Recent content by Derf

Careful what you ignore: Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don't ignore it. [Pro 8:33 NLT] If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored. [Pro 13:18 NLT] Perhaps...or Perhaps not. Here's what most people will get out of it: Any...

Not if you read the book of Acts--which shows it was used during Paul's ministry and referre to those to whom Paul preached. I know you will ignore what I'm saying here, but you've made a claim that is false--that the term somehow only applied to those involved in Christ's earthly ministry to...

Seems like "under the altar" would have significance. The phrase is used in the sacrificial system thusly: And the sons of Aaron brought the blood unto him: and he dipped his finger in the blood, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar, and poured out the blood at the bottom of the altar: [Lev...

None of which addresses the word "disciple(s)", so I still don't get your point. But here is one place where "disciple" is used in relation to Paul and his ministry, curiously where he warns of those who preach false things to the church: Acts 20:30 KJV — Also of your own selves shall men...

I never saw that before. Funny that the authors of Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1,2,3 John, and Revelation ALSO never used the word disciple. They are soooooo different from the 12. Now, what were you going to say about that difference? Edit: I forgot Jude. He never used it either.

Under the altar? Why are they held prisoner in such a place? It appears to be symbolic language of people that are dead, not living in heaven.

What is authority, if not the power to force someone to do something? So power to decree is a force ("power" and "force" are synonyms. Decree and force are synonyms). But I agree foreknowledge is not a force. However, to know infallibly someone is going to do something before that person exists...

Could be. That's why I prefer the misplaced comma explanation.

Actually, the phrase could be read, "I say to you today, you will be with me in paradise." The commas are added by the translators. In this option "today" modifies the verb "tell", rather than "be". But if the thief is not conscious after his death and before his resurrection, then it will seem...

You are assuming that the eternal soul is something that is integral/foundational to Christianity. But it has been debated for thousands of years and still is today. If it can be debated with all of Paul's writings available to us, why would you think the Thessalonians got it all verbally before...

I think it means that we are dead to the wages of sin (it no longer has any effect on us in some way, probably in the fear it produces, since He gives us perfect peace). If we have died (in Christ), then we can't die again. But it's looking forward to a future reality when we will be resurrected...

Job thought so: Job 19:25-27 KJV — For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my...

Here's what you said: If physical eyes aren't the kind that can see it, then it is as invisible as God. That's not how man is described. Man's nature is physical. That's why Jesus had to become a physical man, to save the human/physical race. But you are assuming, it seems, that we are...

Why would you equate us with God in that way? He's invisible, but we are made in His image. So whatever we are, it seems to be visible ("image") by nature. And no, our "natural state" is not invisible. Adam was visible from the time he was created, even though he wasn't alive yet. Genesis 2:7...

Then I think my suggestion is valid. The simulated realm would be used because the realm would need to be destroyed to conquer sin and death and the corruption that those would bring to the realm. I'm not in agreement with your supposition, since that would suggest that we are "spiritual"...