Blog15

Last updated 11-12-2022

Someone asked, "Do you believe that God talks to people outside of the bible?"

Darwin answered,

Are you talking about in the same way the Bible records Him speaking to the prophets? In that sense, there's nothing in the Bible to dictate that He doesn't. But, He has in the past chosen to be silent in that way (Amos 8:11-12), and there's nothing in Scripture saying He hasn't chosen to be silent in that way in our days as well.

We are commanded,

Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21)

So, if someone claimed to have a word from the Lord, then it is to be tested (1 John 4:1). If they were someone who is caught in false Christianity (e.g. Protestant, Catholic, Evangelical; etc.), then we would know it to be of the "spirit of error" (1 John 4:6; 5:10).

In another sense, God speaks to everyone (Job 33:14-30; Proverbs 1:20-23; 8:1-7; 9:3-6; Acts 17:30).

From: noah graciano

Sent: Thursday, September 3, 2020 4:48 PM

To: feedback@atruechurch.info

Subject: Earth

Does the bible say if earth is round or flat

From: Darwin

Sent: Friday, September 4, 2020 11:34 AM

To: noah graciano

Subject: Re: Earth

When God made the earth, He first created it "without form, and void" (Genesis 1:2). In other words, it had no particular shape. It was "without form" as in Psalm 139:16, "Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed." And, it was empty ("void"), not filled in yet, as Genesis shows during the days of creation. He fills the earth with life, etc.. The earth was also water everywhere ("the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters" Genesis 1:2). The land isn’t created until the third day (Genesis 1:9).

At some point, after He made light on the first day, "He drew a circular horizon on the face of the waters, at the boundary of light and darkness" (Job 26:10), and "He drew a circle on the face of the deep" (Prov. 8:27). This gave shape to the earth, thus no longer "without form" (Genesis 1:2). Since it was all water everywhere, and the horizon is everywhere, the "circular" shape He made dictates a sphere; since a circle in every direction is a sphere.

Also, Job notes, "He stretches out the north over empty space; He hangs the earth on nothing" (Job 26:7), as is seen in photographs of the earth "floating" (if you will) in space. Job also says, "He commands the sun, and it does not rise; He seals off the stars" (Job 9:7). This happens at the poles every winter and summer. The sun doesn't rise for about 11 weeks in the winter, and likewise the stars during the summer are not seen (sealed off), because of the 24/7 daylight during summer.

Finally, if you haven't yet, please let me encourage you to take a serious look at our Statement of Faith (atruechurch.info/statement.html). May the Lord direct you into His truth.

In Joshua our Savior,

Darwin

Someone asked,

In Scripture when He tells us to abstain from filthy speech, what do you think would be categorized as such?

Darwin answered,

I don't know, other than what I find in Scripture. Colossians 3:8 says,

But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.

I know a good portion of our society considers "filthy language" to be of the nature of what is called profanity, vulgar language, cuss words, or swear words. But, how is it Biblically proven they are "filthy language" or a "corrupt word" (Ephesians 4:29), other than filthy/ungodly in meaning (what is meant by what is said)? Obviously, any language against the Word is corrupt, filthy, perverse (Proverbs 8:13 perverse mouth), things like cursing (wrongly wishing evil upon someone, e.g. Exodus 22:28; Job 31:30; James 3:9-10), slandering (falsely accusing, 2 Timothy 3:3), evil boasting (e.g. Psalm 94:4; Proverbs 27:1; James 4:3-16), crying wolf (Proverbs 26:18-19), etc.. There are even words "which it is not lawful for a man to utter" (2 Corinthians 12:4). But, those aren't revealed.

As for me, in an effort to not be unnecessarily offensive (1 Corinthians 10:31-33; Romans 12:17-18) or unnecessarily appear evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV), I don't use certain language. I also don't like to hear such, because I know,

No man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison (James 3:8).

I know if they get in my mind (especially often), they will come out of my mouth when I don't want them too.

BTW, the word for "filthy language" in Colossians 3:8 is a compound word only found here. The first part of it (filthy) is found in 1 Corinthians 11:6 (shameful NKJV); 14:35 (shameful); Ephesians 5:12 (shameful); and Titus 1:11 (dishonest, probably better shameful).

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