Why are there so many ‘Binitarian’ Formulations in the New Testament?

Why are so many references to God in the NT binitarian (Father and Son) rather than trinitarian (Father, Son and Spirit)? I’m thinking of Paul’s greetings, Stephen’s vision, Jesus’ speeches about unity with the Father, etc. Admittedly the Spirit grows more prominent after Pentecost, but I’ve wondered about this a lot. I’ve seen anti-trinitarians use this argument, but though I can explain it away, I’m not sure I can positively account for it. Thoughts?

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Should the Lord’s Supper Have a Sombre Tone?

I am wondering about your take on whether the Lord’s supper should be a somber event of introspection or a joyous meal of celebration. My understanding is that throughout church history it has been observed more as a somber event, but through the works of people like Leithart and Jordan I have come to see it as mainly a celebration of God’s kindness and favor.

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How Does Proverbs Fit in with the Rest of the OT?

How does the book of Proverbs fit in with the rest of the OT? It seems so general and universal, and hardly draws upon Israel’s particular covenant history. It rarely if at all appeals to special revelation from YHWH, the God of Israel, and discusses natural realities that are universally acknowledged. Is there much of a difference between Proverbs and the sort of wisdom literature that pagans would write?

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Is The Widow With The Two Mites A Positive Example Of Sacrificial Giving?

The story of the widow and her two mites (Luke 21:1-4) is often used to commend sacrificial giving. However, the immediate context contains Jesus condemning the Scribes for “devouring widows’ houses” and promising to destroy the temple. Is the story primarily about sacrificial giving? Or, is this story about a corrupt religious system that was devouring widows rather than caring and providing for them? The Macedonians in 2 Corinthians 8 gave out of their poverty, but it was in response to the gospel and doesn’t seem to have been their pennies.

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What Is Meant By Calling Marriage A Natural Institution?

If marriage is a pre-political institution then none of the measures laid down by the state (e.g. registration, marriage certificates etc.) make a marriage legitimate in God’s eyes. In which case, what does constitute a legitimate marriage in God’s eyes? One answer I’ve been given, based on Genesis 1-2, is something along the lines of: a man and a woman who make promises to each other before God and some witnesses. What are you thoughts on this, and which passage(s) would you use to make your case?

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