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LOL, I will admit that I do tend to look for the good in things. But when it comes to Scripture, I hope my conclusions are not based simply on being a positive thinker. I think we all bring our experiences and perspectives when we read, which is why I always try to come back to what the text...

Thank you, brother. I appreciate that clarification and the agreement on that point. I think perhaps the remaining difference between us is more about how much weight we give to historical developments versus the emphasis we see in the biblical text itself. History certainly records periods...

Brother @Grailhunter I appreciate the kind words, although I would say my conclusion is not based on looking through rose-colored glasses. I think Scripture itself gives us reason to see marriage as part of God's good order. Of course, Scripture also speaks honestly about the struggles...

Brother @Grailhunter Thank you I appreciate that point of agreement. I think where the discussion becomes important is that regulation in Scripture is not usually disconnected from God's purposes. The fact that something requires boundaries, correction, or instruction does not mean it is...

Brother @Grailhunter I completely agree that every verse is important, regardless of how many there are. I also agree that the amount of material devoted to a subject can reflect its importance, although not necessarily its entire significance. My point has never been that the New Testament...

Brother @Grailhunter I don't think "regulatory" and "affirming" are mutually exclusive. Scripture often affirms God's gifts by regulating them. The commandments regarding marriage don't diminish its value; they protect it. When Paul commands husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the...

Brother @Grailhunter, Thank you for taking the time to gather those passages. Ironically, I think they illustrate the very point I was making. Every passage you've quoted presents marriage as something to be honored, protected, nurtured, or regulated according to God's design. None of them...

Brother @Grailhunter, I don't disagree that the historical background helps us understand the circumstances the early Church faced. The persecution of Christians under the Roman Empire is well documented, and no doubt those circumstances affected many practical decisions believers had to make...

Brother @Grailhunter, I think we actually agree on more than we disagree. I have no issue with using history to help us understand the setting of Scripture. The cultural and historical circumstances surrounding the early church are certainly valuable to study. I remain cautious when history...

Hi @Davy, regarding your starting post in this thread. I agree with the main point you are making, namely that Christianity is not derived from rabbinic Judaism or from the traditions of the Pharisees, but from God's revelation fulfilled in Jesus Christ. I do think, however, that a few...

Hi, brother @Grailhunter, I think we've narrowed down where our disagreement actually lies. I completely agree that understanding the historical circumstances can help us understand the background of a passage. Context is important. Where I differ is when our reconstruction of history begins...

I don't want to be turned into a pillar of salt, do you? Don't look back...keep moving forward.

A wise man once said, "Be careful who you let on your ship because some people will sink your whole ship because they can't be the captain." - Mind Journal.

The Bible is the only book you can never finish. It is Alive! You will see new things each time you study it. - AoC Network

Hi brother @Grailhunter, You raise some legitimate historical concerns. There is little doubt that some influential church fathers held views about women, sexuality, and celibacy that went beyond, and at times even conflicted with, the teaching of Scripture. History records that Greek...

Such a beautiful day filled with worship, praise, and giving God the glory! It's always interesting with you choosing songs before a guest speaker comes up to the pulpit because you are not sure what word they are going to bring. That's why it's so important as a worship leader to spend time in...

Prayed, and now I am practicing my songs, preparing for leading worship at the Aglow service this morning. :shine: Glory to God! joy::musicaln::Agreed::woot::waves:

I spent most of this day trying to recover my FB account when I inadvertently deleted some cookies, which deleted everything. Soooo frustrating, but I'm back on again. I had better check on the kitten. I'm supposed to be looking after <sigh> :nnna

I stand corrected, brothers and sisters in Christ. This is indeed a sister in Christ. Sorry again, @Hillsage.

The succubus spirit is indeed a female spirit, which makes me believe that he is a male being spiritually attacked by a female spirit. It may be just that demons have entered, i.e., lust, deception, etc., but it is hard to tell. I asked that he ask the Lord if he would like me to talk with him...