c Copyright 1997, 1999, James Buckner. Permission is hereby given to reproduce and distribute this material in whole or in part in any medium, on condition that the reproductions not be sold for any form of consideration, and on condition that the author is duly cited as the source.
ANSWERS COPYRIGHT
c Copyright 2002, Candy Brauer. Permission is hereby given to reproduce and distribute this material in whole or in part in any medium, on condition that the reproductions not be sold for any form of consideration, and on condition that the author is duly cited as the source, and the web address of http://www.GenuineProfit.com/answers.html.
As per the above, please indicate James Buckner as the author of the questions in this text, and Candy Brauer as the author of the answers. This text may be freely distributed, but not sold, or distributed for profit.
Biblical Inconsistencies
1. Why does the evangelical church say there are no contradictions in the Bible when they are plainly there for anyone to see? (These are too numerous even to list a representative sample here. There are many books and monographs on this topic in the skeptical literature.)
ANSWER: You're incorrect. There really isn't ANY contradictions in the Bible. I've read it about a dozen times, and found not one. HOWEVER, there are contradictions in the NIV version of the Bible (The NIV's John 3:16 contradicts many passages in Old and New Testament), and most other modern translations. This is because most modern translations are translated from 5% out of approx. 5,000 ancient Greek texts. Not only do the 5% disagree with the 95%, but they disagree with each other.
Now, the King James Version doesn't have any contradictions in it. When I refer to the Bible, I mean the King James Bible, unless otherwise stated. The KJV Bible was translated from the 95% majority of the 5,000 ancient Greek texts.
When one comes across a supposed "contradiction", they are usually either:
a) misunderstanding the scripture
or
b) reading a NIV, or other modern translation
ANSWER: Again, you're incorrect. The Old Testament DOES talk about hell. In fact, the Old testament mentions "hell" approximatly 32 times. Pit is also another reference to hell, unless the context shows it to be differently interpreted. The New Testament mentions "hell" approximatly 23 times. So, as you can see, not only does the Old
Testament talk about hell, but it mentions it even more than the New Testament does.
ANSWER: Ah, you are misunderstanding Ecclesiasted 9:5-6. It says:
"For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun."
The context of this chapter is in the flesh, not the spirit. Of course a dead body in the ground knows nothing. Why, because their spirit is no longer in them. Furthermore, pay closer attention to the part of the verse that says 'for the memory of them is forgotten'.
The Bible always explains itself later. If you were to keep on reading, you'd get clarification:
"Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it." Ecclesiasted 12:7
The person themself will be buried in the ground, and their brain will no longer work. They will not know anything, they are dead. BUT, their spirit is still alive, and returns to God, who gave it.
ANSWER: You are showing your neglect of studying the word of God using the Holy Spirit to guide you. But, I don't know your heart, so I don't know if you have the Holy Spirit. The Bible is not confusing. Our minds sometimes try to make it confusing, but really it isn't. God is the author of the Bible (2 Tim. 3:16), and, (you are correct) Satan is the author of confusion. If you are reading the Bible, and you find it confusing, it is either because:
a) you are not letting the Holy Spirit guide you
b) you have not asked your questions about certain scripture to the author of the scripture - God
c) the author of confusion is guiding you, instead of God's Holy Spirit
d) you are trying to make the scripture mean something that it really doesn't. AKA, you're trying to twist the Bible to mean what you want it to mean, instead of what it really means.
e) you're reading a NIV, or other modern translation.
Conclusion to this question:
If you're reading a NIV, or other modern translation, then I don't doubt that sections would appear confusing, and contradicting. For example, most new translations say that we are now free, then they say later that we are slaves to God. Confusing. The KJV does not say this. It simply says that we were slaves to sin, but made free by God, and now we are to serve God, NOT be a slave to him... A slave get's no wages for his service. A servent does.
Remember, the Bible was written by God, and the author of confusion is the devil, so if you're reading the KJV Bible, and find it confusing, then ask your questions to the author of the Bible, and leave the author of confusion alone.
ANSWER: Exodus 6:3 says:
"And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them."
The key in the above is "known". Sure, Jehovah/Yahweh is God's name, and Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob called upon Yahweh. They knew that was His name, but they didn't know Him as that name. Yahweh/Jehovah means the Eternal, Self Existant One. Before Exodus 6:3, they only knew Jehovah as a name for God. They knew Jehovah as a covenant name, not a description of God Himself.
Let's take a look more into Exodus 6:7:
"And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians."
The above helps to explain what Exodus 6:3 is saying. They knew God's name was Jehovah, but they know Him AS Jehovah, on a personal basis. Exodus 6:7 says that now they will.
ANSWER: Exodus 34 is an overview. There is no reason to re-list all the 10 commandments, since they are thoroughly listed in Exodus 20, and Deuteronomy 5. The other commandments in that chapter, are also an overview of the other laws and commandments that God gave to Moses. These are the laws that fill up most of Leviticus and Deuteronomy.
The laws listed in Exodus 34 cannot be the 10 commandments, because:
a) There are only 7 commandments listed in Exodus 34 after the the 2 tables of stone are mentioned.
b) The commandments listed in Exodus 34 are refered to as part of the covenant, not the 10 commandments.
c) The mention of the 10 commandments are brought up only when it mentions the 2 tables of stone.
d) Obviously, the 10 commandments were not the only parts of the covenenant given to Moses, for he was there 40 days.
e) In the New Testament, when someone asked Jesus a question about the Ten Commandments, He refered to the 10 Commandments in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5:
"Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother." -Jesus Mark 10:19
Notice in the above, that Jesus only lists the commandments that have to do with other people, not God. This is because the New Testament is the New Covenant. This is an entirely different topic, and if you have questions, I'd be glad to answer them.
ANSWER: Psalm 19:7 says:
"The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple."
Hebrews 8:6-8 says:
"But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:"
Not only is the above not a contradiction, but they are talking about two different things. Yes, the old covenant was perfect, but there was one fault. That fault was NOT with the covenant itself, however. The fault was that in order for a person to keep a perfect covenant, they'd have to be perfect as well. Are we perfect? No:
"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." 1 John 3:4
Can anyone keep everything in the perfect law, perfectly. No:
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23
ANSWER: Well, I'd need more information, to know which accounts you are talking about. So, I will answer your question, with regards to the 4 gospel accounts.
First of all, of course each Gospel is going to give a different account, since each Gospel was written by a different person. But, the accounts being different, doesn't mean they contradict.
For example, Matthew is the only Gospel that gives the account of the first appearance to the women. Does this mean that Matthew contradicts the other Gospels? NO. It just means that Matthew thought it important to mention, while the other Gospel writers didn't.
In Luke we find the account of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Does this mean that Luke contradicts the other Gospels? NO. It just means that that gospel writer thought it important to mention, while the other Gospel writers didn't.
The appearance of Mary Madalene is not mentioned in Matthew and Luke. Does this mean that Matthew and Luke contradict the other Gospels? NO. It just means that that gospel writer thought it not as important to mention, while the other Gospel writers did.
Only the Gospel of John records the appearance of Jesus in the upper room, when Thomas wasn't there. Does this mean that John contradicts the other Gospels? NO. It just means that that gospel writer thought it important to mention, while the other Gospel writers didn't.
Matthew and Luke both talk about Jesus' birth, while Mark and John don't. Is this a contradiction? Of course not. Just different accounts by different people.
For example:
Timmy and Mike both witnessed the dog stealing an orange.
Here's Timmy's account:
"The dog took the orange, and ran down the street."
Here's Mike's account:
"The dog ran into my neighbor's back yard, took the orange, then chased his own tail, with the orange in his mouth, then ran down the street, heading south, towards K-Mart."
Do the above accounts contradict each other? Of course not.
ANSWER: It's called Human Nature. There is nothing incorrect, mistooken, or contradicting in the above.
For example:
Let's say that there were two blind men, who were friends. They were both out one day, taking a walk. Unfortunatly, they were both heading for a cliff, but didn't know it. Now, let's say you saw what was about to happen, so you ran over to the blind men to warn them. One took heed to your warning, and changed direction. The other chose not to believe you.
Why?
1.-Why is the Bible unclear about how to be saved? Is there anything more important that the Bible could communicate? Why is it ambiguous and contradictory on this subject?
ANSWER: Again, you are showing your ignorance of the Word of God. There are no contradictions about this, or anything in the Bible. Since you didn't give specific scriptures of what you believe are contradiction, I will mention a few that you are probably alluding to:
John 3:16 says:
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Romans 10:9-10 says:
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:9-10
BUT, Mark 16:16 says:
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."
So, are you saved by faith, or by faith and baptism? If you re-read the above scripture, you find it's only by faith. Mark 16:16 says that whosoever is saved and baptised is saved, but whoever does not believe is not. Therefore, to not be saved, you just need to not believe. Simple. Obviously not everyone has the chance to get baptised after they are saved, take for example, the thief on the cross next to Jesus.
So, the above must be talking about something else. It is:
a) Baptism is a way you show your love for the Lord, by keeping his commands:
"If ye love me, keep my commandments." -Jesus John 14:15
A person can say they're a Christian, but are they?
"Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." -Jesus Matthew 7:20
So, If you accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, then you will start producing Christian fruits, because you become a 'Christian tree'. What are the Christian fruits? Keeping Jesus' commands. How do you find out Jesus' commands? By reading His word:
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" 2 Timothy 3:16
b) Mark 16:16 may not even be refering to water baptism, but the baptism of the Holy Spirit. If this is the case, then one cannot be saved, unless they accept Jesus, and the baptism, because you can only say that Jesus is Lord, if you have the Holy Spirit:
"Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." 1 Corinthians 12:3
Okay, another supposed "contradiction" you may be refering to, is the below:
Ephesians 2:8-9 says:
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast."
BUT, James 2:17 says:
"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone"
So, are you saved by faith, or by works? Well, re-read James 2:17. It only says that faith without works is dead. Does this contradict Ephesians 2:8-9? No. If you were to read further into James 2, you'd find verse 18b says:
"shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works."
So, we ARE saved by faith, and not by works. However, a Christian tree must bear Christian fruits, else it's not a Christian tree. So, faith without works is dead. Because we show our faith BY our works.
ANSWER: The answer to the above question answers this, but to reiterate...
Jesus said that 'by their fruits ye shall know them'. Jesus, in the Gospels, was teaching about Christian fruits. See Matthew chapters 5-7 for example. These are some of Jesus' commands. He said that if we love Him, we'd keep His commands.
Here's the cool part... Remember Ephesians 2:8-9? We are saved by GRACE. Therefore, when we screw up, and don't keep Jesus' commands, then:
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9
However, what if we forget to confess our sins to God? Not a problem:
"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:" 1 John 2:1
ANSWER: It's not neccesary. When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are dying to our sins, and becoming a new Creature. There's only one thing required for salvation, and that is
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:9-10
or, as the Gospel of John puts it:
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
Whether we repent of our sins or not, is not of much constellation, because if we do the above then:
"Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:11
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17
ANSWER: Because these are not vital to salvation. Baptism is simply one publicly professing their faith, and symbolically washing away their sins. The Lord's supper (communion) is a holiday- like celebration of the Lord's free gift.
These need not be explained any more in the Bible than they already are, because Christianity is not about traditions and ceremonies, it's about grace.
As for the discord among the churches.
a)What Bible version are they reading?
b)Do they belive the Bible to be the inerrant, non contradicting word of God?
Many "churches" are not of God. See Revelation chapters 1-3, for example. Pay special attention to the mention of the "Synogauge of Satan".
ANSWER: The book of Reveation is not "incomprehensible". To go into an in-depth study of the book of Revelation would be a book in itself. What are your questions specifically? I'd be glad to help you with them. As for Daniel being sealed, it's not. You are refering to the portion of Daniel that says:
"But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." Daniel 12:4
Obviously the book of Daniel is no longer sealed, because we are now running to and fro (airplanes, cars, etc) and knowledge is being increased (computers and internet, for example). Many of the things prophesied in Daniel are comming true in this very generation (see Daniel chapter 2, for example).
Furthermore, you said yourself that you find Daniel easier to understand than Revelation. Okay, they why not use Daniel to help you understand Reveation? Since they both talk of many of the same things. For example, Revelation 17:10 says:
"And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space."
Who are these seven 'kings'? Let's go to Daniel to find out:
Much of the book of Daniel was written when Babylon was the main world power. Daniel repeatedly prophesied that the main world powers after Babylon would be the Meads and Persians, the Greeks, the Romans, and the Revived Roman Empire (Daniel chap. 2, toes, iron mixed with clay. This is now, and getting worse, if you understand the prophecy.)...
Now, what where the big world powers before Babylon? According to the Bible, and agreed upon by archeology, they were Egypt, and Assyria.
So, who are the 7 kings/kingdoms mentioned in Revelation 17:10? 1 Egypt, 2 Assyria, 3 Babylon, 4 Medes and Persians, 5 Greeks, 6 Romans, 7 Revived Roman Empire.
ANSWER: It does. I will show you some of the places it does:
baptism
"I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost" -John the Baptist Mark 1:8
John taught people to repent of their sins, and be baptised. That baptism symbolized these people's sins being washed away.
"And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;" 1 Corinthians 10:2
Even the Israelites in the Exodus were baptized.
"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?" Romans 6:3
"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." 1 Corinthians 12:13
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Galatians 3:27
BAPTISM UNDER THE NEW COVENANT:
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.For he that is dead is freed from sin.Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:" Romans 6:1-8
CONCLUSION TO BAPTISM:
The Bible clearly states that the Israelites were baptized in their crossing of the Red sea. Before Jesus came, John the Baptist baptized people for the remision of sins.
After Jesus came, we are baptized as a public profession of Christ, and to symbolize our dying with Christ, and being raised a new Creature. Are Christians commanded to be baptized?
"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Galatians 3:26-27
Jesus said "if you love me, then keep my commands". We show our faith by our works, however, we are under the spirit of the law, not the letter, so if a situation arises where one cannot get baptized, such as the case with the theif on the cross, then we are still saved, if we did what Romans 10:9-10 says.
Spirit of the law:
"Who [refering to God] also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." 2 Corinthians 3:6
Oh, just as a quick note. In your questions, you said "adult baptism". There is no other. The Bible does not teach infant baptism. In order for one to be properly baptized, they must first have accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
Soteriology
Well, depends on which definition of soteriology you mean. If you mean the one that is "The doctrine of salvation by Jesus Christ.", then you must be reading a different Bible than I am. Because not only does the New Testament speak of this, but so does the Old:
"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:3-5
If you mean the definition of soteriology which is "A discourse on health, or the science of promoting and preserving health." The Bible talks of that as well. Before science even knew what a germ is, the Bible has been inadvertantly teaching about it, and keeping clean. Even quarenteen. It's all in the Levitical Priesthood laws. The Bible even talks of exercise:
"For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." 1 Timothy 4:8
So, the Bible does not say that we are, or are not supposed to exercise. That is up to us. But, if we do exercise (I do), then we should note the great benefits we get from it, and remember that godliness profits us so much more by comparison.
The Bible even talks of how to eat healthy:
"For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:" 1 Timothy 4:4
So, the Bible does not say that we have to count how many grams of fat we eat. It simply says to be thankful to God for what we have received to eat.
The Bible even talks of vegitarians:
"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth." 1 Timothy 4:1-3
As you can see, the Bible says that being a vegitarian is useless, since God has ordained meats to be clean and good. Vegitarians are one of the signs of the end times.
Christology
"The theological study of the person and deeds of Jesus."
The whole Bible is that. The most accurate source to learn about Jesus is via the Bible. Old and New Testaments.
Trinitarianism
"Believing or professing belief in the Christian Trinity or the doctrine of the Trinity."
The Bible is very clear on the trinity issue:
According to John 1, Jesus is the Word of God come in the flesh. John 1 also says that Jesus is God:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1
Jesus is known as Jesus, the Son of God, the Son of Man, or the Word, etc. The Holy Spirit is known as the Holy Spirit, or Holy Ghost, etc. God is known as God, Father, Lord, etc.
To further prove the trinity, 1 John 5:7 says:
"For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."
The trinity is even in the first three verses of Genesis:
Genesis 1:1-3 says:
"In the beginning God [there's God the Father] created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God [there's the Holy Spirit] moved upon the face of the waters. 3 And God said [there's the Word of God], Let there be light: and there was light."
satanology
"The study of Satan".
"How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit." Isaiah 14:12-15
"Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more." Ezekiel 28:13-19
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" 1 Peter 5:8
"In whom the god [Satan] of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." 2 Corinthians 4:4
The word 'Satan' is in the Bible about 49 times. The word devil or devils is in the Bible about 106 times.
The Bible even explains the start of many false religions, such as Satanism, Wicca, Witchcraft, Occultism, New Age, Zecharia Sitchen's 12th Planet, Thelema, Lucifarianism, etc:
"That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose." Genesis 6:2
The above mentioned verse is what the above cults base their beliefs off of. They believe that these Sons of God taught the truth, and wisdom to those who would listen. These Sons of God were believed by these cults to essentially be the 'wise ones', or 'watchers'. The old Gods. The Ancient Ones.
Of course, anyone who really studies the Bible, learns that the Sons of God in Genesis 6 are fallen angels, who are now known as DEMONS, or (more acurately) DEVILS.
"And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day." Jude 1:6
"For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;" 2 Peter 2:4
Now, especially in Wicca, Witchcraft, and Satanism, they usually worship a god and godess. The god and goddess are known by vaious different names. In Genesis 10:8, we learn about Nimrod, which became known as a "Mighty One". This is another name for the gods of the above cults - Mighty Ones.
History shows that Nimrod married a woman named Semiramis. Later, Nimrod died. Archeological history is unclear as to how exactly he died. Anyhow, Semiramis comes up pregnant, claiming that she had not had sex, so this must be a type immaculate conception. Semiramis passes off her bastard child as the reincarnation of Nimrod. Nimrod then became deified, and known as Baal, Bel, Marduk, Molech, Pan, the horned god, Kernunnos etc. Semiramis, as well became deified, as Astarte, Ashtoreth, Isis, Diana, goddess, queen of heaven, great monther, Ceridwen, etc.
Nimrod and Semiramis are the god/goddess combo that the above mentioned cults worship. They are known under many different names. Semiramis, the goddess of Wicca, Witchcraft, Satanism, etc. usually has three phases to her, which corolate with the moon. (When the moon is mentioned in the Bible, it's usually with a negative, or satanic convocation. Especially in Revelation. Eg. 42 MONTHS, etc.) These three phases are a kind of pagan trinity. These cults have a symbol that has been in use for ages that depicts this. This is the symbol that is flashed all over the screen at the beginning of the TV show Charmed, and is the symbol on the popular New Age book called Aquiarian Conspiracy, and is the SAME symbol that is on the spine of most New King James Bibles. (NKJV Bibles talk with a lot of the cult's terminology.)
angelology
The word angel is mentioned in the Bible about 289 times. Need I say more?
nature of the afterlife
Are you kidding?
For starters, read Daniel 12, 1 Corinthians 15, Revelation 11:15-18, Ecclesiastes, etc.
eschatology
"The branch of theology that is concerned with the end of the world or of humankind."
Let's see here. There is a whole book dedicated to that. Revelation. Also, All the major prophets in the Old Testament also speak much of the end time.
fundamentals of the faith
Well, it's what the whole Bible is about, cover to cover. For starters, check out Hebrews 11 and James 2.
the standing of Jewish believers in relation to the Law
Well, that's talked about in depth in just about every one of the Pauline Epistles. Here's a few short examples:
"And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ." 2 Corinthians 3:13-14
the standing of Gentile believers in relation to the Law?
The answer is the same here as in the above.
"Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? 25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved." Romans 9:24-25
1. Why did the writers of the New Testament feel free to misquote and misinterpret the Old Testament and conflate verses?
ANSWER: They didn't, and they don't do that. However, in the NIV and other new Bible versions it appears as if they did, since the NIV et. al. changes the verse in the NT so that it is different than the ones in the OT. This is not the case with the KJV. 2. Why did the gospel writers use the Septuagint, an inferior translation of the Old Testament? Did the Holy Spirit fail to inspire them with the more accurate Hebrew text, the one accepted today?
ANSWER: The Gospel writers didn't use the Septuagint. They used the Masoretic texts, which is the most reliable text, with good reason. New Bible versions quote from the Septuagint, and translate from the Septuagint, of which I agree with you. It is indeed an inferior translation. However, the KJV stays true to the Gospel writers, and sticks with the correct, reliable Masoretic text. 3. Why did Matthew and Peter take Old Testament passages out of context to make them into prophecies, when they were never indicated to be prophetic by the Old Testament author (Acts 1:20 versus Psalm 69:25, for example)?
ANSWER: They didn't. In sorts, the whole O.T. IS a prophecy. Every bit of it is a foreshadowing, and often foretelling of Christ. Read the book of Hebrews to see what I mean, for starters. Now as for the scripture you cited.
Acts 1:20 says:
"For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take."
Psalm 69:25 says:
"Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents."
Psalm 69:25 is a Davidic/Messianic prophetic chapter. This is clearly picked up in the context.
Acts 1:20 is indeed in context with Psalm 69:25. Please re-read it again carefully.
ANSWER: You are mistaken. You are obviously reading a modern translation, because Mark 1:2 is mistranslated in the New Age Bible versions to say:
"It is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way" Mark 1:2
The word that was translated Isaiah is NOT Isaiah. So, yes, you're right. This is a contradiction. But only in the New Age Bible versions. The trusty KJV, however, has no contradiction, for it is PROPERLY translated as:
"As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee." Mark 1:2
ANSWER: Just because Enoch is not inspired scripture, doesn't mean that all of Enoch is wrong. I've read the apocraphal Enoch, and I can clearly see why it is apporcraphyl, but there are some true statements in it. These are brought to light and recongnition in God's Word. 6.-Why does Matthew quote a non-existent Old Testament prophecy (Matthew 2:23)? Was he using non-canonical writings, too?
ANSWER: Matthew 2:23 says:
"And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene."
One of the O.T. prophecies that Matthew is refering to, is Judges 13:5, which is of course part of the story of Samson. Compare Samson's conception, childhood, and whole life with that of Jesus. The Samson story is a foreshadowing of Jesus. The Jews understood this, as do many people who deeply study O.T. foreshadowings.
ANSWER: Zechariah 11:12 says nothing of a potter's field. It only says "And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver."
The prophecy that Matthew 27:9-10 is talking about, is indeed in Jeremiah 19:1-13.
ANSWER: He does. In fact, quite often. Here are a few examples, from hundreds:
Romans 6:23 and 10:9-10 --- John 3:16
Romans 8:11 --- John 16:7
1 Corinthians 16:22 ---Matthew 22:37
2 Corinthians 4:6 --- John 1:4-5
Phillipians 1:11 --- Matthew 7:17
Colossians 1:28 --- Mark 16:15
The very word 'Jesus' appears about 220 times just in the Pauline Epistles. The word 'gospel' appears about 70 times in the Pauline Epistles.
Jesus Himself spoke with Paul, so Paul knows what he's talking about. Furthermore, ALL of Paul's Epistles speak clearly of the teachings of Jesus.
ANSWER: Again, most of your questions are leading, and lead to incorrect assumptions. I have found the Bible very hermeneutically clear. The New Testament authors were not "loose" in their hermeneutics, that is another false assumption. Furthermore, none of the meanings or any words have ever been lost. (Except in the NIV and other new translations. They are all still perfectly intact in the KJV.) Not only does God want us to understand His word, but to help ensure we do, He has put in a built in dictionary. When you come across a word you don't understand, you don't need to go to a dictionary, I seldom do. Instead, read the context surrounding the word. If you still don't get the meaning, then read on. The Bible often re-explains itself later in that chapter or book.
The Bible must be read as a whole, for that's what it is. If you continue to read it piecemeal, it will continue to appear confusing. Not to mention that the NIV and other modern translations use bigger words, etc. For example, in one place where the KJV says "told", the NIV says "conscriputed". Yikes!
1. Why doesn't prayer work, when the Bible promises that it will (John 14:14, for example)?
ANSWER: John 14:14 says:
"If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it."
Now, pay attention to the next verse. This is the key:
"If you love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15
This prayer promise is only for Christians. I discussed in earlier questions you asked, that in order for someone to be a true Christian, they must bear Christian fruits, else they are not a "Christian tree". In order for one to bear Christian fruits, one must love Jesus. If one loves Jesus, he will keep His commands. Faith without works is dead.
One of Jesus' commandments, is to submit to the Father's will. So, if you are a Christian tree, bearing Christian fruits, then anything you ask for in Jesus' name you will get, because it would be in accord with God's will...
"And he [Jesus] said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth." Luke 11:2
"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:" 1 John 5:14
Furthermore, in my Christian experience, I have found that every single one of my prayers have been answered. Many times they are answered in the way I desired, but sometimes the answer was just plain NO.
ANSWER: Again, a leading question leading to a false assumptions. The answer? Christians ARE. We don't see it as much in the US, UK, and Canada, etc, because society looks down on healings, miracles, and demon possesion. Talk to missionaries who go to other countries, and you'd be amazed at what they've seen, and even done.
Furthermore, you must remember that it takes faith to allow God to perform miracles through you:
"And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you." Luke 17:6
Also, remember that each Christian is a PART of the body of Christ, not the body of Christ itself. Therefore, we each have gifts from the Spirit, but we don't have each of the gifts, as Jesus did. Therefore, some of us can perform spiritual gifts of a certain type, more so than Jesus did, just as He prophesied. To see scriptures about the spirutual gifts, read 1 Corinthians 12 and 1 Corinthians 14.
1. Why have no prophecies been demonstrated to have been fulfilled? Why are many Old Testament prophecies too vague to be tested? Why are many Old Testament prophecies "yet to be" fulfilled? Why has it been impossible to demonstrate that the Old Testament prophecies were written prior to the events forecasted?
ANSWER: You have obviously not spent much time studying Biblical prophecy, or you'd see how silly this question is. The Bible prophecies are not vague, on the contrary, they're almost too descriptive. AND, ALL of the prophecies in the Bible have happened, except for the ones speaking of the end days, the tribulation, Jesus' second comming, New Jerusalem, the Millenium, and a few similiar others.
It would take hundreds of pages to go through each O.T. prophecy, and show you it's fullfillment, so I'm only going to go through a few:
"For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, a king of kings, from the north, with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and companies, and much people.
He shall slay with the sword thy daughters in the field: and he shall make a fort against thee, and cast a mount against thee, and lift up the buckler against thee." Ezekiel 26:7-9
"And I will make thee like the top of a rock: thou shalt be a place to spread nets upon; thou shalt be built no more: for I the LORD have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.
Thus saith the Lord GOD to Tyrus; Shall not the isles shake at the sound of thy fall, when the wounded cry, when the slaughter is made in the midst of thee?
Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones, and lay away their robes, and put off their broidered garments: they shall clothe themselves with trembling;
they shall sit upon the ground, and shall tremble at every moment, and be astonished at thee.
And they shall take up a lamentation for thee, and say to thee, How art thou destroyed, that wast inhabited of seafaring men, the renowned city, which wast strong in the sea, she and her inhabitants, which cause their terror to be on all that haunt it!
Now shall the isles tremble in the day of thy fall; yea, the isles that are in the sea shall be troubled at thy departure." Ezekiel 26:14-18
Uh oh, it happened. Five centuries after this prophecy, it did. Hiel re-built Jericho. He lost his firstborn in the first foundation, and he lost his youngest in the gates.
And of course there are hundreds of messianic prophecies in the O.T. I assume you're familiar with those. If not, let me know, and I'll show you some of them.
"And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.
And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down." Matthew 24:1-2
This happened in AD 70, when Jerusalem was attacked. The temple was smashed to pieces, and the bricks were taken apart/separated so that they could get the gold out of them. However, there is still a part of one wall standing, showing that this prophecy still has a bigger fullfillment to happen in the near future.
"Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land, they defiled it by their own way and by their doings: their way was before me as the uncleanness of a removed woman.
Wherefore I poured my fury upon them for the blood that they had shed upon the land, and for their idols wherewith they had polluted it:
And I scattered them among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and according to their doings I judged them.
And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when they said to them, These are the people of the LORD, and are gone forth out of his land. But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went.
Therefore say unto the house of Israel, thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.
And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.
For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.
Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God." Ezekiel 36:16-28
This prophecy of the Israelites returning to their own land started happening in 1948. The rest of the prophecy is slowly taking place in this generation.
What's the next big event on the prophetic calendar?...
A 7 year piece treaty to be made in the middle east. [Daniel 9:27 and Revelation 6:2].
ANSWER: It DID happen. You need to study history more closely. Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the coastal city of Tyre, and Alexander the Great destroyed the island city of Tyre. The coastal city of Tyre is used for fishermen to lay out their nets, just as prophesied, and the island of Tyre is still uninhabitable. 3. How can it be that Isaiah prophesied a temporary destruction of Tyre, while Ezekiel prophesied a permanent destruction (Ezekiel 26:14,21; 27:36; 28:19 versus Isaiah 23:13-18)?
ANSWER: Isaiah 23:13-18 says:
"Behold the land of the Chaldeans; this people was not, till the Assyrian founded it for them that dwell in the wilderness: they set up the towers thereof, they raised up the palaces thereof; and he brought it to ruin. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your strength is laid waste. And it shall come to pass in that day, that Tyre shall be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king: after the end of seventy years shall Tyre sing as an harlot. Take an harp, go about the city, thou harlot that hast been forgotten; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that thou mayest be remembered.
And it shall come to pass after the end of seventy years, that the LORD will visit Tyre, and she shall turn to her hire, and shall commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth. And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing."
Again, remember that Tyre was a coastal and an island city. The island city is uninhabited, but the coastal city is habited. You need to keep straight which Tyre the prophecies are talking about. This can be gathered from the context surrounding the prophecy.
ANSWER: Ezekiel 29:11-12 happened 16 years after the fall of Jerusalem. 5. Why is so much of New Testament prophecy incomprehensible? Why produce a prophecy at all if it cannot be understood?
ANSWER: What is it that you don't understand? Prophecy isn't hard to understand, and certainly isn't 'incomprehensible'. You must study it the way you are to study the whole Bible. Hey, the Bible even teaches us how to study it:
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15
"Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. Isaiah 28:8-10
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:" Isaiah 28:9-10
"Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?" Mark 8:18
1. Why haven't any of the miracles recorded in the Bible been independently confirmed?
ANSWER: Many have been irrefutably proven via archeology and science.
For example:
-the walls of Jericho falling down FLAT
-Jonah and the whale
-Noah's ark
-Jesus' ascention (witnessed by at least 500 people)
-The Bible states that even nature itself proves God, via His creation. That in itself is a miracle.
ANSWER: Whoops, another false assumption. How do you know miracles don't happen today? Can you be everywhere at once, and see all,- all the time, to verify this? I know for a fact miracles happen today. In my walk with Christ, I have seen many. Here's one of them:
At the time, I was working in the shipping department of a technology company, in New Jersey. I lived in a 10 bedroom house, with many of the other people that worked for the company. We were all roomates.
Well, one of my roomates, named Pepper, had bad back problems. 20 years prior to the time we lived together, she got into a horrible car accident, which severely damaged her back for life. She'd be in constant back pain. There was no surgery that could be done for her, and pain killers hardly dulled the pain.
On her 'good days', she could walk around, with only the assistance of a walker. On 'bad days', she used a wheel chair to get around, but spent most of her time in bed. (At this time, she didn't work for the company, she was the wife of someone who did.)
Well anyhow, one day she was alone in the kitchen with her walker, and was going to listen to a music tape while she got some lunch. The tape was borrowed from a friend. It was a tape of Christian singer Twila Paris, and had many of her great hits on it. This is when things started to happen...
Pepper played the tape, but the only song it'd play, was "God is in Control". Pepper flipped the tape over, and it was the same song. She fast forwarded and rewinded, but only the same song would play. Finally it hit her. She realized God is indeed in control. Once she realized that, she heard a voice say "yes, I am".
While this was happening in the kitchen, I was upstairs in my bedroom watching TV. Then I got a knock on the door. It was one of my friends, standing there franticly saying that I had to go down stairs and see Pepper. Well, I thought that she had fallen, and that we were probably taking her to the hospital.
Nope. By the time I got downstairs to see what was going on, I saw her walker, but not her. I looked into the back yard from the kitchen door to see her running through the 2 acre yard. She's now healed, and is now one of the most hyper people I know. :-)
"Miracles don't happen today" is a lie from the pit of Satan. I know from many experiences. I know from witnessing healings, from having God literally talk to me, from casting out demons/devils, ect.
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." -Jesus Revelation 3:20
ANSWER: I am an evangelical Christian, and I don't recall not accepting miracle stories recoreded in ancient non-biblical works. Where did you get an idea like that? I'm glad to read/listen to them, and determine for myself if I believe them to be true or not.
However, the Bible holds credance over any other book, for it was written by God. Irrefutable evidence of this can be found at http://www.GenuineProfit.com/proof.html
1. Why is the authorship of most books of the Bible disputed? Why do many books of the Bible have no statement of authorship? Why are some books in the canon pseudepigraphical (lie about authorship)?
ANSWER: The authorship of most books of the Bible are NOT disputed among most scholars. Most of the books of the Bible do state their authorship. AND, NO books in the Bible lie about their authorship. Only some (many) of the non cananical appocraphyl books do this. About the books of the books of the Bible, again, go to http://www.GenuineProfit.com/proof.html the report at this website goes into this as well. 2. Why did the early church not revere the scriptures as Christians do today, so that they added interpolations and made emendations?
ANSWER: The early Catholic church did this, along with cults and possibly the Essenes. The manuscripts you are referring to, that have added 'interpolations and made emendations' are the Alexandrian manuscripts, such as the Vaticanus and Sianaticus. Unfortunatly, these are the manuscripts underlying the NIV, and most other modern translations. These Alexandrian manuscripts are only 5% out of the approximatly 5,000 ancient Greek texts. The remaining 95% is the majority text, which is where the Byzantine Textus Receptus came from. The Textus Receptus is where the KJV Bible was tranalated from. The Majority text has not been tampered with. That is part of why that is the text I trust. 3. Why hasn't the Bible been transmitted to us in perfect condition if it is so important and if God had his supernatural hand in it? Why did both Israel and the church add interpolations, emend, and conflate the texts?
ANSWER: The Bible HAS been transmitted to us in perfect condition, via the KJV Bible. God said:
"The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever." Psalm 12:6-7
Of course, if you have a NIV, then Psalm 12:6-7 doesn't say this, even though it IS clearly in 95%+ of all of the approx. 5,000 ancient Greek texts. So, since the NIV and many other modern translations no longer contain that promise, where is the gaurentee that those will be preserved?
The KJV is preserved. Glory be to God.
1. Why is the Mosaic injunction against false prophets ignored in the canon? Deuteronomy 18:20-22 should disqualify Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Jonah, Jesus, and Paul.
ANSWER: Deuteronomy 18:20-22 says:
"But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him."
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Johah, Jesus, and Paul all pass both of these features, therefore they are indeed prophets of God. (Except for Jesus. He IS God.)
ANSWER: The only church disputing the Canon in general is the Catholic church. Without the approcrapha, they'd have a harder time doing most of their heathen practises which are against Canonical scripture.
The Canon is complete, and accurate. Here's some reasons showing why and how:
a) There is evidence showing this in the report found at http://www.GenuineProfit.com/proof.html
b) Everything in the Canon ancient manuscripts are in the original languages of Hebrew Aramaic, and Greek.
c) The appocrapha has obvious errors, and often times lies about the author of the book in question.
d) Jesus and the appostles never quoted from the appocrapha, like they did with the Canon. (The exception is the book of Enoch, and Jasher. Both of these true books are lost, and were not inspired by God. However, they did have some accurate information in them. There are supposed copies of Enoch and Jasher around, but they're severly corrupted, at best.)
e) The 5% minority texts carry some of the appocrapha, while the majority of the 95% majority do not.
ANSWER: The Canon has been directly revealed by God. see http://www.GenuineProfit.com/proof.html for starters. As for voting on the Canon, that was the only way to get the Catholic Jesuits out of the way. They were infiltrating the Christians, and posing as Protestants, in trying to get the appocrapha into the Bible. Proof that none of the appocrapha is Canonancal is in the answer to the previous question. 4. Why is so much of New Testament doctrine revealed through the use of occasional letters instead of in systematic books written, authorized, and canonized specifically to define Christian doctrine? Why didn't God deliver these himself, as he did the Law to Moses? Maybe this explains why the Old Testament Law has more clarity than the New Testament doctrines. Why did God leave the writing of systematic theologies to modern, uninspired writers, who cannot agree with one another?
ANSWER: The New Testament was written by God, just as the Old. God DID tell/inspire the New Testament writers what to write. God was on the earth for 30+ years. For at least 3 years He taught the disiples. Also, Jesus/God Himself, spoke directly to Paul, the author of most of the Epistles.
As for why the New Testament has many Epistles, so what? That's how God decided to have the New Testament, I see no problem or conflict with that.
1. When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, why did God lie about what the outcome would be (Genesis 2:17), while the serpent told the truth (Genesis 3:5,22)?
ANSWER: Genesis 2:17 says:
"But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."
God was telling the truth. Adam and Eve spiritually died at that point. That is why everyone is born spiritually dead to this very day. In order for one to become spiritually alive, they must be born again. See John chapter 3.
Therefore, Satan lied, when he said that they wouldn't die. For they certainly did. First spiritually, then later, physically.
ANSWER: I'm a woman, and have looked into this. They are not. There are women prophets in the Bible. There's even a woman judge. However, you must remember that in the Garden of Eden, the woman was the one who partook of the fruit first, not man. However, if you read carefully, you'll find that Adam was right there with Eve when this happened. Did he do anything to try to stop it? No. He just stood by, and watched what happened, then ate the fruit himself. Therefore, since Eve was the one who took control of the situation, and screwed up royally, woman's punishement is for man to be the ruler instead. (This is, in my opinion, more of a punishment on men than women.)
"But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God." 1 Corinthians 11:3
ANSWER: It's not. Most of the Old Testament is addressed to human beings. 'He' is a gender neutral word, (except when shown different in context, of course) just as 'mankind' includes 'womankind' as well. 4. Why does the Bible condone slavery?
ANSWER: It doesn't. In fact, the word 'slave' only appears in the Bible 2 times. In both instances, neither one condones slavery. Here are the ONLY two places in the whole Bible where the word 'slave' appears:
1.- "Is Israel a servant? is he a homeborn slave? why is he spoiled?" Isaiah 2:14
and
2.- "And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men." Revelation 18:13
It's obvious that number 1 is not condoning slavery. As for number 2, the city that has these slaves was destroyed. That's definatly NOT condoning slavery.
Now, the word 'slavery' appears in the NIV 174 times, when the Hewbrew word means 'servant', not slave. Why did NIV and other modern translations use slave? Well, not because that's what the Hebrew said. It's usually because they are trying to pass copyright law, which states that the work has to be significantly different than a previous one. Those modern translators/publishers etc, want their $$$ money. The KJV is not copyrighted, therefore is translated without financial gain in mind.
There is a BIG difference between a slave and a servant:
According to http://www.dictionary.com:
slave - One bound in servitude as the property of a person or household.
servant - One who is privately employed to perform domestic services.
So, a slave is bound, usually does not have a choice of being a slave, and receives nothing in return for their hard (often cruel gruelling) work.
A servant, on the other hand, is one who is usually employed by choice, and receives something in return for their services rendered.
The Bible condones servitude, since the person gets paid in return. It does not even once condone slavery. Only the errant, corrupted NIV and other modern translations commit that heresy.
ANSWER: You are not taking the scriptures in context. Let's take a look at them now:
Numbers 31:14-18 says:
"And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host, with the captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, which came from the battle.
And Moses said unto them, Have ye saved all the women alive?
Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.
Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman that hath known man by lying with him.
But all the women children, that have not known a man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves."
That was incredibly merciful, to save the virgin women alive, for they all did abominable things, and deserved to die, at the very least. These people worshiped Baal (Balaam), and tried to lead Israel to do it too. Do you know what constitutes Baal worship? Temple prostitutes, and sodomites. Each woman had to be a temple prostitute at least once in her life, regardless if she wanted to, or not. She did not have a choice. But wait, this gets MUCH worse. Baal worshippers sacrificed babies to their false Baal god.
Thousands and thousands of jars have been unearthed by archeologists showing the remains of these poor infants. Baal worship is like Satan worship, and other cults. It draws you in, if you let it, and the further in you get, the more you get fooled. Demons/devils come into the picture, and you've had it. Unless you turn to the truth, you're lost.
These people were given many opportunities to turn away from their fornication, homosexuality, rape, infant murder etc, and they did not, so just like Sodom and Gomorah, they were to be destroyed. Only virgin women were to be saved, because since they were virgins, that means they had not yet partook in the temple rites, therefore, were not as tainted by Baalism, and more likely to convert to Judiasm.
Deuteronomy 20:16-17 says:
"But of the cities of these people, which the LORD thy God doth give thee for an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth:
But thou shalt utterly destroy them; namely, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee:"
Same reason for this, as the reason gave above. Often it was commanded that nothing be left alive, including cattle and such. This is partially because these people also often worshipped animals, and may have commited beastiality, which obviously taints that animal as well as the person.
ANSWER: The Bible does indeed condemn poligamy.
"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." Genesis 2:24
In fact, the Old Testament even specifically says that even kings are only to have one wife. "Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold." Deuteronomy17:17
Having more than one wife is what got David in trouble via the whole Bathsheba incident, and losing a child. Having more than one wife is what eventually turned Solomon to whoring after other gods, such as Baal. In fact, Solomon's having multiple wives is what lead to the cause of the twelve tribes of Israel to separate into two houses. The house of Israel, and the house of Judah.
The New Testament says in quite a few places that men are only to have one wife. For example:
"Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband." 1 Corinthians 7:2
ANSWER: Lot truely had a righteous heart in this situation. He was willing to give up his own flesh and blood for the sake of the two angels. He stepped out in faith. Truly beautiful. By the way, the crowd didn't get Lot's daughters, did they? If you disagree with God, who's wrong. Answer? You are. 8. How can Christians say that the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of religion is based on Judeo-Christian ethics when Deuteronomy 13:6-10 and 17:2-7 flatly contradict this?
ANSWER: The first amendement was written by a Christian. If you read the Federalists Papers, which is the commentary to the constitution, then you find that the writers of the Constitution were meaning in the context, that there be no single CHRISTIAN church state denomination. This is what was meant, and is the spirit of the law. 9. How can being mauled by a bear possibly be a just punishment for name-calling (2 Kings 2:23-24)? Doesn't this contradict God's own edict of "an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth?"
ANSWER: First of all, the Bible does not say that being mauled by a bear was a punishment. It only says that the punishment was 'being punished'. The fact of the bear attacking the kids, could have been nothing but they're being in the wrong place, at the wrong time. God allowed this to happen for some reason. The Bible does not tell us what reason, other than the children being in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, God knows the past, present, and future, AND, He knows what's in our hearts. He may have foresaw that these "children" (which were likely men in their 20's) would be the cause of hundreds of deaths, if they were to survive. 10. Why is faith - believing something for which there is no evidence - a virtue?
ANSWER: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the EVIDENCE of things not seen". Hebrews 11:1 You'll see it when you believe it. Guaranteed. 11. Why is rational skepticism a vice? If Christianity is true, won't the truth hold up under scrutiny? Shouldn't the church welcome and promote rational skepticism as a way of confirming and spreading the faith when people see that it fails to undermine Christianity? Why isn't skeptical literature studied and refuted in Sunday School classes?
ANSWER: I agree. I am a Sunday School teacher, and I teach my children how to "defend" Christianity, following the biblical instruction to do so:
"make full proof of thy ministry" 2 Timothy 4:5c
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ." 1 Peter 3:15-16
1. Why do Moses, Ezra, Jesus, and Paul all disagree on marriage and divorce? Moses allowed divorce, Jesus disallowed it and also allowed it, Paul allowed it, and Ezra actually commanded it to appease God (Ezra 10). How is an honest Christian supposed to know what to do in this area?
ANSWER: No, actaully they all work together. Let's look at a few scriptures about divorce, and I'll show you what I mean:
"When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house." Deuteronomy 24:1
"It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery" -Jesus Matthew 5:31-32
So, how do we reconcile these two? Jesus explains, and suddenly it all makes sense:
"The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?
He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.
And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery." -Jesus Matthew 19:3-9
ANSWER: You're reading too much into it. First of all, the term "lots" only appears in the New Testament about 7 times. And, every single time it was mentioned, except for one, it was talking about the gaurds that cast lots to see who would get Jesus' clothing durring the crusifying of Christ.
Now, the only other time "lots" is mentioned, is in Acts Chapter 1, when the disciples were casting lots, to determine which person should replace Judad Iscariot. First of all, they knew that it was between two different men, but they did not know which man GOD wanted. So, they prayed that God would control the lots, and the lot would fall on the man of whom God wanted.
Don't base your beliefs off of just one verse taken out of context. This is how many cults get started.
ANSWER: The Bible provides VERY good information about all of the above. You are not making your conclusions in this question from the Bible. You are making them from Churches. That is a grave mistake. It is not up to the churches to teach us everything in the Bible. It's up to us to read it for ourselves.
Here's what the Bible says about them:
ABORTION - See Genesis 1:26; Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17; Psalm 139:14-16; Isaiah 49:15; Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 127:3; Luke 1:41; Galations 1:15
DIVORCE - See Deuteronomy 22:19; Matthew 19:8-9; Malachi 2:16; Matthew 5:31-32; Mark 10:11-12; 1 Corinthians 7:10-11
WAR - See James 4:1-3; Matthew 5:9; Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; 1 Peter 2:13-14; Isaiah 2:4
CHURCH DISIPLINE - See Romans 12:5; John 14:21; Revelation 3:19; 1 Corinthians 11:16-34; 1 Corinthians 14:28; Acts 5:1-10; Acts 15:7-12; 1 Corinthians 5:11-13; 1 Corinthians 6:11 1 Corinthians 6:1; There are issues regarding Church disipline in each of Pauls Epistles. Here, I only gave you a few general ones. Since you did not give any specific example of what area of Church disipline you are looking for, I just gave you general scripures.
LENDING AND BORROWING MONEY - See Exodus 22:25; Deuteronomy 23:19-20; Psalm 15:5; Isaiah 24:2; Deuteronomy 15:2; Deuteronomy 15:6; Deuteronomy 15:8; Deuteronomy 24:20; Deuteronomy 28:12; Pslam 112:5; Luke 6:34-35
1. Why does the Bible teach that the sky is a solid dome of transparent material with water above it? (The water poured through the "windows of heaven" to cause Noah's flood, and then presumably poured off the edge of the disk-shaped earth into the abyss.)
ANSWER: Simple. The Bible does not say that. It says:
"And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day." Genesis 1:6-8
Firmament: "The region of the air; the sky or heavens.
And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. --Gen. i. 6.
And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament. --Gen. i. 14.
Note: In Scripture, the word denotes an expanse, a wide extent; the great arch or expanse over our heads, in which are placed the atmosphere and the clouds, and in which the stars appear to be placed, and are really seen."
A.K.A, the firmament is the atmosphere. However, archeological and other scientific evidence points that before the flood, there used to be a vapor canopy in the firmament. This could be part of the scientific reason, as to why people lived longer before the flood. There was much better shielding from cosmic and sun rays, than there is today. When the flood hit, part, or most of the flood waters came from the firmament crashing down to the earth.
Don't read someone's interpretation of the Bible, read it for yourself. Would you rather read man's opinion of God's Word, or God's Word itself?
ANSWER: The very word stripe only appears in the Old and New Testament about 20 times. Not once do any of these occurances refer to a striped goat. The reference is always to stripes via whipping and scouraging. The scripture you are refering to does not even say this. It says:
"I will pass through all thy flock to day, removing from thence all the speckled and spotted cattle, and all the brown cattle among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats: and of such shall be my hire." Genesis 30:32
This in no way contradicts modern genetics. There have been MANY situations throughout time, and throughout the world, when two white goats have speckled offspring. This gene is carried in a recessive gene, and when certain genes in certain parents unite, it can become a dominant gene. In fact, this instance actually supports genetics.
ANSWER: What's so scientifically impossible about any of the things you mentioned?
THE CREATION NARATIVE:
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Genesis 1:1
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1
"And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:" Ephesians 3:9
If it were possible for you to have perfect integrity, then could you not say "chair", and a chair would 'fall out' of your mouth? We do not have perfect integrity. God does. God said, and it became. Scientifically, this is impossible for any human to do. Humans are not perfect, nor do they have anything close to perfect integrity. God does.
NOAH'S DELUGE:
What's hard to understand about this? There used to be a vapor canopy in the earth's atmosphere, in a similiar layout to o-zone. One day, a cataclysmic event happened, and the canopy came crashing down. Uh oh, a flood. This is no more unscientific than an earthquake or tornado.
A SOLID DOME OVER THE SKY:
Since the Bible does not teach this, what can I say?
EARTH SUPPORTED BY A FOUNDATION:
Nope. Just the opposite. While science used to teach that the earth was held up by Atlas, or an Elephant, or turtles, etc, the Bible has always been proclaiming the the earth hangs on nothing:
"He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing." Job 26:7
The word "foundation" only appears in the Bible about 84 times. 21 of those times, the words 'earth' and foundation' are in the same verse. When refering to the foundation of the earth, the Bible says:
"Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding." Job 38:4
When you build a house, you first put in a foundation, then build the house. Does this mean that the house is supported ONLY by the foundation, and nothing else? Does it float around in outer space on nothing but it's foundation? Of course not. The foundation is built in the earth. When a person says "I built my house on a strong foundation", there is no need for them to mention "and this strong foundation was built here on earth". That is obvious.
You are reading things into the Bible that are not there. Does the Bible really say that the earth is supported by a foundation? No. It simply says that when the Lord created the earth, he laid out a foundation. Just like building a house. The earth's foundation is the earth's core, and up, - to the surface of the ground.
NOTE: the words 'foundation', 'earth', and 'support' appear NO WHERE in the Bible in the same verse.
ANSWER: The Bible teaches in various places to look around, creation itself proclaims God. That is absolutly correct. Science has NEVER been able to contradict this. Evolution has been disproven. There is no proof whatsoever for the Big Bang Theory, and as for the Seed theory, not one iota of solid evidence. Yet, evidence is all around us, proving creation. For example, the human eye. Amazingly complex. Could not have happened via evolution.
Evolution teaches that the eye first developed from a freckle. The freckle then became sensitive to light, then started being able to see. That is almost as absurd as the evolution teaching that we all evolved from a rock (premordial soup)!
Yet, archeology is constantly unearthing artifacts that mesh perfectly with the Biblical account. Flood deposits are found all over the world, which could only have happened from a flood of great catastrophy, - the great flood of Noah.
The raised beachlines by the Red Sea bear witness to the separating of the Red Sea durring the exodus.
There are heaps of evidence proving the biblical account of creation (such as other ancient writings, like the Babylonian creation story), and not one iota showing otherwise. Just because you can turn on the Discovery channel any night of the week, and hear them talking about what occured millions of years ago, as though it was fact, does not change the fact that it cannot be proven that the earth is older than 6,000-10,000 years. Adam was created mature, and so was the universe. This is why many scientific readings point to the earth seemily being older than it actually is.
You better take a look at your resources of information, they're obviously flawed.
1. Where is the justice in punishing us for Adam's sin? The Bible itself says that children will not be punished for the parents' sins (Deuteronomy 24:16). Furthermore, if God really created Adam not knowing either good or evil (Genesis 3:22), how could such a harsh and enduring punishment as death for Adam and all his descendants possibly be just? Our secular courts are more just than God when they show mercy on people who cannot distinguish between right and wrong, such as children and the mentally handicapped. And why isn't this doctrine of original sin found anywhere in the Bible except in Paul's writings?
ANSWER: Alright, let's take this one by one.
YOU SAID: "Where is the justice in punishing us for Adam's sin?"
MY REPLY: There is none, and that's not what happened. When Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit, they contracted a spiritual disease. This "disease" is hereditary. But Glory be to God, there is a cure. The cure is found in Romans 10:9-10. I've been cured, and so can you.
YOU SAID: "Furthermore, if God really created Adam not knowing either good or evil (Genesis 3:22), how could such a harsh and enduring punishment as death for Adam and all his descendants possibly be just?"
MY REPLY: Well, I guess you could say that God was trying to 'save Adam from himself'. Quite merciful, if you ask me. Adam contracted a "disease" called sin, when he disobeyed God. This disease will progress, and get worse and worse, if not kept under strict, Godly check. Just as a person who contracts Aids eventually dies, so do people with this sin disease. If a person with Aids never died, then they'd eventually be in perpetual torture. Same with a sin diseased person. It just gets worse. If one administers the cure, found in Romans 10:9-10, then even though they still have some effects of the disease, they are eased of the 'pain and discomfort', and the disease left is really just after effects. Essentially, the person has gone into remission, and may have occasional slip ups, but nothing more.
Furthermore, what's wrong with the punishment being death? Who are you to decide that that is horrible? I find it merciful. If you're trying to say that the Creator of morals is immoral, then wouldn't that make you niave, to say the least?
YOU SAID: "how could such a harsh and enduring punishment as death for Adam and all his descendants possibly be just?"
MY REPLY: How could it not be? The wages for sin is death. Sin is sin to God. There are no varying degrees. No matter how you look at it, you are still worshipping yourself, instead of the one true holy God:
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23
"For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." James 2:10
YOU SAID: "Our secular courts are more just than God when they show mercy on people who cannot distinguish between right and wrong, such as children and the mentally handicapped."
MY REPLY: Of course. Earthly judges judge that which is carnal. God judges that which is in the heart, and what is spiritual. See Hebrews Hebrews 3:12; Hebrews 4:12, Romans 8, and Galatians 5.
YOU SAID: "And why isn't this doctrine of original sin found anywhere in the Bible except in Paul's writings? "
MY REPLY: It is. It's in Genesis 3, and James 2, for starters. It's in every book of the Bible, Old and New Testament.
ANSWER: On the contrary, this is quite just. It's the only way, and could only work if Jesus is God Himself, which He is. (1 Timothy 3:16, 1 John 5:7, John 1:1, etc.) Perfection demands perfection. That which is not perfect cannot survive being in the true, unaltered presence of God, hence, cannot fellowship with Him, or be where He is. Yet, God wants to fellowship with us:
"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9
So, since all are sinners, due to the "spiritually hereditary" sin disease, the only way for someone to appear in the presence of God, is to appear sinless. There is only one way to do that, and that is to have the covering of sinless blood. The only way to have that covering, is to plead the shed blood of Jesus. In order to do that, we must follow the clear instructions in Romans 10:9-10 while we're still here alive on this earth.
ANSWER: This is only possible with God. There is power in the blood. There is life in the blood:
"For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." Leviticus 17:11
Only sinless blood can take care of this. The only sinless blood is Christs/Gods.
Sinless blood is the covering of our sins. Forgiveness doesn't cover sins - they're still there, hence, still an eventual spiritual problem.
ANSWER: The Bible says when we pray, we are to pray in alignement with God's will, not our lusts, and covetousness. Jesus gives us a blue print for a prayer, when He gives us the Lord's Prayer, which says:
"Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." Matthew 6:9-13
Jesus said this is how we should pray. In the layout of the above prayer, we see that we are to praise God, ask our petitions, (in alignment with God's will), ask forgiveness if needed, and help, then give praise before closing.
What is the use of prayer? See the below:
-To worship and give God praise - Acts 16:25
-Do you see a therapist, or know someone who does? My therapist is God. - Isaiah 28:29
-Prayer is a tool to use in spiritual warfare (of which, my friend, you are indeed in the midst of) - Ephesians 6:10-18
-To give God thanks - "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Philippians 4:6
-Supplications "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;" 1 Timothy 2:1
-There are many more reasons to pray, and uses, but the most important is to confess to the Lord that you've accepted Him as Lord and Saviour, as laid out in John 3:16 and Romans 10:9-10.
The Bible says that whatever we ask in Jesus' name we will get, BUT only if it is in alignment with God's will. What's wrong with that? If we prayed that our neighbor die a tortorous death, should we get our prayer? NO!
ANSWER: Whoops, you've been reading the NIV again, haven't you. Jehovah's Witnesses don't believe in the trinity, so their Bible is twisted around, to support their beliefs. Their Bible serously strays away from what the ancient texts say. Unfortunatly, the NIV, and other modern translations are falling into the same boat. Yes, read the NIV, NASB, NWT (Jehovah's Witnesses New World Translation), and other modern translations, and you'll be confused as heck about the trinity. However, read the uncorrupted KJV, and you'll be 100% clear.
John 1:1 says of Jesus:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
Jesus is God's word in the flesh.
1 John 5:7 says:
"For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."
There is only one God, but there are three aspects of God, just as there are three aspects to us humans. We have a body, soul, and spirit, therefore, and in a smaller sense, we are all a trinity. God's trinity is God the Father (God), God the Spirit (Holy Spirit), and God the Son (God's Word made flesh). So, we have God the entity, God's spirit, and God's soul, which is His Word manefested in the Flesh as Jesus.
You can even see the role of the trinity in the creation, right in the first three verses of Genesis chapter 1:
"In the beginning God [ENTITY] created the heaven and the earth.
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God [SPIRIT] moved upon the face of the waters.
And God said [WORD], Let there be light: and there was light."
ANSWER: Well, I think a better question, is "why did God create us". The answer is found in Revelation 4:11:
"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."
Do you have any children? What will you say to them, if they ask "why did you have us? We are but a speck in this vast universe. Why care about us?"
Question is, why not?
ANSWER: Again, your source of information is obviously flawed. I suggest you quit following after the religion of Human Secularism, as promoted by the television, most school text books, and today's society, and look into for yourself. Read the (KJV) BIBLE! Look into archeology. It proves the Bible constantly. Irrefutable proof? Okay, for starters, go to http://www.GenuineProfit.com/proof.html , then, check out http://www.yfiles.com .
Irrefutable proof? Okay, what the heck. ;-) here's some for you:
I have written a book called Hidden Wisdom. In it, I provide amazing irrefutable proof. Below is an excerpt:
Chapter One
Hidden Wisdom
He found the glasses in the dresser drawer next to the bed in his motel room. He hesitated putting them on. There was a strange allure to those glasses. He brought them near to his face...
He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. -John 12:40
He hit his fist hard against the wall. He did not want to be blind anymore.
He put the glasses on: the glasses that make the blind see. Yet they weren't glasses, they were the sword of truth: the sword of the Spirit.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: -Eph. 6:17
Chapter Two
The Sword Of The Spirit
Thousands of ancient manuscripts have been found. These manuscripts contain the key to hidden wisdom. These ancient writings contain 66 books, which were written by more than 40 authors. Most of these writers did not know each other, nor did they even live in the same generation. Yet amazingly, these 66 books fit together into one big, inerrant, non-contradicting truth. Together they form the Sword Of The Spirit.
These 66 books are also known as scripture. How could these 40+ scripture writers know about the hidden wisdom, and how to write it?
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: -2 Tim. 3:16
These 66 books of the sword of truth divide into two covenants: The first covenant, and the second covenant.
The first covenant has been preserved, protected, and copied throughout thousands of years by a people called the Masorets. The Masorets were under strict rules when they copied the manuscripts. They were to say each letter aloud before they wrote it, and there had to be a certain amount of letters per line and per page. Each character of each finished page had to be counted. If the count was off by even one character, then the whole page would be discarded, and would have to be written all over again.
There are other texts of the first covenant kept throughout the years, such as the Septuagint. The Septuagint was not preserved and copied under the same guidelines as the Masoretic text, and was actually a translation of a Hebrew text into the Greek language.
The second covenant has also been accurately preserved throughout the years. There have been approximately 25,000 ancient manuscripts found. Approximately 5,000 of them are written in Greek, the original language of the 2nd Covenant. These approx. 5,000 ancient Greek manuscripts agree with each other 95%. The Textus Receptus, which is from the Byzantine texts, is what is in agreement with 95% of all 5,000 or so ancient manuscripts found. The remaining 5% are Alexandrian manuscripts, such as the Sianaticus and Vaticanus.
Imagine: Around 5,000 Greek manuscripts found! The only other ancient text with the most manuscripts is Homer's Iliad, and that only has 649 manuscripts. Ever heard of The Gallic Wars? Whoops! That's only based off of 10 ancient texts.
As for any of the other "sacred writings", such as the Book Of Mormon, the Koran, and others, none of them have anything close to the ancient manuscriptural qualities and quantities as does The Sword Of The Spirit. In fact, they don't even come close to even Homer's Iliad, which of course doesn't come even close to The Sword Of The Spirit.
The sword of the Spirit, which contains the key to hidden wisdom has been kept and preserved for thousands of years. This sword of truth has been translated into different languages, including English.
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
-Jesus Matt. 24:35
Chapter Three
The Sword Of The Spirit Teaches Many Scientific Truths That Science Has Just Discovered In The Last Couple Hundred Years
-Science used to teach that the earth is flat. Yet, since circa 740BC-680BC the Sword Of The Spirit has been teaching that the earth is round:
" It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:" Isa. 40:22
-For Years, science didn't know that the atmosphere has weight. Yet, The Sword Of The Spirit has been saying so since circa 2000BC.
"To make the weight for the winds; and he weigheth the waters by measure." Job 28:25
-Before Science discovered that there are paths in the seas, The Sword Of The Spirit has been saying so since circa 1020BC-970BC
"The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. " Psalm 8:8
-While science was teaching that the earth is being held on the back of an elephant, turtle, or man, The Sword Of The Spirit has been teaching that the earth hangs in outer space since circa 2000BC.
"He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing. " Job 26:7
[Notice that the above also talks about an empty space in the north. This has recently been discovered by science via the Hubble telescope.]
-Before science discovered the Second Law of Thermodynamics, The Sword Of The Spirit has been telling about it since circa 610BC-430BC
"Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.
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: " Psa. 102:25-26
-Before science ever knew what germs, bacteria, and quarenteen is, The Sword Of The Spirit has had it written since circa 1444BC
"All the days wherein the plague shall be in him he shall be defiled; he is unclean: he shall dwell alone; without the camp shall his habitation be." Lev. 13:46
-Before science ever knew what the hydrologic cycle is, or how it works, The Sword Of The Spirit has been explaining it since circa 977BC.
"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." Ecc. 1:7
-Before Science even understood the significance of blood, The Sword Of The Spirit has been saying that the life is in the blood, since circa 4004BC.
"For the life of the flesh is in the blood" Lev. 17:11a
-Long before Science discovered that the blood clots the best in a person's life when they are eight days old, The Sword Of The Spirit has been telling us this is so, since it's first covenant taught that all baby boys were to be circumcised on their eighth day of life.
"And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed." Gen 17:12
-Science used to teach that the only part that women played in child conception, was to carry the child. It was thought that if a man were to spill his seed in mud, it could also produce a baby, if the conditions were right. However, since circa 4004BC, The Sword Of The Spirit has been teaching that women too, have seed (ovum).
"And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." Gen. 3:15
-The Sword Of The Spirit also teaches that humans and animals have different types of flesh.
"All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds." 1 Cor. 15:39
-The sword of the Spirit also teaches an answer to something that is still baffling scientists. Scientists still can't figure out what keeps an atom together. According to all known laws of physics, the atom should fly apart, not stay together. The Sword Of The Spirit has the answer as to not only how the atom stays together, but how all things consist. The answer is contained in Col. 1:16-17:
"For by him [Jesus] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
And he is before all things, and by him all things consist."
While science is trying to convince people that we got here via evolution, The never wrong Sword Of The Spirit says about them:
"Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. " Rom. 1:22-23
There are much more scientific proofs in the sword of the Spirit, the above is just a tinysampling.
Chapter Four
The Sword Of The Spirit Is Historically Accurate.
Not only is this amazing, perfectly preserved Sword Of The Spirit scientifically accurate, it is also historically accurate.
The Sword Of The Spirit records many things of history, exactly as archeology has shown the events to happen...
Here are a few examples:
-The garden of Eden:
"And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.
The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone.
And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia.
And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates." Gen. 2:10-14
Archeological evidence points that the most likely site where Eden was, is 12 miles south of Ur, in a place called Eridu. Many ancient Babylonian texts also agree on this, as does the location that The Sword Of The Spirit gives.
-Noah's Ark
"And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat." Gen. 8:4
There is a huge mass in the mountains of Ararat, which fit the dimensions given by The Sword Of The Spirit of Noah's Ark. The only way to get to this thing, however, is on foot, and it is located in a very treacherous place. However, many photos have been taken of this object from airplanes flying over it. There has also been an expidition to it once, it which a wood sample was taken from the ark. It was dated to be about the same age as when the flood hit.
-The Separating Of The Red Sea:
"And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided" Ex. 14:21
The above says that the sea was held back by a wind. Raised beaches in the area of the Red Sea indicate that at one time, the sea used to extend further than it does now. When it did, it's possible that a steady wind could lower the level of the water, and create a land bridge. It's likely here that God, however, produced such an eastern wind, that the sea became walls on either side of the produced land bridge.
-The Falling Of The Walls Of Jericho:
"So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city." Josh. 6:20
An archeological dig in 1929-1936 discovered that the walls of Jericho did indeed fall down flat, as the above account says.
-Jonah And The Fish:
"Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights." Jo. 1:17
There is a Whale Shark which has a history of "accidentally" swallowing humans whole, and vomiting them up, still alive, later. This event has been recorded to have happened to several men.
-Jesus' Tomb:
"He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay." Matthew 28:6
Jesus' tomb is believed to be at the foot of the hill He was crucified on. A tomb has been found, which fits the description and location that The Sword Of The Spirit gives. Go visit that tomb, and you'll find that the body of Jesus is indeed no longer there.
-Jesus' Ascension:
"And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God." 1 Cor. 15:4-9
Many of those witnesses have written their account of this event. Much of text of these records are in existence today, and some of them are inerrantly recorded in the Sword Of The Spirit.
Chapter Five
The Sword Of The Spirit Has A Mathematical Checksum
In the late 1800's to the early 1900's there was a Russian Mathematician named Ivan Panin. Panin was not only a mathematician but an expert in many ancient languages, including Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. These are the languages that the sword of the Spirit were written in. All of these languages have something interesting in common: None of them have numbers. Instead, when someone wanted to write a number in these languages, they'd write the letter that had the numerical value of the number they wanted to express. Ivan Panin knew about this, as does anyone who understands these languages.
Panin started reading from the ancient manuscripts of the sword of the Spirit, and discovered something amazing. In the below report you will find a mathematical checksum that miraculously appears in the ancient manuscripts of the sword of the Spirit. This checksum has never been refuted, and has never been found in any other writing anywhere. (NOTE: This is not the Equal Letter Distancing Bible Code.)
THAT GOD,
THE CREATOR OF ALL THINGS,
DID (In Fact) WRITE THE 66 BOOKS
OF THE HOLY BIBLE.
SECTION 1
PREFACE
"Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain." I CORINTHIANS 3:18-20
This being the fourth printing of this report, we have modified the content by the addition of more information we have been able to develop through the past few years. You will now find the first phenomena that was discovered which "led" us to the full Bible discovery. We have also developed phenomena that shows that God selected the Books of the Books of the Bible, not man as claimed by many.
The original report was written solely as a "FACT SHEET" to be given to agnostic or atheist "intellectuals" by believers in the Lord Jesus Christ to literally show in the "scientific" methods of proof that the arguments they wish to make with believers are not with the believers, but are, IN FACT, with the AUTHOR of the BIBLE.GOD. It was designed to stop "attacks" on believers who believe on faith and do not have the "intellectual" ability to discuss matters with intellectuals who have pre suppositions that there is not (or there may not be) a God.
We have directed copies of the report to over 500 of the best known centers for agnostic or atheist beliefs, including universities or centers of learning conducted by Non-Christian organizations. We issued this challenge: "Disprove the report and its data OR produce any other text written by men as the scribes that will contain any of the same phenomena!" The ONLY condition we placed is that the phenomena MUST be from inherent factors of the language and not "contrived" by manipulation. By using a formula, the very word COMPUTER can be shown to have a value of 666, which is the number of the final ANTI-CHRIST; however, such methods are DESIGNED to produce the result and is not an "inherent" feature of the English language.
Although we have discovered a great deal more of different phenomena, we will concentrate on the Number SEVEN as this is the number attributed to God (created the earth in SEVEN days, etc). In this document, you will read of FACTS and PROOFS of God being the AUTHOR of the BIBLE. By using the same basic phenomena, based on the FACT that GOD "IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW" (Hebrews 13:8), you may make comparisons of other writings alleged to be God's Scripture.
THIS DOCUMENT IS NOT COPYRIGHTED. IF YOU WISH TO PRODUCE THIS DOCUMENT IN QUANTITY, WE ASK THAT YOU INDICATE OUR AUTHORSHIP, AND PROVIDE US WITH A COPY OF WHAT YOU PRINT FOR OUR FILES.
In this age, there seems to be many "intellectuals" both in the Christian community and outside it that disclaim the inspiration of the Bible by God. Denominations, sects and cults are coming into being on a daily basis that attempt to dehumanize Jesus or to humanize God, and in most cases attempt to make the Bible into GOD. No errors have been found by this organization, and all alleged errors have been shown, in context, to not exist upon careful investigation. In most cases, the believer has been confronted with the claim that "there is no scientific proof" of the Bible. the repeated under such conditions, and we invite such scrutiny. In addition, the sciences of archeology, astronomy, physics, Astro-physics or mathematics all have produced evidence of the correctness of the Bible even when the Bible was contradictory to the "known" science of a particular period of time.
We have discovered additional collaboration of our finding in the work of one, Dr.IvanPanin, who spent his life researching the veracity of God. The dedication of such a man is evident in the time consuming efforts expended by Dr.Panin. We deeply admire the effort and results of Dr.Panin, and dedicate this writing to his memory and to the Glory of our mutual Savior, Jesus Christ.
It should be mentioned that Dr. Panin issued much the same challenge we issued in our preface back in 1940. No one ever took up that challenge, and we still await the first challenge after three years ....
It is the hope and prayer that this document will be used to make it evident to a skeptic, whether they be "intellectual" or "agnostic" or "atheist" or a combination, that the God known in a personal relationship sense by those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior is the God of Nature, God of the Universe, and by proofs evident in this document, God of the Bible. We propose this "logic flow":
If GOD inspired the scriptures, then they cannot be anything other than the TRUTH.
If they are TRUTH then one of the TRUTHS is that JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY WAY BY WHICH ANY HUMAN MAY COME TO GOD, and:
God is the same-yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
God is the "I AM" of the Bible and did not exist in any form other than as GOD, is the ONLY GOD in existence, and HE DOES NOT PERMIT ANY OTHER GODS TO EXIST IN REALITY (Mankind seems to make gods out of anything they wish).
That ANY teachings that ADD or SUBTRACT from the 66 Books of the Bible are NOT OF GOD, THE AUTHOR of these 66 Books. Jesus Christ commanded that "Not one jot or tittle be added or removed" from the Scriptures until His coming again. Jesus and the angels at Pentecost clearly made it known that Jesus would return EXACTLY as he left BODILY and FROM THE HEAVENS!
SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE OF THE DIVINE INSPIRATION OF THE BIBLE
In discussing the matter of the evidences being presented in this report it is imperative that we provide an explanation of the inherent factors of the HEBREW, ARAMAIC and GREEK languages. These languages were unique in that they did not have a character or set of characters to represent numbers such as our present 1,2,3, etc.. Instead, the Hebrew language made use of the letters of the alphabet; so that the first letter of the alphabet stands for 1, the second for 2, the third for 3, etc., until the 11th letter represented 20, the twelfth letter 21, etc. through 800. (The Greek language also had this particular feature). Thus each letter has a numeric value. Thus each word can be given a value by adding the cumulative total value of each of its letters. Additionally, each character was assigned a PLACE value. If we were to apply the same factors to the English language by ignoring the fact that we have numerical characters we would do it like this:
PLACE VALUES
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 20 30 40 50 60
NUMERICAL VALUES
The difficulty in translating the Scriptures, due in part from these numeric methods, was also due to the fact that these languages did not have punctuation. Sentences were run together without spacing, commas, or any other basis of separation. In English this would be done in this manner:
SECTION 2
THISISASAMPLESENTENCEINTHEFORMFORGREEKARAMAICANDHEBREW
To break this down, we read the above sentence thus:
THIS IS A SAMPLE SENTENCE IN THE FORM FOR GREEK, ARAMAIC AND HEBREW.
Using the numeric factors of the languages, we note the chart above that the first ten letters PLACE values and NUMERIC values are the same. At the eleventh letter, the Numeric value of 100 is reached and then each letter would be increased by 100. In the Greek language, there are 22 characters. The last character would have a place value of 22, while the last character would have a numeric value of 400. To make an example of this in English, we would proceed thus:
THISISASAMPLESENTENCEWITHTHENUMBEROFKASHOWN
THIS IS A SAMPLE SENTENCE WITH THE NUMBER OF K A SHOWN
K = 11th letter with Numeric Value of 20 A = 1st letter with Numeric Value of 1 (or to say it where we can understand it)
THIS IS A SAMPLE SENTENCE WITH THE NUMBER OF 21 SHOWN
Now that we have explained the "difficulties" of these languages, we will now proceed with the "narration" of the first lead we received in our investigation to ascertain if there is any basis for "scientifically" proving the Bible.
COMPUTER VERIFICATION OF A MIRACLE
GENESIS 1:1 The Bible begins with "IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH." The number of words, in this one verse, in the original Hebrew (which was the language of the Old Testament) is SEVEN words.
These SEVEN words have 28 letters (4x7). These 28 letters are divided like this: The first three words (containing the subject and predicate of the sentence - "In the beginning God created".) have 14 letters (2x7); the last four words (containing the object of the sentence - "the heavens and the earth".) also have 14 letters (2x7). The last four words are thus subdivided: The fourth and fifth words (containing one object -"the heavens".) have SEVEN (1x7) letters; the sixth and SEVENTH words (containing the second object -"and the earth".) also have SEVEN (1x7) letters. In relation to the importance of the words, themselves, the 28 letters are thus divided: The three leading words, GOD the subject, heaven and earth the two objects, have 14 letters (2x7); the four words have also 14 (2x7).
The numeric value of the first, middle, and last letters of this sentence is 133 (19x7), while the numeric value of the first and last letters of all seven words in this verse is 1393 (199x7). The first and last letters of the first and last words have 497 (71x7); the remaining words (between the first and last) have 896 (2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 7). We break this amount down due to the factors being SEVEN and TWO taken as a factor SEVEN times. The three important nouns, God, heaven, earth, have 14 letters (2x7). The numeric value is 777 (111x7). The one verb, created has 203(29x7).
In this verse of only SEVEN words there are some repetitions. The untranslatable particle ETH occurs twice. The numeric value of these repetitions is 406 (58x7).
This whole sequence should be referenced through Hebrews 13:8 where it says that Jesus Christ is "the same yesterday, and today, and for ever" and where God, Himself answers Moses, in Exodus 3:14, that He is the "I AM", meaning that he was before all things and will be forever the same. We then conclude that:
If God is the same at all times and, by His own word, does not change, then the numeric phenomena, briefly shown above, should be a measure of whether God wrote the remainder of Genesis, or the Books of Exodus, or Jonah, or any other Old Testament, phrase or Book and
It would also hold true for the New Testament, even though the New Testament was written in Greek, the phenomena should hold true in IDENTICAL patterns. Finally,
We can also use the progressions of numerics as a test of other text that have been claimed as revelations from God. If the language of the ORIGINAL text is not Greek or Hebrew or Aramaic/Chaldean, then sufficient kinds of the numeric structures will be evident in as much as the language will permit. We ask that you take any of these text and test them against these structures. If they contain any multiple of the numerics shown here, we would like to have you communicate with us by directing a copy of the text, source of the text, and your name, address, and phone information.
Now, with this "key" provided us in Genesis 1:1, we proceeded to analyze the whole Bible. Keep in mind that there are in excess of three million words or twenty million characters in the 66 Books of the Bible. Also keep in mind that the "evidence" we are about to present would be null and void, in most cases, if EVEN ONE CHARACTER WERE DELETED, CHANGED OR ADDED!
"The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times." Psalms 12:6
The results of our complete Bible investigation and analysis is thus:
The NUMBER of WORDS in the VOCABULARY will divide evenly by SEVEN.
The NUMBER of WORDS that begin with a vowel will divide evenly by SEVEN.
The NUMBER of WORDS that begin with a consonant will divide evenly by SEVEN.
The NUMBER of WORDS that begin with each letter of the language's alphabet will divide evenly by SEVEN.
The NUMBER of WORDS that occur more than once will divide evenly by SEVEN.
The NUMBER of WORDS that occur in only one form will divide evenly by SEVEN.
The NUMBER of WORDS that occur in more than one form will divide evenly by SEVEN.
The NUMBER of WORDS that occur in more than one form will divide evenly by SEVEN.
The NUMBER of WORDS that are nouns will divide evenly by SEVEN (***).
The NUMBER of WORDS that are not nouns will divide evenly by SEVEN.
The NUMBER of LETTERS in the vocabulary will divide evenly by SEVEN.
The NUMBER of LETTERS that are vowels will divide evenly by SEVEN.
The NUMBER of LETTERS that are consonants will divide evenly by SEVEN.
The NUMBER of PROPER NAMES will divide evenly by SEVEN.
The NUMBER of MALE PROPER NAMES will divide evenly by SEVEN.
The NUMBER of FEMALE PROPER NAMES will divide evenly by SEVEN.
The TOTAL NUMERIC VALUE OF ALL THE WORDS will divide evenly by SEVEN.
The NUMERIC VALUE OF THE VARIOUS FORMS in which the words occur will divide evenly by SEVEN.
The NUMBER OF WORDS THAT ARE FOUND IN ONLY ONE BOOK OF THE BIBLE will divide evenly by SEVEN.
The NUMBER OF PROMISES FOUND in the BIBLE will divide evenly by SEVEN.
The NUMBER OF GENERATIONS FROM ABRAHAM TO JESUS CHRIST will divide evenly by SEVEN.
The NUMBER OF DISPENSATION OF PERIODS is SEVEN.
The BOOK OF REVELATION outlines SEVEN PLAGUES that will be made on the Earth and its Peoples.
SECTION 3
One of the above phenomena is succeeded by asterisks(*). The notation is made because we became unable to compute the mathematical probabilities OF THAT PHENOMENA (Note how many came after that one!!). We had to suspend our investigation until we could provide some basis of relating the probabilities with some term that could convey the extent of the matter. Upon conferring with the math department of Stanford University, we were advised that there is a term called a "Google" (some spelling is shown as "Gugle") which is ONE BILLION TO THE BILLIONTH POWER! A term of "GOOGLE PLEX," then is a "GOOGLE" amount of years can be referenced by stating that if we had a mountain the size of Mount Everest that was solid DIAMOND and we allowed a bird to come ONCE A YEAR and MAKE ONE PECK against this mountain, IT WOULD TAKE A GOOGLE NUMBER OF YEARS TO ERODE THAT MOUNTAIN TO SEA LEVEL!
We wish to restate the fact that if EVEN ONE CHARACTER was changed or ADDED or SUBTRACTED to the 66 Books, then most of the above results would not have been produced! To state that God is far above man in intelligence is so much an understatement that we even hesitate to make such a statement. However, there always seems to be someone that does not realize the extent of these proofs as shown.
Some of the proofs are truly unique; such as, the NUMBER OF MALE PROPER NAMES could not hold true UNLESS Moses is mentioned ONLY ONE TIME in the Book of Revelation!
The issue of the BIBLE BEING INCORRECT is put to rest by these proofs. God is shown to have dictated EACH AND EVERY CHARACTER of the Bible, and it is inconceivable that God can make an error.
The issue of CONSPIRACY is put to rest by showing that ONLY GOD could have put the characters together over fifteen hundred years, through three different languages, through use of several men from widely differing backgrounds. Some Epistles were written at a single sitting and within a matter of minutes. The number of hours it would have taken for even the writers that lived in the same time frame to get together and CONSPIRE to produce these harmonic features is beyond belief. It is to be noted that THE ONLY POSSIBLE WAY FOR THE WRITERS TO WRITE THEIR BOOKS AND HAVE THE PHENOMENA OF HAVING WORDS THAT ONLY THEY USED would have required that each and every one of the writers write their Book LAST!
TRANSLATIONS and BIBLES OF LESS THAN OR MORE THAN 66 BOOKS
Although the phenomena we discovered only occur in the original (please refer to this subject in the Book, EVIDENCE THAT DEMANDS A VERDICT by Josh McDowell, who explains the ability to have "original" Scriptures far better than we could), we feel it necessary to state that Translations DO NOT CONTAIN many of the phenomena. However, the doctrines of the Bible do hold consistent and should be the most important feature of any translation. The phenomena must occur in a natural feature of the language it was written in and translations simply are unable to maintain such phenomena.
An impressive feature, and one that caused us great difficulty, is that by the addition of the Apocryphal Books, the phenomena that occur in the Bible as a WHOLE is thwarted. Not one of the phenomena, such as Number of Proper Names, Number of Words in the Alphabet, etc. remains when these Books are considered, AND not one of these Books contains ANY phenomena of any ascertainable sort! It is our opinion that this clearly refutes any claim by any religion that these Books are from God. It is our contention that the fact that these Books do not contain even ONE of the phenomena is sufficient evidence that these Books should not be considered Scripture.
In as much as the "revisions" made by the Mormon Church or by Jehovah's Witnesses, we can only state that these changes eliminate the phenomena, again a basis for rejection of their claims on "correct" versions.
As we completed these investigations, we then focused our attention to the writings alleged to be "additional" Scriptures, such as the Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price, Koran, Doctrine and Covenants of the Mormon Church, Commandments of the Mormon Church, as well as writings from Christian Science, and many, many others.
SECTION 4
IN EACH AND EVERY CASE, THE ALLEGED "SCRIPTURES" FAILED ON EACH AND EVERY POSSIBLE PHENOMENA. We used the language that the claimed writings were written in and looked for phenomena that could be utilized by God within those languages. For English, we felt that phenomena of Number of Letters or Words in the Alphabet, Consonants and Vowels, Number of Proper Names, etc. could be found if from God. Any phenomena found was sporadic and not consistent, therefore not of God.
For us, and those who wish to accept such, we felt that this was sufficient proof that these religions claiming guidance from God, were, at best, being deceived by as good a counterfeit as man or Satan could devise.
In the claims of most non-Christian groups, one consistent statement is that the 66 Books of the Bible are either:
not correct,
or
not complete.
We feel that the issue of correctness is totally settled in our proofs and results. In as far as the number of Books being incorrect or incomplete, we look to the following:
COMPUTER ANALYSIS OF THE ORDER AND NUMBER OF BOOKS OF THE BIBLE
The original sequence of the Books of the Bible differ somewhat from the sequence that is presently found in the English Bible. The original(*) text had the following order:
1 - Genesis 23 - Zephaniah 45 - James
2 - Exodus 24 - Haggai 46 - I Peter
3 - Leviticus 25 - Zechariah 47 - II Peter
4 - Numbers 26 - Malachi 48 - I John
5 - Deuteronomy 27 - Psalms 49 - II John
6 - Joshua 28 - Proverbs 50 - III John
7 - Judges 29 - Job 51 - Jude
8 - I Samuel 30 - Song of Solomon 52 - Romans
9 - II Samuel 31 - Ruth 53 - I Corinthians
10 - I Kings 32 - Lamentations 54 - II Corinthians
11 - II Kings 33 - Ecclesiastes 55 - Galatians
12 - Isaiah 34 - Esther 56 - Ephesians
13 - Jeremiah 35 - Daniel 57 - Philippians
14 - Ezekiel 36 - Ezra 58 - Colossians
15 - Hosea 37 - Nehemiah 59 - I Thessalonians
16 - Joel 38 - I Chronicles 60 - II Thessalonians
17 - Amos 39 - II Chronicles 61 - Hebrews
18 - Obadiah 40 - Matthew 62 - I Timothy
19 - Jonah 41 - Mark 63 - II Timothy
20 - Micah 42 - Luke 64 - Titus
21 - Nahum 43 - John 65 - Philemon
22 - Habakkuk 44 - Acts 66 - Revelation
* Original means the Oldest or most original that were known to the world at this time.
Some of the Books assign themselves, with totally or in part to a particular scribe's name, while others are anonymous. The Books which reveal (in part or totally) the Scribe's identity are:
Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy ascribe themselves to Moses and are ascribed to Moses in other Books of the Bible.
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and the 12 minor Prophets ascribe themselves to the scribes whose name the Book bears.
Psalms is ascribed to David.
Proverbs and Song of Solomon ascribe themselves to Solomon.
Ecclesiastes ascribes itself only to the "Son of David" which most believe to be Solomon.
Daniel, Ezra and Nehemiah ascribe themselves to these respective scribes.
James, 1 and 2, Peter and Jude bear the names of their respective scribe.
Epistles of Paul ascribe themselves, with the exception of Hebrews, to Paul.
Revelation ascribes itself to John.
The anonymous Books, therefore are:
A - Genesis I - Chronicles, 1 and 2
B - Judges J - Matthew
C - Samuel, 1 and 2 K - Mark
D - Kings, 1 and 2 L - Luke
E - Job M - John
F - Ruth N - Acts
G - Lamentations O - John, 2 and 3
H - Esther P - Hebrews
Moses has 4, Solomon 3, Peter 3, Paul 13. The other identified scribes have one Book each.
Feature 1: The sum of the number of Books in the Bible is 66 (6x11).
Feature 2: The anonymous Books are 22 (2x11). The non anonymous Books are 44 (4x11).
Feature 3: Of these 44, 22 (2x11) belong to writers of more than one Book and 22 (2x11) belong to writers of only one Book.
Feature 4: The sum of the 66 numbers is 2,211 (201x11). We can divide the number of Books in this manner: the 22 Books of the writers of more than one Book have a sum of 946 (86x11), while the other 44 Books have a sum of 1,265 (115x11).
Feature 5: Of the 66 Books, 21 are Epistles and 45 are Non-Epistles. The names of the Epistles are James to Philemon and their numbers are 45 to 65. The sum of the 66 numbers is 2,211 (201x11) and this sum can be divided between Epistles and Non-Epistles. The Epistles have a sum of 1,155 (105x11) and the Non-Epistles have a sum of 1,056 (96x11).
Feature 6: Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea, Joel, David and Daniel are expressly quoted in the New Testament. The numbers of their respective Books are 2, 3, 4, 5, 12, 13, 15, 16, 27, and 35. The sum of these Books is 132 (12x11).
Feature 7: The Numeric Values of the Bible writer's names are:
Moses - 345 Isaiah - 401 Jeremiah - 271
Hosea - 381 Joel - 47 Amos - 176
Jonah - 71 Micah - 75 Nahum - 104
Zephaniah - 235 Zechariah- 242 Malachi - 101
Solomon - 375 Daniel - 95 Ezra - 278
James - 833 Haggai - 21 Peter - 755
Paul - 781 John 1 - 781 John 2 - 1069
Ezekiel - 156 Obadiah - 91 Habakkuk - 216
David - 14 Nehemiah - 113 Jude - 685
The sum of these Numeric Values is 7,931 and can also be expressed as (721x11), while the sum of the factors of 7, 11, and 103 is 121 (11x11).
There may be some that may claim that this could be accidental or by design. That the number of Books in the Bible should be a multiple of 11 could possibly be accidental. However, since only every 11th number is a multiple of 11, then THE CHANCE OF AN ACCIDENT IS 1 IN 11!
That this number can be divided between anonymous and non-anonymous Books in such manner as to be multiples of 11 could also be accidental. However, THE CHANCE IS 1 IN 11 TIMES 11 or ONE CHANCE IN 121!
That this number can be divided between the non anonymous by 11's among the authors of only one Book and those of more than one Book could also be accidental. However, the chance for it being accidental in ONE IN 11 TIMES 11 TIMES 11 or ONE CHANCE IN 1,331!
If we carry out the progressions through the eight occurrences proven above, we concede that each one could be accidental. However, the chance that all of them being so becomes ONE CHANCE IN 11 TO THE EIGHTH POWER or ONE IN 214,358,881!!!
SECTION 5
Using our pencil and a lot more paper, we find:
Feature 9: The sum of the Numeric Values of the 26 authors named as Biblical writers which was shown above as 7,931 (103x11x7) is a multiple of SEVEN as well as eleven.
Feature 10: The sum of the Numeric Values of the 26 writers (7,931) is a multiple of 11. Of this number, the 21 (3x7) writers of the Old Testament have a sum of 3,808 (544x7) and the New Testament writers have a sum of 4,123 (589x7).
Feature 11: The Old Testament writers have a sum of 3,808 and of this number, 2,933 (419x7) belong to the writers of the Law and the Prophets, from Moses to Malachi, and 1,190 (170x7) belong to the writers of the hagiography, from David to Nehemiah.
Feature 12: Seven of the 21 (3x7) Old Testament writers are expressly named in the New Testament; these are Moses, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Hosea, and Joel.
Feature 13: The sum of the Numeric Values of the Old Testament writers named in the New Testament is 1,554 (222x7).
Feature 14: The Numeric Value of Moses, who heads the list, and John, who closes it, is 345 and 1,069, respectively. The sum of these two numbers is 1,414 (202x7).
The Bible begins with the Hebrew word "beginning" and ends with the Greek word "saint." The Hebrew word occurs in the following Books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, 1Samuel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Amos, Micah, Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, Daniel, Nehemiah, and 2 Chronicles. The Greek word occurs in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, Jude, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, Philemon and Revelation. These Books total 42 (6x7). Take the number of these Books in the order of their respective place and the sum is 1,575 (225x7).
The possibility of these eight features of SEVEN and the eight features of ELEVEN occurring together is ONE IN 5,764,801 TIMES 214,358,881 or ONE IN ONE THOUSAND MILLION MILLIONS!!!
It would be IMPOSSIBLE, therefore to claim accident or conspiracy in the phenomena indicated. The above clearly demonstrates the design of:
THE NUMBER AND ORDER OF BOOKS AS RECEIVED. *feature-1*
THE PROPORTION BETWEEN ANONYMOUS AND NON-ANONYMOUS BOOKS. *feature-2*
THE PROPORTION BETWEEN BOOKS WRITTEN BY AN AUTHOR OF A SINGLE BOOK AND THOSE WRITTEN BY AUTHORS OF MORE THAN ONE BOOK. *features-3 & 4*
THE PROPORTION BETWEEN EPISTLE AND NON-EPISTLE BOOKS. *feature-5*
THE NUMBER OF OLD TESTAMENT WRITERS QUOTED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. *feature-6*
The Bible was written by some thirty different writers from many different walks of life over a period of fifteen hundred years between its first and last writers. If we assume that it was exclusively written by HUMAN hands, we cannot account for the mathematical phenomena demonstrated. If we assume that a SUPERIOR MATHEMATICAL MIND (The Mathematical Author of Nature) has planned these phenomena, it provides an immediate and rational explanation of these phenomena and others found in the Bible.
To give additional insight into the various types of phenomena that we found, the following should provide a greater depth of the way God had even the spoken words come from Him:
THE GENEALOGY OF OUR LORD JESUS
The genealogy of Jesus Christ as found in Matthew 1:1-17 consist of two main divisions: Verses 1-11 cover the period from Abraham, the father of Israel, to the Captivity, when Israel ceased being an independent people. Verses 12-17 cover the period from the Captivity to the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ.
LOOKING AT PART 1
The Vocabulary has 49 (7x7) words. Of these 49 words, 28 (4x7) begin with a vowel; and 21 (3x7) begin with a consonant. Seven (1x7) words end with a vowel and 42 (6x7) end with a consonant.
These 49 words consist of 266 (38x7 or 2x197) letters. Of these 266 letters, 140 (20x7 or 4x5x7 or 2x2x5x7) are vowels and 126 (18x7 or 2x9x7) are consonants. Of these 49 words, 35 (5x7) occur more than once in this passage while 14 (2x7) occur only once. Seven (1x7) occur in more than one form while 42 (6x7) occur in only one form. Of the 49 (7x7) words, 42 (6x7) ar nouns while 7 (1x7) are not nouns. Of these nouns, 35 (5x7) are proper names and 7 (1x7) are common nouns. Of the proper names, 28 (4x7) are male ancestors while 7 (1x7) are not male ancestors.
If we take a look at the Birth of Jesus in verses 18-25, we find the following:
The Number of words is 161 ........................ 23x7
Their Numeric Value is 93,394 ................. 13,342x7
The Number of Vocabulary is 77 .................... 11x7
The Numeric Value of the Vocabulary is 51,247 .. 7,321x7
There are six words found nowhere else but in Matthew:
Their Numeric Value is 5,005 ..................... 715x7
These six words have 56 letters .................... 8x7
The 161 words occur in 105 forms .................. 15x7
The Numeric Value of these forms is 65,429 ..... 9,347x7
In these 105 forms are 35 verbs .................... 5x7
There are 7 proper names ........................... 1x7
The number of letters in these proper names is 42... 6x7
One word EMMANUEL is used nowhere else in the New Testament and it has a Numeric Value of 644 ... 92x7
(add the figures 644 together for a sum of 14) ..... 2x7
The number forms exclusive to this passage by Matthew is 14 ................................... 2x7
Their Numeric Value is 8,715 ................... 1,245x7
BY CHANCE?
1 in 10 to the power of 169 or 1 followed by 169 zeros!!
LOOK AT THE WORDS OF THE ANGEL TO JOSEPH
The angel used 28 of the 77 vocabulary words .......... 4x7
The Numeric Value of all the angel's words is 21,042 ................................... 3,006x7
The angel used 35 forms ............................... 5x7
These 35 forms have 168 letters ...................... 24x7
The Numeric Value of these letters is 19,397 ...... 2,771x7
The angel did not use 49 vocabulary words ............. 7x7
The angel did not use 70 forms ....................... 10x7
The Chances of this being an accident or by human design is ONE in 206,000,000,000,000,000,000 (206 QUINTILLION- 21 digits).
OUR INTENT IN THIS REPORT
It is not the desire of this report to provide anything other than an insight into the immeasurable intelligence that produced the Bible. The same intelligence that produced the limitless stretches of space, that produced the smallest one cell creature, the same one that created it ALL, is the only source that could have produced the Bible as it presently stands.
We actively solicit any and all comments that may be made concerning this document and its results. Please direct any and all comments to SYSOP COMPUTERS FOR CHRIST.
Chapter Six
Revealing The Hidden Wisdom
-If you were to die right now, would you be certain that you would go to heaven?
-If you were to stand in front of God right now, and He asked you why He should let you in heaven, what would you answer?
A lot of people would say something like this..."well, I've done more good in my life, than bad, so I guess that means I get to go to heaven." Here's the problem in that answer:
God is perfection. He is holy and good. Something that is perfectly holy cannot be around something that has even a drop of unholyness in it. Why, you may ask... It's because if something with even a minute drop of sin were to come in the presence of some thing of holy perfection, then that thing that has the drop of sin would not be able to survive the perfect brightness, and beauty of that which is perfectly holy.
In other words, perfection demands perfection.
This presents a problem for the human race. There is, however, a resolution to that problem. Below you will see the path to eternal life:
All are sinners.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23
The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23
God gave His Son, such that those who believe in Him shall receive eternal life.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life". John 3:16
If you want eternal life in heaven, then simply follow the steps found in Romans 10:9-10.
"That if thou confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation". Romans 10:9-10
- We see above that every single one of us is a sinner.
- We also see that the wages for sin is death.
- But our Creator is all-loving, He loves you.
- He wants to spend eternity with us, with you.
The problem is, imperfection cannot be around Him, for He is perfection. And, since all are sinners, all would die because of their sins (imperfections). If this were to happen, God would not get to spend eternity with His creation as He wants.
Therefore, God sent His very own Son to die for us. His Son came to this earth, and had His hands and feet nailed to a cross for us, for you. And through His pain and death, we are saved, if we accept His gift. Jesus gave His life for us, such that if we accept His gift, we are washed clean of all our sins through His blood.
ALL of our sins.
If you would like to receive the gift of eternal life, you simply need to let God know that you accept His free gift of salvation. If you are ready to receive eternal life in heaven, then that's all you need to do, is pray a prayer similar to the following (you must believe this in your heart as you pray this, and after you pray this, confess your new beliefs to someone):
"Dear God, I admit that I am a sinner, and I want to be washed of my sins so that I can live forever with You. I acknowledge that Jesus is Lord, and I accept the free gift of salvation. Jesus died for my sins, and I am so very thankful. Amen."
Don't get it? Or need more clarification? Okay, then read the below:
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You Are Invited...
You are cordially invited to go to heaven when you die. If you accept this invitation, then please follow the instructions on the enclosed RSVP card.
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R.S.V.P. Card:
If you accept this invitation to go to heaven when you die, then please RSVP. In order to RSVP, simply read, believe, and confess the following:
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9-10
If you have accepted the truth of the above scriptures, then please pray a prayer similar to the following, (while believing it in your heart), then confess your beliefs to someone, then your RSVP will be received, and your place in heaven reserved: (Praying is simply talking to God, nothing more, nothing less. Simply close your eyes, and say the following prayer or similar out loud, or quietly to yourself. God will hear.)
Dear Lord,
Thank You so much for sending Your Son to pay for my sins. I accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, and I believe that Jesus died and rose from the dead. Thank You for Your free gift of salvation, I gladly accept it. Amen
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Directions:
In case you need directions, the map can be found in the Holy Bible.
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Important:
If you have received the gift of eternal life, and have accepted and RSVPed God's invitation to heaven, then please read His love letter to you. It's the Sword Of The Spirit, which is the revealer of Hidden Wisdom. The Sword Of The Spirit is nothing other than the Holy Bible.
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He became an Ant for you
One day, young Timmy was out taking a walk with his dad.
"Dad?" he said. "We need to warn those ants over there on the ant hill, about the tractor that is about to plow them over. We need to tell them to move out of the way, so that they don't die."
"Son," Timmy's dad said. "I don't think they'll understand us if we try to tell them."
Timmy then proceeded to try to tell the ants, but they paid no heed to him. Timmy yelled to them, motioned at them, and waved his hands in the air, to no avail.
Finally Timmy realized that the only way he could warn the ants, would be to become an ant himself.
This is what God has done for us. Have you heeded His warning?
The Electric Chair
One day, a very mean man was walking down the street. This very mean man was in a very foul mood. He came across an elderly lady laying in the street, who had fallen. This very mean man was annoyed that the elderly lady was in his way, so he killed her. He smiled at how that helped cheer him up.
Later, he was caught by the police, and convicted of murder. He was sentenced to the death penalty via the electric chair.
This very mean man's father wanted so desperately that the very mean man could get another chance in life. However, he could not, because 'the wages for sin is death'.
When it came to execution time, the very mean man was shocked, when he found that he was set free, instead of electrocuted. When he asked why this was, the guard answered, "someone died in your place".
"Who?" The mean man inquired.
"YOUR FATHER", came the reply.
We have all sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God. The wages of sin is death. Jesus died in our place, so that we wouldn't have to. Confess this with your mouth, and believe it in your heart, and you too, will be saved.
Which One Are You?
The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." Matthew 13:1-23
You have heard/read the 'word of the kingdom' in this book. So, where did the seeds land for you? I hope and pray that they landed in good, deep soil.
Chapter Seven
Which Bible (Sword Of The Spirit) Translation Is Best For You?
There are four main categories of types of Bible translations:
-Literal translation
-Paraphrase
-Dynamic Equivalence
-Complete Equivalence
A literal translation is just as it sounds: a literal , word for word translation from the ancient manuscripts.
Paraphrased translations are not literal. They are completely a thought for thought translation, and are usually done by only one person. The problems with paraphrasing is that you must put your faith and trust in the translator(s), in hopes that their paraphrase properly conveys the "thought" of the text. In essence you are reading someone's opinion of what the Bible means, when you read a paraphrase.
Dynamic Equivalence is when the Bible translators often paraphrased portions of the Bible, instead of translating them literally. The problem with dynamic equivalence is that you don't always know what portions are paraphrased, and which are literal. What's more, you end up putting faith and trust in the translators, and hope that where they paraphrased, they were correct in writing what the Bible really meant to say. Again, you are putting your trust in the translators opinion of what the Bible says, instead of what it really says.
Complete equivalence is similar to dynamic equivalence, except instead of paraphrasing sections, complete equivalence tries to preserve the correct information, but instead of translating literally it tries to translate into "good literary form". The dangers of complete equivalence is similar to those of dynamic equivalence. You are putting your trust in the translators, that they have not changed the correct meaning of the text while they re-write it into a "literary-like" form.
There are two main categories of ancient manuscripts that this book will discuss:
-The majority text-[Textus Receptus] (95% of the approx. 5,000 ancient Greek N.T. Bible manuscripts agree with the Textus Receptus, with the exception of spelling changes, and other minor differences.)
-and the Sinaiticus and Vaticanus (among some other Alexandrian manuscripts). These are the 5% of ancient Bible manuscripts that differ substantially from the 95% majority.
Remember, there are thousands of ancient manuscripts of the Bible. 95% are in agreement (with the exception of spelling variations and very minor changes.) The 5% that are in disagreement are the Vaticanus and Sianaticus, among some other Alexandrian manuscripts. These texts survived well through the years, because they were kept in the favorable climate of Alexandria Egypt. Two of the supposed oldest manuscripts are called the Vaticanus, and the Sinaiticus. Not only do the Vaticanus and the Sinaiticus have disagreements with 95% of the ancient texts, but they also have many disagreements with each other.
Furthermore, proof has been unearthed that the Textus Receptus, (instead of the Sianaticus and Vaticanus) is the oldest text, because of the quotes from them, from the church fathers, among other findings.
Therefore the Vaticanus and Sianaticus may have the supposed oldest manuscripts, but the Textus Receptus has the oldest text.
Finding Out Which Bible Translation Is Best For You
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer the following questions, and follow their given directions.
SECTION 1
1.-Would like to read a translation that is translated from the texts that agree with 95% of the approx. 5,000 ancient Greek manuscripts (the majority texts)?
2.-Would you rather read a literal translation instead of a dynamic equivalent, complete equivalent, or paraphrased translation? (Another way to put it, is wouldn't you rather read God's Word, instead of someone's paraphrase of God's Word?)
3.-Would you like to read a Bible that both children and adults can read (5.9 reading-grade-level) [A family Bible]?
If you answered 'yes' to the above questions, then go to section 5. If you answered 'no' to most, or all of the above questions, then go to section 2.
SECTION 2
1.-Would you like to read a translation that is translated from the minority texts, that disagree with 95% of the approx. 5,000 ancient Greek manuscripts?
2.-Would you rather read a dynamic equivalent translation instead of a full paraphrase, complete equivalence, or literal translation? (Another way to put it, is would you rather read someone's paraphrase (or "dynamic equivalent") of God's Word, instead of God's Word itself?)
3.-Would you like to read a Bible that is 8th grade reading level instead of the children friendly 5th grade reading level?
4.-Would you want to read a Bible that is approved of by many Jehovah's Witnesses and homosexuals?
If you answered 'yes' to the above questions, then go to section 6. If you answered 'no' to most, or all of the above questions, then go to section 3.
SECTION 3
1.-Would you like to read a translation that is translated from the minority texts, that disagree with 95% of the approx. 5,000 ancient Greek manuscripts?
2.-Would you rather read a complete equivalent translation instead of a paraphrase, literal translation, or dynamic equivalent translation?
3.-Would you like to read a Bible that is 6th grade reading level, instead of 8th or the children friendly 5th?
4.-Would you want to read a Bible that is approved of by many witches, occultists and new agers?
If you answered 'yes' to the above questions, then go to section 7. If you answered 'no' to most, or all of the above questions, then go to section 4.
SECTION 4
1.-Would you like to read a translation that is translated from the minority texts, that disagree with 95% of the approx. 5,000 ancient Greek manuscripts?
2.-Would you rather read a paraphrase instead of a literal, complete equivalent, or dynamic equivalent translation? (Another way to put it, is would you rather read someone's paraphrase, or opinion of God's Word, instead of God's Word itself?)
If you answered 'yes' to the above questions, then go to section 8. If you answered 'no' to the above questions, then please pick a section from sections 1-4 of which questions you've answered 'yes' to most of.
SECTION 5
If you answered 'yes' to the questions in Section 1, then the best Bible translation for you is the King James Version.
SECTION 6
If you answered 'yes' to the questions in section 2, then a good Bible translation for you is the New International Version.
SECTION 7
If you answered 'yes' to the questions in section 4, then the Best Bible translation for you is the New King James Version.
SECTION 8
If you answered 'yes' to the questions in section 4, then a good Bible translation for you is The Living Bible.
Which Translation Does The Author Of This Book Prefer?
The Bible translation that the author of this book prefers, is the King James Version. Some of my main reasons are as follows:
-It's Old Testament is translated from the Masoretic texts, of which have been carefully preserved by the Masorets.
-It's New Testament is translated from the Textus Receptus, which agrees with 95% of the approximately 5,000 ancient Greek New Testament manuscripts found so far.
-It is a literal translation, so I get to read God's Word, instead of someone's paraphrase, or interpretation of God's Word.
-Contrary to popular belief, it is the easiest translation to read. The King James Version's reading-grade-level is 5th grade. The New King James Version is 6th, and the New International Version is 8th. Some of the older archaic words may, at first, throw you, but soon become second nature after reading just the first book in the Bible. You will come to see the Old English language as a beautiful poetic language which allows the fullness of God's word to come shining through, and speak into your unique life. However, if you wish to get a list of the archaic words, and what they mean, you can order it from Chick Publications. Their web address and mailing address are in chapter 8.
-There are many more reasons why I prefer the King James Version, but that would become another book in itself.
For more information on Bible history, you can read the book called "An Understandable History Of The Bible" written by Samuel Gipp, for more information, see chapter 8.
I strongly urge you to read the above mentioned book. (Plus, it's quite entertaining.)
Chapter Eight
Some Free Books To Help You
FreeBibles.com 19190 Sonoma Hwy. Sonoma, CA 95476
And request a KJV or NIV Bible, and don't forget to send in 3 dollars with your request, for the shipping.
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To read the Bible for free online, go to http://www.BibleGateway.com
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Get a free book of the Gospel Of John written in the Logos21 version (translated from the majority texts, but not as accurate as the KJV.) This book also includes handy notes and information. This book is completely free. Shipping and handling is free as well. Order online at http://www.livingwater.org or from the following:
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Free book called "Can I Really Trust The Bible?" Free shipping as well.
(800) 598-7221
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Free Bible devotions mailed to you, free shipping also. (Also request their free catalogue, where you can order more free stuff.)
(800) 598-7221
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Get a free catalogue for great Christian comic books from http://www.chick.com or write to:
Chick Publications, PO Box 3500, Ontario, CA, 91761-1100
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Read "An Understandable History Of The Bible" by Samuel Gipp for free, online at:
http://www.chick.com/reading/books/157/157cont.asp
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Read lots of great Christian books for free, online at:
http://www.chick.com/reading
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Read lots of great Christian comic books for free online at:
http://www.chick.com
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If you have any Bible Questions, ask them anytime, at:
http://www.allexperts.com (go to the Christian Bible Study section)
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This book was written by Candy Brauer. To view her webpage, go to
and
Conclusion To This Book:
This book has shown you some of the abundant evidence proving the Bible is the Word of God.
If you are a Christian, then you can use the information in this book to show unbelievers.
If you are not a Christian, then I pray that this book will help lead you to Christ. None of the evidence in this book has ever been refuted.
So, you have two choices:
1.-You can continue to be brainwashed in the ways of the world.
Or
2.-You can read the Bible - proven to be the word of God - and find out the truth for yourself.
THE END
8. Why haven't the existing proofs of God's non-existence been refuted? Surely believers, who have the advantage of an indwelling Holy Spirit with an "infinite mind," cannot be stumped by "finite minds" of unbelievers working within the confining limitations of reason, can they?
ANSWER: It has. Evolution has been thoroughly refuted, for example. See:
http://www.chick.com/search/subject.idq?SubjectScope=%2F&Subject=Evolution&CiMaxRecordsPerPage=25&TemplateName=Results&CiSort=create%5Bd%5D&HTMLQueryForm=%2Fsearch%2F&Action=Search
on the net.
My question to you - How come no one can refute God's existence? ANSWER? They can't, because God does indeed exist.
ANSWER: Circular reasoning? Like evolution. You can tell the age of the bones by the layer of earth they're found in. How do you know the age of the layer of earth? By the bones found in it! hahaha. That one cracks me up every time. :-)
We've already went into prayer, and the reasons for it. You pray when you've received the gift of salvation, to give praise, to make supplication, etc.
Here's the trick. My friend, Pepper, who I mentioned earlier, who was healed... The night before her healing, we were praying for her. Would she have been healed the next day if 1)it wasn't God's will and 2) we didn't pray?
Obvioulsy God has given up some of His will. For the Bible says that it's God's will that everybody go to heaven, but not everybody will. So, here we have a paradox. We will get what we pray for, if what we pray for, is God's will.
Does that mean that if we didn't pray for it, it would not have happened, even if it's God's will? Sometimes yes. You see, to an extent, we have free will as well. This is why God does not force Himself on anyone. We all must choose God, of our own will.
EXAMPLE:
I'm taking a written test for whatever. I come across a question that I knew the answer to last night, but I can't remember it today, because I'm nervous. I pray to God that He'd take my nervousness away, and give me clarity of mind, so that I can remember the answer. He does. Would He have done this if I didn't pray? No. I received, because I asked. The Bible says "ask, and ye shall receive". However, what if I didn't study, and had no idea what any of the answers on the test was, and I prayed to God that he'd give me all the answers? Isn't that cheating? Does God teach us to cheat? No. So His answer to that prayer would be a "NO".
God's will is that we love others as we love ourselves. If we pray that a person who gave us a nasty look be cast down dead, will that prayer be fullfilled? No.
If each and every one of our prayers were answered, regardless of God's will or not, then there'd surely be heretics out there, using God as a tool to gain their selfish wants. "I want to fornicate with that married girl... I want that person over there to be struck by lightening, because they gave me a dirty look"... "I want that person to get a big zit on their nose, because they're prettier than me". etc...
ANSWER: If a Christian only loves eternal life, and not God, then they're not a Christian. Jesus said that you'll know them by their fruits, and that if you love God, you will keep His commands (by the way, there are two main commandments that all Christians are required to follow. 1)Love the Lord God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and 2) Love others as you love yourself. The Bible teaches us how to do these two things. IE, if someone who calls themself a Christian only loves eternal life, then they are Christian in name only, but not a real one.) Now, what's this mumbo jumbo about Christians and metaphysics? The dictionary defines Metaphysics as:
"metaphysic
Therefore, if one is a metaphysical Christian, then they are in actuality NOT a Christian, for they would not be bearing Christian fruits. A real Christain does not have to depend on luck, and does not have to gamble.
You, however, are quite metaphysical by definition. You don't know for a fact if you're going to heaven when you die, or even if there is a heaven. Therefore, there is a luck factor for you, whether you admit it or not. If you're "lucky", then something 'good' will happen when you die.
Furthermore, you're quite a gambler. Ever heard of Pascal's Wager? Here it is:
You have two main choices. One is a gamble, the other is not, it's win/win:
1.-You could take the stance that you don't know if there's a God, and if Christianity is true. You could follow other religions, or create your own, etc. The gamble? What if Christianity is right? Then you've lost the gamble. However, if Christianity is wrong, then you MAY win the gamble. Depends on if you were a "good" enough person.
2.-Or, you could take the stance the Christianity is true, and you can become a true, Bible believing born again Christian. The gamble? There is none. If Christianity is true, then you're going to heaven. If it's not, then you're still okay. You see, all other religions teach, in one way or another, that you get to heaven (or get good reincarnation Karma, or attain Nirvanah, etc.) via being a good person. So, if you followed the teachings of the Bible while you were alive, then you'd no doubt get into heaven for being a good person, or if there is no heaven, then you'd still win, because you'd at least have good karma, and would be reincarnated into a better life, or higher life form, or may even attain Nirvanah, etc.
As you can see, option 1 is a dangerous gamble. With option 2, there is no gamble, it's a win/win situation, regardless if Christianity is true or not.
So, it appears that you're the metaphysical one, not us true Christians. I don't have to depend on luck, nor do I have to gamble with eternity. I know, for 100% fact.
What is the meaning of life? Boy, how many times has that question gone unanswered. The answer? See below:
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." Ecclesiastes 12:13
"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." Revelation 4:11
The meaning of life? We were created to love and serve the Lord.
If you disagree with God, you're wrong.
ANSWER: Not only does the Old Testament agree that there is a soul/spirit that survives the body after death, but teaches it, just as the New Testament does:
OLD TESTAMENT
"Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it." Ecclesiastes 12:7 (this was written circa 977BC)
NEW TESTAMENT
"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.
For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.
Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
(or we walk by faith, not by sight:)
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 (this was written circa 60AD)
The Bible also mentions the body, soul, and spirit, sometimes in the same verse:
"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:23
1. How could Adam and Eve ever have sinned if God had actually created them perfect, even if they did have free will? If God created them imperfect, how could a perfect omnipotent being create anything imperfect?
ANSWER: God created Adam and Eve in His image. This means that they were not created as automatons, but had free will. He created them therefore, with the ability to follow Him, or not to. What good would it be, if God created us an automatons, programed to follow God, and to never stray from that program? Could we then really love God? No. Our love would not be authentic. BUT, God created us with the choice.
Same with Adam and Eve. They were created without iniquity, as Satan once was. However, they had free-will, which meant, they could stop fellowshipping with God, whenever they wanted. When Satan, and later, Adam and Eve choose to worship themselves, instead of the one true everloving God, they created iniquity within themselves.
God created Satan, Adam, and Eve without iniquity, but, since they had free will, they had the ability to create iniquity within themselves, through their desicions. This is what happened.
ANSWER: Evil exists in the world stricly because of Idolotry, and nothing esle:
"Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." John 8:44
The True, inerrant, non-contradiction truthful Bible teaches that the current god of this world is Satan:
"In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." 2 Corinthians 4:4
Satan is the father of lies. God is the father of truth. You can either worship God, via biblical Christianity, or you can follow Satan via not doing what the Bible says. You're either for God, or against Him; there is no middle ground:
"He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad." -Jesus Matthew 12:30
So, how does evil exist purely because of Idolotry? Well, first of all, what's the definition of idolotry? According to the dictionary, it is:
"idolatry
Under definition 2, we see the basis for the religion of evolution, Human Secularism, and all other false religions. Christianity is the only religion based off of truth, fact, and irrefutable evidence.
Now, as for definition 1... Worship of idols. What are idols:
"idol
OUCH! An idol, therefore, is anyting that one loves more than God. For most Human Secularists, their idol is themselves.
"Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools," Romans 1:22
Are you a fool? "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." Psalm 14:1a
For evolutionists,- well, their idol is specifically mentioned in the Bible:
"And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things." Romans 1:23
and
"Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen." Romans 1:25
ANSWER: What "the church" is probaby trying to tell you, is that God did not create evil directly. Here's an example:
You have a child. The child grows up, and has a child. Did you procreate your child's child? Of course not. However, your child's child would not have been in existance, without you having your child. So, indirecly, you procreated your grandchild. This is how God created evil.
He created Satan, who in the beginning had no iniquity in him, until Satan used his God given free will to become evil. So, God created Satan, who at the begining had no evil, but then Satan created evil within. God indirectly created evil.
However, you also have to see the context surrounding the word evil, when mentioned in the Bible. Often 'evil' just means negativity, punishment, anger, etc. At some points in the Bible, God is said to have those reactions to certain sins His people did.
ANSWER: Well, this is no flaw with the Bible, but a semi-flaw with some evangelical churches. (My church is evangelical, and does not explicitly teach this.) The churches that teach this, are partly wrong. The Bible teaches us that there are several causes for handicaps. Here are some of them:
"And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure." 2 Corinthians 12:7
Some people actually NEED a type of handicap, to keep them "humble". For example, my husband admits that if he didn't have a problem with his feet, he'd be more "I can do it" worldly oriented - the world would be more interesting, while God would have been less interesting. Have you ever seen documentaries, where the person was healed of an infirmity, only to turn out to be a total @~~ whole, when before, they were sweet as sugar? Their infirmity helped keep them humble. It was their "thorn in the flesh".
Sometimes people are handicapped so that they can be healed, to bring unbelievers to the saving faith:
"And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." John 9:1-3
Sometimes a person is given an infirmity because of sin:
"For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." Hebrews 12:6
Sometimes a person is handicapped because of a generational curse:
"The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation." Numbers 14:18
This is not a punishment on the son for something his father did, it is a spiritual disease. Not physically inherited, but spiritually, which can manifest as a physical malady.
And yes, sometimes infirmaties can be caused by demons/devils:
"For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep." 1 Corithians 11:29-30
"Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils." 1 Corinthians 10:21
Some of the causes of handicap have an allowance for the person to be healed. If the person's infirmity is caused by demonization/devilization or possesion/influence, or generational curse, or sometimes sin, then they can be healed, often via:
"Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:" James 5:14
ANSWER: You have to look at the context of the chapter. What is the strong delusion? Antichrist. The chatper says that antichrist will proclaim himself God, and that many will belive. Matthew 24 says that the delusion is so strong, that it almost fools real Christians as well. God is only sending this dilusion, in that he is letting Satan play this little game. It's a final part of separting the wheat and chaff (see Matthew 3:11-12).
6. Why is the Bible inconsistent on major theological issues such as the nature and existence of an afterlife, the efficacy of works of the Law with regard to salvation, and the distinction between soul and spirit?
ANSWER: It isn't at all. If you are finding inconsistancies, it's either because you are reading an inconsistant Bible, such as the NIV, or the likes, or you are not understanding the scripture. From what I've seen in your questions so far, you have fallen victim to both of the above.
7. Why does the evangelical church speak of absolute values when the Bible teaches situational ethics?
ANSWER: Why are you comparing man-made orginazations with the written word of God? The Bible defines a church as the Body of Christ. Each Christian is a different part of that body. Church is not a physical building, in the sense you are refering to it.
So, go with what the Bible says. If a church you go to, says to do something different than what the Bible says, then bring this to the attention of the Pastor. If the church continues to stray from the Bible, then find a different church. Foursquare churches tend to be pretty good churches to attend.
ANSWER: Because there is one truth, but many counterfeits. A good counterfeit is one that looks as much like the original as possible. For example, many counterfeits on money are so good, that only professionals can discern the counterfeit from the original. This same rule goes for religion as well. Biblical Christianity is the only way to God. "Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, the life. No one comes to the Father but by me." John 14:6.
However, many cults, such as Calvinism, spring up, from taking a few verses of scripture out of context, then twisting other scripture to prove their view.
Many, (if not most) official Catholics, by the way, are NOT Christians. They are a complete separate religion. Their religion is based off of the church's decisions, and they rely heavely on the disproven, unreliable appocraphyl books. Catholics do not believe in the preservation of God's word, and believe that in order for a person to know the "truth", they must join the Catholic Church.
Did you know that in the cult religion of Satanism, one must become a high degree Mason, and a Roman Catholic Priest, in order to attain the Satanic High Priesthood? This is partially because there are amazing similiarities in all of these religions. Study Classic Roman Catholism, High level Masonry, High level Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, High grade Wicca, and Satanism, and you'll start to see that they could all easily fall under the same religion heading. These, and many other cults, started with Nimrod, and his wife Semiramis, from Genesis 10, where Nimrod was proclaimed a "Mighty One".
So, where is the absolute truth? No other place here on earth, but the Bible itself. That's why it's so important to study the KJV Bible for yourself, and study it intently. Hide it in your heart, so when you see someone, an organization, or a church proclaiming something, you can see if it meshes with scripture. If it doesn't they are either in error, and need to be corrected, or they are a clever counterfeit. The Bible warns us about these counterfiets, and that they are consistantly getting worse. This is where we are on the prophetic calendar:
The Euro is now instated in the European Market, for example. Those who study their Bibles know this is a part of the final fullfillment of Daniel chapter 2.
ANSWERS: It does. In all aspects, the Bible explains itself.
Blemishes on the Church
Unbiblical and Inconsistent Practices of the Church
1.-Why does the church worship on Sunday, when the seventh day was established forever? There is no biblical support for Sunday worship; it is a tradition of the Catholic Church which Protestants accept.
ANSWER: I used to think this at first. In fact, I used to be a Seventh Day Adventist. I was taught that not only does the 7th day Saturday Sabbath rest supposed to still be kept, but that all of the 10 commandments were. When I asked about the parts of the New Testament where is says that the Old Testament law has been fullfilled, it was a school master to bring us to Christ, and is now aboloished for those who are dead to the law, and born again alive to God (John 3:16).... Anyhow, the answer I got, was that all the Old Testament law, except for the 10 commandments, have been abolished. However, I was never given any scripture to back this up. This is because there is no scripture that does back this up.
The Bible does say that if you break even one part of the law, you are guilty of breaking the whole law:
"For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." James 2:10
But, the Bible says that we are no longer under that law, but under the law of liberty:
"But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." James 1:25
"So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty." James 2:12
And, to my amazement, I found New Testament scripture that specifically says that even the 10 Commandments are abolished. We are no longer under the letter of that law either, just the spirit:
"Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?
Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.
For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
2 Corinthians 3
So, why are Christians no longer under the law, and not even the 10 Commandments? Because:
"Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?
For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter." Romans 7:1-6
So, the letter of the law says that we must worship God, and rest every Saturday. However, as the above scriptures prove, we are no longer under the letter of the law, but the spirit of the law. The spirit of the law is to set aside a day each week for God. Sunday's a good day, is it not?
Yes, the Sabbath rest is eternal. However, it was fullfilled in Jesus. Jesus is now the Sabbath rest for those who believe:
"For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:10-12
ANSWER: The New Testament does not teach that. Mark 16:16 says:
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."
Read it again. It does not say that we must be baptized as well. It says only those who don't believe are damned. The thief on the cross with Jesus got saved while he was dying on the cross. He didn't jump down off of the cross, and get baptized, then jump back on, yet he is saved.
The first part of Mark 16:16 says "he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved". Believing is what saves you, however, as James chapter 2 teaches, "faith without works is dead". So, Jesus commands in His Word that Christians get baptized. So, if you truely believe on Jesus, then you'd do what He says. The theif on the cross could not have gotten baptized. He didn't have a chance to.
The second part of Mark 16:16 says "but he that believeth not shall be damned"., It does NOT say "but he that believeth not, and is not baptized shall be damed".
Acts 2:28 says:
"Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance."
Yep. The context of the chapter points out that the way of life (eternal life) is via Jesus. Read a few verses further down in this same chapter, and you find what verse 28 is talking about:
"He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption." verse 31
Acts 2:41 says:
"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."
Yep. But notice that they only got baptized after they received the Gospel, and believed on it. Baptism is not a requirement for salvation. Only a commandment for Christians who love the Lord.
Acts 22:10 says:
"And I said, What shall I do, LORD? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do."
This happened right after Paul got saved. This is a commandment from the Lord, not a command on how to be saved.
Acts 9:6 says:
"And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do."
Again, this is not talking about how to be saved. This happened right after Paul got saved. It is a commandment to Paul from God.
Acts 22:16 says:
"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."
Again, this is not talking about how to get saved. It is talking about one of the duties of a Christian AFTER they get saved.
2 Corinthians 5:17 says:
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
This fits in perfectly with when Jesus was Himself saying how to be born again:
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." -Jesus -John 3:3-17
And, of course, this fits in perfectly with Romans 10:9-10, which says:
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
Romans 6:3-6 says:
"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin."
What is the context of this chapter? The context is clearly written for believers, who have already accepted Christ as Saviour. This is made clear with verse 1, which says:
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?"
Once you become a born again Christian, you are dead to sin, and alive to grace by Christ. Baptism is a physical showing of this spiritual death and resurection. This is partly why Christians are commanded to get baptized. It's an outward showing of their faith. That is all that this chapter is pointing out. Again, baptism is a command to people who are ALREADY saved. NOT instructions on how to be saved. Please, read these in context with the surrounding verses and chapters.
ANSWER: First of all, Proverbs 31:6-7 does not "promote drunkeness". You are again taking scripture out of context. Proverbs 31:6-7 says:
"Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more."
Lets requote the above, with a few verses preceeding it, included:
"It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more." Proverbs 31:4-7
Clearly the context is to NOT drink, except for those who are sick unto death, and are depressed about it, and having a hard emotional time. Then, liqour is used medicinally, even if it is only for a "happy drink" for the terminally ill. What's wrong with that?
As to why churches condemn any alcohol, those are usually cults, such as Seventh Day Adventists, Mormons, and Jehovah's witnesses.
Here's what the Word of God says:
"And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;" Ephesians 5:18
Notice the above does not say "thou shalt drink no liquor". It simply states not to get drunk.
"It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak." Romans 14:21
So, again, the above does not say "thou shalt have no liquor". It only says that if you drink wine, and it makes a fellow Christian drink some, to the point of getting drunk, then don't do that.
"Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities." 1 Timothy 5:23
See, the Bible actually says it's good to have a little bit of wine. Just as science is now just starting to realize the health benefits of the occasional drink of wine.
So, it's okay, according to the inerrant Word of God, to drink alcohol. Just don't do it in excess, which leads to drunkeness. Why aren't Christians to get drunk? See the below for the clear answer, straight from the non-contradicting written Word of God:
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" 1 Peter 5:8
Yikes! That's good enough reason for me to not get drunk.
ANSWER: Well, as I said in an earlier answer, don't do what 'churches' say, do what GOD says. However, some of the above mentioned things are good for Christians to do, if they feel it will help them with their walk with God, however they don't have to, as it is not in the Bible. It's just something that some people do, which help them. Nothing wrong with this, just as long as the person doesn't put their groups and journeling above their personal Bible reading time, of which the Bible does say to do.
However, "having a personal relationship with Christ" IS in the Bible:
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20.
Obviously, if your supping with Him, you must be having a personal relationship with him.
"And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." Romans 8:10
Obviously, if Christ is in me, I must be having a personal relationship with Him.
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.: Isaiah 9:6
If Christ is a wonderful counselor, then those who are born again have the greatest therapist in the world. That sounds like a personal relationship with me.
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:9-10
That's about as personal as it gets.
"And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." 1 John 5:15
Yep, I have such a personal relationship with Christ, I can even ask Him for things. (Usually I get them too. :-) )
Sounds like the Bible talks of a personal relationship with Christ after all.
The dictionary defines relationship as:
"The condition or fact of being related; connection or association."
Okay, the Bible definatly speaks of that with Jesus.
The dictionary defines personal as:
"Of or relating to a particular person; private: "Like their personal lives, women's history is fragmented, interrupted" (Elizabeth Janeway). "
Well, since God knows what's in my heart, I'd have to say that that is definatly personal.
Conclusion? The Bible constantly speaks of a personal relationship with Christ. Even in the Old Testament. Praise God! :-)
ANSWER: It does, in the very chapter you mentioned above:
"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Who is Paul talking to?:
"...unto the church of God which is at Corinth..." 2 Corinthians 1:1
So, if Paul is telling the church "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." , sounds to me like he's saying to tithe.
Furthermore, even if the Bible didn't say to be a cheerful giver, tithing to the church is still a logical way to go. How do you think the church makes it bill payments? I don't know about you, but I'm glad to give some money to my church, to help keep it going and pay for a full time person to run the sermons, and care for the church.
ANSWER: Okay, let's go through these one by one:
YOU SAID: "Why do some churches ignore controversial teachings in the Bible, such as..."
MY REPLY: Again, that's what you have the Bible for. To discern if what people say it says is true or not. It's your responsibility to learn this stuff.
YOU SAID: "speaking in tongues"
MY REPLY: "Different churches have different views. Some churches are biblically correct, some are not. Here's what the Bible says:
"And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my [Jesus] name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;" Mark 16:17
So, tongues are a sign that Christians have. However, not all Christians do, as we'll see in later scripture.
"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under
heaven.
Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?" Acts 2:1-8
The above shows how tongues are used as a sign. In this case, they were able to speak in languages that they didn't even know. Some missionaries have also experienced this phenomina.
"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. " Acts 10:44-46a
Again, tongues used for a sign for unbelievers.
"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ." 1 Corinthians 12:1-12
So, some people do not have the gift of tongues.
Are their other uses of tongues besides for a sign to unbelievers?
"Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?" 1 Corinthians 14:6
So, tongues can also be to proclaim a revelation, word of knowledge, prophecy, or doctrine.
However, with these two types of tongues, both have something very similiar in common. With tongues as a sign, the people speaking in tongues speaks in foreign languages, that others can understand.
With tongues for prophecy, etc, the person should only speak in these tongues, if there is someone there who can interpret what that person is saying. Else, the tongue speaker should do it quietly, as a spiritual conversation between him and God:
"If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God." 1 Corinthians 14:27-28
YOU SAID: "baptism for the dead"
MY REPLY: There is only one place where the Bible talks about baptism for the dead, and that's in 1 Corinthians 15:29, where it says "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?" 1 Corinthians 15:29 is not saying that you should get baptized for the dead. From other scriptures, it is gathered that that would be useless. You need to use a bit of exegeses and hermeneutics to grasp the meaning of this verse.
The people of Corinth were teaching the false cultic teaching of getting baptized for the dead. They were teaching the heresy that if a loved one dies without accepting God, then you could get baptized, on their behalf, and save them. There are many problems with that doctrine.
First of all, if the Corinthians were really reading the scriptures, then they'd know that baptism doesn't save you. Second of all the scripture teach that once a person dies, there's no way to save them, if they weren't saved already.
Here's the funny part: The context of 1 Corinthians 15, is that some of the people in Corinth were teaching the heresy that there is no resurection. They were becomming somewhat like the Jewish Saducees. That's funny. Paul is making a kind of joke. He's basically saying "okay, so you believe that there is no resurection of the dead, yet you are baptizing yourself for them. What, is this just in case?"
So, as you should now be able to see, 1 Corinthians 15:29 does not condone baptism for the dead. This is a cult teaching, common in many cults, of which I think Morminism does as well.
YOU SAID: "the requirement for women to wear head coverings".
MY REPLY: That's because the Bible does not say this. About head covering, it says:
"But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered." 1 Corinthians 11:6
A lot of people freak out, and stop reading here. That's a mistake. You need to keep reading to find out the 'answer' to the above 'riddle':
"Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering." 1 Corinthians 11:13-15
You see, in the Old Testament, women were supposed to cover their heads, but under the New Covenant, a woman's hair is her head covering.
YOU SAID: "[women] and to remain silent"
MY REPLY: The scripture you are referring to here, is 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, which says:
"Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.
And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church."
By itself, it looks pretty scary. But you need to read the whole chapter to understand it. Then, you find out that the topic of the whole chapter is speaking in tongues vs prophecying, and that it's more edifying to prophecy, than to speak in tongues.
Hermeneutically, the women of Corinth, were more known to interupt church service with speaking in loud tongues, than were the men. So, to make sure that the point of not interupting church with loud speaking in tounges with no interpreter, was for women as well, it specifically said so, in 1 Corinthians 11:13-15.
That's not the only problem the Corinth women had. They were also known to just yap durring church. Many of them would constantly ask their husbands "what does pastor mean by that?" etc. This was disruptive to the church, so women were to keep their yapping for when they got home.
That's all the above scripture means, although some cults take it way out of context, such as YNCA (Yahweh's New Covenant Association).
YOU SAID: "the identification of the "sons of God" in Genesis 6"
MY REPLY: Yes, this is unfortunate, but many churches don't feel comfortable getting into demononology/devilology in sunday services. However, some churches do hold classes that teach this.
Now, just some clarification for you, about who the Sons of God are:
Genesis 6:2 says:
"That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose."
Where did these sons of God come from?:
"And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire." Jude 1:6-7
"For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;" 2 Peter 2:4
The Sons of God of Genesis 6:2 were nothing other but fallen angels. These are the 1/3 angels that sided with Lucifer in the war in heaven:
"And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: " Revelation 12:3-4a
These fallen angels are refered to as 'evil angels', and are what I believe to be what we now refer to as devils/demons.
"He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them." Psalm 78:49
YOU SAID: "the necessity of poverty in order to follow Jesus (Luke 14:33)"
MY REPLY: Luke 14:33 says:
"So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple."
Out of context, I could see how you could arrive at that conclusion. But, read the whole chapter, and you find out what the context is, and you find that Luke 14:33 does not mean one must become poor to follow Jesus. Luke chapter 14 is simply saying to hold Jesus at the top of your list. In the parables mentioned in that chapter, people are giving all sorts of excuses to deny Jesus, such as: "I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused."
Who was that person's god? Obviously it was the oxen, not Jesus. That's why Jesus stated that if you don't forsake everything you have, you cannot be His disciple.
Definition of forsake:
"forsake \For*sake"\, v. t. [imp. Forsook; p. p. Forsaken; p. pr. & vb. n. Forsaking.] [AS. forsacan to oppose, refuse; for- + sacan to contend, strive; akin to Goth. sakan. See For-, and Sake.] 1. To quit or leave entirely; to desert; to abandon; to depart or withdraw from; to leave; as, false friends and flatterers forsake us in adversity.
If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments. --Ps. lxxxix. 30.
2. To renounce; to reject; to refuse.
If you forsake the offer of their love. --Shak.
Syn: To abandon; quit; desert; fail; relinquish; give up; renounce; reject. See Abandon."
The context of Luke 14 shows the word forsake to fall under the 2nd dictionary definition, which states "To renounce; to reject, to refuse." So, if it ever comes down to a choice of your pleasant life, or Jesus, then choose Jesus. Jesus must be the top of your list, else you're comitting idolotry.
YOU SAID: "Doesn't the Holy Spirit reveal the true meaning of these passages to believers? If so, why do sincere believers come to opposite conclusions on their own, and why aren't they able to come to agreement when they dialog with each other? Surely, Jesus is with them to guide them when two or three are gathered together in his name, isn't he, even if they misapprehended the Spirit's guidance when they were on their own?"
MY REPLY: First of all, there are many people out there who claim to be Christians, but do not have the Holy Spirit, which means they are Christians in name only, not in word, or deed:
"Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." 1 Corinthians 12:3
Most Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses, for example, do not pass the above test. They'll call Jesus the Son of God, or 'a' Son of God, but they will not call Him Lord.
Another reason for divisions, is because of the famine of the end days, which is getting worse, as the end draws near:
"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:" Amos 8:11
The famine is so far hitting us from 2 different angles:
1) corrupted Bible versions, which contain mistakes, thousands of ommisions, and contradictions, such as the NIV, and other modern Bible versions.
and
2) many people just plain aren't reading the Bible. At the most, they're taking man's word for it, instead of checking it out themselves, in God's word (KJV).
ANSWER: Bible believing Christians don't resort to divination. They know it's condemned in the Bible. In Acts chapter 16, we find confirmation that there is indeed a spirit of divination, and it's a demon/devil that can be cast out. So, in order for a Christian to resort to divinity, they'd be actually inviting demons/devils into their body. I'm a Bible believing Christian. I do not resort to divination, or "looking for guidance or doors of circumstance to open or close". That's just it. The Holy Spirit does dwell in me, so I don't have to look for those demonic/devilish doors.
The Holy Spirit that indwells me from God gives me guidance every day, in everything I do. Unfortunatly, sometimes my flesh tries to override it, but the more I grow as a Christian, the more I am able to walk in the spirit, and not in the flesh. See Romans 8, and Galatians 5 to see what I'm talking about.
According to Galatians 5, the fruits of the flesh are:
Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like.
[Divinations is a part of idolatry, witchcraft, etc.]
According to Galatians 5, the fruits of the Spirit is:
love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
The above mentions nothing of divination. Friend, if you know someone who calls themself a Christian, yet utilizes divination, you need to immediatly point them to Galatians 5.
NOTE: Definition of divination:
"The art or act of foretelling future events or revealing occult knowledge by means of augury or an alleged supernatural agency."
Definatly NOT a Christian fruit.
ANSWER: Single Christians often pray that God would bring the correct person into their life to marry. For me, my husband was brought into my life, before I became a Christian. So there was no praying involved for me.
There is nothing wrong with a Christian praying that God would set them up with a good, godly mate.
Now, some Christians think they may have the gift of singleness, so they don't know if they are to get married, or not. They really don't want to, but are still open to the possibility. These are the types of Christians that are usually praying to God about whether or not they should marry someone. God is our counselor. We Christians pray to Him for counsel, including about marriage, if we are confused.
ANSWER: God' revealed plan is not a one world government, it's heaven on earth. (Revelation 21) Before this happens, however, it is prophecied that this world will try again to form a one world government, just as was done at the Tower of Babel. A one world government would eventually lead to a one world religion, as it did with the tower of Babel. Unfortunatly, a one world government will only be acurate, when the one running it, is God Himself. He will do this, as prophecied in Revelation 21 with New Jerusalem. Friend, this is a heavenly city that will come down from heaven. It is being built in heaven right now, as I write this. It will be heaven on earth.
According to the book that has never been wrong - the Bible, There are 7 major world powers that will take place before the end. 6 of these world powers have already been, and the 7th, which is the foot of the statue prophecied in Daniel 2 is happening RIGHT NOW.
According to the Bible, the 7 world powers are:
-Egypt
-Assyria
-Babylon
-Medes and Persians
-Greeks
-Rome (this was at the time of Christ)
-Revived Rome (The European Union has been established,the next step is the get a common currency - the Euro was established as of January 1, 2002.)
Revived Rome is going to become a sort of One-World government, however there will still be a few countries that will be somewhat against it.
The symbol for Revived Rome, is a woman riding a beast over a body of water, as prophecied in Revelation 17.
Well, the European Union, which is Revived Rome emerging, has the same symbol!...
Now, you know what the government is currently doing when you buy a dog from the pound? They're often putting a small chip under their skin, the size of a grain of rice, so that the dog can be tracked. This is a pretype of the MARK OF THE BEAST.
Visa, and Mastercard, and other credit card technology now have a smart chip in it. This is a step closer to the Smart Card, that president Clinton was trying to bring out. This smart card will be an id, credit card, and record about the person all in one card.
The smart card is the stepping stone to the mark of the beast. The government will deem it more practical for the smart card chip to be in the hand or forehead, because it will be more convient. IBM may help bring this to a reality.
Have you seen some of the IBM commercials on TV? There is a man in a long black trench coat, and he is shopping in a grocery store. He is picking up what he wants, and putting the items direcly into his trench coat. It looks like he's shop lifting. Then, without going to any sort of check out line, he heads for the door. As he walks towards the door, he walks by a type of machine. There is a flash of light. The guy continues to walk to the exit door. A security guard stops him, and tells him he forgot his receipt.
IBM then narrates that this technology is comming soon. IBM is working on it, and hopes to bring it out. Viola, the mark of the beast. The final currency of the Revived Roman Empire, the emerging final world power, and world government. This is why many Christians and churches speak out against one world governments. Not that we can stop it, but that we need to warn people.
Christians are instructed in Revelation, to NOT take this mark of the beast. However, people will not be able to buy or sell without it. Everyone who takes the mark, will advertantly, (or possibly inadvertantly) be worshipping the beast. This will be the untimate, unforgivable sin in the upcomming 7 year tribulation. Tribuation starts when the middle east 7 year peace treaty is signed. It's just around the corner now.
1.-Why is the evangelical church subject to the same social movements as the rest of society? If the church is headed by the living Christ, shouldn't the institution be a steady keel in a stormy sea?
ANSWER: Depends on what social movements you mean. You see, the Bible says that no one is in authority (such as presidents) unless God allows it. The Bible also teaches that we are to follow the laws of the land, except where they violate God's law. The highest law there is. (I'm not talking about the Old Testament Levitical, Mosaic, and 10 Commandment laws. I am refering to the law of Grace, and Jesus' commands in the New Testament.)
We are to be good law abiding people, showing a good example to unbelievers. Jesus teaches us to be a light to the world, not to hide our light under a bushel.
P.S. The true Church of God IS a "steady keel in a stormy sea". Glory be to God for that. Furthermore, the Bible teaches that God will not allows us to be tempted above what we are able to handle. He always makes sure there is a way out for us. See 1 Corinthians 10:13.
ANSWER: The church claims leadership in these reforms, because that is correct. You need to study history. Want proof? For starters, I dare you to study the information from:
http://ssl.catalog.com/~wall/et_toc.1.htm
ANSWER: Friend, sounds like you need to go to a good, Bible believing church. Judging by some of your other questions, sounds like some of the churches you've attended were actually cults. Some good nation-wide, and often international churches are Foursquare Churches, and Christian Life Centers. Some Baptist churches are good as well, however I steer clear from any specifically denominational churches, since they tend to stray from the Bible more than non-denominational ones.
For years, my church was Saturday night worship and Bible study with close friends. Sometimes I still miss those days, but God has given us each assigments, of which we are glad to fullfill. Part of my "assignment" was to quit my cushy job at IBM, and me and my husband to move to a little town, and make money by running a computer repair shop. So, we did this, while I was 8.5 months pregnant with my little boy. We left everything, and started over.
Now, I run two businesses, do volenteer work, am a Sunday School teacher for 5th and 6th graders, and will have my 5 bedroom house paid off in 14 months. Wonder what else God has in store for me? :-)
Now, as for churches having different age group classes for children, I think it's a good idea. This is a good way to be able to work with each individual child, and answer their questions about God.
As for the church propigating 'self help', none of the churches I've ever attended does this. Maybe this is because I'm non-denominational. I know some "Christian" denominations are now allowing homosexuals to be their pastors. This is undoubtedly a BIG biblical no no. Many denominations, which used to be great a couple decades ago, are slowly giving into the false liberal religion of Human Secularism, and are slowly reaching cult status. All of this is prophecied in the Bible. Bible believers know what's going on, and how to discern a true church from a counterfeit.
ANSWER: Again, you need to find a BIBLE BELIEVING church. My church has recently finished a study on the following books of the Bible:
Gospel of John
Book of Lamentations
and the Book of Revelation
We went through these books verse by verse, chapter by chapter. It was great. Yes, it's unfortunate that all churches don't do that. It's very edifying, and a blast. Don't judge True Christianity and real churches with cults and counterfeits.
1. Why has the church done so little good and so much harm in 2000 years, while science has demonstrated remarkable progress in only 500 years? Why is the period when the church dominated western history universally referred to as the Dark Ages, while the period of breaking away from church dogma is called the Enlightenment?
ANSWER: The "church" you are refering to here is the Catholic Church, not Christianity. Now, it's true, Christians have suffered severe persecution in the past, and still are in Muslim and communist countries today. But, if you are refering to the Inquisition, that was run by Catholics, not Christians, and certainly not Bible believing Christians.
The Burning Times, as Wiccans put it, like the Salem Witch trials were lead by false Christians, and MOSTLY Catholics. Real Christians were often burned at the stake right next to witches.
As for science progressing substancially in the past 500 years, guess what, the BIBLE SAYS THAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE LAST DAYS. All part of prophecy, my friend. You need to put down your corrupted NIV Bible, and pick up a KJV Bible, and read this stuff for yourself.
ANSWER: Really? I learned about the crusades and Inquisition from Christians. I learned NOTHING about this when I was going to a liberal public school. Through study, I learned that the crusades and Inquisition was lead mostly by Catholics. The Catholic church is NOT a Christian Bible believing church. See http://www.chick.com/reading/comics/0112/albertoindex.asp
3. Why does the church conceal and ignore and misrepresent legitimate criticisms and critics? If Christianity is undoubtedly true, why doesn't the church demonstrate it by refuting the whole body of skeptical literature in Sunday School classes? The church isn't trying to hide something is it? How can the church possibly maintain credibility when it is so blatantly partisan on the side of dogma, and obviously not dispassionately seeking truth wherever the evidence may lead.
ANSWER: There you go again. Taking a few renegade churches, and putting their lable on all churches, including the real Church of Christ. My church does not do this. As a Sunday School teacher, I can tell you this for a fact. Here's the layout of how each of my usual Sunday School lessons go:
1.-Collect offereings, prayer requests, take attendance.
2.-Have class read a chapter from the Gospel of John, or whatever current Bible book we're reading together in class.
3.-Have class listen to a skit from CD, about what today's lesson is going to be about.
4.-Go over today's lesson, which usually includes at least 2 full chapters from the Bible.
5.-Spiritual warfare lesson for the week. Learning the fiery darts of the wicked, and putting the armour of God up against it. (See Ephesians 6:10-18 to see what all of this means.) Fiery darts are heresies such as cults, evolution, human secularism, false teachings being taught in public schools today, how to defend your faith, etc.
ANSWER: This is because of the famine that I mentioned in answer to an earlier question. We are in the end days famine. The famine of the Word of God. I attend a church of about 100 members. How many of them actually read the Bible, the WHOLE Bible? I've talked to some of them, who say they read portions of the Bible, but they steer clear from the book of Leviticus.
How can you get the full meaning and power of the New Testament book of Hebrews, if you don't know what's contained in Leviticus? You can't. Just by skipping that one amazing book, you're creating a hole in your Biblical knowledge.
I try to teach fellow Christians that you need to take the Bible as a whole, NOT piecemeal.
Friend instead of complaining about all of this, why don't you give me a hand? Truely follow the instructions in Romans 10:9-10 and join me in the spiritual war being waged against Christians. Help me and the other Bible believing Christians bind those spirits in Christ's name, and reveal to other Christians the Amazing Word Of God.
1. Why are many Old Testament prophecies about Jesus referenced in the New Testament taken out of context, not being messianic prophecies at all? Why would Jesus's disciples, and Jesus himself in Matthew 4:13-16, misrepresent the Old Testament text? Surely the Son of God would not allow a disciple to persist in distorted understanding of the scriptures, nor teach a synagogue class an unjustified misinterpretation of scripture?
ANSWER: They don't. There are two things you need to understand:
1) The WHOLE Old Testament is pointing to the New Testament, and the New Testament explains the Old.
2)Remember, you must read the Bible as a whole, not in holes.
Matthew 4:13-16 says:
"And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,
The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up."
Matthew 4:13-16 is refering to Isaiah chapter 9:1-7.
Isaiah chapter 9:1-7 is indeed of Messianic prophecy. In fact, most of the book of Isaiah is. Isaiah chapter 9:1-7 says:
"1 Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.
2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.* [Compare this to Psalm 23, John 1, and Matthew 4:16 These are a pre/post type fullfillments of this verse.]*
3 Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
4 For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.
5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.* [These verses all clearly state the fact that each human is born with a type of void in their heart. To fill the void is to get true joy. People try to fill this void via alcohol, sex, war, etc. This may temperarily seal the void, but the void always comes back. There is only one way to fill the void for good, and experience joy unfleeting. That is explained in the following verses.]*
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. *[The pre-type of this prophecy was fullfilled in Jesus Christ as reported in the Gospels. The post type will be fullfilled when Revelation 21 happens.]* *[want to fill the void for good? See Romans 10:9-10 for more information about this, and the fullfilment of this verse.]*
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. *[see my note on verse 6 above.]"
Study this carefully, and you'll see that Jesus (who is God, the AUTHOR of the Bible) is not taking Isaiah, or any O.T. book out of context. You were. You obviously did not understand Isaiah 9, in relation to Messianic prophecy. Don't worry, I didn't either, until about my 5th or 6th time reading through the whole Bible. ;-)
ANSWER: Again, you are quite incorrect. Jesus fullfills EACH prophecy about His first comming, to the letter. There are also O.T. prophecies of His second comming. Of course, those have not been yet fullfilled, since we are not quite there yet, on the Bible's prophetic calendar. The answer to this question would turn into a lengthy book, if I were to go into each Messianic Prophecy, so I'll just give you some scriptures for you to look at, which should clear some of this up for you:
Genesis 1:26; Genesis 3:15; Genesis 12:3; Genesis 49:10; Isaiah 9:6-7; Micah 5:2; Daniel 9:25; Isaiah 7:14; Psalm 2:7; Deuteronomy 18:15; Isaiah 53:3; Zechariah 9:9; Zechariah 11:12; Psalm 35:11; Isaiah 53:7; Isaiah 50:6; Psalm 35:19; Isaiah 53:5; Isaiah 53:12; Zechariah 12:10; Psalm 69:21; Psalm 22:18; Psalm 34:20; Isaiah 53:9; Psalm 16:10-11; Psalm 49:15; Psalm 68:18; Malachi 3:2-3
ANSWER: I absolutly LOVE answering this question! Thank you for asking it. Simple. Here's the answer:
At first glance the two geneologies can appear contradicting, but upon closer look, you'll find them to be complimentary, and not at all contradicting...
Trace the geneology of Jesus given in Matthew carefully, and you'll find that it is a geneology of Joseph. Joseph is not Jesus's real father, but is Jesus' legal earthly "foster", or "adopted" father.
The geneology of Luke, however, is tracing Mary's geneology. Since Joseph is not the true father of Jesus, a blood line geneology was needed as well. Jesus' legal geneology is established in Matthew. Jesus' blood line geneology is established in Luke, via Mary's geneology.
ANSWER: The "cursed line" is mentioned in the Matthew geneology, NOT Luke's. Therefore, Jesus is not blood related to Jeconiah and Jehoiakim.
5. If the genealogy in Luke is that of Mary and not Joseph, then why does it list Joseph in the line rather than Mary? Why is no other genealogy of a woman recorded anywhere else in scripture? And if this is Mary's genealogy, then Jesus descended through Nathan, not Solomon, making the prophecies in 2 Samuel 7:12-16 and 1 Chronicles 22:10 false.
ANSWER: Ah, I was wondering if you were going to ask this question. Hermeneutically, Jewish geneologies can only be traced through the man, not a woman. However, the exception to the rule, is if the person in question is a woman, with no brothers. Then, where does the inheritance from the father go? Mary had no brothers, so the "inheritance" fell on her, as per Num 27:8. However, the woman is required, then, to marry within her own tribe (Num 36:6). Marry did this as well.
But, one problem still remains. Joseph suffices nicely in giving the legal lineage of Jesus, however, Jesus was not Joseph's flesh and blood son. So, the bloodline inheritance had to fall to Mary.
Joseph is the son in Law of Mary's father Heli, and since Jewish geneology states that the lineage must ONLY be listed through the men, and not the woman, Joseph was the closest one to mention in Luke, since Marry's father had no flesh and blood sons. Therefore, legally, Joseph IS the son of Heli, via his marrying Mary. Therefore, Joseph is legally mentioned in Marry's geneology, since Marry cannot be, under Jewish geneological law.
ANSWER: Elizabeth married Zacharia, who was a Levitical priest. So geneologically, Elizabeth was now of the tribe of Levi. This is the same way when a woman gets married. Traditionally, a woman gives up her maiden name, for her husband's last name. So, let's say we have an unmarried woman named Jane Doe. She marries a man named Joe Blow. So, after the marriage ceremonie, Jane is no longer a Doe. Now she's a Blow.
This is partially why Jewish geneology traces via the men's names, not the women's.
BUT, maybe Elizabeth was a true decendant of the tribe of Levi. That's fine. Elizabeth was Marry's cousin. Isn't it possible that Elizabeth's mother married a Levite? Elizabeth's mother would then be of the tribe of Levi, not Judah. This would make Elizabeth of the tribe of Levi as well.
ANSWER: He doesn't. He is the author of the Old and New Testaments. He knows what He's talking about. If you think He is misquoting, then you'd better check which Bible version you're reading. In the KJV, the quotes are right on the numbers, since the KJV was not translated from corrupt manuscripts, as the NIV, and most other modern translations were.
8. Why does Jesus refer to the writings of Moses (Mark 12:26), when it is clear that Moses could not possibly have written the Pentateuch? Surely the son of God would know more about the Word of God than anyone else, wouldn't he?
ANSWER: Moses did indeed write the Pentateuch. Your sources are false, and based off of theories never proven. However, there IS proof that Moses wrote the Pentateuch as the Bible claims:
First of all, false information teaches that there wasn't even writing in Moses' time, when archeology proves there was. In fact, archeology proves that there was even writing pre-flood.
There is NOTHING that can concretely prove that Moses did not author the Pentateuch. Moses obviously had the best education via the Pharoah. He obviously then knew how to write, and quite well.
With the exception of Genesis, Moses was there, what better person to write the Pentateuch, than him?
Since archeology proves that there was writing pre-flood, it's very possible that Moses derived the information for Genesis from pre-flood tablets. Pre-flood tablets have been unearthed, which sound strikingly like the Genesis account of creation. Post flood tablets have also been unearthed, which show a striking simularity to the flood account as recorded in the Bible. Evidence shows that there were vast libraries in Moses' time, and possibly even pre-flood. The Hewbrews were strict recored keepers. Thank God. :-)
ANSWER: Easy, my friend. You just need to read the scriptures more carefully. Abiathar is another name for Ahimelech. In fact, Ahimelech and Abiathar are two names that are interchangable. They come from the Hewbrew word for Ahimelech, which means "the name of 3". AND, this is fitting, since there are two interchangeable names with Ahimelech. They are Abiathar, and Ahiah. So, this priest was known as Ahimelech, Abiathar, or Ahiah. Ahimelech had a son named after himself as well.
"And Zadok the son of Ahitub, AND AHIMELECH THE SON OF ABIATHAR, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;" 2 Samuel 8:17
"And it came to pass, when ABIATHAR THE SON OF AHIMELECH fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand." 1 Samuel 23:6
Now, for the second part of your question, pertaining to David being alone with the Shewbread...
1 Samuel 21:1:
"Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee?"
And Mark 2:25-26 says:
"And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?
How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?"
Jesus is in full agreement with 1 Samuel 21-22. Mark 2:25-26 does not say that those that were with David actaully went into the house of God with him. If fact, it says "How HE went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest". 1 Samuel 21-22 does not say whether or not people went with David to the house of God, but it does state that David only went in, not anyone who may or may not have been with him. Jesus verifies this. Only David went in.
Later, when David found that he was being pursued by one of Saul's "lackeys", he took a sword and fled, likely leaving his party of people still waiting outside of the house of God. So, I suggest you re-read these scriptures again. They mesh perfectly.
This is just a common example of the same story being told from two different people.
Example:
Amy says that the dog ran down the street with the bone.
Joe says that the dog ran down the street with a bone, AND had a bike tire wraped around his neck.
Do the above accounts contradict? No. The second account just gave a bit more information than the first one. Such is the case in Mark 2:25-26.
ANSWER: John 7:38 says:
"He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."
Jesus isn't quoting one specific verse. He is simply stating concepts that are commonly taught throughout the Old Testament. This is why Jesus is not specifying which book He is quoting from as is His usual way of quoting scripture.
The belly, in the Bible, often symbolizes what's in a person. Good, or bad, etc. For example:
"The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly." Proverbs 18:8
Jesus is saying that your belly does not have to be filled with wounds. It can be filled with living water. The below Old Testament scriptures talk about this 'living water':
"The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook." Proverbs 18:4
"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit *[living waters comming from the belly is a symbolic example of bringing forth the fruit]* in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." Psalm 1:3
"For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water." Jeremiah 2:13
"O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters." Jeremiah 17:3
"And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.
THEREFORE WITH JOY SHALL YE DRAW WATERS OUT OF THE WELL OF SALVATION.
And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.
Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.
Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee." Isaiah 12:1-6
"For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty *[so, water for one who drinks, goes to the BELLY]*, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:
And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.
One shall say, I am the LORD's; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel." Isaiah 44:3-5
ANSWER: Mark 4:11-12 says:
"And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them."
The key is, where the above scripture says "but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parable". "Them that are without", are those in whom the seed fell by the wayside, as described earlier in this same chapter. The seed falling by the wayside, is often refered to as 'rebellion' in the Old Testament. To get insight into this, we must go to the Old Testament, where it prophesies that the Christ/Messiah will speak in parables.
"Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.
We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.
For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:
That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:
That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:
And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and REBELLIOUS generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God." Psalm 78:1-8
"And utter a parable unto the rebellious house, " Ezekiel 24:3a
Parables are to a rebelious house. Those who are of the rebellion, and will not turn, will not understand the parable. However, those who are willing to listen and ponder, will get it.
Why is it so important that the rebellious not understand the parables? The Bible does not specifically say. Perhaps the rebellios would not be able to handle the truth, since they'd deny it, either way. Maybe this would short circuit them. Either way, a rebelious house obvously doesn't, and wouldn't, have a heart for God.
ANSWER: Matthew 12:40 says:
"For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth."
Parrallel this with Mark 8:31, which says:
"And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again."
Parrallel this with Luke 9:22:
"Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day."
Parrallel this with John 2:19-22:
"Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
But he spake of the temple of his body.
When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said."
Three days and three nights, after three days, third day, in three days are all idiomatic interchangeable terms used in the Greek speak of Jesus' day. Three days and Three nights did not literally mean 3 full days, and 3 whole nights. It is an idiomatic expression such as:
"And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins: and when he had eaten, his spirit came again to him: for he had eaten no bread, nor drunk any water, three days and three nights.
And David said unto him, To whom belongest thou? and whence art thou? And he said, I am a young man of Egypt, servant to an Amalekite; and my master left me, because three days agone I fell sick." 1 Samuel 30:12-13
"And he put them all together into ward three days.
And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God:" Genesis 42:17-18
"From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day." Matthew 16:21
Now, here's the kicker. NOTHING in the Bible says that Jesus was burried on Friday. In fact, scripture can actually point out that Jesus was probably buried on a Wednesday. The only scripture that leads people to believe that Jesus was buried on Friday, is John 19:31. It says:
"The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away."
Now, many people think that that day must have been Friday after sunset, since the above scripture mentions that it was sabbath. Many people believe that the sabbath was always to be kept on the 7th day, which in the Jewish calander, is Friday sunset, to Saturday sunset. (Their days are sunset to sunset. Not sunrise to sunrise like our current calendar.)
But, there weren't just weekly sabbaths, there were holiday Sabbaths. Which means that when Jesus was burried, it may not have been a weekly sabbath, but a holiday sabbath, which can land on any day of the week. Except, this cannot be, because the above scriptures says it was a High Sabbath. A high sabbath means that a holiday sabbath and a weekly sabbath landed on the same day. Does this prove that Jesus was crucified at Friday sunset? Nope. Here's why:
It is a common misconception that the Hebrew word for Sabbath is derived from Seventh. This is not correct, however. The Hebrew word for Sabbath, is Shabbath, which literally means "intermission, or cessation from work - rest". So, with that in mind, let's take a look at the commandment about sabbath keeping:
"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:" Exodus 20:8-10
The above just states that the Jews were to keep one day of the week as a rest day. Six days they were to work, but on the seveth, they were to rest.
Now, you may be saying "sure, but all the Hewbrews kept their weekly Sabbath on the same day, so wouldn't that be the seventh day of the week, Saturday?" Not always. Here's why:
The seventh day sabbaths were changing sabbaths. If we assume, for instance, that when Israel left Egypt, which was the 15th of Abib, was on the Sabbath Saturday, then the seventh day sabbath would fall on Saturday for seven weeks, or until 49 days had run their course. The 50th day, would be a Sunday, and is Pentecost. So, the next seventh day sabbath after Pentecost would fall on a Sunday. And so it would continue to be on Sunday, until the Pentecost of the next year, which would again change the seveth day sabbath to another day of the week - Monday...
God spent 6 days creating the earth, and rested on the 7th. Compare this to the Jewish sabbath rest, if you must, and you'll see that the Jews do the same thing. They rest every 7 days, but Pentecost always off sets them one day. So, sometimes their weekly sabbath landed on Saturday, sometimes Sunday, sometimes Monday, etc.
So, back to my original point... There is nothing in the Bible that says that Jesus was crucified on Friday evening.
"The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away." John 19:31
So, since Jesus said he would be dead three days and three nights, looks to me that for the above scripture, the seventh day sabbath landed on a Wednesday, and so did their holiday sabbath, hence creating a high sabbath.
Looks like Jesus was buried on Wednesday, not Friday.
Remember that according to the Jewish calander at that time, a day was measured from sunset to sunset. So, here's how it probably went:
Wednesday sunset to[Day1] Thursday sunset[Night 1]
Thursday sunset to[Day 2] Friday sunset[Night 2]
Friday sunset to[Day 3] Saturday sunset [Night 3]
Somewhere between Saturday sunset to Sunday Sunrise = Christ resurected
ANSWER: Matthew 16:18 says:
"And I say unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
The Catholics believe that Peter was the first pope, therefore validating the Catholic church. However, there is NO scripture to back this up. There is, however, scripture to refute this, but that is not the topic of this question. . .
We need to look at the context of the verse in question:
"And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Matthew 16:14-18
Jesus is prophesying that Peter (rock) will be a foundation that the church will be built upon, because Peter knows that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah), the Son of the living God. This prophecy is fullfilled, and explained in Ephesians 2:13-22:
"13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."
Matthew 10:23 says:
"But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come."
"Gone Over" in the Greek, is teleioo, which means "completely evangelized". From the context, you can pick up the "gone over" means this, however, if it helps you see it, here's an alternate translation to help clear it up for you:
"But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have completely evangelized the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come." Matthew 10:23
Mark 9:1 says:
"And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power."
That's right. Some of the appostles standing there, got visions, and/or were transported to the future, to witness the comming, and establishment of the "kingdom of God come with power". For example, Paul did:
"For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17
"Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work." 2 Thessalonians chapter 2
Many of the others in Mark 9:1 got to witness the kingdom, and Jesus' second comming. One of the others, was John:
"Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?
Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?
This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.
And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." John 21:20-25
John is indeed dead today, but, he was alive to see Jesus' second comming. But how could this be, in that Jesus hasn't come yet, and John is dead? Simple. John was transported to the future. As he wrote the book of Revelation, he was witnessing the second comming of Jesus, and events before and after that.
Luke 21:31-32 says:
"So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled."
That's right, the generation that witnesses all the signs Jesus mentioned before verse 32 will be the generation that will not pass away, till all be fullfilled. Here's what that generation will have to witness, to qualify as THE generation:
-Many false Christs will abound. People claiming to be Christ, but who are not. This is already starting to happen.
-hear of wars and commotions
-Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom
-great earthquakes shall be in divers places
-famines
-pestilences
-fearful sights and great signs from heaven
-'But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's[Jesus] sake.'
-'For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.'
-'And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death'
-Jerusalem compassed with armies
-'But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.'
-signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars
-upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity
-the sea and the waves roaring
-Men's hearts failing them for fear
-powers of heaven shaken
-Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory
-"So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled."
ANSWER: You are refering to Luke 14:26, which says:
"If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple."
Exactly. Just as there are varying degrees of love, there are varying degrees of hate. I love cats. But I love snakes more. If I had to choose between having a pet cat, or a pet snake, I'd definatly choose the snake. I love snakes so much more than cats, that by comparison, I hate cats.
So, Luke 14:26 demands that we love Jesus so much, we hate our family in comparison. Hate, AKA love less.
ANSWER: John 2:4 says:
"Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come."
What's so disrectful of this? Mary was aluding to the suggestion that Jesus turn the water into wine. Jesus pointed out that it wasn't yet "His time to shine". If you read later on in the chapter, He did what Mary requested. Sounds respectful to me.
"Woman, what have I to do with thee?". This can be taken different ways, depending on the context.
For example:
A woman is comming on to a married man. The man replies "Woman, what have I to do with thee!". The inflection would obviously be negative.
Example 2:
Jim's mother tells Jim that she thinks he'd look cute in a pink tuxedo for his prom. Jim replies "Woman, what have I to do with thee?". AKA "ahhh mom, what am I going to do with you?" The implied inflection here, is not disrectful, it's more of a slight light hearted joke.
The context of Luke 14:6 shows in no way that Jesus was angry at Mary.
Furthermore, notice how Jesus never refers to Mary directly as mother. Mary was the human vessel that carried Him, but not literally His mother. This smashes the Catholic religion of Maryolatry to bits.
ANSWER: John 7:8-10 says:
"Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast: for my time is not yet full come.
When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee.
But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret."
The key, here, is where Jesus said "I go not up YET unto this feast: for my time is not yet full come". However, he did go later. If YET were missing, then Jesus would have lied. YET is there for a reason. Does Jesus' later going to the feast mean that his time has come?
Time for what? It does not say here. But obvously, whatever time was to come, came, then Jesus went to the feast. Looks like He had a few things to take care of first, before he could go. He took care of them, then went.
ANSWER: John 5:16-18 says:
"And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God."
The key here, is that Jesus IS God (1Tim. 3:16). The Sabbath rest instituted in Exodus 20, as part of the 10 commandments was a rest for man, not God. God took his rest on the 7th day, after creation.
"For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day." Matthew 12:8
Furthermore, Jesus explains that He wasn't breaking the Sabbath:
"And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth.
And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.
And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other." Mark 3:3-5
ANSWER: Matthew 9:24 says:
"He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn."
Luke 8:52-52 says:
"And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth.
And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead."
Sleep, in the New Testament, always refers to (unless shown not to, via context) one who is dead, but they died in Christ. Therefore, these dead believers are called asleep, or asleep in Christ. This is because Christians will be resurected, and will go to eternal life. Non-Christians will be resurected, and cast to the lake of fire. A place of eternal dying.
"For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep." 1 Thessalonians 4:15
Obviously, since Jesus used the term Sleep for the girl, she was a believer in Christ.
Another explaination, however, could be that the girl wasn't dead, or that her spirit had not yet returned to God, who gave it. Therefore, she'd be in a transistional state. Not alive, not dead, hence, asleep.
1. If Christian theology and the church have a supernatural origin in an omnipotent God, then why has theology and the church evolved through naturalistic social processes over time?
ANSWER: It hasn't. The church has been growing, but not changing or evolving. All of it is part of a process, which is comming to completion. From the promise to Abraham, to New Jerusalem. All of it is explained in great detail in the Bible.
As for evolving churches, if they are straying from the Word of God, then they are indeed evolving - Evolving into cults.
ANSWER: God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The Old Testament was an account of a Nation, while the New Testament is an account of Jesus. The Nation was founded, and nurtured by God to bring Jesus into the world. No theology has ever changed in the Bible, only been brought to fruition, or fullfilled.
As for immortality, that was taught in the Old Testament as well as the New.
ANSWER: You are mistaken. The trinity has always been as plain as day in the Bible. Just see 1 John 5:7 to prove that.
Furthermore, Cyprian, Bishop of Carthange, years 200-258, taught the Trinity, while quoting 1 John 5:7.
ANSWER: This is a fun one to answer, and, believe it or not, the answer is contained in the Bible...
The god/goddess cults, including the imaculate conception counterfeit cults, and all others you are refering to, all had their stories start from the same origin. The story is basically the same for each of those cultures, just the names of the Characters have been changed.
In Genesis 3:15, there is the first prophecy of Jesus, and of His salvation. Satan heard that prophecy, and understood it well. Since he is the master of counterfeit, he tried to create a counterfeit of this prophecy comming true. He made his own version, in hopes that people would follow his false saviour(s), instead of the true one.
In Genesis 6, Satan and a third of the fallen angels (now called demons/devils) raid the earth. Some of the fallen angels had intercourse with earth woman, and produce "Mighty Ones". These mighty ones are also refered to as giants, or the renown ones. The whole reason God flooded the earth, was to clean the earth of these demon/devil - human half breeds, which were inherantly evil, from their demon fathers.
Noah was chosen to build the ark, because he was "pure in his generations", which means he did not carry demon/devil blood in him, nor did his three sons. Besides animals, insects, etc, the only others allowed on the ark, was Noah, his wife, Noah's three sons, and their wives. It's likely that none of Noah's sons wives were Mightly ones, but, since only Noah was pure in his generations, the wives carried the recessive gene. This recessive gene became active in Nimrod.
We read in Genesis chapter 10, about Nimrod being a Mighty One. He founded Babylon, Ninaveh, and many other major cities. He was also the head behind the building of the Tower of Babel.
Nimrod took a wife for himself, named Semiramis. Then, Nimrod died. Semiramis appears pregnant, and claims that she hadn't had sex. When she has her son, she claims that it is the reincarnation of Nimrod. This is where we get the counterfeit virgin mother, and immaculately conceived child. This is Satan trying to counterfiet the true Christ, so that people will follow Satan's false Christ (Nimrod).
As stated earlier, Nimrod and Semiramis are known under different names, in different cultures. Here are a few examples:
SEMIRAMIS AND NIMROD:
China = Shing Moo (holy mother)
India = Devaki (goddess) Crishna (child)
Ephesus = Diana (the mother of gods)
Egypt = Isis (mother god) Horus (child)
Israel = Ashtoresh (goddess) Baal (child)
Rome = Venus (goddess) Jupiter (child)
Greece = Aphrodite (goddess and medatrix)
ANSWER: Remember, a good counterfiet, is to make it look as close to the original as possible. That is Satan's plan. Hope you're not falling into his trap.
Conclusion
1. Why hasn't the church answered any of these questions in the 23 years I have been a part of it?
ANSWER: Because you're asking the church. Why don't you ask the Author of the Bible instead? I think you'll have better luck.
2. Why hasn't the church answered any of these questions in 2000 years? I can only conclude it's because the church has no answers.
ANSWER: You're right. The church has no answers. God does, and the Bible does. Go to God and the Bible for your answers. If something in the Bible confuses you, ask the author. If you must ask a human, you can ask any of your questions at the following URL:
http://www.allexperts.com/displayExpert.asp?Expert=37715
I EMAILED THESE ANSWERS TO THE MAN WHO WROTE THE QUESTIONS, AND HE WROTE ME BACK, AND SAID HE WOULD NOT TAKE THE TIME TO READ MY ANSWERS. I GUESS HE THINKS IGNORANCE IS BLISS?
n.
Metaphysics.
A system of metaphysics.
An underlying philosophical or theoretical principle: a belief in luck, the metaphysic of the gambler. "
n. pl. idolatries
1 Worship of idols.
2 Blind or excessive devotion to something."
n.
An image used as an object of worship.
A false god.
One that is adored, often blindly or excessively.
Something visible but without substance."