Posts by SwedishChef

106

How do I know the Bible is True?

by SwedishChef in

how do i know the bible is true?

by thomas schaff.

external evidence.

SwedishChef

Admittedly, I am not very familiar with Hazor, but from what I gather, this ancient city was destroyed a long time ago.

106

How do I know the Bible is True?

by SwedishChef in

how do i know the bible is true?

by thomas schaff.

external evidence.

The most ancient of Oriental cities; the capital of Syria (Isa. 7:8; 17:3); situated about 133 miles to the north of Jerusalem. Its modern name is Esh-Sham; i.e., "the East."
The situation of this city is said to be the most beautiful of all Western Asia. It is mentioned among the conquests of the Egyptian king Thothmes III. (B.C. 1500), and in the Amarna tablets (B.C. 1400).
It is first mentioned in Scripture in connection with Abraham's victory over the confederate kings under Chedorlaomer (Gen. 14:15). It was the native place of Abraham's steward (15:2). It is not again noticed till the time of David, when "the Syrians of Damascus came to succour Hadadezer" (q.v.), 2 Sam. 8:5; 1 Chr. 18:5. In the reign of Solomon, Rezon became leader of a band who revolted from Hadadezer (1 Kings 11:23), and betaking themselves to Damascus, settled there and made their leader king. There was a long war, with varying success, between the Israelites and Syrians, who at a later period became allies of Israel against Judah (2 Kings 15:37).
The Syrians were at length subdued by the Assyrians, the city of Damascus was taken and destroyed, and the inhabitants carried captive into Assyria (2 Kings 16:7-9; comp. Isa. 7:8). In this, prophecy was fulfilled (Isa. 17:1; Amos 1:4; Jer. 49:24). The kingdom of Syria remained a province of Assyria till the capture of Nineveh by the Medes (B.C. 625), when it fell under the conquerors. After passing through various vicissitudes, Syria was invaded by the Romans (B.C. 64), and Damascus became the seat of the government of the province. In A.D. 37 Aretas, the king of Arabia, became master of Damascus, having driven back Herod Antipas.
This city is memorable as the scene of Saul's conversion (Acts 9:1-25). The street called "Straight," in which Judas lived, in whose house Saul was found by Ananias, is known by the name Sultany, or "Queen's Street." It is the principal street of the city. Paul visited Damascus again on his return from Arabia (Gal. 1:16, 17). Christianity was planted here as a centre (Acts 9:20), from which it spread to the surrounding regions.
In A.D. 634 Damascus was conquered by the growing Mohammedan power. In A.D. 1516 it fell under the dominion of the Turks, its present rulers. It is now the largest city in Asiatic Turkey. Christianity has again found a firm footing within its walls.

106

How do I know the Bible is True?

by SwedishChef in

how do i know the bible is true?

by thomas schaff.

external evidence.

SwedishChef

Gumby,
"I guess the person who goes to church for the first time and cries and accepts Jesus who becomes saved.......is a better man than I. Maybe I should just kill myself because no matter how hard I try.....I am not one of the lords. I knocked and knocked and he wouldn't open.....because I am not one of his......................Is this how you see me SC?"
Gumby, I don't know you, and I cannot make any assumptions about you beyond what the Bible tells me. And what the Bible tells me is, that a person who falls away was never saved to begin with.
When I challenged the "salvation" you had back then, you gave me a list of all the works you did. This is further evidence that your heart was in the wrong place. If you had asked me why I am saved, I would say because I am redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of God. Though my sins were as scarlet, they have been washed white as wool. (Isaiah 1:18) Salvation has nothing to do with ones own works, for nothing can be done to attain it: It is through God's infinite mercy and grace alone.
Furthermore, you said you were a dub. Therefore, whether you realize it or not, you have been fed false doctrine. If you would like more information on doctrine, I would be glad to help in any way I can.
"Question....will God actually let the world perhaps come to the brink of destruction with millions dying from hunger, crime, accidents, disease, ..........so he can spare the last one of the elect who isn't born yet? Would God allow millions to die.......to save the one elect?"
You have faced me with a difficult question. All I can say is that the fullness of the Gentiles will come in before the return of Christ, and nothing will thwart this plan. John 6:37a "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me." God is ultimately in control of the world. But just as He allowed the wickedness of Israel run rampant, so He is with the Gentile world. And just as Israel received constant warning, so is the Gentile world. Just as God brought judgment on Israel, so will He do with the Gentile world.

106

How do I know the Bible is True?

by SwedishChef in

how do i know the bible is true?

by thomas schaff.

external evidence.

SwedishChef

Gumby,

We are all "bad men" inside. We have all sinned, our righteousness is as filthy rags, our hearts are desperately wicked, as says the Bible. We have all transgressed against an infinite and Holy God. Church can't save an individual. Placing your faith in your own works is vain. You will certainly not go far being a JW, as they are a cult.

The Bible says "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." It also says we are saved by the grace of God, and by the works of the law shall no man be justified. God sent His only begotten Son to die for sinners such as you and I. And all who come to Him, trusting in Him alone and not in works, repenting and believing in Jesus Christ, will be saved.

All who come to Him, he will in no wise cast out. The invitation is for all. However, not all will come. "Many are called, but few are chosen", says Jesus. (Matt 22:14)

106

How do I know the Bible is True?

by SwedishChef in

how do i know the bible is true?

by thomas schaff.

external evidence.

SwedishChef

Donkey,

When did I ever promise to deliver absolute proof?

Rem,
you said:
"Stop posting threads with ridiculous false claims and you will not be made a fool of. Then you will earn the respect of other posters on this board."
I believe the title of this thread is "How do I know the Bible is True", and does therefore reflect why I believe the Bible. Certainly, believing the Bible is faith issue, the book says so itself!
I am not really out to earn the respect of everyone. If I do so while being a witness of the Gospel, then great! But it is not my goal to compromise my beliefs in order to please a bunch of people I don't know, nor ever will meet. (and I have been called worse than "troll")

106

How do I know the Bible is True?

by SwedishChef in

how do i know the bible is true?

by thomas schaff.

external evidence.

SwedishChef

Gumby,

Thank you for your response. Even though I completely disagree with you belief wise, I can have respect for you because you have done the same toward me (Unlike some of the others who post here.)

"What could he have done? Well he could have kept his promises....that would have helped. he could have "came again" Why is he waiting so long......seriously?"

From what I have read, Jesus has kept all His promises. The second coming with be fulfilled in its due time. Did God not deal with Israel for thousands of years? Why should it be different for the church age? The church is God's new kingdom. The Bible says "the Lord is not slack concerning his promise"(2 Peter 3:9). What He is waiting for is the last of His elect to become saved. For the "fullness of the Gentiles to come in." (Rn 11:25, Lk 21:24) As can be seen from the world today, this is not too far off. We are in the Laodicean age of the church, which is the last one, and we are in the midst of the great falling away of the church. If you've studied the Bible as hard as you say you did you'd know what I'm talking about by this.

I have never said there is absolute proof of the Bible being right. But I can say that the Bible has never been proven wrong, archeological and historical studies have only affirmed its accuracy, and there is a wealth of unsurpassed depth within these pages.

In whatever you research, on any topic, there will always be evidence which says it is true, and there will always be evidence that says it is not true. These two cannot merge. Either the first set of evidence is erroneous, and the second set is true, or vice versa. It is my stance that the Bible is true, and therefore I will accept all evidence that points toward this. It is your stance to do the contrary.

However, the external factors involved is not the basis for a Christian's belief, it is what happens inwardly. Through all my folly, I have always felt drawn to the God of the Bible. Human nature itself is repulsed at the doctrines within these pages, and yet I have found a peace that is beyond myself - for the Author is beyond myself.

Gumby, a true saved Christian will never fall away from salvation. I don't know you, but I can say upon the authority the Bible that you were never saved, and therefore never a true Christian. You were obviously thinking about it, and maybe thought you were. But the seed was snatched out of your heart before it could take effect. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world. And faith is a shield according to Ephesians 6:16. This shield is used to "quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." When out of answers, there is always faith. That's why Paul says "I have fought the good fight...I have kept the faith." Without this shield, without leaning on the everlasting arms of the Savior and saying "Lord, I trust you above all", anyone will fall. And if it were up to my own will I would fall, but it is God who preserves me.

You weren't saved, and therefore when you came under the unrelenting assaults of the atheists, the "fiery darts of the wicked", you fell further into disbelief. Tell me Gumby, are you happier now that you have no foundation? Have you found peace that passes all understanding? What has replaced Jesus Christ in your life?

Sincerely,

Michael

Edited by - SwedishChef on 1 January 2003 1:49:39

106

How do I know the Bible is True?

by SwedishChef in

how do i know the bible is true?

by thomas schaff.

external evidence.

SwedishChef

StinkyPantz911,
My my, sounds like your belief is based upon faith. Your placing your faith upon these scientists to deliver to you the truth, and your even placing your faith on something that you can't see -- the time when they "figure everything out."

I'll answer your question for you. God has always existed. He has an everlasting past. He spoke the universe into existence.

The Biblical account is more valid than the "big bang" theory which you probably believe. Though you atheists claim to be logical, the entire basis for your beliefs is just the opposite. The universe just can't pop out of nowhere. Where you like to admit it or not, a Creator is the only logical answer.

Edited by - SwedishChef on 31 December 2002 23:36:10

9

Dead Sea Scrolls

by DevonMcBride in

.

what is the watchtower's teachings regarding the dead sea scrolls?

i can't seem to find anything on it in their publications.

SwedishChef

I missed the part where the evidence is pathetic.

106

How do I know the Bible is True?

by SwedishChef in

how do i know the bible is true?

by thomas schaff.

external evidence.

SwedishChef

StinkyPantz,

It was the Jews themselves who wanted to crucify Jesus. They didn't want the Messiah, they said "Caesar is our king." I doubt the apostles (and not just the apostles, there were also thousands of Christians who committed their life to the work of Christ --not matter what the cost) were doing it to make their fellow Jews feel good.

Most people would have a whole lot of trouble dying for something they believe in, let alone a giant lie.

Rem,

I love how you play word games with me, trying to make me fumble up what I say. But what I have said is clear.

In any case, I am under no obligation to spend all my time trying to convince you or anyone of the truth of the Bible. The Bible says once or twice, and then move on to the next person.

You can find evidence supporting the Bible with just as much effort as I can. I'm not going to waste my time spoon feeding information to you when your just going to spit it back in my face.

The fact is, I have more evidence to support my view than you have to support the notion that the universe popped out of nowhere and we all came from a rock.

It seems this has just turned into a vain argument. Take what I say as you wish to. I mean nothing to be arrogant or conceded. If you knew you had to truth, you would want to tell people too. But this is achieving nothing.

I only ask that you look at the other side of the argument. Read what the Bible says, just try to take its meaning to heart. I know from my experience, that once you get into the real in-depth things of God, you will see how beautifully woven this book is from cover to cover. What have you got to lose? All you have to gain is possibly a new life in Christ. Do you think I have never questioned the Bibles authenticity? I have number of times. I have researched, found evidence. But this is not what won me over. It is the fact that the Bibles promises come true. Jesus says "come unto me all ye that are heavy laden and I will give you rest." The Bible also says that those who trust in the Lord will have the peace of God that "passes all understanding," and that they are "new creatures" in Christ. It also says that the Holy Spirit "bears witness with our spirit" that we are the children of God.
As foolish as this must sound to you, it is all true. And I have seen God working in my life.
1 "Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

Romans 10:13 "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

106

How do I know the Bible is True?

by SwedishChef in

how do i know the bible is true?

by thomas schaff.

external evidence.

SwedishChef

Donkey,
would my giving you evidence make a difference at all?

I would like to make one general point. It is obvious just by looking at society that Jesus existed, and that He must have did some great things.

Who else has had such a great impact on people's lives, generation after generation, for 2,000 years? He is more than a house-hold name. He is a name countless millions have carried to their deaths at the hand of their persecutors. (i.e. the Catholic Church) This name many have sung about while being burnt at the stake. What could possibly cause such great faith? What could this man have done some 2,000 years ago that would leave such an unsurpassed impact on the world?

False prophets come and go. People claimed to be Messiah before Jesus started His ministry, and many have claimed to be Messiah afterward. What makes Jesus any different? Could it be that He was the true Messiah? That this Jesus, who fulfilled every prophecy down to the detail, might in fact be telling the truth?

If not, what would drive the apostles to spread these lies, as you would call them. What would the disciples have to gain? Surely, the apostles writings weren't the force behind it: Jesus was. Every apostle, except for one, suffered and died for the cause of Christ gladly.

Would you suffer crucifixion, Donkey, to uphold a lie? Do you really think this is human nature? What would be your motivation?