Last updated 10-27-2013
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2013 9:52 PM
Hello, I have a couple of questions which are related to each other.
Where does the Bible tell us which books belong in it?
Is the table of contents, or the canon, an inspired list, or could it contain errors, since it is not actually part of Scripture?
Thanks very much for your time and effort.
Mike
Sent: Monday, September 09, 2013 9:16 AM
"Where does the Bible tell us which books belong in it?"
It doesn't, except to say God gave His Word to the Jews (Psalm 147:19-20; Romans 3:1-2), from which come both the OT & NT. For the NT, for example, in John 4:22 Jesus said, "salvation is of the Jews." That equals the Word is of or via the Jews, for it is via the Word by which we are saved (e.g. James 1:21; Proverbs 13:13). If you might wonder about the Apocrypha, see
www.atruechurch.info/apocrypha.html.
"Is the table of contents, or the canon, an inspired list, or could it contain errors, since it is not actually part of Scripture?"
I don't know about "inspired," but if the list of books is accurate, then it is accurate.
Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 4:31 PM
Subject: Re: jesse morrel
what do you think about Jesus having 2 natures? Is this in scripture?
Sent: Monday, September 16, 2013 7:30 AM
Subject: Re: jesse morrel
Nowhere does Scripture speak of Jesus having two natures (Proverbs 30:5-6). That is a doctrine of men (Matthew 15:8-9). They usually make an unbiblical distinction between His flesh and His divinity, but Scripture depicts them as eternally one (Deuteronomy 6:4; Colossians 2:9), since He has always been a Man in incorruptible flesh. He was "slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:9). For more on that see
www.atruechurch.info/lordisaman.html
Sent: Sunday, September 15, 2013 11:13 AM
Subject: SDA
Your assertion of Romans 10:4 to say the 10 commandment law has ended is faulty as you should know from the Greek construction. The word end means GOAL here- which makes perfect sense. If the commandments had ended Christ need not have died for their transgression. And why did Paul, Christ and the apostles keep the Sabbath if it was not to be in force? What do you say about Deborah and the other holy prophetesses of the Bible?
Your entire reasoning is a house of cards and has successfully been overturned in the past. The SDA message is truthful praise to God!
Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2013 8:11 AM
Subject: Re: SDA
That same Greek word for "end" in Romans 10:4 is found in Luke 1:33 & Hebrews 7:3. So, you believe Luke 1:33 should be translated, "And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no goal"? And, do you believe Hebrews 7:3 should be translated, "having neither beginning of days nor goal of life"?
Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2013 5:18 PM
Subject: Re: SDA
Hi Darwin,
I truly hope we have both graduated from Bible preschool and desire not to remain confused nor to confuse others. 2 Peter 3:15,16 People should use common sense here in discerning context and correct interpretation. You should agree with me that contextual common sense is absolutely required for salvation to interpret the Word of God correctly. This is the ABC of Bible Study.
With that in mind I agree with you that many times the word Telos, translated END here, should be understood END in the ultimate sense. But in Acts 7:19; Rom. 1:11; 6:21,22; 1 Tim. 1:5; Heb. 13:7; James 5:11; 1 Peter 1:9 context and common sense demand that you interpret Telos in the sense of "the goal of". For instance, in Romans 1:11 Paul wouldn't be telling the Christians in Rome that he "longs" to END their being established. Obviously he is saying their being established in the faith is his GOAL. Likewise, in Rom. 6:22 he is surely not saying holiness will come to an end - but that it leads to/has as its goal eternal life.
Michael
Sent: Wednesday, September 18, 2013 8:52 AM
I can't find Telos in Acts 7:19; Romans 1:11; and Hebrews 13:7. Are there variant texts (or only certain texts) on these that I am not aware, or did you get the references wrong?
So, you at least admit that Telos can be translated "end," you simply believe it should not be so translated there in Romans 10:4. That addresses then the broader argument regarding the Law of Moses and the Old and New covenants. You are welcome to see our article on this at
www.atruechurch.info/lawofgod.html and also our article specifically on the Sabbath at
www.atruechurch.info/sabbath.html. I would be interested in any Biblical criticism, and would ask you speak specifically (like quoting what is written) in your attempt to correct. Thanks.
Sent: Wednesday, September 18, 2013 10:15 PM
Subject: Re: SDA
Yes, it can be translated end - that is, once again, obvious. And, unless you are into denial you'll likewise admit that it can be translated GOAL in many places. As in the Strongs dictionary:
5056. telos tel'-os from a primary tello (to set out for a definite point or goal); properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e. (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitely), result (immediate, ultimate or prophetic), purpose); specially, an impost or levy (as paid):--+ continual, custom, end(-ing), finally, uttermost. Compare 5411.
It is easy to refer to a linked article.
But it is very unfortunate that you can have no spiritual discernment in that you actually teach people that smoking (among other harmful things) "in moderation" is not a sin against your body and therefore against God. The Bible plainly teaches anything harmful or destructive to your body must not be introduced into it or God will destroy that person - see 1 Cor. 3:16,17
[Then he quotes from our article]
Cooper Abrams, a fundamental independent Baptist missionary pastor in Utah, argues this way saying,
This may sound good, but Scripture doesn't teach this (Proverbs 30:5-6). Too much of anything is usually harmful (e.g. Ecclesiastes 7:16), but to smoke in moderation is not necessarily harmful, at least, harmful in any Biblical way.
The Bible does not teach this "health" concern in regards to the proper care of the body. We are surely stewards of the body God has given us (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), but how we care for it largely comes down to personal conscience (Romans 14:22-23), not a man-made standard of health (Matthew 7:1-2).
So, I have to ask: Do you then imbibe with wine or strong drink? Do you then smoke marijuana? Do you then smoke tobacco? This is clearly an abominable teaching and plainly against God-given common sense as well. Therefore, your moral judgment must be suspect - THEREFORE how could anyone trust your religious opinion when you are so clearly wrong in here?
Sent: Thursday, September 19, 2013 9:01 AM
"anything harmful or destructive to your body"
Harmful or destructive according to whom? You? SDA? Someone else? Or, Scripture? We believe Scripture needs to tell us if something is harmful or destructive to our body before we will believe it is. You claim tobacco is (here in the context of moderation). Where does the Bible say, teach, or even imply that tobacco is harmful to our body? We don't trust what men say. That brings a curse (Jeremiah 17:5). If God told us tobacco (in moderation) is harmful, we would believe it. If you (or someone else) tells us tobacco (in moderation) is harmful, we will not believe it. Quite frankly, we don't trust you (or someone else).
"Do you then imbibe with wine or strong drink?"
"Do you then smoke marijuana?"
"Do you then smoke tobacco?"
Some do, only occasionally, not very often. I personally do not.
"This is clearly an abominable teaching"
This is quite a claim and strong condemnation for something Scripture never condemns. God will hold you to your own standard (Matthew 7:1-2) and you will be condemned by it (Proverbs 30:5-6 [Revelation 21:8 "all liars"]; Matthew 12:36-37).
"God-given common sense"
What is common is non-sense (Ecclesiastes 9:3 "madness"), and what is sense is not common (Matthew 7:13-14 "few").
"your moral judgment must be suspect"
Yes, it is by those who hold standards of their own (Matthew 7:1-2; 15:8-9) and do not hold fast to God's Word and His Word alone (Proverbs 4:27; 30:6; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
"how could anyone trust your religious opinion"
No such trust should be placed (Jeremiah 17:5). The trust needs to be in Scripture (John 3:16 "Him" is Scripture, the Word of God, John 1:1; Revelation 19:13) not in the doctrines of men (Matthew 15:8-9).
"you are so clearly wrong in here?"
It is interesting to watch people like you be so convinced something is so "clearly wrong" when there is not a single Scripture teaching so. It reminds me of Titus 1:15:
To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.
Sent: Thursday, September 19, 2013 10:54 AM
Subject: last will and testament
Hello, My husband and I are working with a lawyer on our last will and testament. (I might not sign anything) I trust the Lord, not man.
The normal documents with "Living Trusts" and the scare tactic of Medicaid taking everthing usually leaves the person with nothing when property is sold.
I would say; That naming my husband as the person to pull the plug if I am in that situation God forbid, I am asking him to murder me. Do you agree?
And visa versa for him. I want to do the righteous thing.
I would say that people that go to Hospice facilities or bring them into their home, and agree to use morphine drip with a deadly dose, they are commiting suicide, and it is murder on the part of the one that administers the deadly dose. Do you agree?
I have asked that my future not include hospitals or prescription drugs. If I cannot speak for myself. It cannot be honored in the legal system.
I see doctors and hospitals are for unbelievers because of Psa. 119:71 and Psa. 119:75 and Job 13:15. Do you agree?
Your corrections are welcomed.
Thank you. May Jesus Christ keep you in His Truth.
Lucinda
Sent: Thursday, September 19, 2013 11:21 AM
Subject: Re: last will and testament
"I would say; That naming my husband as the person to pull the plug if I am in that situation God forbid, I am asking him to murder me. Do you agree?"
It would depend on the circumstances. I forget the legal term/s, but if you make it clear that you do not want to ever be plugged into a life saving machine to begin with, then that hopefully would avoid that situation.
"I would say that people that go to Hospice facilities or bring them into their home, and agree to use morphine drip with a deadly dose, they are commiting suicide, and it is murder on the part of the one that administers the deadly dose. Do you agree?"
I don't believe that is even legal in the US, but it does sound like suicide.
"I see doctors and hospitals are for unbelievers because of Psa. 119:71 and Psa. 119:75 and Job 13:15. Do you agree?"
There is a time and place for doctors (Matthew 9:12; Colossians 4:14), but they may not always be helpful (Luke 8:43). We are also free to attempt to treat ourselves as well (e.g. 1 Timothy 5:23). Scripture doesn't mention hospitals, so that would come down to one's own personal conscience before God (Romans 14:22-23).
Sent: Monday, October 21, 2013 11:07 PM
Subject: Giving Tithes
I know that churches today take up offering because of their love of money but is it really bad to give tithes and offerings? I believe Paul at one time took up an offering.
Thank you,
Jarvis Turner.
Sent: Tuesday, October 22, 2013 10:40 AM
Subject: Re: Giving Tithes
"is it really bad to give tithes and offerings?"
That depends on the context. It is certainly bad to give to and support false ministries (Ephesians 5:11; 1 Timothy 5:22 "nor share in other people's sins"). It is also sinful to give in the flesh (e.g. Genesis 4:5; Romans 8:8). But, to give in spirit and truth, that is good (John 4:24).
A tithe is 10%, which is what Abraham and Jacob gave (Genesis 14:20; 28:10-22), and the law required under the old covenant (e.g. Leviticus 27:30-32; Deuteronomy 12:17; 14:22-28; Malachi 3:8-10). There were also different offerings given by men in the worship of God both before (e.g. Genesis 4:3-5; 8:20; 22:13; 35:14) and in the law (e.g. Exodus 20:24; 24:5; Leviticus; etc.).
There is nothing specifically required in the new covenant (like 10%), but Proverbs gives the principle within the proper worship of God (John 4:24) that was and is applicable before, in, and after the law (i.e. within the new covenant) that has always been true as is illustrated as early as Abel (Genesis 4). Proverbs 3 says,
Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. (Proverbs 3:9-10)
"Honoring the Lord with your possessions" has a variety of ways in which it is lived out. Considering the poor is key (Psalm 41:1-3; 112:9; Proverbs 14:21, 31; 19:17; 21:13; 22:9; 28:8, 27; 29:7; 31:20; Luke 12:33-34; Ephesians 4:28). Also, a simple generosity as well (Proverbs 11:24-26; Luke 6:35; 1 Timothy 6:17-19 "ready to give, willing to share"), "especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10; Matthew 25:31-40) honors the Lord. There is also the support of those who teach the Word specifically commanded in Galatians 6:6 & 1 Timothy 5:17-18, as Paul wrote,
Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel. (1 Corinthians 9:14)
The false teachers twist this truth into a self-serving command upon the people in which they justify their plea for people's money. Because they are false teachers (2 John 9), we know they are motivated by covetousness (2 Peter 2:1-3, 14).
Paul did indeed give instructions on "the collection for the saints" (1 Corinthians 16:1). In this, he did not want any collections when he was there (1 Corinthians 16:2), and he was not the one who was going to deliver the gift (1 Corinthians 16:3). Paul did himself carry a gift for "relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea" (Acts 12:29 [27-30]), and he did accept/receive gifts given to him (2 Corinthians 11:9; Philippians 4:10-18), although he refused to do so with the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 9:15). God gave him particular wisdom in that setting, so that when the false apostles came, they would be more easily manifest as false, as 2 Corinthians 11:7-15 addresses and bears witness to this wisdom.
2 Corinthians 8:1-15 also is a good passage on this subject, in which Paul encourages the Corinthians to follow the example of the Macedonia churches for "
the ministering to the saints" (2 Corinthians 8:1-15).
a true church, P. O. Box 130, Moodys, OK 74444
1-800-HOW-TRUE; www.atruechurch.info
