Bible Questions & Discussion PAGE 55

Idolatry: Exodus 20:4-5 state:

4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

Recently; there was an issue in regard to an artist that I have befriended in my local church. It seems another brother agrees with me; that images representing Christ or anything in the Godhead are included with any created item when it comes to worship. We cannot adequately represent a depiction of an omnipotent; omnipresent and omniscient God. Even if it doesn't cause us to worship it; we shouldn't tempt others who may be from backgrounds or denominations where such imagery is worshipped.

Much of this type of logic is attempted to be justified in Catholicism; where we see images of Mary who according to their own theologians is supposed to be honored rather than worshipped. "How We Honor Jesus Through Mary" by Dave Armstrong written July 1 2015 states: " St. Louis Marie de Montfort, one of the giants in the history of Marian devotion, wrote: "We never give more honor to Jesus than when we honor his Mother, and we honor her simply and solely to honor him all the more perfectly. We go to her only as a way leading to the goal we seek-Jesus, her Son."" Such is the logic of the author Carl Keating a leading Catholic apologist. In practice though we see people worshipping the images of the Virgin Mary and those indoctrinated in that believe in her perpetual virginity and that she was sinless; which is not recorded in scripture. In fact we see scriptures of Christ's brothers and sisters mentioned (see Mtthew 13:56; and John 7). Perhaps a depiction of a saint isn't an issue for us but we also shouldn't cause another to sin because of it

Hi Jagggard 912,

All Authority come from God. "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God./ Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation." Those who are in power are themselves subject to God.

Law of sin is not from God. Man chose knowledge of good and evil over the commandment of God so he is servant to sin from the greatest to the lowest. So whatever name one calls, President or Caesar are servants to sin and their laws are accordingly sinful. Rather than ask if capital punishment is good or bad, ask yourself under what law you come: under the Law of the Spirit or under law of sin? (Ro.8:1)

Pr.29:18 "Vision"

"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."

Vision is precisely what St Paul says, "We walk by faith and not by sight."(2 Co.5:7) It is borne out of knowledge,-St Paul calls it the glory of the same quality as of the spiritual body because it is from God,- who gives it a glory as with the see. So the seed ('whose sed is in itself-Ge.1:11) is part of the Abstract that shall never change. This glory is Person specific. "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. In short the vision that we speak here is to hold on to both worlds of the Spirit and of the body as one. St Paul gives us the context in v.1. "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."

Israel took pride in the Law of Moses but they perished just the same, save Joshua and Caleb because they had no vision. It began much earlier when the turned to the golden calf soon after Moses went up the mount. Their lack of vision would trouble them when during the time of the kings there were two places for golden calf worship one at Dan and at Bethel. "An eye for an eye" as set in the law characterize them now so the nation stands guilty of genocide. So as fulfillment of the Law that Jesus taught us 'to turn the other cheek also. He also showed with his life. God gave as a commandment: "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it:"(Ge.1:28) His vision was clear and knew the reason God blessed 'then' on the sixth day from this prayer, "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled." ( John 17:11)

Yes, that is the best way to go about contacting someone here to check in with them. I hope you are enjoying your new home.

When our inside is done, then we will look again to the outside with paint, new fencing, and perhaps a deck, deck cover and new driveway pavement. But it all depends on how much the inside costs us. We can put in the new lawn ourselves and do some of the fencing if we hire someone to set the new posts.

It is very interesting how some topics pop up here. It is enlightening to me and I seek to gain more understanding in order to either accept what one is saying, refute the doctrine, or just leave it.

Sometimes, it may be best to simply present the gospel in its pure form as a contrast to some of the convoluted teachings some add to it. Much prayer is needed to combat the enemy that wants to promote serious error and even heresy here. We can pray for wisdom, discernment, boldness, and true concern for others as we seek to present what is truly correct teaching from the Scriptures. But everyone has their "own" idea of what the truth is. This is where we need to know what to say in a conversation to bring about a redemptive end in a discussion.

Hi Jagggard912. This is not an easy question to answer, only because how our minds & hearts have been affected by current govt laws, often apalling court judgements, & the sentiments of society in general. However, since your question relates only to God's view of capital punishment (both by God's Command to His people Israel & His expectancy for the present day we're in), my short answer is, Yes, I believe that nothing has changed before God about sin, of wilful murder & what he expects as the correct punishment to be meted out.

There is no question about God's requirements in relation to murder, adultery, kidnapping, sodomy, rape, witchcraft, etc. ( Genesis 9:6; Exodus chaps 21, 22, 35; Leviticus chaps 22, 24, & others), though proponents for a 'no capital punishment', will claim that Israel was a theocracy (rule under God alone), whereas Gentiles have their own govts & subject to new laws consistent with the consensus of society's expectations. But has God changed? So, why does God allow govts to enact laws inconsistent with His Requirements? Well, I could confidently say that no govt anywhere, would give much regard to God's Laws & Requirements for the proper functioning of society. Many may have started well, having a strong Judeo/Christian foundation, but having sinful, & many Christ-rejecting men at the helm, given to society's whims & for the on-going battle for votes, some God-honoring Laws are side-lined, if not altogether discarded.

So what happens when a capital crime is committed (i.e. wilful murder) and is proved beyond doubt with hard evidence & not just circumstantial? Usually, a life sentence in prison, either for life or parole, & rarely the death penalty. If the prisoner is released back into society, whether as a murderer, rapist, child molester, etc., & he re-offends, hardly anyone batters an eyelid, as the prisoner has served his time. But when that criminal offends again, I ask, 'who then are the real criminals?' Society remains mute.

GiGi,

Thank you! Yes, it is such a privilege and a blessing to be able to follow the Lord despite the distractions of everyday life. He has blessed me in ways that I don't feel I deserve.

I am happy to hear that your home remodel is going well and that you found some great contractors to do the work. We had a house built recently, moved in on June 8th, 2023, and the only thing left that we want to do in the near future is finish our basement. We had popcorn ceiling in our last house. We never liked it, but we left it alone. I learned the hard way that it's almost impossible to paint popcorn ceiling with a paint roller. (What a dummy!)

Anyway, I have been coming on here frequently to read and I must say that one of the most recent topics has really been out there in "left-field." I'll leave it at that as I'm sure you know what I'm referring to, plus I have nothing to add to the things you and others have spoken against such a bold claim.

Again, thank you so much for reaching out. I guess the only way to check on someone that hasn't been posting for a while is by finding the last post that person initiated, and enter a comment there, and they will receive an email notification.

Blessings in Christ!!!

Hi Gigi.

Thanks for reaching out!

I will get back with you tomorrow it's getting late here.

Good night and God bless.

Does god condone capital punishment

First Corinthians 5:11 states:

But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.

I have focused in today's postings on those who are nonbelievers; whether in an openly hostile lifestyle to God's Word; or a person who in their own efforts tries to be good and has the outward appearance of a morally responsible individual.

Exodus 12:48 states: A foreigner residing among you who wants to celebrate the LORD's Passover must have all the males in his household circumcised; then he may take part like one born in the land. No uncircumcised male may eat it.

(in short no pain no gain)

Leviticus 17:8-9 shows the rules of sacrificing before God were the same for a foreigner as well as an Israelite.

These verses are brought out to demonstrate that in the house of God there is no pandering for special interests. In the age of Grace we must accept His sacrificial atonement for our sins; and live accordingly. Just as we can't let the enemy in the camp as a principle in the Old Testament; this verse in Corinthians along with others show that we CANNOT fellowship with those who are sexually immoral; which includes homosexuality; fornication and adultery (and the theme is repeated in 1 Corinthians 6:9). Similar warnings are found in 2 Timothy; Ephesians and 2 Thessalonians and other places. We also need to address the rest of the verse about greedy people or swindlers; and that in many cases involves the Pastor himself. Someone partaking in New Age would be an idolater; and a slanderer could be someone caught up in gossip and believing everything he hears or deliberately lying. Finally; a drunkard which may be the one sin people tend to agree on also needs to repent; but such a person when reformed tends to display the most radical changes of all. We all need to carefully examine our friend

Witnessing: International students.

In an earlier posting; I mentioned how men are usually the ones to be approached; particularly with Muslims when we as men are witnessing; but also in other cultures. One of the first things we need to do in this as well as in other situations is to make sure we don't harbor misconceptions. It helps; as with my former roommate that I brought attention to; to go to their church events (such as the Chinese church we used to visit in the area). We should realize that there are those of almost all nationalities who are already believers in this country; who usually are somewhat assimilated into our culture. We should also know proper doctrine; because many of the same errors we find in our churches often occur in their places of fellowship. It is certainly noteworthy to see the Korean churches in particular with their very lengthy commitment to prayer and fellowship that often spans througout most of the day Sundays; along with daily events as well. There are still issues with legalism; as well as concepts of what it means to be saved in those congregations; and others of course particularly from the African churches have seen Charismatic megachurch errors as we see in this nation.

When addressing nonbelievers; of course we need to understand enough of their own beliefs if we are to challenge them on that subject on the Bible being true and other faiths not of God. We should recognize that many Muslims in particular are that way in a cultural or mystical sense; but we need to know the basics of the Koran when it is used against us. Relationships are good; but again that differentiates street witnessing from for instance getting to know a foreigner from a school or work affiliation. We should at least understand their culture well enough as to not for intstance eat foods offensive to them; or greet in a way that is insulting. Knowing a bit of a foreign language can be good when handing out tracts as well.

How to work with the same sex attracted individuals in particular.

I have in the past been in a living situation with someone who was a believer who decades before came out of a gay lifestyle. This allowed me to see how he interacted with others of that persuasion and in general hosted social events where he lived and invited some church people as well as secular friends to cookouts and meals followed by various board games. I am not going to say that all his social skills are something I would emulate but wanted to point out a few things that were helpful. First of all and probably most important my friend would always be very transparent when conversations came up about his own depravity before coming to Christ. He understood the doctrines of grace quite well in regard to there being no good in him prior to his conversion.

One of his friends was politically conservative; which isn't that unusual despite the media narrative of those in such lifestyles.

In such situations; of course we have some control of the course of events on our own turf; and people need to have built a trust relationship first in order to want to be invited to something we are doing. This person was aware that the church my friend was attending was for scriptural morals.

This trust issue was front and center in the example of Ken Smith a former Pastor in Pittsburgh who befriended Rosario Butterfield in Syracuse New York; which involved inviting her over where his wife made home cooked meals for about two years.

She is in the forefront today speaking out for Christianity; and her life story is fascinating.

In both cases relationships had to be developed but it was known what these hosts believed. In the case of my friend mentioned earlier he had many other international students; atheists; etc. who would be involved in the game nights.

We naturally find situations where the first attempt to witness to people brings hostility; and we must pray for some and wait on God to work.

Hi Jesse,

I have been thinking of you, too and was going to post as S.Spencer did, but he beat me to it. We do need to check up on one another on here as we do not have another way to reach out since we don't give out identifying info on this site.

I hope your are doing really well and being blessed in your walk with the Lord everyday. What a privilege it is to do so, right?

We are knee-deep into this home repair which is turning into a whole house remodel. So, packing things up in closets that need to be painted before flooring goes in. We hope to do most of the wall painting ourselves and let the contractor remove the popcorn ceilings, retexturing and painting of those before he lays the flooring. The two that come most days are very pleasant, listen well to what we say we would like and then re-check with us before doing the most essential aesthetic part so that it is done how we would prefer. We appreciate that. This is the only remodel we have ever done, so we don't know much about the behind the finish work. They have been good at explaining to us and are good workers. Their workmanship is very good and we are very happy with them. So thankful for their great work.

Oh, Mike, so sad to hear. I will continue to pray for you and success with the procedure you must do many times a day. I pray that your seizure activity in your brain will cease and that God bring a healing to your brain and body.

Witnessing and the culture: Continued

In general we see two types of witnessing to the Gospel; one is what I refer to as a general calling type of approach or a declaration of the Kingdom to come. The other is specific to individuals. It is noteworthy that when Jesus dealt with those who were not amenable to the Good News there seems to be little or no evidence of any extensive discussions related to individuals; instead we see the addressing of the Pharisees as a whole (usually triggered by one or several people he was around at the time).

The exceptions are those who he challenged that claimed to be ready to be His disciples who usually turned away; and with his trials before crucifixion.

We are; in general better going out two by two as is the method of Christ's sending out of the disciples initially. With Paul the Apostle we may have a somewhat different situation since he had such a dominance in evangelism; although he was imprisoned with Silas and worked along with Timothy and others. His imprisonment no doubt contributed to some isolation as well.

Reaching people usually is best when we can reach them apart from those enabling their sinful lifestyles; as we see with the example of someone who has a gay lifestyle; although street witnessing may have to deal with multiple individuals. This is also best when approaching those of other religions; and it is usually best to address the man of the family in cultures where they are traditionally in charge of a family; especially for men who are witnessing. Going back once again to those in same sex relationships; we need to hold to the same concept we would with anyone engaged in a sinful lifestyle; we should show the love of Christ but not support things (such as gay weddings). We don't need to be overly creative in such a response; as believers we can demonstrate as in the rest of our lives the fear of the Lord that we have.

More to come in next posting.

Hey there, brother Spencer

I am doing well, thanks for checking. I hope all is well with you also. The Lord is good!

Many blessing to you!!!

Matt.5: 17 "Doctrine of God"

" Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."

We shall examine one saying of Jesus why Evangelist Matthew set the Sermon on the mount against a mountain ("he went up into a mountain) while St Luke has it delivered on the plains. "And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases." ( Luke 6:17). Matthew also gives the same ministry of healing in 4:23-25. God sent his word and healed them for their destructions (Ps.107:20) is established in Jesus Christ as the word become flesh. The Law of Moses did not heal and the great multitude came there to be healed and it proves that he came indeed from God. St Matthew sets the mountain as the holy mountain of God ("in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it"-Is.2:2-3). Jesus announced that he came to fulfill the law and the prophets. So we need take the world of the Spirit as well as the word of the body as one. Abiding in Christ is to walk by faith since his body is that of spiritual body is according to the promise of God in the above mentioned quote from the psalm. Whosoever has died to sin and is hid in Christ must believe he has a building of God eternal in heavens.

"Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:/ But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also."(5:38-39)

You suffer in this world for righteousness sake because your reward comes from heaven. Without taking both worlds as one doctrine of God is made to none effect

Witnessing today in today's culture: Introduction

Today people are often identified by their political affiliation or the community that they identify as "politically correct". In reality this often makes a particular sin the sum of their identity (such as those in the pro choice or same sex attraction crowd.) We don't see such titles given for individuals committing such activities in scripture; where infanticide was performed by those who would identify as idol worshippers (Molech worshippers for example); or sodomites would often be classified by their social status as to who was the perpetrator and who was the victim of such atrocities in the time of Christ. 1 Kings 14:24 talks in general about sodomites and the abominations that they were involved with; and it seems that they did live in the same area as we see with the story of Sodom and Gomorrah thousands of years before Christ.

We need to take heart; as we see in the story of Jonah that even the most wicked people can repent. Today it seems mainly with individuals who are "detransitioning" for instance that the Lord indeed can change people; and when we see legislation against preaching such truths those who used to live that lifestyle of course are most affected. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 identifies those now sanctified as believers who used to live sinful lifestyles. While it is true that there are particular sins; such as shedding of innocent blood that God particularly hates ( Proverbs 6:16-19); all sin leads to death. Clearly at this point the world doesn't celebrate someone who identifies themselves as a thief; extortioner; murderer and some other things but we should expect that it will once we get to the Tribulation or perhaps sooner when "anyone who kills you will think that they are doing God a favor." ( John 16:2).

We need also to get beyond the stereotypes the world is giving us of those in the LGBTQ+. Some are conservatives and some liberal politically for instance. More later.

Correction: Two para given earlier is to be read as under

Similarly the seven days in Ge.1 shall never contradict. These are seven bullet point headings in the Everlasting Covenant. So sixth day indicates God blessed man which is to lead man to the throne of God and of the Lamb. (Re.22:1) God blessed the seventh day signifying it is without repentance.(Ro.11:29). Whosoever refuses to enter therein, the God's rest (Ge.2:1-3) is the son of perdition. Name of the beast explains it- 666,- his body soul and spirit resist this everlasting covenant. In short we have Jesus Christ as the firstborn of all creation and children of disobedience everyone classed as son of perdition.

All events, names of land and people, their significance or what happens to them or their actions, are of consequence. New Jerusalem is fulfilled in heaven and comes down. So correct approach is to treat both worlds of the Spirit and of the earth as one. Col.1:1-3; 2 Co.5:1-5. Christian Living is walking the talk.

The Holy Bible -What it means to me

Here I shall give what seven decades of studying the word of God has taught me. My parents both devout Christians kept family prayers at the core of their parenting responsibilities. This led me to read the Bible even when they sent me over to a boarding school at the age of eleven. My understanding of it went through several phases and only when I began doing my word ministry the Spirit took over my instruction. (2 Ti.3:16)

I shall give in brief my understanding of the God document.

Rightly dividing the truth we set children of light under one nation and the children of darkness in the other in terms of God who is the judge. John 5:22. Jesus Christ shall determine which are the goats and which are the sheep. This is given in a similitude. (Matt.25:31-46) 'When the Son of man comes in glory' gives It is the fulfillment of Ge.1:3-4.

Similarly the seven days in Ge.1 shall never contradict. These are seven bullet point headings in the Everlasting Covenant. So sixth day indicates God blessed man ,which is to lead man to the throne of God and of the Lamb. (Re.22:1) God blessed the seventh day signifying it is without repentance.(Ro.11:29). All events, names of land and people, their significance or what happens to them or their actions, are of consequence. New Jerusalem is fulfilled in heaven and comes down. So correct approach is to treat both worlds of the Spirit and of the earth as one. Col.1:1-3; 2 Co.5:1-5. Christian Living is walking the talk.

Comparing spiritual with spiritual is the correct way to explain the doctrine and shall not contradict the holiness of God under any circumstance. So promises are yea in the Son."

Rightly dividing the truth we set children of light under one nation and the children of darkness in the other in terms of God who is the judge. Jesus Christ shall determine which are the goats and which are the sheep. This is given in a similitude. It is the fulfillment of Ge.1:3-4.

Similarly the seven days in Ge.1 shall never contradic. These are seven bullet point headings in the Everlasting Covenant. So sixth day indicates God blessed man which is to lead man to the throne of God and of the Lamb. (Re.22:1) So all events names of land and people, significance of names and what happens to them or their actions are of consequence. New Jerusalem is fulfilled in heaven and comes down. So correct approach is to treat both worlds of the Spirit and of the earth. Col.1:1-3; 2 Co.5:1-5

Comparing spiritual with spiritual is the correct way to explain the doctrine and shall not contradict the holiness of God under any circumstance. So promises are yea in the Son.

Great. Thanks.

It seems today more than ever there are few examples of discipling in terms of the closeness of relationships at least in this country except from some small groups I have participated in. Churches that actually have truth taught with love are rare enough; but finding ones that are small and personable enough and have a good structure of elders and other teachers that can commit to this is even more unusual. I suppose one could qualify service type work as something where we can learn by example; but again it seems most in leadership are too busy with their conferences and other church business to have much time for that.

Again not sure how things are out there but have some idea. We should be learning by using spiritual gifts and interacting with those gifted in other areas. We should be able to do charity work and other things and be assured correct doctrines are being taught; but sadly there are many organizations which once examined are spurious in that and it takes a wise and discerning church leader to pick up on it sometimes. Sadly part of the issue are those who are so immature in their faith that they don't have a clear gospel message when witnessing; not to mention many who if believers at all are either too busy or make themselves to busy to be relevant as far as participation other than showing up Sunday mornings. The other side of he coin are small groups that may indeed be committed to the cause of evengelism; prayer; etc. but which tend to be separate from churches and therefore often subject to doctrinal error or tend to be argumentative without accountability in regard to leadership; etc. I have seen this type of thing veer to full Preterism; or extreme Calvanistic persuasion at the expense of a balanced approach to scripture as a whole.

In general finding someone we wish to emulate who is also approachable is hard these days. Also finding those who see the value in discipling us; or are teachable themselves.

Hello again Richard. The Holy Spirit will lead you in this matter. I am trusting that this is true for me, too.

As far as the topics that have been discussed lately, many of the positions presented are ones I have never really heard of before and so I do want to learn more about the tenets of such positions so I can evaluate whether I can come into agreement with the poster or to voice another viewpoint. Before coming to this site, I had not known about KJV-onlyism, Sabbath keeping necessity, complete sinless perfectionism, premillennial dispensationalism, and others. So I have learned more about what people mean concerning these positions and then compare them to Scriptures, not in the way of picking out specific Scriptures in isolation as much as gaining a more comprehensive, contextual, knowledge of the teachings in Scripture. This does not mean I am in the right on all these matters, but am still learning and growing.

I have been on this site for just over two years and there used to be many more posters asking questions about specific Scriptures or Christian living or teachings they have heard. There used to be far more prayer requests. I do hope that people will feel more comfortable bringing such things forward for discussion.

Thanks, Giannis, and welcome back to posting here.

You have explained this well. Sometimes English offers only a limited interpretation of a Greek or Hebrew word and so, having someone like you here or someone who has studied Greek and Hebrew can help us understand passages that, in English, seem confusing, contradicting, or even to say something that is not ours to have in this life, i.e. the full character of God. We are and will always be limited beings where He is without limits, so we can never be as perfect as His in His essence, but in heaven, we will be as perfect as a human being can be, with Christ's humanity as our example of such perfect humanity. In the life to come we will be as complete and holy as a human can ever be and it will be the end to which God created all things, which glorifies Him in our glorification.

Now, being in Christ, we have been made righteous only by Him and are determined to be sinless because of His sinlessness. But it is never a righteousness we can have from keeping the law, because even our best actions and willings are as filthy rags before the holy and pure nature of God. In this life we are to "mortify" (pt to death our sinful nature continually as we fight against its power to pull us into sin, but it is no longer our master, and we have God as our master now, so we are thus triumphant over the power of sin, but not necessarily sinless in our day-to-day life. And I think, as you have explained the

Greek understanding of Scriptures, Scriptures teaches us this is true.

Hi GiGi, Richard

About perfectness. I think the Bible uses this word with various meanings

1. Lets see as Richard says Matthew 5:48, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.". Now the verb "be" in grk (esesthai) is in the future tense and denotes an expectation. So what Jesus is actually saying here (as I understand it) is that He expects us to become perfect like God is. Well this is impossible, isn't it? So what He means is that He expects us to strive to be like God (in character). And how is that to be done? By following His commandments, which commandments reveal the character of God to us. And since one aspect (and probably the most important) of God's character is love Jesus asks us to love each other like God does. This is something gradual, isn't it? It is something that we keep aquiring through our whole life.

If we compare it with Hebrews 5:8,9, "8Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;" Here Jesus iwas made perfect by obeying God's commandments.

So perfectness again here means a whole route/course that we follow in our lives during which, by following God's commandements/directions we keep growing spiritually and getting to be like God in character more and more.

2. But in Hebrews 10:14, "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified", the word perfect has a different meaning. It means the one who has no sins. So we were perfected by Jesus' Blood, that is we are righteous through His sacrifice.

3. In Hebrews 11:38-40 says, "39And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:40God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect."

Here perfectness is something that we will aquire in Heaven when we will be dressed up with our new spiritual body, completely freed from sin, death etc

The world socially bullies others to publicly affirm and validate another's' sin, or face consequences such as cancelling and public shaming. Since when are rights contingent on someone else's opinion of you?

Is it more important to appease men, or more important to please God? To the church, it should be obvious what the priority is, but I think some cave to public pressure and fear they may lose funding or social status by not siding with the bullies. Some try to appease the world instead of God.

What's this bullying really about and why the huge push in recent years? They claim its their identity, they're born that way, and don't have a choice. But has anyone challenged this assumption?

What are other examples of someone born with such a high proclivity to sin that they absolutely "have no choice"? I'm not aware of any, in fact, the Bible says we always have a choice- a way out of sin. 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV

We all have different obstacles in life; some, like Paul, had a thorn in the flesh. 2 Corinthians 12:7

I reject the assumption that some people are more "equal" than others. Equal means equal, not special protected classes and treatment. I've learned that the woke movement is now racially separating people just like they did 100 years ago, whether for hiring, or DEI classes, and who knows what else. Amazing full circle. They totally ignored everything MLK stood for.

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28 KJV

The culture is ignoring this verse that we're equal.

There's no evidence anyone's identity is tied to sin so much they can't help but do that. No baby desires such things. It's learned and when opportunities present themselves. Now pedos use same arguments to excuse their horrific abuse of kids. The culture will use clever words to defend it. There's no end to the evil progression. It's a choice.

Hello Richard.

The grk for "disciple" is "mathetes". It comes from the verb "mathaino" which means "to learn". So the precise meaning of the grk for disciple is "a learner, a student, pupil". In the ancient world, the followers of the greek philosophers (from the verb "philo" which means "to love" and "sophia" which means "wisdom") were also called "mathetes". So the word had a broader meaning, it was used for those who follow/spend a long time with, and learn from somebody who played the role of a teacher. Plato, Socrates, Aristotle and many others had established academies/schools and had disciples who were learning their wisdom about the world.

I'll defer to your judgment; as it is probably more mature than mine; and you have been on this site a lot longer than I have I would expect...

I will have to evaluate my own time on this site and if and when I should respond or not. It isn't just the subject matter that worries me it is a general mindset of having to debate a subject without much scripture; or things that don't really add any meaning to an argument-at least from my vantage point. Do we really want to know the Lord better when discussions like this come up in the first place? I don't sense lately much teachability; I'd like to learn some stuff too with these debates. Nothing wrong I guess with the sometimes detailed scriptural analysis; except for the fact thought patterns and the scriptures used confuse me quite often as to how exactly they corroborate any particular concept brought up. Maybe it's just me.

I'm hoping there is some use here for those who are young in the faith who want to grow; although I can't remember the last time anyone actually expressed being anew believer here. I sense that people who have had some faith for a time are more represented; and that coming with whatever baggage associated with their own viewpoints. I sense that many have been taught a certain way and haven't really taken the time quite often to search the scriptures as Bereans. Again; there usually is a certain truth in both "camps" whether predestination vs. free will; the "Trinity" or concept of one God. Properly dividing the scriptures in context and precise meanings (or at least as close as we can get to it) is also helpful.

I don't know maybe I am hypocritical; I thought I was trying to give an open minded presentation in regard to the aforementioned factors; but perhaps not. I hope to hear from you on your thoughts about emphasizing daily scripture reading and prayer as well as fulfillment of the commandment of the Great Commission as to how this site can prompt participants in that way.

David Allen, thanks for letting me know about this serious and sensitive situation with Jessica. So sad that she has been enduring abuse and threats from the one she loves and is committed to in marriage. But moving out of the situation is the best for her and Addie. May God b ring safety and healing to both of them and conviction and reformation to her husband.

Richard,

I think that as long as we are prayerfully responding to what others post we can be used by God in discussions, knowing that there is a wider audience here than just those who post whom we do not know about their maturity, newness to faith, or knowledge of the subjects under discussion. So, I think it is good to offer an alternative view than the one presented for the sake of these who may be undecided, confused, or taken in by false ideas, legalism, and half-truths. We wrestle with Scriptures together, and thus the Spirit brings clarity to us who participate in discussion as well as attempting to present ones viewpoint without resorting to personal attacks, defamation, and insensitive remarks. I endeavor to converse in such a manner, but knowing that I make mistakes and fall short at times, I want to also sense the lead of the Spirit as to when to exit a conversation for the sake of all involved either posters or listeners.

Any way we look at it, we can hope that God's wonderful Spirit in us will help us be discerning, compassionate, and flexible enough to hear what another has to say with honest consideration and thoughtful acknowledgement of what aligns with Scripture properly in another's explanation of their views, and spiritual understanding of what is not properly truth.

The Great Commission

As most proclaiming Christ know Matthew 28:19 states:

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

As to the definition of a disciple; that would be an interesting topic for those more familiar with the meaning of the original language. It certainly involves being a follower of those with true teachings; and is a group activity. Such should be the case in regard to evangelism; but from my experience it is often lacking. There is often inconsistency if group efforts to evangelize whether on the street or in a retirement community so that the routine relationships and the time spent and frequency of appearance for the recipients of the message discourages building deep and long lasting relationships. Such relationships are the basis for further instruction of doctrines from those in church leadership. It is admittedly hard when we are reaching those who are elderly or infirmed to establish a method of transportation to church; and hence it is easier when we can find those qualified to bring a service to such a location as a nursing home which I have seen with some success in the past. The same issue; of course has to be considered for those on the streets who may need special attention that may be violent or have substance abuse issues.

As believers; I have stated before that it is helpful on the streets for example to have some focusing on praying for others while others preach. We also can't undervalue prayer for the saints who are laboring as to their safety and reaching the individuals God has predetermined to meet on a particular day.

I am hopeful that funding for church missions can be more focused on activities in local communities rather than being funneled overseas in totality. If there is a disconnect between Christians fellowshipping in a building and how we to operate in evangelism going to church won't be understood properly.