Master of Divinity Student

[Taylorj2]

Hello, everyone,

I have announced before that I am a master of divinity student enrolled in University. I will be obtaining my doctorate after this in theology. I have found it engaging and fun to do studies outside of schools, primarily to answer questions. A few things you should know that may provoke questions: I am a spirit-filled believer in the context of Charismatic denomination meaning I do believe in speaking in tongues. I am a continuationist and believe all the gifts are for today! I also believe a Christian can lose their salvation if they do not walk or live the life we are supposed to live in Christ.

All that to possibly start the thread. But I want anyone to ask me anything, and I will do my best to respond with a supported response. It will be a bit slower, because I am not trying to simply debate but explain why I believe what I BELIEVE with supported conclusions that may provoke you to think or look into an idea or subject, even if you disagree. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ! So, please, ask away! I will answer anything!

 

[shittim]

A few years ago that introduction would set off a huge explosion, we have all seen His own grow in Him the way Jesus modeled.
blessings

 

[Taylorj2]

A few years ago that introduction would set off a huge explosion, we have all seen His own grow in Him the way Jesus modeled.
blessings

Our aim as believers should never be to condemn or shut other believers down. When I speak, I do have presuppositions, we all do. However, I do attempt to see the other side of the coin. For instance, if someone does not believe in tongues, I begin to ask myself the question of why? Then that why leads into a study, and the study into an answer in and through the lens of scripture. All Bible based discussion should lead deeper into His word.

 

[ResidentAlien]

Hello, everyone,

I have announced before that I am a master of divinity student enrolled in University. I will be obtaining my doctorate after this in theology. I have found it engaging and fun to do studies outside of schools, primarily to answer questions. A few things you should know that may provoke questions: I am a spirit-filled believer in the context of Charismatic denomination meaning I do believe in speaking in tongues. I am a continuationist and believe all the gifts are for today! I also believe a Christian can lose their salvation if they do not walk or live the life we are supposed to live in Christ.

All that to possibly start the thread. But I want anyone to ask me anything, and I will do my best to respond with a supported response. It will be a bit slower, because I am not trying to simply debate but explain why I believe what I BELIEVE with supported conclusions that may provoke you to think or look into an idea or subject, even if you disagree. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ! So, please, ask away! I will answer anything!

I'm curious why you wanted a doctorate in theology.

 

[Taylorj2]

I'm curious why you wanted a doctorate in theology.

Great question,

So, I want to say about 4 years ago now I was in Kansas City, Missouri. I had just moved there and was attending Art college online. I went to a series of meetings, and during the meeting there was an awesome man by the name of Eric Mataxes. He wrote a book on Bonhoeffer. I read it and while reading it, I felt the Lord spoke in my heart and told me that He wanted me to be a theologian. I resisted at first, but within months I withdrew from the Art school and applied to school for theology. Later on in the year, the Lord confirmed it through a prophetic word. I was in the meeting and the man called me out by name, he told me I would write books and lift the blinder off of people's eyes. I actually resisted before he called my name, because he had called out people who are into theology! There were about two thousand people in that meeting and the Lord singled me out.

Ever since then, I obtained a bachelor's in Biblical Literature of the New Testament, now I am doing a master of divinity, and next will be theology. I believe that I am heading towards being a professor in college for a time. I am open to whatever master Jesus wants!

 

[GWH]

Hello, everyone,

I have announced before that I am a master of divinity student enrolled in University. I will be obtaining my doctorate after this in theology. I have found it engaging and fun to do studies outside of schools, primarily to answer questions. A few things you should know that may provoke questions: I am a spirit-filled believer in the context of Charismatic denomination meaning I do believe in speaking in tongues. I am a continuationist and believe all the gifts are for today! I also believe a Christian can lose their salvation if they do not walk or live the life we are supposed to live in Christ.

All that to possibly start the thread. But I want anyone to ask me anything, and I will do my best to respond with a supported response. It will be a bit slower, because I am not trying to simply debate but explain why I believe what I BELIEVE with supported conclusions that may provoke you to think or look into an idea or subject, even if you disagree. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ! So, please, ask away! I will answer anything!

Been there, done that, at a Baptist seminary. I believe charismatics have not been able to heal diseases miraculously,
nor am I impressed by babbling. However, I am familiar with the arguments using Scripture for defending such belief,
and I have no quarrel with Pentecostals except for hard-liners who insist Spirit-filling is manifested by the gift
of tongues instead of by loving fruit, which clearly contradicts John 13:35 and several statements in Paul's epistles
as well as what is NOT stated.

My belief regarding God's requirement for salvation (GRFS) is this:

The normative way of stating the kerygma/GRFS in the NT is “Accept Christ Jesus as Lord” (as in 2Cor. 4:5 & Col. 2:6).
The main points of Christian orthodoxy implicit in this statement can be explained or elaborated as follows:

1. There is a/one all-loving and just Lord or God (Deut. 6:4, John 3:16, 2Thes. 1:6), who is both able (2Tim. 1:12) and willing (1Tim. 2:3-4, Ezek. 33:11) to provide all morally accountable human beings salvation or heaven—a wonderful life full of love, joy and peace forever.
2. Human beings are selfish or sinful (Rom. 3:23, 2Tim. 3:2-4, Col. 3:5), miserable (Gal. 5:19-21), and hopeless (Eph. 2:12) or hell-bound at the judgment (Matt. 23:33 & 25:46) when they reject God’s salvation (John 3:18, Rom. 2:5-11).
3. Jesus is God’s Messiah/Christ and incarnate Son, the way that God has chosen (John 3:16, Acts 16:30-31, Phil. 2:9-11) of providing salvation by means of his atoning death on the cross for the payment of the penalty for the sins of humanity (Rom. 3:22-25 & 5:9-11), followed by his resurrection to reign in heaven (1Cor. 15:14-28).
4. Thus, every person who hears the NT Gospel needs to repent and accept God’s justification in Jesus as Christ/Messiah the Lord or Supreme Commander (Luke 2:11, John 14:6, Acts 16:31), which means trying to obey His commandment to love one another (Matt. 22:37-40, John 13:35, Rom. 13:9)—forever (Matt. 10:22, Psa. 113:2).
5. Then God’s Holy Spirit will establish a saving relationship with those who freely accept/love Him (Rev. 3:20) that will eventually achieve heaven when by means of persevering in learning Truth/God’s Word/sanctification everyone cooperates fully with His will (John 14:6, 17&26, Rom. 8:6-17, Gal. 6:7-9, Eph. 1:13-14, Heb. 10:36, 12:1, Jam. 1:2-4).

 

[Taylorj2]

Been there, done that, at a Baptist seminary. I believe charismatics have not been able to heal diseases miraculously,
nor am I impressed by babbling. However, I am familiar with the arguments using Scripture for defending such belief,
and I have no quarrel with Pentecostals except for hard-liners who insist Spirit-filling is manifested by the gift
of tongues instead of by loving fruit, which clearly contradicts John 13:35 and several statements in Paul's epistles
as well as what is NOT stated.

My belief regarding God's requirement for salvation (GRFS) is this:

The normative way of stating the kerygma/GRFS in the NT is “Accept Christ Jesus as Lord” (as in 2Cor. 4:5 & Col. 2:6).
The main points of Christian orthodoxy implicit in this statement can be explained or elaborated as follows:

1. There is a/one all-loving and just Lord or God (Deut. 6:4, John 3:16, 2Thes. 1:6), who is both able (2Tim. 1:12) and willing (1Tim. 2:3-4, Ezek. 33:11) to provide all morally accountable human beings salvation or heaven—a wonderful life full of love, joy and peace forever.
2. Human beings are selfish or sinful (Rom. 3:23, 2Tim. 3:2-4, Col. 3:5), miserable (Gal. 5:19-21), and hopeless (Eph. 2:12) or hell-bound at the judgment (Matt. 23:33 & 25:46) when they reject God’s salvation (John 3:18, Rom. 2:5-11).
3. Jesus is God’s Messiah/Christ and incarnate Son, the way that God has chosen (John 3:16, Acts 16:30-31, Phil. 2:9-11) of providing salvation by means of his atoning death on the cross for the payment of the penalty for the sins of humanity (Rom. 3:22-25 & 5:9-11), followed by his resurrection to reign in heaven (1Cor. 15:14-28).
4. Thus, every person who hears the NT Gospel needs to repent and accept God’s justification in Jesus as Christ/Messiah the Lord or Supreme Commander (Luke 2:11, John 14:6, Acts 16:31), which means trying to obey His commandment to love one another (Matt. 22:37-40, John 13:35, Rom. 13:9)—forever (Matt. 10:22, Psa. 113:2).
5. Then God’s Holy Spirit will establish a saving relationship with those who freely accept/love Him (Rev. 3:20) that will eventually achieve heaven when by means of persevering in learning Truth/God’s Word/sanctification everyone cooperates fully with His will (John 14:6, 17&26, Rom. 8:6-17, Gal. 6:7-9, Eph. 1:13-14, Heb. 10:36, 12:1, Jam. 1:2-4).

GWH, I do agree with you on the premise of Salvation. I do not believe that a person who has accepted Christ has to speak in tongues. Rather, it is through the action and proclamation of the Gospel (Matthew 28:19). I do, however, disagree that having the gifts is not empowered by the Spirit of God. The miraculous is marked in the ministry of Jesus (Matt. 8:1-4, Matt. 9:27-31; Mk. 1:23-28 ect.). The miraculous is also marked by the ministry of the Apostles (Acts 3, 5, 9:32-35 28:7-9).

I believe these gifts will be passed down through the ages until the return of Jesus. I believe that people are healed, and scripture instructs us to pray for people to be healed (Mk. 16:17-18; James 5:14-16). I do believe that tongues is more than babbling and I do believe every believer can do it as demonstrated in the Book of Acts. While Acts 2 marks the Apostles speaking in tongues and people understanding the language, Acts 10 does not nor does it say the tongue was interpreted. Acts 19:6, Paul lays hands on believers and they both speak in Tongues and they prophesy (Note they are not Apostles nor do they have a position of leadership within the Church. They are normal believers of no reputation.), the passage also does not imply or state the tongue was interpreted.

 

[GWH]

GWH, I do agree with you on the premise of Salvation. I do not believe that a person who has accepted Christ has to speak in tongues. Rather, it is through the action and proclamation of the Gospel (Matthew 28:19). I do, however, disagree that having the gifts is not empowered by the Spirit of God. The miraculous is marked in the ministry of Jesus (Matt. 8:1-4, Matt. 9:27-31; Mk. 1:23-28 ect.). The miraculous is also marked by the ministry of the Apostles (Acts 3, 5, 9:32-35 28:7-9).

I believe these gifts will be passed down through the ages until the return of Jesus. I believe that people are healed, and scripture instructs us to pray for people to be healed (Mk. 16:17-18; James 5:14-16). I do believe that tongues is more than babbling and I do believe every believer can do it as demonstrated in the Book of Acts. While Acts 2 marks the Apostles speaking in tongues and people understanding the language, Acts 10 does not nor does it say the tongue was interpreted. Acts 19:6, Paul lays hands on believers and they both speak in Tongues and they prophesy (Note they are not Apostles nor do they have a position of leadership within the Church. They are normal believers of no reputation.), the passage also does not imply or state the tongue was interpreted.

I am glad we agree regarding GRFS, and I agree that we should desire/pray for folks to be healed,
especially of spiritual sickness. Babbling was a pagan practice that even unbelievers can do,
which is why it is not a miraculous or even an impressive gift.

I believe every ability that anyone has is given by God, but believers want to exercise them as led by the HS,
whereas atheists do not glorify God. I also believe that Acts merely records what occurred during the transition
from the OT beliefs to the NT doctrine that is taught in the epistles, which never command tongues or WB as
signs of Spirit baptism (SB) or as essential for salvation.

Over...

 

[Squigglylines]

Hello, everyone,

I have announced before that I am a master of divinity student enrolled in University. I will be obtaining my doctorate after this in theology. I have found it engaging and fun to do studies outside of schools, primarily to answer questions. A few things you should know that may provoke questions: I am a spirit-filled believer in the context of Charismatic denomination meaning I do believe in speaking in tongues. I am a continuationist and believe all the gifts are for today! I also believe a Christian can lose their salvation if they do not walk or live the life we are supposed to live in Christ.

All that to possibly start the thread. But I want anyone to ask me anything, and I will do my best to respond with a supported response. It will be a bit slower, because I am not trying to simply debate but explain why I believe what I BELIEVE with supported conclusions that may provoke you to think or look into an idea or subject, even if you disagree. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ! So, please, ask away! I will answer anything!

I'm curious of something. In the coarse you are taking when they(your instructors), came to the translations of the writings at around 384ad by Jerome for the Latin Vulgate what all did they tell you of the Gospel of Matthew? More in specific when Jerome had gathered the different copies of the Gospel of Matthew from the different Churches what did they(your instructors) say that Jerome said he found?

 

[Omegatime]

Hello, everyone,

I have announced before that I am a master of divinity student enrolled in University. I will be obtaining my doctorate after this in theology. I have found it engaging and fun to do studies outside of schools, primarily to answer questions. A few things you should know that may provoke questions: I am a spirit-filled believer in the context of Charismatic denomination meaning I do believe in speaking in tongues. I am a continuationist and believe all the gifts are for today! I also believe a Christian can lose their salvation if they do not walk or live the life we are supposed to live in Christ.

All that to possibly start the thread. But I want anyone to ask me anything, and I will do my best to respond with a supported response. It will be a bit slower, because I am not trying to simply debate but explain why I believe what I BELIEVE with supported conclusions that may provoke you to think or look into an idea or subject, even if you disagree. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ! So, please, ask away! I will answer anything!

---------------------------------------------------------------------


Thus, tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is not for unbelievers but for believers. 1 Cor 14:22

Do you have many unbelievers in your church??

 

[shittim]

Been there, done that, at a Baptist seminary. I believe charismatics have not been able to heal diseases miraculously,
nor am I impressed by babbling. However, I am familiar with the arguments using Scripture for defending such belief,
and I have no quarrel with Pentecostals except for hard-liners who insist Spirit-filling is manifested by the gift
of tongues instead of by loving fruit, which clearly contradicts John 13:35 and several statements in Paul's epistles
as well as what is NOT stated.

My belief regarding God's requirement for salvation (GRFS) is this:

The normative way of stating the kerygma/GRFS in the NT is “Accept Christ Jesus as Lord” (as in 2Cor. 4:5 & Col. 2:6).
The main points of Christian orthodoxy implicit in this statement can be explained or elaborated as follows:

1. There is a/one all-loving and just Lord or God (Deut. 6:4, John 3:16, 2Thes. 1:6), who is both able (2Tim. 1:12) and willing (1Tim. 2:3-4, Ezek. 33:11) to provide all morally accountable human beings salvation or heaven—a wonderful life full of love, joy and peace forever.
2. Human beings are selfish or sinful (Rom. 3:23, 2Tim. 3:2-4, Col. 3:5), miserable (Gal. 5:19-21), and hopeless (Eph. 2:12) or hell-bound at the judgment (Matt. 23:33 & 25:46) when they reject God’s salvation (John 3:18, Rom. 2:5-11).
3. Jesus is God’s Messiah/Christ and incarnate Son, the way that God has chosen (John 3:16, Acts 16:30-31, Phil. 2:9-11) of providing salvation by means of his atoning death on the cross for the payment of the penalty for the sins of humanity (Rom. 3:22-25 & 5:9-11), followed by his resurrection to reign in heaven (1Cor. 15:14-28).
4. Thus, every person who hears the NT Gospel needs to repent and accept God’s justification in Jesus as Christ/Messiah the Lord or Supreme Commander (Luke 2:11, John 14:6, Acts 16:31), which means trying to obey His commandment to love one another (Matt. 22:37-40, John 13:35, Rom. 13:9)—forever (Matt. 10:22, Psa. 113:2).
5. Then God’s Holy Spirit will establish a saving relationship with those who freely accept/love Him (Rev. 3:20) that will eventually achieve heaven when by means of persevering in learning Truth/God’s Word/sanctification everyone cooperates fully with His will (John 14:6, 17&26, Rom. 8:6-17, Gal. 6:7-9, Eph. 1:13-14, Heb. 10:36, 12:1, Jam. 1:2-4).

if the words "I,me, my", are in our vocabulary we aren't where Her wants us to be, we are no longer our own if we are in Him.
Good thing you left the baptists, now don't stop till you are in relationship with our Savior.
blessings

 

[Aaron56]

PhD's are for men. Degrees help open doors. Pray that you will come to be known for your relationship with the Lord. When they introduce you by your name only you will know you are preparing the Lord's table for the Lord's House.

Bless you.

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

Greetings @Taylorj2 and blessings on your studies. Do you have an opinion on why the protestant world remains so ignorant of the Septuagint (LXX)? Most of the OT quotes in the NT match the LXX rather than the Masoretic Text (MT), so it would be beneficial for Christians to know this, as it would remove an element of confusion and a stumbling block to faith. I have read that the Dead Sea Scrolls match the LXX more than the MT, but I haven't explored this to verify.

Another example is Zechariah 14:5. There is considerable evidence that the LXX version of it is the correct reading, whereas the MT version appears to reflect a Jewish tradition of the messiah splitting the Mt of Olives for his people to flee through just as Moses split the Red Sea for Israel to flee through. That tradition may be reflected in Targum Jonathan to the Prophets that has "at the Red Sea" appended to the end of Zechariah 14:3. The Jewish Publication Society, which has an official policy of using the MT for its bibles, has used the LXX version of Zechariah 14:5 in some bibles (eg, Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures, post 1985). I don't know why they made that decision, but IMO it is a significant indication that they recognize the LXX version is correct and the MT version is not.

 

[GWH]

if the words "I,me, my", are in our vocabulary we aren't where Her wants us to be, we are no longer our own if we are in Him.
Good thing you left the baptists, now don't stop till you are in relationship with our Savior.
blessings

How about YOU don't stop until YOU are in relationship with Christ?!
Judgmentalism rears its aspish head! How about telling me what you disagree with point by point?

 

[shittim]

Just reminding of what our Bible teaches. If it makes you defensive please take it to the Lord for His guidance.
Also teaches that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks, and you certainly exposed the abundance of YOUR heart.
best wishes

 

[shittim]

Greetings @Taylorj2 and blessings on your studies. Do you have an opinion on why the protestant world remains so ignorant of the Septuagint (LXX)? Most of the OT quotes in the NT match the LXX rather than the Masoretic Text (MT), so it would be beneficial for Christians to know this, as it would remove an element of confusion and a stumbling block to faith. I have read that the Dead Sea Scrolls match the LXX more than the MT, but I haven't explored this to verify.

Another example is Zechariah 14:5. There is considerable evidence that the LXX version of it is the correct reading, whereas the MT version appears to reflect a Jewish tradition of the messiah splitting the Mt of Olives for his people to flee through just as Moses split the Red Sea for Israel to flee through. That tradition may be reflected in Targum Jonathan to the Prophets that has "at the Red Sea" appended to the end of Zechariah 14:3. The Jewish Publication Society, which has an official policy of using the MT for its bibles, has used the LXX version of Zechariah 14:5 in some bibles (eg, Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures, post 1985). I don't know why they made that decision, but IMO it is a significant indication that they recognize the LXX version is correct and the MT version is not.

Good info, thank you!!

 

[GWH]

Just reminding of what our Bible teaches. If it makes you defensive please take it to the Lord for His guidance.
Also teaches that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks, and you certainly exposed the abundance of YOUR heart.
best wishes

Telling me I am not saved is NOT GW but exposes the depth of your bull--im.

 

[shittim]

Didn't say you weren't saved, you did however show everyone here thst you allow yourself to be triggered, that is not a sign of spiritual maturity.
Everyone comes to Jesus as they are, but we must not stay that way, we continually grow to conformation into the image of the Son.
best wishes

 

[Howdy]

Hello, everyone,

I have announced before that I am a master of divinity student enrolled in University. I will be obtaining my doctorate after this in theology. I have found it engaging and fun to do studies outside of schools, primarily to answer questions. A few things you should know that may provoke questions: I am a spirit-filled believer in the context of Charismatic denomination meaning I do believe in speaking in tongues. I am a continuationist and believe all the gifts are for today! I also believe a Christian can lose their salvation if they do not walk or live the life we are supposed to live in Christ.

All that to possibly start the thread. But I want anyone to ask me anything, and I will do my best to respond with a supported response. It will be a bit slower, because I am not trying to simply debate but explain why I believe what I BELIEVE with supported conclusions that may provoke you to think or look into an idea or subject, even if you disagree. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ! So, please, ask away! I will answer anything!

What university?
Not to put you down, but having a doctorate does not mean a person has a full understanding of Scripture.
In my 65 years as a born again believer, I have found that men who never attended a university or Bible school often have a greater understand of Scripture than those with doctorate degrees.

 

[Taylorj2]

What university?
Not to put you down, but having a doctorate does not mean a person has a full understanding of Scripture.
In my 65 years as a born again believer, I have found that men who never attended a university or Bible school often have a greater understand of Scripture than those with doctorate degrees.

I would never claim to have superior knowledge for reason of pride. The scriptures tell us to remain humble, and having knowledge is great, praise the Lord, but you have to guard the heart because knowledge puffs up. With that being said, I won't say the University, because I know it will just bring up issues in this chat. I will say that it is very good and It is thorough!