Search found 720 matches

by m273p15c
Sun Nov 18, 2012 2:47 pm
Forum: The Church
Topic: YOU ARE NOT THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
Replies: 5
Views: 9884

Re: NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

Oh, I'm sorry. I misunderstood your intent. I won't email you again. ... Thanks! ... m273p15c
by m273p15c
Sat Nov 17, 2012 7:30 pm
Forum: The Church
Topic: YOU ARE NOT THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
Replies: 5
Views: 9884

Re: NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

I do not believe this passage is as clear as you think. ... Is this pattern consistent throughout the entire New Testament? Did all other NT churches meet daily? Or, might there have been a special need in this case? Do you know of any passages that encourage us to assemble more frequently in certai...
by m273p15c
Sat Nov 17, 2012 7:25 pm
Forum: Calvinism
Topic: Who are you? Are you Calvinists?
Replies: 3
Views: 8285

Who are you?

Myself and others who answer correspondence and write articles for the ISOT site are decidedly NOT in the Calvinistic or Reformed camp. In fact, we have an entire series of articles written in opposition to it: http://www.insearchoftruth.org/articles/index.html#calvinism :) In addition to your resea...
by m273p15c
Wed Nov 07, 2012 8:51 am
Forum: Miscellaneous
Topic: reaction to last night's election
Replies: 0
Views: 14738

reaction to last night's election

In regards to last night's election results, it seems that many Christians' reactions are drifting to 2 dead-end extremes: One reaction is to rightfully mourn the utter failure in judgment of the American people. However, many people's bemoaning is turning into despair. Another group, quoting I King...
by m273p15c
Thu Nov 01, 2012 11:59 am
Forum: The Church
Topic: YOU ARE NOT THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
Replies: 5
Views: 9884

Re: NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

What part of that pattern are we not following?
by m273p15c
Mon Oct 29, 2012 7:44 am
Forum: Morality
Topic: Dealing with inconsistent Christians and corrupt media
Replies: 3
Views: 6154

Re: tares and the wheat

Any time. :)
by m273p15c
Sun Oct 28, 2012 7:55 pm
Forum: Morality
Topic: Dealing with inconsistent Christians and corrupt media
Replies: 3
Views: 6154

tares and the wheat

I understand. It can be discouraging when fellow Christians are not living consistently with their claims, but remember that "tares grow up with the wheat" , and they are not separated until the last day ( Matthew 13:24-30, 34-43 ). Our job is to make sure we are being "wheat" and to gather as much ...
by m273p15c
Fri Oct 26, 2012 7:49 am
Forum: Sin and Salvation
Topic: But the Bible speaks of the wicked being tormented "forever," doesn't it?
Replies: 5
Views: 11414

Re: But the Bible speaks of the wicked being tormented "forever," doesn't it?

The Bible does not say there will be no more pain and suffering in the whole universe. The statement about no pain is only made in regard to heaven ( Revelation 21:1-8 ). There are many passages, especially in the OT, which refer to physical Israel conquering their national foes. It would be a grave...
by m273p15c
Thu Oct 25, 2012 9:27 pm
Forum: Sin and Salvation
Topic: But the Bible speaks of the wicked being tormented "forever," doesn't it?
Replies: 5
Views: 11414

But the Bible speaks of the wicked being tormented "forever," doesn't it?

Thanks for your questions and expression of your position regarding hell. As you noted, we do have an article regarding the duration of hell, but it only touches on the topic briefly. I do not currently have time to delve into a lengthy debate on the subject. But, I will offer you a couple of though...
by m273p15c
Sat Oct 20, 2012 9:16 pm
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: Your Website is the Antithesis of Truth
Replies: 9
Views: 11768

Re: Your Website is the Antithesis of Truth

I appreciate your ongoing concern for me. Thank you for the interesting find. I have added a thorough analysis of it to my TODO list. Before you go, I would encourage you to look closely in the mirror. I have extended both hands in effort to studying this question openly with you. Instead, all I hav...
by m273p15c
Sat Oct 13, 2012 10:36 pm
Forum: The Church
Topic: Serious Research - Role of minister/evangelist
Replies: 4
Views: 11296

Re: Serious Research - Role of minister/evangelist

Hi schellekensr, If you did not know, there are a few articles on the ISOT site about evangelists and elders: Evangelists and Preachers Elders, Bishops, and Pastors These may have more details, but I'll offer a few quick thoughts: Both preachers and elders are authorized by the Bible to paid for the...
by m273p15c
Mon Oct 01, 2012 9:54 am
Forum: The Church
Topic: The role of Deacons versus Elders
Replies: 2
Views: 7458

The role of Deacons

Thanks for the good questions! I really appreciate your desire to determine only what the Scripture teaches, forsaking any human traditions! I have not looked at that article in a long time (about 15 years!), and I can see it could use some significant clarifications and even correction. You are cor...
by m273p15c
Fri Sep 28, 2012 9:24 pm
Forum: The Church
Topic: Church organization (self-funding) and naming
Replies: 1
Views: 6259

Biblical church cooperation

It's good to hear from you! :) I hope and pray things are going well for you in your studies as you seek to draw closer to the Lord. In the New Testament, churches only cooperated directly (i.e., sent funds to each other), when one church was overburdened with benevolent needs to its own membership ...
by m273p15c
Thu Sep 27, 2012 7:38 am
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: Your Website is the Antithesis of Truth
Replies: 9
Views: 11768

Re: Your Website is the Antithesis of Truth

Thanks for the response, but this email seems much like the previous ones. You are telling me that I am wrong, but not showing me how I am wrong, or better yet, you are not showing me why (as in proving) I am wrong. I deal with creedally minded Christians all day, and this is how they talk. They thi...
by m273p15c
Wed Sep 26, 2012 10:02 am
Forum: Calvinism
Topic: Thank you thank you thank you! I stayed up all night reading this!
Replies: 5
Views: 8054

Re: Overwhelming and discouraging influence of Calvinism

It's good to hear from you again. Yes, I do remember you. :) First, about discouragement: Keep in mind that in the battle between good and evil, evil outnumbers good, but that is of no consequence, if we are on the side of God and truth ( Judges 7:2, 7; I Samuel 14:6-23; Matthew 19:26 ). The sad but...
by m273p15c
Wed Sep 26, 2012 9:27 am
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: nobody knows what is meant by "god"
Replies: 1
Views: 5831

Re: nobody knows what is meant by "god"

Assuming a little consistency with the world around us, we can assume that the Creator is greater than the Creation. (For example, compare your house, watch, computer, car, smartphone to the people who made it.) So, for any attribute we possess, whether intellectual, moral, or potential, we would ex...
by m273p15c
Tue Sep 18, 2012 9:07 am
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Instrumental Music - Detecting Inconsistency?
Replies: 1
Views: 5300

Instrumental music

Thanks for the good questions and your concern for inconsistency. Please consider the following answers to your questions: Perception? Our perception is irrelevant. Is the mechanical instrument authorized in the NT or is it not? That is the only question that matters. A lot of questions flow into th...
by m273p15c
Mon Sep 17, 2012 3:46 pm
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: Your Website is the Antithesis of Truth
Replies: 9
Views: 11768

Re: Your Website is the Antithesis of Truth

I don't feel like we are getting anywhere, at least not very fast. It seems there is too much being volleyed back and forth at one time, and a lot of points are being overlooked or surviving longer than they should. How about this? What if we limited ourselves to one offensive and one defensive move...
by m273p15c
Mon Sep 17, 2012 9:04 am
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: Your Website is the Antithesis of Truth
Replies: 9
Views: 11768

Re: Your Website is the Antithesis of Truth

I appreciate the detailed answers, and I would answer in like kind; however, most of your answers should first be addressed by a few of points. No, I don't receive special revelation. I don't hear voices, feel nudgings, or attempt to interpret dreams. In fact, I spend a lot of time through this web-...
by m273p15c
Tue Sep 11, 2012 12:14 pm
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: Your Website is the Antithesis of Truth
Replies: 9
Views: 11768

Your Website is the Antithesis of Truth

Thanks for your feedback. It is the desire of this web-site's authors and maintainers to answer each email logically, fairly, and with integrity. Therefore, please consider the following analysis of your more salient statements: Your so-called Christian "truth" is false. That's clear because you, in...
by m273p15c
Fri Aug 31, 2012 9:24 am
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Music - Commanded to sing Psalms which command instruments?
Replies: 1
Views: 7302

Instrumental music

Thanks for the good question and kind spirit in which it was asked! Both are much appreciated. :) For easy reference here are the two New Testament passages that command us to sing: And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psal...
by m273p15c
Wed Aug 29, 2012 9:46 pm
Forum: The Rules
Topic: Use Of Materials
Replies: 1
Views: 72471

Use Of Materials

The article on Romans 9 resides in the public domain, as does almost all of the "In Search of Truth" web-site. Feel free to reprint and adjust how you wish. I would request that you post a link back to the original, and that you would describe any changes you made for transparency's and reference's ...
by m273p15c
Sat Aug 18, 2012 11:05 am
Forum: Jesus and God
Topic: Theology study is biblical or not?
Replies: 2
Views: 75677

Are seminaries Biblical and helpful?

Hi Frank, Welcome to the "In Search of Truth" forums! Thanks for the good questions. You asked about seminaries, and you mentioned that many students come back as non-believers. Regardless of the prestige associated with a place of "higher learning", the Bible warns us of the dangers of such places:...
by m273p15c
Thu Aug 16, 2012 10:41 pm
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: Christian view of the Vedic scriptures, like Bhagavad-gita?
Replies: 1
Views: 6125

Comparing the 2 books ...

Thanks for the good question! We have not had any sermons examining the Vedas or similar texts in recent memory. ... I imagine the reason for not having any sermons on the topic may be because we rarely encounter the local need to answer it. However, for those that are in frequent association with H...
by m273p15c
Tue Aug 14, 2012 8:24 am
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Feedback
Replies: 11
Views: 11037

Re: Overlooked reference to instruments in heaven!

No problem, I completely understand. I wish and pray the best for you. Just be sure to preach just the Word, because the gospel is the only power that God has given us unto salvation ( Romans 1:16; II Timothy 3:16-17; II Timothy 2:15 ). If you stick with it, you can't go wrong! Please be safe, take ...
by m273p15c
Mon Aug 13, 2012 10:36 pm
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Feedback
Replies: 11
Views: 11037

Re: Overlooked reference to instruments in heaven!

I apologize for the month long delay. Things have been fairly crazy around here. In your last email, you mentioned that the Devil can do anything God can do, except some major miracles. May I suggest that the Devil's false prophets cannot really do much more than you and I can do. The false prophets...
by m273p15c
Wed Aug 01, 2012 10:05 am
Forum: Sin and Salvation
Topic: Balanced view of fear and punishment of disobedience
Replies: 1
Views: 5293

Re: Balanced view of fear and punishment of disobedience

You are doing well to not overlook your own heart. And, you have done well to see the gravity and scope of this one issue. Improper minimization of fear is to minimize the motivation of judgment and the likelihood of obedience. It is a thinly-veiled attack at the basis for personal obedience and - m...
by m273p15c
Wed Jul 25, 2012 11:56 pm
Forum: The Church
Topic: musick in the church
Replies: 3
Views: 9488

Re: musick in the church

Sorry for the delayed reply. Things have been hectic here. :) About John's request from prison, my understanding is that this request was sent by John the Baptist, not the Apostle John, because John the Baptist was martyred before the transfiguration occurred ( Matthew 11:1, 11; 14:1-12; 17:1-2, 9-1...
by m273p15c
Thu Jul 19, 2012 3:26 pm
Forum: The Church
Topic: musick in the church
Replies: 3
Views: 9488

musick in the church

Thanks for the kind response and encouragement. I'm glad to discuss John's request from prison, but I am not sure what question you have in mind. Are you asking why did he doubt? Are you asking why did Jesus answer as He did? Or, something else? ... Your answer to your friend sounds good. I had not ...
by m273p15c
Thu Jul 19, 2012 2:48 pm
Forum: Sin and Salvation
Topic: discouraged because of so many turning away from God
Replies: 3
Views: 6878

Re: overcoming discouragement

You are more than welcome! :)
by m273p15c
Thu Jul 19, 2012 2:24 pm
Forum: Sin and Salvation
Topic: discouraged because of so many turning away from God
Replies: 3
Views: 6878

Re: overcoming discouragement

Thanks. You have paid me a high-compliment, and I appreciate it, although I am sure I am not worthy of it. The key, I believe, is not to focus on any one individual, except Christ. I think Jesus demonstrated the proper attitude most saliently in the case of the rich young ruler. Putting the texts to...
by m273p15c
Wed Jul 18, 2012 2:43 pm
Forum: Calvinism
Topic: Romans 9 article and mental gymnastics
Replies: 1
Views: 5021

Romans 9

Thanks for the good question and feedback. I am glad you agree that Romans 9:6-13 are dealing with the election of nations , but you did not address the goal of the election. The Jewish nation was indeed elected, but unto what? Were they collectively elected unto individual salvation , or were they ...
by m273p15c
Wed Jul 18, 2012 1:10 pm
Forum: The Church
Topic: musick in the church
Replies: 3
Views: 9488

musick in the church

Thanks for the encouragement. I am sorry to hear about the task that lays before you. But, just as wandering away from the NT pattern surely brings destruction, so can returning to the pattern ultimately bring spiritual peace, stability, and growth in the Lord. I will think about you in my prayers. ...
by m273p15c
Mon Jul 16, 2012 11:24 pm
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Feedback
Replies: 11
Views: 11037

Re: Overlooked reference to instruments in heaven!

Your honesty and straightforwardness is greatly appreciated. It is true that there is no perfect church, but I believe that is only because it is unlikely you will find a church of perfect people. :) I do believe there are churches that teach the truth very close to the original NT pattern. I believ...
by m273p15c
Mon Jul 16, 2012 3:13 pm
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Feedback
Replies: 11
Views: 11037

Re: Overlooked reference to instruments in heaven!

I appreciate your conclusion on the study, but may I ask a couple of more questions? If you agree there is no substantial support for the mechanical instrument in the NT, would you then proceed to worship with it yourself or encourage others to do so? If so, what verses would you use to justify such...
by m273p15c
Mon Jul 16, 2012 2:27 pm
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Feedback
Replies: 11
Views: 11037

Re: Overlooked reference to instruments in heaven!

Why do you go to the Bible to understand God, since you have already determined who He is? How do you know He is a lenient Creator? Why do you think God seeking a relationship with us is mutually exclusive with His demand for obedience? I don't want to just ask questions, so please allow me to suppo...
by m273p15c
Mon Jul 16, 2012 1:26 pm
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Feedback
Replies: 11
Views: 11037

Re: Overlooked reference to instruments in heaven!

Thanks for the good question. It is a very common question. In fact, we already have an answer posted, along with answers to several other common objections: http://www.insearchoftruth.org/articles/music_arguments.html#revelation Please take a look at it. If you are not satisfied, I would like to kn...
by m273p15c
Tue Jul 10, 2012 12:31 pm
Forum: The Church
Topic: Matt 23:8-12 - title of "Teacher" is NOT condemned
Replies: 15
Views: 27656

Re: Matt 23; 8-12

You are welcome. Feel free to browse other articles and listen to sermons on the ISOT and WFS web-sites. I think you'll find them helpful to your studies. ... May God help us to have a sincere love of truth ... m273p15c
by m273p15c
Tue Jul 10, 2012 11:13 am
Forum: The Church
Topic: Matt 23:8-12 - title of "Teacher" is NOT condemned
Replies: 15
Views: 27656

Re: Matt 23; 8-12

I included this in a previous email, but I am adding Strong's definition, which I previously accidentally overlooked. The Greek word for "master" (KJV, AMP) or "teacher" (NKJV, NET, NIVO) is kathegetes , which is so defined according to the following Greek-English lexicons: 1) a guide 2) a master, t...
by m273p15c
Tue Jul 10, 2012 8:54 am
Forum: The Church
Topic: Matt 23:8-12 - title of "Teacher" is NOT condemned
Replies: 15
Views: 27656

Re: Matt 23; 8-12

Thanks for the post.

As follow up, what is the original Greek word for "master" in verse 10? What does it mean?

Do you believe that KJV and AMP are the only correct translations? If so, why?

Thanks!

m273p15c
by m273p15c
Mon Jul 09, 2012 4:09 pm
Forum: The Church
Topic: Matt 23:8-12 - title of "Teacher" is NOT condemned
Replies: 15
Views: 27656

Re: Matt 23; 8-12

Thanks for the update. Have you looked at the translations and lexicons I mentioned in my first response? How does your KJV and AMP versions read?
by m273p15c
Mon Jul 09, 2012 3:11 pm
Forum: The Church
Topic: Matt 23:8-12 - title of "Teacher" is NOT condemned
Replies: 15
Views: 27656

Re: Matt 23; 8-12

Which versions (translations) are you checking? ... Thanks! ... m273p15c
by m273p15c
Mon Jul 09, 2012 3:08 pm
Forum: The Church
Topic: Matt 23:8-12 - title of "Teacher" is NOT condemned
Replies: 15
Views: 27656

Re: Matt 23; 8-12

No problem. BTW, I guessed at what you were thinking. If you don't mind explaining, I would appreciate the help. I'd like to make the article as easy to understand as possible. ... Thanks! ... m273p15c
by m273p15c
Mon Jul 09, 2012 2:44 pm
Forum: The Church
Topic: Matt 23:8-12 - title of "Teacher" is NOT condemned
Replies: 15
Views: 27656

Re: Matt 23; 8-12

I think I already did, since I referenced it above. So, I don't understand your question. You'll have to explain to me what you see as a contradiction. ... Thanks! ... m273p15c
by m273p15c
Mon Jul 09, 2012 12:37 pm
Forum: The Church
Topic: Matt 23:8-12 - title of "Teacher" is NOT condemned
Replies: 15
Views: 27656

Re: Matt 23:8-12 - title of "Teacher" is NOT condemned

I also agree that we should not change God's Word, and we must be very careful in how we study and what we present ( II Timothy 2:15; Luke 8:18; James 3:1 ). However, the word, teachers , is present in Matthew 28:10 in multiple translations: "But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teache...
by m273p15c
Wed Jul 04, 2012 9:23 am
Forum: Sin and Salvation
Topic: Judgement Day - how to be prepared?
Replies: 1
Views: 5357

Re: judgement day - how to be prepared?

Specifically, one must first be converted or saved by: Hearing the gospel ( Romans 10:17 ) Believing the gospel ( Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6 ) Repenting of their sins ( Acts 2:37-38 ) Confessing Jesus ( Romans 10:10 ) Being baptized ( Acts 2:37-38 ) If you read through the book of Acts, you will see...
by m273p15c
Tue Jun 05, 2012 10:01 am
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: Disproving creationism/creator/God in layman's terms
Replies: 9
Views: 11937

Re: Disproving creationism/creator/God in layman's terms

Huh? Again, you have no idea with whom you are talking. I am an engineer and a scientist. I make no money from any Christians, and the entire ISOT web-site is operated at my own expense. Clearly, you have no real arguments or you would use them. I would face a true challenge if you had one. Whatever...
by m273p15c
Tue Jun 05, 2012 8:45 am
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: Disproving creationism/creator/God in layman's terms
Replies: 9
Views: 11937

Re: Disproving creationism/creator/God in layman's terms

Make your argument in a way that is respectful and logical, or I am done. Please try again.
by m273p15c
Mon Jun 04, 2012 10:37 pm
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: Disproving creationism/creator/God in layman's terms
Replies: 9
Views: 11937

Re: Disproving creationism/creator/God in layman's terms

(I will no longer respond or acknowledge your insults for they are of no value to the truth, although they betray your true Nietzschean standard. Likewise, I will not advise you on this again. I pray you come to give it thought eventually.) Ok, so you say the holocaust page represents your strongest...
by m273p15c
Mon Jun 04, 2012 12:46 pm
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: Disproving creationism/creator/God in layman's terms
Replies: 9
Views: 11937

Re: Disproving creationism/creator/God in layman's terms

You have made too many assumptions about me, my beliefs, the Bible, and Christianity to resolve in one response. Pick your strongest argument, and I'll happily focus on that one thought. Do you realize that you employ scoffing as your primary means of persuasion? Basically, it seems you are trying t...