Tag: theology
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What is “the stump of Jesse”?
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. Isiah 11:1 (NIV) Question 1: What does this “stump” refer to? Question 2: I think it is referring to that the trunk of the Messianic line f…
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Future Church of God General Overseer Hallie Louticious Chesser was…
Future Church of God General Overseer Hallie Louticious Chesser was born in Levy County, Florida, on September 15, 1898. First elected as an assistant…
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What is the meaning of “paradise” in Luke 23:43?
"And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”"Luke 23:43, ESV. The Greek word used for paradise (Παραδείσῳ) has three meanings, according to Strong’s Concordance: A garden, taken from the anc…..
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Good morning my dearly beloved. Lamentations ch. 1:1-22. Jerusalem in…
Good morning my dearly beloved. Lamentations ch. 1:1-22. Jerusalem in Affliction. This is what happens when we disobey God. For many years God sent…
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Is Luke 19:44 an allusion to Psalm 137:9?
[Luke 19:44 NLT] (44) They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not accept your opportunity for salvation.” [Luke 19:44 MGNT] (44) καὶ…
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Reason there is an 80 year gap between Cyrus decree to release Jews from Babylon and Artaxerxes decree to restore and build
The 70 year period the Jews would be in Babylon would come to an end in 537/6 BC when Cyrus would issue his decree allowing them to return to Jerusalem. The next important time element occurs on 457 BC when Artaxerxes will issue his decree…
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What is “thrown” into the “fire” in Daniel 7:11 – the “beast” or its “body”?
Daniel 7:11 "As I continued to watch, the beast was slain, and its body was destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire. (Berean Standard Bible)
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Why is there a difference between what the Golden Calf worshippers said in Exodus 32 and Nehemiah 9?
He took the gold from them, formed it in a mold, and cast an image of a calf; and they said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” Exodus 32:4 Even when they had cast an image of a calf for themse…
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In Genesis 10:9, was Nimrod really a “hunter”?
In Genesis 10:9, was Nimrod really a “hunter”?: ISV Gen 10:8 Cush fathered Nimrod, who became the first fearless leader throughout the land. Gen 10:9 He became a fearless hunter in defiance of the LORD. That is why it is said, “…
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Church of God General Overseer Raymond E. Crowley was born…
Church of God General Overseer Raymond E. Crowley was born September 12, 1922, on Chincoteague Island off Virginia’s Eastern Shore. He served as general…
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Tuesday’s (10/09/18) Thought! KNOWING HIM OR MOLDING HIM An idol…
Tuesday’s (10/09/18) Thought! KNOWING HIM OR MOLDING HIM An idol is anything worshiped other than the true God. Idolatry involves more than just hand-made…
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Ex 34:7 ” … forgiving iniquity and transgressions and sin”, how do these three words differ?
What is iniquity? What are transgressions? What is sin? 1 John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law Is this saying that transgression is to break, move away from, or attempt to …
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Are there contextual cues which suggest Jesus calming the storm does not require Jesus to be God Almighty?
In all three Synoptic Gospels, Jesus is recorded as calming a storm. The incident happens about Matthew 8:24, Mark 4:37, and Luke 8:23. Here is the complete pericope from Matthew: Matthew 8:23-27 (Berean Standard Bible) 23When He got into…
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Did God take the Samaritans out of Egypt (2 Kings 17:36)?
The origin of the Samaritans, as described in the book of Kings, is a group of people brought from Mesopotamia to Samaria by the Assyrians: The king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim, and plac…
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Did John expect his readers to catch the mistakes Jews made relating to Jesus and his teachings?
The Jews said the Christ is to come from Bethlehem in John 7:42, not knowing that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. When they heard these words, some of the people said, “This really is the Prophet.” 41 Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is…
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Church of God Evangel August 8, 1910. Letter from L….
Church of God Evangel August 8, 1910. Letter from L. P. Adams of Memphis, Tennessee inviting CoG people to a camp meeting in Memphis….
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What is the difference between ‘way’ and ‘path’ in Proverbs 3:6?
Proverbs 3:6 (NASB) In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. What is the difference between a "way" and a "path"? More specifically, what is the significance in using two different words…
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My Utmost For His Highest, Daily Devotional by Oswald Chambers….
My Utmost For His Highest, Daily Devotional by Oswald Chambers. September 12, By Spiritual Confusion Ye know not what ye ask. — Matthew 20:22…
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Do the specific gifts the father gives to the prodigal son have any special significance?
What is the significance of the robe, ring & sandals in Luke 15:22? ‘But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. — NIVUK I know that, by gi…
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Why is “thou canst not make one hair white or black” a good justification not to “swear by thy head”?
Matthew 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. What is the connection between "thou canst not make one hair white or black" and "thou shalt not swear by thy head&qu…
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Are the words “beginning” and “word” mentioned in 1John 2:7 the same as those found in John 1:1?
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God; John 1:1 (YLT) Brethren, a new command I write not to you, but an old command, that ye had from the beginning — the old command is the word that ye heard f…
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The Book of Habakkuk Habakkuk is the seventh of the…
The Book of Habakkuk Habakkuk is the seventh of the Minor Prophets of the Old Testament. It is believed that he lived in…
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== SIGNALS TO GUIDE THE CHURCH: – QUESTION: – REALLY,…
== SIGNALS TO GUIDE THE CHURCH: – QUESTION: – REALLY, WHO IS THE BRANCH? First of all, Yeshua (Jesus) shall not return until after…
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What are the “powers of the heavens” in Matthew 24:29?
What is meant exactly by the “powers of the heavens” in Matthew 24:29? Matt 24:29-30 (KJV) Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall fr…
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Why did Abraham insist that Isaac marry from his kinfolk in Genesis 24?
Genesis 24:37 NASB My master made me swear, saying, ‘You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I live; 38 but you shall go to my father’s house and to my relatives, and take a wife for my son…
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Gen 9:4 – Why can’t we eat the life?
What is the reasoning behind the prohibition from eating the lifeblood of an animal? It isn’t until Moses that purposing of the blood for atonement is provided as some additional reasoning behind the prohibition: For the life of the flesh…
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In Wisdom of Solomon 9 does “Solomon” equate “the holy spirit” with “wisdom”?
9 And wisdom was with thee: which knoweth thy works, and was present when thou madest the world, and knew what was acceptable in thy sight, and right in thy commandments. 10 O send her out of thy holy heavens, and from the throne of thy gl…
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SCARY: How do you handle criticism? By ChurchInfluence.com on October…
SCARY: How do you handle criticism? SCARY: How do you handle criticism? SCARY: How do you handle criticism? SCARY: How do you handle criticism?…
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What was the significance that Moses broke the first set of the 10 commandment tablets?
Exodus 32:19 New International Version When Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, his anger burned and he threw the tablets out of his hands, breaking them to pieces at the foot of the mountain. The tablets containe…
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What is the relationship between faith and righteousness in Romans 10:10?
Edit Note : I am not attempting to discover the grammatical subject of the text. I do not believe there is one. The passive indicative has no subject. The predicate of the verse is clearly a concept regarding how faith relates to righteous…
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What is the “manner of spirit” that Jesus might be referring to in Luke 9:55, and does (or might) it refer to all men?
What is the "manner of spirit" that Jesus might be referring to in Luke 9:55, and does (or might) it refer to all men? Luke 9: [54] And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire …
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What is the meaning of the phrase “purge your conscience from dead works” in Hebrews 9:14?
What does “purge your conscience from dead works” mean in Hebrews 9:14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the l…
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Did Josephus misinterpret Ezekiel 12:13?
According to Josephus: Ezekiel also foretold in Babylon what calamities were coming upon the people, which when he heard, he sent accounts of them unto Jerusalem. But Zedekiah did not believe their prophecies, for the reason following:…
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Examining the angel in Genesis 32:24-32 and the angel in 2 Kings 19:35
Is the angel in Genesis 32:24-32 equal in rank and might with the angel in 2 Kings 19:35? 24 Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he had not prevailed against him, he touched the …
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What is the relationship between the participles to the main verbs in Ephesians 6:10-20?
I am trying to prepare a talk on Ephesians and as part of my preparation/exegesis, I was attempting a grammatical diagram of Ephesians 6:10-6:20 using the UBS5 text. I am doing this in order to understand the argument of the author and am …
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What is meant by “the times of the gentiles” in Luke 21:24?
To what does Luke refer, when he records Jesus’ phrase: “the times of the gentiles” (Luke 21:24)? Young’s Literal Translation renders the verse in question as follows: “and they shall fall by the mouth of the sword, and shall be led …
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Thursday, September 15 How to Prepare for the Future This…
Thursday, September 15 How to Prepare for the Future This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate…
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What was the “Idol” that Moses’ descendants served in Dan (Judges 18:30)
There (in the city formerly called Laish) the Danites set up for themselves the idol, and Jonathan son of Gershom, the son of Moses, and his sons were priests for the tribe of Dan until the time of the captivity of the land. The question…
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What is the mind of the flesh and the mind of the spirit in Romans 8:6?
The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace, Romans 8:6 – BSB What is the mind of the flesh and the mind of the Spirit described in the verse? What are the differences between one another?
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What is the meaning of the repetition of “holy” in Isaiah 6:3?
In Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim call one to another, saying: Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (ESV) קָדֹ֧ושׁ׀ קָדֹ֛ושׁ קָדֹ֖ושׁ יְהוָ֣ה צְבָאֹ֑ות מְלֹ֥א כָל־הָאָ֖רֶץ כְּבֹודֹֽו׃ (BHS) I…
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In 1 Timothy 5:8 why is a man that cannot provide for his family “worse than an infidel”?
“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” 1 Timothy 5:8 KJV What is the connection between providing for one’s family and denying the faith?…
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Jeremiah Chapters 40,41,42 Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard of…
Jeremiah Chapters 40,41,42 Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard of the king of Babylon said, “The LORD your God has pronounced this doom on…
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Is there a contradiction in Psalm 44:17?
In Psalm 44, the psalmist seems to be mourning over the present conditions they are facing in Babylon. You handed us over like sheep to be eaten; you scattered us among the nations. (Psalms 44:11 NET) All this has happened to us, ev…
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Why was Pilate’s statement, “What is truth?” (18:38) included in John’s Gospel?
Why was Pilate’s statement, “What is truth?” (18:38) included in John’s Gospel? In John 21:25 John wrote that Jesus did much more than what was recorded in his Gospel. Thus, John was selective in what he included. John gives the purpose …
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What does Ezekiel 26:14 mean by ‘Tyre shall never be rebuilt’?
Ezekiel 26:7-14 (ESV) 7 “For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will bring against Tyre from the north Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, with horses and chariots, and with horsemen and a host of many soldiers. 8&…
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Why did Satan take everything Job had (his sons, daughters, and all his wealth) but spared his wife?
Why did Satan take everything Job had (his sons, daughters, and all his wealth) but spared his wife? In Job 1:12, 2:6 – the only thing Satan did not have permission to do was to take Job’s life.
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What was written on the stone tablets?
The wikipedia page, and most other depictions of the tablets are that they are of the ten commandments. When I read Exodus, it seems at least to me a little less clear as to what exactly was written, i.e. they have the law and the commandm…
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Better translation of Jeremiah 33:16?
Jeremiah 33:16 BEREAN BIBLE In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely, and this is the name by which it will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.16 f Hebrew YHWH Tsidqenu -Jeremiah 33:16 Jeremiah 33:16 NKJV …
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Does the term ‘Name of the Lord’ in Ex 20 and Lev 22 refer to more than its literal meaning?
We read in Lev 22:32 (NRSVCE): Thus you shall keep my commandments and observe them: I am the Lord. You shall not profane my holy name, that I may be sanctified among the people of Israel: I am the Lord; I sanctify you And we read in Ex…
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Should the word elohim in Psalm 8:5 be translated into gods/angels/or god?
Should the word elohim in Psalm 8:5 be translated into gods/angels/or god? The NIV translates it this way: You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. Another translation, the New Living…
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How did Korah’s descendants survive?
Numbers 16:32 And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the people who belonged to Korah and all their goods. Numbers 26:10The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them along with Korah, whose foll…
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What, exactly, is the “knowledge of good and evil” in Genesis 3:22?
Genesis 3:22a (ESV): Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil…" I’ve gathered the following from the text: Adam and Eve knew before the Fall that eating from the tree was wrong (….
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How to understand Luke 19:8 in light of Luke 18:22?
After meeting Christ Zachaeus promises to give away half of his possessions and restore fourfold those he had wronged KJV Luke 19 : 8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and …
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Why did Michael wait 21 days to come to help the angel that was sent to Daniel?
In Daniel 10:2-3 ,12-14 (NIV) we read: ²At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. ³I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over. ¹²Then he continued, “Do not …
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Jeremiah 31:32 Which covenant did they break?
Jeremiah 31:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, The majority of references I’ve come across assume …
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Is Ephesians 6:5-9 inapplicable with modern Christians who don’t have a “slave”?
Paul says: “Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the wil…
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1 Kings 19 Has Elijah fasted forty days and forty nights?
1 Kings 19 5 Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.” 6 Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank, and lay…
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Galatians 4:13: What was Paul’s “infirmity of the flesh”?
Galatians 4:13 A.V. Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
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Why was Rachel buried along the road and not in the family tomb in the Cave of Machpelah?
Genesis 48 records the death of Rachel: But as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died beside me in the land of Canaan on the way, when there was but a little distance to go to Ephrath; and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath …
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Were the Sadducees being sarcastic in Matthew 22:28?
Matthew 22:28 NLT So tell us, whose wife will she be in the resurrection? For she was the wife of all seven of them!" The Sadducees were well known that they did not believe in the resurrection of the dead yet the went on to ask Chr…
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Genesis 1:26 and 28 tells mankind to “subdue” the earth and “rule over” various animals. Exactly what is meant by this in relation to large animals?
In Genesis 1, up until this command, the conflict in the narrative has been very muted. Sure the chaos waters were there, but God is portrayed as being unthreatened by it, and it soon becomes a mere building material, easily shaped just by…
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In Romans 1:17, what does Paul mean by “from faith to faith” (ἐκ πίστεως εἰς πίστιν)?
17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.” NASB, ©1995 ΙΖʹ δικαιοσύνη γὰρ θεοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ ἀποκαλύπτεται ἐκ πίστεως εἰς πίστιν, καθὼς γέγραπται· ὁ δὲ δ…
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To Nigel J. Imputing The Righteousness of GOD
my name is Michael Durban and I am a completely new member to this site. Please forgive me if I am using the wrong channel to ask my question. But I didn’t know how else I could contact One of your Contributors. Whilst I was considering Th…
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What does it mean to take vengeance sevenfold in Genesis 4:15?
KJV Genesis 4 : 15 And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him. What did this mean that vengeance shall …
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Isa. 65:11—troop/fortune, number/destiny
KJV: prepare a table for that troop, … furnish the drink offering unto that number NIV: spread a table for Fortune … fill bowls … for Destiny Brown/Driver/Briggs suggests that the bolded words refer to false gods. Are there other word…
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LATE vs EARLY dating of Revelation?
# Early Date (c. AD 64–69) Late Date (c. AD 95–96) 1. Temple imagery Revelation 11:1–2 describes the temple as still standing, suggesting a…
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What does “Blessed be” mean in “Blessed be the name of the LORD”. Psalm 113:2?
Psalm 113:2 "Blessed be the name of the LORD From this time forth and forevermore". NKJV. My emphasis. 1. What is "blessed"; and what the name that is blessed? Psalm 113:2 International Standard Version. "May …
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Was Tamar’s offer to marry Amnon sincere and plausible?
In 2 Sam 13, Tamar attempts to persuade Amnon not to rape her, entreating him (v. 12): Now therefore, please speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from you. My impression was that Tamar was Amnon’s half-sister, assuming her …
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Does the pronoun ἧς (Matt. 1:16 BNT) refer to Mary or the Holy Spirit? does the pronoun refer to Mary or the Holy Spirit as Father?
"And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. " KJV Matthew 1:16 Considering that the Holy Spirit is feminine in Hebrew and the genealogy was always described in the male lineage, d…
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Who is the oppressing city in Zeph 3:1?
Zeph 3:1 – Woe to the city of oppressors, rebellious and defiled! I’m trying to find out about the oppressing city mentioned in Zeph 3:1
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How did slaves honoring their masters impact Paul’s doctrine?
1 Timothy 6:1 NASB All who are under the yolk as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against. How does slaves honoring their masters impact whether the…
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Is the angel of the Lord in Genesis 16:7-13 and Matthew 1:18-20 one and the same?
Genesis 16:7-13 ASV And the angel of Jehovah found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur. 8 And he said, Hagar, Sarai’s handmaid, whence camest thou? and whither goest thou? And she said, I am fle…
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How to save Paul from the Galatians 3 “seed” vs “seeds” argument blunder?
Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. How does one rescue Paul from the obvious blunder(?), considering that in Gene…
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Scofieldian dispensationalism incompatible with AG Pentecostalism
claim absolute authority, but leave room for symbolism in futuristic elements; (3) understand historical context of prophetic passages; (4) develop an eschatology in which…
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In 1 Samuel 10:5-6, Music is the ר֣וּחַ יְהֹוָ֔ה Spirit of YHVH?
Harmonious vibrations (Music) from the drum, flute & harp passed over שָׁאוּל֙ Shaul in 1 שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל Shmuel 10:5-6. [1 שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל Shmuel 10:5] “Afterwards, you shall come to the hill of God, where there are Philistine officers, and it…
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What Is the Difference Between ‘Man’ And ‘Son of Man’ in Num 23:19?
Numbers 23:19 God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind…. Is this merely repetition saying "God ain’t a human being" twice in a row for emphasis, or is there more nuance?
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Is there a causal relationship between Jesus’ 40-day fast and his return in “the power of the Spirit” in Luke 4:14?
According to Luke 4:1-2, Jesus, after his water baptism at the Jordan river, was full of the Spirit and was led by the Spirit to a 40-day fast: Now Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit …
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In the Pentateuch are there any sacrifices specified for intentional sins against God?
As far as I can tell there was no offering that covered intentionally sinning against God. Burnt – express devotion to God Grain – express thanks Peace – to fulfil a vow, give thanks, or just because you want to Sin – unintentional sins G…
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Church of God Celebrates 140th Anniversary Today
Today, Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the Church of God celebrates its 140th birthday. This day marks the anniversary of a small group of people…
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Is “until heaven and earth pass away” from Matthew 5:18 an idiomatic expression?
Matthew 5:17 and 18 from the NASB: Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke s…
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Why did the apostles not adhere strictly to the instructions of the Lord concerning water baptism?
In Matt 28:19, Jesus commanded the apostles to baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, but we see in Acts of the Apostles that they baptized in the name of Jesus only (Acts 2:38, 8:16, 19:5). Why did the …
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Did Bathsheba receive the Get referring to her husband when Uriah went to war?
And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias (Matt. 1:6 KJV) KJV Matthew 1:6 What is meant by the family relationship described in the phrase "Σολομῶνα ἐκ τῆς τοῦ Οὐρίου&#…
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What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 9:7
What is the meaning of "decided" in your heart, if decisions are made in the mind!? 2 Cor 9:7 – Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver. …
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What does the term “principalities and powers” mean?
In some translations, I see the term “principalities and powers.” To what does this refer? This will not be exhaustive, but for example, consider the KJV’s translation of Romans 8:38-39: For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor li…
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Kindom of heaven suffereth violence
In Mat.11:12 … the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence … (KJV) What was meant by suffereth in current day use? Please.
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Was there something significant about choosing the tribes in Deuteronomy 27:12-13?
KJV Deuteronomy 27 : 12 – 13 These shall stand upon mount Gerizim to bless the people, when ye are come over Jordan; Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph, and Benjamin: 13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; R…
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Why is Zibeon called a “Hivite” and not “Horite” at Gen 36:2? Was this not the son of “Seir the Horite” (36:20)?
Esau’s wife Aholibamah is said to be "the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite" (Gen 36:2). It is easy to fail to notice that a Zibeon is listed further down in the chapter as son of Seir the Horite (36:20), that An…
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How does one practically receive the “light of the knowledge” of the Glory of God in 2 Corinthians 4:6?
1) How does one practically receive the “light of the knowledge” of the Glory of God in 2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of …


