Bible Questions & Discussion PAGE 373

Hi Verleen, I responded to your post earlier today, but the site was having trouble with posts going through. Now that is fixed.

You have posed several good questions and I would like to respond to the last one concerning believing in a God no one has seen.

The first thing that came to my mind was what Jesus said in the gospels. In John 1:18 Jesus said, No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him."

In John 14:9-10 in response to Philip's request for Jesus to show them the Father, Jesus said, "have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father, so how can you say, "Show us the Father?

do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me?....

In these verses Jesus is saying that He is God and that any of the people of His time on earth who saw Him also saw the

Father because of the unified Oneness of the Persons of the Godhead. Jesus, being the Son of God in the flesh, showed by His perfect human life and by His divine expressions in miracles and other divine actions and words revealed to those who saw Him the Godhead and what God was like.

Those who saw Jesus after His resurrection, saw Him in His glory, revealing more of who God is to the disciples, from the women and apostles at the tomb, to the rest of the disciples in the Upper Room, and to 500 0ther persons before the disciples saw him ascend to the Father. A human person cannot appear to people after they die. Jesus was God and He said He was returning to His Father, who was God. Acts 7:56 Stephen at the time he was being stoned said, look, I see heaven opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" He was seeing Jesus with the Father in heaven as equals.

In the Old Testament, many godly men were visited by God-Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Ezekiel-to name a few. These appearances were usually described as the Angel of the Lord.

What does this word mean? Selah.

Thanks Allen

Correction on last part: I meant to say I think God can even speak the truth "through" false or misled teachers. I have known people introduced to Jesus through some very imperfect people even through questionable sermons. Some may learn about Him through media or movies for example. God seems to use anyone He can, however flawed, to reach those who want to know Him. Those in the Bible are good examples of that, like Paul, David, Moses, Abraham and others. I don't think our imperfection hinders God's perfect truth from being available to those who are ready to receive it.

Maureen, I agree with Adam, I posted to you earlier today, but there was a problem with posting on the site. It is fixed now.

I have never found a verse in Scripture that explicitly states that the KJV is the perfect translation of Scripture, since the KJV did not exist when scripture was written by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The original writings of the Old and New Testament in Hebrew (O.T.) and Greek (N.T.) were the only absolutely inspired words of God written through the agency of the biblical writer.

Some will extrapolate a defense of the position that the KJV is the only perfect translation from a verse or two. But this approach does not prove the point. I believe that God has preserved the integrity and veracity of His Word in Scripture from the time it was first written or spoken by the apostles, as they preached to people, during the apostolic times as well as the Old Testament times.

I believe that God has preserved the integrity and veracity of His Words in Scripture over the centuries from the apostolic times up to present day. There have been many translations of Scripture over the centuries, I believe that God preserved the truth of Scripture in these translations beginning with the Septuagint (O.T. translated in Greek from Hebrew) in the 3rd century B.C., through the work of copyists in the post-apostolic times when they copied by hand the original copies of the Septuagint and the N. T. writings of the apostles.

I believe that the translation of Jerome (Vulgate) was a truthful translation and that the translations that came before the KJV (which the KJV also used in their translation) were truthful translations. And I believe the translations that have been done since the KJV, with a few exceptions, particularly paraphrases, are equally accurate as the KJV. All translation will have some minor errors due to translating from one language to another, but God, who sustains the church through the ages, will preserve the His Word now also.

Ian,

I also tried 6 times yesterday to post a response with no luck. Not to take away from what Chris has shared because I agree, but here is what I tried sending:

The word charity in the King James text is the word Agape in Greek. And there are different words in Greek for different kinds of love.



Over the years, the church has relegated Agape to be something special. But not that special, because we think we can produce it!



But the word charity is Agape.



Agape is the fruit of God's Spirit according to Galatians 5:22, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love." And that word love is Agape. God's Spirit produces Agape.



1 John 4:8 tells us that God is Agape. It's His nature. In fact, outside of the New Testament, the word was hardly ever used.

But God is Agape.



Agape love includes sacrifice. Agape is the concern for someone's spiritual welfare. God exhibited that toward us in that "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son."



He looked at us and said your spiritual condition needs help. If I don't send a Savior, you're going to die in your sins!

So the word charity throughout all of Chapter 13 is the word Agape. It is Agape love, or Godly love. It doesn't mean charity like we know it today.

My favorite book of the bible is Lamentations.

Hello Carol. In that verse, we read that Peter put on his "fisher's coat" (i.e. the outer tunic) when he understood from John that it was Jesus on the shore. He probably did this hurriedly as we might do if a visitor came knocking on our door & we were still in our night-wear not having a dressing gown on, at least. But the word 'naked' in the original Greek, can also mean 'having under-clothing on', as some would do, wearing minimal clothing when doing arduous work (e.g. workers on a building site). It seems the other disciples on the boat were fully dressed but Peter had shed his outer garment for work purposes.

But why Peter then "cast himself into the sea" with this heavier coat on and with a heavy catch of fish to be dragged in, I cannot be sure. I have often assumed that he wanted to get to shore first to be with the Lord Jesus by swimming there, but even doing that with a coat on seems unreasonable. Maybe others might have another thought about this event.

Hi Ian. Apologies for the delay in responding; we had some problems posting comments yesterday.

Since the KJV was published first in 1611, the translators probably looked for a word that more expressly described true love or a love that is God-preferred. As you know, most other translations simply write 'love' as the translation from the Greek, 'Agape', which is correct. But in the KJV, the translators also probably looked for a more apt word & gave consideration to the Latin language for 'love', which is Caritas (from which we get 'charity'). And Caritas is more than showing love, concern & giving to another in need, but has at its root, Christian love or a brotherly sacrificial love that extends further & deeper than just a sympathetic love for another.

Maybe, the word 'charity' & its present meaning amongst most people, is actually the incorrect outdated one. Rather, when we use the word it should be as originally intended in meaning: that of love that goes beyond the emotional & sensual but much deeper to giving of oneself which includes both a deep concern & practical help.

My favorite Book would be Hebrews. I really enjoy an apologetic presentation, and in this case, the superiority of Jesus Christ over anyone before or after Him. Superior in His Person, His Priesthood, and His Power. And this would have spoken volumes to any Jew or convert from Judaism of Whom these apostles & the Church were proclaiming & believing.

My second choices would be Romans, the Gospel of John & his First Epistle.

Quailifying statement: I meant to say the individual experience of God's presence depends on their spiritual state. Ephesians 1:13-14 shows how we are "sealed with the Spirit" if we know Christ. The verse "we will make our dwelling place with them" ( John 14:23). But for the wicked the wrath of God abides on him ( John 3:36).

That should be a good starting point at least on scriptures answering your question.

Agape; Rich P

Psalm 139:8 makes it clear that everywhere; including hell God's presence is there. God; however depending on the state of an individual our soul has a different experience. With David; in old times sheol was the place of comfort as well as torment (see Luke 16:19-31). After captivity was made cptive (i.e. souls of the righteous were brought out after the Resurrection ( Psalm 68:18) then "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord ( 2 Cor. 5:6). Therefore; we saw some of the saints come out of their graves after Christ's Resurrection (sort of the "first of the firstfruits").

God cannot look onto sin ( Matt. 27:45-46). Christ was the "sin bearer" who took on our sins (see Isaiah 53; Numbers 21:8). This explains the Godhead in some sense; as if all of the Godhead died at the crucifixion the whole universe would cease to exist. Jesus; however overcame death as it could not hold Him ( Acts 2:24). When He said "it is finished" and died then the work was done ( John 19:30). The rest of the time He was declaring victory to all (including unregenerate lost souls and demons bound in the underworld) in 1 Peter 3:18-20 then He ascended back to the Father where He ever lives to intercede for us ( Heb. 7:25).

It is clear that every eye shall see Him ( Rev. 1:7); Rev. 5:13; Rev. 20 and Great White Throne Judgment). Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ( Philippians 2:10-11 and also reflected in Isaiah 45:23. During the Tribulation men also will be actively cursing God and Antichrist Himself will blaspheme Him as well as those who dwell in heaven ( Rev. 6:15; Revelation 13). It is clear that everyone will know about God and Christ by the sixth seal but it won't do those any good who have not been regenerated. It is only in those God chooses to reveal Himself through the Son that come to know Him ( Matt. 11:27 and see much of Gospel of John including some of my commentaries on Predestination). Also see Psalm 19; ROmans 1

Hello, Bible study,

My understanding they are part of each other. Obedience is dependent on our faith that we live by with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The first Adam broke the relationship and God's dwelling place in man when he was disobedient in eating from that tree. Faith can be measured through our obedience which is the visible expression of our faith.

The Bible says that Jesus learned obedience from what He suffered and was made perfect, Heb. 8:5. Jesus gave us perfect examples of being obedient He did nothing of His own it was the Father's will not His, Luke 4:18 John 5:30 John 14:10. When Jesus was in the garden just before He was taken, He asked the Father if there was a different way but not His will but the Father's, Luke 22:42 but Jesus was obedient unto death.

We cannot be saved by works; we cannot earn our salvation. Is being obedient considered works? My understanding is no. Obedience is not an option it is a command, we either obey or disobey like the first Adam. If we are obedient, we are dutiful and compliant to His commands.

Our faith, Heb.1:1 by the grace of God that we fully trust Him regardless of what we may face, not with our logic but with His, and the promises God has given us, our hope is not in this world but the eternal one that our hope is in, that with patience we wait and watch for to come.

May others word it better to help your study.

God bless,

RLW

Isaiah . I love Psalms and job and Elijah and Elisha in Kings and Zechariah and exodus and the gospels and revelation and an elderly brother of mine once told me that the entire gospel is captured in the book of acts , I've never checked out his theory but I will one day , Daniel is awesome also .Isaiah Isaiah Isaiah . All day every day . Every time I read it I'm envigourated encouraged calmed strengthened and overjoyed by it .

The brief answer is that faith is needed for it is impossible to please God without faith ( Heb. 11:6). Obedience is; however better than sacrifice when it is done in the wrong method ( 1 Sam. 15:22). If you obey God you will keep His commandments ( John 14:15). Trust is also a key here; as Jesus hardly had to have faith that His Father; God existed but yet in His earthly existance He had to "learn obedience" ( Heb. 5:8-9). He had to do this to be our High Priest who suffered as we did but without sin ( Heb. 4:15). Therefore we have to make sure we have true faith and not something based on our emotions or a false gospel.

I hope that you will continue to read your Bible and this site and ask us any questions that you might have , your grandmother sounds like a wise one and she was trying to set you on the right path .

In my opinion faith is better than obedience , the reason being is that : none of us is ever perfectly obedient , we all sin . If we have faith , in God and in his love and mercy towards us , then we can be forgiven for our disobedience / sin . If we don't have faith in God and in Jesus then we can't really call ourselves Christians can we ? Hopefully , our faith will lead us into obedience .

Texsis, I do respect and understand your point of view. What matters for me personally is that through the lost gospels and the apocryphal books, after a search of four decades, I came to realize the truth of Jesus Christ and I started to recognize the workings of the Sacred Spirit and I returned to the Bible. Using the numbers complementary, not as the primary focus. Perhaps like the background chords supporting the melody of the text. It's a personal thing but you are very right, stop wasting time on earthly things, I also take that very seriously.

Hi Maureen,

I'm not aware of any Bible verses saying the KJV is the only Word of God. There's verses saying God's Word is truth like John 17:17 but not specific to one translation.

I believe the Bible is God's inspired Word. I believe He speaks truth through the holy spirit and through us reading and seeking Him. People are imperfect; God is perfect.

I don't believe KJV is the only true Bible. The reason I believe this is that it wasn't written in English originally. Am I to believe the original languages of Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic are somehow less accurate than an English translation? A translation by definition can't be more accurate or more truthful than that which it was translated from.

Because humans are flawed imperfect beings we can make mistakes. I'm not saying the KJV has mistakes, but some translations have had printer mistakes and accidents that are documented and undeniable. That doesn't automatically mean it changes the meaning or that God can't speak His truth through it, just like KJVs having variations of what is on the cover, or study notes in the margin, or maps, or those presented online don't necessarily change the meaning of the text. But even if there were human errors present does that mean God can't still use that to speak truth to us through our seeking Him, no, I do not believe anything will hinder someone genuinely seeking God through His word. So, I don't think our imperfection invalidates God's truth in His Word.

I also don't believe in a black and white assumption that if a printer or publisher makes a mistake that the Bible is somehow 100% false and a total lie from satan. That seems extreme to me.

Likewise, call me radical, but I also think God can speak truth false teachers we see on TV, for example. They probably started off legit but were deceived and tempted and drifted off course. That doesn't mean 100% what they say is false and that God can't use our weakness to reach souls. God does miracles.

I so enjoy reading the bible evert day

Scriptures to back up truth that the KJV 1611 is the only true Word in English?

Name the 2 place god reside? give scriptural reference. where dose god not reside? give scncriptual referes. how can one know that god exists if no one has seen him.

Why does John 21:7 mention that simon Peter was naked?

Amen I love that bible app

Is obedience better than faith

Dear Kobe, You have asked some questions that are perplexing.

In this post I will address the first one.

Why are we told not to be jealous when the Bible says that God is jealous?

We must understand that our emotions are not pure and holy like God's are. Jealousy for us is a negative and usually sinful emotion for us because we are jealous out of selfish love.

On the other hand, God is Jealous for His people and does not want them to follow after other gods because us doing so is destructive to us being so sinful as to sever the relationship between us and God. God wants us to follow, serve and worship Him alone because it benefits us tremendously to do so. so, for our sake, God is jealous because He does not want us to be separated from Him by us being unfaithful and idolatrous.

Dear Jennifer, I will pray for Jason today.

Dear Heavenly Father, we bring before You Jason, Jennifer's husband and ask in the name of Jesus that He will be brought to salvation soon and for the restoration of their marriage. We ask that You bring answers to all of Jennifer's requests for Jason mentioned here today and those unmentioned as well. Thank You Lord God for hearing our prayers and for the mercy You will give to Jason, bringing him to repentance and faith in Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Dear Jennifer, I will pray for Anita today.

Dear Heavenly father we lift up Jennifer's mother, Anita in the name of Jesus, Your son, Our Lord. We ask that You do a healing work in Anita and bring and end to the cancer in her body. We ask that any treatment she has will be effective. We ask that You give Anita strength and enjoyment in her life even as she is ill. We ask that You return her to health and wellness. Amen.

Dear Kobe, You have asked some questions that are perplexing.

In this post I will address the first one.

Why are we told not to be jealous when the Bible says that God is jealous?

We must understand that our emotions are not pure and holy like God's are. Jealousy for us is a negative and usually sinful emotion for us because we are jealous out of selfish love.

On the other hand, God is Jealous for His people and does not want them to follow after other gods because us doing so is destructive to us being so sinful as to sever the relationship between us and God. God wants us to follow, serve and worship Him alone because it benefits us tremendously to do so. so, for our sake, God is jealous because He does not want us to be separated from Him by us being unfaithful and idolatrous.

Hi Rugged Christian,

You didn't say why Lamentations is your favorite Bible book. would love to know.

Excellent!! Praise God!. I forgot to mention my favorite book in the bible and it is Lamentations. Oh I can see the comments from this one LOL.