Search found 720 matches

by m273p15c
Mon Jun 04, 2012 10:09 am
Forum: Holy Spirit, Apostles, and Miracles
Topic: how to be filled by holy spirit and speak in tongues?
Replies: 1
Views: 5289

Re: how to be filled by holy spirit and speak in tongues?

Tongue-speaking was a miraculous gift of the Holy Spirit limited to the first century. If you had the gift, there would be no doubt, because tongue-speaking was intended to be an amazing sign to convince unbelievers ( I Corinthians 14:20-22 ). With the exception of the apostles and house of Corneliu...
by m273p15c
Mon Jun 04, 2012 9:45 am
Forum: Calvinism
Topic: Thank you thank you thank you! I stayed up all night reading this!
Replies: 5
Views: 8064

Re: Gnosticism's influence on Calvinism

Yes, Augustine really was the root of Calvinism. Calvin essentially formalized and organized Augustine's theology. However, many of the church "fathers" believed in free will before Augustine: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelagianism#Church_Fathers_on_free_will Augustine lived a fairly dissolute lif...
by m273p15c
Fri Jun 01, 2012 10:14 am
Forum: Calvinism
Topic: Thank you thank you thank you! I stayed up all night reading this!
Replies: 5
Views: 8064

Impact of Calvinism on Atheism

You are so very welcome. I am thankful you found it, and I am thankful I could help in a small way. You are right. If people take a few steps back, they can see that Calvinism is contradictory with so many points and themes of Scripture. Your points are good, further examples of Calvin's fallacy. .....
by m273p15c
Thu May 31, 2012 11:22 pm
Forum: Sin and Salvation
Topic: being baptized again
Replies: 1
Views: 5478

Re: being baptized again

No, there is nothing wrong with being baptized again, especially if you doubt that it was originally done for the correct reason. In the New Testament, some Ephesians were baptized again, because they were baptized only according to the preaching of John - not according to Jesus' command ( Acts 19:1...
by m273p15c
Thu May 31, 2012 1:40 pm
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: answering skeptic's argument against the existence of God
Replies: 1
Views: 5693

working on a *concise* answer

Yes, that's a fairly common argument. I have never developed a concise answer, but I think there are at least a few relevant points: The world was good until man sinned ( Genesis 3:16-24 ). God cursed the world as punishment, but ultimately in hope of corralling man toward Him ( Romans 8:20; Acts 17...
by m273p15c
Thu May 31, 2012 11:52 am
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: Disproving creationism/creator/God in layman's terms
Replies: 9
Views: 11948

Disproving creationism/creator/God in layman's terms

Thanks for the submission. I glanced over your blog, but I think it - in addition to the example argument you provided - repeatedly make the same mistake. You are trying to show an internal inconsistency of Christianity, which is reasonable and fair, but you do not understand the inner workings of C...
by m273p15c
Wed May 30, 2012 1:50 pm
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: formatting and language
Replies: 1
Views: 5368

formatting and language

Yes, possibilities always exist for errors to creep in through mistranslation. A multitude of translations and scholars help minimize such error. However, we should not let such doubts cripple us, unless we are willing to accept that God revealed His eternal will in such brittle form thereby renderi...
by m273p15c
Wed May 16, 2012 2:56 pm
Forum: Sin and Salvation
Topic: conquering difficult topics, overcoming discouraging errors
Replies: 3
Views: 7168

conquering difficult topics, overcoming discouraging errors

Glad to hear it. I've had to rehearse them to myself many times, because tomorrow's oppression can drive us to forget what we know so well today (Ecclesiastes 7:7; II Peter 1:12-15; 3:1). ... Godspeed ... m273p15c
by m273p15c
Tue May 15, 2012 6:37 pm
Forum: Sin and Salvation
Topic: conquering difficult topics, overcoming discouraging errors
Replies: 3
Views: 7168

conquering difficult topics, overcoming discouraging errors

You are more than welcome. I hope it is helpful. Don't be discouraged. I think the truth of the matter is that every generation has its own battle ( Judges 3:1-6 ). The nature and timing of that battle may vary wildly, but regardless, we have what we need to overcome ( II Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesia...
by m273p15c
Mon May 07, 2012 8:18 am
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Instrumental Worship
Replies: 3
Views: 6699

Instrumental Worship

Thanks for the good follow-up question. Yes, someone could read Psalm 150 , but would that be authoritative? What if they read this? " Make yourself an ark of gopherwood ; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch. And this is how you shall make it : The length of the ark sha...
by m273p15c
Sun May 06, 2012 10:44 pm
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Instrumental Worship
Replies: 3
Views: 6699

Instrumental Worship

I have not focused on the significance of the noun form, psalmos , and that was an oversight on my part. Thank you for bringing it my attention and raising a good question. If I said to you, "Tonight, during the worship service, Tommy read Psalm 19", would you understand that Tommy sang, played a ly...
by m273p15c
Sat Jul 09, 2011 11:04 pm
Forum: Holy Spirit, Apostles, and Miracles
Topic: churches of Christ are charismatic?
Replies: 3
Views: 12488

Re: the church

It's good to hear back from you. Many churches of Christ believe in church autonomy, so there is no organized conformity, outside of a similar attitude to God's Word. However, as far as I know, very few are charismatic. Now, churches of God, churches of the Nazarene, and Assemblies of God are genera...
by m273p15c
Fri Jul 08, 2011 6:55 pm
Forum: Holy Spirit, Apostles, and Miracles
Topic: churches of Christ are charismatic?
Replies: 3
Views: 12488

the church

All the people who work on the ISOT web-site, either writing articles or answering correspondence, attend churches of Christ. If you are interested in a home Bible study, please send me your city, and I'll try to find a reputable church close to you. If you have any comments, questions, or feedback ...
by m273p15c
Sat Jun 25, 2011 2:08 pm
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: Contradiction in the Bible - did they hear or not hear?
Replies: 1
Views: 6339

Contradiction in the Bible

For several hundred years, people have been trying to find contradictions in the Bible. Some alleged contradictions appear more believable than others. Not surprisingly, there have been a number of books written which catalogs these supposed inconsistencies and answers them. John W. Haley's, "Allege...
by m273p15c
Tue Jun 07, 2011 6:41 pm
Forum: Calvinism
Topic: "Soft" Calvinism
Replies: 1
Views: 7098

sinful nature or poor design?

Thanks for the encouragement and excellent questions! I have heard this illustration too. It was presented to me as murderers on death row receiving a pardon. There is a response here: http://www.insearchoftruth.org/articles/responses_to_calvinism.html#not_fair However, that response may most direct...
by m273p15c
Tue Jun 07, 2011 5:54 pm
Forum: Morality
Topic: what stops me
Replies: 1
Views: 5186

what stops me

This is a common problem. Many people think that once they become a Christian that it will be easy to stop sinning. Although becoming a Christian gives you the tools to win the war, you still have to fight. If you would, please look over the discussions recorded in these forum posts, and see if they...
by m273p15c
Mon May 16, 2011 1:19 pm
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: "Unfortunately?" Instrumental music is unfortunate?
Replies: 1
Views: 5552

work of human hands

Thank you for your feedback. As a work of human hands, the framing of the referenced article will always bear some polishing, and even coarse sanding too. :) As you noted, the sense of "unfortunately" applies only to my desire and ability to fully digest and summarize over 1100 references in a given...
by m273p15c
Wed May 04, 2011 11:40 pm
Forum: Jesus and God
Topic: Jehovah wittness
Replies: 3
Views: 7111

Re: Jehovah wittness

No, I am nowhere close to being a Jehovah's Witness. :) I would encourage you to read the article links I sent previously. No JW could have written them, unless he was a former JW. Genesis 1:1-3 definitely shows at least 2 beings in the Godhead. As you observed, John 1:1 includes the incarnate word,...
by m273p15c
Wed May 04, 2011 12:34 pm
Forum: Jesus and God
Topic: Jehovah wittness
Replies: 3
Views: 7111

Jehovah wittness

Thanks for your good Bible references that help show that Jesus was not only divine, but Jehovah ( I Timothy 3:16; Matthew 1:21-23 ). In case you did not see this already, we have several additional passages along these lines in this article: http://www.insearchoftruth.org/articles/jesus_deity.html ...
by m273p15c
Tue May 03, 2011 1:37 pm
Forum: Sin and Salvation
Topic: Test of salvation - Confidence and security of the believer
Replies: 6
Views: 10648

Re: Test of salvation

I am glad to hear that the words were helpful. More importantly, I am glad that you are able to focus on the Scriptures and gain from them! They will carry you through! About Hebrews 12:4-11 and "God's chastening" , I think that is a reference to all forms of God disciplining us. Obviously, Scriptur...
by m273p15c
Fri Apr 22, 2011 11:19 am
Forum: Sin and Salvation
Topic: Test of salvation - Confidence and security of the believer
Replies: 6
Views: 10648

Re: Test of salvation

I can see that you have a lot on your mind. I know you are under a lot of pressure, but if you don't mind, let me have a couple of days to meditate on this, so I can prepare an adequate answer. BTW, I believe the reason for the "riddles" is given here: Matthew 13:1-23; II Thessalonians 2:9-12; and I...
by m273p15c
Thu Apr 21, 2011 5:47 pm
Forum: Sin and Salvation
Topic: Test of salvation - Confidence and security of the believer
Replies: 6
Views: 10648

Test of salvation

I am sorry to learn of your struggle, but I am thankful for the opportunity to study the Bible with you on this crucial matter. First, I don't think being baptized again is the answer. Assuming you followed Mark 16:15-16 , Acts 2:37-38 , and similar passages, by believing, repenting, and being bapti...
by m273p15c
Mon Mar 21, 2011 11:08 am
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: Be Prepared !
Replies: 3
Views: 7719

Re: Be Prepared !

do you mean like good,better,best but in reverse but on an ever away from the Church spiral - what I am trying to warn against seems to also blight Christian children of other Christian denominations - so shall we stay awhile with the question - twinc Friend, every thread you have begun is built up...
by m273p15c
Mon Mar 21, 2011 11:06 am
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: simul et ex nihilo - Catholic teaching !
Replies: 6
Views: 11046

Re: simul et ex nihilo - Catholic teaching !

lets not deviate from the question - so is simul et ex nihilo accepted or acceptable or not - your sola scripture is explained elsewhere - twinc Your thread is fundamentally broken, because it is built on a logical fallacy - an appeal to (an unaccepted) authority. Show me where the Scriptures teach...
by m273p15c
Mon Mar 21, 2011 11:03 am
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: Galileo was wrong !
Replies: 5
Views: 9038

proof-texts are figurative - still

this is notwhat is being or contested - what is being contested is whether it moves or it does not move and who says what - twinc If the verses are to be figuratively interpreted, then God has nothing to say on the subject of the earth's absolute movement relative to the sun or anything else. You h...
by m273p15c
Mon Mar 21, 2011 9:29 am
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: Galileo was wrong !
Replies: 5
Views: 9038

proof-texts are figurative

Hi twinc, I looked at the list of supposed proof-texts, but they are clearly figurative, since if interpreted literally they contradict themselves: 1 Sam. 2:8 – “For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and on them he has set the world .” ... 1 Chron. 16:30 – “yea, the world stands firm, never t...
by m273p15c
Mon Mar 21, 2011 9:12 am
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: simul et ex nihilo - Catholic teaching !
Replies: 6
Views: 11046

need to defend Catholicism here

this is absolutely so for Catholics Hi twinc, Most of the people on this site are not Catholics. Catholics are welcomed, as are all people. However, this site is devoted to "truthseekers", which means there are no assumptions here. Everything can and should be challenged. If we can agree on the Bib...
by m273p15c
Sun Mar 20, 2011 10:22 pm
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: simul et ex nihilo - Catholic teaching !
Replies: 6
Views: 11046

is the Catholic church our final authority?

Is the Catholic church the final authority regarding spiritual matters on earth?
by m273p15c
Sun Mar 20, 2011 10:19 pm
Forum: Jesus and God
Topic: Jesus is Jehovah !
Replies: 2
Views: 6833

Re: Jesus is Jehovah !

Although I agree with your conclusion, I could not find any basis or proof within your statement. What do you offer to back up this assertion?
by m273p15c
Sun Mar 20, 2011 10:17 pm
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: Be Prepared !
Replies: 3
Views: 7719

Re: Be Prepared !

Not to be antagonistic, but it seems you have assumed that it is bad that people are leaving the Catholic church. If people are leaving to join churches that are more like the Bible pattern, would that not be good?
by m273p15c
Sun Mar 20, 2011 10:15 pm
Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
Topic: Galileo was wrong !
Replies: 5
Views: 9038

Re: Galileo was wrong !

twinc wrote:it seems the Church,Bible and God were right after all, but of course how could it be otherwise
Where in the Bible does it say Galileo was wrong?
by m273p15c
Sun Mar 13, 2011 2:49 pm
Forum: Miscellaneous
Topic: quote: Thucydides on wishful thinking and denial
Replies: 0
Views: 15200

quote: Thucydides on wishful thinking and denial

On the topics of wishful thinking contrasted with determined denial of unwanted facts: Their judgment was based on wishful thinking rather than on sound calculation of probabilities; for the usual thing among men, is when they want something, they will, without any reflection, leave that to hope; wh...
by m273p15c
Sat Mar 12, 2011 11:48 pm
Forum: Jesus and God
Topic: Justifying God's punishment through civil gov't
Replies: 1
Views: 6900

the problem of evil in a world ruled by a loving God

God didn't hold the Christians that burned millions of women because of witch accusations, killed millions of people who didn't believe in their religion, or the millions that inhabited their land that they said were entitled to them accountable. I realize you don't believe in God, but let's suppos...
by m273p15c
Sat Mar 12, 2011 10:25 pm
Forum: Morality
Topic: Barack Obama's Pro-Choice Position
Replies: 1
Views: 6384

Political dodge - failure to stand up

I have, since learning about abortion for the past year-in-a-half, been opposed to pro-choice, because it seems to suggest that a woman can do something that God says is wrong (Proverbs 6:17). Hi approachable, I agree with your conclusion that God is opposed to abortion, because He is opposed to mu...
by m273p15c
Fri Mar 04, 2011 11:53 pm
Forum: Calvinism
Topic: Romans 9
Replies: 1
Views: 5456

Romans 9

Thanks for the encouragement. Your kind words are much appreciated! :) Incidentally, we have a series of articles on Calvinism, here: http://www.insearchoftruth.org/articles/index.html#calvinism And, you can read several exchanges with Calvinists, here: http://forums.insearchoftruth.org/forum13.html...
by m273p15c
Mon Feb 28, 2011 1:13 pm
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Where is the command authorizing singing in 4-part harmony?
Replies: 4
Views: 11223

Instrumental Music

Thank you for your brief response. I appreciate your respect for God and His Word. I pray that we may both be consistent and committed in such a respect. Your resistance to worldly influences penetrating the church's sacred walls is also encouraging. I pray you may be strong and courageous in confro...
by m273p15c
Mon Feb 21, 2011 12:05 pm
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Where is the command authorizing singing in 4-part harmony?
Replies: 4
Views: 11223

Instrumental Music

Thank you for your good questions. I apologize for the delay, but I pray you will still find this answer helpful, in spite of the late hour. :) Although you had multiple questions, I believe they can generally be answered by understanding one key concept: the distinction between general and specific...
by m273p15c
Sun Feb 20, 2011 9:46 am
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Messianic Jews, Instrumental Music, Replacement Theology, and the Distinction between the 1st and 2nd Covenants to the Hebrews
Replies: 25
Views: 35042

Computer

I am including my last email, which contains all my questions. You'll notice that I only quote Scripture - not Barton or Stone. I look forward to your responses from Scripture.

May God help us to have a sincere love of truth (II Thessalonians 2:9-12; Isaiah 66:4),

m273p15c
by m273p15c
Wed Feb 16, 2011 10:42 pm
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Messianic Jews, Instrumental Music, Replacement Theology, and the Distinction between the 1st and 2nd Covenants to the Hebrews
Replies: 25
Views: 35042

Shalom

I pray you have a safe trip. I look forward to your responses to my questions, when you have time.

May God help us to have a sincere love of truth (II Thessalonians 2:9-12; Isaiah 66:4),

m273p15c
by m273p15c
Mon Feb 14, 2011 2:55 pm
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Messianic Jews, Instrumental Music, Replacement Theology, and the Distinction between the 1st and 2nd Covenants to the Hebrews
Replies: 25
Views: 35042

A Study of the 1st and 2nd Covenants to the Hebrews

I understand that you do not have time to answer my questions. I have appreciated your time, but before I go, I want to respond to a few items you raised in your closing letter. You claim that we are to interpret Ruth allegorically , as applying to the church of the New Covenant and the relationship...
by m273p15c
Sun Feb 13, 2011 3:27 pm
Forum: Holy Spirit, Apostles, and Miracles
Topic: proof for Mormon apostles
Replies: 1
Views: 6210

Apostles

Thanks for the link to the interview with Mormon apostle, David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. To be straightforward, he seemed very likable and caring; however, he did not defend his right to be an apostle, outside of his assertion to have seen Jesus. Clearly, the video is directed...
by m273p15c
Sun Feb 13, 2011 1:43 am
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Messianic Jews, Instrumental Music, Replacement Theology, and the Distinction between the 1st and 2nd Covenants to the Hebrews
Replies: 25
Views: 35042

summary and dissection

I apologize for the long delay. I greatly appreciate your kind and swift replies to my questions. We have discussed many points where we share common beliefs and many points where our understandings differ. Originally, I planned to tackle every point of difference; however, I found it overwhelming. ...
by m273p15c
Sat Feb 12, 2011 7:26 pm
Forum: Miscellaneous
Topic: use of your information
Replies: 1
Views: 5589

use of your information

No problem. All the articles on our web-site belong to the public domain. You can copy as you see fit. Although, we would appreciate a link back to the original article. And, if you find any typos, we would appreciate all feedback. :)

Thanks,

m273p15c
by m273p15c
Tue Feb 08, 2011 9:52 am
Forum: Sin and Salvation
Topic: form of baptism, significance of the baptizer
Replies: 1
Views: 5787

faith of the immersed not the immerser

I'm glad to hear that the article was helpful to you. Your encouragement and good questions are much appreciated. I am unaware of any emphasis in Scripture on the faith of the immerser. The Scriptures always place emphasis on the faith of the person being baptized and Christ's death, burial, and res...
by m273p15c
Mon Jan 31, 2011 10:37 pm
Forum: Sin and Salvation
Topic: Grace-Unity, Ketcherside, Cogdill-Woods debate, and Eternal Security
Replies: 31
Views: 34806

love

Friend, Where have I stated that you or anybody must have everything perfect? Please go back and reread our correspondence. I do not think you have understood me, even remotely. ... We are not talking about someone trying and failing. You have argued that God's grace precedes almost all concerns, so...
by m273p15c
Sat Jan 29, 2011 9:49 pm
Forum: Sin and Salvation
Topic: Grace-Unity, Ketcherside, Cogdill-Woods debate, and Eternal Security
Replies: 31
Views: 34806

love

I appreciate your question, but I think it was somewhat misguided. Throughout this discussion, you have argued that institutionalism, baptism, marriage-divorce-remarriage and other "issues" should not be used as a basis of personal concern or collective concern (i.e., fellowship), because God's grac...
by m273p15c
Tue Jan 25, 2011 10:49 am
Forum: Sin and Salvation
Topic: Grace-Unity, Ketcherside, Cogdill-Woods debate, and Eternal Security
Replies: 31
Views: 34806

love

I don't know exactly what you personally mean by "legalism". I am unaware of the term being used anywhere in Scripture. The Scripture speaks of those who tried to be justified by law, but they failed, because such justification requires sinlessness, perfect keeping of the law ( Galatians 5:2; 3:7-14...
by m273p15c
Mon Jan 24, 2011 8:56 am
Forum: Sin and Salvation
Topic: Grace-Unity, Ketcherside, Cogdill-Woods debate, and Eternal Security
Replies: 31
Views: 34806

love

Friend, Your conclusions are incorrect. There are people far-right of me, as you would term it. I labored at great length in a previous email to show you that the Scriptures provide security, peace, and joy to the believer without handing him a blank check (once saved, always saved), which will help...
by m273p15c
Sun Jan 23, 2011 10:25 pm
Forum: Sin and Salvation
Topic: Grace-Unity, Ketcherside, Cogdill-Woods debate, and Eternal Security
Replies: 31
Views: 34806

love

Friend, You are right. This discussion has deteriorated to the point that it is no longer helpful. However, since you have introduced new arguments, I feel compelled to answer them: I in no way am " assuming the mantle of Judge" I know there is one Judge and He is Jesus Christ ... Are you 100% corre...
by m273p15c
Sun Jan 23, 2011 4:57 pm
Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
Topic: Thank you for articles on instrumental music
Replies: 1
Views: 5323

Thankyou

It is great to hear from you! Your words of encouragement from Norway are warming. Thank you! Your English is welcome here any time, because I assure you, my Norwegian is MUCH worse! :D I'm glad to hear that the web-site was helpful. If you have any other thoughts, concerns, feedback, or questions, ...