revmrf
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Posts posted by revmrf
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Q4. Why did Jesus' enemies heed his prediction of being raised on the third day even more than his disciples? Did his enemies expect him to rise? Did his followers?
Jesus' enemies were concerned that his disciples would come to the prepared tomb to steal his body away. It would seem that the chief priests, etc. had been closely watching and listening to Jesus for they seemed to understand to some extent the meaning of Jesus' teaching about his own resurrection. Even though they didn't believe that a resurrected Jesus was possible [nor any of his claims,] their influence [power?] amongst their community would be diminished or even trashed if the people believed that he had risen from the dead. For then, Jesus would be recognized as the Christ/Messiah. So they needed to ensure themselves from any unexpected outcome. Were they in for a surprise!
Neither Jesus' enemies or his followers expected him to rise... if I was one of his followers at that time... neither would I.
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Q3. (John 11:23-25) What do you think Jesus meant when he said, "I am the resurrection and the life"? What role will Jesus play in the resurrection of the dead?
Ralph asks two thought provoking questions above...
The statement "I am" by Jesus reverberates throughout history. With those words, Jesus identifies himself as the great "I am" the one who spoke to Moses in Exodus 3 when he said "I am who I am... I am has sent me to you." "I am" created all that there was, and is, and will be. "I am" was there at the foundation of the universe and brought life forth from darkness and will continue to bring forth life... even after death... in the resurrection to come.
Jesus, the Christ, is the one who raised the dead when he walked in human form on this earth, and promises that he will raise the dead at the last day. "[E]very one who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life." [John 6] Thanks be to God.
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What is righteousness? God has given us a list of civil laws (how we treat each other) to live by, and we have over time added to them and taken away from them. God has also given us his divine law (how we revere God) to live by. These laws are not for us to judge others; but to live by!!!!! Which carries more weight? Jesus pointed out that they carry the same weight, that they are two sides of the same coin, and you cannot have one without the other. Love God with all your mind, heart, and soul. And love your neighbor as you love yourself. For all the law and the prophecy hangs on this.
What will the role of the righteous be? Paul didn't even know what his role would be, and he had a three day talk with Christ. But he did know that it would be a great, everlasting relationship with his maker. What more can we long for?
Darrell
Darrell,
Thank you for this. Well said.
But, now I'm in the position that John Wesley wrestled with until the end of his life. I must ask myself, have I loved the Lord with all my heart, mind and soul? And, have I loved my neighbor as myself? Have I always prayed for my enemies? I could ask myself a great deal more questions of this ilk.... and, if I am honest with myself, I would have to answer "No, I haven't." If left there, I would surely be among the unrighteous, destined for Sheol. Oh, I may have done well in these from time to time but alas, I and like St. Paul, do the things that I don't want to do and don't do the things that I should....
But, thanks be to God, there is a way out of my trouble and that is the righteousness of Christ. It is the Christ's righteousness that is imputed to me, for I am justified - made right - by faith in Christ otherwise I'm stuck in the Law and in my sin and my failures. [Romans 5 & 8]
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Q2. (John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15) According to scripture, both the righteous and unrighteous will experience resurrection. What will be the result of resurrection for the righteous?
For the righteous: Resurrected to eternal life... At this point the question becomes: Who are the righteous & what makes them righteous? What places them into this [righteous] category? That question may lead to earlier Bible studies.
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Q1. How does Job's vision of resurrection (Job 19:25-27) differ from the Jews' former understanding of death as Sheol? What is progressive revelation?
A couple of quotes from the Jewish Publication Society's 1985 Tanakh translation:
Job 14:14:
If a man die, may he live again? All the days of my service would I wait, till my relief should come--
Job 19:25-27:
I know that my Vindicator lives;
In the end He will testify on earth --
This, after my skin will have been peeled off.
But I would behold God while still in my flesh,
I myself, not another, would behold Him;
Would see with my own eyes:
My heart pines within me.
For me, it is always good to read other renditions to perhaps get additional perspectives.
I believe that, at one time, at least some of the Hebrews writers understood that death and the grave was the end. Job's view, however, may differ in that his expectation is to see with his own eyes while 'still in the flesh' his Redeemer/Vindicator after death. As I don't think that Ps. 6 or Ps. 88 - quoted earlier in the study - predate the writing of Job, it seems to me that, even during the most ancient of times, there were variations of belief/understanding among the Hebrews regarding the possibility of resurrection.
Progressive Revelation: In my own words I'd define it as 'the unveiling of God's mind based upon the Hebrew and Christian scriptures as time proceeds.' Some would say that this unveiling goes beyond those particular scriptures in that the Hebrew and Christian scriptures may be added to... that is, appended [or addended?] I don't agree with that.
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Christian employers should treat their employees fairly and with respect. They should not treat their employees as machines but as people. We are all equal before God. He does not play favorites: No one person is more important than anyone else.
The above should be the same for church boards in their conduct towards church employees. As I gave in the last question the One you ultimately should want to please is your Father in Heaven.
A just wage would depend on the experience, how the finances are in the business or church where you are employed. I believe a worker is worthy of his hire whether it be ministry or employment on a job.
I agree with Tabatha on this. Thank you Tabatha.
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Q3. (Ephesians 6:5-8) What are the characteristics called for in a truly Christian employee, according to Ephesians 6:5-8?
Honesty, integrity, dependability, and faithfulness in work and attitude. Do my job.
How can these attitudes help us in difficult work situations?
These give us a clear conscience and helps in the ability for forgiveness when things get 'rough.' In the least, these asist in building your character [and resume] for future possibilities.
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Q2. (Ephesians 6:4) What kind of behavior by fathers (or mothers, for that matter) can embitter or cause a child to lose heart?
By never giving them credit or encouragement, whether the were successful in a task or not. By ignoring their input and ideas, a non-acknowledgment of their person-hood and growth. i.e. 'stupid kid'
What do you think the "training and instruction of the Lord" involves?
Teach to give value.. highest value.. to our Scriptures by our own life style and example. Example: When I taught my children to ski, I found the most efficient, long lasting and best way was not by many words, rather by example "Follow Me!" They mimicked me, turned where I turned on bumps, saw my body positions, and watched and copied my equipment care. All three kids became expert skiers and raced competitively.
Admonish gently b/c a child may not be aware of the consequences of their action. Take time to be with each child. Special, unique time, alone with him/her. This demonstrates our love and value of them. Example: I have a friend that takes his grand daughter out to dinner periodically... not just on birthdays or such. It is just him and her. He dresses in a suit coat and tie, and gives her a flower. Confession: I wish I had done that.
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Q1. (Ephesians 6:1-3) What kind of obedience and honor is appropriate for adult children to show towards their parents?
Some of my thoughts have to do with practice: Don't emphasize their mistakes or failures. Recognize them but also remember to give priority to their/our positive actions, attempts, and attributes in our relationships.
What might be the exceptions?
Of course, if obedience [interpreted to be the same as honoring, in this case] contradicts one's belief parameters, after thoughtful consideration one can give the reasons why one can't go along with the request. Example: To lie about a repair cost to get more insurance money.
How do respect and forgiveness figure in this relationship?
Forgiveness may be difficult, especially in an abuse situation, but it is possible. Love and then be surprised when it is return by an act of repentance and love by the other. Example: For many years, and for reasons of her own, my mother disliked my wife and showed it by many actions. It was a tough relationship for us and we tried to maintain and show as much unconditional love as we we able. My mom had a serious heart attack. In the hospital, when we visited, she asked to be alone with my wife in her room. Fifteen minutes later my wife came out to get me... it was obvious that they had both been crying. My mother had asked for forgiveness from my wife for her misdeeds of the past toward her. You see, my mom had watched a Billy Graham Crusade event on TV on her hospital bed and had asked the Lord into her life. The Lord's forgiveness had worked another miracle. She died the next day. Thanks be to God.
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This is in response to revmrf. I whole heartedly agree with you. I too, have been married 49 1/2 years. Got an anniversary in May. Will be 50th. I agree with you. I thank God everyday for my husband. No one said Marriage would be easy. I have found that it is something you have to work on daily just as Christians have to work on their relationship with God and their walk with the Lord. You have to work on your marriage (young folks) Work on your marriage. I thank God my husband and I both are Christians. We did not start our walk, however, with the Lord until October, 1995. I can tell you this: God got hold of both of us like a whirlwind and began using us in a strong and mighty way. So Brother (revmrf), I agree with what you wrote in your reply.
God bless you. We need to pray for the young people today that they to will work on their marriage as they do the Christian walk./////BJB123
Thank you, BJB123. I just came back from a marriage retreat with 35 National Guard soldiers who had returned from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan and their spouses. The focus was on giving tools for communication ... listening [how to] and how to work through conflict [that occurs in every marriage] with one's spouse. I believe one of the tools of submission is learning how to listen. 'Listen to each other in submission to Christ?' Blessings in Christ.
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( Ephesians 5: 28 ) In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. )He should be willing to sacrifice everything for her. He should make her well-being of primary importance. He should care for her as he cares for his own body.
The husband should realize he is to love and take care of his wife as Christ loves and takes care of the church. A wife is not a possession that he owns to come to his every bidding. She is a gift from God to him and must be treated as such.
Indeed, she is a gift from God and should be treated as such. Thank you for that.
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Q1. (Ephesians 5:22-24) Why should a wife submit to her husband? According to these verses, to what degree is a wife required to submit to a husband who is not a Christian or who is a carnal Christian? Does submission mean a wife doesn't verbally disagree? What if there's a conflict with the wife's conscience?
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Q2. "Saved" has become Christian jargon. How can you "translate" this word into modern speech so people can understand what it really means and why they need it?
Ralph: I think rescued puts it very clear. "Rescued from what?" may be asked.. so what I use for openers is "Rescued from yourself " and we go on from there.
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Q4. (Ephesians 2:6) What does it mean that we are seated with Christ in "the heavenly realms"?
This is an amazing statement by St Paul. To be 'seated with' indicates an authoritative position of privilege, command and responsibility. We are 'with Christ' - the 2nd Person of the Trinity - in this locus and His resources are ours. Wow!
What does this say about God's grace?
God's intentional love for us is demonstrated / given in terms of Grace - not earned, but lovingly provided.
What does this say about our spiritual authority?
It's ours to utilize/claim - boldly, thoughtfully, responsibly, lovingly
How should this knowledge affect our prayers and our boldness?
We should never hesitate in going to the throne of Grace, this should always be in the forefront of our minds and hearts
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Q4. (Ephesians 1:5-6) Why is adoption a particularly apt illustration of God's relationship to us? Why is the concept of adoption encouraging to us?
It shows, in one sense, the result of the human condition after the result of The Fall of Adam and Eve. I believe that we've been separate from God since that time. God adopts us and places us in a special position 'in Christ' as a child of God [implied by 'sons'] not because we deserve this position, but again by God's grace, through Christ. I'm encouraged b/c I know that I don't deserve to be adopted, yet I am.
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Q2. (Ephesians 1:4-5) What is scary about predestination? What is comforting? Why does Paul bring up predestination? Why do you think he praising God for it in the "hearing" of the Ephesians?
I've never considered it as 'scary' in the sense of being frightened. I've always thought of God's predestined plan for me as being surrounded by God's grace. That means in my calling, God by grace, doesn't show me all the 'bumps in the road' ahead, but just the ones nearby that by his grace and power, I can overcome or get by. God is there with me, in spite of my inadequacies or failures. Paul is praising because, I believe, he well knows the meaning of God's grace. I like that. :-)
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Q1. (Ephesians 1:3) What does it mean to you to be "in Christ" -- incorporated into Christ? What are the implications of this for your life?
Let me preface my answer by saying that it was during a Bible study in Ephesians that I became aware of the legacy, gift and challenges of becoming/being a Christian. Four days into the study, I asked Jesus to come into my heart and life, forgive my sin, and lead me on the way. This was 36 years ago. Now to the question:
To be 'in Christ' [short answer] for me is to be incorporated - installed, if you will - into a body of believers in Christ, locally, worldwide and, actually, including the saints of old in the heavenly realms as well as those that haven't bee born as yet.
The primary implication to me is the the presence of Christ in my life: his protection, leading and spiritual gifts. Also important is the fellowship and support of the church in all areas.
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Hello!
My name is Marty and I'm a retired clergy person. I live in northern Vermont where, at present, it's below zero. I'm a veteran and do volunteer work with returning combat veterans and their families. As I'm starting this study a bit late, I'll try to catch up. Blessings in Christ. marty
Q1. Differences between Resurrection Accounts
in 2. The Gospel Accounts of Christ's Resurrection from the Dead
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Ralph has covered the differences pretty thoroughly. As in all eye witness accountings what is verbalized or recorded by each often has differences - some minor and some major, depending on one's point of view - from each other. What catches the eye and mind of one may not even had been noticed or thought about by the other. Furthermore, if all accounts line up verbatim in every detail, the accounting may become suspect. My question, then, is: If the writers of the synoptics had a Q document as reference, might it not have been Mark's rendering? or at least might not Mark's gospel be the closest to Q? And, would this mean that Mark's is the most accurate?