minnow

Is what I said incorrect AK? Its always the answer I was given, and I don't want to give it any more if its incorrect! As far as I know, there is no way to really know that He was 30 when His ministry began. I've never heard the Passover thing before, so I'd have to look into it. Thanks AK! The approximate age of Jesus at the time he began his ministry is referred to in Scripture, but ultimately there could only be an indicative figure arrived at as to how old he was likely to be at the time of the crucifixion. Luke 3:23 NIV Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph

We are bombarded in society with references to terms such as "partner" and "safe sex", when invariably they are actually referring to FORNICATORS and FORNICATION ie SIN. The message regarding "safe sex" has become so prevalent that it in many cases seems to be accepted as "good practice" to teach and promote this doctrine. Scripture is very clear on the sinfulness of many behaviours increasingly pervasive in today's morally corrupt society, so ensure that you are solidly grounded in the Word, so you do not fall prey to the clever lies of those under the power of Satan. 1 Corinthians 6:18 KJV Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

God's plan will happen in accordance with His time-frame. All will be held to account before a holy and righteous God. I was actually in a situation recently where I witnessed a husband treating his wife in an extremely physically aggressive manner, at the climax of a heated argument where a variety of accusations had been made and where the marriage was on the point of collapsing. What most disgusted me was that this was carried out in front of their 12 year old son and 7 year old daughter. While I took a risk by making a comment along the lines of "not in front of the children", I did not take the matter to the Police as my priority at the time was to attempt to work for reconciliation, not only to try and restore the relationship, but also in the interests of 4 dependent children. Sometimes we have to make decisions on what we think serves the greater good. The problem I have with "sex education" as taught in Schools is that it invariably promotes the lie of "safe sex" - what is correctly known as SIN. The only real "safe sex", and the only outlet God has authorised for sexual relationships, is that between a man and woman within marriage.

The attacks on the clear and consistent teaching of Scripture coming from the "egalitarians" was about as compelling and convincing (and using many of the familiar techniques) as those of the homosexual lobby, who also attempt to distort Scripture to promote false teaching.

What's the oldest trick in the book? "Did God really say..."

1 Corinthians 11 is speaking of man and woman NOT husbands and wives. What, was Paul speaking to only married women on the issue of veils? Paul speaks to authority within the church in 1 Timothy 2:11-14 NASB A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.

1 Peter 3:1-7 NASB In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. Your adornment must not be merely external--braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear. You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

I had been considering an analogy lately, and thought this thread (since it is discussing Ephesians 5) would be the appropriate place to post it. Consider a marriage relationship and family as being a car - only one person can ultimately drive it. Consider the chaos that would likely arise if everyone had their own steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedals, indicators etc, and were each wanting to drive the car according to how each saw fit. God has decreed by his order in creation, design, and sovereign assignment of authority, responsibility and roles (including whether you were born male or female) that it is the husband who is assigned to the drivers seat, with his wife at his side, and the children in the back seat. To illustrate the order of creation, we can look at Joseph's dream, in which he saw the sun (Jacob), moon (Rachel) and stars (Brothers). To ascertain the nature of the order in creation, we find in Genesis 1:16 NASB God made the two great lights, the greater light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the night; He made the stars also. The church is the bride, the lesser light, intended to reflect the glory of Christ, and submits to Him recognising the authority given Him by the Father.

At what point does the consumption of alcohol become sinful? Should a distinction be made between beers (low alc), wines (med alc), and spirits (high alc)? How would people define drunkenness - at what point is one considered to be drunk? Also, what do people make of the following verses with regard to the Son of Man? Matthew 11:18-19 NASB For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon!' "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds."

John 6:62-65 NASB "What then if you see the Son of Man ascending to where He was before? "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. "But there are some of you who do not believe " For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him. And He was saying, "For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father." Luke 16:27-31 NASB "And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, that you send him to my father's house - for I have five brothers - in order that he may warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.' "But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.' "But he said, 'No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent!' "But he said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.'" 1 Corinthians 1:18 NASB For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

And furthermore, who do people think is being spoken of in 2 Thessalonains 2?

Where's your cutlery headed? Heaven or Hell? Please provide Scripture to support your perspective, rather than movie and science fiction novel parallels, or a furtive imagination.

A computer could not be cast into a lake of fire? It has NO SOUL given to it by GOD. (Matthew 10:28)

That is for certain. 1 John 4:1-3, Ephesians 2:1-3

Furthermore, the Beast and the False Prophet will be cast into the lake of fire. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12 Revelation 19:19-20 Revelation 20:10 Matthew 10:28

A computer CANNOT KNOW GOD as it is incapable of receiving HIS HOLY SPIRIT.

Evil is action carried out in opposition to God and his will. Satan rebelled, and is the father of those who are disobedient. A computer can be no more than a tool for evil, as ultimately it is the handiwork of MAN and not GOD - hence an idol.

Could someone please provide a Scripture proving that ANY INANIMATE OBJECT has been given HIS SPIRIT (breath of life), has a SOUL and a CONSCIENCE given to it by GOD.

I find the increasing subservience given by member states to the Godless United Nations, with its tentacles of Secular Humanist policies infiltrating legislature for general adoption and enforcement (many of which are increasingly Anti-Christian in nature), to be noteworthy in light of the historical perspective relating to the Hellenization of the Jews under Antiochus Epiphanes found in the inter-testemental Jewish writings of 1 Maccabees.

While I understand that such comments can be hurtful, particularly if one has not yet been provided with a suitable spouse and perhaps finds themselves more comfortable with friendships that do not carry the complications of opposite sex relationships, I do find it disturbing that one would enter into a relationship for the sake of appearance. It could end up being a matter of swapping one form of gossip for another (which I would assume is the basis for the "problem"). At the same time, I do congratulate you on doing your best to honour your parents in what does appear to be a very difficult and complicated situation. As a seperate note (and this may sound very strange), perhaps this time of "compromise" could be an opportunity for the Gospel message to be brought more fully to your "date", through you.

Aside from the possible hints that your parents think it is time for you to either get married or start to show some independence, you mention that your parents are Christian, and I would assume that you are able to talk Scripture with them. To approach this is a non-confrontational manner, perhaps you could have a quiet discussion with them, seeking their views/advice on dating and whether they think you should be dating inside or outside the faith, and ask them to show you which Scriptures they would use to support this view. This would determine your next step. If they support the concept of dating/marrying only within the faith, you could ask them whether they would be pleased if you were to date someone outside the faith. If they are unhappy with this thought, then you could mention that you feel the same, and that you were so concerned that your "date" was unsaved that you thought you should discuss the matter with them before considering what to do next. Only a suggestion. Sorry I can't help repair the embarassment you've gone through.

For your consideration... I cannot deny that I was taken by the symbolism of the Twin Towers in regard to Babel/Babylon, but during a discussion with Joshua in Israel (who was advancing the America = Babylon perspective) something came to me that provided me with a new insight into this section of Scripture. In James, it talks about two kinds of wisdom - that from above (heavenly/spiritual) and that from below (demonic/unspiritual), and this is further expanded upon in Galatians 5 with regard to fruit. What we do know is that the whole world is under control of the evil one, is in darkness, and is controlled by the flesh. However, Christ came to set us free from bondage to sin, to bring us into the light, and where we are controlled by the Spirit. Furthermore, there is a day when Satan will be defeated, and the whole world will confess Jesus Christ as Lord. Read through Proverbs 7 to Proverbs 9 and compare the differences between the personifications of Wisdom and Folly. Could it be said that these show forth Christ and Babylon? Ultimately, the spiritual significance of the fall of Babylon and the final defeat of Satan is reflected in the reign of Christ and the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on all flesh.

From God's perspective: YES From Man's perspective: NO Unless one is born again of the Holy Spirit, one is not saved. This deposit is the guarantee of the inheritance which is pre-destined for the elect. Those who truly belong to Christ will never be lost. There is a distinction between making a profession of faith, and being saved. Many confuse hearing the word of the Lord, receiving it, and making a profession of faith thinking they are "saved" when they are not. He who has all knowledge can say from the beginning who is appointed to salvation. Man in his limited understanding does not know the heart of man and who will endure to the end.