Questions That Need Answering
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This document addresses several biblical questions, providing multiple perspectives on each topic from various scripture passages. It discusses the thief on the cross and whether his salvation shows baptism is unnecessary. It also examines whether Phoebe was truly a deacon based on biblical usage of the Greek word. Additionally, it explores the ethics of euthanasia by considering humanity's role and the value of life according to scripture. Each question is analyzed through comparison of multiple relevant verses.
Questions That Need Answering
- 1. 2 Tim. 2:15 - 15Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
- 2. Questions That Need Answering
- 3. • What about the thief on the cross? – Does his pardon show that baptism isn’t necessary for salvation? – Both thieves originally reviled Christ (Matt. 27:44; Mark 15:32) – One had a change of heart (Luke 23:39-43) Questions That Need Answering
- 4. • What about the thief on the cross? – Jesus, while on earth, had the authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:1-12) • Repentance isn’t mentioned in regards to the paralytic. Does this mean we don’t have to repent today? Questions That Need Answering
- 5. • What about the thief on the cross? – Jesus, while on earth, had the authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:1-12) • The atoning power of Christ’s sacrifice was retroactive (Heb. 9:15) Questions That Need Answering
- 6. • What about the thief on the cross? – Baptism was not required for salvation until the establishment of the New Covenant (Heb. 9:15-17) – The New Law states that baptism is a condition of pardon (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21) Questions That Need Answering
- 7. • Was Phoebe a deacon? – Rom. 16:1 (NIV) - 1I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. – “deacon” is “diakonos” which means “servant.” Questions That Need Answering
- 8. • Was Phoebe a deacon? – Renderings of “diakonos” • Col. 1:25; Rom. 13:4 – “minister” • Rom. 15:25 – “serving” • Acts 6:2 – “serve” • John 2:5 – “servants” • Rom. 15:8 – “servant” • 1 Tim. 3:8; Phil. 1:1 – “deacons” Questions That Need Answering
- 9. • Was Phoebe a deacon? – The majority of translations render “diakonos” as “servant” in Rom. 16:1 • Rom. 16:1 (NKJV) - 1I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea… Questions That Need Answering
- 10. • Was Phoebe a deacon? – The majority of translations render “diakonos” as “servant” in Rom. 16:1 • Rom. 16:1 (ASV) - 1I commend unto you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church that is at Cenchreae: Questions That Need Answering
- 11. • Was Phoebe a deacon? – The office of a deacon can only be held by a man (1 Tim. 3:8-13) • The example in Acts 6:1-7 – Both men and women serve the church in various capacities, as Phoebe did, but only men can hold the office of deacon (Gal. 5:13; 1 Pet. 4:10) Questions That Need Answering
- 12. • Is euthanasia wrong? – The word literally means “good death” – Mercy killing – Life is a gift from God (Acts 17:25; Rev. 21:8; Rom. 14:7-8) – Humans are not animals (Gen. 1:26; Zech. 12:1) Questions That Need Answering
- 13. • Is euthanasia wrong? – There is a difference between producing death and allowing death – We are all terminal (Rom. 5:12; Heb. 9:27; 1 Thess. 4:15) – Allowing a loved one to “go home” may be the greatest mercy (2 Cor. 5:8) Questions That Need Answering
- 14. • Is euthanasia wrong? – Suffering is temporary (Rom. 8:18) – The example of Hezekiah (Isa. 38:1-5; Jas. 5:13-16) – The example of Paul (2 Cor. 12:7-10) Questions That Need Answering
- 15. Questions That Need Answering
- 16. 1 Pet. 4:17-18 - 17For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”