What questions do you have about the Bible?

SPC Nathan Freeman — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 07:50:53 -0400

I will start the first thread as a Daily Devotional. If you have questions about the Bible, I will research it for you and give you my best answer.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jun 3 at 2015 7:52 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 07:52:56 -0400

Did Jesus have any children? Supposedly he was married to Mary Magdalene.

Response by SPC Nathan Freeman made Jun 3 at 2015 8:08 AM

SPC Nathan Freeman — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 08:08:09 -0400

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were formed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
Hebrews 11:1-3

I often wondered what that verse means. As I look into molecular biology, I am fascinated by the fact that the closer we look at creation, the more complex it is. Everything we see is made of things we cant see without a microscope and other instruments that can see far smaller things than a microscope can. God has been working with nanotechnology since the beginning of time.

Response by SFC Steven Borders made Jun 3 at 2015 8:21 AM

SFC Steven Borders — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 08:21:28 -0400

I have a way different view than most about the bible. I know a lot of my family believes it word for word. I on the other hand do not. I believe that these are merely stories or fables if you will. Now, as most fables go they were based on some truth. So, I am sure that there are some truths to the bible.

But when you translate stories from Aramaic to Greek and then to Latin. Things get misinterpreted and lost. Stories get stretched.

Noah's arc for one. There is no way that two of every animal made it to Isreal. We are talking like Kangaroo's, Bison, Flamingos etc... Animals that in no way could travel to Isreal. I do however feel that there was an arc just smaller in size. That maybe held two of every animal in that region. Goats, Pigs, Horses, Camels etc.

Adam and Eve is another one. How do you explain pre-historic humans? They have been there way before Adam and Eve before even the bible. Adam is Aramaic for (man or mankind), Eve is an Americanized name. It is Ḥawwāh in Aramaic or (living one). Hence more than likely they are talking about the early humans. Why else would they use the word for mankind?

Kings have made their own versions of the bible. Taken what they want and left out what they didn't.

I am not saying you can't believe in the bible or shouldn't. I just know how I feel. I don't take it word for word.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Jun 3 at 2015 8:59 AM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 08:59:52 -0400

God bless you and the words you share with others that He may be glorified by you and that those who seek to find Him will and those who do not believe who read your words may come to believe and trust in Him.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 9:19 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 09:19:55 -0400

Why tag 'atheism'? You're going to get a lot of people that aren't interested in devotionals and, if anything, are more interested in making the bible seem like a mythological text.

As for me, I've attended church and read the bible to my satisfaction. I have no questions for you, really.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 4:02 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 16:02:36 -0400

Like SPC Private RallyPoint Member said, I do not see why you tagged Atheism.
I wouldn't tag Christianity in a post only about Atheism just because there may be some Christians who have unanswered questions.

SPC Nathan Freeman What makes you think the Bible is true? I guess that's my first question about the Bible.

Response by SPC Nathan Freeman made Jun 4 at 2015 8:12 AM

SPC Nathan Freeman — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 08:12:44 -0400

By faith, Abel offered a unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain. by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaks. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found because God translated him: for before he was translated, he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him for he that comes to God must believe that He is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:4-6

There is a lot of evidence out there of the existence of God. No one thing conclusively proves it. A leaf moving on a tree may not prove that the wind is blowing. It could be gravity. When you see all the leaves moving in the same direction, you can be sure it is the wind. You can't see the wind, but you can see the things that the wind moves. You can feel it. Sight is not the only way we observe things. How would you prove the existence of something to Helen Keller?

Response by SPC Nathan Freeman made Jun 5 at 2015 9:16 AM

SPC Nathan Freeman — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 09:16:27 -0400

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. Hebrews 11:7

Has God ever asked you to do something beyond your ability? Perhaps you said no because you knew you were incapable. I would encourage you to pray about it to make sure it is God who is speaking to you and not your own illusions of grandeur. If it came from God, then He is stretching your faith. Faith is a muscle that needs to be exercised. If God is not constantly trying to push you to your limits, you should be wondering why not. Get into the gym of faith and get fit.

Response by SPC Nathan Freeman made Jun 8 at 2015 7:32 AM

SPC Nathan Freeman — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 07:32:44 -0400

.By faith, Abraham when he was called to go out into a place where he should receive after receive for an inheritance, obeyed and he went out not knowing where he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:for he looked for a city which had foundations, whose builder and maker was God. Hebrews 11:8-10

Gods promise to Abraham was not fulfilled in his lifetime. He saw the land but he never owned it. The promise would be kept hundreds of years later. Often times, when we share Christ with others, we plant the seed but we don't see the harvest. Are you OK with that? Will you, by faith, share the good news knowing that you may watch the harvest from heaven some day? Think of the nameless evangelist who led Billy Graham or D L Moody to Christ. They also get to rejoice in the work of those who brought a harvest after they passed on. I hear Christians saying so often that they have a private faith. That is a cop out. There is no room for that in scripture. Jesus ' final commandment in Matthew 28:19-20 says, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you: and lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world". There's nothing private about that.

Response by LCpl Craig D. Pfautz made Jun 8 at 2015 8:35 AM

LCpl Craig D. Pfautz — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 08:35:02 -0400

WHO REALLY IS MY HIGHER POWER???

Response by SPC Nathan Freeman made Jun 9 at 2015 9:46 AM

SPC Nathan Freeman — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 09:46:26 -0400

Through faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand of the sea innumerable. These all died in faith, not having received the promise, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. Truly if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly country, wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he hath prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:11-16

Abraham and Sarah bet it all, their whole lives and livelihood on God. There was no "plan B" for them. If they were playing poker, they were all in. They spent their whole lives looking to the future of a city not of this world. The tiny parcel of land that is Israel was only a fraction of his inheritance from God. What will your legacy be? Are you all in for God or are you hedging your bets? Is God your plan A or Plan B or C? Do you see Christianity as a life insurance policy or a relationship? Abraham had a relationship. You can't truly walk by faith without having a relationship. Relationships require an investment of time and effort. If you were dating, how long would your relationship last if you said, " I love you but I'm only going to spend a couple hours a week with you and then pretend like you don't exist for the rest of the week"?

Response by SPC Nathan Freeman made Jun 10 at 2015 8:00 AM

SPC Nathan Freeman — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 08:00:32 -0400

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac, and he that received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, "That in Isaac shy seed shall be called", accounting that God was able to raise him up from the dead from whence also he received him in a figure. Hebrews 11:17-19

Here we see a foretelling of Christ. A loving father willing to sacrifice his son, expecting Him to rise again from the dead. It is said that Christ was crucified on that same mountain.
What are we willing to do for God? Will you allow yourself to be persecuted? Is your faith one of convenience or dedication?

Response by SPC Nathan Freeman made Jun 11 at 2015 8:20 AM

SPC Nathan Freeman — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 08:20:34 -0400

By faith, Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph and worshiped leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel and gave commandment of his bones (to be returned to Canaan) Hebrews 11:20-22

God has given us many promises. We need to know the promises. Teach the promises to our children. Most importantly, we need to live our lives according to the promises. Our children are watching us. Even we don't live by faith according to the promises, we can't expect them to either. Abraham's legacy was passed down through three generations. What will be your legacy? LTC Stephen F. PO1 J D Maxim MAJ Dave Brady SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas

Response by SPC Nathan Freeman made Jun 12 at 2015 8:01 AM

SPC Nathan Freeman — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 08:01:01 -0400

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw that he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. By faith Moses when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of the Pharoah's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

I find this an interesting play on words "seeing Him who is invisible". So many people don't want to believe in God because they can't see him. They say He can't be proven scientifically.
Yet they believe in infinity which can't be measured (and is therefore unscientific) and they believe in dark matter which can't be seen. We can see the effects of dark matter but we can't actually see dark matter. Jesus made the same analogy comparing the Holy Spirit to the wind in John chapter 3. We can see the wind move through the trees but we cant see where it came from or where it's going. Moses never saw the face of God, but he certainly saw God move in his life.

Response by SPC Nathan Freeman made Jul 21 at 2015 8:38 AM

SPC Nathan Freeman — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 08:38:02 -0400

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months by his parents, because they saw that he was a proper child and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharoah's daughter, choosing rather to suffer the affliction of the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasure of Egypt, for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. Hebrews 11:23-26

Since the time of Joseph, the Israelites had grown in number to the point where they outnumbered the Egyptians. The Pharoahs who didn't know Joseph enslaved them thinking this would curb the increase in population. It didn't work, so the Pharoah sent out an edict to kill all the male babies that were born. Now the parents had to hide their children to keep them from being murdered. Moses parents hid him in the reeds along the Nile river where his older sister looked after him. Pharoah's daughter saw him in the little basket he was in and adopted him. Once Moses found out that he belonged to the Israelites, he left his position in the kingdom where he had been a high ranking officer and fled Egypt. He killed an Egyptian guard who was beating an Israelite so he couldn't stay.

Persecution is coming for Christians. It has already started. The scriptures speak of a time when Christians won't be able to buy anything with money. Will you have the faith to endure persecution, even unto death? I see a lot of part time Christians out there that I doubt will endure trial by fire.

Lord, help us to abide in You and You in us as we face persecution. Let us keep our eyes on the treasures laid up in heaven.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2015 10:08 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 22:08:34 -0400

Who were the people Adam, Eve, Cain, and Abel encounter after departing Eden?

Response by MSgt Steve Miller made Aug 30 at 2015 8:34 AM

MSgt Steve Miller — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 08:34:26 -0400

Interesting question! It just gets people all worked up inside. So, we have two primary belief systems. Creationist and evolutionist seem to fit the bill for most folks. It’s either one or the other. Neither can be proven in a court of law, so both are by chose, or faith.

So, here is my question: The bible does not explicitly say that the world is only 6 thousand years old. There is a mathematical view in coming up with the time frame 6000. But, lets say the bible is correct, and if so did dinosaurs live amongst us?

Response by SSG James Arlington made Aug 30 at 2015 11:56 PM

SSG James Arlington — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 23:56:11 -0400

Everything. Why is God so cruel?

Response by CPT Jason Torpy made Sep 1 at 2015 11:52 AM

CPT Jason Torpy — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 11:52:07 -0400

what is the timeline of the resurrection? http://ffrf.org/legacy/books/lfif/stone.php

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Sep 6 at 2015 8:56 PM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 20:56:05 -0400

Why so many versions?

New International Version
New Living Translation
English Standard Version
New American Standard Bible
King James Bible
Holman Christian Standard Bible
International Standard Version
NET Bible
GOD'S WORD® Translation
JPS Tanakh 1917
New American Standard 1977
Jubilee Bible 2000
King James 2000 Bible
American King James Version
American Standard Version
Douay-Rheims Bible
Darby Bible Translation
English Revised Version
Webster's Bible Translation
World English Bible
Young's Literal Translation

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Sep 9 at 2015 11:56 PM

MAJ Keira Brennan — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 23:56:58 -0400

How did it end up on the coffee table? Really. What's the evolution of the cannon of scripture from the 1st - 4th century?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2015 12:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 12:33:58 -0500

A book of questionable origins of which no one is allowed to question. The people who are attributed with writing it were illiterate, bronze age savages. If you find answers there, I wonder what questions you were asking.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Nov 11 at 2015 1:00 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 13:00:27 -0500

I'm giving you a vote up to cover for the vote downs.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2015 1:02 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 13:02:10 -0500

You know... I wasn't going to respond. Mainly because this is for believers. I am by no means an atheist. But I also completely disagree with the bible and 99% of the followers. My issue is that, yes, you have beliefs, but when you are presented with facts, your only weapon to attack back is the bible. You say the bible is true. What evidence do you have? What do you draw on? The bible. So if you have a book that you argue is true and the only evidence of it being true is the book itself, then that, my fellow evolved privates, is called circular reasoning. I won't get into more right now. And likely will not respond to any additional posts about this. Let's just use our brains and let knowledge flow through our hearts.

P.s. people and dinosaurs, come on. Highly unlikely unless it's one of our hominid ancestors.

Response by TSgt John Temblador, PI, CIPA made Nov 16 at 2015 1:08 AM

TSgt John Temblador, PI, CIPA — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 01:08:39 -0500

Obama says he is God, mocks the Bible https://youtu.be/eY984VuVk_Q

Obama says he is God, mocks the Bible

Obama read Psalm 46 and attributed what was read to himself, PROCLAIMING HIMSELF AS GOD. Here are a few facts that really drive home that point. At the 9/11 ...

Response by TSgt John Temblador, PI, CIPA made Nov 16 at 2015 8:38 AM

TSgt John Temblador, PI, CIPA — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 08:38:34 -0500

Response by CPO Andy Carrillo, MS made Nov 17 at 2015 1:20 PM

CPO Andy Carrillo, MS — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 13:20:56 -0500

My questions are not so much about the Bible but for those who pervert its teachings to further their own agendas: why? "Constantine put little stock in the definition of [the Council of] Nicea itself: he was a politician to the last. Upon his death, his second son Constantius ruled in the East, and he gave great aid and comfort to Arianism. United by their rejection of the homoousion, semi-Arians and Arians worked to unseat a common enemy, almost always proceeding with political power on their side." Answer: the acquisition of power and how to hold it.
http://www.equip.org/article/what-really-happened-at-nicea/

What Really Happened at Nicea? - Christian Research Institute

Summary The Council of Nicea is often misrepresented by cults and other religious movements. The actual concern of the council was clearly and unambiguously the relationship between the Father and the Son. Is Christ a creature, or true God? The council said He was true God. Yet, the opponents of the deity of Christ did …

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 21 at 2015 12:44 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Sat, 21 Nov 2015 00:44:15 -0500

Some old questions from the internet..

a) When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

b) I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

c) I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

d) Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

e) I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?

f) A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an Abomination (Lev 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?

g) Lev 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?

h) Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev 19:27. How should they die?

i) I know from Lev 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

j) My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? (Lev 24:10-16) Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

Response by TSgt John Temblador, PI, CIPA made Nov 21 at 2015 2:27 PM

TSgt John Temblador, PI, CIPA — Sat, 21 Nov 2015 14:27:12 -0500

The devil comes to deceive, as an angel of light... and father of lies since Adam and Eve... to attack the mind and lie, and destroy... and attacked Jesus from those closest to Him.. But the Cross and the Blood of Jesus Reins and Restores and SAVES! Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent... GOD'S WORD SHALL STAND! Listen and Stand!! https://youtu.be/b-66JU-BaVI

The Inspirations: God's Word Will Stand

From their 2014 album: "God's Word Will Stand". This album features Dallas Rogers (Tenor), Matt Dibler (Lead), Melton Campbell (Baritone), and Jon Epley (Bas...

Response by TSgt John Temblador, PI, CIPA made Nov 21 at 2015 2:37 PM

TSgt John Temblador, PI, CIPA — Sat, 21 Nov 2015 14:37:25 -0500

Response by Cpl Lawrence Lavictoire made Nov 22 at 2015 11:02 AM

Cpl Lawrence Lavictoire — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 11:02:41 -0500

I think that nice of you to help, it really is. Before I start reading the Bible, I pray for God to grant me understanding of His Word, clarification of His Word and how to apply His Word to my life! All the answers to my questions are there. Just pray and, don't be in a hurry!

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Nov 22 at 2015 2:04 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 14:04:59 -0500

Being a rabbi, I know a thing or two about the Hebrew Bible, so ask away...

Response by MSG Gerry Poe made Nov 22 at 2015 2:09 PM

MSG Gerry Poe — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 14:09:28 -0500

I grew up going to church. Every Sunday, Wednesday and other days as well. I've heard great sermons and some not so great. I've been taught that Christianity ia a faith based belief that our savior died on the cross, rose on the third day, conquered death, and sits on the right hand if the father! We except him as our savior in our hearts and try to live a Godly life! Now, the only question I've ever had was. From the first scriptures written to the English version of the Bible, how many times has the good book been altered to make it what it is today? Is today's Bible even accurate to what it was originally suppose to be?

Response by SPC Nathan Freeman made Nov 23 at 2015 6:41 PM

SPC Nathan Freeman — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 18:41:15 -0500

https://youtu.be/CqybaIesbuA

Response by CW2 Max Dolan made Feb 25 at 2016 3:22 PM

CW2 Max Dolan — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 15:22:45 -0500

I've started looking into this to answer a question from someone else, so would like your opinion...How do you determine which "commands" or "rules" of the Old Testament apply to our lives as Christians today? We certainly don't stone witches or disobedient children, or those who marry outside of our faith. We do not forego the eating of pork (most of us) and we don't slay everyone when we take over an area militarily. I've been told an answer to this, but wanted to see what you say about it.

Response by Cpl Lawrence Lavictoire made Apr 6 at 2016 7:12 PM

Cpl Lawrence Lavictoire — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 19:12:38 -0400

Can a Christian lose their, "salvation"?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Feb 14 at 2017 7:02 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 07:02:35 -0500

I have no questions, think that you are on a great quest though.

Response by Lee Boy made May 27 at 2018 1:44 PM

Lee Boy — Sun, 27 May 2018 13:44:22 -0400

In Romans 3:30 it says: "Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law. If we Gentiles are no longer under the old covenant and under the law, but under grace through faith in Jesus Christ and His righteousness, how do we establish the law with out being under condemnation for failing to do so?

It is challenging enough to walk in the light of God's word in faith in Christ now it seems like it is saying we are also under the law and need to establish it. Sometimes it can get confusing and discouraging and when we find out there is another thing we are required to do it becomes a burden, not that I'm giving up.

Sorry for such a complex question and situation.