*bible questions got answered*

[shadowghost]

Hello blessed day to all Before I post this new thread titled "BIBLE QUESTIONS" I first visited the thread of Sir Marquees level 5 Moderator about the rules and regulations in posting new thread that tackles religion. I totally agree with Sir Marquess because we are all entitled to our own cultures and beliefs and that no one can coerce to change our beliefs without our consent and will. Since religion is very case sensitive topic, I will only present or post some facts about most bible questions and their corresponding answers. Again, it is up to you readers if you believe it or not. I will be updating this thread regularly to post some bible questions with their answers.

BIBLE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q. Angels - Who are they? What do they do? Is there guardian angels"?

A. There are about 300 references to angels in the Bible. Angels are: "...a distinct order among the higher echelons of universal beings ...angels are spirits, supernatural celestial beings" (Zondervan Pictorial Ency. of the Bible). Some have angels acting out of harmony with the scriptures. Angels must not be worshipped (Col. 2: 18). Angels do not have the authority to declare anything different from God's word (Gal. 1: 8).

Origin and purpose of angels. Angels are evidently created beings (Ps. 148:2-5). Angels pre-date man (Job 38: 1-7). There are good and bad angels (Matt. 25:41, 2 Pet. 2: 4). Angels have been messengers (Matt. 1: 18-21), servants (Heb. 1:14), and instruments of God (2 Kings 19: 35).

Angels and man. Both angels and man are created (Gen. I, Col. 1) and both are inferior to God (Rev. 5, Matt. 4: 10). Both are free moral agents (2 Pet. 2: 4, Gen. 2,3). Angels are over man (2 Pet. 2: II). Angels are "sexless" (Matt. 22: 30) and do not marry. Angels cannot be heirs of God as man can be (Rom. 8: 17, 1 Pet. 1:12).

Angelic organization and activity. There is obviously a hierarchy among angels. The term archangel suggests such (1 Thes. 4: 16). We also read of cherubim (Gen. 3: 24) and seraphim (Isa. 6: 2,3), which appear to be a high ranking order of angels. These angels are winged. Angels are never referred to as "female." Angels were used by God in giving the law of Moses (Gal. 3: 19), the destruction of Sodom (Gen. 18,19), and in escorting Lazarus to Abraham's bosom (Luke 16: 22).

The occult has become obsessed with angels. Remember, any view of angels which has angels acting out of harmony with or taking the place of the scriptures is patently false (Gal. 1: 8,9).

The Truth about Angels


Never before do I recall such interest in angels, with some it has become an unhealthy preoccupation. Some at Colosse had extreme interest in angels to the point of worshipping them (Col. 2: 18, more later). Of course, it is good that we are concerned about any biblical subject, providing we allow the Bible to govern us in that pursuit (cf. Num. 22: 18).

There are approximately three hundred clear references to angels in the Bible. The Greek word transliterated "angel" (angelos) simply means, "messenger." Vine points out, "(from angello, to deliver a message)" (Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, to use this dictionary click on the "Links" button and scroll down). Angels are spirit beings which means they do not have material bodies as men have (Heb. 1: 14). However, on occasion they have assumed human form (Lk. 24: 4, 23). There are good and bad angels (Mk. 8: 38, Matt. 25: 41). Many of the graphic depictions of angels present them as female; however, they are always presented as "masculine" in the scriptures.

The origin of angels. Angels are created beings (Ps. 148: 2-5). Hence, angels are not to be worshipped (Col. 2: 8). Angels were created as free moral agents. Some remained loyal to God, others rebelled (2 Pet. 2: 4).

The design and purpose of angels. As seen, angels are primarily God's messengers (Matt. 1: 20). Angels also minister or serve. Speaking of angels the Hebrews writer wrote, "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (Heb. 1: 14.) Angels have also served as instruments (though whom God has worked, Gen. 19: 13).

Similarities between angels and man. Both angels and man were created by God (Ps. 148: 2-5, Gen. 1, 2). Hence, both are subservient to God (Heb. 1: 6, Matt. 4: 10). Angels and man are also both free moral agents (freedom of choice in service, 2 Pet. 2: 4, 6; Gen. 2, 3). At times, angels have resembled man physically (Gen. 18: 1-22).

Dissimilarities between angels and man. Angels are now superior to man (2 Pet. 2: 11). Angels are genderless (Matt. 22: 30). In this vein, angels do not marry or procreate (Matt. 22: 30). Moreover, angels are spirit beings and are not heirs of God as man is (Heb. 1: 14; I Pet. 1: 12, Rom. 8: 17).

Angelic organization. The term "archangel" is indicative of rank (I Thes. 4: 16). We read of cherubim and seraphim (Gen. 3: 24, Isa. 6: 2, 3). The Cherubim, apparently high ranking angels, are presented as winged (Ex. 25: 20). In this angelic hierarchy, there is also what is called the "theophany," perhaps the highest in rank. The theophany, while an angel, assumes the "position" of God himself (Ex. 3: 2-6). He is called "the angel of the Lord" (Ex. 3: 2). The archangel, cherubim, seraphim, and the "theophany" all appear to be over angels in general.

Angelic activity. Angels were the agents in the destruction of the cities of the plain (Gen. 19), an angel destroyed the Assyrian army (2 Kgs. 19), and angels were associated with the birth of Jesus (Matt. 2: 13, ch. 1). The "angel of the Lord" rolled back the stone from the door of Jesus' grave (Matt. 28: 2), and two were present at Jesus' ascension (Acts 1: 10). Angels comforted Jesus and Paul (Matt. 4: 11, Acts 27: 23 ff.). Angels shall accompany Jesus in the Judgment and shall separate the saved and the lost (Matt. 13: 36 ff.).

How about angelic activity today? There are some things we know with absolute certainty. For instance, angels are not to present another gospel or change Jesus' gospel (see "The Gospel of Jesus Christ," also in Archives) in any way (Gal. 1: 6-9). Hence, all the religions which are built on the claim of angelic revelation are wrong! We also know that angels do not violate in any way God's present means of working with man. For instance, God saves man through the gospel, not angelic intervention or coercion (Rom. 1: 16). In this vein, angels must not be perceived as miraculously working (miracles, as such) in man's behalf (I Cor. 13: 8-10).

Two verses which are very intriguing relative to angels' present activity are: Matthew 18: 10, see addendum, and Hebrews 1: 14. Angels are certainly interested in man (Lk. 15: 10) and some believe angels are presently active, in view of the foregoing verses. Hebrews 1: 14 does apply to this final dispensation (see Heb. 1: 1 ff.). Any believed activity, though, must be governed by the foregoing and presented in harmony with such verses as I Peter 3: 12 and I Corinthians 10: 13. More than this we cannot say (Deut. 29: 29).

Addendum regarding Matthew 18: 10: There is absolutely no doubt that angels have had an active role and part in the affairs of man. Angels were involved in the giving of the Ten Commandment Law to Moses and are presented as escorting Lazarus to Abraham's bosom (Acts 7: 53, Lk. 16: 22). It is also undeniable that angels have a special interest in man's salvation (Lk. 15: 10). It is also apparent that Jesus' language, "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven" is teaching the existence of a special angelic connection between "these little ones" and angels (Matt. 18: 10). The essential question is in what manner and to what extent is there an angelic connection?

The expression "their angels" (hoi aggelio auton) indicates intimacy in the connection, so much so that one should not despise one of "these little ones." These angels ("their angels") themselves have a consequential connection by reason of they "do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."

Many believe that "their angels" is teaching a special angelic connection, awareness, and posture "between" angels in general and the saved in general (cp. Heb. 1: 14).

Some contend the verse is teaching more. They are persuaded Matthew 18: 10 teaches that each individual saved person has his own specific angel assigned to him. This assigned angel they call "a guardian angel."

Regarding the first view, there is no doubt. However, the second view requires some imaginative exercise.

For sure, any view regarding man and angels in any providential circumstance must not present angels as interfering with man's free moral agency, responsibilities, or acting inharmoniously with the gospel (Jn. 7: 17; Acts 2: 40; Gal. 1: 6-9, I Cor. 13: 8-10).



Q. ARE THERE DINOSAURS MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE?

A. The Bible and Dinosaurs





The word dinosaur, as such, is not found in the Bible. We must remember that man has named many of the animals today. The word dinosaur is associated with the Greek "dino," meaning terrible. There are animals named in the Bible concerning which we have no definite knowledge or identity (see "greyhound," Prov. 30: 31, more later). Another thing to remember is that the Bible never attempts to provide all the names Adam assigned to different animals or to describe in detail the host of land and water creatures God created (Gen. 1; 2).

Man's fascination with dinosaurs. There is an obvious fascination with dinosaurs in America today. Some of this "obsession" perhaps has to do with the relatively new evidence that has been discovered regarding what man calls dinosaurs. Some of the interest, no doubt, is because it is believed such fossil evidence disproves the Bible and, some how, authenticates organic evolution.

Bible believers should not deny that large animals that are now extinct lived on the earth, call them dinosaurs, if you desire. I would not attempt to preclude even the possibility that there are many interesting animals extant that have not been discovered and classified by scientists.

The mistakes of paleontologists. Paleontologists (those who study the fossil record) have not been without serious mistakes. For instance, one of the most famous dinosaurs, Brontosaurus (small head and huge body) that has been used to promote dinosaur interest never even existed. Brontosaurus' picture has been seen in just about every dinosaur book and museum for the last hundred years. The original discovery of Brontosaurus lacked the head. A skull located about four miles away was placed on the skeleton to make it complete. The skull actually belonged to Apatosaurus and the skeleton was a Diplodocus. Some scientists have made complete pictures of dinosaurs based on just a single bone or tooth. From such miniscule evidence, they have imagined great creatures, down to the color of their eyes and skin.

Why did dinosaurs become extinct? Some have suggested a great meteorite colliding with the earth killed all the dinosaurs (latest "theory"). In fact, there have been many guesses. The evolutionary scientists, for the most part, will not even consider the possibility that the Genesis flood caused the extinction of such large animals called dinosaurs by man. The Genesis' flood was the greatest disaster known to the earth. One would expect to find billions of dead creatures buried by water in mud and sand (now hardened to rock). Beloved, that is exactly what scientists find around the world. Thousands of dinosaur bones are found where they were deposited and washed together by violent floodwaters and buried under mud, sand, and rock. Hence, the fossil record that we have today. The ideal elements for fossilization are quick burial, the right amount of water, and the suitable materials. Such a global flood as is described in Genesis six through nine would have produced such fossils and in the same manner. Also, such fossilization would have taken a short time, instead of the millions of years as indicated by the stratum (normal processes). Dinosaurs probably lived only a few centuries after the flood, but simply did not survive. The postdiluvian world is a very different world and such animals as dinosaurs were probably unable to adapt. Man also has typically played a major role in the extinction of a species.

The Bible and dinosaurs. There are biblical references to unknown animals. For instance, a creature called "behemoth" is described in Job 40: 15-24. Behemoth (gigantic, Hebrew) is a massive animal. Some have attempted to say the elephant or hippopotamus is meant. However, the elephant and hippopotamus do not have a tail "like a cedar" (vs. 17). The book of Job is an ancient book, about 4000 years old. Behemoth could have been what scientists call Diplodocus, a huge plant-eater. Another apparently extinct animal is described in Job 41. It is called Leviathan (vs. 1). The description fits what scientists call Kronosaurus, one of the greatest animals to ever swim the seas. Leviathan was still around as late as the time of Psalms 104 (see vs. 26). Leviathan is said to have been in the oceans where the ships traveled (the alligator or crocodile does not satisfy the description of Leviathan).

The fossil record is in harmony with the Bible, not Darwinian evolution. The suddenness of the destruction apparently by huge amounts of water, the often missing consistent layers of stratum, and the absence of transitional forms in the fossil evidence all support the Bible and present serious problems for evolutionists.

Q. DO GHOST EXIST?

A. When we start talking about ghosts, spirits, the occult, demons, and such, we need reliable explanations & the insight given to us from the realm of divine revelation. Unfortunately, most of society's thinking about this topic is influenced more by TV, movies, superstition, and horror novels than by what the scriptures say.

The supernatural world. The Bible certainly teaches about a "supernatural" domain beyond what we can observe with our senses. This domain is populated with a variety of very interesting beings, including God, various classes of angels, the spirits of the departed dead, Satan, and demonic spirits. Regarding the spirits of the departed dead, the Bible indicates they go to Hades to await final judgment. They do not "roam the earth", linger around graveyards, come back as reincarnated people, or routinely communicate with the living.

Contacting the dead. There seems to be a renewed interest in the area of contacting the dead specifically (e.g., spirit mediums, Ouija boards, channeling, séances) and the occult in general (e.g., psychics, tarot cards, palm reading, astrology, horoscopes, crystal balls, crystals, witchcraft, white/black magic). Of course, this is nothing new. See Deut. 18:9-13, Isaiah 8:19, and Gal. 5:20. The Christian should not be involved in such activities.

Q. WHICH CHURCH IS RIGHT?

A. This is a good, timely question. Many "church-goers" today do not even consider the rightness or wrongness of their religion. They belong to a particular church because such is convenient or they simply "like it." Jesus built his church (Matt. 16:16, Acts 2:47). He built only one (not denominations, teaching different doctrines, Eph. 4:4-6, 1:22,23). Jesus shed his blood for his church (Acts 20:28). Hence, it behooves us to be part of Jesus' church, the right church.

The church which submits to Jesus' headship. Many of the current denominations do not even claim to go by the scriptures. In fact, they advertise their modernism and "any-thing-goism." They believe churches which do submit to Jesus' authority are "out-of-date" and legalistic. Notwithstanding Jesus'' church submits to his headship (Eph. 1: 22,23, Matt. 28:18). This means the right church does what the scriptures teach (2 John 9-11). She is designed by a scriptural designation (cf. Rom. 16: 16), teaches the true plan of salvation (John 8:24, Acts 17:31, Rom. 10:10, Acts 2:38), and worships God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).

Jesus' church exists today. Beloved, I kindly challenge you to take God's word and find the right church. You can easily eliminate modernistic, liberal, selfish churches and clearly establish the identity of the Lord's church – by using God's word. Be a member of the Lord's house and not Man's (Heb. 3:1-6). Enjoy answered prayer, the cleaning of Jesus' blood, and heaven for an eternity (1 John 3:22, 5:11). Remember, "Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up" (Matt. 15:13). Jesus said this regarding false religions (Matt. 15: 1-14). Come out of Babylon (false religion) and bask in God's truth which will make you free (Rev. 18:3,4, Jun. 8:32).


source: http://biblequestions.org

That's all for now, again, as I said previously, we are all entitled to our own beliefs. I do not intend or in any way force you to believe the above facts. They serve only for the sole purpose of education. I'll be posting again some bible questions and answers next time. God Bless...

 

[shadowghost]

Update:

Q. The Reality of God?

A. Faith is vitally important and essential. In fact, we are told "But without faith it is impossible to please him…" (Heb. 11: 6). In the case of Jesus’ resurrection, the apostles and others were presented empirical evidence that Jesus had been triumphant over death. "…reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side," said Jesus to Thomas, "and be not faithless, but believing" (John 20: 27). Others observed tangible proof of Jesus overcoming death and hades (I Cor. 15: 4-9). Yet, the walk of the Christian is "by faith" (2 Cor. 5: 7). Man has not seen God or been able to examine him in the climate of a scientific laboratory. Notwithstanding, the reality of God is all around us if we would only look and discern. The fact of creation is indicative of a Creator. The Psalmist wrote:

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge" (Ps. 19: 1, 2).

Some make the mistake of thinking that God and science are totally divorced and that the reality of God cannot be scientifically established. In this study, we shall examine scientific or empirical evidence as to the existence of God.

The innumerable stars. I recall when a boy, I would spend hours just gazing up into the heavens. I especially looked at the stars at night and wondered about the vastness of the universe. "How many stars are there," I would ask. God told Abram the following:

"And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them, and he said unto him, so shall thy seed be" (Gen. 15: 5).

God is the creator of the starry hosts and is so acquainted with his creation that he and he alone knows the number of the stars (Isa. 40: 17-26). In fact, not only does he know the number but he has named them.

"He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite" (Ps. 147: 4, 5).

Man could not appreciate what the Bible said about the stars until science produced the ability through powerful telescopes for man to explore the enormity of the universe. Yet, the Bible revealed such knowledge long before the telescope.

The fact of the earth being suspended. Science tells the story of man groping for knowledge mostly through the process of trial and error. It was not long ago that most in the scientific community held the view that the earth was flat or supported on some huge foundation. As is often the case, the Bible was far ahead of science. In about 1500 B. C. we read the following:

"He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing" (Job 26: 7).

How could the man Job only through natural means have possessed such knowledge? The prophet Isaiah wrote of the "circle of the earth" (Isa. 40: 22). The spherical shape of the earth appears to be the idea. Even if we translate the Hebrew as "vault about the earth," the spherical (circular) shape of the earth is still suggested. The Hebrew word translated "circle" or "vault" appears in Genesis 13: 10 and is used to describe the surrounded (circular) plain of Jordon. The knowledge of the earth being suspended on nothing and circular in shape pre-dated science by many centuries and is only a rather relatively recent discovery. Such knowledge points to the reality of God.

The existence of springs in the sea. A fascinating science is oceanography. This is enticing because man is just now really making progress with the development of the ability to go down deep. Pertaining to the great Noachian flood we read:

"In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened" (Gen. 7: 11, cp. 8: 2).

A while back, I was watching a special documentary about the ocean and what modern science is learning. The particular segment of the documentary pertained to man now for the first time being able to explore great depths and the consequent discoveries. They showed species of fish about which they had no previous knowledge swimming on the bottoms of the great depths. They then focused their under water camera on the bottom and showed great crevices and rises. This they said were, "The fountains of the great deep." They went on to say, "These fountains of the great deep were broken up." The narrator appeared to be an atheist and yet he used wording straight out of the Bible! This was the first time that science had discovered the "fountains of the great deep," yet, the Bible spoke of such thousands of years anterior to this recent scientific finding.

The paths of the seas. Creation not only implies a Creator, but also shows that the Creator is a Being of order and system. When various facets of our universe are closely and scientifically considered, it becomes apparent that there is minute symmetry, harmony, and working. Look at our oceans and you would think that they are simply vast bodies of water, this is what man thought for centuries. However, there is so much more involved.

"The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth though the paths of the seas" (Ps. 8: 8).

The Psalmist had just mentioned the greatness of the Lord (vs. 1). The fact of man’s creation is also affirmed in the text, as well as the fact of God having created the "heavens," "moon," and "stars" (vs. 3-6). The oceans are not stagnant, but alive with movement and direction. When man was able to study the oceans (satellites orbiting the earth have made tremendous advancement in the study of the paths of the sea), some men have come to appreciate even more the fact that the Bible set forth the idea of paths in the sea long before science ever discovered such.

The hydrologic cycle. Again, our universe is intricate and continues to operate based on precise laws that were obviously set into place and motion at the beginning of creation. While the Bible identifies many of these matters, science takes time to make such discoveries. Job made a statement aeons ago that pre-dated science by centuries.

"He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them….For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof; which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly….Dost thou know the balanceings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge….Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder; To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man….Hath the rain a father? Or who hath begotten the drops of dew?" (Job 26: 8; 36: 27, 28; 37: 16; 38: 25-28).

How can the earth and system continue with just the right amount of water and distribution? The answer is seen in the above statements. Such did not just happen or evolve, such marvelous workings are indicative of the reality of God, the Intelligent Designer of the universe! (Ps. 135: 5-7.) The Wise Man made the following statement that is replete with profundity of thought, surpassing mere man of the time:

"The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits. All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again" (Eccl. 1: 6, 7).

All living things produce after their kind. Organic evolution is not of God and, in fact, it is not even scientific. If man evolved from a one cell ameba, where are all the multitudinous transitional forms that would obviously exist if such occurred? Man is man, a dog is a dog, and a cat is a cat, this is biblical and scientific. The order of the universe began and is maintained through the law that the Creator put in place at the inception. Consider the original creation:

"21: And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. 22: And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. 23: And the evening and the morning were the fifth day. 24: And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. 25: And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good" (Gen. 1).

Such an account of creation is tenable and scientific. Man left to his own devices and imagination cannot come up with such an intelligent account. Hence, the reality of God is presupposed.

Laws of sanitation. Much of what we know as a result of medical science is relatively recent in origin. For instance, man was without a concept of germs and much of what we now accept as laws of sanitation. However, the ancient Book of Leviticus sets forth a basic concept of germs, contagion, and the consequent need of quarantined that it took man alone centuries to ever understand and appreciate. Consider some of this teaching regarding leprosy:

"44: Then the priest shall come and look, and, behold, if the plague be spread in the house, it is a fretting leprosy in the house: it is unclean. 45: And he shall break down the house, the stones of it, and the timber thereof, and all the morter of the house; and he shall carry them forth out of the city into an unclean place. 46: Moreover he that goeth into the house all the while that it is shut up shall be unclean until the even. 47: And he that lieth in the house shall wash his clothes; and he that eateth in the house shall wash his clothes" (Lev. 14).

Contemporary science had no understanding that could produce such instruction, but God knew.

Life is in the blood. Another fact that is now scientifically known is that life is in the blood. Yet, this truth was stated by God in Leviticus 17: 10-16. How could the passage so state, unless the Creator who made man and placed life in the blood knew? When we understand that life is in the blood, the statement made by Jesus regarding giving his blood takes on more meaning (Matt. 26: 28).

The law of entropy. The law of entropy is often termed the "second law of thermodynamics. It is the law that in an open system, all tends to decline. The universe is an open system, as opposed to a closed system. I have said that organic evolution is unscientific and the law of entropy proves it. Organic evolution is based on natural selection that results in improvement. The idea is everything moving toward perfection and sublimation. However, such is not correct because the universe is an open system. Rather than working toward perfection, the universe is in the process of decline, based on the law of entropy. The Bible taught the law of entropy many centuries ago.

"25: Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. 26: They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: 27: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end" (Ps. 102: 25-27).

By Paul using the present tense in describing man’s state of perishing, he is stating the law of entropy (cp. Rom. 8: 18-23).

Intelligent reader, without God supplying the knowledge, Moses, Job, David, Solomon, and Paul could not have known what they did. The only way that we can understand the making of such revolutionary statements that pre-dated science by many centuries, is that God supplied the information. The Bible does claim to be from the All Wise Creator (2 Tim. 3: 16, 17). When one looks around, seeing the stars, the enormity of the universe and the order and complexity of nature, one sees the fact of God. When one considers the teaching of God’s Book, one observes the reality of God! Jesus said to Thomas after Thomas physically examined the resurrected Jesus, "Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed" (John 20: 29).

That's all for now, again, as I said previously, we are all entitled to our own beliefs. I do not intend or in any way force you to believe the above facts. They serve only for the sole purpose of education. I'll be posting again some bible questions and answers next time. God Bless...

 

[shadowghost]

Update:

Q. What happens after death?

A. Within the Christian faith, there is a significant amount of confusion regarding what happens after death. Some hold that after death, everyone “sleeps” until the final judgment, after which everyone will be sent to heaven or hell. Others believe that at the moment of death, people are instantly judged and sent to their eternal destinations. Still others claim that when people die, their souls/spirits are sent to a “temporary” heaven or hell, to await the final resurrection, the final judgment, and then the finality of their eternal destination. So, what exactly does the Bible say happens after death?

First, for the believer in Jesus Christ, the Bible tells us that after death believers’ souls/spirits are taken to heaven, because their sins are forgiven by having received Christ as Savior (John 3:16, 18, 36). For believers, death is to be “away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23). However, passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 describe believers being resurrected and given glorified bodies. If believers go to be with Christ immediately after death, what is the purpose of this resurrection? It seems that while the souls/spirits of believers go to be with Christ immediately after death, the physical body remains in the grave “sleeping.” At the resurrection of believers, the physical body is resurrected, glorified, and then reunited with the soul/spirit. This reunited and glorified body-soul-spirit will be the possession of believers for eternity in the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21-22).

Second, for those who do not receive Jesus Christ as Savior, death means everlasting punishment. However, similar to the destiny of believers, unbelievers also seem to be sent immediately to a temporary holding place, to await their final resurrection, judgment, and eternal destiny. Luke 16:22-23 describes a rich man being tormented immediately after death. Revelation 20:11-15 describes all the unbelieving dead being resurrected, judged at the great white throne, and then being cast into the lake of fire. Unbelievers, then, are not sent to hell (the lake of fire) immediately after death, but rather are in a temporary realm of judgment and condemnation. However, even though unbelievers are not instantly sent to the lake of fire, their immediate fate after death is not a pleasant one. The rich man cried out, “I am in agony in this fire” (Luke 16:24).

Therefore, after death, a person resides in a “temporary” heaven or hell. After this temporary realm, at the final resurrection, a person’s eternal destiny will not change. The precise “location” of that eternal destiny is what changes. Believers will ultimately be granted entrance into the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1). Unbelievers will ultimately be sent to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). These are the final, eternal destinations of all people—based entirely on whether or not they had trusted Jesus Christ alone for salvation (Matthew 25:46; John 3:36).

Q. Why is God going to release Satan after the 1000 years?

A. Revelation 20:7-10, “When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God's people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”

As we read these verses, we wonder, “Why will God release Satan at the end of the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ?” First, we must admit that there are some biblical questions which we cannot answer this side of glory because God has chosen to reserve some mysteries to Himself (Deuteronomy 29:29, Romans 11:33-36). Yet, as believers, even if we cannot always understand something about God's Word, His will, or His ways, we can be sure that He remains ever faithful, true, and trustworthy, and in light of that our job remains to obey what we do understand as quickly, fully, and well as we are able. Even if we might not be able to answer why God releases Satan, we can suggest some possible reasons and motivations, based on an understanding of the entirety of the Word of God.

At the beginning of the Millennium, only believers will be alive (Revelation 19:17-21), some who live through the Tribulation Period, and some who come back with the Lord at His second coming. It will be a time of peace unparalleled in history (Isaiah 2:4; Joel 3:10; Micah 4:3). Jesus will be ruling on the throne of David, imposing a benevolent theocracy on all of His creation. Jesus will ensure that everyone has every need fulfilled, while not tolerating the sin so prevalent in today's society (Psalm 2:7-12; Revelation 2:26-29; 12:5; 19:11-16). We can only imagine such a time of “heaven on earth."

The believers who live through the Tribulation will be mortal. They will live and repopulate the earth during the Millennial Kingdom. Without the devastation of sin taking its toll, we can imagine the population increase during the Millennium will be enormous, almost incomprehensible. All those who are born during the Millennium will enjoy the benefits and blessings of Christ's reign on the earth, but they will still be born with a sin nature, and they will still have to freely repent and believe the Gospel, personally choosing Christ as Savior and Lord.

Yet, at the end of the Millennial Reign, Satan is loosed and is able to deceive a vast multitude to follow him in one final rebellion against the Lord of glory and His saints! It seems that the further humanity gets from the end of the Tribulation and the start of the Millennium, the more they will "take for granted" how good they have it, and some may even harbor doubts about the goodness of God. Even though the number who rebel with Satan are said to be "as the sand of the sea" (Revelation 20:7), they may still be a minority compared to the number who do not rebel. It will still be a large number of souls who join Satan. Undoubtedly, one of the primary reasons God gives us this picture of what will happen in time is to demonstrate the deep-seated sin nature inherent in all of humanity (Jeremiah 17:9).

Additionally, God is trying to tell us something about His nature as displayed during the Millennium. His grace and goodness will be on display continually. But at the end of the 1000 years, He will have zero tolerance for rebellion. When it happens, He will show no mercy and offer no "second chances.” At that time He will be quick to judge, and the final rebellion of Satan and sinful man will be over in a flash of fire. After this, the final judgment of the dead takes place (the Great White Throne Judgment, Revelation 20:11-15). Eternity can thus begin with every aspect of sin gone for all time.

Finally, God is trying to reinforce some very important lessons concerning Satan himself, especially for believers. First, that he has been and always will be the enemy of humanity. As God has fixed His love on us, Satan has for us a special hatred. Ever since Satan's fall (Isaiah 14, Ezekiel 28), he has been the adversary of believers, and he is aptly described as the ultimate deceiver of mankind (John 8:44; 1 John 2:22). All he can give or promise man is death and destruction (John 10:10a). Satan is also shown here to be a truly defeated foe, and his ultimate doom is certain, along with the doom of all who follow him. God is trying to remind us that Satan is a created being who is powerless before Him (2 Corinthians 12:7). All this should encourage believers today to take God at His Word concerning our position in Christ with respect to the devil (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 4:1-7; James 4:6-8; 1 John 2:15-29; 1 John 4:1-3), especially as we remember this grand truth: "...greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4).

Q. "What does the Bible say about the end of the world?"

A. The event usually referred to by the phrase “end of the world” is described in 2 Peter 3 “The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.” This is the culmination of the events referred to in the beginning of that verse as “the day of the Lord,” the time when God will intervene in human history for the purpose of judgment. At that time, all that God has created, “the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1), He will destroy.

The timing of this event, according to most Bible scholars, is at the end of the 1000-year period called the millennium. During these thousand years, Christ will reign on earth as King in Jerusalem, sitting on the throne of David (Luke 1:32-33) and ruling in peace but with a “rod of iron” (Revelation 19:15). At the end of the 1000 years, Satan will be released, defeated again, and then cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-10). At this point, the end of the world described in 2 Peter 3:10 occurs. The Bible tells us several things about this event.

First, it will be cataclysmic in scope. The “heavens” refers to the physical universe – the stars, planets, and galaxies—which will be consumed by some kind of tremendous explosion, possibly a nuclear or atomic reaction that will consume and obliterate all matter as we know it. All the elements that make up the universe will be melted in the “fervent heat” (2 Peter 3:12). This will also be a noisy event, described in different Bible versions as a “roar” (NIV), a “great noise” (KJV), a “loud noise” (CEV), and a “thunderous crash” (AMP). There will be no doubt as to what is happening. Everyone will see and hear it because we are also told that “the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.”

Then God will create a “new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1), which will include the “New Jerusalem” (v. 2), the capital city of heaven, a place of perfect holiness, which will come down from heaven and descend to the new earth. This is the city where the saints—those whose names were written in the “Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 13:8)—will live forever. Peter refers to it as “the home of righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13).

Perhaps the most important part of Peter’s description of that day is his question in verses 11-12: “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.” For Christians, this means we should live our lives in such a way that we reflect our understanding of what is going to happen. This life is passing away quickly, and our focus should be on the new heavens and earth to come. Our “holy and godly” lives should be a testimony to those who do not know the Savior, and we should be telling others about Him so they can escape the terrible fate that awaits those who reject Him. We wait in eager anticipation for God’s “Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
Q. How about lesbians and homosexuals preaching?

A. God is love (1 John 4: 8). The scriptures tell us that God loves all men, so much so that He gave His own Son (John 3: 16). God loves the fornicator, adulterer, idolater, and the homosexual. However, these people cannot practice these sins and inherit the kingdom of God, according to the scriptures. Hear God: "Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals...shall inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Cor. 6: 9, 10, all references herein to the New American Standard Version).

Over the past twenty-five years there has been a movement to place lesbians and homosexuals in the pulpits. Some major denominations have now accepted practicing homosexuals in their pulpits. The major argumentation to promote such acceptance is that "we must be tolerant" and "we cannot say homosexuality is a sin." Beloved, homosexuality is clearly a sin (1 Cor. 6: 9, 10) and it must not be just tolerated within the realms of spiritual boundaries (Eph. 5: 10, 11).

Homosexuality is mentioned in the environment of spiritual degradation and shame. Paul described the decadence of the pagan world of his day (Rom. 1). He mentioned how the pagans professed to be wise and rejected God's wisdom (vss. 18-23). They exchanged God's truth for a lie (vs. 25). As a result, they were given over to "degrading passions: (vs. 26, see the description of homosexuality in verses 26 and 27). Homosexuality was one of the infamous sins of the people of Sodom, for which the city was destroyed by God. (Gen. 19).

Fornicators, adulterers, idolaters and homosexuals can obtain forgiveness (1 Cor. 6: 11). However, they must cease their practice ("such were some of you"). Beloved, practicing adulterers...and homosexuals have no place in the pulpit!

The Truth about Homosexuality
Rampant homosexuality is an indication of serious degradation in a society. The sin of homosexuality in Sodom and Gomorrah reached the point where God said "their sin is very grievous" and "is waxen great" (Gen. 18: 20, 19: 13). They were so depraved and steeped in homosexuality that any male stranger was in danger (Gen. 19: 5, "may know them" means to know sexually). Jude wrote that "Sodom and Gomorrah…giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire" (Jude 7). The stench of their wickedness was so great that God destroyed these people with brimstone and fire out of heaven (Gen. 19: 24, notice Jude's statement regarding "eternal fire," Jude 7). In describing the degenerate state of the Gentile world of Paul's day, he described the sin of homosexuality. "Men with men working that which is unseemly," Paul stated (Rom. 1: 27). "…Even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature," Paul further explained (vs. 26). Paul referred to such homosexual relationships as "vile affections" (vs. 26).

Practicing homosexuals will not go to heaven. I listened in amazement a while back as a panel of ministers from several different denominations were questioned regarding homosexuality. Every preacher on the television panel said homosexuality is not even mentioned in the Bible. When pressed, they replied "Jesus did not mention homosexuality" (see I Cor. 14: 37, arraying Jesus against Leviticus 18: 22, etc., is the height of blasphemy). "Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God," Paul wrote, "do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals…shall inherit the kingdom of God" (I Cor. 6: 9, 10, NASV).

Beloved, the argument that homosexuals cannot help themselves because they were born the way they are is not correct. God would not hold homosexuals responsible if they had a genetic aberration that they could not help. The good news is that homosexuals, just as all sinners, can be saved if they will repent (involving desisting their sinful life style) of their sins and accept God's provision of grace (I Cor. 6: 9-11).

Q. Did Jesus have brothers and sisters?

A. The scriptures are plain and decided about the fact that Jesus had brothers and sisters. "Is not this the carpenter's son?," the Jews asked, "is not his mother called Mary? And his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are thy not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?" (Matt. 13: 55, 56). It is evident that the Greek adelphos (brothers/sisters) is used in the case of Jesus' brothers and sisters in the flesh. There is also no evidence or reason to say that these were Joseph's children by a previous marriage.

Why is there any doubt about Jesus having brothers and sisters? In the first place, it must be understood that Mary was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus (Matt. 1: 18-25). Hence, Jesus' brothers and sisters were subsequent to Jesus' birth (see also Matt. 12: 47). The main reason there is controversy over this matter is because of the doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary, a Catholic doctrine. You see, part of the reason for the worship of Mary is because of the belief that Mary was "holy" in a special sense, even to the point of never having other children.

The fallacy of the perpetual virginity doctrine. As we have seen, the Jews who best knew the family of Joseph and Mary not only knew that Jesus had siblings, but they knew the names of Jesus' brothers. If Catholicism can be wrong about this doctrine, how about their doctrine of salvation by meritorious works, the Pope being the head of the church, and holy water salvation (Tit. 3: 5; Eph. 1: 22, 23, Matt. 28: 18; Matt. 26: 28)?

Beloved, the fact that Jesus had brothers and sisters who were obviously the offspring of Mary and Joseph does not in any way take away from Jesus' identity. Jesus remains "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1: 29). He is truly the Son of God (John 3: 16).

Q. Is it OK to eat pork?

A. Under the Law of Moses, animals were divided into two classes based on various physical characteristics to determine if they were "clean" to eat. See Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 for more details. This is the main reason why Jews do not eat pork and other "non-kosher" foods.

Under the Law of Christ. It is important to properly distinguish between the Law of Moses given to the Israelites and the Law of Christ that replaced it. Yes, there were certain things forbidden by the Law of Moses (including unclean foods like pork) and personally observed by Jesus as a Jew during His lifetime. But that religious system was taken away by Jesus nailing it to the cross and was replaced with the Gospel (Col. 2:14, 16). That also includes Sabbath worship (including capital punishment for violators), animal sacrifices, religious use of incense and instrumental music, the priesthood, tithing, religious robes & choirs, circumcision, and so on.

Food restrictions today. Generally speaking, no one today has the right to impose restrictions on the people of God concerning what they may eat. Note especially what God instructed Peter in Acts 10:9-16 as well as what Paul instructed Timothy in 1 Tim. 4:1-5. Two exceptions to this general rule are:
Acts 15:28-29 which prohibits the consumption of blood and inadequately drained meat from strangled animals.
Rom. 14 which prohibits a person from violating his own conscience by eating something he thinks is unclean (esp. verses 2, 14, 23).


That's all for now, again, as I said previously, we are all entitled to our own beliefs. I do not intend or in any way force you to believe the above facts. They serve only for the sole purpose of education. I'll be posting again some bible questions and answers next time. God Bless...

 

[shadowghost]

Update:

Q. "Women pastors / preachers? What does the Bible say about women in ministry?"

A. There is perhaps no more hotly debated issue in the church today than the issue of women serving as pastors/preachers. As a result, it is very important to not see this issue as men versus women. There are women who believe women should not serve as pastors and that the Bible places restrictions on the ministry of women, and there are men who believe women can serve as preachers and that there are no restrictions on women in ministry. This is not an issue of chauvinism or discrimination. It is an issue of biblical interpretation.

The Word of God proclaims, “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent” (1 Timothy 2:11-12). In the church, God assigns different roles to men and women. This is a result of the way mankind was created and the way in which sin entered the world (1 Timothy 2:13-14). God, through the apostle Paul, restricts women from serving in roles of teaching and/or having spiritual authority over men. This precludes women from serving as pastors over men, which definitely includes preaching to, teaching, and having spiritual authority.

There are many “objections” to this view of women in ministry. A common one is that Paul restricts women from teaching because in the first century, women were typically uneducated. However, 1 Timothy 2:11-14 nowhere mentions educational status. If education were a qualification for ministry, the majority of Jesus' disciples would not have been qualified. A second common objection is that Paul only restricted the women of Ephesus from teaching (1 Timothy was written to Timothy, who was the pastor of the church in Ephesus). The city of Ephesus was known for its temple to Artemis, a false Greek/Roman goddess. Women were the authority in the worship of Artemis. However, the book of 1 Timothy nowhere mentions Artemis, nor does Paul mention Artemis worship as a reason for the restrictions in 1 Timothy 2:11-12.

A third common objection is that Paul is only referring to husbands and wives, not men and women in general. The Greek words in the passage could refer to husbands and wives; however, the basic meaning of the words refers to men and women. Further, the same Greek words are used in verses 8-10. Are only husbands to lift up holy hands in prayer without anger and disputing (verse 8)? Are only wives to dress modestly, have good deeds, and worship God (verses 9-10)? Of course not. Verses 8-10 clearly refer to all men and women, not only husbands and wives. There is nothing in the context that would indicate a switch to husbands and wives in verses 11-14.

Yet another frequent objection to this interpretation of women in ministry is in relation to women who held positions of leadership in the Bible, specifically Miriam, Deborah, and Huldah in the Old Testament. This objection fails to note some significant factors. First, Deborah was the only female judge among 13 male judges. Huldah was the only female prophet among dozens of male prophets mentioned in the Bible. Miriam's only connection to leadership was being the sister of Moses and Aaron. The two most prominent women in the times of the Kings were Athaliah and Jezebel—hardly examples of godly female leadership. Most significantly, though, the authority of women in the Old Testament is not relevant to the issue. The book of 1 Timothy and the other Pastoral Epistles present a new paradigm for the church—the body of Christ—and that paradigm involves the authority structure for the church, not for the nation of Israel or any other Old Testament entity.

Similar arguments are made using Priscilla and Phoebe in the New Testament. In Acts 18, Priscilla and Aquila are presented as faithful ministers for Christ. Priscilla's name is mentioned first, perhaps indicating that she was more “prominent” in ministry than her husband. However, Priscilla is nowhere described as participating in a ministry activity that is in contradiction to 1 Timothy 2:11-14. Priscilla and Aquila brought Apollos into their home and they both discipled him, explaining the Word of God to him more accurately (Acts 18:26).

In Romans 16:1, even if Phoebe is considered a “deaconess” instead of a “servant,” that does not indicate that Phoebe was a teacher in the church. “Able to teach” is given as a qualification for elders, but not deacons (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:6-9). Elders/bishops/deacons are described as the “husband of one wife,” “a man whose children believe,” and “men worthy of respect.” Clearly the indication is that these qualifications refer to men. In addition, in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:6-9, masculine pronouns are used exclusively to refer to elders/bishops/deacons.

The structure of 1 Timothy 2:11-14 makes the “reason” perfectly clear. Verse 13 begins with “for” and gives the “cause” of Paul’s statement in verses 11-12. Why should women not teach or have authority over men? Because “Adam was created first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived.” God created Adam first and then created Eve to be a “helper” for Adam. This order of creation has universal application in the family (Ephesians 5:22-33) and the church. The fact that Eve was deceived is also given as a reason for women not serving as pastors or having spiritual authority over men. This leads some to believe that women should not teach because they are more easily deceived. That concept is debatable, but if women are more easily deceived, why should they be allowed to teach children (who are easily deceived) and other women (who are supposedly more easily deceived)? That is not what the text says. Women are not to teach men or have spiritual authority over men because Eve was deceived. As a result, God has given men the primary teaching authority in the church.

Many women excel in gifts of hospitality, mercy, teaching, evangelism, and helps. Much of the ministry of the local church depends on women. Women in the church are not restricted from public praying or prophesying (1 Corinthians 11:5), only from having spiritual teaching authority over men. The Bible nowhere restricts women from exercising the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12). Women, just as much as men, are called to minister to others, to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and to proclaim the gospel to the lost (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15).

God has ordained that only men are to serve in positions of spiritual teaching authority in the church. This is not because men are necessarily better teachers, or because women are inferior or less intelligent (which is not the case). It is simply the way God designed the church to function. Men are to set the example in spiritual leadership—in their lives and through their words. Women are to take a less authoritative role. Women are encouraged to teach other women (Titus 2:3-5). The Bible also does not restrict women from teaching children. The only activity women are restricted from is teaching or having spiritual authority over men. This logically would preclude women from serving as pastors to men. This does not make women less important, by any means, but rather gives them a ministry focus more in agreement with God’s plan and His gifting of them.

Q. "Is Jesus God? Did Jesus ever claim to be God?"

A. Jesus is never recorded in the Bible as saying the precise words, “I am God.” That does not mean, however, that He did not proclaim that He is God. Take for example Jesus’ words in John 10:30, “I and the Father are one.” We need only to look at the Jews’ reaction to His statement to know He was claiming to be God. They tried to stone Him for this very reason. “… you, a mere man, claim to be God” (John 10:33). The Jews understood exactly what Jesus was claiming—deity. Notice that Jesus does not deny His claim to be God. When Jesus declared, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30), He was saying that He and the Father are of one nature and essence. John 8:58 is another example. Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I am!” The response of the Jews who heard this statement was to take up stones to kill Him for blasphemy, as the Mosaic Law commanded them to do (Leviticus 24:15).

John reiterates the concept of Jesus’ deity: “the Word was God” and “the Word became flesh” (John 1:1, 14). These verses clearly indicate that Jesus is God in the flesh. Acts 20:28 tells us, “Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.” Who bought the church—the church of God—with His own blood? Jesus Christ. Acts 20:28 declares that God purchased His church with His own blood. Therefore, Jesus is God!

Thomas the disciple declared concerning Jesus, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28). Jesus does not correct him. Titus 2:13 encourages us to wait for the coming of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ (see also 2 Peter 1:1). In Hebrews 1:8, the Father declares of Jesus, “But about the Son He says, ’Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.’” The Father refers to Jesus as “O God” indicating that Jesus is indeed God.

In Revelation, an angel instructed the apostle John to only worship God (Revelation 19:10). Several times in Scripture Jesus receives worship (Matthew 2:11, 14:33, 28:9, 17; Luke 24:52; John 9:38). He never rebukes people for worshiping Him. If Jesus were not God, He would have told people to not worship Him, just as the angel in Revelation did. There are many other verses and passages of Scripture that argue for Jesus’ deity.

The most important reason that Jesus has to be God is that if He is not God, His death would not have been sufficient to pay the penalty for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2). A created being, which Jesus would be if He were not God, could not pay the infinite penalty required for sin against an infinite God. Only God could pay such an infinite penalty. Only God could take on the sins of the world (2 Corinthians 5:21), die, and be resurrected, proving His victory over sin and death.

SOURCE: http://www.gotquestions.org/

That's all for now, again, as I said previously, we are all entitled to our own beliefs. I do not intend or in any way force you to believe the above facts. They serve only for the sole purpose of education. I'll be posting again some bible questions and answers next time. God Bless...

 

[shadowghost]

Update:

Question: "Do we have guardian angels?"

Answer: Matthew 18:10 states, “See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” In the context, “these little ones” could either apply to those who believe in Him (v. 6) or it could refer to the little children (vs. 3-5). This is the key passage regarding guardian angels. There is no doubt that good angels help protect (Daniel 6:20-23; 2 Kings 6:13-17), reveal information (Acts 7:52-53; Luke 1:11-20), guide (Matthew 1:20-21; Acts 8:26), provide for (Genesis 21:17-20; 1 Kings 19:5-7), and minister to believers in general (Hebrews 1:14).

The question is whether each person—or each believer—has an angel assigned to him/her. In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel had the archangel (Michael) assigned to it (Daniel 10:21; 12:1), but Scripture nowhere states that an angel is “assigned” to an individual (angels were sometimes sent to individuals, but there is no mention of permanent assignment). The Jews fully developed the belief in guardian angels during the time between the Old and New Testament periods. Some early church fathers believed that each person had not only a good angel assigned to him/her, but a demon as well. The belief in guardian angels has been around for a long time, but there is no explicit scriptural basis for it.

To return to Matthew 18:10, the word “their” is a collective pronoun in the Greek and refers to the fact that believers are served by angels in general. These angels are pictured as “always” watching the face of God so as to hear His command to them to help a believer when it is needed. The angels in this passage do not seem to be guarding a person so much as being attentive to the Father in heaven. The active duty or oversight seems, then, to come more from God than from the angels, which makes perfect sense because God alone is omniscient. He sees every believer at every moment, and He alone knows when one of us needs the intervention of an angel. Because they are continually seeing His face, the angels are at His disposal to help one of His “little ones.”

It cannot be emphatically answered from Scripture whether or not each believer has a guardian angel assigned to him/her. But, as stated earlier, God does use angels in ministering to us. It is scriptural to say that He uses them as He uses us; that is, He in no way needs us or them to accomplish His purposes, but chooses to use us and them nevertheless (Job 4:18; 15:15). In the end, whether or not we have an angel assigned to protect us, we have an even greater assurance from God: if we are His children through faith in Christ, He works all things together for good (Romans 8:28-30), and Jesus Christ will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6). If we have an omniscient, omnipotent, all-loving God with us, does it really matter whether or not there is a finite guardian angel protecting us?



Question: "Does the Bible contain errors, contradictions, or discrepancies?"

Answer: If we read the Bible at face value, without a preconceived bias for finding errors, we will find it to be a coherent, consistent, and relatively easy-to-understand book. Yes, there are difficult passages. Yes, there are verses that appear to contradict each other. We must remember that the Bible was written by approximately 40 different authors over a period of around 1500 years. Each writer wrote with a different style, from a different perspective, to a different audience, for a different purpose. We should expect some minor differences. However, a difference is not a contradiction. It is only an error if there is absolutely no conceivable way the verses or passages can be reconciled. Even if an answer is not available right now, that does not mean an answer does not exist. Many have found a supposed error in the Bible in relation to history or geography only to find out that the Bible is correct once further archaeological evidence is discovered.

We often receive questions along the lines of “Explain how these verses do not contradict!” or “Look, here is an error in the Bible!” Admittedly, some of the things people bring up are difficult to answer. However, it is our contention that there are viable and intellectually plausible answers to every supposed Bible contradiction and error. There are books and websites available that list “all the errors in the Bible.” Most people simply get their ammunition from these places; they do not find supposed errors on their own. There are also books and websites available that refute every one of these supposed errors. The saddest thing is that most people who attack the Bible are not truly interested in an answer. Many “Bible attackers” are even aware of these answers, but they continue to use the same old shallow attacks again and again.

So, what are we to do when someone approaches us with an alleged Bible error? 1) Prayerfully study the Scriptures and see if there is a simple solution. 2) Do some research using some of the fine Bible commentaries, “Bible defense” books, and biblical research websites. 3) Ask our pastors/church leaders to see if they can find a solution. 4) If there is still no clear answer after steps 1), 2), and 3) are followed, we trust God that His Word is truth and that there is a solution that just simply has not been realized yet (2 Timothy 2:15, 3:16-17).


SOURCE: http://www.gotquestions.org/



That's all for now, again, as I said previously, we are all entitled to our own beliefs. I do not intend or in any way force you to believe the above facts. They serve only for the sole purpose of education. I'll be posting again some bible questions and answers next time. God Bless...

 

[shadowghost]

UPDATE:

Question: "What does the Bible say about confession of sin to a priest?"

Answer: The concept of confession of sin to a priest is nowhere taught in Scripture. First, the New Testament does not teach that there are to be priests in the New Covenant. Instead, the New Testament teaches that all believers are priests. 1 Peter 2:5-9 describes believers as a “holy priesthood” and a “royal priesthood.” Revelation 1:6 and 5:10 both describe believers as “a kingdom and priests.” In the Old Covenant, the faithful had to approach God through the priests. The priests were mediators between the people and God. The priests offered sacrifices to God on behalf of the people. That is no longer necessary. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we can now approach God’s throne with boldness (Hebrews 4:16). The temple veil tearing in two at Jesus’ death was symbolic of the dividing wall between God and humanity being destroyed. We can approach God directly, ourselves, without the use of a human mediator. Why? Because Jesus Christ is our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-15; 10:21), and the only mediator between us and God (1 Timothy 2:5). The New Testament teaches that there are to be elders (1 Timothy 3), deacons (1 Timothy 3), bishops (Titus 1:6-9), and pastors (Ephesians 4:11) – but not priests.

When it comes to confession of sin, believers are told in 1 John 1:9 to confess their sins to God. God is faithful and just to forgive our sins as we confess them to Him. James 5:16 speaks of confessing our trespasses “to one another,” but this is not the same as confessing sins to a priest as the Roman Catholic Church teaches. Priests / church leaders are nowhere mentioned in the context of James 5:16. Further, James 5:16 does not link forgiveness of sins with the confession of sins “to one another.”

The Roman Catholic Church bases their practice of confession to a priest primarily on Catholic tradition. Catholic do point to John 20:23, “If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." From this verse, Catholics claim that God gave the apostles the authority to forgive sins, and that authority was passed on to the successors of the apostles, e.g. the bishops and priests of the Roman Catholic Church. There are several problems with this interpretation. (1) John 20:23 nowhere mentions confession of sin. (2) John 20:23 nowhere promises, or even hints, that the authority to forgive sins would be passed on to the successors of the apostles. Jesus’ promise was specifically directed to the apostles. (3) The New Testament nowhere states that the apostles would even have successors to their apostolic authority. Similarly, Catholics point to Matthew 16:19 and 18:18 (binding and loosing) as evidence for the Catholic Church’s authority to forgive sins. The same three above points apply equally to these Scriptures.

Again, the concept of confession of sin to a priest is nowhere taught in Scripture. We are to confess our sins to God (1 John 1:9). As New Covenant believers, we do not need mediators between us and God. We can go to God directly because of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. 1 Timothy 2:5, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”


Question: "Is worship of saints / Mary biblical?"

Answer: The Bible is absolutely clear that we are to worship God alone. The only instances of anyone other than God receiving worship in the Bible are false gods, which are Satan and his demons. All followers of the Lord God refuse worship. Peter and the apostles refused to be worshipped (Acts 10:25-26; 14:13-14). The holy angels refuse to be worshipped (Revelation 19:10; 22:9). The response is always the same, "Worship God!"

Roman Catholics attempt to "bypass" these clear Scriptural principles by claiming they do not “worship” Mary or saints, but rather that they only "venerate" Mary and the saints. Using a different word does not change the essence of what is being done. A definition of "venerate" is "to regard with respect or reverence." Nowhere in the Bible are we told to revere anyone but God alone. There is nothing wrong with respecting those faithful Christians who have gone before us (see Hebrews chapter 11). There is nothing wrong with honoring Mary as the earthly mother of Jesus. The Bible describes Mary as "highly favored" by God (Luke 1:28). At the same time, there is no instruction in the Bible to revere those whom have gone to Heaven. We are to follow their example, yes, but worship, revere, or venerate, no!

When forced to admit that they do, in fact, worship Mary, Catholics will claim that they worship God through her, by praising the wonderful creation that God has made. Mary, in their minds, is the most beautiful and wonderful creation of God, and by praising her, they are praising her Creator. For Catholics, this is analogous to directing praise to an artist by praising his sculpture or painting. The problem with this is that God explicitly commands against worshipping Him through created things. We are not to bow down and worship anything in the form of heaven above or earth below (Exodus 20:4-5). Romans 1:25 could not be more clear, "They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator — who is forever praised. Amen." Yes, God has created wonderful and amazing things. Yes, Mary was a godly woman who is worthy of our respect. No, we absolutely are not to worship God "vicariously" by praising things (or people) He has created. Doing so is blatant idolatry.

The major way Catholics "venerate" Mary and the saints is by praying to them. As the following article demonstrates, prayer to anyone other than God alone is anti-Biblical – praying to saints and Mary. Whether Mary and/or the saints are prayed to, or whether they are petitioned for their prayers – neither practice is Biblical. Prayer is an act of worship. When we pray to God, we are admitting that we need His help. Directing our prayers to anyone other than God is robbing God of the glory that is His alone.

Another way Catholics "venerate" Mary and the saints is by creating statues and images of them. Many Catholics use images of Mary and/or the saints as "good luck charms." Any cursory reading of the Bible will reveal this practice as blatant idolatry (Exodus 20:4-6; 1 Corinthians 12:12; 1 John 5:21). Rubbing rosary beads is idolatry. Lighting candles before a statue or portrayal of a saint is idolatry. Burying a Joseph statue in hopes of selling your home (and countless other Catholic practices) is idolatry.

The terminology is not the issue. Whether the practice is described as "worship" or "veneration," or any other term, the problem is the same. Any time we ascribe something that belongs to God, to someone else, it is idolatry. The Bible nowhere instructs us to revere, pray to, rely on, or "idolize" anyone other than God. We are to worship God alone. Glory, praise, and honor belong to God alone. Only God is worthy to "...receive glory and honor and power..." (Revelation 4:11). God alone is worthy to receive our worship, adoration, and praise (Nehemiah 9:6; Revelation 15:4).

SOURCE: http://www.gotquestions.org/



That's all for now, again, as I said previously, we are all entitled to our own beliefs. I do not intend or in any way force you to believe the above facts. They serve only for the sole purpose of education. I'll be posting again some bible questions and answers next time. God Bless...

 

[shadowghost]

Update:

Questions about the End Times

Question: "What is going to happen according to end times prophecy?"

Answer: The Bible has a lot to say about the end times. Nearly every book of the Bible contains prophecy regarding the end times. Taking all of these prophecies and organizing them can be difficult. Following is a very brief summary of what the Bible declares will happen in the end times.

Christ will remove all born-again believers from the earth in an event known as the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54). At the judgment seat of Christ, these believers will be rewarded for good works and faithful service during their time on earth or will lose rewards, but not eternal life, for lack of service and obedience (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

The Antichrist (the beast) will come into power and will sign a covenant with Israel for seven years (Daniel 9:27). This seven-year period of time is known as the “tribulation.” During the tribulation, there will be terrible wars, famines, plagues, and natural disasters. God will be pouring out His wrath against sin, evil, and wickedness. The tribulation will include the appearance of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, and the seven seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments.

About halfway through the seven years, the Antichrist will break the peace covenant with Israel and make war against it. The Antichrist will commit “the abomination of desolation” and set up an image of himself to be worshipped in the Jerusalem temple (Daniel 9:27; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10), which will have been rebuilt. The second half of the tribulation is known as “the great tribulation” (Revelation 7:14) and “the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7).

At the end of the seven-year tribulation, the Antichrist will launch a final attack on Jerusalem, culminating in the battle of Armageddon. Jesus Christ will return, destroy the Antichrist and his armies, and cast them into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:11-21). Christ will then bind Satan in the Abyss for 1000 years and He will rule His earthly kingdom for this thousand-year period (Revelation 20:1-6).

At the end of the thousand years, Satan will be released, defeated again, and then cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-10) for eternity. Christ then judges all unbelievers (Revelation 20:10-15) at the great white throne judgment, casting them all into the lake of fire. Christ will then usher in a new heaven and new earth and the New Jerusalem—the eternal dwelling place of believers. There will be no more sin, sorrow, or death (Revelation 21–22).


Answer: The Bible has a lot to say about the end times. Nearly every book of the Bible contains prophecy regarding the end times. Taking all of these prophecies and organizing them can be difficult. Following is a very brief summary of what the Bible declares will happen in the end times.

Christ will remove all born-again believers from the earth in an event known as the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54). At the judgment seat of Christ, these believers will be rewarded for good works and faithful service during their time on earth or will lose rewards, but not eternal life, for lack of service and obedience (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

The Antichrist (the beast) will come into power and will sign a covenant with Israel for seven years (Daniel 9:27). This seven-year period of time is known as the “tribulation.” During the tribulation, there will be terrible wars, famines, plagues, and natural disasters. God will be pouring out His wrath against sin, evil, and wickedness. The tribulation will include the appearance of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, and the seven seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments.

About halfway through the seven years, the Antichrist will break the peace covenant with Israel and make war against it. The Antichrist will commit “the abomination of desolation” and set up an image of himself to be worshipped in the Jerusalem temple (Daniel 9:27; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10), which will have been rebuilt. The second half of the tribulation is known as “the great tribulation” (Revelation 7:14) and “the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7).

At the end of the seven-year tribulation, the Antichrist will launch a final attack on Jerusalem, culminating in the battle of Armageddon. Jesus Christ will return, destroy the Antichrist and his armies, and cast them into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:11-21). Christ will then bind Satan in the Abyss for 1000 years and He will rule His earthly kingdom for this thousand-year period (Revelation 20:1-6).

At the end of the thousand years, Satan will be released, defeated again, and then cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-10) for eternity. Christ then judges all unbelievers (Revelation 20:10-15) at the great white throne judgment, casting them all into the lake of fire. Christ will then usher in a new heaven and new earth and the New Jerusalem—the eternal dwelling place of believers. There will be no more sin, sorrow, or death (Revelation 21–22).


Question: "What signs indicate that the end times are approaching?"

Answer: Matthew 24:5-8 gives us some important clues so we can discern the approach of the end times, “For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.” An increase in false messiahs, an increase in warfare, and increases in famines, plagues, and natural disasters—these are signs of the end times. In this passage, though, we are given a warning: we are not to be deceived, because these events are only the beginning of birth pains; the end is still to come.

Some interpreters point to every earthquake, every political upheaval, and every attack on Israel as a sure sign that the end times are rapidly approaching. While the events may signal the approach of the last days, they are not necessarily indicators that the end times have arrived. The apostle Paul warned that the last days would bring a marked increase in false teaching. “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” (1 Timothy 4:1). The last days are described as “perilous times” because of the increasingly evil character of man and people who actively “resist the truth” (2 Timothy 3:1-9; see also 2 Thessalonians 2:3).

Other possible signs would include a rebuilding of a Jewish temple in Jerusalem, increased hostility towards Israel, and advances toward a one-world government. The most prominent sign of the end times, however, is the nation of Israel. In 1948, Israel was recognized as a sovereign state, essentially for the first time since A.D. 70. God promised Abraham that his posterity would have Canaan as “an everlasting possession” (Genesis 17:8), and Ezekiel prophesied a physical and spiritual resuscitation of Israel (Ezekiel chapter 37). Having Israel as a nation in its own land is important in light of end times prophecy because of Israel’s prominence in eschatology (Daniel 10:14; 11:41; Revelation 11:8).

With these signs in mind, we can be wise and discerning in regard to the expectation of the end times. We should not, however, interpret any of these singular events as a clear indication of the soon arrival of the end times. God has given us enough information that we can be prepared, and that is what we are called to be.


SOURCE: http://www.gotquestions.org/



That's all for now, again, as I said previously, we are all entitled to our own beliefs. I do not intend or in any way force you to believe the above facts. They serve only for the sole purpose of education. I'll be posting again some bible questions and answers next time. God Bless...

 

[coolit217]

What Happens to Us
When We Die?
WHY THE QUESTION
ARISES:Most of the
world’s religions teach
that something inside a
person continues living
after death. Some hold
that the dead can harm
the living or that God
punishes the wicked by
condemning them to
eternal torment in a
fiery hell.
WHAT THE BIBLE
TEACHES:At death,
humans cease to exist.
“The dead . . . are
conscious of nothing at
all,” statesEcclesiastes
9:5. Since the dead
cannot know, feel, or
experience anything,
they cannot harm—or
help—the living.—Psalm
146:3, 4.
See also Genesis 3:19 and
Ecclesiastes 9:6, 10.

 

[clifford6ngr]

Contemporary science had no understanding that could produce such instruction, but God knew.

Life is in the blood. Another fact that is now scientifically known is that life is in the blood. Yet, this truth was stated by God in Leviticus 17: 10-16. How could the passage so state, unless the Creator who made man and placed life in the blood knew? When we understand that life is in the blood, the statement made by Jesus regarding giving his blood takes on more meaning (Matt. 26: 28).

The law of entropy. The law of entropy is often termed the "second law of thermodynamics. It is the law that in an open system, all tends to decline. The universe is an open system, as opposed to a closed system. I have said that organic evolution is unscientific and the law of entropy proves it. Organic evolution is based on natural selection that results in improvement. The idea is everything moving toward perfection and sublimation. However, such is not correct because the universe is an open system. Rather than working toward perfection, the universe is in the process of decline, based on the law of entropy. The Bible taught the law of entropy many centuries ago.

this is a misconception my friend. That is not what evolution is all about .
http://listverse.com/2008/02/19/top-15-misconceptions-about-evolution/
​

 

[shadowghost]

Thank you for your posts. Feel free to voice out your opinions since we are all entitled to it.

Update:

Question: "What does the Bible say about Creation vs. evolution?"

Answer: It is not the purpose of this answer to present a scientific argument in the creation vs. evolution debate. The purpose of this article is to explain why, according to the Bible, the creation vs. evolution debate even exists. Romans 1:25 declares, “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.”

A key factor in the debate is that the majority of scientists who believe in evolution are also atheists or agnostics. There are some who hold to some form of theistic evolution and others who take a deistic view of God (God exists but is not involved in the world, and everything proceeds along a natural course). There are some who genuinely and honestly look at the data and arrive at the conclusion that evolution better fits with the data. However, these represent an insignificant percentage of the scientists who advocate evolution. The vast majority of evolutionary scientists hold that life evolved entirely without any intervention of a higher being. Evolution is by definition a naturalistic science.

For atheism to be true, there must be an alternate explanation—other than a Creator—for how the universe and life came into existence. Although belief in some form of evolution predated Charles Darwin, he was the first to develop a plausible model for the process of evolution—natural selection. Darwin once identified himself as a Christian but as a result of some tragedies that took place in his life, he later renounced the Christian faith and the existence of God. Evolution was invented by an atheist. Darwin's goal was not to disprove God's existence, but that is one of the end results of the theory of evolution. Evolution is an enabler of atheism. Evolutionary scientists likely would not admit that their goal is to give an alternate explanation of the origins of life, and thereby to give a foundation for atheism, but according to the Bible, that is exactly why the theory of evolution exists.

The Bible tells us, “The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God'” (Psalm 14:1; 53:1). The Bible also proclaims that people are without excuse for not believing in a Creator God. “For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). According to the Bible, anyone who denies the existence of God is a fool. Why, then, are so many people, including some Christians, willing to accept that evolutionary scientists are unbiased interpreters of scientific data? According to the Bible, they are all fools! Foolishness does not imply a lack of intelligence. Most evolutionary scientists are brilliant intellectually. Foolishness indicates an inability to properly apply knowledge. Proverbs 1:7 tells us, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”

Evolutionary scientists mock creation and/or intelligent design as unscientific and not worthy of scientific examination. In order for something to be considered a “science,” they argue, it must be able to be observed and tested; it must be “naturalistic.” Creation is by definition “supernatural.” God and the supernatural cannot be observed or tested (so the argument goes); therefore, creation and/or intelligent design cannot be considered science. Of course, neither can evolution be observed or tested, but that does not seem to be an issue with evolutionists. As a result, all data is filtered through the preconceived, presupposed, and pre-accepted theory of evolution, without alternate explanations being considered.

However, the origin of the universe and the origin of life cannot be tested or observed. Both creation and evolution are faith-based systems in regards to origins. Neither can be tested because we cannot go back billions (or thousands) of years to observe the origin of the universe or of life in the universe. Evolutionary scientists reject creation on grounds that would logically force them to also reject evolution as a scientific explanation of origins. Evolution, at least in regard to origins, does not fit the definition of “science” any more than creation does. Evolution is supposedly the only explanation of origins that can be tested; therefore, it is the only theory of origins that can be considered “scientific.” This is foolishness! Scientists who advocate evolution are rejecting a plausible theory of origins without even honestly examining its merits, because it does not fit their illogically narrow definition of “science.”

If creation is true, then there is a Creator to whom we are accountable. Evolution is an enabler for atheism. Evolution gives atheists a basis for explaining how life exists apart from a Creator God. Evolution denies the need for a God to be involved in the universe. Evolution is the “creation theory” for the religion of atheism. According to the Bible, the choice is clear. We can believe the Word of our omnipotent and omniscient God, or we can believe the illogically biased, “scientific” explanations of fools.

Question: "How could there be light on the first day of Creation if the sun was not created until the fourth day?"

Answer: The question of how there could be light on the first day of Creation when the sun was not created until the fourth day is a common one. Genesis 1:3-5 declares, "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. God called the light 'day,' and the darkness He called 'night.' And there was evening, and there was morning — the first day." A few verses later we are informed, "And God said, 'Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth.' And it was so. God made two great lights — the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening, and there was morning — the fourth day" (Genesis 1:14-19). How can this be? How could there be light, mornings and evenings on the first, second, and third days if the sun, moon, and stars were not created until the fourth day?

This is only a problem if we fail to take into account an infinite and omnipotent God. God does not need the sun, moon, and stars to provide light. God is light! First John 1:5 declares, "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all." God Himself was the light for the first three days of Creation, just as He will be in the new heavens and new earth, “There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 22:5). Until He created the sun, moon, and stars, God miraculously provided light during the “day” and may have done so during the “night” as well (Genesis 1:14).

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Much more important than the light of day and night is the Light who provides eternal life to all who believe in Him. Those who do not believe in Him will be doomed to “outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:12).



SOURCE: http://www.gotquestions.org/



That's all for now, again, as I said previously, we are all entitled to our own beliefs. I do not intend or in any way force you to believe the above facts. They serve only for the sole purpose of education. I'll be posting again some bible questions and answers next time. God Bless...

 

[shadowghost]

Update:

Question: "What does the Bible teach about the Trinity?"

Answer: The most difficult thing about the Christian concept of the Trinity is that there is no way to perfectly and completely understand it. The Trinity is a concept that is impossible for any human being to fully understand, let alone explain. God is infinitely greater than we are; therefore, we should not expect to be able to fully understand Him. The Bible teaches that the Father is God, that Jesus is God, and that the Holy Spirit is God. The Bible also teaches that there is only one God. Though we can understand some facts about the relationship of the different Persons of the Trinity to one another, ultimately, it is incomprehensible to the human mind. However, this does not mean the Trinity is not true or that it is not based on the teachings of the Bible.

The Trinity is one God existing in three Persons. Understand that this is not in any way suggesting three Gods. Keep in mind when studying this subject that the word “Trinity” is not found in Scripture. This is a term that is used to attempt to describe the triune God—three coexistent, co-eternal Persons who make up God. Of real importance is that the concept represented by the word “Trinity” does exist in Scripture. The following is what God’s Word says about the Trinity:

1) There is one God (Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 8:4; Galatians 3:20; 1 Timothy 2:5).

2) The Trinity consists of three Persons (Genesis 1:1, 26; 3:22; 11:7; Isaiah 6:8, 48:16, 61:1; Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14). In Genesis 1:1, the Hebrew plural noun "Elohim" is used. In Genesis 1:26, 3:22, 11:7 and Isaiah 6:8, the plural pronoun for “us” is used. The word "Elohim" and the pronoun “us” are plural forms, definitely referring in the Hebrew language to more than two. While this is not an explicit argument for the Trinity, it does denote the aspect of plurality in God. The Hebrew word for "God," "Elohim," definitely allows for the Trinity.

In Isaiah 48:16 and 61:1, the Son is speaking while making reference to the Father and the Holy Spirit. Compare Isaiah 61:1 to Luke 4:14-19 to see that it is the Son speaking. Matthew 3:16-17 describes the event of Jesus' baptism. Seen in this passage is God the Holy Spirit descending on God the Son while God the Father proclaims His pleasure in the Son. Matthew 28:19 and 2 Corinthians 13:14 are examples of three distinct Persons in the Trinity.

3) The members of the Trinity are distinguished one from another in various passages. In the Old Testament, “LORD” is distinguished from “Lord” (Genesis 19:24; Hosea 1:4). The LORD has a Son (Psalm 2:7, 12; Proverbs 30:2-4). The Spirit is distinguished from the “LORD” (Numbers 27:18) and from “God” (Psalm 51:10-12). God the Son is distinguished from God the Father (Psalm 45:6-7; Hebrews 1:8-9). In the New Testament, Jesus speaks to the Father about sending a Helper, the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17). This shows that Jesus did not consider Himself to be the Father or the Holy Spirit. Consider also all the other times in the Gospels where Jesus speaks to the Father. Was He speaking to Himself? No. He spoke to another Person in the Trinity—the Father.

4) Each member of the Trinity is God. The Father is God (John 6:27; Romans 1:7; 1 Peter 1:2). The Son is God (John 1:1, 14; Romans 9:5; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:8; 1 John 5:20). The Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 3:16).

5) There is subordination within the Trinity. Scripture shows that the Holy Spirit is subordinate to the Father and the Son, and the Son is subordinate to the Father. This is an internal relationship and does not deny the deity of any Person of the Trinity. This is simply an area which our finite minds cannot understand concerning the infinite God. Concerning the Son see Luke 22:42, John 5:36, John 20:21, and 1 John 4:14. Concerning the Holy Spirit see John 14:16, 14:26, 15:26, 16:7, and especially John 16:13-14.

6) The individual members of the Trinity have different tasks. The Father is the ultimate source or cause of the universe (1 Corinthians 8:6; Revelation 4:11); divine revelation (Revelation 1:1); salvation (John 3:16-17); and Jesus' human works (John 5:17; 14:10). The Father initiates all of these things.

The Son is the agent through whom the Father does the following works: the creation and maintenance of the universe (1 Corinthians 8:6; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17); divine revelation (John 1:1, 16:12-15; Matthew 11:27; Revelation 1:1); and salvation (2 Corinthians 5:19; Matthew 1:21; John 4:42). The Father does all these things through the Son, who functions as His agent.

The Holy Spirit is the means by whom the Father does the following works: creation and maintenance of the universe (Genesis 1:2; Job 26:13; Psalm 104:30); divine revelation (John 16:12-15; Ephesians 3:5; 2 Peter 1:21); salvation (John 3:6; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:2); and Jesus' works (Isaiah 61:1; Acts 10:38). Thus, the Father does all these things by the power of the Holy Spirit.

There have been many attempts to develop illustrations of the Trinity. However, none of the popular illustrations are completely accurate. The egg (or apple) fails in that the shell, white, and yolk are parts of the egg, not the egg in themselves, just as the skin, flesh, and seeds of the apple are parts of it, not the apple itself. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not parts of God; each of them is God. The water illustration is somewhat better, but it still fails to adequately describe the Trinity. Liquid, vapor, and ice are forms of water. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not forms of God, each of them is God. So, while these illustrations may give us a picture of the Trinity, the picture is not entirely accurate. An infinite God cannot be fully described by a finite illustration.

The doctrine of the Trinity has been a divisive issue throughout the entire history of the Christian church. While the core aspects of the Trinity are clearly presented in God’s Word, some of the side issues are not as explicitly clear. The Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God—but there is only one God. That is the biblical doctrine of the Trinity. Beyond that, the issues are, to a certain extent, debatable and non-essential. Rather than attempting to fully define the Trinity with our finite human minds, we would be better served by focusing on the fact of God's greatness and His infinitely higher nature. “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” (Romans 11:33-34).


Question: "Did God create evil?"

Answer: At first it might seem that if God created all things, then evil must have been created by God. However, evil is not a “thing” like a rock or electricity. You cannot have a jar of evil. Evil has no existence of its own; it is really the absence of good. For example, holes are real but they only exist in something else. We call the absence of dirt a hole, but it cannot be separated from the dirt. So when God created, it is true that all He created was good. One of the good things God made was creatures who had the freedom to choose good. In order to have a real choice, God had to allow there to be something besides good to choose. So, God allowed these free angels and humans to choose good or reject good (evil). When a bad relationship exists between two good things we call that evil, but it does not become a “thing” that required God to create it.

Perhaps a further illustration will help. If a person is asked, “Does cold exist?” the answer would likely be “yes.” However, this is incorrect. Cold does not exist. Cold is the absence of heat. Similarly, darkness does not exist; it is the absence of light. Evil is the absence of good, or better, evil is the absence of God. God did not have to create evil, but rather only allow for the absence of good.

God did not create evil, but He does allow evil. If God had not allowed for the possibility of evil, both mankind and angels would be serving God out of obligation, not choice. He did not want “robots” that simply did what He wanted them to do because of their “programming.” God allowed for the possibility of evil so that we could genuinely have a free will and choose whether or not we wanted to serve Him.

As finite human beings, we can never fully understand an infinite God (Romans 11:33-34). Sometimes we think we understand why God is doing something, only to find out later that it was for a different purpose than we originally thought. God looks at things from a holy, eternal perspective. We look at things from a sinful, earthly, and temporal perspective. Why did God put man on earth knowing that Adam and Eve would sin and therefore bring evil, death, and suffering on all mankind? Why didn’t He just create us all and leave us in heaven where we would be perfect and without suffering? These questions cannot be adequately answered this side of eternity. What we can know is whatever God does is holy and perfect and ultimately will glorify Him. God allowed for the possibility of evil in order to give us a true choice in regards to whether we worship Him. God did not create evil, but He allowed it. If He had not allowed evil, we would be worshipping Him out of obligation, not by a choice of our own will.

SOURCE: http://www.gotquestions.org/



That's all for now, again, as I said previously, we are all entitled to our own beliefs. I do not intend or in any way force you to believe the above facts. They serve only for the sole purpose of education. I'll be posting again some bible questions and answers next time. God Bless...

 

[coolit217]

ts, where in the bible tells that holy spirit is God? (just asking)

 

[shadowghost]

Thank you for your inquiry. I will post some facts regarding to your question "ts, where in the bible tells that holy spirit is God? (just asking) ". But again, I am not coercing you or the readers to believe the facts contained herein. I am just posting for educational purposes not to argue or whatsoever. I do respect each and everyone's cultures and beliefs.

Update:

Question: "Who is the Holy Spirit?"

Answer: There are many misconceptions about the identity of the Holy Spirit. Some view the Holy Spirit as a mystical force. Others understand the Holy Spirit as the impersonal power that God makes available to followers of Christ. What does the Bible say about the identity of the Holy Spirit? Simply put, the Bible declares that the Holy Spirit is God. The Bible also tells us that the Holy Spirit is a divine person, a being with a mind, emotions, and a will.

The fact that the Holy Spirit is God is clearly seen in many Scriptures, including Acts 5:3-4. In this verse Peter confronts Ananias as to why he lied to the Holy Spirit and tells him that he had “not lied to men but to God.” It is a clear declaration that lying to the Holy Spirit is lying to God. We can also know that the Holy Spirit is God because He possesses the characteristics of God. For example, His omnipresence is seen in Psalm 139:7-8, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” Then in 1 Corinthians 2:10-11, we see the characteristic of omniscience in the Holy Spirit. “But God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.”

We can know that the Holy Spirit is indeed a divine person because He possesses a mind, emotions, and a will. The Holy Spirit thinks and knows (1 Corinthians 2:10). The Holy Spirit can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30). The Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:26-27). He makes decisions according to His will (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). The Holy Spirit is God, the third Person of the Trinity. As God, the Holy Spirit can truly function as the Comforter and Counselor that Jesus promised He would be (John 14:16, 26, 15:26).


SOURCE: http://www.gotquestions.org/



That's all for now, again, as I said previously, we are all entitled to our own beliefs. I do not intend or in any way force you to believe the above facts. They serve only for the sole purpose of education. I'll be posting again some bible questions and answers next time. God Bless...

 

[shadowghost]

Update:

"What did Jesus look like?"

I have two possible answers to this bible question.



First according directly to the holy bible:
source: http://www.gotquestions.org

Answer: The Bible never gives any physical description of Christ. The closest thing we get to a description is in Isaiah 53:2b, “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him.” All this tells us is that Jesus’ appearance was just like any other man's – He was ordinary-looking. Isaiah was here prophesying that the coming suffering Servant would arise in lowly conditions and wear none of the usual emblems of royalty, making His true identity visible only to the discerning eye of faith.

Isaiah further describes the appearance of Christ as He would appear as He was being scourged prior to His crucifixion. “His appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness” (Isaiah 52:14). These words describe the inhuman cruelty He suffered to the point that He no longer looked like a human being (Matthew 26:67; 27:30; John 19:3). His appearance was so awful that people looked at Him in astonishment.

Most of the images we have of Jesus today are probably not accurate. Jesus was a Jew, so He likely had dark skin, dark eyes, and dark hair. This is a far cry from the blond-haired, blue-eyed, fair-skinned Jesus in many modern pictures. One thing is clear: if it were important for us to know what He really did look like, Matthew, Peter and John, who spent three years with Him, would certainly be able to give us an accurate description, as would His own brothers, James and Jude. Yet, these New Testament writers offer no details about His physical attributes.

Second: according to scientific research
source: http://world-mysteries.com

The Shroud of Turin

ntroduction - Part 1

The Shroud of Turin is reputedly Christ's burial cloth. It has been a religious relic since the Middle Ages. To believers it was divine proof the Christ was resurrected from the grave, to doubters it was evidence of human gullibility and one of the greatest hoaxes in the history of art. No one has been able to prove that it is the burial cloth of Jesus of Nazareth, but its haunting image of a man's wounded body is proof enough for true believers.

The Shroud of Turin, as seen by the naked eye, is a negative image of a man with his hands folded. The linen is 14 feet, 3 inches long and 3 feet, 7 inches wide. The shroud bears the image of a man with wounds similar to those suffered by Jesus.

The section of the shroud showing the face reveals dramatic features when viewed as negative image

Three-dimensional relief of the Shroud face after smoothing of rough transitions with a recursive filter.The computer showed us what the face of Jesus Christ probably looked like before the Passion or after Resurrection, through an electronic cleaning
of the blood and wounds which provides the almost natural images of the face

Source: http://www.shroud.com/meacham2.htm

The shroud is wrapped in red silk and kept in a silver chest in the Chapel of the Holy Shroud in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin, Italy since 1578. The shroud is unquestionably old. Its history is known from the year 1357, when it surfaced in the tiny village of Lirey, France. Until recent reports from San Antonio, most of the scientific world accepted the findings of carbon dating carried out in 1988. The results said the shroud dated back to 1260-1390, and thus is much too new to be Jesus' burial linen.

The following image shows the most likely position in which Jesus died. This body position is based on interpretation of the blood stains contained in the shroud.

his frontal image (above) shows the forearms, wrist, and hands. There appears to be a large puncture wound on the wrist. This is significant because if nails were placed through the palms of the hand, this would not provide sufficient support to hold the body to the cross and tearing of the hands would occur. Only if the nails were placed through the wrists would this provide sufficient support to hold the body fixed to the cross.

We can also see a large blood stain and elliptical wound on the person's right side (remember, in a negative imprint left and right are reversed). From studying the size and shape of this wound and historical records, we can deduce that this wound could have been caused by a Roman Lancea. This lance is pictured in Slide 13.

In addition, by measuring the angle of dried blood on the wrist, one can reconstruct the angle at which this person hung from the cross. He mainly hung from a position 65 degrees from the horizontal.
But there is another angle of dried blood at 55 degrees. This shows that this person tried to lift himself up by 10 degrees. Why? Medical studies show that if a person just hangs from a position of 65 degrees in would start to suffocate very quickly. Only if he could lift himself up by about 10 degrees would he be able to breathe.
Thus he would have to raise himself up by this 10 degrees by pushing down on his feet which would have to have been fixed to the cross. He would then become exhausted and fall down again to the 65 degree position. Thus, he would continue to shift from these two agonizing positions throughout crucifixion.
That is why the executioners of crucifixion would break the legs of their victims to speed up death.
If they could not lift themselves up to breathe, they would suffocate very quickly.

That's all for now, again, as I said previously, we are all entitled to our own beliefs. I do not intend or in any way force you to believe the above facts. They serve only for the sole purpose of education. I'll be posting again some bible questions and answers next time. God Bless...

 

[warrock16]

ano ba yan dapat di ka magname ng religion.

tanong ko pala nilagay ba sa bible ang pagrepesto sa ibang paniniwala?

 

[nappyboy]

i wanna know ur version of God's master plan of Salvation

 

[shadowghost]

ano ba yan dapat di ka magname ng religion.

tanong ko pala nilagay ba sa bible ang pagrepesto sa ibang paniniwala?

Kindly read the very first paragraph of my thread and also every last paragraph of my replies.

i wanna know ur version of God's master plan of Salvation

Thank you for question. In my own understanding about God's master plan of salvation can be answered clearly in the HOLY BILE book of John chapter 3 verse 16. Each and everyone of us has its own free will and we are all entitled o our own beliefs. I wish I could further expound my answer but I do not want to create a debate here. My only purpose here is to give explanations to most bible questions base on the holy bible and facts. Since most bible questions came from those people who doesn't really read the bible or people who are lost and needs enlightenment.

 

[warrock16]

tanong ko pala nilagay ba sa bible ang pagrepesto sa ibang paniniwala?

 

[shadowghost]

tanong ko pala nilagay ba sa bible ang pagrepesto sa ibang paniniwala?

Question: "What does the Bible say about respect?"

Answer: The apostle Peter summarizes the Bible’s teaching on respect in his first epistle: “Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17). This passage encompasses four major areas of our lives as followers of Christ by respecting all men, other Christians, God, and governmental authorities. The word “respect” comes from the Greek word timao meaning honor, revere or venerate. It literally means placing a great value on something. Interestingly, today we tend to place our values on our personal rights and the equality of man. However, the idea of biblical respect is far different, more about a perceived inequality in that we as believers recognize that some things and some people are more important than us (Philippians 2:3).

Respecting everyone means believers should be especially conscious that God has created all people in His image, regardless of whether they believe in Christ. Therefore, we should show them proper respect and honor because their souls are of more value than all the wealth in the world (Luke 10:33-34; 1 Corinthians 10:33).

Loving the brotherhood of believers means to love all believers, regardless of color, nationality, or beliefs. We are to demonstrate to the world that we love our brothers and sisters in Christ. The Apostle John wrote of this principle a number of times. Quoting Jesus, he writes: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35, 15:12; 1 John 3:23).

The fear of God comes from the Greek word phobeo meaning to show deep respect, and awe. It also means that our fear and reverence for Him leads to us to total obedience (Leviticus 18:4; Psalm 119:67; John 14:15). Though we are to honor the king, we should “fear” God (Deuteronomy 10:12; Isaiah 8:13). However, the bottom line is that it is God alone whom we should “fear” in the sense of awed respect.

We honor and respect our governing authorities because they exist by the very will of God (Romans 13:1-7). Such respect must also be given whether we agree with them or not. As God’s instruments for carrying out the purposes of governing, those in authority are worthy of the respect God mandates. When we obey the principles of this passage, it gives genuine credibility to our faith. As believers. we are to honor our governing authorities and their rights as such. But we may not give to the government those rights that belong to God alone (Luke 20:25).

Christians are to be a people of order and discipline, of righteousness and justice. We are to be dynamic examples of love and peace so that others may be won to Christ and be saved for eternity (Matthew 5:14-16). Part of living as examples of Christlikeness to the watching world is the respect we show to others.


Question: "What does the Bible say about dealing with difficult people?"

Answer: Our response to difficult people should center around the examples provided by Jesus, for He surely dealt with many difficult people during His time here on earth. His interactions with these people was never with an attitude of superiority or dominance, but rather one of subservience. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus was quite specific: “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you (Luke 6: 27-31).”

We also see a related statement by Jesus in Matthew 19:30: “But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” This is a very difficult assignment, and it is certainly not something we can do on our own or in our own power. Yet it is not impossible if we seek the Lord’s help, because power from the Holy Spirit will enable us to do things we could never do on our own. In so doing, however, it is important to recall the admonition given by the apostle Paul in Romans 12:3: “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” When we succeed in dealing with difficult people with a Christ-like attitude, it is never a cause for pride or self-aggrandizement; it is an occasion to praise the God who makes all things possible through Christ, who strengthens and empowers us (Philippians 4:13).

Some advice similar to that of the Luke passages, and just as difficult, is given by Paul to the Christians in Philippi, when he tells them to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves” (Philippians 2: 3-4). Furthermore, Proverbs 12:16 tells us that “A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.” Chapter 13 of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians contains a description of true Christian love—it is to be patient and kind (v. 4).

Putting all this together, the way to deal with difficult people is to love them, pray for them, expect to give rather than to receive, maintain a humble spirit, and relate to them in patience and kindness. But more important is the need to pray for the Spirit’s power to change our own hearts and minds toward the difficult person and enable us to see them as needing the same love, grace and mercy that God extended toward us. Jesus even forgave the men who were going to kill him, as related in Luke 23:34-39. The way to deal with difficult people, then, is to imitate Christ’s humility and love. That kind of response is both edifying to us and pleasing to the Lord.

source: http://www.gotquestions.org

@ warrock16: If you find my thread offensive to you, I do apologized. If you want to point out your beliefs, I don't really mind since I don't have the right to criticize you or whatsoever in the first place because you are entitled to it and I do respect you. As I've said, we are all entitled to our own beliefs and cultures. My thread's sole purpose is for educational purposes only and I don't coerce anyone to believe anything that i posted on this thread. Again, I do apologized to you. God bless.

 

[flameofhell]

kung papaapekto ang mga ibang RELIGION sa ganito mas nagmumukang sila ang hindi rumerespeto at insecure sa pinaniniwalaan nila..likewise they are the one guilty of NOT RESPECTING what the author is posting in this topic..no offense meant but that's the unescapable reality..

gusto ko yung way ni author of spreading the TRUTH, cause it could really set us free.. GUSTO KO YANG PINAGKUKUNAN MONG SITE DAHIL DYAN DIN AKO NAGBABASA..

GODBLESS.!!!!