Posts by mdb

13

How could a dead man seek to kill Baby Jesus?

by THE SHOOTIST in

historians say that king herod the great the famous baby killer who sought to kill baby jesus, died in the year 4 b.c.. now all those religious groups like the jws who believe jesus was born oct 1/2, 2 b.c.

seem to have a real problem reconciling that with historians.

how could a man dead for 2 years carry out this act of aggression against the son of god?

mdb

If the slaughter was only in Bethlehem, why did they flee all the way to Egypt?

Why? So the prophecy would come true.

"...out of Egypt I called My Son." Hosea 11:1; Matt 2:15

13

How could a dead man seek to kill Baby Jesus?

by THE SHOOTIST in

historians say that king herod the great the famous baby killer who sought to kill baby jesus, died in the year 4 b.c.. now all those religious groups like the jws who believe jesus was born oct 1/2, 2 b.c.

seem to have a real problem reconciling that with historians.

how could a man dead for 2 years carry out this act of aggression against the son of god?

mdb

Some Gospel traditions suggest that John and Jesus were much more apart in time (Jesus is held to be the resurrected John, Mark 6:14; 8:28 which puts John together with prophets of ancient times;

Read these two Scriptural references in context. They do not "suggest" what you indicate. King Herod thought Jesus was John raised from the dead as some believed that He was Elijah (John was symbolically "Elijah who is to come" - Matt 11:11-14) Because Herod "thought" it, doesn't make him right. According to Luke, John was only 6 months older than Jesus, so... John was only 6 months older than Jesus.

And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts— but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics.
Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place. And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for

Mark 6:7-18

Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, “Who do men say that I am?”
So they answered, “John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.”
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.”
Then He strictly warned them that they should tell no one about Him.

Mark 8:27-30

Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.”
Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of , and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted . And it happened, when heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

Luke 1:36-45

11

All Scripture is Inspired

by belbab in

all scripture is inspired of god and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, 17 that the man of god may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.

new world translation .

question: .

mdb

Narkissos,

But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:14-17 NKJV)

And thou -- be remaining in the things which thou didst learn and wast entrusted with, having known from whom thou didst learn, and because from a babe the Holy Writings thou hast known, which are able to make thee wise -- to salvation, through faith that [is] in Christ Jesus; every Writing [is] God-breathed, and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for setting aright, for instruction that [is] in righteousness, that the man of God may be fitted -- for every good work having been completed. (2 Tim 3:14-17 Literal Translation)

You cannot take the second verse containing the phrase "every writing" out of context. In the context of the passage, Paul is clearly speaking of the Holy Writings indicated in verse 15. The "Writings" in verse 16 are God-breathed (inspired by God) which makes them Holy and infallible since God is Holy. It is obvious that Paul is speaking of the Holy Scriptures here. God would not lead His children to some other "writings" other than His Holy Word for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness. (This is not to say that there are not writings or books in existence which have been written by holy men of God, that are beneficial for us and that contain truth within their pages - they do exist).

Leolaia's two posts are far too long for me to go through right now. Sorry.

11

All Scripture is Inspired

by belbab in

all scripture is inspired of god and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, 17 that the man of god may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.

new world translation .

question: .

mdb

The only Scriptures the early church had (prior to the letters to the church - the NT canon), was the Old Testament. So when Jesus said, "You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.", He was speaking of the OT. That means you can find much evidence of Jesus Christ in the OT. They speak of Him often and refer to Him as God, Lord, and Savior. Divine, not created.

41

Does a person know if he has been saved?

by Honesty in

back in the days (sometime around 2003) a co informed our congregation that many publishers were being asked by householders if they 'are saved' and he told us to say, "i am in a saved 'condition'".

we can only be sure we are saved when armageddon has passed and we are still alive on earth.

i thought the whole thing was bizzare because from what i had read in the bible the early christians knew they were saved but here was a representative of the watchtower corporation telling publishers to say we were in a saved 'condition'.

mdb

Undecided,

This is a clear contradiction. He says you will never die if you believe, but even though you believe and do die...... If you're saved you won't die but I can't be sure, you might die anyway, but don't worry you will still live.

John 11:25,26 means this:

Those who believe in Jesus Christ will live spiritually even though he dies physically. Again, those who live physically and believe in Jesus Christ will never die spiritually.

The question is asked of you. "Do you believe this?"

41

Does a person know if he has been saved?

by Honesty in

back in the days (sometime around 2003) a co informed our congregation that many publishers were being asked by householders if they 'are saved' and he told us to say, "i am in a saved 'condition'".

we can only be sure we are saved when armageddon has passed and we are still alive on earth.

i thought the whole thing was bizzare because from what i had read in the bible the early christians knew they were saved but here was a representative of the watchtower corporation telling publishers to say we were in a saved 'condition'.

mdb

Scully,

Seriously, I don't care if I am or if I'm not. ; I don't need to be bribed to live a decent lifestyle and be a good person.

You should care. Salvation is not for this life as you seem to think, but about your eternal destiny. Are you sure you're willing to throw eternal life away? All men will have to give an account to God one day. At that time, when it's too late, I'm sure you won't have the same attitude. I hope that in that moment, you won't have the regret of tossing away God's free gift to you. He died for you.

41

Does a person know if he has been saved?

by Honesty in

back in the days (sometime around 2003) a co informed our congregation that many publishers were being asked by householders if they 'are saved' and he told us to say, "i am in a saved 'condition'".

we can only be sure we are saved when armageddon has passed and we are still alive on earth.

i thought the whole thing was bizzare because from what i had read in the bible the early christians knew they were saved but here was a representative of the watchtower corporation telling publishers to say we were in a saved 'condition'.

mdb

Why didn't Jesus just tell everyone not to worry if they stumbled...or were angry with their brother..... since they would be saved regardless? Why did he give a consequence for disobeying his words?

Gumby,

Would you obey Him if you thought that you could do anything you wanted and commit any and all kinds of sin as often as you wanted and still escape hellfire?

If you do know Him and love His holy commands, you will do what pleases Him. God changes the heart of a man and the Spirit will produce good fruit in those whom He dwells. You may not be perfect, but your desire will be for His kingdom and His works and you'll want to do what is just and right.

The Scriptures you quoted were all from the sermon on the Mount. Jesus was talking to a great assembly in the sermon on the Mount during the start of His ministry. Most of the people did not believe in Him as the Son of God and religion had become legalistic and ritualistic among God's chosen nation. Jesus was clarifying the reason for certain commandments and how they pertain to the condition of the heart, not an outward act. The warnings are for our benifit as well as for those who do not believe.

14

does God change his mind?

by I-CH-TH-U-S in

.

in the story of jonah, god says he is going to destroy ninevah jonah 3:3 ..."forty more days and nineveh will be overthrown".

but then god's compassion comes and he spares nineveh, does god change his mind?

mdb

God can change His mind (relent, repent).

In some things He will not: " For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance." ~Rom 11:29; ?" (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)" ~Heb 7:21

In other cases, the Lord repented (Hebrew: nacham - NOT repentance of sin, but to be sorry or have a change of mind). " And Samuel came no more to see Saul until the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the LORD repented (nacham) that he had made Saul king over Israel. ?" T he Lord repenting for making Saul king does not constitute God making an error. The Scriptures say, " Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king." ~1 Sam 12:24,25. And later, Samuel spoke to Saul saying, " Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee. ?" ~1 Sam 13:13-14. Saul did not keep the Lord's command and did wickedly. There was a consequence for it and Saul and the people were warned in advance.

As God’s prophet Jonah preached to Nineveh, “… God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them …” ~ Jonah 3:10 . In such instances, God “repented,” or changed His mind, to bring about a change of plan.

In many cases, God repented of the wrath He was going to bestow on a disobedient recipient or recipients. That doesn't make Him lesser of a God, but merciful (read the account of a certain king in Matt 18:21-35).

It would seem that some here think that because God can change His mind, it makes Him imperfect or indecisive. That's not the case at all. God has every right to change His mind and repenting of something does not necessarily mean the one repenting has sinned. This is quite obvious in God's case since God by nature cannot sin.

221

Was Jesus the first creation.

by ajie in

as i mentioned in my last post that im studying the book what the bible really teaches,anyway im now on the bit about who is jesus,now it uses the scripture col1:15 does this prove he was created where it says hes the firstborn.

mdb

The Greek used for firstborn is pr o totokos. This word does not mean “first-created”, which would be the word pr o toktisis.

Pr o totokos means first in rank, pre-eminent one, heir. IT IS POSITIONAL, not physical.

The Watchtower compares Jesus’ position to that of the firstborn of Pharaoh and concludes that the Son is the first one created by Jehovah. This conclusion is erronous.

Other scriptural “firstborn” (positional) examples are:

David (youngest son of Jesse): Ps 89:27 Ephraim (2nd to Manasseh): Gen 41:50,51; Jer 31:9 Ishmael & Isaac (Isaac was 13 years younger, but called the firstborn) Esau & Jacob (Jacob becomes the firstborn)

Christ is the heir (firstborn) of all things ( 1:15; Heb 1:2) & by divine right all of creation belongs to Him since Christ is also the “Maker of all things.” ( 1:16)

54

Why did Jesus have to die?

by ghostbuster in

i disassociated myself from jws about 20 years ago so i'm a bit rusty on christian teaching.

the intersting thing though is i hadn't completely disassociated my mind from their teachings and it's only been recently that i've had true independent thought.

it's scary if you think about it.

mdb

Why is it the believers don't like to reason on this stuff? It seems when a valid question is asked that calls into question their beliefs they move on, as is evident from this comment:

Actually, though I don't feel like entertaining this thread any longer,

I also find it interesting that believers can make comments like this:

I have shared what I believe and know to be true. You either agree with what I have spoken here or you don't.

I'm not trying to pick on you mdb. I just don't notice non-believers making such dogmatic statements such as you did when you said "and know to be true". It all takes me back to my life as a dub when I was so sure I had the truth. How things have changed for me.

Very well then. I’m sorry you had to go through what you did with the JW cult. Really, I am. I find there are many here who have been so beat up by the Watchtower and the lies they’ve been told for so many years that not only have they walked away from the WTS (which is a really good thing), but they’ve turned from God completely or are very sceptical of the truth because they’ve been told once already that they were believing in it. The Watchtower does believe in the one true God, but they don’t believe the truth about the Father or the Son or the Spirit or salvation or many other essential doctrines which the Scriptures teach. They do believe in God, but so do devils, and tremble.

I can make a statement such as I did because I know without a doubt that I am speaking the truth to you. I “believe and know” that I am saved and that salvation is found in no other than Jesus Christ. I know in my heart the change that God has made in me and how real it is. I cannot doubt that. His Spirit which lives in me is evidence enough. I cannot prove that to you. I only know what God has done for me and the change He’s done and continues to do in my life. What He did for me, He also did for you – believe on Him who died in your place, repent and be saved.

How can a man prove to another that God is a loving God? Jesus Christ already did that and men still do not believe.