tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12391603.post116278649236393578..comments2024-03-24T23:41:23.944-07:00Comments on Talk Wisdom: Queer Theology ExposedChristinewjchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18434229284833642438noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12391603.post-1163098579884552962006-11-09T10:56:00.000-08:002006-11-09T10:56:00.000-08:00Here's a related article called responding to pro-...Here's a related article called <A HREF="http://www.narth.com/docs/dallas.html" REL="nofollow">responding to pro-gay theology.</A><BR/><BR/>Also, a great case study that shows <A HREF="http://www.narth.com/docs/influencing.html" REL="nofollow">New Evidence Found for Childhood Family Factors Influencing Sexual Orientation</A>Christinewjchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18434229284833642438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12391603.post-1163096886016593482006-11-09T10:28:00.000-08:002006-11-09T10:28:00.000-08:00Stephen W.,You said, "This is why Paul says that a...Stephen W.,<BR/><BR/>You said, "<BR/>This is why Paul says that anything done of faith is not sin."<BR/><BR/>Are you referring to this verse?<BR/><BR/>Rom 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin. <BR/><BR/>That verse has the opposite meaning of what you said.<BR/><BR/>David Guzik commentary:<BR/><BR/><I> Each of us must ask: "God what is there in my life hindering a closer walk with You? I want to know the happiness that comes from not condemning myself by what I approve in my life." This takes faith, because we often cling to hindering things because we think they make us happy. Real happiness is found being closer and closer to Jesus, and by not being condemned by what we approve.<BR/><BR/>c. Whatever is not from faith is sin: Paul concludes with another principle by which we can judge “gray areas” - if we can’t do it in faith, then it is sin.<BR/><BR/>i. This is a wonderful check on our tendency to justify ourselves in the things we permit. If we are troubled by something, it likely isn’t of faith and likely is sin for us.</I><BR/><BR/>Jam 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin. <BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>1Jo 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.<BR/><BR/>The Bible is filled with warnings not to trample upon God's grace by continuing in any willful sin that is explicitly identified as sin in the Bible. <BR/><BR/><I>Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. <BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>Rom 7:7 What shall we say then? [Is] the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. <BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>Rom 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.</I>Christinewjchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18434229284833642438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12391603.post-1163018098406504692006-11-08T12:34:00.000-08:002006-11-08T12:34:00.000-08:00Found it!Go here and type in the Biblical referenc...Found it!<BR/><BR/>Go <A HREF="http://www.tektonics.org/index2.html" REL="nofollow">here</A> and type in the Biblical reference. It will then lead you to a page with explanations (sometimes offsite like my example below).<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://www.christian-thinktank.com/hcensus.html" REL="nofollow">Your first Bible difficulty on the list explained.</A>Christinewjchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18434229284833642438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12391603.post-1163017481261970502006-11-08T12:24:00.000-08:002006-11-08T12:24:00.000-08:00Ebsfwan,Excuse my quick response here, but I've go...Ebsfwan,<BR/><BR/>Excuse my quick response here, but I've got to get some other work done today!<BR/><BR/>1. The <I>decision to engage in homosexual behavior and acts is a choice.</I><BR/><BR/>2. There are Bible difficulties, but not errors. One website that counters most of the common examples that people put up as perceived "errors" is <A HREF="http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-errors.html" REL="nofollow">here.</A><BR/><BR/>There is also a refutation of the perceived "errors" written about the Bible in the "Skeptics Annotated Bible." I couldn't quickly find the link, but it is somewhere on the <A HREF="http://www.tektonics.org/sab/sab.html" REL="nofollow">Tektonics site.</A><BR/><BR/>There are many others as well. Perhaps someone can add to this list.Christinewjchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18434229284833642438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12391603.post-1163006540130128772006-11-08T09:22:00.000-08:002006-11-08T09:22:00.000-08:00Hi Christine:1. If homosexuality is a deliberate ...Hi Christine:<BR/><BR/>1. If homosexuality is a deliberate choice then your argument carries weight. If homosexuality is inbuilt then it doesn't. Seeing as no one really knows why don't you give them the benefit of the doubt? I'm not gay so I won't presume to judge on their behalf.<BR/><BR/>2. But the Bible is <B>not</B> inerrant.<BR/><BR/>Just for fun 101 contradictions (some trite some more serious):<BR/><BR/>101 Contradictions In The Bible<BR/>pdf version by Desolution<BR/>desolution@nibirumail.com<BR/>1.Who incited David to count the fighting men of Israel?<BR/>(a) God did (2 Samuel 24: 1)<BR/>(b) Satan did (I Chronicles 2 1:1)<BR/>2.In that count how many fighting men were found in Israel?<BR/>(a) Eight hundred thousand (2 Samuel 24:9)<BR/>(b) One million, one hundred thousand (IChronicles 21:5)<BR/>3. How many fighting men were found in Judah?<BR/>(a) Five hundred thousand (2 Samuel 24:9)<BR/>(b) Four hundred and seventy thousand (I Chronicles 21:5)<BR/>4.God sent his prophet to threaten David with how many years of famine?<BR/>(a) Seven (2 Samuel 24:13)<BR/>(b) Three (I Chronicles 21:12)<BR/>5.How old was Ahaziah when he began to rule over Jerusalem?<BR/>(a) Twenty-two (2 Kings 8:26)<BR/>(b) Forty-two (2 Chronicles 22:2)<BR/>6.How old was Jehoiachin when he became king of Jerusalem?<BR/>(a) Eighteen (2 Kings 24:8)<BR/>(b) Eight (2 Chronicles 36:9)<BR/>7.How long did he rule over Jerusalem?<BR/>(a) Three months (2 Kings 24:8)<BR/>(b) Three months and ten days (2 Chronicles 36:9)<BR/>8.The chief of the mighty men of David lifted up his spear and killed how many men at one time?<BR/>(a) Eight hundred (2 Samuel 23:8)<BR/>(b) Three hundred (I Chronicles 11: 11)<BR/>9.When did David bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem? Before defeating the Philistines or after?<BR/>(a) After (2 Samuel 5 and 6)<BR/>(b) Before (I Chronicles 13 and 14)<BR/>10.How many pairs of clean animals did God tell Noah to take into the Ark?<BR/>(a) Two (Genesis 6:19, 20)<BR/>(b) Seven (Genesis 7:2). But despite this last instruction only two pairs went into the ark (Genesis 7:8-9)<BR/>11.When David defeated the King of Zobah, how many horsemen did he capture?<BR/>(a) One thousand and seven hundred (2 Samuel 8:4)<BR/>(b) Seven thousand (I Chronicles 18:4)<BR/>12.How many stalls for horses did Solomon have?<BR/>(a) Forty thousand (I Kings 4:26)<BR/>(b) Four thousand (2 chronicles 9:25)<BR/>13.In what year of King Asa's reign did Baasha, King of Israel die?<BR/>(a) Twenty-sixth year (I Kings 15:33 - 16:8)<BR/>(b) Still alive in the thirty-sixth year (2 Chronicles 16:1)<BR/>14.How many overseers did Solomon appoint for the work of building the temple?<BR/>(a) Three thousand six hundred (2 Chronicles 2:2)<BR/>(b) Three thousand three hundred (I Kings 5:16)<BR/>15.Solomon built a facility containing how many baths?<BR/>(a) Two thousand (1 Kings 7:26)<BR/>(b) Over three thousand (2 Chronicles 4:5)<BR/>16.Of the Israelites who were freed from the Babylonian captivity, how many were the children of<BR/>Pahrath-Moab?<BR/>(a) Two thousand eight hundred and twelve (Ezra 2:6)<BR/>(b) Two thousand eight hundred and eighteen (Nehemiah 7:11)<BR/>17.How many were the children of Zattu?<BR/>(a) Nine hundred and forty-five (Ezra 2:8)<BR/>(b) Eight hundred and forty-five (Nehemiah 7:13)<BR/>18.How many were the children of Azgad?<BR/>(a) One thousand two hundred and twenty-two (Ezra 2:12)<BR/>(b) Two thousand three hundred and twenty-two (Nehemiah 7:17)<BR/>19.How many were the children of Adin?<BR/>(a) Four hundred and fifty-four (Ezra 2:15)<BR/>(b) Six hundred and fifty-five (Nehemiah 7:20)<BR/>20.How many were the children of Hashum?<BR/>(a) Two hundred and twenty-three (Ezra 2:19)<BR/>(b) Three hundred and twenty-eight (Nehemiah 7:22)<BR/>21.How many were the children of Bethel and Ai?<BR/>(a) Two hundred and twenty-three (Ezra 2:28)<BR/>(b) One hundred and twenty-three (Nehemiah 7:32)<BR/>22.Ezra 2:64 and Nehemiah 7:66 agree that the total number of the whole assembly was 42,360. Yet the<BR/>numbers do not add up to anything close. The totals obtained from each book is as follows:<BR/>(a) 29,818 (Ezra)<BR/>(b) 31,089 (Nehemiah)<BR/>23.How many singers accompanied the assembly?<BR/>(a) Two hundred (Ezra 2:65)<BR/>(b) Two hundred and forty-five (Nehemiah 7:67)<BR/>24.What was the name of King Abijah’s mother?<BR/>(a) Michaiah, daughter of Uriel of Gibeah (2 Chronicles 13:2)<BR/>(b) Maachah, daughter of Absalom (2 Chronicles 11:20) But Absalom had only one daughter whose name<BR/>was Tamar (2 Samuel 14:27)<BR/>25.Did Joshua and the Israelites capture Jerusalem?<BR/>(a) Yes (Joshua 10:23, 40)<BR/>(b) No (Joshua 15:63)<BR/>26.Who was the father of Joseph, husband of Mary?<BR/>(a) Jacob (Matthew 1:16)<BR/>(b) Hell (Luke 3:23)<BR/>27.Jesus descended from which son of David?<BR/>(a) Solomon (Matthew 1:6)<BR/>(b) Nathan (Luke3: 31)<BR/>28.Who was the father of Shealtiel?<BR/>(a) Jechoniah (Matthew 1:12)<BR/>(b) Neri’ (Luke 3:27)<BR/>29.Which son of Zerubbabel was an ancestor of Jesus Christ?<BR/>(a) Abiud (Matthew 1: 13)<BR/>(b) Rhesa (Luke 3:27) but the seven sons of Zerubbabel are as follows: i. Meshullam, ii. Hananiah, iii.<BR/>Hashubah, iv. Ohel, v. Berechiah, vi. Hasadiah, viii. Jushabhesed (I Chronicles 3:19, 20). The names<BR/>Abiud and Rhesa do not fit in anyway.<BR/>30.Who was the father of Uzziah?<BR/>(a) Joram (Matthew 1:8)<BR/>(b) Amaziah (2 Chronicles 26:1)<BR/>31.Who as the father of Jechoniah?<BR/>(a) Josiah (Matthew 1:11)<BR/>(b) Jeholakim (I Chronicles 3:16)<BR/>32.How many generations were there from the Babylonian exile until Christ?<BR/>(a) Matthew says fourteen (Matthew 1:17)<BR/>(b) But a careful count of the generations reveals only thirteen (see Matthew 1: 12-16)<BR/>33.Who was the father of Shelah?<BR/>(a) Cainan (Luke 3:35-36)<BR/>(b) Arphaxad (Genesis II: 12)<BR/>34.Was John the Baptist Elijah who was to come?<BR/>(a) Yes (Matthew II: 14, 17:10-13)<BR/>(b) No (John 1:19-21)<BR/>35.Would Jesus inherit David’s throne?<BR/>(a) Yes. So said the angel (Luke 1:32)<BR/>(b) No, since he is a descendant of Jehoiakim (see Matthew 1: I 1, I Chronicles 3:16). And Jehoiakim was<BR/>cursed by God so that none of his descendants can sit upon David’s throne (Jeremiah 36:30)<BR/>36.Jesus rode into Jerusalem on how many animals?<BR/>(a) One - a colt (Mark 11:7; cf Luke 19:3 5). “And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their<BR/>garments on it; and he sat upon it.”<BR/>(b) Two - a colt and an ass (Matthew 21:7). “They brought the ass and the colt and put their garments<BR/>on them and he sat thereon.”<BR/>37.How did Simon Peter find out that Jesus was the Christ?<BR/>(a) By a revelation from heaven (Matthew 16:17)<BR/>(b) His brother Andrew told him (John 1:41)<BR/>38.Where did Jesus first meet Simon Peter and Andrew?<BR/>(a) By the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:18-22)<BR/>(b) On the banks of river Jordan (John 1:42). After that, Jesus decided to go to Galilee (John 1:43)<BR/>39.When Jesus met Jairus was Jairus’ daughter already dead?<BR/>(a) Yes. Matthew 9:18 quotes him as saying, “My daughter has just died.”<BR/>(b) No. Mark 5:23 quotes him as saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death.”<BR/>40.Did Jesus allow his disciples to keep a staff on their journey?<BR/>(a) Yes (Mark6: 8)<BR/>(b) No (Matthew 10:9; Luke 9:3)<BR/>41.Did Herod think that Jesus was John the Baptist?<BR/>(a) Yes (Matthew 14:2; Mark 6:16)<BR/>(b) No (Luke 9:9)<BR/>42.Did John the Baptist recognize Jesus before his baptism?<BR/>(a) Yes (Matthew 3:13-14)<BR/>(b) No (John 1:32,33)<BR/>43.Did John the Baptist recognize Jesus after his baptism?<BR/>(a) Yes (John 1:32, 33)<BR/>(b) No (Matthew 11:2)<BR/>44.According to the Gospel of John, what did Jesus say about bearing his own witness?<BR/>(a) “If I bear witness to myself, my testimony is not true” (John 5:3 1)<BR/>(b) “Even if I do bear witness to myself, my testimony is true” (John 8:14)<BR/>45.When Jesus entered Jerusalem did he cleanse the temple that same day?<BR/>(a) Yes (Matthew 21:12)<BR/>(b) No. He went into the temple and looked around, but since it was very late he did nothing. Instead, he<BR/>went to Bethany to spend the night and returned the next morning to cleanse the temple (Mark I 1:1-<BR/>17).<BR/>46.The Gospels say that Jesus cursed a fig tree. Did the tree wither at once?<BR/>(a) Yes. (Matthew 21:19)<BR/>(b) No. It withered overnight (Mark II: 20)<BR/>47.Did Judas kiss Jesus?<BR/>(a) Yes (Matthew 26:48-50)<BR/>(b) No. Judas could not get close enough to Jesus to kiss him (John 18:3-12)<BR/>48.What did Jesus say about Peter’s denial?<BR/>(a) “The cock will not crow till you have denied me three times” (John 13:38).<BR/>(b) “Before the cock crows twice you will deny me three times” (Mark 14:30). When the cock crowed<BR/>once, the three denials were not yet complete (see Mark 14:72). Therefore prediction (a) failed.<BR/>49.Did Jesus bear his own cross?<BR/>(a) Yes (John 19:17)<BR/>(b) No (Matthew 27:31-32)<BR/>50.Did Jesus die before the curtain of the temple was torn?<BR/>(a) Yes (Matthew27: 50-5 1;MarklS: 37-38)<BR/>(b) No. After the curtain was torn, then Jesus crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into thy hands I<BR/>commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last (Luke 23:45-46)<BR/>51.Did Jesus say anything secretly?<BR/>(a) No. “I have said nothing secretly” (John 18:20)<BR/>(b) Yes. “He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained<BR/>everything” (Mark 4:34). The disciples asked him “Why do you speak to them in parables?” He said, “To<BR/>you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given”<BR/>(Matthew 13: 1 0-11)<BR/>52.Where was Jesus at the sixth hour on the day of the crucifixion?<BR/>(a) On the cross (Mark 15:23)<BR/>(b) In Pilate’s court (John 19:14)<BR/>53.The gospels say that two thieves were crucified along with Jesus. Did both thieves mock Jesus?<BR/>(a) Yes (Mark 15:32)<BR/>(b) No. One of them mocked Jesus, the other defended Jesus (Luke 23:43)<BR/>54.Did Jesus ascend to Paradise the same day of the crucifixion?<BR/>(a) Yes. He said to the thief who defended him, “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43)<BR/>(b) No. He said to Mary Magdelene two days later, “I have not yet ascended to the Father” (John 20:17)<BR/>55.When Paul was on the road to Damascus he saw a light and heard a voice. Did those who were with<BR/>him hear the voice?<BR/>(a) Yes (Acts9: 7)<BR/>(b) No (Acts22: 9)<BR/>56.When Paul saw the light he fell to the ground. Did his traveling companions also fall to the ground?<BR/>(a) Yes (Acts 26:14)<BR/>(b) No (Acts 9:7)<BR/>57.Did the voice spell out on the spot what Paul’s duties were to be?<BR/>(a) Yes (Acts 26:16-18)<BR/>(b) No. The voice commanded Paul to go into the city of Damascus and there he will be told what he<BR/>must do. (Acts9: 7; 22: 10)<BR/>58.When the Israelites dwelt in Shittin they committed adultery with the daughters of Moab. God struck<BR/>them with a plague. How many people died in that plague?<BR/>(a) Twenty-four thousand (Numbers 25:1 and 9)<BR/>(b) Twenty-three thousand (I Corinthians 10:8)<BR/>59.How many members of the house of Jacob came to Egypt?<BR/>(a) Seventy souls (Genesis 4&27)<BR/>(b) Seventy-five souls (Acts 7:14)<BR/>60.What did Judas do with the blood money he received for betraying Jesus?<BR/>(a) He bought a field (Acts 1: 18)<BR/>(b) He threw all of it into the temple and went away. The priests could not put the blood money into the<BR/>temple treasury, so they used it to buy a field to bury strangers (Matthew 27:5)<BR/>61.How did Judas die?<BR/>(a) After he threw the money into the temple he went away and hanged himself (Matthew 27:5)<BR/>(b) After he bought the field with the price of his evil deed he fell headlong and burst open in the middle<BR/>and all his bowels gushed out (Acts 1:18)<BR/>62.Why is the field called “Field of Blood”?<BR/>(a) Because the priests bought it with the blood money (Matthew 27:8)<BR/>(b) Because of the bloody death of Judas therein (Acts 1:19)<BR/>63.Who is a ransom for whom?<BR/>(a) “The Son of Man came...to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). “Christ Jesus who gave<BR/>himself as a ransom for all... “(I Timothy 2:5-6)<BR/>(b) “The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and the faithless for the upright” (Proverbs 21:18)<BR/>64.Is the Law of Moses useful?<BR/>(a) Yes. “All scripture is... profitable...” (2 Timothy 3:16)<BR/>(b) No. “ . . . A former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness... “(Hebrews<BR/>7:18)<BR/>65.What was the exact wording on the cross?<BR/>(a) “This is Jesus the King of the Jews” (Matthew 27:37)<BR/>(b) “The King of the Jews” (Mark 15:26)<BR/>(c) “This is the King of the Jews” (Luke 23:38)<BR/>(d) “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (John 19:19)<BR/>66.Did Herod want to kill John the Baptist?<BR/>(a) Yes (Matthew 14:5)<BR/>(b) No. It was Herodias, the wife of Herod who wanted to kill him. But Herod knew that he was a<BR/>righteous man and kept him safe (Mark 6:20)<BR/>67.Who was the tenth disciple of Jesus in the list of twelve?<BR/>(a) Thaddaeus (Matthew 10: 1-4; Mark 3:13 -19)<BR/>(b) Judas son of James is the corresponding name in Luke’s gospel (Luke 6:12-16)<BR/>68.Jesus saw a man sit at the tax collector’s office and called him to be his disciple. What was his name?<BR/>(a) Matthew (Matthew 9:9)<BR/>(b) Levi (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27)<BR/>69.Was Jesus crucified on the daytime before the Passover meal or the daytime after?<BR/>(a) After (Mark 14:12-17)<BR/>(b) Before. Before the feast of the Passover (John 1) Judas went out at night (John 13:30). The other<BR/>disciples thought he was going out to buy supplies to prepare for the Passover meal (John 13:29). When<BR/>Jesus was arrested, the Jews did not enter Pilate’s judgment hail because they wanted to stay clean to<BR/>eat the Passover (John 18:28). When the judgment was pronounced against Jesus, it was about the sixth<BR/>hour on the day of Preparation for the Passover (John 19:14)<BR/>70.Did Jesus pray to The Father to prevent the crucifixion?<BR/>(a) Yes. (Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42)<BR/>(b) No. (John 12:27)<BR/>71.In the gospels which say that Jesus prayed to avoid the cross, how many times did ‘he move away<BR/>from his disciples to pray?<BR/>(a) Three (Matthew 26:36-46 and Mark 14:32-42)<BR/>(b) One. No opening is left for another two times. (Luke 22:39-46)<BR/>72.Matthew and Mark agree that Jesus went away and prayed three times. What were the words of the<BR/>second prayer?<BR/>(a) Mark does not give the words but he says that the words were the same as the first prayer (Mark<BR/>14:3 9)<BR/>(b) Matthew gives us the words, and we can see that they are not the same as in the first (Matthew<BR/>26:42)<BR/>73.What did the centurion say when Jesus dies?<BR/>(a) “Certainly this man was innocent” (Luke 23:47)<BR/>(b) “Truly this man was the Son of God” (Mark 15:39)<BR/>74.When Jesus said “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken Me? ” in what language did he speak?<BR/>(a) Hebrew: the words are “Eloi, Eloi…“(Matthew 27:46)<BR/>(b) Aramaic: the words are “Eloi, Eloi... “(Mark 15:34)<BR/>75.According to the gospels, what were the last words of Jesus before he died?<BR/>(a) “Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!” (Luke 23:46)<BR/>(b) "It is finished" (John 19:30).<BR/>76.When Jesus entered Capernaum he healed the slave of a centurion. Did the centurion come personally<BR/>to request Jesus for this?<BR/>(a) Yes (Matthew 8:5)<BR/>(b) No. He sent some elders of the Jews and his friends (Luke 7:3,6)<BR/>77. (a) Adam was told that if and when he eats the forbidden fruit he would die the same day (Genesis<BR/>2:17)<BR/>(b) Adam ate the fruit and went on to live to a ripe old age of 930 years (Genesis 5:5)<BR/>78. (a) God decided that the life span of humans will be limited to 120 years (Genesis 6:3)<BR/>(b) Many people born after that lived longer than 120. Arpachshad lived 438 years. His son Shelah lived<BR/>433 years. His son Eber lived 464 years, etc. (Genesis 11:12-16)<BR/>79.Apart from Jesus did anyone else ascend to heaven?<BR/>(a) No (John 3:13)<BR/>(b) Yes. “And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven” (2 Kings 2:11)<BR/>80.Who was high priest when David went into the house of God and ate the consecrated bread?<BR/>(a) Abiathar (Mark 2:26)<BR/>(b) Ahimelech, the father of Abiathar (I Samuel 1:1; 22:20)<BR/>81.Was Jesus’ body wrapped in spices before burial in accordance with Jewish burial customs?<BR/>(a) Yes and his female disciples witnessed his burial (John 19:39-40)<BR/>(b) No. Jesus was simply wrapped in a linen shroud. Then the women bought and prepared spices “so<BR/>that they may go and anoint him [Jesus)” (Mark 16: 1)<BR/>82.When did the women buy the spices?<BR/>(a) After “the Sabbath was past” (Mark 16:1)<BR/>(b) Before the Sabbath. The women “prepared spices and ointments.” Then, “on the Sabbath they rested<BR/>according to the commandment” (Luke 23:55 to 24:1)<BR/>83.At what time of day did the women visit the tomb?<BR/>(a) “Toward the dawn” (Matthew 28: 1)<BR/>(b) “When the sun had risen” (Mark 16:2)<BR/>84.What was the purpose for which the women went to the tomb?<BR/>(a) To anoint Jesus’ body with spices (Mark 16: 1; Luke 23:55 to 24: 1)<BR/>(b) To see the tomb. Nothing about spices here (Matthew 28: 1)<BR/>(c) For no specified reason. In this gospel the wrapping with spices had been done before the Sabbath<BR/>(John 20: 1)<BR/>85.A large stone was placed at the entrance of the tomb. Where was the stone when the women arrived?<BR/>(a) They saw that the stone was “Rolled back” (Mark 16:4) They found the stone “rolled away from the<BR/>tomb” (Luke 24:2) They saw that “the stone had been taken away from the tomb” (John 20:1)<BR/>(b) As the women approached, an angel descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and conversed<BR/>with the women. Matthew made the women witness the spectacular rolling away of the stone (Matthew<BR/>28:1-6)<BR/>86.Did anyone tell the women what happened to Jesus’ body?<BR/>(a) Yes. “A young man in a white robe” (Mark 16:5). “Two men ... in dazzling apparel” later described as<BR/>angels (Luke 24:4 and 24:23). An angel - the one who rolled back the stone (Matthew 16:2). In each<BR/>case the women were told that Jesus had risen from the dead (Matthew 28:7; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:5<BR/>footnote)<BR/>(b) No. Mary met no one and returned saying, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not<BR/>know where they have laid him” (John 20:2)<BR/>87.When did Mary Magdelene first meet the resurrected Jesus? And how did she react?<BR/>(a) Mary and the other women met Jesus on their way back from their first and only visit to the tomb.<BR/>They took hold of his feet and worshipped him (Matthew 28:9)<BR/>(b) On her second visit to the tomb Mary met Jesus just outside the tomb. When she saw Jesus she did<BR/>not recognize him. She mistook him for the gardener. She still thinks that Jesus’ body is laid to rest<BR/>somewhere and she demands to know where. But when Jesus said her name she at once recognized him<BR/>and called him “Teacher.” Jesus said to her, “Do not hold me...” (John 20:11 to 17)<BR/>88.What was Jesus’ instruction for his disciples?<BR/>(a) “Tell my brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see me” (Matthew 2 8: 10)<BR/>(b) “Go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and<BR/>your God” (John 20:17)<BR/>89.When did the disciples return to Galilee?<BR/>(a) Immediately, because when they saw Jesus in Galilee “some doubted” (Matthew 28:17). This period<BR/>of uncertainty should not persist<BR/>(b) After at least 40 days. That evening the disciples were still in Jerusalem (Luke 24:3 3). Jesus<BR/>appeared to them there and told them, stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high”<BR/>(Luke 24:49). He was appearing to them “during forty days” (Acts 1:3), and “charged them not to depart<BR/>from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise ... “(Acts 1:4)<BR/>90.To whom did the Midianites sell Joseph?<BR/>(a) “To the Ishmaelites” (Genesis 37:28)<BR/>(b) “To Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh” (Genesis 37:36)<BR/>91.Who brought Joseph to Egypt?<BR/>(a) The Ishmaelites bought Joseph and then “took Joseph to Egypt” (Genesis 37:28)<BR/>(b) “The Midianites had sold him in Egypt” (Genesis 37:36)<BR/>(c) Joseph said to his brothers “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt” (Genesis 45:4)<BR/>92.Does God change his mind?<BR/>(a) Yes. “The word of the Lord came to Samuel: “I repent that I have made Saul King...” (I Samuel 15:10<BR/>to 11)<BR/>(b) No. God “will not lie or repent; for he is not a man, that he should repent” (I Samuel 15:29)<BR/>(c) Yes. “And the Lord repented that he had made Saul King over Israel” (I Samuel 15:35). Notice that<BR/>the above three quotes are all from the same chapter of the same book! In addition, the Bible shows that<BR/>God repented on several other occasions:<BR/>i. “The Lord was sorry that he made man” (Genesis 6:6)<BR/>“I am sorry that I have made them” (Genesis 6:7)<BR/>ii. “And the Lord repented of the evil which he thought to do to his people” (Exodus 32:14).<BR/>iii. (Lots of other such references).<BR/>93.The Bible says that for each miracle Moses and Aaron demonstrated the magicians did the same by<BR/>their secret arts. Then comes the following feat:<BR/>(a) Moses and Aaron converted all the available water into blood (Exodus 7:20-21)<BR/>(b) The magicians did the same (Exodus 7:22). This is impossible, since there would have been no water<BR/>left to convert into blood.<BR/>94.Who killed Goliath?<BR/>(a) David (I Samuel 17:23, 50)<BR/>(b) Elhanan (2 Samuel 21:19)<BR/>95.Who killed Saul?<BR/>(a) “Saul took his own sword and fell upon it.... Thus Saul died... (I Samuel 31:4-6)<BR/>(b) An Amalekite slew him (2 Samuel 1:1- 16)<BR/>96.Does every man sin?<BR/>(a) Yes. “There is no man who does not sin” (I Kings 8:46; see also 2 Chronicles 6:36; Proverbs 20:9;<BR/>Ecclesiastes 7:20; and I John 1:810)<BR/>(b) No. True Christians cannot possibly sin, because they are the children of God. “Every one who<BR/>believes that Jesus is the Christ is a child of God. (I John 5:1). “We should be called children of God; and<BR/>so we are” (I John 3: 1). “He who loves is born of God” (I John 4:7). “No one born of God commits sin;<BR/>for God’s nature abides in him, and he cannot sin because he is born of God” (I John 3:9). But, then<BR/>again, Yes! “If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (I John 1:8)<BR/>97.Who will bear whose burden?<BR/>(a) “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2)<BR/>(b) “Each man will have to bear his own load” (Galatians 6:5)<BR/>98.How many disciples did Jesus appear to after his resurrection?<BR/>(a) Twelve (I Corinthians 15:5)<BR/>(b) Eleven (Matthew 27:3-5 and Acts 1:9-26, see also Matthew 28:16; Mark 16:14 footnote; Luke 24:9;<BR/>Luke 24:3 3)<BR/>99.Where was Jesus three days after his baptism?<BR/>(a) After his baptism, “the spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the<BR/>wilderness forty days ... (Mark 1:12-13)<BR/>(b) Next day after the baptism, Jesus selected two disciples. Second day: Jesus went to Galilee - two<BR/>more disciples. Third day: Jesus was at a wedding feast in Cana in Galilee (see John 1:35; 1:43; 2:1-11)<BR/>100.Was baby Jesus’ life threatened in Jerusalem?<BR/>(a) Yes, so Joseph fled with him to Egypt and stayed there until Herod died (Matthew 2:13 23)<BR/>(b) No. The family fled nowhere. They calmly presented the child at the Jerusalem temple according to<BR/>the Jewish customs and returned to Galilee (Luke 2:21-40)<BR/>101.When Jesus walked on water how did the disciples respond?<BR/>(a) They worshipped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33)<BR/>(b) “They were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were<BR/>hardened” (Mark 6:51-52)Andrew is getting fithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12509663563205981548noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12391603.post-1163005723485364482006-11-08T09:08:00.000-08:002006-11-08T09:08:00.000-08:00Hi Jaded,I'm glad that you got the work done on yo...Hi Jaded,<BR/><BR/>I'm glad that you got the work done on your teeth so that you are not in pain anymore!<BR/><BR/>I am currently working on another blogpost, but when I checked my email I saw your post. I do want to respond in more detail later. But something extraordinary happened after I read your post. The very next email that I opened to read was the following devotional from Dr. David Jeremiah. I thought that it really fit with what we have been discussing here:<BR/><BR/><I>Staying Focused<BR/><BR/>Do not turn from [the law] to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. <BR/>Joshua 1:7b<BR/><BR/><BR/>Recommended Reading<BR/>Deuteronomy 28:1-14<BR/> <BR/> <BR/>In the early centuries of the Christian church, a movement of ascetics developed. These individuals became hermits, living in caves and other isolated places as a way to remove themselves from the impurities of the world and enhance their own holiness. One of the most famous was Symeon the Stylite who lived atop a 40 foot stone pillar for thirty-six years, dying in A.D. 459. <BR/><BR/>It would be spiritually safe, though thoroughly impractical, for us to retreat to a cave or climb atop a pillar to live. There is much in life to distract us as we journey through this world, but no physical protection can guard the thoughts and intents of the heart. We need a way to keep our priorities, values, and decisions focused only on the will of God for our life. The Bible refers to such choices as obedience the outworking of the believer's committed faith. When Joshua was heading into the spiritually dangerous pagan land of Canaan, God cautioned him to obey all the Word of God, staying focused turning neither to the right nor to the left.<BR/><BR/>A daily prayer for obedience is how we keep our eyes focused on Christ. But it's up to us to pray the prayer.<BR/><BR/><BR/>The best measure of spiritual life is not ecstasies but obedience. <BR/>Oswald Chambers<BR/><BR/>Read-Thru-the-Bible<BR/>Romans 8:1 - 10:21</I>Christinewjchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18434229284833642438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12391603.post-1163001950694298772006-11-08T08:05:00.000-08:002006-11-08T08:05:00.000-08:00Thanks for the good wishes, Christine. I ended up ...Thanks for the good wishes, Christine. I ended up needing and emergency root canal. I needed the temporary cap because of a crack in my tooth that turns out to have gone directly to the nerve. So, she did the first part of the root canal yesterday, and will finish in a few weeks, after all of the irritation and inflamation subside. I am very sore, but at least I can brush my teeth without searing pain.<BR/><BR/>I wish I could tell you that I have cut and dry answers to your questions, but I don't. After reading Stephen's post, I think I am better able to articulate some of my thoughts on this.<BR/><BR/>No, I don't think it's a good thing to have a church spring up with the sole purpose of affirming any sort of sin - lying, adultery, divorce, what have you. Nor do I think it's a good thing to have so many "ministries" spring up with men and women calling themselves "pastor" when they've never been to seminary and haven't been ordained by any legitimate denomination. I think that leads many faithful down the wrong path, because the information may not be entirely correct. People study for years to become pastors and priests. They study the Bible, Biblical history, the ancient texts, they debate different theological theories etc. They come out of school with a broad knowledge of Christianity, counseling and a whole host of other things that a pastor should have. Someone just annointing himself of herself as "pastor" is dangerous. How can someone act as a counselor without the proper education? These things are equally as troubling to me. Would you go see a doctor who never went to medical school, even if he or she has access to medical texts and WebMD? Of course not! So, if you wouldn't trust a cold or sprained ankle to someone who didn't diligently study at a medical school, why would you trust your soul and salvation to someone who didn't diligently study in seminary? Being able to read the Bible doesn't make us an expert, it only gives us the tools to seek guidance from someone who has studied for years to guide us.<BR/><BR/>I do happen to agree with Stephen about they need for gay-affirming congregations - those that will embrace homosexuals rather than turn them away. Jesus welcomed everyone, not only those who were faithful to Him. If we close off our congregations to only those we deem worthy or Christian enough, we've missed the point. If, when a gay man or woman seeks comfort from the church we turn them away because they're sinners, we've missed the point. Maybe by worshipping with other Christians, God will free someone from homosexuality. Or maybe He won't. Those are struggles that we can't know. We can't presume to know another's relationship with God. We can only do our best to embrace others with the love that Jesus has for us, and lead by example. When people tell me that they think I'm so lucky, and they wish they had my life - and don't be shocked that people do say that to me, Christine - I tell them that they absolutely CAN have the life I have. I tell them I'm not lucky at all, I'm blessed, and that every blessing comes directly from Jesus Christ. I let them know that I am available to share Jesus anytime they'd like. Often, people say NO THANKS and keep right on going. Equally as often, they'll come back later, weeks or months, and are ready to listen to my testimony. That's the seed, Christine. WE are the seeds. If we live our lives in the way Jesus wants us to, we are the seeds. People see the kind of joy, love, contentment, friendship etc., that we have and they want it. It's a wonderful thing to be able to tell someone, "You know what? You CAN have these things and more, because it all comes from Jesus." <BR/><BR/>We can give people the information and the tools. We can't force them to use any of it. We can hope they will, and continue to reach out, but we will accomplish nothing if we reach out with judgement. We will do the exact opposite of what we intended. We may try to witness out of love and concern for others, but if it comes across as aggressive and accusatory, we will alienate people. If they feel uncomfortable or judged around us, we are the ones then keeping them from a better relationship with the Lord.<BR/><BR/>I know we don't see eye to eye on this subject, and we probably never will. I find that somewhat sad. You see it as me ignoring the Bible, and I see it as embracing others with the hope that they WILL read the Bible. I do know the Bible, Christine. I've been reading the same one since July 9, 1982, the day my father presented me with my very own Bible. I know the date because he included a lovely inscription that said "Given by her father, Gordon, with love and respect." I've been reading and studying ever since. That's more than 24 years, so the leather cover is soft and the pages well-worn. It saddens me more than I can say to know that we can all read the same book, and yet come to such different conclusions. <BR/><BR/>I hope that gives you at least a bit more insight into why I believe the way I do. I know you'll still think I'm a heretic, but, so be it.Jadedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01429987593716194512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12391603.post-1163001462754672362006-11-08T07:57:00.000-08:002006-11-08T07:57:00.000-08:00Hi Stephen,I'm just glad to see that you are alrig...Hi Stephen,<BR/><BR/>I'm just glad to see that you are alright! Was worried there, for a minute.<BR/><BR/>You address many things in your comment. Some go into completely new areas of discussion and could probably spark some new blogpost debates.<BR/><BR/>But I feel that you have ignored the real issue in the "Queer Theology" post. You didn't address any of the twisted logic that gay theologians are using to negate the fact that <I>the Bible <B>explicitly says</B> that homosexual behavior is sin.</I><BR/><BR/>Secondly, I have never attended a church where gay and lesbian people are not welcome. They may not get to be in leadership, but many recognize their brokenness and attend the "discover recovery" meetings available at the church. Even there, the particular brokenness of a person could be anything from unwanted homosexual behavior, fornication, adultery, porn, tendency towards alcoholism or any other addiction you could think of.<BR/><BR/>Next, I would assume that the Exodus group wants gay or lesbian people to understand and realize that homosexual behavior is a sin, but one that can be repented of and left. That's just my take on what that means.<BR/><BR/>You mixed in a little bit of politics into the discussion of this post (perhaps I did, too?), and that's not really what it was all about.<BR/><BR/>Bottom line is this. Either God's Word is inerrant or it is not. Therefore, either homosexuality is a sin against God or not. The Bible clearly says that it is sin. Therefore, those who engage in it are sinning. Here, we are discussing <I>Christian believers</I>, not secular people, who are claiming that it is not a sin and therefore, needs not to be repented of. Can't you see the danger in that? It is a mindset that leads people away from the truth. God's Word is God's truth! Jesus said to the Father in his prayer, "Your Word is truth." What was the Word he was referring to? The Old Testament which includes the verses that call homosexual behavior an abomination, as well as Jesus' words during this 3 year ministry on this earth.<BR/><BR/>As the author of the article stated, the "argument from silence" (regarding the endless claims of gays that "Jesus never said anything about homosexuality") is not valid!<BR/><BR/>I sensed, from the start, that no matter how much biblical proof you would be presented with, you would not change your mind on this issue. One of my main goals was to hopefully show that evangelical Christians who agree with what the Bible says about homosexual behavior being sin, would not continue to be regarded as "homophobic," "bigoted," "haters," etc.<BR/><BR/>Another thing. Divorce is not a <I>behavior</I>, it is an action taken to dissolve a marriage. IMO, it cannot (and should not) be compared to the gay theology argument. It was allowed by Moses, originally, in cases of infidelity and because men's hearts were hardened. But divorce happens today at a drop of the hat because since the 1950's people have drifted further and further away from God's Word, and have gotten closer and closer to all kinds of sexual sin and depravity. We have Kinsey, for one, to thank for that.<BR/><BR/>Comparing our topic to the slavery issue is incompatible, as well. There are thousands of African-American people who resent such a comparison. Why? Many reasons, but the most glaring one is the fact that one cannot change one's skin color, but thousands of gay and lesbian people have changed their behavior. It is not my purpose to get back into political arguments at this time, but just that one fact needed to be said.<BR/><BR/>Lastly, part of learning who God is, is to learn what <B>He calls sin.</B> The sin of homosexual behavior is described exactly in Scripture, so, no matter that the term "homosexual" wasn't in existence back then, the behavior certainly was. In every case, it is frowned upon and listed among many other types of sexual sins. No matter how anyone tries to spin it, there is no doubt, according to Scripture, that homosexual behavior is sin and abhorrent to God! <BR/><BR/>The book you recommended probably does it's own spin job on this issue, but after reading Tony Marco's excellent comparison of queer theology and traditional interpretive theology, it has cemented by beliefs. No more proof is needed for me. He used biblically solid evidence for the traditional side of this issue. No more need to read the spin doctors.<BR/><BR/>With that said, I must say that I wish you well in your Christian walk. I'm sure that God has a wonderful plan for your life and I pray that you will continue to learn from His Word and seek His will.<BR/><BR/>To borrow a sentence from Jerry Cesario's "Days of Lot" essay:<BR/><BR/><I>"As followers of and believers in Jesus Christ we must be compassionate and seek every opportunity to extend the Gospel to all sinners. Homosexuals do need to be reminded of their specific sins, but rather that their sins are forgiven through the blood of Jesus, should they want it and confess that Jesus is Lord."</I><BR/><BR/>When Jesus is Lord over our lives, He doesn't just want a part of us...he wants <I>our entire being...including mind, soul, body, and spirit.</I><BR/><BR/>Allowing Jesus to be Lord in our lives is the sanctification process that occurs over our lifetime. It takes but a moment to confess, repent, and invite Jesus into our hearts as Savior. But it takes our lifetime to make him truly the Lord of our life! IMO, gay theology does not allow the complete manifestation of Jesus to be Lord over the entire life of the believer. He/she may be saved, but living a life of unrepentant, homosexual sin means that a physical desire that the Bible clearly condemns, is being elevated to a place above His Lordship. Just my opinion, but I think that the Bible backs this up.<BR/><BR/>In Romans, we are told this:<BR/><BR/>Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Rom. 12:2 NIV <BR/><BR/>Think about that for a moment. Whom does "this world" follow? How would most non-believers in Christ want to view homosexual behavior? They are showing us with each ACLU lawsuit that they want it normalized, not only just tolerated, but <I>completely accepted</I> by all, without regard for religious differences. Who would they more likely jump to embrace? A type of Jesus who condones a sexual behavior or the true Jesus who, through God's Word, explicitly condemns such behavior? Who would agree with your gay theology worldview and want the world to be deceived by it?<BR/><BR/>No wonder Jesus said that the road to life is narrow and there are few who find it.<BR/><BR/> Mat 7:14 Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.Christinewjchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18434229284833642438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12391603.post-1162957089151829372006-11-07T19:38:00.000-08:002006-11-07T19:38:00.000-08:00Hi All,The power went out on my block for 6 hours!...Hi All,<BR/><BR/>The power went out on my block for 6 hours! I've been itching to find out what's happening in the election!<BR/><BR/>The neighborhood polling place used the new electronic voting consoles. They ended up running them on batteries and the power company had to bring in generators to get lights working for the evening voters!<BR/><BR/>Of all days for the power to go out!!<BR/><BR/>*******<BR/><BR/>Jaded,<BR/><BR/>I was sorry to read that you had severe tooth pain. I know how bad that can be. Hope all went well at the dentist.<BR/><BR/>*******<BR/><BR/>Stephen W.,<BR/><BR/>Where are you??<BR/><BR/>*******<BR/><BR/>Hi Kathy,<BR/><BR/>I'm glad that you got my email. Thanks again for your post alerting me to that comprehensive and truthful article. <BR/><BR/>*******<BR/><BR/>More replies coming tomorrow...<BR/><BR/>I will have a wonderful post to put up tomorrow. For now, going back to the T.V., praying that the Republicans keep the majority in both the House and the Senate!!Christinewjchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18434229284833642438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12391603.post-1162918062372621332006-11-07T08:47:00.000-08:002006-11-07T08:47:00.000-08:00Seeing as people pick and choose from the bible al...Seeing as people pick and choose from the bible all the time in support of various crappy ideas, I don't see why queer theology should be singled out for special abuse. Witness your equivocating about slavery.Righteous Bubbahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18054084550730989361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12391603.post-1162886139036164662006-11-06T23:55:00.000-08:002006-11-06T23:55:00.000-08:00Thank you for the email,I hope the post did help y...Thank you for the email,<BR/>I hope the post did help you!<BR/><BR/>KathyDr Jekyllhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01489049209461443622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12391603.post-1162882900786388252006-11-06T23:01:00.000-08:002006-11-06T23:01:00.000-08:00Just as the so called "queer theologists" may igno...Just as the so called "queer theologists" may ignore and interpret parts of the bible, you people do exactly the same thing. (Like the slavery issue)<BR/>It's all just "You're wrong" "No, you're wrong, i'm right!" "No you!" "NO YOU" "NO UR WRONG. LALALAL" and so on.<BR/>Doesn't look very good from a non-christian perspective ;)<BR/><BR/>Also, you people (meaning anti-gay christians) "pushed" first. We're just pushing back.<BR/><BR/>Everytime a church allows people who have been divorced to get married they're pretty much condoning divorce. If they didn't, then they wouldn't let divorced people get married!<BR/><BR/>Here in New Zealand, we allow gay "marriage" or rather "civil unions" that are exactly marriages, just under a different name. Both same sex and different sex couples can enter into this. Society hasn't been destroyed (by gays, at least) here yet. Nor has god "struck us down"Kyhwanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12960713687707854272noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12391603.post-1162869090790165702006-11-06T19:11:00.000-08:002006-11-06T19:11:00.000-08:00Good questions you've posed, Christine. I'll have ...Good questions you've posed, Christine. I'll have to answer them another time, however, since I've got a whole tooth situation going on. I need a cap on a tooth that has 2 cracks in it. I had the temporary put on last week and had the impressions taken for the permanent. However, the tooth now hurts like crazy, and the dentist gave me some pain meds until I can see her tomorrow morning. I'll most likely need a root canal prior to having the permanent cap put on. I can't complain much because I've made it to 40 without ever having a cavity. In any case, I don't think too clearly with the pain medication!<BR/><BR/>Have a good night, and I'll try to answer your questions when I'm a little less loopy.Jadedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01429987593716194512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12391603.post-1162867636268015112006-11-06T18:47:00.000-08:002006-11-06T18:47:00.000-08:00FYI,Not to make a very long post even longer,, but...FYI,<BR/><BR/>Not to make a <B>very long post even longer,</B>, but I thought that now that I have a link to the original article, I should include the entire thing.<BR/><BR/>Section that was omitted, but now added here in the comment section as well as in the original blogpost:<BR/><BR/>[Note: It has come to my attention that it is the desire of the original author that the entire article be presented. Therefore, I am including the "Introduction," "Why this dramatic shift in opinion," and "What 'queer theology' says the Bible says about homosexuality" sections that were omitted at the other blogspot.]<BR/><BR/>Introduction<BR/><BR/>In America's so-called "culture wars," one of today's most intense controversies rages around the issue of whether homosexual "orientation" is an "acceptable" lifestyle, and if so, whether homosexuality and openly gay individuals should enjoy protected "minority" status under civil rights laws and full participation in the active fellowship of "mainline" religious organizations.<BR/>Four decades ago, few in either public or religious sectors dared even to raise the possibility that it might be "O.K. to be openly gay" in America. Yet recent decades have seen slow but dramatic shifts in public attitudes toward homosexuality, in both secular and religious circles.<BR/><BR/>In 1960, all 50 states maintained laws criminalizing sodomy, even engaged in by "consenting adults." In 1970, 84 percent of respondents to a national Gallup poll agreed that homosexuality was "a social corruption that can cause the downfall of a civilization." Two-thirds of those polled thought homosexuals should not be allowed to work as school teachers, church pastors, or even government employees.<BR/><BR/>In 1973, several years of concerted pressure by self-styled "gay activists" culminated in a decision by the American Psychological Association (APA) to remove homosexuality from the APA's DMSIII list of "objective disorders" and declare it "a normal, if divergent lifestyle." Throughout the 1970s and early to mid-'80s, laws forbidding "sodomy" were repealed in state after state. By 1987, during "gay activists'" first "March On Washington," Jeffrey Levi, then executive director of the militant National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, told the National Press Club:<BR/><BR/><BR/>"[W]e are no longer seeking just a right to privacy and a right to protection from wrong. We also have a right -- as heterosexual Americans have already -- to see government and society affirm our lives.<BR/>Now that is a statement that may make our liberal friends queasy. But the truth is, until our relationships are recognized in the law -- through domestic partnership legislation or the definition of beneficiary, for example -- until we are provided with the same financial incentives in tax law and government programs to affirm our family relationships, then we will not have achieved equality in American society (emphasis added)."<BR/><BR/>By 1989, 24 states had repealed sodomy laws criminalizing homosexual behavior between consenting adults. More than 100 local communities had placed "gay rights" ordinances (recognizing "sexual orientation" as a specially protected "minority" class distinction) "on the books."<BR/><BR/>In 1992, a poll of Colorado citizens revealed that, while Coloradans passed a statewide amendment banning "gay rights," less than 50 percent said they considered homosexuality "immoral." Only six percent of Coloradans thought homosexuals represented a danger to children. Well over 50 percent felt gay individuals should not be denied jobs as public school teachers. Today, 29 states have rescinded laws criminalizing consensual sodomy. Nine states now have statewide "gay rights" laws in force. Some 75 percent of Americans polled nationwide feel homosexuals should not be "discriminated against in employment, housing and public accommodations." Even granting ordinary margins of error (+/-3 or 4%), these polls obviously reflect a considerable shift in American public opinion about homosexuality.<BR/><BR/>Why this dramatic shift in public opinion?<BR/><BR/>Part of this dramatic opinion change is certainly due to ongoing public action by self-described "gay activists" -- and pressure on mainline denominations exerted by self-styled "queer theologians," who insist that the Bible regards homosexuality as merely a normal, sin-less "way to be human."<BR/><BR/>In secular circles, "gay militants" have argued that homosexuals represent an "oppressed minority," needing recognition by government under civil rights laws specially designed to protect a select number of disadvantaged and politically powerless classes of Americans.<BR/><BR/>In religious circles specifically, debate on this issue centers on several crucial questions, among them: Does the Judeo-Christian Bible truly consider homosexuality a "sin"? Does Scripture clearly condemn homosexuality as "unnatural" and "an abomination," as conservative theologians believe?<BR/><BR/>Or, as today's self-styled "gay activists" and "queer theologians" claim, does the Bible regard homosexuality benignly? Is it possible that the Bible views homosexuality as an identity/lifestyle that should be considered normal and acceptable to God, Christians and Jews?<BR/><BR/>Have the ancient Judeo-Christian Scriptures suffered, as "queer theologians" insist, centuries of misinterpretation by "forces of religious oppression intent on irrationally persecuting homosexuals"? In the political sphere, do homosexuals truly constitute an "oppressed minority" comparable to others now recognized under special civil rights laws?<BR/><BR/>To begin answering these questions, let's first consider what "queer theologians" say the Bible says about homosexuality.<BR/><BR/>[Read the rest in the original blogpost]Christinewjchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18434229284833642438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12391603.post-1162865009926611462006-11-06T18:03:00.000-08:002006-11-06T18:03:00.000-08:00Jaded,What you have shared is well said. However,...Jaded,<BR/><BR/>What you have shared is well said. However, be reminded that those following the "queer theology" movement are deceived! We are not talking about people who claim to reject Christ, but those who claim to have accepted Him as Lord and Savior. Is it incorrect to point this out to them? I don't think so, but maybe you do. So be it.<BR/><BR/>If this had been any other kind of sin, would you feel the same way (e.g. a lying-behavior affirming church)?<BR/><BR/>The parable of the Sower tells us upon what ground the seeds of the Gospel will fall. What type of ground would you say that "queer theology" is?Christinewjchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18434229284833642438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12391603.post-1162864675943966612006-11-06T17:57:00.000-08:002006-11-06T17:57:00.000-08:00Thanks for providing that link Ebsfwan. I really ...Thanks for providing that link <BR/>Ebsfwan. I really appreciate it!<BR/><BR/>I have been waiting for a response from the other blogspot so that I could include a citation to the original article and author, plus include the endnotes (especially since the numbers were in the text).<BR/><BR/>I have updated the blogpost to include credit for the author, link to the site, and endnotes.<BR/><BR/>Thanks again!Christinewjchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18434229284833642438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12391603.post-1162856017040110772006-11-06T15:33:00.000-08:002006-11-06T15:33:00.000-08:00http://www.leaderu.com/stonewall/issues/marco2.htm...http://www.leaderu.com/stonewall/issues/marco2.html<BR/><BR/>To read the original article.<BR/><BR/>Well said Jaded.Andrew is getting fithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12509663563205981548noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12391603.post-1162848426937098032006-11-06T13:27:00.000-08:002006-11-06T13:27:00.000-08:00Isn't any church that makes allowances for divorce...Isn't any church that makes allowances for divorce also then condoning it? <BR/><BR/>I do see your point, however. There aren't any new churches springing up based solely on the idea that divorce is ok. At least, not to my knowledge. That doesn't make divorce any less damaging to families, and to children. In all honesty, I find it more troubling that children grow up without ever knowing a parent than the perceived idea that my child will be inundated with this alleged "gay agenda." Having made my living primarily as a performer for my entire adult life, I have had privilege of making life long friendships with people who happen to be gay. They certainly don't know anything about this whole agenda mess. The fact that someone wrote about it in a book doesn't make it true, you know.<BR/><BR/>If the nation is concerned about moral issues that tug at the very fibers of our families, they should concern themselves more with things like divorce, children born out of wedlock, women who have many children with different fathers, drugs, pornography, alcohol infidelity, etc. I think those are the things that most directly affect our families.<BR/><BR/>I also see your point about your pastor singling out specific things which are of concern. I don't have any problem with that, as mine does the same thing. My problem is that people will then beat others over the head with the same information, time and time again, in an effort to prove that he or she is "right." I think that's beating the proverbial dead horse. Sow the seeds, then give God a chance to cultivate them. They will die if you over-water them. <BR/><BR/>I think of this in the exact opposite from you. I don't think it's best to tell the "gloom and doom" and hope that someone will stick around for the good parts. I have always found it best for people to SEE the good parts...to see how God will shower us with blessings IF we are faithful to His Word. I just think to do otherwise alienates people, and I'd rather lead them to Christ than scare them away.Jadedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01429987593716194512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12391603.post-1162844763599805582006-11-06T12:26:00.000-08:002006-11-06T12:26:00.000-08:00Christine: Does the Bible support slavery?Answer:…...<B>Christine:</B> Does the Bible support slavery?<BR/><BR/>Answer:<BR/><BR/><I>…despite the fact that slavery was countnanced in the Semitic cultures of the day, the law in the Bible demanded that slaves eventually be set free (Exodus 21:2; Leviticus 25:40). Likewise, servants had to be treated with respect (Exodus 21:20, 26). Israel, itself in slavery in Egypt for a prolonged time, was constantly reminded by God of this (Deuteronomy 5:15), and their emancipation became the model for the liberation of all slaves (cf. Leviticus 25:40).</I><BR/><BR/>That’s not the way I heard it:<BR/><BR/><I>”Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, [shall be] of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and bondmaids. <BR/>Moreover of the children of the strangers that do sojourn among you, of them shall ye buy, and of their families that [are] with you, which they begat in your land: and they shall be your possession.<BR/>And ye shall take them as an inheritance for your children after you, to inherit [them for] a possession; they shall be your bondmen for ever: but over your brethren the children of Israel, ye shall not rule one over another with rigour.” </I>Lev 25:44~46<BR/><BR/>IOW, you can’t treat fellow Hebrews in such a manner, but it’s okay to enslave your <I>non-believing</I> neighbors, and their children, or those travelers who had children while in your lands; and you may deal with them as you like, for they are not believers in the True God. You don’t have to free them at jubilee—they are yours <B>forever</B>.<BR/>This is not mere ‘acknowledgement’—it’s encouragement! “Ye shall buy”, “ye shall take them”, “they shall be your bondmen for ever”—yeah, just <I>try</I> to deny it.GMpilothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07189308176043748343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12391603.post-1162844294397612382006-11-06T12:18:00.000-08:002006-11-06T12:18:00.000-08:00Oops...sorry Jaded. I just noticed that I copied ...Oops...sorry Jaded. I just noticed that I copied and pasted the wrong comment!<BR/><BR/>Blogger (or maybe it was just my computer?) was acting up on me earlier today. I have learned to save my posts elsewhere in case they don't publish and I get that dreaded "error" message. <BR/><BR/>I just noticed that I copied and pasted an earlier comment instead of the new one!<BR/><BR/>Duh!!<BR/><BR/>Here's the new one:<BR/><BR/>Jaded, <BR/> <BR/>I understand and agree with most of what you are saying. We don't condemn or pass judgment upon any person at our church either. But my pastor does state the need for <BR/>repentance from sin and he's not afraid to mention specific sins from portions of the Bible that we are studing during the sermon. <BR/> <BR/>Yes. Divorce is terrible. <BR/>Yes. People continue to get divorced. <BR/> <BR/>But the difference is, I don't see anyone creating a church that <B>condones</B> divorce and claims to worship Jesus and believe the Gospel, do you? <BR/> <BR/>But that is what is happening in the "queer theology" churches! <BR/> <BR/>About the verse 9 in Jude. You must realize the context of that verse, and examine it in light of the verses before and after it. <BR/> <BR/>Here is a link to a brief, but good, <A HREF="http://www.blueletterbible.org/tmp_dir/c/1162835704-8917.html" REL="nofollow">commentary on Jude.</A> <BR/> <BR/>Here's what the commentary author shares regarding verse 9: <BR/> <BR/><I>v. 9 It appears that Michael the archangel was given the task of burying the body of Moses, and that Satan came along to try to take the body It's better for <BR/>us to put the Lord between ourselves and Satan than to take on Satan by ourselves. We shouldn't say things against Satan. For he was once God's <BR/>anointed [As Lucifer, before iniquity was found in him]. David was careful in his dealings with Saul, for God had anointed Saul <BR/>to be Israel's king (1 Samuel 24:6-10). Michael said, "The Lord rebuke thee" to Satan, and we'd be wise to keep our distance also.</I> <BR/> <BR/>If you will notice what Pastor Chuck Smith says about verse 13, we see how admonition to avoid certain behaviors is not judgment. That is left up to God <BR/>at the culmination of all of history. Yet, we are to be "salt and light" as Jesus has told us in this world of darkness. How can we be salt and light if we don't point out the darkness that is keeping people's souls in bondage to sin? <BR/><BR/>That is the truth of the gospel, right there, Jaded. We must share the bad news of our sinfulness and our need for repentance (every one of us!!) before the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (which includes the forgiveness, mercy, grace and salvation )can be <BR/>indwelled into us by the power of the Holy Spirit! <BR/><BR/>This is what being "born again" is all about! Jesus said, "You <B>must</B> be born again." It wasn't just a <I>passing suggestion.</I> <B>It is absolutely necessary for the salvation of every individual soul!</B> <BR/> <BR/>Notice this too: <BR/> <BR/><I>v. 22-23 People come to Christ for different reasons. Some people hear of God's love for them and respond to Him in love. Other people are afraid of hell and come to Him through fear. <B>It's better to draw people to God through love than through fear, so we should emphasize His love when we witness to unbelievers.</B> (bold mine) <BR/> <BR/>v. 24 Jesus Christ keeps us from falling when we stay in the love of God. Christ presents us to God faultless, as pure and holy as He is, with great joy.</I> <BR/> <BR/>I bolded the part that was similar to what you had expressed in your post. <BR/><BR/>However, emphasizing God's love <BR/>sometimes includes <B>telling the truth about our sinful nature!!</B> Wouldn't you have to agree?? At some point, we all have to acknowledge that! <BR/> <BR/>Yes. Some people do a better job of it than others. I have even questioned my own approach here at this blog in the past. But after reading <I>The Way of the <BR/>Master</I>, I realized that I am doing unsaved human beings a disservice if I just <BR/>share the joy, peace, love, mercy, forgiveness, grace, salvation etc. without <I>first showing their need to come to the foot of the Cross of Christ for forgiveness!</I> <BR/> <BR/>Jesus said, "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" <BR/> <BR/>One example of that, to me, is to ignore the consequences of Jesus admonition that says that anyone gaining any worldly "lust" through claiming that it isn't a sin is <B>unprofitable and tantamout to losing their own soul!</B> <BR/> <BR/>This is an example of what Jude says here: <BR/> <BR/><I>Jud 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.</I> <BR/> <BR/>What's my ultimate goal? The same as God and His Son, Jesus, whom we follow!! <BR/><BR/>We want:<BR/> <BR/><B>For all to come to repentance!.</B> <BR/> <BR/>2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, <BR/>but that all should come to repentance. <BR/> <BR/>Admittedly, all that we can do as believers is sound the alarm bells. It is God, through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit that brings all unto <BR/>Him. We can only plant a "seed" or two. The Lord does the rest and reaps the harvest!<BR/> <BR/>Jud 1:24 ¶ Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, <BR/> <BR/> <BR/> Jud 1:25 To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever.Christinewjchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18434229284833642438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12391603.post-1162843263342536312006-11-06T12:01:00.000-08:002006-11-06T12:01:00.000-08:00Christine: ”…I will state, however, that the Bible...<B>Christine:</B> <I>”…I will state, however, that the Bible records many things that it doesn't necessarily</I> approve <I>of. It is an honest book and therefore, records the errors, evil, and sinful deeds of fallen angelic beings and fallen men/women.”</I><BR/><BR/>Does that include fallen <B>gods</B> as well? Do you believe that the Bible <I>approves</I> of its own God drowning the entire world, killing 70,000 people for the transgressions of one man, engineering the death of his own son…oh yes, I guess you do.GMpilothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07189308176043748343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12391603.post-1162842238715309412006-11-06T11:43:00.000-08:002006-11-06T11:43:00.000-08:00Jaded, There are several reasons why I keep bring...Jaded, <BR/> <BR/>There are several reasons why I keep bringing this subject up. <BR/> <BR/>1. The tendency for the secular humanist crowd and activists to push the homosexual agenda upon our children. <BR/> <BR/>As I've said many times before, I <B>never wanted</B> to EVER get involved in this issue. I remember how tortured Anita Bryant was in the 70's. I was much younger then, and admittedly fearful of anyone "hating me and calling me a homophobe, bigot, religious right freak" etc. So for <B>years</B> I just ignored the politics of it all and thought I should just "live and let live." <BR/> <BR/>It wasn't until the homosexual indoctrination reached the doors of my children's public high school that I started reading up on all that has transpired over the last 30 years. I was absolutely <B>appalled!!</B> It was then that I became a traditional values and marriage activist parent. <BR/> <BR/>2. With the current "breaking down the walls" of the churches into teaching "queer theology," as the article states (I have called it gay-behavior-affirming <BR/>churches and leaders), as a Christian, Bible believing follower of Jesus Christ, <BR/>I can't just sit here and ignore the damage this esogetic "theology" has caused <BR/>in many Christian denominations. Do you think it is good that one gay bishop is tearing apart the Episcopal church? Maybe you don't see it that way but I do. <BR/>I think it's absolutely disgraceful! <BR/> <BR/>3. The book of <A HREF="http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/tools/printer-friendly.pl?book=Jud&chapter=1&version=nkjv" REL="nofollow">Jude</A> specifically warns us about <B>sexually immoral men</B> "creeping into the churches." <BR/> <BR/><I> Jud 1:4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God* and our Lord Jesus Christ.</I> <BR/> <BR/>I'm sure, as you have stated previously on this blog that you would place former pastor Haggard as an example of this verse. But I challenge you now. Don't you see that this verse <B>could, and should also be applied to men who place forbidden sexual desires (any type) as OK with God and teach others that it's OK with God when such sexual acts are specifically labeled as sin in God's Word?</B> <BR/> <BR/>This is why there can be no reconciliation between "queer theology" and true, exegetic, hermeneutical, Scripture interprets Scripture, inerrant, Biblical interpretive traditional theology! <BR/> <BR/>I asked this specific question months ago and <B>no one could answer it!</B> <BR/> <BR/>Why?<BR/><BR/>Because, as this long but accurate article points out, the worldviews between the two <B>cannot possibly be reconciled!</B> <BR/> <BR/>Yes. Stephen and others here that agree with the "queer theology" worldview may never change their minds on this issue. But neither can I, nor millions of other Christians who know the truth of what the Bible specifically says regarding homosexual behavior. That's just the way it is, Jaded. You may want to continue to call me being "judgmental," but there is a huge difference between <A HREF="http://talkwisdom.blogspot.com/2006/01/whats-casciolis-motivati<br/>on-for-jesus.html" REL="nofollow">judgment <BR/>and discernment.</A> As Christians, we are to be discerning; especially when it comes to sharing God's Word. <BR/> <BR/>Contrary to what many might believe, I don't do this to harm, ridicule, reject, or bash "gay" Christians. I do it out of love for God, Jesus Christ, and my fellow human beings. If I didn't love them, I <B>wouldn't bother warning them</B> now would I? <BR/> <BR/> <BR/>God's Word <B>tells me to warn people of heresy and apostasy</B>. What I share <BR/>is not my opinion, but <B>God's unchanging Word on this issue!</B> <BR/> <BR/>All of the other causes you mentioned are <B>very important</B> as well. But <BR/>right now, with an important election one day away, this "gay" marriage issue is a <A HREF="http://talkwisdom.blogspot.com/2006_09_01_talkwisdom_archive.html#115721424036880456" REL="nofollow">sign <BR/>of the times!</A> This <A HREF="http://talkwisdom.blogspot.com/2006/06/controversy-over-homosexual-behavior.html" REL="nofollow">controversy</A> <BR/>is not about to just "go away" and must be confronted through Biblically accurate arguments. People are being <A HREF="http://talkwisdom.blogspot.com/2006/06/caught-up-in-lie.html" REL="nofollow">caught up in a lie</A> through homosexual activism in both secular society and now in many churches. It must be challenged! I think that this article has done just that! <BR/> <BR/>Admittedly, this isn't the only issue pressing against Christianity. There are others who would have us believe that the DaVinci Code is real, authentic history. There are even crazy instances of skeptics supposedly wanting to <A HREF="http://talkwisdom.blogspot.com/2006/01/whats-casciolis-motivation-for-jesus.html" REL="nofollow">put Jesus Himself on trial!</A> <BR/> <BR/>Sound ridiculous? I found it quite eerily similar to the <A HREF="http://talkwisdom.blogspot.com/2005/11/devastating-error-of-hate-crimes-law.html" REL="nofollow">Judgment movie</A> (excellent film, btw)that came out years ago. The current push for "hate crimes law" is another example of how Christians could inadvertently (or, more likely <B>purposely</B>) be labeled as "haters" for their objection to rejecting acceptance of the homosexual agenda. <BR/> <BR/>In the Judgment movie, a Christian woman is arrested and put in prison and her group are all falsely accused of "crimes against humanity" by the O.N.E. (One Nation Earth) government. In reality, we find that the "terrorist" accusations <BR/>of blowing up a busload of children was actually a set up done by the O.N.E. operatives. What is similar in that movie battle and the homosexual agenda battle is that the Christians are called <B>"haters"</B>. <BR/> <BR/>Well...this is getting very long so I guess I should end here. <BR/> <BR/>I knew that this post would draw criticsm and controversy. But I think that it is a topic that needs to be exposed and discussed. Hopefully, we can all continue to do that in a civil manner.Christinewjchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18434229284833642438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12391603.post-1162838136703086932006-11-06T10:35:00.000-08:002006-11-06T10:35:00.000-08:00Christine, I noticed in your response to my commen...Christine, I noticed in your response to my comment on the Ted Haggard issue that you thought I was accusing you of hypocrisy. I was not, but in reviewing the comments I can see where I should have been clearer. My comment was towards Haggard's hypocrisy. I do not for a minute believe you to be a hypocrite. You and I undoubtedly disagree about many things but I do not beleive for a second that you don't live your beliefs as best you can. I despise hypocrites, and I apologize for any confusion my phrasing may have caused.<BR/><BR/>I still think Haggard's a great big gay old hypocrite.limpy99https://www.blogger.com/profile/06975672608204212282noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12391603.post-1162837641842035402006-11-06T10:27:00.000-08:002006-11-06T10:27:00.000-08:00I didn't read the whole article, but I will say th...I didn't read the whole article, but I will say this: if I were gay, I probably wouldn't spend a whole lot of time looking to the Bible to justify who I was as a person. I'd look to the civil laws and worry about them and what I needed to do to attain equal rights in all aspects of my life. Looking to the Bible is just guaranteed to lead into a fight that can't be won, as the opponents, (as well as the proponents), will just pick and choose from the verses and chapters to find 4,000 year old sayings that will best defend their positions.<BR/><BR/>Whoever you are and whatever position you take, VOTE tomorrow. I'd just like for once to see a national election with a better rate of participation than "American Idol."<BR/><BR/>Unless you disagree with me, in which case you should stay home because it's going to rain and you wouldn't want to catcha cold.limpy99https://www.blogger.com/profile/06975672608204212282noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12391603.post-1162835978511297242006-11-06T09:59:00.000-08:002006-11-06T09:59:00.000-08:00OK Ebsfwan,You seem really upset about this slaver...OK Ebsfwan,<BR/><BR/>You seem really upset about this slavery issue. So, I decided to get someone else's take on it.<BR/><BR/>In Ron Rhodes (President of Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministries)book <I>The Complete Book of Bible Answers</I> he answers the following question:<BR/><BR/>Does the Bible support slavery?<BR/><BR/>Answer:<BR/><BR/><I>No. From the very beginning, God declared that all humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1;27). The apostle Paul also declared that "we are the offspring of God" (Acts 17:29 NKJV), and God "has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth" (verse 26 NKJV).<BR/><BR/>Moreover, despite the fact that slavery was countnanced in the Semitic cultures of the day, the law in the Bible demanded that slaves eventually be set free (Exodus 21:2; Leviticus 25:40). Likewise, servants had to be treated with respect (Exodus 21:20, 26). Israel, itself in slavery in Egypt for a prolonged time, was constantly reminded by God of this (Deuteronomy 5:15), and their emancipation became the model for the liberation of all slaves (cf. Leviticus 25:40).<BR/><BR/>Further, in the New Testament, Paul declared that in Christianity "there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28 NAS). All social classes are broken fown in Christ; we are all equal before God.<BR/><BR/>Though the apostle Paul urges, "Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters" (Ephesian 6:5 NKJV; cf. Colossians 3;22), he is not thereby approving of the institution of slavery, but simply allluding to the defacto situation in his day. He is simply instructing servants to be good workers, just as believers should be today, but he was not thereby commending slavery. Paul also instructed all believers to be obedient to government (even if unjust) for the Lord's sake (Romans 13:1; cf. Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13). But this in no way condones oppression and tyranny which the Bible repeatedly condemns (cf. Isaiah 10:1; Exodus 2:23-25).</I>Christinewjchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18434229284833642438noreply@blogger.com