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We've all heard the vacuous mantra: "God said it, I believe it, that settles it." What does this communicate parenthetically? "It doesn't need to make sense, I just need to accept it." ??? (with a shrug?) Do we really need to check our brain at the door when we go to church? There are...

In a previous topic we explored why the baptized believers in Samaria hadn't received the Holy Spirit. Why hadn't the baptized believers in Samaria received the Holy Spirit? The typical response to the question about the initial evidence of the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, is tongues. But...

Adam and Eve's marriage = PASS or FAIL? Is this really the model for marriage? A&E. The result of this relationship was the Fall of humankind. FAIL. (assuming we take the Genesis record as literal) Adam failed as a husband and Eve failed as a wife. FAIL. (although I think Eve was set up by bad...

"Say what?" "Love Judas? We hate Judas!" "He betrayed our Lord! Why would we love Judas?" Perhaps Jesus understood this better than we do. As indicated in this scripture. John 13:26-28 NIV Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the...

Why does the Apostle Paul require that church Elders be the "husband of one wife" if polygamy wasn't common in the church? Titus 1:5-6 ESV This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is...

Christians tend to treat LGBTQ as if it is a singular thing. It's not. It's a very complex subject that the church has, for the most part, swept under the rug. Those who have stepped up to be inclusive have taken the heat for it. And there is even a broad spectrum of how inclusion can play out...

As Christians, we are commanded to "love everyone". But that doesn't mean we need to LIKE them, right? RIGHT? - Have you found yourself in the position of having to "love" someone that is unlovable? - What does it mean to "like" someone? - Is "like" greater than, or even EQUAL to, love? ---...

Groan. I know, that was a stretch, but here we are. Bar-na-bus Did you miss your 'bus? Barnabas = son of encouragement Did you know that was his nickname, his given name was Joseph. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), -...

We have all been there. You present your doctrinal position and give biblical support for it. The response is, "Yeah, but..." and then your "opponent" gives their differing doctrinal position with biblical support. So basically, Bible versus Bible. (who will win?) Ironically, the WORDS "Yeah...

No human parent is perfect. (obviously) Even if we nominated one, they would probably decline the designation. (in humbleness) What about our heavenly parent, God the Father? I love this parenthetical found in the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (see bold) Ephesians 3:14-15 AMPC "For this...

Whether by personal decision, or being forced out, some (or many?) are exiled from the institution of the church. I did some quick research to see if there are any statistics on Christians leaving the church. Wanting to know if it really is just SOME, or if it is MANY. (probably many, but...)...

The way some Christians talk about God, you would think so. They tell us we are unacceptable to God. That it is only with great difficulty that God loves and tolerates us. The image of a God that is disappointed with us, because we don't measure up. Shakes His head when he sees us. An...

My apologies in advance. This will take some doing to establish what the Bible says about this. I have broken it down into several posts. I hope that makes it easier to deal with. Thanks to anyone who is able to work through this and/or comment appropriately. Please correct me if I got anything...

"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward [a]us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9 NKJV In regards to "free-will", I have often heard the argument that God, being the gentleman...

Something to consider. At the risk of seeming callous... God may have allowed your circumstances for a reason. I've been there. When we encounter a tough situation we want to escape. To free ourselves from the pain, aggravation, or discomfort. Oftentimes God has a better solution than what...

Did the results of the Fall of humankind supersede the results of the Atonement? Was the act of the one man (Christ) insufficient to cover the act of the other man? (Adam) Which act was greater? - Adam or Christ? Clyde Pilkington - Christ's Successful Work 4,160 views Mar 28, 2014 Christ -...

--- PARODY TIME --- KJO reader: This is what the Word of God says. NIV reader: Let's compare the NIV translation. KJO reader: WHAT! ??? That's a terrible translation! NIV reader: Are you saying it isn't the "Word of God"? KJO reader: The NIV left verses out of the Bible! NIV reader: No, the...

"Agree, or disagree?" That really is the question. If everyone agreed, there wouldn't be much point to a forum - But, can we embrace disagreement? (and each other?) How do you react when you encounter disagreement? If I disagree with you, was it meant to be a declaration of war? (nope)...

Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are “gods”’[c]? - John 10:34 NIV This interesting interchange between Jesus and his Jewish opponents (Pharisees?) leaves me wondering what Jesus was trying to say about his Jewish opponents, or anyone for that matter. Seems...

Christian Universalism/Apokatastasis has roots in the early church in the east. It was a leading theology in the east (Greek-speaking church) and was supported by many of the Patristic Church Fathers, as I understand it. "The Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge" by Schaff-Herzog, 1908, volume...