Bible Questions & Discussion PAGE 626

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Hi Giannis. I do understand & respect your position on water baptism, i.e. unless one believes & is baptized, he is not saved, though I'm in disagreement with it. Just to give a little background on the 1st Peter 3 reference you shared (just my understanding from verses 13 to 22, as I feel there is value in picking up the Apostle's thoughts from these verses).

1 Peter 3:13-17. In this portion, as also in the latter portion, the Apostle uses the word 'conscience' (the same word is used, as also shown in Greek). In vv 13-17, a "good conscience" is enjoyed by the believer when he 'sanctifies' the Lord in his heart (v15): when evil assails him, when he suffers for righteousness sake, & when false accusations find no ground to stand. In other words, a believer has every reason to remain steadfast & having confidence because the Lord is with him but God is against all perpetrators of evil. Then verse 17 is the connecting verse to Jesus' sufferings, where He too suffered when no evil was found in Him.

1 Peter 3:18-22. And through Christ's Death, both Noah & his family & ourselves can find forgiveness by God & be restored. As Noah was saved by the water, so does the act of water baptism have salvific merit. Noah was already a righteous man before the Deluge - the flood upheld him so that God's purposes for him, his family & the Earth would be fulfilled. When a sinner comes to Christ for salvation, his only basis for coming & acceptance, is Faith (given as a gracious Act of God: Ephesians 2:8.9), & nothing else. No water baptism, no Church-going, not even a little Bible knowledge, can be a part of Faith to secure salvation. Or else, salvation is no longer just of Faith but of something extra, negating the meaning & essence of Faith. Once a sinner expresses believing faith in Christ's Sacrifice to save him, salvation is given - nothing more can be added to it. But water baptism should be, & was always the case in NT times, as the immediate response to that faith.

...continued

The first fruits are to be brought into the house of the LORD; and not to cook a goat in its mother's milk. (Don't know if this is part of the sacrifice or not).

Verses 20-33 Speaks of the Promises of God's Presence for those who are obedient to Him. The Angel (capitalized) will go before them. (Is this Jesus?) and lead them in the way they are to travel. God warns the Israelites to fear the Angel and obey His voice.

They were not to provoke the Angel for He will not pardon their sins, for God's name is IN Him.

If the Israelites are obedient God will uphold them and keep them from being overthrown by enemies. God names the peoples they will encounter in the land of promise. God says, do not worship their gods! But instead, completely overthrow these people (and their gods) breaking down their sacred pillars (Asherah poles). Eliminating the images by destroying them will lesson the temptation to bow to them in worship.

God promises to bless them with fruitfulness and increase of the womb; with daily bread and a steady supply of water, (which they cried out for before coming to Sinai; taking away their sicknesses and preserving their health as a whole group.

He will confuse the people who come against the Israelites and send pests to drive them away from His people.

However, God says He will take time to drive them out gradually, to avoid the wild beasts having an opportunity to take over the vacated land and multiply to become a threat the people and to allow for the Israelites to grow in number and strength do they can inherit the land promised to them. This gradual takeover will test the Israelites' obedience and dependence on God alone.

They are not to make a covenant with these people nor their gods, for they will cause the Israelites to sin against God and ensnare them.

These people had never been to the promised land yet. They only knew Egypt. Trusting God was a tall order, but God would be with them. In difficult times He is with us, too

Exodus 23

,

This chapter has several sections. Verses 1-13 speaks about fairness in the judicial process and in personal interactions. Be truthful, do not be a false witness in court against another, do not show partiality in court, whether the accused is rich or poor, or the plaintiff is rich or poor, do not follow the crowd when the crowd is advocating and practicing evil, do not pervert justice by testifying in such a way that interferes with due justice.

It goes on to say that we are to keep away from any false matter, do not side with what you know is false or spread false info, respect life and do not kill those who are innocent and righteous , defend these people when in danger. God warns those in power to judge, legislate, or govern to not take any bribes as buying influence perverts justice.

God goes on to say that we are not to oppress anyone, even strangers or foreigners.

God sets aside the seventh day and seventh year as a time of rest. 7th day rest from work, 7th year rest from sowing fields. Doing so allows man and beasts to rest up and renew energy for the coming week. Doing so allows nature to produce food for the poor and for the wild and domesticated animals.

Verse 13 is a change-Be circumspect-think about it!-do not even mention the name of other gods, do not speak it. We are to give no acknowledgment of the existence of these false gods.

Verses 14-19 discuss the three feasts God institutes for the nation of Israel-Unleavened Bread-to remember their meal before the passing over the Israelites in the plague of the death of the firstborn and of their flight in the night from Egypt; the Harvest-where they bring in the first fruits; and the Ingathering-where they harvest all of the fruit of their labors at the end of the growing year. Also, males are to appear before the LORD three times a year (assemble before the LORD for these Feasts?) not the women.

You're Welcome.

God bless you.

Exodus 22

This chapter, like chapter 21, gives God's judgment on a variety of situations and circumstances. In reading the comments by others, it seems that most people focused on verse 18 about not allowing witches to live. I think this verse shows how offensive witchcraft and sorcery is to God.

There are many other topics spoken of here that discuss how t bring a just end to things that happen in this society that God is growing into a nation of His choosing. He wants to shape them into a mindset that honors Him, believes His decrees are right and just, that worships only Him, that respects parents, rulers, judges, that execute fairness in determining an offender's sentence, and with giving unto God the first things of our life.

The judgements and scenarios spoken of here do give us a view into the social and civil life of this time and of these people. In today's world, some countries still judge in similar ways to this chapter. In most modern countries, our justice system is not in a hurry to execute people for crimes. But sometimes it is the best thing to do if a person is so seared of conscience that he/she wantonly kills, maims, and continues unrepentantly to do this.

Exodus Chapter 21.

This chapter starts out "Now these are the judgments which you shall set before them.." and goes on to list many scenarios where a judgment from a judge or magistrate may need to make decisions for the parties involved. These judgments were for the Israelites in that time period as they were being grown into a nation. It seems that God was setting down a civil judicial system concerning matters that would emerge or had emerged among the people. This chapter makes me think of when Moses tried to adjudicate matters among the people on his own and Jethro suggested that Moses set up adjudicators from the tribes to settle most matters, leaving Moses to attend to meeting with the LORD and leading the people as a whole.

God knew ahead of time that there would be a need for such judgments concerning the civil affairs of these chosen people. He must have wanted to establish His way of settling matters, disputes, and offences among the people before they encountered people from the surrounding areas and began to adopt these "foreigner's" civil laws. Very likely that these foreign tribes had judgments that were unjust and inhumane. God is interjecting a better way of civil jurisprudence for the Israelites to help preserve justice and order in these people and to markedly distinguish His chosen nation from those the Israelites will encounter and share territory with.

Although to some of us in our time would read these judgments and scratch our heads as to whether they are truly just or not. But for me, I will not question God's holy justice. I will just accept that He instructed the Israelites according to His good an perfect will. So, perhaps the lesson for me is not to necessarily understand these judgments or the scenarios that prompt the judgments or the culture of these days. Rather, the lesson to me is, do I truly believe these are God's Words and are therefore true and right and will I defend God's right to judge as He pleases despite these words.

This is literally true of Christ, in whom the type of the passover lamb had its accomplishment, and this passage also; see Ex 12:46; and seems better to agree with him than with any of his members, since the bones of many of them have been broken by one accident or another; and especially many of the martyrs of Jesus have had all their bones broken upon the rack or wheel; wherefore, to understand these words of them might tend to create uneasiness and despondency in the minds of such who by any means have their bones broken; as if they were not righteous persons, this promise not being fulfilled in them: and to interpret this of the Lord's keeping the bones of his people in the grave, and in the resurrection putting them together again; this is no other than what will be done to the wicked; it seems therefore best to understand the whole of Christ; and it looks as if this passage was had in view as fulfilled in Joh 19:36; since a Scripture is referred to; but if it is interpreted of the righteous in general, it must be with a limitation; as that their bones are all kept by the Lord, and not one is broken without his knowledge and will; and that they are not broken finally, but restored again perfect and whole in the resurrection, and so will continue to all eternity: the phrase, without entering into particulars, may in general design the care of Providence over the righteous; with this compare Mt 10:29.

Noah believed in God; walked uprightly before him, and found grace in his sight; he obeyed him in building the ark, and God made it the means of his salvation from the waters. Baptism implies a consecration and dedication of the soul and body to God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He who is faithful to his baptismal covenant, taking God through Christ, by the eternal Spirit, for his portion, is saved here from his sins; and through the resurrection of Christ from the dead, has the well-grounded hope of eternal glory. This is all plain; but was it the deluge, itself, or the ark, or the being saved by that ark from the deluge, that was the antitype of which St. Peter speaks? Noah and his family were saved by water; it was the instrument of their being saved through the good providence of God. So the water of baptism, typifying the regenerating influence of the Holy Spirit, is the means of salvation to all those who receive this Holy Spirit in its quickening, cleansing efficacy. Now as the waters of the flood could not have saved Noah and his family, had they not made use of the ark; so the water of baptism saves no man, but as it is the means of his getting his heart purified by the Holy Spirit, and typifying to him that purification. The ark was not immersed in the water; had it been so they must all have perished; but it was borne up on the water, and sprinkled with the rain that fell from heaven. This text, as far as I can see, says nothing in behalf of immersion in baptism; but is rather, from the circumstance mentioned above, in favor of sprinkling. In either case, it is not the sprinkling, washing, or cleansing the body, that can be of any avail to the salvation of the soul, but the answer of a good conscience towards God - the internal evidence and external proof that the soul is purified in the laver of regeneration,and the person enabled to walk in newness of life. We are therefore cautioned here, not to rest in the letter, but to look for the subtance.

Pastor Creflo Dollar, has spoken in the last few days about Tithing. Pastor stated that Tithing isn't necessary/mandatory etc. I know some where in Malachi talks about tithing. My question is, is he correct?

Romans 9 supplies the answer. More specifically Romans 9: 9to 12. It is God's sovereign choice as he says in verse 11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad but in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls. So the answer based upon these verses is that God did the election which means the individual had no choice in the matter. Remember God chose Jacob over Esau before either one had done good or bad. Which means no choice was given to either to make the decision for Christ or the decision to reject Christ. God does the choosing. Now verse 14 on down you will see that Paul actually answers the question of whether or not God is unjust. Consider that all men born are born into sin then all men are worthy of damnation. However, the fact that God chooses to show his Mercy in granting salvation to some and not to others does not make him unfair. For all men are worthy of eternal damnation. But the fact that he chooses to save some just demonstrates his Mercy not Injustice. For to give man what he deserves is justice. To save some from that Justice is Mercy. Study Romans 9 and it should become much more clear to you. Hope this helps.

I have a question, When we pray do we go through our Father in Heaven or Jesus?

Judge the fatherless - Do justice to him - vindicate his cause. Take not advantage of his weak and helpless, condition - his ignorance and want of experience. This charge was particularly necessary on account of the facilities which the guardians of orphans have to defraud or oppress, without danger of detection or punishment. Orphans have no experience. Parents are their natural protectors; and therefore God especially charged on their guardians to befriend and do justice to them; De 24:17 : 'Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor the fatherless, nor take the widow's raiment to pledge. Albert Barns..

John,

Where it says Judge the fatherless in Isaiah 1:17, Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible explains it this way; "do justice to them who have none to take care of them, and defend them:"

When should one consider fasting?

Is fasting a tribute or thanks to God or more like an offering or submission to God?

This is very helpful, and has a peace full feeling. Thank you.

Please enlighten us!

Thanks Grae, I was giving commentary on the chapter in Exodus. I was not adding to Scripture. But I understand your comments about those who are new to the site or young in their walk with Jesus. Not everyone can detect nuances in speech and written words to discern when one is musing, giving sage advice as opposed to laying down a law or doctrine to be followed. So, I will take your advice and try to be more distinct in identifying that what I am writing is my viewpoint or is advice.

Lets keep the debate going dear brothers and sisters.

1 Peter 3:20-21

"20 - Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

21 - The like figure whereunto even BAPTISM DOTH ALSO NOW SAVE US (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:"

Any comment on the above verse, please?

There are 76 scriptures that came up with that word in it; each scripture says that word multiple times within the one scripture.

Try out that Search Box on the page you drop into enemy you enter the site. Use the top box all the way at the top of the page. Type in family. Enter.

Searching on a word is awesome sometimes.

Tells me that my Father in heaven knows all families and everything about us. Amen!

JoElle,

When we choose to forgive another person, it can take time to get the hurt and even anger out of our system when we recall what was said of done to us by another person. It helps to make a decision that when you think of them and /or the offense to acknowledge that they sinned against you but remind yourself and that you have forgiven them and pray for them. Also, determining that you will treat them with love, respect, and kindness instead of anger and resentment or payback is a good approach to interacting people who have sinned against you. If the person you are forgiving has a habit of being hurtful, it can be best to limit your interactions with that person or simply replace the relationship with someone who is godly and kind.

Dear T. Levi

I am not offended by Alex telling me I err greatly. I think the same of him in the view he promoted on this thread. But what does bother me is when one can tell someone they err and then be upset when another says the same of them. We all should be willing to be reproved. And if we think we are not in error, then we should explain why we think we have presented a viewpoint that agrees with Scripture. This is the part of dialoguing and I do want those on this forum to be free to agree and disagree with each other.

What does verse 20 of psalms 34 mean

OK Joe... Thanks for your input Gbu

There have traditionally been two main camps since midieval times; that of the Calvanists believing in Predestination (along with some other early theologians) and those of the "Arminian" or free will camp. There is no doubt that there is a predetermined path known beforehand by God (and translated predestined as Romans 8:29 states). The debate is to whether it is the individual who is always referred to or the PLAN that is established from eternity for the church in general to conform us into His image. It ends up being a logic sort of argument; basically stating that we are "totally depraved" which is deduced from many verses showing that man is estranged from the womb ( Psalm 58:3); and many other scriptures indicating that since the fall of Adam we are all in the nature of fallen man. It does seem clear that without Divine guidance we are indeed unable to do any good works ( Isaiah 64:6).

We cannot ignore Romans 1 and Psalm 19; two examples that show man deliberately ignoring the obvious design of nature and His Divine attributes. Man has a conscience; but that is already subjective as to our own emotions and will and fallen; and sin hardens it further so that it can become seared ( 1 Tim. 4:2). It is clear whatever school of thought we entertain that God knows who will be saved and who won't be ultimately as He knows all things. Jesus knew His sheep ( John 10:14); but also that Gospel shows that those who are NOT His sheep ( John 10:26). It is pretty clear that God has predetermined all who Christ will die for in that Gospel as well. We really don't get these concepts BEFORE in time and space we come to a state of repentance and new birth (again; things GIVEN by God). We must repent and be held accountable; whether it is for works done apart from grace for nonbelievers; or those done as believers at the Bema Seat Judgment. We also must agree that God is fair; judges impartially; and doesn't rejoice in the death of the wicked. (see Deut 29:29).

This is what King David does in the two psalms at the close of 2 Samuel. Second Samuel 22 records David's reflections, penned at the outset of his reign as Israel's king.105 The first seven verses of chapter 23 are a second psalm; this one is perhaps David's last psalm. We are told that this inspired reflection at the end of his reign as Israel's king contains some of his last words as Israel's king. Together, these two psalms of David give us his inspired appraisal of the hand of God in his life as the King of Israel, from the outset of that reign to its closing days.

As I have already said -- and as you can see from most translations -- the words of reflection in our text are Hebrew poetry, two psalms if you would. In fact, 2 Samuel 22 is virtually identical with Psalm 18, with very minor variations.

These psalms of David are songs. Second Samuel 22 is actually the longest of David's psalms: 106

In form and content.

what dose judge the fatherless mean

I read it is the Word that is the seed that we are born again with. Parable of the sower. 1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Water and the Spirit to Nicodemus. Water being the Word.

God wants us to follow His Son, Jesus.

He desires we walk in forgiveness.

We can still love family and friends that are not saved_yet. You, praying on your knees might break the chains that hold them captive. That is true love.

It is probably best if we separate ourselves from drunken parties and etc. Not dress like we used to. You know what I mean?

It's best to witness our change in a smaller get togethers. If they ask you why your face seems to glow? You can tell them Jesus is the reason.

You can invite them to meet you at your church, so you can sit together. Pray to the Lord to touch their hearts with the power of the Holy Spirit.

One person praying for others can be the reason they come to know Jesus. Don't be weary in well doing. Faith goes where angels fear to tread. We have Jesus as our protection. Let your faith get huge, reading the Bible.

We can grow from David the shepherd boy, to David, Giant Killer. His faith was in God__not his ability to throw rocks. God took the rock and it caved-in Goliaths nasal cavities and entered his brain. Instant death. I know that sounds gross.

But David had challenged God, and God sent David to confront Goliath. David only knew that God would go with him. Maybe David was about your age. :)

And He loves you!! :D

Matthew 22:14

For many are called, but few are chosen.

1 Peter 2:9 - But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

John 15:16 - Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Streetpreacher

Doug thanks your for your input...But at the cross when they pierced him out came the blood and the water which is indicative of a birth ...Thats Y Zech. is saying they shall look on me whom they have Pierced etc...Smite the shephard and the sheep will be scattered...Then i will turn my hand to the lil ones...The babes and sucklings that are the result of his Death...When a seed dies it multiplies...Thus our new birth is the result of his death....We cannot be born again without a good seed...But there wd have been no seed had he not died...Jesus told the Greeks unless a seed dies it abides alone...But if it dies it will bring forth much fruit...In that Christ died he will be multiplied as the stars of heaven...Thus we will all be bornagain of an incorruptible seed ..Thus the blood and the water is indicative of a birth....As Zech. says he is our 1st born our only son...They shall look on me whom they have Piecered...thus the blood and the water....

.....But this does not negate what God told Peter...what i have made clean ( by the blood ) do not call common or unclean....By commanding water baptism for the remission of sins....3 times the lord rebuked Peter with that sheet with all the unclean animals which is the Church humanity that was made clean by the blood of the lamb...Not water baptism....That sheet was knit at the 4 corners The Cross the blood is knit in the 4 gospels...That New covenant in his blood....ok GBU