Kosta, the language is very simple. The words are very simple. Your mind may work in some very . . . interesting ways . . . however, You are very bright.
I hope you are not trying to be deliberately obtuse.
Once again:
KOSTA50 SAID:
I am not opposed to Mark 16:17-18. I am simply asking where are those signs the verse speak of as a promise to the believers?!
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Kosta, here, you are asking WHERE ARE THOSE SIGNS mentioned in Mark 16:17-18 . . . asking Prottys, as I recall. I think it’s a fair question to ask.
It is Scripture. Scripture is true. Scripture is certainly true for those who apply it earnestly in faith to the best of their abilities, by and with God’s Grace and Spirit.
But if you are going to ask the question, I think it quite reasonable for you to answer the same question.
How often are those signs, mentioned in Mark, in your local Orthodox congregation and to what extent . . .
i.e.
How OFTEN [pretty simple word, Kosta, as in how frequently] in terms of times per service; times per month or some such?
How dramatically? AS in . . . how unusual, how atypical, how startling?
How miraculously? As in how obviously in ‘violation’ of the ‘normal’ laws of reality that most deal with on a daily basis.
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IF you fail to answer the question this time, I shall intrpret that as wholesale obtuseness, disingenuousness and duplicity relative to your asking the question of others while being unwilling to answer the same question yourself.
Additionally, I shall be selling my “shares of stock in ‘Kosta’s-useful-Scriptural-insight’” at a much reduced rate.
Try talking to a devout Muslim, and he will tell you the exact same thing. He believes the Koran as much as you believe the Chritsian Bible as much as a Jew rejects it and firmly believes that the true Scripture is only the Tanakh.
It's like someone asking "will the true believers" stand up and everyone stands up, a Christian, a Muslim, a Jew, a Hindu...they all claim and believe they are right and their scriputre is true.
So, don't tell me "Scripture is true" unless you can provide evidence to that effect other than your firm belief that it is. In which case have enough humility and say "I believe the Scripture is true."
How often are those signs, mentioned in Mark, in your local Orthodox congregation and to what extent
Never, ever. So, then, either the Orthodox are not believers or Mark is not telling the truth. But I have not seen these signs in any other Church or "church." There are people who masquarde as if they had the sings. People speak Klingon to make it look like they speak in "tongues," etc.
Now, there are people who claim visions, supernatural healing, and all that. I wasn't there, and I cannot be a witness. I do not deny that it is possible.
For instance, the incorruption of some saints' bodies is used as "proof" of their sainthood. What about all the other saints who disnitegrated after death? Does that mean they were not saints? And what about Indian gurus whose bodies remain intact? Does that mean they are actually saints?
IF you fail to answer the question this time, I shall intrpret that as wholesale obtuseness, disingenuousness and duplicity relative to your asking the question of others while being unwilling to answer the same question yourself
What makes you think that just because I ask questions I also have the answers? If I did, I wouldn't be asking for answers.
Additionally, I shall be selling my “shares of stock in ‘Kosta’s-useful-Scriptural-insight’” at a much reduced rate.
Why don't you. My pay is the same.