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Where we are with race relations
New Era
Over the last few months, there has been talk about what certain athletes were saying about what was going on in terms of Police/Urban Resident relationships, and about Immigrant issues, and a number of other things that have hit our joint collective thought.
Well, I have news for many of you, this isn't really new, despite the way it may be spun..Think about Harry Belafonte and others making political statements during the Civil Rights Era, Jane Fonda speaking out against the Vietnam War, and so much more.
Shucks, I even remember attending a Track meet in the late 70's, a Pan African Game that was known for two things in my memory...The streaker who almost missed the Steeple jump water hurtle and almost fell in, and the race between a Famous Kenyan runner and several Americans, and the fact that at one point someone put up in the Field a make shift new score board that was basically White against Black...Wasn't much of a contest in that race...
And, of course, all of that conversation got me to thinking about how we treat each other in this world....Why should I care if a Man has a significant other who is of the same gender, or whether my neighbor has a Swinging lifestyle, or whether my neighbor is from Egypt, Germany, Australia, or even Mars (if that is possible)......Why should I care that one neighbor might believe in Buddha, another in Mohammed, and another in Jesus, and there might even be some who believe that plants are smarter than we are and maybe even some who are practicing Wiccans....
It seems that too often we are worried about what is going on outside of our own lives, and that can be a very boring existence...Maybe it's time we just respect everyone's right to believe what they want and live as they want, and stop trying to impose our values on others.. Maybe we should all just try to live a fair and Just live that is full of respect and honor for others....Maybe it's a Utopian vision, but it's one worth pursuing....
Comments
I've got to get another computer! This one is so slow (antiquated)!
There’s only ONE “CHURCH” which has been “chosen by GOD” (Ephesians 4:11), who are “members of His body” (I Corinthians 12), who “Study” (II Timothy 2:15) and “Obey” (I John 2:3-5) the Word of God not via “Inhabicommunicablity” but by the Spirit of God! There is no “division” in “The Church” (I Corinthians 1:10; Did you see “the same JUDGMENT” in this verse?) for we have the SAME “Mind of Christ” (Philippians 2:5)! What other “Mind” would a person have *IF* they’ve “waited” (Acts 1:4) for the Promise of the Holy Spirit as commanded? GOD (aka Holy Spirit) then “works in us” who has ONE MIND!
Now! What does that tell you? Can’t you see “man” has used His Word for motives other than saving souls? When you see “Prosperity Ministries,” you must “STUDY” to see what GOD SAID concerning “giving” (II Peter 1:3)! Under the New Covenant, we “give” according to what’s “purposed in our “hearts!” The New Covenant is an ALL SPIRITUAL COVENANT wherein GOD operates in Spirit “looking at man’s heart” (and pocketbook) when it comes to “giving!” GOD SAID (through Paul) in II Corinthians 9:7 “Every man according as he *purposeth in his heart*, so let him give; not grudgingly, OR OF NECESSITY: For GOD loves a cheerful giver.”
Look at Jesus! He “looks at man’s heart” (knowing his pocketbook) when it comes to “giving!” Unfortunately, “Prosperity Ministers” use Scriptures under the Old Covenant (“Inhabicommunicable”) to condemn man and to make him “think” it is of “necessity” to give 10%! Didn’t GOD SAY what’s “purposeth in his heart” is what we are to “give” under the New Covenant? If one feels 10% is “purposed in his heart” and another 25%, yet another 1%; GOD “looks at the heart” (and pocketbook)! What about the “widower’s mite” (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4)? Did she not “give” all? Was she not blessed? That’s why JESUS SAID “It more blessing to “give” than to receive” (Acts 20:35)!
Chris: Didn’t GOD say “Let *US*…” in Genesis 1:26? Who do you think the *US* were? The *US* were *ALL the “Glories” of GOD, including Jesus! John 1:14 says “He (Jesus Christ) was in the world, AND THE WORLD WAS *MADE* BY HIM, and (as TODAY) the world knew Him not!” John 1:14 says “And the Word (aka GOD; John 1:1) was made FLESH, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His “Glory,” the “Glory” [LISTEN] *as of* the only begotten of the Father,) full of GRACE and TRUTH.” That why JESUS didn’t LIE (Numbers 22:19) in Revelation 22:13 when HE SAID, “I am alpha and Omega, the beginning AND THE END!”
GOD! Have Mercy on ALL souls who have been “taught” TWISTED doctrine via “Inhabicommunicability!”
What “religious prophets?” Isaiah 8:20 says “To the law and to the testimony: IF THEY SPEAK NOT ACCORDING T *THIS WORD*, it is because THERE IS NO LIGHT IN THEM.” Now! Who would you rather believe; “man or God” (Acts 5:29)?
READ II Kings 17:29-41 concerning “Religion in other nations!”
Chris, when one has “obeyed” (John 14:15) His *last* commandment (Acts 1:4) and has “GOD working in us” (Philippians 2:13), how can they “hate?” If “correction” (II Timothy 3:16) appears to be “hate” to one, he doesn’t ‘know Jesus’! Leviticus 19:17 says “Thou shalt NOT “hate” thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise *REBUKE* thy neighbor, and not suffer sin upon him.” We were “commanded” in Titus 1:13 (under the New Covenant) “REBUKE THEM SHARPLY!” It says “This witness is TRUE. Wherefore REBUKE THEM SHARPLY, that they may be sound in the faith.”
Now! Look what “Religion” has “taught” MOST through “Inhabicommunicability!” When I “obey” the WORD of GOD, they say, “We know her by her fruit” (IGNORANTLY) not knowing the Word of GOD! Why do you think I call them FOOLS? When I give Scripture (aka WORD/GOD SPEAKING), although given, they “delete” instead of doing as the Bereans did in Acts 17:11 which was to “Search the Scriptures daily to see if these things are so!” By not doing so, “We know them by THEIR fruit” and that LOVE for GOD is not in them!
Chris, GOD SAID through the Prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 45:7 “I create good and evil!” Why would GOD “create evil?” To bring us to HIM! GOD allows us to make mistakes to find out “It ain’t working” and when our souls get tired of “Doing the same things and ending up with the same results,” we’ll finally realize “There’s nothing left – BUT GOD!” When we’ve tried everything and there still remains a feeling of ‘emptiness’, we’ll realize TRUTH! We were made “in the image of GOD” (Genesis 1:26) but HE allows us to “test the spirits to see which one is of GOD” (I John 4:1) and when “testing” is done, there’s nothing left but GOD! Once we “connect” to HIS SPIRIT by “obeying” His *last* commandment (Acts 1:4), the ‘emptiness’ ceases!
GOD gives “Choice” (Joshua 24:15)!
In reference to “boxing:” No “man” can say ANYTHING! Didn’t Isaiah 8:20 tells us “If they speak not according to THIS WORD, there is no light in them?” That why we MUST “study” (II Timothy 2:15) to see what GOD SAID or “there is no light in us!”
GOD’S “laws” are “written in our hearts and minds” (Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 8:10l 10:16) ONLY *IF* we are “in Christ!”
You are right in saying “religion has become an instrument of death and destruction” because “man” (aka Satan) continues to use “religion” as a ‘tool’ to lose souls “communicating” LIES via “habit” or “tradition” with the Word of GOD (“Inhabicommunicable”)!
Blessings
but norine, if god is truth, its been around since inception, it didnt arrive with jesus.
in fact, all the great religious prophets are very same.
tao te ching: be kind to the unkind, for this is kindness
jesus: what good are those who only love those who love them? even the pharisees do that
its principles we are missing.
how can anyone hate anything, when everything is the one created?
boxing is saying man is this, woman is that....muslim is this, jew is that.
laws are written--god is in the heart...isnt that what jesus is saying?
religion has become an instrument of death and destruction.
- Author
Yes, there is a lot of division, even within the Christian Church.....Everything from the various denominations to the styles, including the so-called Prosperity Ministry which I really have serious issues with....
A "lot of churches?" Did you read I John 2:3-5? "Obeying" (John 14:15) makes us "The Church" and not a denomination or a building via "Religion!"
GOD! Have Mercy! This world is *messed up* because of "Inhabicommunicable!" There is a "Universal Spirit" but NOT different "Universal beliefs" (II Kings 17:29-41) else "divided" (I Corinthians 11:18)! If NOT ACCORDING to SCRIPTURE and one doesn't "Obey," they are NOT "in Christ" so says I John 2:3-5!
We don't "think" (Proverbs 3:5)! We "STUDY" (II Timothy 2:15) the WORD of GOD and "obey" (John 14:15)!
Blessings
- Author
So it is your belief that one who leads what folks would consider a virtuous life who is a Buddhist or a Muslim or whatever faith they may have can not enter the Heavenly Gates......It seems that a lot of churches have the belief that is their way or the Highway (to use a old expression) and I actually have a more Universal belief that can accept other people's view and attitudes...
Now there are some views that I think we can universally accept are not the norm.....Anytime one takes advantage of those who are not of an even status, i.e. children and animals, then we are being Totally Wrong!!!
Well Chris, another "revelation from God!" Thank you Jesus!
My eyes feel on John 8:26 which "comply" with “following Jesus.” Jesus said, "I have many things to say and to judge of you: but He that sent me is TRUE; and I speak to the WORLD those things which I have heard of Him!"
Chris, do you think I remembered this verse in the Bible? I've read John, but I don't have a photo static memory!
Blues: GOD is "Merciful" but not to the point that He left instructions (Bible) and we neglect to follow (I John 2:3-5)! Why do you think I keep "repeating" - "Study" - "Study" - "Study" (II Timothy 2:15)? A man can form *his* opinion of God (and usually does) and continue in *his* way but until he "obeys" the Word of God, he doesn't "know" Jesus!
If I were your wife and couldn't talk; you didn't know sign language and the only way we could communicate was with what I write, wouldn't you read; if you 'loved' me? So it is with Christ! (I don't know where this came from! It just resonated in my mind!) Thank you Jesus!
Y’all *I* am not trying to force anyone to do anything! As “spooky” or “ignorant” as it may sound, GOD has chosen me as His ‘vessel’ to do as “commanded” in Matthew 28:19 “Teach all nations!” Disciples were “commanded” to “make fishermen of men!” Whether one accepts or not is up to GOD because; “only GOD can draw!” It’s just that ‘Religion’ has helped man form *his* opinion of GOD using “inhabicommunicable” (Teachings via “habit” or “tradition” by using His Word “communicating” twisted LIES to man in His Word via “Religion!”) which makes it hard for them to understand! However, if we would “study” and “obey” His *last* “commandments” (Acts 1:4), we would acquire the necessary “Help” Jesus Promised in John 14:26 and 16:13 to discern “twisted” LIES! We CAN’T begin this “Spiritual Journey” without the “Help” of Jesus (aka Holy Spirit)! Does acquiring the Holy Spirit seem spooky to you? If so, you don’t know Jesus!
Now, let me address each of your comments in entirety!
Blues: In Isaiah 45:7 GOD SAID “I create good and evil!” He said in Romans 8:28 “All things work together for good to them that love GOD…” So whether “man used a greater day in heaven statement as ‘a tool’ for staying in slavery” or not, it was for “the good!” As the serpent told “half truths” to Eve in Genesis “You shall not surely die” (Genesis 3:4) so it is with “Religion” (aka man) TODAY and so it was with man’s statement to keep those in bondage!
I’ve addressed the “Merciful God philosophy” (Colossians 2:8) above!
Chris: Yes, “action speaks louder than words” because James 2:17 says “Faith without “works” is dead!” Philippians 2:13 says “For It is GOD which *worketh* in you both to will and to do of *His* good pleasure.” Therefore, IF we’ve “obeyed His *last* commandment (Acts 1:4; “wait”) for the Help of the Holy Spirit, He “worketh in you” which manifests “righteousness” (Deuteronomy 25:1; Psalm 1:6; Leviticus 19:36; Proverbs 8:20), unto men!
Once one “obeys” His *last* commandment (Acts 1:4), he has the necessary Help of the Holy Spirit to “follow Christ!” Afterwards we “put on the whole armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10-18) to “fight the wiles of the devil” and do as “commanded” in Matthew 28:19 “Teach all nations” which is why we are disciples in the first place! As “Religion” does, Mr. Farrakhan told “half truths!”
Yes Chris, we are given “Choice” (Joshua 24:15)! However, do you remember Philip and the Ethiopian in Acts 8:26-40; wasn’t there “intervention?” Did the Ethiopian “come looking for it” physically? GOD operates in the Spirit; saw his “heart” (I Samuel 16:7) and sent Philip to “intervene!” I don’t know who is asking on HP (spiritually), but I give Word and it’s between GOD and man’s “heart” to accept because “only GOD sees the “heart” and “draws!”
Chris, let me tell you about the “…aeons of life before religion got here!” After Jesus died and before His ascension into heaven, He went into the grave and preached the gospel of Christ (I Peter 3:19) giving ALL the opportunity to receive “Grace” as we have TODAY (Ephesians 2:8-9)! However, only those with spiritual “ears” heard (Revelation 2:7; 29)! We’ve ALL been given opportunity but we do have “Choice” (Joshua 24:15)!
The young man who said “If I believe in God, what do I need religion for” is TRUE! He doesn’t need “religion” but He needs the Word of God in order to “believe in righteousness!” Believing in God doesn’t mean “Believing there is a Creator, but believe ALL of His “rightly divided Word” (II Timothy 2:15)! I John 2:3-5 says “And hereby we KNOW that we KNOW Him, of we *keep His commandments*. He that saith, I KNOW HIM, and keepeth NOT His commandments, is a *LIAR*, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His Word, in him verily is the love of God *perfected*: hereby we KNOW we that we are “in Him!” Now, how can we “know His commandments” unless we “STUDY?” Why then do we “proclaim” to be “Christians” and don’t know half of what He’s commanded? How can “the love of God be perfected” in us? GOD IS TIRED of *LIARS*!
Being “in Christ” doesn’t “box one in or separate!” When we “obey His *last* commandment; “God [begins] working in us” which makes “obeying” – “EASY” (Matthew 11:30)! Romans 8:1 says “There is therefore now *no condemnation* to them which are *in Christ Jesus*, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Does this sound like being; “boxed in?” God is working in us “Teaching us righteousness” (Titus 2:12)! However, our change depends on “Studying!” For “the just shall live by “faith” (Romans 1:17) and “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17)!
“Separation” is one thing GOD is NOT! Christ has “ONE” Mind (Philippians 2:5) and if we are “in Christ” we have the “SAME MIND!” Paul asked the Corinthians in I Corinthians 1:13 “Is Christ divided?” He also told them in 1:10 to “Let there be no divisions among you!” If there are to be “no divisions,” and we are to be of “one Mind,” there MUST BE only “ONE WAY” to GOD and that is not through “Religion” but through the Holy Spirit who is Jesus (John 14:26; “in my name”)!
It’s not for us to “look after creation” but to “obey His commandments” for “CONNECTION” to the Holy Spirit which makes “End Times” – NO WORRY! Scripture says “It is GOD “working” in us,” therefore, how can there be “failure?”
Blessings
as far as christians go, they should remember the axiom actions speak louder than words.
i think it was farrakhan who said it: you should spend more time trying follow christ than forcing others to comply.
every single person has their own destiny, and their own ability to search or not search for truth in their own time and in their own way.
"ask, and ye shall receive." no human intervention necessary.
if they want guidance, they'll ask or come looking for it.
there were aeons of life before religion got here....and, as i heard a young man say once, "if i believe in god, what do i need religion for?"
if its to box you in, or to separate....well, that sounds like a man-made thing.
and if were supposed to look after creation....hello! faiiiiil!!
- Author
Actually it was the promise of a greater day in Heaven that was used as a tool for staying in Slavery by some Christians...A lot of African Americans were told, you don't need to worry about what's happening here, because it will all be better in the future.......
As far as Jesus, he did bring his message to a lot of people who would be condemned by certain ministers now.....
As for the Heaven I believe in, I think that there will be a lot of people up there who same may be surprised by because I believe that God looks at our lives in its entirety, and we all have made mistakes and we all have praises, and I think that it's the whole of our being that is what get called in judgement....of course, I could be wrong? I guess I believe in more of the Merciful God philosphy?
If everyone would have "lived and let live," you really would be "singing the blues!" Where would we be as African Americans; still in "physical" slavery? Where would we be if our forefathers had "Lived and Let Live?"
Just say "I don't care" which would be a truer statement! Where is your Jesus? Where would we (ALL) be if Christ had the type of attitude you have and "Didn't care?"
Someone said to me the other day, "Why do you continue to preach the gospel of Christ? No one is going to believe you!" I asked, "If you had a loved when who was suffering from Alzheimer's and had acquired a mind that fire isn't hot, would you continue to tell them that the fire is hot or “wouldn’t care” and let them touch it? If you “cared,” you would continue to warn them that fire is hot! If they didn’t believe and attempted to touch it, you would try even to the point of wrestling them down, to prevent them from touching it! And so it is with ministry as it is with “Living and Let Live!”
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