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Author
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Topic: Why Doesn't God Explain In Person?
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dpardo
Inactive Member
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Message 13 of 86 (160213)
11-16-2004 6:11 PM
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Reply to: Message 1 by Tusko
11-13-2004 9:48 AM
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Tusko writes: The reason I'm not convinced by this one is that it seems unfair that in biblical accounts, God was doing miracles left right and centre, like a nervous magician at a kid's party. Why has he stopped? Why do we have to rely on accounts of miracles, when two thousand years ago he was popping them off like champagne corks? I used to ask this same question. In the Old Testament, God appeared (in some form or other) to many people. In Exodus 20, God spoke audibly to his people. In the New Testament, Jesus, God the son, appears physically on the earth. Now, that said, if God's plan was to appear to people at those times and we happened to not be alive at that time, why should he appear to anyone in the present? Do you see my point? He did appear, according the bible. Why should he reappear just to satisfy our requests? If he had appeared to us and someone a thousand years in the future asked the same questions, should he appear to them? It is interesting to note that even though he did appear to folks at those times in the Old Testament, some people still did not obey him.
| This message is a reply to: | | | Message 1 by Tusko, posted 11-13-2004 9:48 AM | | Tusko has replied |
| Replies to this message: | | | Message 17 by Tusko, posted 11-17-2004 4:14 AM | | dpardo has replied |
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dpardo
Inactive Member
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Re: John, Paul, George, and Ringo
Arachnophilia writes: for instance, paul says that christ established a new covenant, and that holding to the law while believing in christ is pointless. he argue against circumcision as well. but christ said that he did not come to destroy the law. paul also at one point says that it's shameful for a man to wear his hair long, which christ undoubtedly did. he also contradicts the old testament in a number of places. he advises against marriage and sex, when god's first commandment to his children is "be fruitful and multiply." Can you please direct me to the relevant verses so that I can check them out? Also, I think the command to "be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth" in the context of Adam and Eve being the only two people on earth makes sense. However, as the earth begins to fill with people, I don't think that command would be re-issued.
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dpardo
Inactive Member
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Message 21 of 86 (160840)
11-18-2004 1:29 AM
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Reply to: Message 17 by Tusko
11-17-2004 4:14 AM
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Tusko writes: Even if you are remembered, how are you going to distinguish your claims from those of all the other made up religions that have flourished in the meantime, who all claim their god(s) did miraculous things in antiquity. I think you have a valid point here. As a matter of fact, why don't any Muslims, Hindus, etc. seem to come around and promote/defend their beliefs? Would anyone else be interested in hearing their views?
| This message is a reply to: | | | Message 17 by Tusko, posted 11-17-2004 4:14 AM | | Tusko has not replied |
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dpardo
Inactive Member
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Re: John, Paul, George, and Ringo
Thank you for the references Arachnophilia. I will certainly take a close look at them. BTW, why do you say:
paul also at one point says that it's shameful for a man to wear his hair long, which christ undoubtedly did. Why do you think Christ undoubtedly did?
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dpardo
Inactive Member
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Re: John, Paul, George, and Ringo
Arachnophilia writes: for instance, paul says that christ established a new covenant, and that holding to the law while believing in christ is pointless. he argue against circumcision as well. but christ said that he did not come to destroy the law. Circumcision was a sign/symbol representing the old covenant. Water baptism is the sign/symbol representing the new covenant.
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dpardo
Inactive Member
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Re: John, Paul, George, and Ringo
Hi Arachnophilia, Genesis 17:10 says:
10 This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. The New Testament doesn't specifically state that it is the symbol or sign of the New Covenant but, Matthew 28:18-20 says:
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Emphasis mine. After Peter spoke to the crowd during Pentecost regarding Christ, the crowd responded (Acts 2:37):
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Peter answers (Acts 2:38):
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
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dpardo
Inactive Member
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Re: John, Paul, George, and Ringo
Arachnophilia writes: water baptisms today are pointless, jesus has already died for our sins. there is no need for the cleansing. They are pointless except that they fulfill the clear command of Christ?
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dpardo
Inactive Member
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Re: John, Paul, George, and Ringo
Arachnophilia writes: but what PAUL is arguing is that getting circumcised makes you a jew. Do you mean this Paul:
28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. [Paul speaking in Romans 2:28-29.] ?
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dpardo
Inactive Member
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Re: John, Paul, George, and Ringo
Arachnophilia writes: no, it's not clear exactly what his command his. The Apostles seem to have understood as they proceeded to have believers baptised as evidenced in Acts 2:41:
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Emphasis mine. Also, after hearing Philip preach in Samaria the believers responded by being baptised (Acts 8:12):
12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. This trend continues and I can quote more verses if you like. From a command which you claim is not clear, the followers of Christ seem to have understood it.
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