Search found 720 matches
- Sun Nov 18, 2012 2:47 pm
- Forum: The Church
- Topic: YOU ARE NOT THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
- Replies: 5
- Views: 10947
Re: NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
Oh, I'm sorry. I misunderstood your intent. I won't email you again. ... Thanks! ... m273p15c
- Sat Nov 17, 2012 7:30 pm
- Forum: The Church
- Topic: YOU ARE NOT THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
- Replies: 5
- Views: 10947
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...
- Sat Nov 17, 2012 7:25 pm
- Forum: Calvinism
- Topic: Who are you? Are you Calvinists?
- Replies: 3
- Views: 9674
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...
- Wed Nov 07, 2012 8:51 am
- Forum: Miscellaneous
- Topic: reaction to last night's election
- Replies: 0
- Views: 16922
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...
- Thu Nov 01, 2012 11:59 am
- Forum: The Church
- Topic: YOU ARE NOT THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
- Replies: 5
- Views: 10947
Re: NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
What part of that pattern are we not following?
- Mon Oct 29, 2012 7:44 am
- Forum: Morality
- Topic: Dealing with inconsistent Christians and corrupt media
- Replies: 3
- Views: 6899
Re: tares and the wheat
Any time.
- Sun Oct 28, 2012 7:55 pm
- Forum: Morality
- Topic: Dealing with inconsistent Christians and corrupt media
- Replies: 3
- Views: 6899
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 ...
- 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: 12261
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...
- 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: 12261
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...
- Sat Oct 20, 2012 9:16 pm
- Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
- Topic: Your Website is the Antithesis of Truth
- Replies: 9
- Views: 12924
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...
- Sat Oct 13, 2012 10:36 pm
- Forum: The Church
- Topic: Serious Research - Role of minister/evangelist
- Replies: 4
- Views: 12232
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...
- Mon Oct 01, 2012 9:54 am
- Forum: The Church
- Topic: The role of Deacons versus Elders
- Replies: 2
- Views: 8319
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...
- Fri Sep 28, 2012 9:24 pm
- Forum: The Church
- Topic: Church organization (self-funding) and naming
- Replies: 1
- Views: 7015
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 ...
- Thu Sep 27, 2012 7:38 am
- Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
- Topic: Your Website is the Antithesis of Truth
- Replies: 9
- Views: 12924
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...
- 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: 8934
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...
- Wed Sep 26, 2012 9:27 am
- Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
- Topic: nobody knows what is meant by "god"
- Replies: 1
- Views: 6562
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...
- Tue Sep 18, 2012 9:07 am
- Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
- Topic: Instrumental Music - Detecting Inconsistency?
- Replies: 1
- Views: 6069
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...
- Mon Sep 17, 2012 3:46 pm
- Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
- Topic: Your Website is the Antithesis of Truth
- Replies: 9
- Views: 12924
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...
- Mon Sep 17, 2012 9:04 am
- Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
- Topic: Your Website is the Antithesis of Truth
- Replies: 9
- Views: 12924
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-...
- Tue Sep 11, 2012 12:14 pm
- Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
- Topic: Your Website is the Antithesis of Truth
- Replies: 9
- Views: 12924
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...
- Fri Aug 31, 2012 9:24 am
- Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
- Topic: Music - Commanded to sing Psalms which command instruments?
- Replies: 1
- Views: 8059
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...
- Wed Aug 29, 2012 9:46 pm
- Forum: The Rules
- Topic: Use Of Materials
- Replies: 1
- Views: 74763
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 ...
- Sat Aug 18, 2012 11:05 am
- Forum: Jesus and God
- Topic: Theology study is biblical or not?
- Replies: 2
- Views: 78189
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:...
- Thu Aug 16, 2012 10:41 pm
- Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
- Topic: Christian view of the Vedic scriptures, like Bhagavad-gita?
- Replies: 1
- Views: 6860
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...
- Tue Aug 14, 2012 8:24 am
- Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
- Topic: Feedback
- Replies: 11
- Views: 12341
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 ...
- Mon Aug 13, 2012 10:36 pm
- Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
- Topic: Feedback
- Replies: 11
- Views: 12341
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...
- Wed Aug 01, 2012 10:05 am
- Forum: Sin and Salvation
- Topic: Balanced view of fear and punishment of disobedience
- Replies: 1
- Views: 6022
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...
- Wed Jul 25, 2012 11:56 pm
- Forum: The Church
- Topic: musick in the church
- Replies: 3
- Views: 10531
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...
- Thu Jul 19, 2012 3:26 pm
- Forum: The Church
- Topic: musick in the church
- Replies: 3
- Views: 10531
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 ...
- Thu Jul 19, 2012 2:48 pm
- Forum: Sin and Salvation
- Topic: discouraged because of so many turning away from God
- Replies: 3
- Views: 7599
Re: overcoming discouragement
You are more than welcome!
- Thu Jul 19, 2012 2:24 pm
- Forum: Sin and Salvation
- Topic: discouraged because of so many turning away from God
- Replies: 3
- Views: 7599
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...
- Wed Jul 18, 2012 2:43 pm
- Forum: Calvinism
- Topic: Romans 9 article and mental gymnastics
- Replies: 1
- Views: 5780
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 ...
- Wed Jul 18, 2012 1:10 pm
- Forum: The Church
- Topic: musick in the church
- Replies: 3
- Views: 10531
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. ...
- Mon Jul 16, 2012 11:24 pm
- Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
- Topic: Feedback
- Replies: 11
- Views: 12341
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...
- Mon Jul 16, 2012 3:13 pm
- Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
- Topic: Feedback
- Replies: 11
- Views: 12341
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...
- Mon Jul 16, 2012 2:27 pm
- Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
- Topic: Feedback
- Replies: 11
- Views: 12341
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...
- Mon Jul 16, 2012 1:26 pm
- Forum: Hermeneutics and Bible Authority
- Topic: Feedback
- Replies: 11
- Views: 12341
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...
- Tue Jul 10, 2012 12:31 pm
- Forum: The Church
- Topic: Matt 23:8-12 - title of "Teacher" is NOT condemned
- Replies: 15
- Views: 28760
- Tue Jul 10, 2012 11:13 am
- Forum: The Church
- Topic: Matt 23:8-12 - title of "Teacher" is NOT condemned
- Replies: 15
- Views: 28760
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...
- Tue Jul 10, 2012 8:54 am
- Forum: The Church
- Topic: Matt 23:8-12 - title of "Teacher" is NOT condemned
- Replies: 15
- Views: 28760
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
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
- Mon Jul 09, 2012 4:09 pm
- Forum: The Church
- Topic: Matt 23:8-12 - title of "Teacher" is NOT condemned
- Replies: 15
- Views: 28760
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?
- Mon Jul 09, 2012 3:11 pm
- Forum: The Church
- Topic: Matt 23:8-12 - title of "Teacher" is NOT condemned
- Replies: 15
- Views: 28760
Re: Matt 23; 8-12
Which versions (translations) are you checking? ... Thanks! ... 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: 28760
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
- Mon Jul 09, 2012 2:44 pm
- Forum: The Church
- Topic: Matt 23:8-12 - title of "Teacher" is NOT condemned
- Replies: 15
- Views: 28760
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
- Mon Jul 09, 2012 12:37 pm
- Forum: The Church
- Topic: Matt 23:8-12 - title of "Teacher" is NOT condemned
- Replies: 15
- Views: 28760
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...
- Wed Jul 04, 2012 9:23 am
- Forum: Sin and Salvation
- Topic: Judgement Day - how to be prepared?
- Replies: 1
- Views: 6094
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...
- Tue Jun 05, 2012 10:01 am
- Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
- Topic: Disproving creationism/creator/God in layman's terms
- Replies: 9
- Views: 12875
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...
- Tue Jun 05, 2012 8:45 am
- Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
- Topic: Disproving creationism/creator/God in layman's terms
- Replies: 9
- Views: 12875
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.
- Mon Jun 04, 2012 10:37 pm
- Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
- Topic: Disproving creationism/creator/God in layman's terms
- Replies: 9
- Views: 12875
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...
- Mon Jun 04, 2012 12:46 pm
- Forum: Evidences and Apologetics
- Topic: Disproving creationism/creator/God in layman's terms
- Replies: 9
- Views: 12875
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...