discussed with the entire church (Acts 15:6, 12, 22). It is ultimately decided that Gentiles need not be circumcised (Acts 15:19). A letter regarding this decision is delivered to the Gentile Christians in Antioch by a group composed of Paul, Barnabas, Silas and others (Acts 15:22-31).

Circumcision was mandated as a way to delineate which one was God's people. The Hebrews are circumcised because it was mandated by the Almighty as told in the Talmud. Many Christians to this day do this because of cultural and traditional methodology.

It links the relationship of Early Christianity with Jewish practices.

[Bambi]

Most French are not circumcized, so far sa akong na kulokadidang! hahahha duha ra noon (im not kidding i dont want to be hypocrite here) and yet French are very catholic. So did they missed that part of the bible?

Yes Bayat you are right as what Ms Asianfairy also commented.  Most of the Europians are not circumcized....it took me a lot of time to find the "Tinuli" one...well, am lucky and happy to enjoy GOD's order? Love will accept all orders....circumcized or not!   Well, tinuli ug dili way gjod ang Diyos ani gipili, di ba? Mag-unsa kod ka ug tinuli ang  tawo unja rapist diay? Di....barbequhon lang gihapon siya sa imperno, di ba? Mao gani nga dili gjod ko mobasa ug Bible kay basin ug nagsobra na ring ahong mga mortal sins. By the way, the muslims woman at young age "tilanggon"  man is this just similar to tuli?...sus...maajo gani kay dili pod tang mga Katoliko nga babaye ipatilang...Haskang pangita na kay kuhaon ang pitiw unja mao raba nay "G" point...unsaon nalang? Pastilan....

Si Benelynne,   I think what Bayat meant for "kulokadidang" kadton iyang gi-iring2x sa una nga young French man....or di ba Bayat? Apir diha!

[Bambi]

B,  dire sa most part sa Europe, at least in the nordic countries wa man ipractise ang circumcision or tuli.

pero tuli or wa parehas raman na sila kalami. Aw mora pod ug daghan ko natilawan. ha..ha..

bitaw..depende raman na sa laki kon hinloan or dili.:-))

OH Asianfairy you are so cute! whahahahaha      Wala bitaw  gipili ang atong Ginoo ug pisot ba o tinuli parehas ra ni sa virgin o dugay na bang nangabunggi...sa mata sa Diyos tawo tang tanan mga makasasala, di ba? Depende ra sa atong binuhatan dinhi sa kalibutan. Unsa man motilaw tag daghan b4 it is too late?  Haskang paita siguro if God will ask : O unsa Bambina kinsay imong "gikukalidang" sa buhi kapa tinuli ba o dili?  Ug Pisot additional sin na unja pod...hala mga gurls hulinga ug una before committing a mortal sin. 

[asianfairy]

ms. Bambi bahakhak gyod ko usara dire ron katawa. LOL!!!

Ganahan ko tinood nimo kay very practical gyod ka nga pagka tawo. I just love you so dear Bambi.

Sus tinood na zamo. unsaon nato nang tinuli pod unya di diay mogahi? ha,.,.ha..hala ka X-rated naman diay ko ani. ha..ha...

Miss chatting to you Ms. Bams. Dia pamis Denmark hangtod ron. Mosuroy unta mis Legoland rong adlawa pero nagbunok ulan mao dia mis hotel nagtikongkong. Good that i have my laptop and can connect to TB anytime.
How was your Paris trip? very romantic, I presume.
Kram!

[asianfairy]

Looy bitaw ni silang mga muslim baye no? sus wala nila mafeel kon unsa ang mahilangit.
It is very wrong practise. Pero nagsugod na baya pod sila ug kahigmata ..

OH Asianfairy you are so cute! whahahahaha      Wala bitaw  gipili ang atong Ginoo ug pisot ba o tinuli parehas ra ni sa virgin o dugay na bang nangabunggi...sa mata sa Diyos tawo tang tanan mga makasasala, di ba? Depende ra sa atong binuhatan dinhi sa kalibutan. Unsa man motilaw tag daghan b4 it is too late?  Haskang paita siguro if God will ask : O unsa Bambina kinsay imong "gikukalidang" sa buhi kapa tinuli ba o dili?  Ug Pisot additional sin na unja pod...hala mga gurls hulinga ug una before committing a mortal sin. 

[asianfairy]

Ms da Bins naibog ko nimo kay naka kulukadidang na diay ka ug French. Mga caring ra ba na sila. :-))

Yes Bayat you are right as what Ms Asianfairy also commented.  Most of the Europians are not circumcized....it took me a lot of time to find the "Tinuli" one...well, am lucky and happy to enjoy GOD's order? Love will accept all orders....circumcized or not!   Well, tinuli ug dili way gjod ang Diyos ani gipili, di ba? Mag-unsa kod ka ug tinuli ang  tawo unja rapist diay? Di....barbequhon lang gihapon siya sa imperno, di ba? Mao gani nga dili gjod ko mobasa ug Bible kay basin ug nagsobra na ring ahong mga mortal sins. By the way, the muslims woman at young age "tilanggon"  man is this just similar to tuli?...sus...maajo gani kay dili pod tang mga Katoliko nga babaye ipatilang...Haskang pangita na kay kuhaon ang pitiw unja mao raba nay "G" point...unsaon nalang? Pastilan....

Si Benelynne,   I think what Bayat meant for "kulokadidang" kadton iyang gi-iring2x sa una nga young French man....or di ba Bayat? Apir diha!

[benelynne]

Ms da Bins naibog ko nimo kay naka kulukadidang na diay ka ug French. Mga caring ra ba na sila. :-))

Dong Enzo, kaning imong mga pupils gipulihan imong kurikulum ug kulukadidang. Balik ta sa kumsisyon...
Bible study baja ni...

[asianfairy]

Sir thanks for reminding us nga bible study man diay subject ani.
kini man god si da Bins:-))

Dong Enzo, kaning imong mga pupils gipulihan imong kurikulum ug kulukadidang. Balik ta sa kumsisyon...
Bible study baja ni...

[ms da binsi]

bwahahahha

karon pa ko kaukab ani ug usab haskang katawa naho diri! hahahha

sus ma bughat jud ni ahong inibtan ug ngipon karon!

hahhahahhahha

[benelynne]

Sir thanks for reminding us nga bible study man diay subject ani.
kini man god si da Bins:-))

Welcome man kaajo commercial break, mas bibo man hinuon when real issues are raised vis-a-vis Biblical teaching. Am sure Dong Enzo is broad-minded regarding these matters.

[ms da binsi]

OH Asianfairy you are so cute! whahahahaha      Wala bitaw  gipili ang atong Ginoo ug pisot ba o tinuli parehas ra ni sa virgin o dugay na bang nangabunggi...sa mata sa Diyos tawo tang tanan mga makasasala, di ba? Depende ra sa atong binuhatan dinhi sa kalibutan. Unsa man motilaw tag daghan b4 it is too late?  Haskang paita siguro if God will ask : O unsa Bambina kinsay imong "gikukalidang" sa buhi kapa tinuli ba o dili?  Ug Pisot additional sin na unja pod...hala mga gurls hulinga ug una before committing a mortal sin. 

Bayat ang gi tuli still can have orgasm kay wa man na putla ang ilang mga G spots (i think) and i only knew about the muslim women nga gi tangtangan ug G spots? is that true? pastilan! diili na jud sila ka feel ug lami like heaven as what A said?

[orChids]

Kulukadidang?Kalami aning webster binisdak.hahahahhahahaha
Ayaw jod ko hisguti ug bahin sa tuli kay malibat ko. pasayloa tawon ang nakawagtang sa topic.hahahaha.What is TB without kulukadidang.

[asianfairy]

sis Aya, what is TB without the igat club. kabalo kana kinsay mga membro ana. hat-.-hat!!

Kulukadidang?Kalami aning webster binisdak.hahahahhahahaha
Ayaw jod ko hisguti ug bahin sa tuli kay malibat ko. pasayloa tawon ang nakawagtang sa topic.hahahaha.What is TB without kulukadidang.

[ms da binsi]

Kulukadidang?Kalami aning webster binisdak.hahahahhahahaha
Ayaw jod ko hisguti ug bahin sa tuli kay malibat ko. pasayloa tawon ang nakawagtang sa topic.hahahaha.What is TB without kulukadidang.

sis Aya, what is TB without the igat club. kabalo kana kinsay mga membro ana. hat-.-hat!!

A, what is TB without the IGAT club? sus ka boring tingali! hahahaha

ang presidente sa Igat club kay akong i appoint si Bayat a.k.a Bambi, kumadreng Tigolsna, BOC!!!

hahahahhaha

[Lorenzo]

Korek da Bins. To reiterate : what has tuli got to do with GOD?
hasta  man gani pari dire way tuli. ha.ha..ha..ha..

The reason why I asked the question was to see if we can find any biblical reference to the practice of circumcision, which has been a practice to not only of the People of the Book (the Jewish people) as well as Early Christians and even to Orthodox and Catholics to this present era.

The question was to see if we could find any specific reference that supports it or disinclines the use of circumcision. And as we found out, there were passages in scripture that supports the traditional use of circumcission--initially it was mandated by the Most High to the Hebrews as a sign of the covenant between Abraham and The Most High.

The specific scriptural passage that indicates this is found in Genesis 17:9-10 which states,

And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.

and again in Romans 4:11

And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also.

and again in Genesis 17:12-13

And THE LORD said unto him, And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed. He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.


Though there are scriptural references of circumcission in the Old Testament, from which we have observed in these specific passages, there were other references in the New Testament that indicates that salvation does not require circumcission. The act of circumcission was intended for the Jews, the Chosen People {People of the Book}. For modern Christians to be circumcissed or not is within their own choosing; it is an act of faith and or personal conviction.

Because we know that salvation does not require circumcission, but faith and acceptance in Christ Jesus. Who is the Word Incarnate.

We have specific reference for this.


Circumcision applied to the slaves of Jews. Apart from that, circumcision never applied to people outside the Jewish faith. The first covenant was not with other nations. All other people were described as uncircumcised, even those who practised circumcision (Jeremiah 9:25-26). Circumcision never applied to Christians (Acts 15:5-11). The Apostle Peter, who was circumcised, said:

... we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.
-Acts 15:11

No. Christians were freed from the Law, including circumcision (Acts 15:1-20). It was described as an almost unbearable yoke on the neck (Acts 15: 10). The yoke, of course, was a sign of slavery and Christians were told not to become entangled with 'a yoke of bondage' (Galatians 5:1-2).

The Law as we read it contains things that appall us, such as forcing a rapist to marry his victim (Deuteronomy 22:28-29) or rejecting people born out of wedlock and their descendants (Deuteronomy 23:2). However, almost all of us read the Law in translation, which inevitably changes and distorts the text. Even fewer read it with a background of the checks, balances and insights of the Jewish oral and legal tradition. This has contributed to atrocities such as when Christians used Exodus 22:18 to justify the slaughter of 'witches' or other verses to justify slavery and the slave trade (e.g., Exodus 21:2-11, 20-21, Leviticus 25:44-46 and Deuteronomy 20:10-15).

Christ Jesus even mentioned circumcission in his teachings, we see this in John 7:14

Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Dong Bran,

No offense meant pero di na baya ko motoo tanan anang nakasulat sa Old testament.
Motoo ko naay Ginoo ug nagbinut-a sab ko sa akong pagpuyo pero kanang tanan nasulat diha di gyod nako matake kay di na logical.

Cheers!

I respect your opinion, Tita, however the question in hand was poking on the topic of scriptural support or the antithesis of the act of circumcission.

Whether the French or not are circumcised or not has nothing to do with the subject matter. As the French were not in question; Europeans, Africans, etc.

You get my point.

[Lorenzo]

Welcome man kaajo commercial break, mas bibo man hinuon when real issues are raised vis-a-vis Biblical teaching. Am sure Dong Enzo is broad-minded regarding these matters.

Tito Benne, Am very open minded about this. And I think its good to see other people's points of views. But for me, though there are some instances of scriptural discrepancies, if one reads the whole text of the Holy Bible, most of the discrepancies are explained and cleared. It is when individuals twist the meaning of scripture to fulfill an agenda or if they simply wish to focus on one particular passage and ignore the whole; that becomes a problem.

Every text in the Holy Bible, from Old Testament to the New Testament is not 'illogical' nor is it 'unimportant'. It is THE WORD OF GOD.

And we are here to study and gain a better, wider, fuller understanding of his voice.

Not to drown His voice with personal ramifications and side convictions.

Hope you all understand.

[asianfairy]

Doy Bran, thanks.

Pero magsabtanay nalang ta Doy ha kay lainlain man ta beliefs. para nako ang bible tawo rapod nagsulat ana.
Mora raba pod na ug biography ba about God.

And again, I believe that there is GOD but I dont believe every words written in the bible.
Pero daghan baya maayong basahon pod. Ganahan ko mobasa anang Psalms.

I also believe in miracles, kay kadaghan nako makaexperience ana.

Cheers!

[Lorenzo]

Amen to you Tita.

We all have different views, like the sands of the earth, we all are shaped, look, and think different. Just as the sands and pebbles of the earth are not identical to one another.

And again, it is always a pleasure to read your thoughts, we all learn from different views.

God Bless You, my fellow Valencianon.


Truly,
Bran Lorenzo

[pioneer]

From author and preacher John McArthur on the belief that every word in the Bible is inspired by God and is used by God to speak to humans.

a)1 Corinthians 2:13--Paul said, "We speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth." Paul claimed it was the words, not just the thoughts that are inspired.

b) John 17:8--Jesus said to the Father, "I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me." In the Old Testament phrases such as "thus saith the Lord," "the word of the Lord came," and "God said" are repeated over 3800 times. Clearly God communicates by words.

c) Galatians 1:11-12--Paul said, "I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." Paul got the gospel from God, not men.

d) Exodus 4:12--God said to Moses, "I will be with thy mouth and teach thee what thou shalt say." Forty years later Moses said to Israel, "Ye shall not add unto the word which I commanded you, neither shall ye diminish anything from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you" (Deut. 4:2). Words spoken by God are not to be taken away from or added to.

e) 1 Peter 1:10-11--Peter wrote that "the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you, searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ who was in them did signify." This verse is a power argument against thought inspiration. The Holy Spirit gave the prophets a message about the Messiah, which they recorded. Then they sought to understand the meaning of their own proclamations. So there were times when the prophets received and recorded words that they did not fully understand. So it was words not thoughts that they pondered on, which again is evidence that inspiration is verbal.

f) Matthew 24:35--Jesus said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." It is the words in the Bible that God has given. Pronouns, prepositions, and conjunctions are important.

g) 1 Corinthians 14:37--Paul said, "If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord." A spiritual man will recognize that Paul's writings are the very words of God.

to read the full version of this exposion, please click this link

[asianfairy]

PS.
Dong Bran, ang ako buot ipaibot sa akong "dili logical" nga comments nga ang ubang nasulat sa bibliya morag lisod ipractise in reality. And you are aware yourself  that even priest commits really BIG sins by sexually abusing young boys and not getting married but have many mistresses.

Mao na angay nalang unta itugot nalang na na sa catholic church nga paminyoon ang mga pari kay sa makasala ra sila.

Unya I dont believe nga kon way tuli di mahilangit???
OMG.

Sa una ako baya na nahurot basa ang New testament pero pagkahuman nalibog rako.

Ms. Bams...mobasa bapod ka ug bibliya?

[pioneer]

More from John McArthur on the belief that the Bible is God-breathed and its every word is inspired by God.

1. It (the Bible) is God-breathed

Second Timothy 3:16 says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God" (Gk.,  theopneustos, "God-breathed").

Scripture proceeded from the mouth of God. In a sense both special and natural revelation are the product of God's spoken word. Psalm 33:6 says, "By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth". God breathed the universe and the Bible into existence. Thus when Scripture speaks God speaks. For example in Exodus 9:16 God says to Pharaoh, "In very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, to show in thee my power." But Romans 9:17 says, "The scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee." Paul attributes to Scripture what was spoken by God. God and Scripture are used interchangeably. As Paul says in Romans 3:2, the Scriptures are the "oracles of God."

a) Jeremiah--In chapter 1 he wrote, "The word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the womb, I knew thee; and before thou comest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations" (vv. 4-5). Then Jeremiah records God as saying, "Whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth" (vv. 7, 9). In chapter 5 God says to Jeremiah, "I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them" (v. 14). Jeremiah responds to God in chapter 15, "Thy words were found, and I did eat them" (v. 16). Later, in the same chapter, God gave this promise to him, "If thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth" (v. 19).

b) Ezekiel--God said to Ezekiel, "Son of man, all my words that I shall speak unto thee, receive in thine heart, and hear with thine ears. And go unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them" (Ezek. 3:10-11). God gave Ezekiel the exact words to say.

c) Paul--Ananias said to Paul, "The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. For thou shalt be his witness unto men of what thou hast seen and heard" (Acts 22:14-15).

d) John--In Revelation chapter 1 John wrote, "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, saying, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter" (vv. 10-11, 19).

So the men who wrote the Old and New Testaments were commissioned by God to write His words. Paul's words to Felix reinforce the fact that we can trust the Bible as the Word of God: "This I confess unto thee that, after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets" (Acts 24:14).

2. It includes all Scripture

The Greek term  pasa can be translated "all" or "every." However, when Paul wrote 2 Timothy 3:16 the New Testament canon was not closed. Therefore some believe "all" can refer only to the Old Testament. But that interpretation places a time restriction upon "all" that is not warranted by the text. All Scripture is inspired of God whether it precedes or follows Paul's second epistle to Timothy.

Jesus said "the scripture cannot be broken" (John 10.35). That includes Scripture that had been written, was being written, and would be written.

3. It points only to Scripture

The Greek word translated "scripture" (graphe) means "writing." However not all writing is God-breathed. Paul said to Timothy, "From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures" (2 Tim. 3:15). Only holy writing is God-breathed. 

To read more of John McArthur's article, please click this link

[Lorenzo]

From author and preacher John McArthur on the belief that every word in the Bible is inspired by God and is used by God to speak to humans.

a)1 Corinthians 2:13--Paul said, "We speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth." Paul claimed it was the words, not just the thoughts that are inspired.

b) John 17:8--Jesus said to the Father, "I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me." In the Old Testament phrases such as "thus saith the Lord," "the word of the Lord came," and "God said" are repeated over 3800 times. Clearly God communicates by words.

c) Galatians 1:11-12--Paul said, "I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." Paul got the gospel from God, not men.

d) Exodus 4:12--God said to Moses, "I will be with thy mouth and teach thee what thou shalt say." Forty years later Moses said to Israel, "Ye shall not add unto the word which I commanded you, neither shall ye diminish anything from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you" (Deut. 4:2). Words spoken by God are not to be taken away from or added to.

e) 1 Peter 1:10-11--Peter wrote that "the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you, searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ who was in them did signify." This verse is a power argument against thought inspiration. The Holy Spirit gave the prophets a message about the Messiah, which they recorded. Then they sought to understand the meaning of their own proclamations. So there were times when the prophets received and recorded words that they did not fully understand. So it was words not thoughts that they pondered on, which again is evidence that inspiration is verbal.

f) Matthew 24:35--Jesus said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." It is the words in the Bible that God has given. Pronouns, prepositions, and conjunctions are important.

g) 1 Corinthians 14:37--Paul said, "If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord." A spiritual man will recognize that Paul's writings are the very words of God.

to read the full version of this exposion, please click this link

To God Be All Glory and Praise.

That he gave man a mouth to speak the truth, a heart to console and be consoled, the mind to see the truth and the spirit to hear the Word of God.

[asianfairy]

Mike, salamat ani.

Hala ka basin imo nako i-ban dires TB kay wa ko motoo tanan sa storya sa bible? Di nalang ko makigdebate bahin ani kay basin di gyod ta maghuman unya. :-))

Cheers to you and doy Bran!!
Love yah both.

From author and preacher John McArthur on the belief that every word in the Bible is inspired by God and is used by God to speak to humans.

a)1 Corinthians 2:13--Paul said, "We speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth." Paul claimed it was the words, not just the thoughts that are inspired.

b) John 17:8--Jesus said to the Father, "I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me." In the Old Testament phrases such as "thus saith the Lord," "the word of the Lord came," and "God said" are repeated over 3800 times. Clearly God communicates by words.

c) Galatians 1:11-12--Paul said, "I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." Paul got the gospel from God, not men.

d) Exodus 4:12--God said to Moses, "I will be with thy mouth and teach thee what thou shalt say." Forty years later Moses said to Israel, "Ye shall not add unto the word which I commanded you, neither shall ye diminish anything from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you" (Deut. 4:2). Words spoken by God are not to be taken away from or added to.

e) 1 Peter 1:10-11--Peter wrote that "the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you, searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ who was in them did signify." This verse is a power argument against thought inspiration. The Holy Spirit gave the prophets a message about the Messiah, which they recorded. Then they sought to understand the meaning of their own proclamations. So there were times when the prophets received and recorded words that they did not fully understand. So it was words not thoughts that they pondered on, which again is evidence that inspiration is verbal.

f) Matthew 24:35--Jesus said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." It is the words in the Bible that God has given. Pronouns, prepositions, and conjunctions are important.

g) 1 Corinthians 14:37--Paul said, "If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord." A spiritual man will recognize that Paul's writings are the very words of God.

to read the full version of this exposion, please click this link

[asianfairy]

B, ay sekondemotion.:-) Unya si sis Lita maoy sexytary? Si sis Aya maoy Muse?

A, what is TB without the IGAT club? sus ka boring tingali! hahahaha

ang presidente sa Igat club kay akong i appoint si Bayat a.k.a Bambi, kumadreng Tigolsna, BOC!!!

hahahahhaha

[pioneer]

Mike, salamat ani.

Hala ka basin imo nako i-ban dires TB kay wa ko motoo tanan sa storya sa bible? Di nalang ko makigdebate bahin ani kay basin di gyod ta maghuman unya. :-))

Cheers to you and doy Bran!!
Love yah both.

Dear Alicia,

Freedom of speech is the sweetest gift of democracy.

Love you always...

[Bambi]

PS.
Dong Bran, ang ako buot ipaibot sa akong "dili logical" nga comments nga ang ubang nasulat sa bibliya morag lisod ipractise in reality. And you are aware yourself  that even priest commits really BIG sins by sexually abusing young boys and not getting married but have many mistresses.

Mao na angay nalang unta itugot nalang na na sa catholic church nga paminyoon ang mga pari kay sa makasala ra sila.

Unya I dont believe nga kon way tuli di mahilangit???
OMG.

Sa una ako baya na nahurot basa ang New testament pero pagkahuman nalibog rako.

Ms. Bams...mobasa bapod ka ug bibliya?

Yes dear Asianfairy in my virgin days but I was more confused as I did understand about some phrases and citations. It was written there...as far as I could remember "Ayaw paghilawas basta wala ka pay bendisyon sa kaminyoon" murag ingon ato...Of course, had obeyed it.  Now, am considered as a great sinner committing adultery being married for the second time.   My prayer: "Lord, I have sinned in my life and I beg you to accept it BUT I think it is too early for you to forgive me for who knows I will commit again the same. Dear Lord, forgive me for what I mortally  did yesterday and the coming failures in which  as human  I might easily do". And I thank you LORD for giving me this  joy with the life partner that you have shared to me.   I do have my own belief that there is one GOD and I think it is enough to praise and thank HIM for the good things he has given me and I hope that HE will entertain more those who are really in needs.

[ms da binsi]

Re Insoy:
Whether the French or not are circumcised or not has nothing to do with the subject matter. As the French were not in question; Europeans, Africans, etc.  

Yes Dodong they have nothing to do with the subject matter but we should always remember nga we are very young   in this world. Before Philippines there was  Amerika and before Amerika there was already these europians existed, and even some continents got lost already, we should not ignore them in some of the discussions and why i included them in my examples.

I can not just read the bible and follow even not reflicting the people in the past. If you solely read and follow the bible it is like you are locked in the house without doors and windows  and can never compare and reflect the people around you, i think it is wrong.

Before our time there were not so many reading materials, internet or whatever magazines, all they have is the bible and some of Sheakespear's books and others. Karon, dont you think they ignored everything what is written in the bible? nga they were the first who got christianized?

[Lorenzo]

Mike, salamat ani.

Hala ka basin imo nako i-ban dires TB kay wa ko motoo tanan sa storya sa bible? Di nalang ko makigdebate bahin ani kay basin di gyod ta maghuman unya. :-))

Cheers to you and doy Bran!!
Love yah both.

Tita,

Friendly and constructive exchange of thoughts ra man ni. And I treasure your words as that of anyone else's.

Love you too,
Bran

[B:)]

hi guys, this is my first time in this thread and read lots of interesting insights. I am very aware about the BIBLE. Ever since I stepped in to a Catholic school up to I graduated college, I thought I know everything about it. It was when I came to the US with so much materials to read and see that I came to realize that there are plenty of things to know more about it. And it even became more interesting when I get the chance to go into the Vatican City in Rome Italy. That was the time when my Faith finally gets into the point where I say, I know where I stand now.


but here's my question, did you know who wrote the bible? this question is for you Bran specially since you are the one who started the thread. From then on I'll see what I can add.

[benelynne]

Tito Benne, Am very open minded about this. And I think its good to see other people's points of views. But for me, though there are some instances of scriptural discrepancies, if one reads the whole text of the Holy Bible, most of the discrepancies are explained and cleared. It is when individuals twist the meaning of scripture to fulfill an agenda or if they simply wish to focus on one particular passage and ignore the whole; that becomes a problem.

Every text in the Holy Bible, from Old Testament to the New Testament is not 'illogical' nor is it 'unimportant'. It is THE WORD OF GOD.

And we are here to study and gain a better, wider, fuller understanding of his voice.

Not to drown His voice with personal ramifications and side convictions.

Hope you all understand.

I fully agree with you in this regard, Dong. In fact, since the Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit and is God-breathed, it has unity of thought. Seeming discrepancies are actually fragments of one whole consistent truth. Only the most literal and superficial reading of the Bible can make it seem illogical...

[benelynne]

I attend a Bible Study almost every Sunday evening and we go one chapter at a time, starting from Genesis. We are now in 1st Kings 22. The New Testament is easier to read and the thread of thought easier to follow, so I advise beginners to start here. The Old Testament can be very challenging because it has to be understood on different levels--from the literal and historical to the highly figurative and spiritual plane.

It is good to study the O.T. with the guidance of someone well-versed in it because one can be confused by passages seemingly contrary to Christian thinking--like why God blessed Abraham who lied about many things and slept with his maid, Jacob who cheated his brother Esau and slept with both sisters, why David who slept with his general's wife and schemed to kill him is called a "man after God's own heart", why God ordered total annihilation of pagans when the Israel moved into the Promised Land, etc. etc.

In our group, we have a Taiwanese pastor, Filipino PhD candidates in the natural sciences, undergraduate students and plain housewives. The most interesting questions--which force us to think really deeply--come from one Japanese housewife whose question always gives rise to more questions, most of them really hilarious. (I recall the interjections of Belle here.) We attempt to answer in the best way we can, without taking offense, and we sometimes go home without really clear answers to those questions. We don't feel we have one muscle less in the strength of our faith, and we always look forward to the next session.

Somehow, the process of addressing these questions, more than giving any definitive answer itself, is what builds our faith...

[Lorenzo]

hi guys, this is my first time in this thread and read lots of interesting insights. I am very aware about the BIBLE. Ever since I stepped in to a Catholic school up to I graduated college, I thought I know everything about it. It was when I came to the US with so much materials to read and see that I came to realize that there are plenty of things to know more about it. And it even became more interesting when I get the chance to go into the Vatican City in Rome Italy. That was the time when my Faith finally gets into the point where I say, I know where I stand now.


but here's my question, did you know who wrote the bible? this question is for you Bran specially since you are the one who started the thread. From then on I'll see what I can add.

Beth, I will try to answer this to the best of my ability, but I also invite persons who know and have studied the Bible more than I; per se Tito Benne and Brod Mike.

For me, Beth,

The Bible itself are works of men who have been inspired by the Power of the Holy Spirit. Or as what Tito Benne put it as, "God-Breathed".

"Who wrote the Bible” is a question that can be definitively answered by examining the biblical texts in light of the external evidences that supports its claims. 2 Timothy 3:16 states that “All scripture is inspired by God….” In 2 Peter 1:20-21, Peter reminds the reader to “know this first of all, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, … but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” The Bible itself tells us that it is God who is the author of His book.

God does not leave us with just claims of His divine handiwork in the Bible, but also supports it with compelling evidence. The design of the Bible itself is a miracle. Written over more than 1,500 years by vastly different writers, yet every book in the Bible is consistent in its message. These 66 books talk about history, prophecy, poetry, and theology. Despite their complexity, differences in writing styles and vast time periods, the books of the Bible agree miraculously well in theme, facts and cross-referencing. No human beings could have planned such an intricate combination of books over a 1,500-year time span. Bible manuscripts (remember, there were no printing presses until 1455) have survived despite weather, persecution and time. Most ancient writings written on weak materials like papyrus have vanished all together. Yet many copies of the Old Testament scriptures survived. For instance, the Dead Sea Scrolls contain all books of the Old Testament, except Esther, and have been dated to before the time of Christ. Consider Julius Caesar’s Gallic Wars. Only ten copies written about 1,000 years after the event are in existence. In comparison, there are over 24,000+ New Testament manuscripts, the earliest one dating to within 24 years after Christ.

The Bible also validates its divine authorship through fulfilled prophecies. An astonishing 668 prophecies have been fulfilled and none have ever been proven false (three are unconfirmed). An honest study of biblical prophecy will compellingly show the divine authorship of the Bible. Further, archeology confirms (or in some cases supports) accounts in the biblical record. No other holy book comes close to the Bible in the amount of evidence supporting its divine authorship.


During services for Adoration of the Holy Sacrament, whenever the priest reads the stories within the gospel (for that particular day), I will cry. And for me, I've started attending Adorations for the Blessed Sacrament as of late, and have come to know elderly women who attend it on a regular basis.

Talking to them, and hearing their interpretations and their life experiences that revolves around the particular scriptural lesson within the gospel reading empowers me.

For me, I find strength in their faith. My faith increases in seeing their own faith. Ako, ma moved man jud ko to see elderly women in their golden ages of 80+ who have unwavering faith. And call on the Name of Jesus. Seeing them cry when the Priest presents the chalice that holds the Blessed Host--even evokes me to cry.

You can feel a presence of Holiness. Naa'y sense of peace. One that can even move a stubborn man such as myself to tears. Christ Have Mercy. Christ IS Mercy.







Cheers,

[asianfairy]

Hala mora ug natouch nako ang G point ani.Kadugayan basin duna nay magdala ug sundang. he..he,

Seriously: I must apologized for my  injudicious way of describing my comments re the bible.
However I stand firm in my persuasion that some religious interpretations of the words in the bible made is not consistent with the worlds present reality.

The bible has been a subject of confute for many great men in the past and present and albeit I am no expert in the study of religious doctrines and matters of divinity, I do have my own way of understanding the bible and still I am amazed that the catholic church and the protestant is NOT in harmony in their interpretation of the  scriptures when both have studied the same ONE Bible.


A few vivid examples:

Ok ra sa mga protestant nga ang pastor magminyo ug manganak,
ang katoliko di gyod paminyoon ang pari.

Ang protestante di motoo or moworship aning mga birhen2x , ang mga katoliko sigi gihapon ug worship ani.
Ang katoliko ila gihapon pangadyean ang tawo nga patay na para daw mahilangit ang protestante dili na.


And even protestants in the Philippines and Europe are NOT agreeable about how they practised their beliefs. Here protestant dont consider PS a sin. In Phils, it is.

So who among these two great religious denomination is being literal or superficial in reading the bible?

We all are sinners and no one is better than the other. Who gives the heads of the church the right to declare that homos are guilty of wrongdoings according to the bible when they themselves are?

[asianfairy]

PS:

Ako na gimodify tong akong earlier comments sa page 8 para di tanto ostentatious paminawon.

[Lorenzo]

Very good points, Tita.

Despite the differences between Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants; differences in preaching scripture, differences in tradition, differences in methodology. In the long run, my dear Tita, we are all praising and worshiping the same ONE and ETERNAL and LIVING GOD. To whom there is no equal, no impossibilities, no one too 'small' for his mercies and his Love.

Katoliko, Baptist, Methodist, Orthodox, Born Again, etc. Why must we persecute each other when we all believe and accept Christ Jesus. God The Father and God the Holy Spirit.

I take these things with a grain of salt and accept the circumstances as it is presented to us. As what History has presented to us.

Tita, even the apostles Paul and Simon Peter disputed and disagreed. Like us, they were also human. But looking at their teachings in perspective, one cannot help but acquiesce to the fact that they both preached the same theme. The manner of ministery differed, but the Word that was taught was the same.

I have no problems with Protestants. Many of my closest friends are protestants and I used to attend a Protestant Bible Study in college; I had very colorful and genuinely spiritual lessons with them. Same theme, but different perspective--which is, almost if not exactly similar to that of what Catholic Church teaches.

Sige, let us all get back to biblical studies here. Who wants to start next? Tito Benne. By your lead, please.

[C2H4]

PS.
Dong Bran, ang ako buot ipaibot sa akong "dili logical" nga comments nga ang ubang nasulat sa bibliya morag lisod ipractise in reality. And you are aware yourself  that even priest commits really BIG sins by sexually abusing young boys and not getting married but have many mistresses.

Mao na angay nalang unta itugot nalang na na sa catholic church nga paminyoon ang mga pari kay sa makasala ra sila.

Unya I dont believe nga kon way tuli di mahilangit???
OMG.

Sa una ako baya na nahurot basa ang New testament pero pagkahuman nalibog rako.

Ms. Bams...mobasa bapod ka ug bibliya?

Hala, tinuod gyud nang ubang mga pari gyud. Ambot na mention naman cguro nako nga akong uncle sa una naay problema sa iyang asawa mag cge sila adto sa kumbento kay magpa counseling ni Pader, na unsa naba nga lahi man nga klase sa counseling gihimo ni Pader oi. Hangtod karon, toa pa ang ex-wife sa akong uncle cgeg pa counseling ni Pader. Ngeks.

[benelynne]

Hala, tinuod gyud nang ubang mga pari gyud. Ambot na mention naman cguro nako nga akong uncle sa una naay problema sa iyang asawa mag cge sila adto sa kumbento kay magpa counseling ni Pader, na unsa naba nga lahi man nga klase sa counseling gihimo ni Pader oi. Hangtod karon, toa pa ang ex-wife sa akong uncle cgeg pa counseling ni Pader. Ngeks.

I was raised a Catholic and received education from the Jesuits until college. When I got married, I started attending my wife's Protestant church just so we could be together on Sundays, and I found the free expression of worship liberating and exhilarating. I think there is an abundance of common ground in both for me to dwell in the differences.

I believe we can't be saved by religion. We are saved by our faith. Daghan pud ko disillusionments sa mga pari, but I also have first-hand experience of the weaknesses of pastors. So I don't focus on the frailties of man but on the perfection of God.

[simplylee]

Sa una ako baya na nahurot basa ang New testament pero pagkahuman nalibog rako.

Ms. Bams...mobasa bapod ka ug bibliya?

makalibog bitaw basahon na ang bibliya. kinahanglan dili lang na basahon tun-an gyod. pareha sa schoolroom situation nga naay maestro ug naa pod mga studyante.

[benelynne]

makalibog bitaw basahon na ang bibliya. kinahanglan dili lang na basahon tun-an gyod. pareha sa schoolroom situation nga naay maestro ug naa pod mga studyante.

Tinuod jud ni, Tita Lee. My interest in the Bible was aroused by a brilliant Japanese preacher whose expertise is the Old Testament. I was requested to interpret his preaching from Japanese to English everytime he preached at church. I had confidence in my language ability, but I realized that if you don't have a firm grasp of the content, you can't really interpret from one language to another effectively. So I started reading the Bibile, especially the Old Testament and the history of Israel. Auspiciously, I had a Christian study group that really patiently egged me on until I was able to catch up. Until now, I am still attending our Sunday evening sessions. Today, we finished 1 Kings 21 having more questions than answers... But if God's Word were so easily comprehensible, it would perhaps be because we are reducing His message to human terms. So we have learned to appreciate what we do not fully understand.

[C2H4]

I was raised a Catholic and received education from the Jesuits until college. When I got married, I started attending my wife's Protestant church just so we could be together on Sundays, and I found the free expression of worship liberating and exhilarating. I think there is an abundance of common ground in both for me to dwell in the differences.

I believe we can't be saved by religion. We are saved by our faith. Daghan pud ko disillusionments sa mga pari, but I also have first-hand experience of the weaknesses of pastors. So I don't focus on the frailties of man but on the perfection of God.

Very well said, Mr Bene. Sakto gyud, religion doesn't save us. Ang mga pari mga tawo ra man pud na sila, kung makasala sila, it's between them and God. It doesn't disillusion me, coz mas daghan man ko kaila nga mga maayo kaayo nga pari. Do you know Fr. Chapman SJ? He was my most beloved priest. I cried for days when he died.

With regards adtong pari nga cgeg counseling adtong ex-wife sa akong uncle, na affected baya gyud ang parish. Kay giluod siguro ang mga tawo maminaw niya magwali sa misa about God's teachings, unya cge siyag counseling on the side. I think the counseling has been going on for close to ten years now. What I don't understand is why wala gi futbol sa Obispo ning paria.

[ms da binsi]

because the bishop himself knows that these priest are also human beings! Thyl as long as dili batang laki ang ilang gi on the side i really dont care bahalag daghan pa nga baje ilang gi kulokadidang, i dont care too cuz that is very normal.

Mao bitaw na nga until now sigi pa na gi debate sa Vatican nga ang pari should get married. Mo opposed tinali sad ang mga BADIDAT nga pari. haaay i dont know. I never went to church anymore for a long time. Bahala mo agree mo ug dili, basta I feel like am in HEAVEN now.   

[simplylee]

i agree! it is not advisable to study the bible on your own you have to have your right pastor-teacher(one of the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit) who can help you understand the meaning of the written WORD. understanding the WORD needs isagogical, categorical and exegetical explanation.

[benelynne]

Very well said, Mr Bene. Sakto gyud, religion doesn't save us. Ang mga pari mga tawo ra man pud na sila, kung makasala sila, it's between them and God. It doesn't disillusion me, coz mas daghan man ko kaila nga mga maayo kaayo nga pari. Do you know Fr. Chapman SJ? He was my most beloved priest. I cried for days when he died.

With regards adtong pari nga cgeg counseling adtong ex-wife sa akong uncle, na affected baya gyud ang parish. Kay giluod siguro ang mga tawo maminaw niya magwali sa misa about God's teachings, unya cge siyag counseling on the side. I think the counseling has been going on for close to ten years now. What I don't understand is why wala gi futbol sa Obispo ning paria.

We should at least be answerable to the laws of man before we can claim to stand for the laws of God and claim to be His servants. Erring clergymen, whether Catholic or Protestant, should be made to answer for their action. Ang problema ron sa Catholic Church, which the Church itself honestly admits, is the shortage of seminarians ug katong gusto mupari, so removal of a priest may deprive some parishes of a shepherd. Galing lang kay ug nasalaag ang shepherd, labin na jud ang mga kordero. Bitaw, affected parties should instigate formal action to relieve him.

[Bambi]

Hala, tinuod gyud nang ubang mga pari gyud. Ambot na mention naman cguro nako nga akong uncle sa una naay problema sa iyang asawa mag cge sila adto sa kumbento kay magpa counseling ni Pader, na unsa naba nga lahi man nga klase sa counseling gihimo ni Pader oi. Hangtod karon, toa pa ang ex-wife sa akong uncle cgeg pa counseling ni Pader. Ngeks.


Oh my dear BB...lucky aunt or poor uncle? whahahahaha    I'm sorry and do excuse I could just help myself. I think this Pader has more Power!

[Bambi]

i agree! it is not advisable to study the bible on your own you have to have your right pastor-teacher(one of the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit) who can help you understand the meaning of the written WORD. understanding the WORD needs isagogical, categorical and exegetical explanation.

Well said Ms. simplylee

[Lorenzo]

Very well said, Mr Bene. Sakto gyud, religion doesn't save us. Ang mga pari mga tawo ra man pud na sila, kung makasala sila, it's between them and God. It doesn't disillusion me, coz mas daghan man ko kaila nga mga maayo kaayo nga pari. Do you know Fr. Chapman SJ? He was my most beloved priest. I cried for days when he died.

With regards adtong pari nga cgeg counseling adtong ex-wife sa akong uncle, na affected baya gyud ang parish. Kay giluod siguro ang mga tawo maminaw niya magwali sa misa about God's teachings, unya cge siyag counseling on the side. I think the counseling has been going on for close to ten years now. What I don't understand is why wala gi futbol sa Obispo ning paria.

This is true that religion does not save, it is in Faith and in Acting on Faith itself. The structure of religion does encourage the increase and development of faith through the reading and interpretation of scripture with fellow worshipers. This also includes in the act of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Prayers, Litanies, and the act of consecration.

As one who struggled with faith during my adolescent years, particularly all throughout my high school years, I particularly found it hard to accept the rules and structure of the Catholic Church. At the time.

When I left for college, it was when I was alone and distant from my parents and family, physically, that I found and reaffirmed my faith. Kai sa una when ever we would go to church, all liturgical teachings would pass me; that or i would dismiss the words as mere heresay, as mere stories and nothing more.

In college, I immediately realized that I needed something to hold me together. Even logical understandings and scientific methodology could not explain a natural need to 'believe'. I befriended a very good friend of mine to this day, Fr. Mark Hoffman, the catholic chaplain in my college. And I must say that we would have long-ended, glorious, and mind-refreshing conversations. Ranging to questions and talks on scripture, on politics, history and deeply on prayer.

I will always remember the words of Fr. Mark because he always stressed to me the power of PRAYER. He would tell me, "Al, you must open yourself to the Holy Spirit, open yourself to the word of God. To the name of Jesus. Many Americans, are deaf. Not physically deaf, but deaf to the call of God as it is in prayer that He communicates with us and it is in solid and candid prayer that we can truly understand what He has planned for us. Or accept the things that we cannot change and to find strength in what will and what has already happened."

My relationship with Fr. Mark Hoffman has reconnected me. I always thank him for allowing me to be "Born Again" Catholic . On the September of 2006 my sister and I enrolled for Catholic Confirmation with many catholic students as well as municipal members. We studied scripture with Fr. Mark and other ecclesiastical members. We read the entire bible; story per story, and our meetings were 3 times a week. Sometimes it would last from 3 hours to even 5 hours. Depending on the questions we had. LoL

Oh How I loved it! It has allowed me to accept and understand the structure of the Holy Catholic Church, and the teachings, the adoration of the sacraments, and most of all the adoration and consecration of the Holy Gospel.

There is no feeling that can describe the beauty of prayer, of worshiping and singing praises to Our Father. It is true though, that religion does not save, but religion itself can influence and increase Faith itself. Faith comes to the individual. God Claims His Own in due time. Trust me.

For me, mo add lang ko sa aning mga priestly order. I do understand the points of what you guys are saying; and do agree with you that some of these instances of priests molesting young children is completely abhorable. These individuals do not represent the holy order of priests. These are exceptions, and I can only pray for them for the forgiveness of their souls for their actions. It is not right for us to condemn, but to pray for them so that mercy shall be given to them from God. But on a human level, I believe that they should be punished harshly and accordingly to their actions.

Outside of that, the holy orders of priesthood and sisterhood, brotherhood and missionary work are holy orders. God has spoken to them to join in order to spread His Word. And these callings are genuine and true. For that I truly respect priests and those who are seminarian majors and seminarian minors. For they have answered what many do not.





Blessed Be God The Most High,
and Peace to His People on Earth,

[ms da binsi]

Ay! i have a question?


What is that Holy Water for?

[benelynne]

Dong Lorenzo,

I really admire intelligent, young men, pursuing academic study in the sciences whose foundation of faith is strong. You seem just like one of the guys I sit down with every Sunday evening for a Bible study. Among the really active members of our group are PhD candidates in Chemistry, Remote Sensing Technology, Biotechnology, Physics, etc. in the University of Tsukuba and research institutes surrounding it. Our Taiwanese pastor is himself a master's degree holder in Mechanical Engineering, aside from his M.A. in divinity at an American theological school. With such a multi-disciplinary background, our discussion and reflection of the Word becomes even more interesting. We do express wonder, surprise, confusion, and sometimes a generous dose of laughter at passages we don't understand, but we believe that the insufficiency of our understanding does not detract from the immensity of His truth.

[Lorenzo]

Tito Benne,


There is a side story that I would like to share with you.

During the Fall of 2007 and during Spring of 2006, I taught Ecological Biology Lab with my Adviser, Dr. Ostrofsky. There was one time when we went up the Allegheny Mountains next to the Boussard National Wild Life Conservatory, which my college owns.

Dr. Ostrofsky ra and me. Then he asked me something that has been printed in my mind. "Isn't it beautiful?" (He was regarding the evergreen trees, the ecological wilde life that we were looking and observing at). I answered him, "Yes, Professor." And he responded with something that bewildered me, "His creations are too good."

This shocked me, Tito, because I always thought Dr. Ostrofsky was an agnostic or an atheist. Because he never made reference to his faith during class, during labs or during our weekly meetings. I found out that he was, indeed, a born again. But for me it was something because this man not only specializes in environmental biology (limnology, ecology, streams aquatics, toxicology and evolution). Yet he believes.

I would say that I stand with Dr. Ostrofsky when it comes to The Most High.

When I worked in Organics Laboratory, when I taught Molecular Biology Laboratory, Ecology, etc you deal with science on a daily basis. And can't help but notice that there is so much beauty within these given fields. How electrons, react to protons, neutrons. Why the transcriptional processes works and how it works--its relation to the translational pathway and the elongational pathway. And the necessary proteins, activators, inhibitors etc. Everything is perfectly created. Perfectly Designed. The Almighty's fingerprints are written in science. And it bears testament to His intelligence.

[B:)]

Bran, thank you for taking your time in answering my question.
You don't have to pick a context from the bible to confirm who wrote it.

Here's the thing that I'm not sure you know and everyone here know about the Bible:

The bible was written hundreds and hundreds of years ago by men, and NO ONE knows who they were. When the CATHOLIC Church knows about it, they call the highest possible leaders of the church and gather around to study about it. They found out that some context were really bad that they literally removed it. And didn't tell anyone about it. So if they were able to do this, that means, they add and remove anything according to their likes and dislikes. So do you think God the Holy Spirit told them to do this?


So now that I'm older and knows a lot of it, I was kind of skeptical about the whole thing. And I will go crazy if I follow it word for word. Or context by context and try to makes some reflections after.

The bible is basically written by men that no one knows who they were. Someone out there hundreds of years ago claimed that it came from the word of God. The Catholic church loves the power and grab every possible thing to let the people know that this is it! The Popes, Cardinals and what have you were the most brutal people I could imagine. They burned people, hang them, cut their heads....I mean....what kind of work is that?
So as not to confuse you guys to where I really stand, for me whatever I believe and do? all I know...God is there and we  all seek to him, it's just that all of us have different roads or path to go and follow Him.
The bible is a book to remind me that God is there but to really read it again and again and again and memorize it, no I think i've done that many years ago already and that was more than enough. It's only a matter of how you interpret it and apply it in our day to day life.
For as long as I live my life peacefully and be good to others as much as they are to me,  God is with me.
I don't have to re-read the bible over and over and tell everyone about it.
Each one of us was given 2 gifts from God.. INTELLECT and FREE WILL. Therefore I use it wisely as much as I can. I don't have to shout the whole world and tell them this is what I do and this is not what I didn't do and for what? let the people judge me?....for short...I don't need anybody to tell me and remind me that God is there and read the Bible...why would I? GOD IS ALREADY WITH ME..I feel his presents in me and that's all I need to know.

So pardon me guys if I'm a little too strong, I do respect all what you are talking about here...some I agree and some I don't, that's normal right!
These are just my opinions.. possibly the first and my last. This is pobably what happen after all what I've been through at an early age, lows and highs and lows and high again...what can I say that's life. And NO ONE knows when will I die, not even the Bible can answer that. And I don't even want to know...I am more than ready anytime God wants me.

Afraid of death is another story. And sad to say some people loves to read the bible, to feel secure and feed their minds because it gives them comfort and divert their attention out of possible death.