Do you have any questions about the Bible?

[magic32]

Please permit me to answer ANY questions from a Biblical perspective.
Of course there will always be scoffers, but hopefully those who wish to can have a respectful dialogue.

COMMON QUESTIONS:

1. Why is the Bible so intolerant of other religions, or why can’t there be many ways to Heaven?
2. Why do Christians claim Christ was God (father, SON, Holy Spirit) when He never actually said that in the Bible?
3. Is divorce permitted or not?
4. Does God keep the scorecard of your life, or what determines whether or not you get into Heaven?
5. Is it wrong to eat pork?
6. The Bible is supposed to be the Word of God and therefore infallible, so what about all the contradictions?
7. How can a loving God allow senseless death such as school bus accidents, Columbine, 911, Katrina, etc.?
8. Where is Heaven? Doesn’t science prove that space is above us, not Haven?
9. How can you believe in a God in light of science, aren't they in opposition?
10. How do you explain ghosts or aliens?
11. Why do bad things happen to good people?
12. Can baptism cleanse you of sin?

[goodcents]

*moving on*

[buffgator]

Is the bible complete? There are many spots that I have seen, I think 13, where it referres to scriptures that are not found in the bible. How much of the bible has been altered through the translations over the years, people leaving out or changing the things that would not work to their favor. (By the way I do believe the bible is the word of God)

[goaheadandhitme]

I might, but witch Bible?

The Jewish Bible
The Catholic Bible
The Protestant Bible

[goodcents]

oh no, I'm not getting banned on this one sticking to fish threads

[magic32]

Sup Buff.

Is the bible complete?
It is quite comprehensive, and complete in the sense of what God wanted to relate to man.
Thus any belief of incompleteness is man's impression and not His!
If you have reference questions, please cite them now or once gathered, no work worth it's salt would reference itself improperly.

How much of the bible has been altered through the translations over the years, people leaving out or changing the things that would not work to their favor. (By the way I do believe the bible is the word of God)
The purpose of translation is to communicate information to those of different languages or levels of understanding. We can believe that if something says "Holy Bible" then it is indeed what God meant and not a hodgepodge of alterations or misinformation, because it is the job of God Himself to watch over the Word which he's given man.

[magic32]

I might, but witch Bible?

The Jewish Bible
The Catholic Bible
The Protestant Bible

Good question..."The Holy Bible" from Genesis to Revelation.

[buffgator]

How come everything that paul writes is so damn confusing?

[Dizz28]

Religion and Politics are two debates I don't get involved in.

But I'll sit back and watch before this thread eventually gets locked...

[magic32]

How come everything that paul writes is so damn confusing?

Each apostle writes from different vantage points...Paul was extremely well educated by his own account. But even that shouldn't interrupt understanding, what version do you read?

[Merc..]

Why do bad things happen to good people?

We all face difficulties at one time or another in our life.. Trials and tribulations is not some strange unknown thing its promised to us ..

Yea , and all that live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution 2 Timothy 3:12 ..

We are to expect suffering , it is promised by God and will be the means of bringing Glory to Himself and preparing us so we can accomplish His plan and purpose in our lives. There is no need to worry as God is on the throne to accomplish His eternal purpose which is always for our good ( SEE Romans 8:28)

Merc.

[magic32]

Interesting!

Religion and Politics are two debates I don't get involved in.
Why should topics of such great importance...how the country is run and how one's life is led, be off limits among friends?

But I'll sit back and watch before this thread eventually gets locked...
Religious threads are permitted as long as it is alluded to in the title, thus this thread is legal and should not be locked.

[buffgator]

Each apostle writes from different vantage points...Paul was extremely well educated by his own account. But even that shouldn't interrupt understanding, what version do you read?

king james

[magic32]

king james

The authorized King James Version is an English translation of the Christian Bible by the Church of England that began in 1604 and was first published in 1611. That's one of the primary reasons for misunderstanding and misinterpretation; another is the failure to take what is written in context. Sure it was meant for all, which is why it's in the Word, but sometimes what was said had more specific implications for the hearer (disciple, mother, shepards, etc.). It also needs to be read in succession, with adherence to what was said just prior to and directly following.

[IronReload04]

o wow...very cool

i have so many questions...so so many

how about i start off with this

Why do Christians claim Christ was God (father, SON, Holy Spirit) when He never actually said that in the Bible?

and wasnt that kind of voted in, in a way?

[magic32]

Why do bad things happen to good people?

We all face difficulties at one time or another in our life.. Trials and tribulations is not some strange unknown thing its promised to us ..

Yea , and all that live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution 2 Timothy 3:12 ..

We are to expect suffering , it is promised by God and will be the means of bringing Glory to Himself and preparing us so we can accomplish His plan and purpose in our lives. There is no need to worry as God is on the throne to accomplish His eternal purpose which is always for our good ( SEE Romans 8:28)

Merc.

Good post.
Those verses clearly illustrate that pain, suffering, loss and death are inherent to the human condition, and are not respecters of person.

[goodcents]

Religion and Politics are two debates I don't get involved in.

But I'll sit back and watch before this thread eventually gets locked...

[goodcents]

I got bored

[Dizz28]

Why should topics of such great importance...how the country is run and how one's life is led, be off limits among friends?

I'm not saying they are off limits, I was just stating my thought about not getting involved in them. I can remember back when I was in the service, we would be out doing a field op and have down time where we could sit and talk (seems we had too much down time in the field). I saw guys that were really good friends, like brothers almost, almost get into fist fights when it came to religion and, especially, Creation vs. Evolution. I know people have very strong beliefs when it comes to these things and sometimes at the slightest inkling that it's being challenged, people can get overly defensive.

It's just my stance on discussing it, I have my beliefs and you have yours. They could be the same, they could be different but I just leave it at that

Religious threads are permitted as long as it is alluded to in the title, thus this thread is legal and should not be locked.

No, I wasn't daying it going to be locked because of that, and as long as people stay respectful it shouldn't....as long as people stay respectful...but I can just see someone saying something that aggrivates another person and then it becomes a storm.

I'll continue to read this because it interests me, but I just won't participate in it.

[Merc..]

Rejoicing, gladness, happiness and joy are associated with suffering....


1 peter 1:6 wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season,if need be,ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ , Happy are ye, for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you ,, peter 4:14

Peter 1 : 8 Whom having not seen,ye love ,in whom,through now ye see him not, yest believing , ye rejoice with JOY unspeakable and full of glory..

James 1:2 My brethren , count it all JOY when ye fall into temptations ..



Merc.

[Information]

Reopened

[magic32]

Good question.
Do I have to tell you that you’re fired to make that clear? Could I say something like, “I need to see you in my office for some bad news, your work has not been up to par, and we’ve decided to make some cut backs. I’m really sorry but, please have your office cleared by the end of the day, your last check will be in the mail, if you ever need a reference feel free to contact HR, and I really hate to see you go, but this order came from upstairs.”

Would that get the point across?

Well Jesus said all that without coming just saying “I am God”, so His point should be clear just as well. Remember God had a specific timeline for Jesus’ life, and many Old Testament prophecies required His fulfilling, so He couldn’t die before the appointed time. And just saying “I am God” would have expedited this.

Here are some examples:

He continuously said “My father”, which was blasphemous because it made him equal with God not just one of God’s people as other Israelites.

• Jhn 5:18 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.
• Phl 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

Three times the bible records a voice from Heaven saying “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”

• Mat 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
• Mar 1:11 And there came a voice from heaven, [saying], Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
• 2Pe 1:17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

He claimed that His miracles (which cannot be duplicated by man, leaving only room for God) were done to aid belief. And even tarried so that Lazarus would die, and be dead for three days (dispelling controversy), just so He could display His power.

• Jhn 11:41 Then they took away the stone [from the place] where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up [his] eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
• Jhn 11:42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said [it], that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
• Jhn 11:43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

Cloning may be close only God controls life, and prior to the above Jesus said:

• Jhn 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

Then there's the LITTLE incident in which His age came into question. Remember when Moses said who shall I tell them has sent me, to which God replied:

• Exd 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

Well Jesus first claims to have been around prior to Abraham (not physically possible, as they pointed out) then uses the same vernacular that God does to describe Himself, that eternal "I AM".

• Jhn 8:55 Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.
  
• Jhn 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw [it], and was glad.
  
• Jhn 8:57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
  
• Jhn 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

Either He was crazy, a liar, or He was who He claimed to be.
And all evidence of His life, acts and death lead to the latter.

• Jhn 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

[taiboxa]

Book of Job is my favorite lol (talk about bad things happening to good people)

[buffgator]

That one thing I dont believe in. I believe they are three seperate distinct individuals.

[buffgator]

Book of Job is my favorite lol (talk about bad things happening to good people)

What the hell, where did you come from? I thought you where a**ucted by aliens or killed in a freak cottan candy machine accident or something.

[buffgator]

My buddy is going through a divorce right now, and it seems like everything that is bad that could happen is. So he and I sat down and talked about Job and all that he whent through.

[taiboxa]

i got laid.. found me new chick she is a nurse and a super goodie goodie.. hardest drug she has ever taken is advil and she is a total sweet heart lol but she is a freakin sex fiend so im happy now,
my weiner hurts from over use

[magic32]

Book of Job is my favorite lol (talk about bad things happening to good people)

It is a great example of the possibility of utter calamity.
It also shows, God's love and protection even in the midsts of seeming chaos.

He allowed these things to befall Job for a reason, note after Job's soliloquy, and God's rebuttal Job said:

• Job 42:3 Who [is] he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.
  
  
• Job 42:4 Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.
  
  
• Job 42:5 I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.

Which is to say, "I KNEW OF God and His goodness, but now I KNOW God and his goodness." Thus God granted Job a closer walk with Him.

This is the difference, between what Jesus called the Pharisees' traditions of religion, and true spiritual worship. Traditions can be sinful.

• Mat 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

[magic32]

That one thing I dont believe in. I believe they are three seperate distinct individuals.

Many ascribe to this belief, and God meant to mimic this union and separatism on earth with the family (father, mother, child) all distinct, yet one functioning unit. And though the Bible never uses the word “Trinity”, it makes this simple truth VERY clear:

• 1Jo 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

[magic32]

I know people have very strong beliefs when it comes to these things and sometimes at the slightest inkling that it's being challenged, people can get overly defensive.

I'll continue to read this because it interests me, but I just won't participate in it.

This is quite true, these topics are very controversial and do bother some people to the brink of fighting. But that's only because both determine authority. Politics in respect to the laws that govern us, and religion even more close to home with respect to one's life. The problem is that people would much rather govern themselves than believe in a God who claims ownership of their lives, which thereby mandates accountability for the way they live it.

I've spoken to honest atheists who just came out and said, "I don't believe in God, and would never look into Him because I want to run my own life."

Well you have to applaud them for their candor, but if (and I use the word loosley) there is a God. They'll have to stand before Him and give the old Rat Pack song as justification, "I did it myyyyyyyy wayyyyy!" Sadly, their eternity rests in the balance.

Which brings to mind another common question:

HOW CAN AN ALL LOVING GOD SEND "ANYONE" TO AN ETERNITY IN HELL?

If anyone's interested, I'll address it.

[Merc..]

This is quite true, these topics are very controversial and do bother some people to the brink of fighting. But that's only because both determine authority. Politics in respect to the laws that govern us, and religion even more close to home with respect to one's life. The problem is that people would much rather govern themselves than believe in a God who claims ownership of their lives, which thereby mandates accountability for the way they live it.

I've spoken to honest atheists who just came out and said, "I don't believe in God, and would never look into Him because I want to run my own life."

Well you have to applaud them for their candor, but if (and I use the word loosley) there is a God. They'll have to stand before Him and give the old Rat Pack song as justification, "I did it myyyyyyyy wayyyyy!" Sadly, their eternity rests in the balance.

Which brings to mind another common question:

HOW CAN AN ALL LOVING GOD SEND "ANYONE" TO AN ETERNITY IN HELL?

If anyone's interested, I'll address it.

Please do Magic...


Thanks



Merc.

[magic32]

Please do Magic...
Thanks
Merc.

I started writing because I figured someone would care.
I know you're aware of the this Merc, but at your behest...so be it.
------------
The reason stems from ‘Original Sin’.
God gave Adam dominion over the garden (all existence at the time), his sin according to the Bible, brought forth SIN and DEATH (destruction, decay, pain, loss, etc.). Everyone born of him, which is everyone is thereby born in sin (yes even babies, though they are covered).

• Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

So God made a plan of atonement, and being orderly He brought through the lineage of Adam, Abraham, and David (Book of Numbers) an heir through Mary born NOT under sin (man). Remember, Jesus though born of woman, was not of man…immaculate conception.

• 1Jo 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

This sinless (as was His life) sacrifice was symbolic of the Old Testament blood sacrifices that God required for atonement (right standing). But Jesus’s blood would serve as the final sacrifice. ..bringing us back to the point. So believers are cleansed/covered by this blood so that their sins are according to word remembered no more.

• Psa 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, [so] far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

Thus anyone who refuses this free gift of atonement, is on his own! Sadly, no one is sinless even if they never sinned, because of their heritage.
Dan 9:11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that [is] written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.

• Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
• Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
• 2Cr 13:2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:

Therefore, the punishment (ETERNITY IN HELL) is so great, because the cost for salvation (THE BLOOD OF GOD HIMSELF) was so high.

Short recess.

[Merc..]

I started writing because I figured someone would care.
I know you're aware of the this Merc, but at your behest...so be it.
------------
The reason stems from ‘Original Sin’.
God gave Adam dominion over the garden (all existence at the time), his sin according to the Bible, brought forth SIN and DEATH (destruction, decay, pain, loss, etc.). Everyone born of him, which is everyone is thereby born in sin (yes even babies, though they are covered).

• Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

So God made a plan of atonement, and being orderly He brought through the lineage of Adam, Abraham, and David (Book of Numbers) an heir through Mary born NOT under sin (man). Remember, Jesus though born of woman, was not of man…immaculate conception.

• 1Jo 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

This sinless (as was His life) sacrifice was symbolic of the Old Testament blood sacrifices that God required for atonement (right standing). But Jesus’s blood would serve as the final sacrifice. ..bringing us back to the point. So believers are cleansed/covered by this blood so that their sins are according to word remembered no more.

• Psa 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, [so] far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

Thus anyone who refuses this free gift of atonement, is on his own! Sadly, no one is sinless even if they never sinned, because of their heritage.
Dan 9:11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that [is] written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.

• Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
• Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
• 2Cr 13:2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:

Therefore, the punishment (ETERNITY IN HELL) is so great, because the cost for salvation (THE BLOOD OF GOD HIMSELF) was so high.

Short recess.

Good post magic..

Yea after Adam (and the fall of man )everyone is born in sin...

Pslam 51:5
Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me ..



Merc.

[10nispro]

Who is Adams' mother and father?

Did God put Adam on earth to fail, I know he gave him rules to follow, but, if Adam wouldn't have failed, then we all would not exist?

[buffgator]

yeah I dont believe in original sin. I believe that each individual is responsible for their own actions. I believe that the fall of adam was part of gods divine plan to bring about opposition into the world so that the process of knowing and learning good from evil, joy from sorrow, justice and mercey could be taught. i believe that God is perfect and there for could not be responsible for turning the world into an imperfect place (which is the only place we could truly learn for ourselves in) so he instigated a plan to teach us. That plan was the plan of salvation from creation, fall of adam, atonement, resurection, and than finaly judgment. Adam and eve pertaking of the fruit was a divine process.

[thegodfather]

The bible accounts for roughly, 3,000 years of human existence, and thus we are at about 5,000 years of human existence and recorded history. Where does the bible account for the previous 595,000 years of human existence on this planet? With over 100,000 of them being modern day Homo-Sapiens Sapiens? Where was God for these humans that lived before recorded biblical or written history?

[thegodfather]

Also, the bible states that Satan was cast down from heaven and confined to the Earth. And thus his evil influence is the reason for many of the bad things today. By the year 2050, we are expected to be landing people on Mars, and colonizing this planet soon after.

Does this mean, that since Satan was cast down from heaven and confined to Earth, that the people on Mars, will essentially be without an evil influence such as Satan?

[thegodfather]

Although it is a divided issue, humans are almost undoubtedly not 'wired' to be monogamous. Why would God create humans with innate urges to procreate with as many mates as possible, when this is in direct contraindiction to monogamy?


one more thing, and this will be my last question for now...

If God is all seeing and all knowing...Then it is fundamentally impossible for him to create creatues of "free will," because he will have known the outcome before even creating them. He created Adam & Eve, and based on the blueprint (DNA&other factors) that he created, he knew the outcome and how they would behave. Therefore, Adam & Eve never had a chance at living on a paradise Earth free from sin and death, because God knew what would happen before he even created them. Can you explain this appearent contraindiction?

And if this is in fact the case, why would God allow such creatures to be created, who would in turn cast the entire human population into sin&death, and account for thousands of years of human suffering? Do you believe these are the actions of a "just" and "merciful" god?

I dont...

[magic32]

Who is Adams' mother and father?

• Gen 1:27 So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
• Gen 5:1 This [is] the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;
• Isa 45:12 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, [even] my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.

Did God put Adam on earth to fail, I know he gave him rules to follow, but, if Adam wouldn't have failed, then we all would not exist?

Good question?
Knowing all things and existing outside of time, God was aware that Adam would sin and fall from grace. But I wouldn’t use the term "fail". "Free will" is not privy to failure or success, only choice.

Which begs another question, “Who is to say that Adam was a good representative of Humanity?” I can easily say that I would never have eaten of the tree and would probably have slapped Eve for doing so. But, since God is just. He wouldn’t be able to provide an unjust rep for our behalf…so Adam had to be the perfect average of those who follow orders and those who don’t.

As far as our not existing, God created man and woman for reproduction (if there's a question here speak to your parents for clarity), and to go forth and multiply, so that was always His intention.

[unclemoney]

Please permit me to answer ANY questions from a Biblical perspective.
Of course there will always be scoffers, but hopefully those who wish to can have a respectful dialogue.

COMMON QUESTIONS:

1. Why is the Bible so intolerant of other religions, or why can’t there be many ways to Heaven?
2. Why do Christians claim Christ was God (father, SON, Holy Spirit) when He never actually said that in the Bible?
3. Is divorce permitted or not?
4. Does God keep the scorecard of your life, or what determines whether or not you get into Heaven?
5. Is it wrong to eat pork?
6. The Bible is supposed to be the Word of God and therefore infallible, so what about all the contradictions?
7. How can a loving God allow senseless death such as school bus accidents, Columbine, 911, Katrina, etc.?
8. Where is Heaven? Doesn’t science prove that space is above us, not Haven?
9. How can you believe in a God in light of science, aren't they in opposition?
10. How do you explain ghosts or aliens?
11. Why do bad things happen to good people?
12. Can baptism cleanse you of sin?

Yes could you please explain number 10. Also could you explain why he chooses to torture those who oppose him for all of eternity??? God sounds more like a fascist dictator.