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  1. younglite

    Why the change in view of God after the 3rd century?

    Actually, it was Theophilus who first gave us the term Trinity, and Tertullian used it later. Speaking of Tertullian, please explain what he means by these quotes... "Because God is in like manner a Father, and He is also a Judge; but He has not always been Father and Judge, merely on the...
  2. younglite

    Why the change in view of God after the 3rd century?

    No argument there. I am definitely a Trinitarian, but I also believe the Trinity as understood by the earliest interpretations of Scripture, in which the Father was "True God" or "Most High God," while His Son and Spirit were God because they were brought forth from the Father. They are God by...
  3. younglite

    Why the change in view of God after the 3rd century?

    Sorry. I missed that. I did assume you were telling me I was twisting doctrine. Thanks for the clarification.
  4. younglite

    Why the change in view of God after the 3rd century?

    I don't believe in creating doctrines out of an obscure passage. The whole of Scripture must be considered. So how would you explain these verses? John 3:33-35 and John 5:43-44: Jesus refers to the Father as the “only God.” John 17:3 – Only true God is Whom Jesus is talking to. (see also John...
  5. younglite

    Why the change in view of God after the 3rd century?

    There was certainly a different view of God prior to the 4th century. From the NT disciples up until just beyond the Nicean Creed, we see a belief of God that includes subordinationism. Basically the earliest writers of Christianity taught in the Father as "True God," while the Son and Spirit...
  6. younglite

    Bible Study Question

    When you say we're not "under the law," it doesn't mean we don't still do (or not do) things required by the law. Jesus didn't come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it (Matt. 5:17). He explains further in that same passage to go beyond the law - don't just avoid murder - don't even hate. Don't...
  7. younglite

    Bible Study Where In Heaven Do Christians Go When They Die.

    There is no teacher who teaches everything correctly. John M. is no exception. I even look over my old sermons, and say, "Yikes! I used to teach THAT??!" I have taught for years that hell (hades) is a current holding place until the final judgment. As we see in the parable of the rich man and...
  8. younglite

    Growth Character Discussion

    Fair enough, Pete. Sorry I misunderstood the direction of your post.
  9. younglite

    Growth Character Discussion

    Sounds like you're part of a good church, Blake. Sorry to hear there's not much in the way of mentoring. Sadly, this is the case with most churches and pastors. But you did say it was a big church. Most larger churches have a men's ministry. Does yours? Is it active?
  10. younglite

    Growth Character Discussion

    Pete, I hear you about waiting until you are perfect. But the Bible is clear about laying hands (ordaining) a man too soon before he is ready. It says to test leaders before sending them out. I don't know Blake well enough to say, which is why I was asking him to consider mentoring. But...
  11. younglite

    Growth Character Discussion

    I am willing to discuss this further, Blake - as much as you are willing. Since your story is similar to my own, I pray we can learn from each other. Maybe you will show me things I missed along the way. So feel free to ask questions or point out things I am not understanding. My initial...
  12. younglite

    Growth Character Discussion

    Blake, thanks for being so honest. I know your story because it is similar to my own. Mentoring was a huge part of the culture in the days of the NT. The rabbinic model was to train young men (women trained young ladies) in character formation, education and right thinking. The Greeks sought...
  13. younglite

    Growth Calling All Ministers

    Good questions, Blake. Before I answer, what are you referring to specifically? Are you sensing a call to be a pastor in an American church? Are you asking about a lay ministry? fyi - I don't like the distinctions between pastors and "lay" people. We're all ministers in the kingdom. I can tell...
  14. younglite

    Bible Study The Trinity clarified by the apostles and early disciples

    Sure, send the links. Does the study focus primarily on the role and activities of the Holy Spirit? Does it mention His origins at all? Okay, I see where you got confused. When someone says Jack and Jill went to their house and apartment "respectively," it means Jack went to his house and Jill...
  15. younglite

    Bible Study Question

    kiwidan, the key is not to focus on all those bad organizations, but to find a worthwhile cause to be a part of and give to. Be generous.
  16. younglite

    Bible Study Question

    Hello Reba. I am a pastor of 30+ years. I have spent most of those years as a bi-vocational pastor, which means I held a "secular" job while being a pastor. Paul chose not to be a burden to the church, so he made tents. At no point do we see in Scripture where the apostles took any money laid at...
  17. younglite

    Bible Study The Trinity clarified by the apostles and early disciples

    Thanks for your reply. To be clear, I never said the Holy Spirit was begotten. The Son is the Only Begotten. In fact, I said that the first thing that happened after the Son was begotten was that the Father and Son brought forth the Holy Spirit. I may have worded a phrase to seem that the Holy...
  18. younglite

    Bible Study Question

    After Jesus made his comment to the Pharisees about tithing spices, you never see the word again in the NT. I think tithing isn't giving 10% to your church to pay bills and salaries to "professional" ministers, but you will hear otherwise. I believe the 10% principle is the minimum level of what...
  19. younglite

    Bible Study Are you sure you will enter the kingdom of heaven if you die?

    Great question. The translation of "perfect" comes from the word "tam" in Hebrew. It was translated "perfect" in the KJV, but it doesn't mean how we mean it today. God told the Israelites to offer up sacrifices "without spot or blemish," which uses the same root word as perfect. The idea is not...
  20. younglite

    Bible Study Are you sure you will enter the kingdom of heaven if you die?

    Matt 7:21 refers to those who just call Jesus "Lord," but have no faith, love, or joy in doing His will. They cannot expect to enter the kingdom of heaven. These were the Pharisees of Jesus' day. They did al the religious requirements, but had no love for God or others. There are many Pharisees...
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