This thread was started by Richardburger, clearly stating the scope. Next, Rb clearly stated his[?] position on it, and gave scriptures for said position. This is the proper format -- state the scope, give the content of one's position for that scope, and substantiate with scripture. As to whether or not the scriptures were rightly divided, let the debate begin. As to whether or not the appropriate scriptures were presented, let the debate begin. And may we all learn from each other in it, no matter our grasp and understanding of the scriptures or the topic at hand.
Next, we had fivesense respond. Good. And what was used to kick it off, so to speak? "That you have entered into an awareness of it marks the beginning of great things for you." Now I haven't been around this forum for quite some time, until just the other day. So I am not knowledgeable as to whether or not there has been previous discourse that would have revealed to 5sense that Rb was just beginning on this path. Nor do I know if they have a relationship apart from this forum, by which this is known by 5sense regarding Rb. So I would appreciate being let in on this one. Thanks. However, if there isn't any prior knowlege or sharing by which to gain that knowledge, or if there isn't any clear giving of that from Rb that he(?) has just started out on this path, it is fully erroneous for 5sense to make such a statement. If there is no grounds for it, indeed, it is fully an assumption, placing 5sense in a far superior state regarding it. That would reveal the heart of 5sense to be quite deficient in the very attributes of Christ that should be prominent in one who claims such as 5sense claims thereafter: not in this post only, but in the subsequent posts also by 5sense.
Paul then jumped into the dialogue, and stated his position, quite clearly and civily, and the basis for it. That was proper. No, he did not provide the actual Greek, nor speak anything specific about it. However, it clearly left that avenue open for use by the first two posters. They declined to use that avenue that Paul brought into the mix. That is fine. However, if declining to use it, state such, and why. That would be proper. Let us look at the response of 5s to see if it was proper: "Paul, while I appreciate your skill in developing your personal thoughts, it would aid us considerably if you would refrain from criticism and supply redirection to the appropriate resources you feel are needed to obtain truth in God's word. This is the second time I have pointed out this propensity on your part, and though I encourage your advances, your help is needed, not your bias."
Rb and 5s presented their personal opinions, and freely so. Why then have you decried Paul for doing this, 5sense? You are a hypocrite in doing so. Shame on you for this. Next, 5s stated that Paul utilized criticism. It was not criticism, but a statement of disagreement and why the disagreement was there, and a presenting of the position that possibly the first two posters had not utilized the same grounds as Paul did. In fact, 5s is clearly criticising Paul in this. 5s, you are a hypocrite when you do this. Perhaps your help would be appreciated, 5sense, and not your own biases! You are doing the exact same thing that you are condemning Paul for. Give me a break. The dictionary calls that "hypocrisy", and rightly so.
Bling next posted.
5s posted again. In this post, 5s stated that the letter of James was clearly stated to not be to us, and therefore was not written to us. Let us use this logic to it's natural conclusion: what do the other epistles state regarding who they were written to? Come come. Let's see, shall we? --- Luk 1:3 it seemed good to me also, following all things accurately from the very first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus,
Luk 1:4 so that you might know the certainty of those things in which you have been instructed. Luke wasn't written to us. Beware of Luke!
Act 1:1 Truly, O Theophilus, I made the first report as to all things that Jesus began both to do and teach Act 1:2 until the day He was taken up, having given directions to the apostles whom He chose, through the Holy Spirit; Acts seems to be a contiuation of communication by Luke to Theophilus. Double beware Luke's writings! Tehy clearly are not to us!
Rom 1:7 to all those who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1Co 1:2 to the church of God which is in Corinth,
2Co 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia.
And shall I go through all of the epistles? Clearly they were not written to us. Let us hold that same logic and look at the content of the gospels. Who was Christ talking to when giving the great commision? Who was Christ talking to in John 14-17? Who was Christ talking to in His parables? And who were the OT prophets writting to? Clearly not us. And who were most of the Psalms written to? Not us. And who were the chronicles written to? And who were the Torah written to? Get a grip. By the logic of 5s, most of the scriptures were not written to us! Therefore, let us aggressively interpret them differently than they clearly state? Or shall we not apply them factually and literally and spiritually to our lives? Are they somehow secondhand spiritual truths that are critical for us? Or possibly not even all that critical, and obviously so?
Elucidate, please.
Talk about "gainsayers", and yet not giving any substance! 5s, your posts reveal a deplorable state. Shame on you.
Some people are clearly far too full of themselves to see the blatant contradictions they present and the unabashed hypocrisy exuding from their spiritual meretriciousness.
May you enjoy continuing on in this deep and enlightening "debate" that has been transpiring here.
Have a great year growing and teaching others the scriptures rightly divided.
But I'm sorry: even though I've given grounds for my statements, even quoting posters, I'm clearly just a gainsayer, shooting off at the keyboard all this unfounded criticism and personal opinions without substantiation. Yeah. Right.
Blessings, hypocrites.
And blessings on the others that post here also.