Search found 720 matches

by m273p15c
Wed May 12, 2010 9:51 am
Forum: Holy Spirit, Apostles, and Miracles
Topic: Last living apostles and prophet? John?
Replies: 3
Views: 7703

Apostles

Thanks! If you have any other thoughts, feedback, or questions, I would love to hear them. ... m273p15c
by m273p15c
Wed May 12, 2010 9:33 am
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Use of Musical Instruments - how far does silence reach?
Replies: 1
Views: 5491

Use of Musical Instruments

Thanks for the excellent question and kind spirit, in which it was asked! We have 4 articles regarding instrumental music's use in worship unto God: http://www.insearchoftruth.org/articles/music.html http://www.insearchoftruth.org/articles/music_history.html http://www.insearchoftruth.org/articles/m...
by m273p15c
Tue May 11, 2010 1:30 pm
Forum: Holy Spirit, Apostles, and Miracles
Topic: Last living apostles and prophet? John?
Replies: 3
Views: 7703

Apostles

Yes, I would agree that there are no more living apostles. Like you, I would point to at least 3 qualifications for apostles, which are most difficult to satisfy today: Eye-witness of the resurrection Journeyed with Christ and the other apostles from the baptism of John until Jesus ascended Personal...
by m273p15c
Mon May 03, 2010 9:46 am
Forum: Calvinism
Topic: The mighty mind of 'The Outstanding Anti-Calvinist'.
Replies: 1
Views: 5924

The mighty mind of 'The Outstanding Anti-Calvinist'.

Thank you for your feedback. The point of the articles is not to educate the novice in the complexities of Calvinism. Rather, the point is to free the entrenched mind from the bond of Calvinism. A few quotes from Calvin and various confessions are used only to define the error being dismantled. I re...
by m273p15c
Mon Apr 19, 2010 4:01 pm
Forum: Calvinism
Topic: Calvinism in my witnessing group and dishonest sources
Replies: 4
Views: 8669

Re: Calvinism in my witnessing group

BTW, I meant to tell you that your usage of II Corinthians 11:4, in addition to maybe Galatians 1:6-8, could be a very useful approach. Thanks for offering a good point!
by m273p15c
Mon Apr 19, 2010 3:57 pm
Forum: Calvinism
Topic: Calvinism in my witnessing group and dishonest sources
Replies: 4
Views: 8669

Calvinism in my witnessing group

May I back up and address your fundamental question from a slightly different angle? It seems the underlying question of practical relevance is this, "Does studying, discussing, and resolving the primary tenets of Calvinism matter?" The answer I believe is a resounding, "Yes!". Statements of indiffe...
by m273p15c
Mon Apr 19, 2010 11:29 am
Forum: Calvinism
Topic: Calvinism in my witnessing group and dishonest sources
Replies: 4
Views: 8669

Calvinism in my witnessing group

Yes, Calvinism is enjoying a resurgence as many seek, what they believe to be the "old-paths". Unfortunately, they assume Calvinism to be the definition of orthodoxy. Their failure to question their assumptions contributes to their error, I believe. I agree with your assessment that Calvinism is so ...
by m273p15c
Sun Apr 18, 2010 3:45 pm
Forum: Sin and Salvation
Topic: Confused - Are you teaching we can lose our salvation?
Replies: 1
Views: 5916

Confused

You are correct. My statements from this article: http://www.insearchoftruth.org/articles/know_i_am_saved.html Are not consistent with "once saved, always saved", because I believe that doctrine is inconsistent with the Scriptures. Please look over these two articles, and let me know what you think:...
by m273p15c
Sat Mar 20, 2010 3:19 pm
Forum: Morality
Topic: forgiveness for teen pregnancy
Replies: 1
Views: 5366

forgiveness

Bringing a child into the world is one of the greatest responsibilities and blessings we can enjoy. I pray that you, your family, friends, and church will pull together to create the spiritual, pure, and nurturing environment that every child so desperately needs and deserves. I know you are concern...
by m273p15c
Mon Mar 15, 2010 9:36 pm
Forum: Sin and Salvation
Topic: infant baptism
Replies: 5
Views: 9770

baptism

Thanks for receiving my answer in a kind spirit. :)

If you have a particular questions, please send it my way. I'll be glad to examine it.
by m273p15c
Mon Mar 15, 2010 2:38 pm
Forum: Sin and Salvation
Topic: infant baptism
Replies: 5
Views: 9770

baptism

I would be happy to write a response, but since you answered via a web-page, I thought I might do the same. :) I pray these help: http://www.wordsfitlyspoken.org/bible_banner/v6/v6n12p10b.html http://www.wordsfitlyspoken.org/gospel_guardian/v4/v4n48p12.html http://www.wordsfitlyspoken.org/plain_talk...
by m273p15c
Thu Mar 11, 2010 2:58 pm
Forum: Morality
Topic: forgiveness and overcoming habitual sins
Replies: 5
Views: 9168

forgiveness

No problem. I am glad to help. If I can do anything else, please let me know. :)
by m273p15c
Wed Mar 10, 2010 5:11 pm
Forum: The Church
Topic: are elders required in the church?
Replies: 5
Views: 9829

elders in the church

No problem -- I did not take your statements as "put downs". I interpreted them only as frustrations, which I share. Incidentally, I am a member of a local church of Christ. But, as you know, churches of Christ should be autonomous, having no control or influence over each other. I have attended sev...
by m273p15c
Wed Mar 10, 2010 3:20 pm
Forum: The Church
Topic: are elders required in the church?
Replies: 5
Views: 9829

elders in the church

It truly is a shame that many are either not teaching or not practicing what the Bible says. I too admit that can be discouraging. However, we must not let such become a stumbling block for us, who desire to discern, practice, and teach exactly what the Bible says. I believe the article link represe...
by m273p15c
Wed Mar 10, 2010 12:55 pm
Forum: The Church
Topic: are elders required in the church?
Replies: 5
Views: 9829

elders in the church

Thanks for the good question! Please look over this article, and let me know if it does not answer your questions:

http://www.insearchoftruth.org/articles/elders.html

If you have any feedback, questions, or concerns, please send them to me. I would be glad to hear them.
by m273p15c
Tue Mar 09, 2010 2:26 pm
Forum: Morality
Topic: forgiveness and overcoming habitual sins
Replies: 5
Views: 9168

forgiveness

Thanks for asking this important question. The answer is easy to summarize, but it can be far harder to execute. Since you are struggling, let's discuss this at more length. Hopefully, this will help you put God's Word into practice in your daily life. Unlawful sexual activity is extremely difficult...
by m273p15c
Mon Mar 08, 2010 8:29 am
Forum: Morality
Topic: forgiveness and overcoming habitual sins
Replies: 5
Views: 9168

forgiveness

Your question is very important. Before I offer any advice, please let me ask one question: How old are you? My advice will change depending on your answer.

May God help us to be wise and loyal,

m273p15c
by m273p15c
Tue Mar 02, 2010 11:27 am
Forum: Sin and Salvation
Topic: infant baptism
Replies: 5
Views: 9770

baptism

How do you read?

Is child baptism right? Why would a child need to be baptized? Can you find a Scripture to authorize it?

May God help us to have a sincere love of truth,

m273p15c
by m273p15c
Tue Feb 23, 2010 5:27 pm
Forum: Miscellaneous
Topic: Bible Class Idea
Replies: 1
Views: 6933

Re: Bible Class Idea

Looks neat! Thanks for sending. Incidentally, I have a similar small outline that Paul Earnhart used in a class. I only have a hard-copy. In 1996, I used it in conjunction with reading through the whole Bible, while copying my existing notes to a new Bible. I am still using the same Bible today, whi...
by m273p15c
Tue Feb 23, 2010 11:38 am
Forum: Miscellaneous
Topic: free online Bible commentaries
Replies: 0
Views: 13449

free online Bible commentaries

There are several good commentaries online here:

http://www.searchgodsword.org/com

Listing includes Burton Coffman, McGarvey, Robertson's Word Pictures, Matthew Henry, and several more interesting and valuable commentaries.

HTH
by m273p15c
Fri Feb 19, 2010 5:33 pm
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: Experiencing God (Buddhism)
Replies: 13
Views: 15428

hi

Ok, so please explain how one "experiences" God beyond the 5 physical senses, the mind, and the emotion? Also, how can someone be sure that this "experience" is the product of God, not an enemy (like the Devil), and not our own desires?
by m273p15c
Fri Feb 19, 2010 3:05 pm
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: Experiencing God (Buddhism)
Replies: 13
Views: 15428

hi

I do indeed understand your point. You believe that God cannot be understood, only felt. You have limited God. You believe that He cannot use words to convey Himself, if He so chooses. You have presupposed that words and thoughts are inferior to emotion. Since God is a spirit ( John 4:24 ), He canno...
by m273p15c
Fri Feb 19, 2010 9:41 am
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: Experiencing God (Buddhism)
Replies: 13
Views: 15428

hi

You would have a point, IF my God was my invention and original conception, or that of some man. Therein lies your assumption. The real question is can God, the true God convey Himself sufficiently to man to know God exists and obey Him? You believe He cannot. I believe He has. I point to the Bible,...
by m273p15c
Fri Feb 19, 2010 8:45 am
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: Experiencing God (Buddhism)
Replies: 13
Views: 15428

hi

So, you are saying that eastern religions offer no proof or evidence for their truthfulness? If not, what do they offer? And, no, all thought is not abstraction. Can God think? Are His thoughts real? Can God not demonstrate or communicate His reality to us? Was Jesus not real? After all, He was and ...
by m273p15c
Thu Feb 18, 2010 4:11 pm
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: Experiencing God (Buddhism)
Replies: 13
Views: 15428

hi

Words are vehicles to convey thoughts. God's thoughts are true. Jesus is "THE Word", because He was the living embodiment of God's thoughts for us ( John 1:1-4; 14:8-11 ). Reality exists beyond whatever labels or words we apply, because we can be wrong, which brings me back to my original point: Wha...
by m273p15c
Thu Feb 18, 2010 3:07 pm
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Natzarene Jews and Modern Binding of the Old Jewish Covenant
Replies: 15
Views: 17949

Lord's Supper

I am glad to learn that no offense was taken. I was desperate for you to see how you sounded. May I ask a few of questions, just for my own understanding? Incidentally, to alleviate any worries, I intend to respond little, if at all. I am basically done. (Why? I judge that I did understand, acknowle...
by m273p15c
Thu Feb 18, 2010 11:46 am
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: Experiencing God (Buddhism)
Replies: 13
Views: 15428

hi

As you know, many people claim to have the answers to life's questions. Unfortunately, we only have one life to "try" a solution. What do Eastern religions and their books offer, which makes them more believable as the TRUE religion? How would someone know that these religions are true, and not just...
by m273p15c
Thu Feb 18, 2010 12:11 am
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Natzarene Jews and Modern Binding of the Old Jewish Covenant
Replies: 15
Views: 17949

Lord's Supper

Hi again, I had to share one last thought, a story, before I turned the page on this exchange. Like you, my wife reads many of the Bible studies, in which I participate, via email. As we were driving to worship tonight, our conversation went like this: Me: Did you see the latest email? My wife: Yeah...
by m273p15c
Wed Feb 17, 2010 11:51 pm
Forum: Sin and Salvation
Topic: Baptism does not SAVE
Replies: 8
Views: 12600

Baptism does not SAVE

I appreciate your straightforwardness. Thank you for your time and thoughts. I will not pursue this further. However, as we close, I feel burdened to answer your newly raised question and offer one last thought: It is a red-herring to suggest that requiring baptism implies that Jesus' blood was not ...
by m273p15c
Wed Feb 17, 2010 2:02 pm
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Natzarene Jews and Modern Binding of the Old Jewish Covenant
Replies: 15
Views: 17949

Natzryah Jews and Modern Binding of the Old, Jewish Covenant

Thank for your time and your husband's time. I imagine this discussion has been stressful. Crises of conscience will be, although I am sure you do not see it that way. It's ironic to me, than many of the passages you mentioned came to my mind as well. Similarly, I feel completely honest and vindicat...
by m273p15c
Wed Feb 17, 2010 9:26 am
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Natzarene Jews and Modern Binding of the Old Jewish Covenant
Replies: 15
Views: 17949

Lord's Supper

Did Jesus not say Himself that He came to fulfill the law? "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill . For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfi...
by m273p15c
Wed Feb 17, 2010 12:46 am
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Natzarene Jews and Modern Binding of the Old Jewish Covenant
Replies: 15
Views: 17949

Lord's Supper

Wow! There's no end to your condescension. I really don't care what you think of me, but with your heart so hardened, I cannot help but respond. What makes you think I am trying to "hide the truth and seek the false"? You and I are both busy, I am sure. We have both engaged these types of discussion...
by m273p15c
Tue Feb 16, 2010 10:23 pm
Forum: Sin and Salvation
Topic: Baptism does not SAVE
Replies: 8
Views: 12600

Baptism does not SAVE

I do not know if you realize it, but you have used several "emotional arguments" that prove nothing. Their persuasive power is rooted in human emotion - not the words of Scripture. I would encourage you to abandon such worldly tools to convince ( I Corinthians 2:1-15 ). To those who wear the name of...
by m273p15c
Tue Feb 16, 2010 12:45 pm
Forum: Holy Spirit, Apostles, and Miracles
Topic: how do I become an Evangelist, since I am one?
Replies: 7
Views: 9485

Re: Evangelist

You are welcome. May God help us to have a sincere love of truth,

m273p15c
by m273p15c
Tue Feb 16, 2010 11:01 am
Forum: Sin and Salvation
Topic: Baptism does not SAVE
Replies: 8
Views: 12600

Baptism does not SAVE

Although I appreciate and understand your answer, you failed to answer my question and thereby dodged my point. I agree that grace and faith are required for salvation. However, there are several verses that mention grace with no reference to faith and vice versa. You have no trouble reconciling the...
by m273p15c
Tue Feb 16, 2010 10:37 am
Forum: Holy Spirit, Apostles, and Miracles
Topic: how do I become an Evangelist, since I am one?
Replies: 7
Views: 9485

Evangelist

I am afraid that you have this matter backwards. If you are indeed called to be a minister or prophet, then you would already know how to fulfill your calling. You would not need help, because those who are miraculously called are inspired with the knowledge to fulfill their calling. If you need hel...
by m273p15c
Mon Feb 15, 2010 7:29 pm
Forum: Holy Spirit, Apostles, and Miracles
Topic: how do I become an Evangelist, since I am one?
Replies: 7
Views: 9485

Evangelist

If you are a "Prophet", then you will be both infallibly inspired and able to perform undeniable miracles, as did Elijah, Samuel, John, etc.

If you can do these things, then there is nothing I can offer to help you.

If you cannot do these things, please let me know. We should talk more.
by m273p15c
Mon Feb 15, 2010 1:19 pm
Forum: Holy Spirit, Apostles, and Miracles
Topic: how do I become an Evangelist, since I am one?
Replies: 7
Views: 9485

Evangelist

How do you know that you are an evangelist? An evangelist of what?
by m273p15c
Mon Feb 15, 2010 9:51 am
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Natzarene Jews and Modern Binding of the Old Jewish Covenant
Replies: 15
Views: 17949

Lord's Supper

I picked out three logical arguments from your note for maintaining the Old Law: Jesus said He did not come to destroy the law ( Matthew 5:17-19 ). Paul believed the Old Law (law of Moses) ( Acts 24:14 ). Any NT denouncements against the "law" are in actuality, a denouncement of the Pharisees' "fenc...
by m273p15c
Mon Feb 15, 2010 8:57 am
Forum: Sin and Salvation
Topic: Baptism does not SAVE
Replies: 8
Views: 12600

Baptism does not SAVE

I appreciate your expressed conviction. Many of these arguments are answered on our forums , although I would happy to answer them one by one. Before I do that, please allow me to ask a question first: If I quoted a verse that affirmed the saints are saved by grace, God's grace, - and the verse did ...
by m273p15c
Mon Jan 25, 2010 1:18 pm
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Natzarene Jews and Modern Binding of the Old Jewish Covenant
Replies: 15
Views: 17949

Lord's Supper

Depending on what you mean, yes, I believe Jesus left us an example, that we should follow in His footsteps ( John 13:15 I Peter 2:21 ) - at least in some points. However, I think Jesus did certain things, which I cannot or should not, so there would be some stipulations on that broad statement... I...
by m273p15c
Mon Jan 25, 2010 10:03 am
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Natzarene Jews and Modern Binding of the Old Jewish Covenant
Replies: 15
Views: 17949

Lord's Supper

You may be surprised to learn that I also take a "restorational" view of the church; in that, I also seek to perform God's will as originally delivered and obeyed in the first century. I also have no use for Christmas, Easter, and many other traditions and doctrines that were introduced into the chu...
by m273p15c
Mon Jan 25, 2010 9:00 am
Forum: Calvinism
Topic: Total inherited depravity
Replies: 3
Views: 6808

Total inherited depravity

Yes, I believe what you said in your concluding paragraph is true. I am very happy to hear that! :-) I would not even quibble over semantics, especially once that becomes apparent ( II Timothy 2:14 ). May I close with one warning? Calvin's theology is incredibly tight and logical - if one is willing...
by m273p15c
Sat Jan 23, 2010 12:16 am
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Passover week & unleavened bread used in Lord's Supper
Replies: 20
Views: 23052

Lord's Supper

Thank you for the information on the Septuagint. I was not aware that there was any debate on that point, nor did I anticipate you taking objection to it. I thought it was commonly accepted. Regardless, I am looking forward to reading the material you provided and researching the question. Thank you...
by m273p15c
Fri Jan 22, 2010 6:41 pm
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Passover week & unleavened bread used in Lord's Supper
Replies: 20
Views: 23052

Lord's Supper

No, unfortunately I have not had the resources to study the Hebrew and Greek languages in depth. I am not opposed to this, but I have not had the opportunity myself. Does this mean that I cannot understand the Bible? Honestly, I am very leery of any doctrine that requires intimate knowledge of the o...
by m273p15c
Thu Jan 21, 2010 12:31 pm
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Passover week & unleavened bread used in Lord's Supper
Replies: 20
Views: 23052

Lord's Supper

Thanks for the swift reply. Really, feel free to take your time. I did not mean to rush you. I just did not want to lose contact. Thanks for breaking down your understanding of Matthew 26:17-19 . Clearly, there is some apparent conflict, so at least one of the words will have to "wiggle". Strictly, ...
by m273p15c
Tue Jan 19, 2010 1:21 pm
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Passover week & unleavened bread used in Lord's Supper
Replies: 20
Views: 23052

Lord's Supper

No problem. It seemed that you were cutting off communication, especially given that you were asking a lot of questions and answering few, referring to lack of time, references to mind being made up, etc. If you are willing to compile the data, I certainly do not mind waiting to analyze it. :) About...
by m273p15c
Tue Jan 19, 2010 12:19 pm
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Passover week & unleavened bread used in Lord's Supper
Replies: 20
Views: 23052

Lord's Supper

Please, I would like to see your harmony or explanation of the other accounts, since that is what I have been asking for several emails now. ... Did I read you right? You doubt the credibility or accuracy of Matthew's, Mark's, and Luke's accounts? If not, why the preference for John's account again?
by m273p15c
Tue Jan 19, 2010 12:12 pm
Forum: Calvinism
Topic: Total inherited depravity
Replies: 3
Views: 6808

Total inherited depravity

Thanks for the good and thoughtful question! (BTW, the forums has been restored. Thanks for letting us know that too!) You are right. Scripture is always true, because it comes from God, and God "cannot lie" ( Titus 1:2 ). Therefore, all of Scripture will agree with itself. And, any apparent conflic...
by m273p15c
Mon Jan 18, 2010 10:56 pm
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Passover week & unleavened bread used in Lord's Supper
Replies: 20
Views: 23052

Lord's Supper

I think you are "mixing your metaphors". What have I said that requires Jesus to eat of His own body? Why could He not eat of the OT Passover feast and have been crucified later the same day, while it was still Passover day? Why does Jesus fulfillment of being a spiritual "Passover lamb" prohibit Hi...