Christian Discussion
- Brenda Durhamposted 11 years ago
0I found this online; very good stuff about Christianity, simply but factually written and understandable.
http://www.bible.ca/b-christianity-world-religions.htm - Brenda Durhamposted 11 years ago0
Go to Him just as you are
Just As I Am
http://youtu.be/w2VrRk4pZHY - Deepes Mindposted 11 years ago0
Hey Brenda. I am a fan of casting crowns and Martha Munizzi, among others. I am also a fan of Gospel artists. One of my favorite Gospel songs is this one: Something about the name Jesus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7zwlHZ4fxUNot bad. Kirk Franklin does seem to put a lot of heart into singing.
Hey, I like Casting Crowns too; that, we have in common.
My heart just does a flip when they sing Rescued From Darkness (the title is actually....? Father, Spirit, Jesus, I think)...anyway, it's because it's such a happy and grateful song about how Jesus can save us!
And we ARE "walking in marvellous Light" if we're born-again, even though we don't always realize it.
He is the Light of the world; He is the Light of my world.
- SirDentposted 11 years ago0
“Be ye separate.”
- 2Co_6:17
The Bible tells us that we are in the world but we are not of the world. We are to be separate from the world, meaning world views. The views of the world are not toward God nor does the world recognize God. For the most part, the world is selfish. Most people think only of their own desires and wants. "What's in it for me?" is the question many ask when faced with a situation.
As believers in Christ, we are to ask, "Who can I be a blessing to today?" "How can I help someone in need today?" "Who can I help to make it out of the valley they are in?" I am sure there are many other ways to show the love of God to those who are in need. I think the point is made. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." We are told to love one another as He loves us."Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,"
Just curious, but how in the world do you rationalize that that verse means a mental attitude rather that the physical separation it very plainly refers to? "touch not the unclean thing" does NOT reference "have pure thoughts" - it means "do not touch". " Come out from among them" doesn't mean "think differently" or "have a different view of the world"; it clearly means "do not abide in their presence".
How do you go from "do not touch" to "How can I help someone"?I think SirDent may have a more understandable answer to this, but I hope you don't mind if I try to make a point about it here?
With Christians, "don't touch" is often two-fold..........we are not to touch something "unclean" because that thing or that person may deliberately try to pull us into the same world they're in, or we may of our own temptations be tempted to go back into that world. It isn't that we see sinners as too dirty to touch (except those who are deliberately and wantonly evil and specifically have an agenda to try to drag us down, and even then it's their actions that are too dirty and not them personally)........... It's that we've been there before, in their shoes basically, and Christ warns us not to go back to that life. It may have been more of literal thing in the "old" days (reference in Isaiah where commandments were much more to the "letter of the Law), but when Jesus came He brought so much mercy to that Law and Spiritualized it. So we're not to let any "unclean thing" "touch" us either! That verse is also a warning to us Christians to be repentant! It says He will receive us after that. If we're not repentant of our own sins, how can we ask sinners to repent? We don't have to be perfect, but we have to be striving for that perfection He asks us to, which is to acknowledge our own temptations and sins and strive to keep a repentant heart, knowing our human fallibility always. We have to depend on Him and His mercy or else we'd never even get off the ground as far as living a Godly life.
So the commandment to not touch "the unclean thing" is advice for our own benefit as well as recognition of the state of the sinner. We're also commanded to Love everyone's for their soul's benefit and we're told to spread the Gospel and to help everyone we can.
The two things can be reconciled! I actually don't even see them as two separate things necessarily.....
I think "do not touch" DOES mean think differently indeed! It's not just literal/physical, it's emotionally and mentally too. And if part of it does mean we shouldn't abide in their presence, then yes if we don't "abide in their presence" we won't be influenced by their activities and their words and their mindsets. I think "abide" means to stay there, don't you? Just like anywhere, like if an alcoholic doesn't frequent the bars and the parties with his drinking buddies, he's much more likely to stay sober.
Jesus ate with sinners and such too, but you'll notice that He didn't become best buddies with them; he wasn't there just to have a good time and chat, He was there to be an example to them of Love and to challenge them to Love God; He knew that THEY weren't HIS friends even though He was their friend! When He called people, He asked them to follow Him; He didn't say He would stay and party with them and follow them! He did it on His terms, not theirs. He had an agenda, a mission, I won't deny that, and neither did He deny it! He preached Love and He preached repentance. Jesus said his "brothers" and "sisters" (His "friends") were those who did the will of His Father! An unsaved person is not Jesus's friend, even if they think they are, because friendship with the world is enmity with Christ. The preceding verses to that verse in 1Cor. speak about that. But once one is born again, then they're a Friend to Jesus; they Love Him as well as Him Loving them! And in the succeeding verses in 1Cor., Paul edifies and encourages the Corinthians after they've repented.
The part about helping people is just part of being a Christian; we empathize with their problems and temptations and we want to see their lives changed and their souls saved; we Love them and want to help them. But along with that we must make sure that we're actually strong enough mentally and Spiritually to actually help them instead of becoming a stumbling block by being drawn back into their "world" again.
Ah....I have a tendency to say a lot. I've grown to like you, wilderness, and I hope you don't mind my post.To be honest, I only wrote about being separate. We live in this world but we are not of this world, meaning believers in Christ.
To answer you, before I read Brenda's reply, the law of Moses said do not touch anything dead, that is bloody etc. . . In the New Testament, we are told not to touch unclean things, per the verse you posted.
The question then becomes, "What is unclean?" Murder is unclean, stealing is unclean, pride in ones self is unclean, the list is long. Since believers have been born again, a spiritual renewing, we are to refrain from all these things. I know many will disagree but we have a code or a standard to live by.
To handles these unclean things, makes the person unclean. The woman who had the issue of blood touched Jesus, making Him unclean simply because she issued blood. Didn't make Him evil or full of sin.
When we walk in the world, we get our feet dirty and need them cleansed from time to time. The Jewish custom at the time of Jesus living on this earth, was to wash the feet of those who came into their house. Jesus made this custom a custom of the church, to wash one another's feet. This cleanses the feet of the dust, mud, dung and other stuff we might pick up as we walk.
Lastly, things of the spirit cannot be rationalized in any way, shape or form. God is because He is.John 17, (all of it, if you'll read it, but v 14-20 for the applicable cliff notes). We are to be in the world, but not of it. In that way, we are to be separate.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?se … ersion=KJV
- Brenda Durhamposted 11 years ago0
I just saw the movie The Last Sin Eater; an old movie I guess, but I'm glad I finally rented it! Awesome stuff.
Hi Chris! Are there any good new movies out that you know of?
Hello Brenda! This one is out in theaters, one day only, on Sept 24th. Looks interesting. http://unstoppablethemovie.com/
I didn't forget the email, btw, (just trying to find time to respond). Thank you.Okay, thanks! Yeah, I've been keeping my eye out for the e-mail.
I've seen Unstoppable advertised; thanks for reminding me; it does sound good."Where is God in the midst of tragedy and suffering?"
Trying to figure out how in the hell a human with an (apparently) functional brain came up with the idea of the crocoduck.Agreed, the rational behind folks embracing the concept of macro evolution is indeed befuddling.
Befuddled - perfect word for you. Thanks for explaining. Feeling befuddled? Goddunit.
That's a nice picture. Can't wait to see what you do with the other colors!
Yeah, because if you're too stupid to understand science then there's no way in hell you'll ever get religion!
Aww. Religion is easy peasy. What did you need to learn exactly? It appeals to such as yourself.
I don't remember - are you a denier of proven science the same as bBerean?You don't remember? Obviously.
No, I'm not a 'denier of proven science.'
Now, how much trouble do I want to get in, hmmmmmm?
(I mean seriously, that opening is screaming for me to take it, but I'm pretty sure that what I really have to say, which is not snarky, would not really be understood by some people.)
Religious Studies is not easy; religion---if one studies it beyond the rituals and practices associated with any religion, can be fascinating and intellectually challenging.
If you disagree, then try reading original texts of St Augustine, St Thomas Aquinas, Duns Scotus, William of Ockham.
Again, mocking religion as what people "too stupid for science do" is nonsensical, and if the truth be known, simply demonstrates the lack of intellect of those using it to degrade religion.No - religion deserves to be mocked. I have read all those people - nothing really difficult to grasp. Not like quantum physics. You know I was responding to some one who denies evolution - right?
Nothing and no one "deserve" mockery.
Authentic discussion and debate, authentic reasoning and interrogation of any system of knowledge---whether science or religion, cannot happen if premised upon mockery.
Mockery is the space of the uninformed and the belligerent. Mockery is the tactic and strategy of the bully and decidedly not that of a thinking person.Oh - you mean like the god thing that burns unbelievers for all eternity for not believing? Disgusting.
Sorry - it is not possible to have a reasonable debate with some one who denies proven science. You do know I was responding to some one who was mocking people for believing in evolution? Right?
How strange that you didn't choose to verbally attack them. I wonder why................? In fact - why is that?Mockery and verbal "attacks" are the stuff of bullying, not informed discussion.
Odd that you choose to chastise me and not the one I was responding to in that case. Why is that? Informed discussion? Like what - you making wild unsupported claims that you then refuse to back up?
I wouldn't know so much about new ones. One that I found fascinating is called "The Road Less Travelled" and it's about a man who went to Israel and did a forty-day fast (he didn't literally give up all food for forty days, but he did for ten days and then spent the rest of it eating like the ancient Israelites would probably have eaten.) He goes around to many of the named Biblical sites, most of which are not on the tourist routes, and gets into them (he had permission from the Israeli government but many local governments or site administrators routinely turn people away, no matter what papers they have.)
It was quite interesting. And when he visits the Valley of Blood (the place where Judas is reputed to be buried and which is a graveyard to this day,) wow! That was a real experience.
- Brenda Durhamposted 11 years ago0
Now this I love.
O Ancient of Days!
http://youtu.be/j_lHJ4BHYtk
Blessing and Honour
Glory and Power
Be unto the ancient of days
From every nation
All of creation
Bow before the ancient of days
Every tongue in heaven and earth
Shall declare your glory
Every knee shall bow at your throne
In worship
You will be exalted oh God
And your kingdom shall not pass away
Oh ancient of days
Your kingdom shall reign over all the earth
Sing to the ancient of days
For none can compare to your matchless worth
Sing to the ancient of days - SirDentposted 11 years ago0
Contentment
“I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content.”
- Phi_4:11
It is easy to go around saying I need this or I need that when we have made it without those items for all of our lives. We don't really need every new item that comes available.
We should be content with what God has allowed us to have because much of what we have we do not need. Let us be thankful for all we have. Be in a state of contentment and have an attitude of gratitude.A very relevant passage and astute observation, SirDent.
However, cannot it be argued that "whatever state I am, therewith to be content" IS the result of new items being made available for people, but because they were already available when we were born, we don't consider them new items. However, those items were not available to people born before us. To them, these were indeed new items. ALL things are things that were once new items.
Can it then be argued that if we followed that passage, and the people before us followed that passage, and the ones before them and so on and so forth, would we not then still be living in caves? How would we ever leave our caves if not for the availability and acceptance of new items?
One simply has to ask themselves what people would do about the things they enjoy in life now, but would never experience them if we followed that passage and mankind never accepted new items?
The ability for us to have this discussion, for example.
No necessarily.
Of course, there are always Luddites. But first of all you can't simply take the one verse and make it the entire argument (of course, as a literal idea, you CAN and many people DO but that is not an honest debate.) The verse does not tell us to never strive to better ourselves or our condition. But very few people in this life have never experienced a setback, and what we must learn is to be content wherever we find ourselves. What that means is not that we must figure we have the best of all possible worlds and adopt a fatalistic attitude. It means that we shouldn't let desires eat at us, or be resentful because someone else has more than we do, or because we feel that we should have more than we do now.Please explain why it is dishonest to debate a verse?
That's not what the verse says at all. You just made that up.I didn't say it is dishonest to debate a verse. What I said was that taking one verse, completely out of context, is not honest. Now, I am not necessarily accusing people of intentional dishonesty. But if all you take is one verse, devoid of the thousands of other verses that it is directly or indirectly connected to, then you can literally make it mean almost anything, even sometimes things that are in direct opposition to what the author originally meant. That may be unintentional but it is still not a complete and honest assessment of what is being said.
And no, I didn't make it up. Although I should have gone all the way and pointed out that Paul was saying that no matter what station you're at in life, whether you're in a palace or a slum, you should be content in Jesus, knowing that God is watching over us.
In this forum, most of us present ourselves as not only intelligent but somewhat intellectual. And a little intellectual rigor is not a bad thing.Agreed.
Simple, good interpretation of that verse too.But, that's what you and every other believer do when it suits your agenda. So, you are all dishonest based on your logic, dude.
Do me a favor, pal. Don't lie about me and I won't call you a liar.
Deal?
Grazi.Call me whatever you want, very little of what you claim has any honesty contained within. The only favors I'll do for you is call a spade a spade.
You know, I haven't dealt with you in so long that I forgot some basic things about you.
One must be honest in order to expect honesty from others.
And I have been honest.
And, if you notice, that is not what SirDent was alluding, so you obviously just made that up to suit YOUR agenda.
That's dishonest. I made nothing up. I may not agree with SirDent about the interpretation but I made up exactly NOTHING.
Unlike someone who keeps making false claims on my behalf around here...
- SirDentposted 11 years ago0
The reason I posted the verse about being content is because my son went away for the weekend to help people out at a homeless camp in Columbus, Ohio. Food, clothing, shoes, blankets, quilts, and toiletries were given to them.
Look at the photo above. We live in houses with more room than we need. These people are glad to be able to keep dry when it rains. We should count our blessings and be thankful to God for what we have. Even non believers can give God praise. Psalm 150:6 Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.
EDIT!!!!
Mar 14:7 For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them goodThen, it would appear Chris should be arguing with you about posting a verse out of context, he is calling you dishonest, SirDent.
You're just a little unbelievable, aren't you?
- Brenda Durhamposted 11 years ago0
Eh......unless I missed something, Sir Dent's and Chris Neal's comments said basically the same thing. I don't understand why anyone's finding fault with either of them.
Amen Brenda and Sir Dent. Well done good and faithful servants. Cymbals clanging. May God open the eyes of the blind. In His precious name Jesus Christ.
How odd -yet another believer who needs to hide behind a fake user name because they are scared to come forward. Is that the same as denying Christ? I guess so.
Save me a seat by the fire.Mark Knowles. I happen to like my pen name and believe it or not it is making its rounds on the internet. I do not hide behind a name Mark. I do shout the name of Jesus on the internet and rooftops sir. The name above all names!! I am not afraid or hiding behind anyone Mark. As far as that goes are you really Mark Knowles. Maybe you have a fake name? JK. Got you didn't I? Who cares? I am not in a popularity contest Mark. I am into reaching out to others the gospel truth message of Jesus Christ who saves our eternal lives from everlasting torture and torment. I did not write that Jesus said it! (Revelation 14:11) I am not here to argue with you or anyone Mark. I share the truth. I too was once lost and now I am saved. It is my commission as for all believer's to share the truth. I am honored to do it for Almighty God and His son Jesus Christ. No one wants eternity separated from God.
You and your words do not intimidate me. I wear the armor of Christ and I am covered. I am a child of the King. Does not get much better than that.
God wants none to perish. (John 3:16) It is not going to get better in the world Mark, not in this lifetime. It is written in the oldest book ever written and the most sought after book in all of time. The Bible.
Brenda and Sir Dent do know me Mark we are brothers and sisters in Christ. We see with spiritual eyes, you will not understand. I do encourage my brothers and sisters and intend to continue.
FYI I pray that one day you will see Mark. God so loves you Mark. He stands at the door and knocks for you to come to Him. He will change your heart just as He changed mine and Brenda and Sir Dents. It will be the best day in your life. You make your choice in this lifetime who you will follow. Eternity is a long, long time Mark. Trust me all of the other side will want to come over. We must choose in this lifetime who we will follow. I know the side I will be on. We hope to see you there.
One day all will know Mark but I do hope it is sooner than the day Jesus returns because it will be too late for those who have denied His name. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess, 'Jesus Christ is Lord.' ( Philippians 8:2-11) In sincerity and truth,
In Christ Jesus,
Skye2day!Well said.
And while I do not share your faith, I entirely share your right to your faith AND your right---as virtually everyone does who functions in the cyber-world, use a "username" rather than a "real name" when posting.
It is utter nonsense---when looking at how very few people---including Mr Knowles allies, use their "real names" on Hubpages, engaging in an attempt to demean someone and/or disparage their ideas simply because they use something other than their real name when posting is past pathetic. sophomoric, and a clear indicator of anything intelligent and/or worthwhile to post.Thank You for your heartfelt reply. God Bless you for taking the time as well. Hello like the internet is 'cyberville names' daaah??? Anyway no hard feelings against Mark. He is just wanting to dig at my faith. Like I do not know what to share. My words are not big enough or something so I am hiding out. My words are truth in Jesus. Us believers. be brothers and sisters in Christ. We wear the same spiritual glasses in understanding and truth. I am usually writing hubs and so busy rarely do I make it over. On occasion I pop in to support my bros and sisters. Hugs Galore.
Blessings to you dear mbuggieh, with love, skye2day!
I'm agreeing with you in prayer and blessing, sister. Thank you.
- SirDentposted 11 years ago0
Jas_4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
The devil is constantly trying to convince believers they are wrong. Many only quote the part about the devil fleeing if we resist. They seem to forget the first part, which is most important. We must first draw near to God, then we will be able to resist the devil. - SirDentposted 11 years ago0
Pro_12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
- SirDentposted 11 years ago0
"To have what we want is riches; but to be able to do without them is power."- George MacDonald
Be Content In Christ
1 Timothy 6:6. But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1 Timothy 6:7. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
1 Timothy 6:8. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
Material wealth neither precedes this present life nor survives it, it really is not important enough to be made one's goal. Job said, "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither." (Job 1:21). The Psalmist declared, " For when he dieth [the rich person] he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him." (Psalms 49:17). - Brenda Durhamposted 11 years ago0
Proverbs 30: 8,9:
"Remove far from me vanity and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me;
Lest I be full, and deny Thee, and say 'Who is the Lord?' or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain." - SirDentposted 11 years ago0
Ecc 1:14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
- SirDentposted 11 years ago0
A man's treatment of money is the most decisive test of his character- how he makes it and how he spends it.- James Moffatt
2 Timothy 6:9. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
2 Timothy 6:10. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
The ambition to obtain wealth, for wealth's sake leads many people into entanglements with the world that lead them into deep into sin. Often they do get rich, but then the pressure is on them to get richer. The accumulation of possessions leads to the accumulation of problems. The more material things they have, the more occupied they are with those things, and the less time they have for spiritual matters. Thus the trail is always downward, and the end is in hell.
The key to the matter is in one's attitudes and motives. God chooses to allow some Christians to become wealthy, and it is no great problem to them, for they are not deceived by thinking that their riches are the source of their contentment. They would be just as happy if they were poor, because their joy is in the Lord and in being allowed to partake of the riches of His salvation.
Money itself offers no problem; it is the love of money, the emphasis on money- as if money, rather than God were the source of good- that it is the problem. The person who covets money is open to attack by the devil and his or her spiritually defenseless life is penetrated with many troubles and sorrows.Then why was Jesus believed to have said, "And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God," in Matthew 19:24?
He doesn't say "a rich man who loves money"--he just says "a rich man."It's funny how they justify and change the words to suite their own ego and wants.
Because the rich depended on their money and had no need of God. It IS possible to be a rich person and still love God. But if you depend on your money to take care of you, then you don't depend on God.
Where did you get those words Chris? That is only your interpretation, it clearly says (for a rich man) and says nothing about weather the rich man loves God or not. Remember this was a new set of ethics for the time and brought forth by slaves. So Jesus is said to preach about equality and compassion, what he was saying is if you are rich you are keeping to much.
Ah yes, the "Each statement is brand new and is wholly unconnected in any way to the religion that these people were brought up in and practiced every day" style of interpretation.
Also known as proof-texting.
You can't divorce any given statement of Jesus from Judaism or the OT. And you're going to have to work really hard to convince me that you've studied this in such depth that your interpretation is so clear. Because that is an interpretation.I guess you are not willing to look at it objectively. You've added a bunch of words that are not there to suit your agenda. "a rich man" is just that. And I know the rest of the story, nowhere does it say anything about loving God and you can keep your money. And yet there you sit adding words to justify actions and telling me I don't know what I'm talking about, but you do.
Excuse me? I'm not willing to look at it objectively? As opposed to who?
I've argued against proof-texting for a long time. And never did I say that Jesus didn't say the rich will have trouble getting into Heaven.
Matthew 19:23-26: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."
Still too little to consider the whole story and it's meaning, but at least enough to complete the point and clarify that Jesus wasn't saying there would be no "rich people" in heaven. Good thing too, because by worldly standards, most 1st world street people would qualify as "rich". Certainly very close to 100% of those reading this are "rich" by that standard. Notice it doesn't clarify how "rich" is too rich.Even if I stretch this to mean "With men this is impossible; but with (people who love) God all things are possible." We then have an ethical dilemma, don't we? Would that mean the only way to be selfish is to love God when God asks us not to be selfish? Does it make sense for God to hold a higher standard to those who don't believe he exists? Seems to suggest another perk for being a follower, much like the heaven rather than hell. One gets to be rich quilt free.
But that is a stretch of the text anyway.
21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
The story goes on to say.
27 Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?
28 Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife[e] or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.
The man in question was a follower of his religion and God claiming he holds onto the ten commandments and he was told if he wanted a place in heaven he was to sell his possessions and give to the poor.
To make matters worse Jesus asks us to leave our children and wives to follow him. And here I thought I was doing well feeding and educating my family that last 23 years.Excellent point. By the standards of First Century Israelites (the ones who listened to Jesus, at any rate) most of us (myself included) would be incredibly wealthy.
- SirDentposted 11 years ago0
Ecc_1:9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
Nothing new under the sun. God has seen it all and He knows it all. - SirDentposted 11 years ago0
Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
What or whom do you put your trust in? Many trust in the government to make their decisions for them while others depend on it for their sustenance. The Bible proclaims that we should first seek the Kingdom of God then these things will be added unto us.
What are those things that will be added? Food, shelter, clothing, finances, etc. . . everything that is necessary to sustain life will be added. So tell me, what is your reason for not trusting God? - SirDentposted 11 years ago0
Mat 14:30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
There are times in our walk when we will say to the Lord, "Bid me to come and I will come." *Lord Send me I will go where you want me to go." Does this sound familiar? I have done it myself many times in my walk with the Lord. At the time of the above scripture, Jesus was walking on the water coming back to the boat. They had tried to get the boat back to shore where Jesus was, but the wind was opposing them. Jesus merely walked on the water toward the boat.
The disciples were fearful when they saw this man walking on water and thought Him to be a spirit. Jesus told them who he was and Peter, being the bravest of the disciples, said, "Lord if it be you bid me to come to thee and I will come." Jesus bid Peter to come and Peter went onto the water and even walked on the water. With the wind blowing as it was and the waves rising high, Peter became fearful and started to sink. He didn't sink all at once as we know would happen if we walked into a pool of water. Peter simply then said, "Lord, save me!" - SirDentposted 11 years ago0
Why are so Many Unhappy?
Failure to read the Word of God makes it impossible to know the Word of God. It is possible to know the words of the Bible and still not know the meanings.
Understanding doesn't come in an instant. It is a process which takes time, not because God is lacking but because we lack the ability to absorb everything that God has given us. ( Eph 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; ) Understanding comes as we are enlightened by the Word of truth. It takes time to understand. It is like a child in school. Most first grade students can't do high school algebra. Some will not get it even when they go to high school. Others will get it when the time is right (but then only if they desire to get it). - SirDentposted 11 years ago0
1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
He will use those who are closest to you to cause you to sin. He will use your family more than anyone else. This is how he operates. Nobody knows how to push our buttons more than those we love and are close to. Our husbands/wives and children are the ones used most often. These are not the only ones used by him. There are people we meet on the internet that satan uses to deceive. - SirDentposted 11 years ago0
Psalms 23:1. The Lord is my shepherd;
This is a great statement made by a great man of God. If you recall David was anointed to be king over Israel but then what did he do? He went back to being a shepherd. I can imagine David sitting there with the flock at evening contemplating the goodness and greatness of God and coming up with this Psalm. Imagine David sitting there and seeing how great God is by watching the flock that were in his care and thinking of how God watches over all of His sheep. - SirDentposted 11 years ago0
Joh 9:6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,
Joh 9:7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.
This man met Jesus but didn't see Him. All he knows is that Jesus put mud on his eyes and told him to go wash in the pool of Siloam. Healing didn't come when he met Jesus but he had a promise. The Bible doesn't tell us how he found the pool nor how long it took him to get there.
Sometimes, healing doesn't come in an instant. We must actually do something ourselves to show our faithfulness to God. We all have this same promise from God, that if we remain true and faithful, healing will come. - SirDentposted 11 years ago0
1 Timothy 6:13. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
1 Timothy 6:14. That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
1 Timothy 6:15. Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of Lords;
1 Timothy 6:16. Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
All Christians, like Timothy, are placed under a solemn obligation in the "sight of God" (v. 13), as well as in the sight of human witnesses (v. 12), to keep intact the priceless treasure of the gospel. A confession always tells the truth. Though it costs us trials and hardships, we should pay the price to make truth known. - Brenda Durhamposted 11 years ago0
I've always loved this passage, amazed..........Jesus prayed for Peter personally!
Luke 22: 31-33:
"And the Lord said 'Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.'"
And I found an article online that elaborates on this pretty well.
http://www.prayerconnect.net/magazine/i … ed-for-you - SirDentposted 11 years ago0
Take God at His Word
“He hath said.” - Heb_13:5 Lately my Pastor says, "Why not take God at His Word?" during a sermon. I agree that we should always take God at His word. if God speaks it, I want to believe it.
Too many times in our lives we see that God has spoken but we refuse to believe it. We want things done our way. We shake our fist at God and go our own way. During times like this God will allow us to go our own way, just as the father allowed the prodigal son to leave. We use up what we had coming to us by living riotously and in sin. God will allow us to come back to Him once we come to our own selves first. Don't you think it is time to come back to God?
You have been away long enough now. Do not stay away any longer. Believe what God said because He is true. He does not let you down like men do. He is not a man that He should lie. - SirDentposted 11 years ago0
Rev_21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
The witness of man is great but the witness of God is greater. Every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God is always true. He is faithful and true in every aspect. There has never been a lie told by Him and never will he tell a lie.
We are to be Christ-like in our daily lives. We are to put aside the desires of the flesh and walk in the spirit. We can only do this with the help of our Lord Jesus Christ.
You see, when the time came for Jesus to be caught up in the clouds, He said, "I will pray that the Father send you another comforter." That Comforter is the Holy Ghost who empowers believers to overcome the enemy and also known as the Spirit of Truth.
Purpose in your hearts today to serve God in spirit and in truth. Let us also be known as Faithful and True.
Rev_19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
Rev 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. - SirDentposted 11 years ago0
I was thinking earlier about the first time I held my son. He was crying and when I got hold of him and started talking to him, he quieted down.
There are times in our lives that we will cry because we are hurt. Maybe your heart was broken or maybe you are lonely. The valley is a dark place to be and no one will be there with you. This is when God will take us in His arms and speak to us. The voice of God is a comfort for those who know and trust Him. Just as my son quieted when I spoke to him, our spirits will be quieted when we hear the voice of God.
Heb_13:5 for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. - SirDentposted 11 years ago0
Grace, Mercy and Forgiveness
“I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.”
- Isa_44:22
Imagine what it would be like if God remembered all of our transgressions. We would all be miserable wretches. We would all be lost and headed to the very hell that Satan and his angels are going to go to.
I thank God that He would love me so much that He gave His only begotten Son to me and that my transgressions are forgotten along with my sins. They have been "blotted out" by God Himself.
Thank you Jesus for the gift of grace and mercy. - SirDentposted 11 years ago0
Peace can be found in Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. He stated that he is the way the truth and the life. He also stated that no man can come to the Father but by me. Jesus was straightforward in what he said and taught. People try to work peace out with those who are against them. We see this constantly in the world. Nations rise against nations for no other reason that they are different or believe differently. Wars are going on even at this time, when everyone thinks the nations of the world should be civilized enough to refrain from fighting with one another.
There is such a thing as a false peace. A peace that is false is usually caused by an agreement between two people to not contact one another or refrain from attacking one another. Though they may keep their distance from one another, inside they will be seething and hating on one another. True peace will remove the hate and the anger that burns within.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. - SirDentposted 11 years ago0
There is a song that is sung by a young man named Trevor Morgan. In the song are the lines, "The blessed and the broken the weak and the strong. Will all find rest at the throne of God." The first part of those lines is where the inspiration for this poem came from.
In our day to day lives, we don't realize how much is really going on around us. Things we cannot see are happening constantly as the battle between good and evil continues on. These battles will continue to rage on, even as we are caught unaware.
Jesus did the work that no man could do simple because he remained faithful to God and true to His calling. There is no doubt that he was blessed and broken at the same time. Though none of his bones were broken, his heart was shattered like a glass thrown against a boulder.
Even as he was broken, he knew he was blessed. The Bible says, "It pleased God to bruise him." Many take this to mean God is cruel and was happy simply because Jesus was bruised, but that is not the case. It pleased God because Jesus obeyed his calling and redeemed sinful men from their kidnapper. You see, Jesus was the ransom that was required to pay for the release of man from the bonds of sin. - SirDentposted 11 years ago0
There is a saying that I have heard most of my life. I am sure many have heard it multiple times. United We Stand and Divided We Fall. Many a war has started because of division between two families, two nations, or two beliefs. These wars start simply because of disagreement and pride.
Back in the Old Testament, the nation of Israel was divided. Judah was separated from the rest of Israel. This caused strife among brethren as each portion had it's own king. God did not want them to separate.
King David wrote in Psalms. speaking of how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell in unity. The Word unity appears three different times in the King James Version of the Bible. Each time it speaks of the unity of believers and/or brothers.
Jesus once said, "A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand." The church is an example that proves this statement to be true. The many denominations are the result of disagreements and splits. The Apostle Paul wrote saying that all are baptized into one body. Some were saying they were of Paul while others were saying they were of Apollos.
In Proverbs Solomon writes about how discord is spread by a false witness. This also shows that God is against it because God hates lies. Discord also separates brothers, homes, nations, and the body of Christ.
Don't you think it is time to get back what God wants us to have? Unification is what it will take for the body of Christ to work the way God intended it. The foot needs to stop trying to be the hand. The hand needs to stop trying to be the head. Disagreements will occur, but they do not have to lead to division.Wars also start because of intolerance, which is what religions teach. They are intolerant to others who do not share the same beliefs, hence they only serve to divide us and keep us that way. We can never be united under one religion, you know and I know that will never happen. It is only without religions that mankind can ever unite as one.
- SirDentposted 11 years ago0
We see Jesus as being crucified so the sins of the world would be forgiven. Though that is a true statement, it was much more than that. Everything that Jesus is and was at the time was poured out. The Scriptures state, "I am poured out like water. All my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax it is melted in the midst of my bowels."
Jesus allowed Himself to be poured out. Even as He did this, they gaped at Him with their mouths. They mocked Him consistently. They hit Him with their hands and with rods. They pulled His beard out by the roots. They tore His flesh with a scourge. In all that he endured, He did not try to defend Himself.
The pouring out of love started in Heaven. The Bible says that God so loved the world that He gave. God didn't take back what He gave the world. He gave it freely and for all. There is a not a man alive who cannot receive this gift.
What God gave is very important. He gave His only begotten Son. I have a son and I do not plan on giving him to anyone. I can imagine how hard it would be to give up your own son.
Why God gave is also important. That whoever believes on Him, (God's Son), should not perish but have everlasting life.Anyone who was arrested and beaten by Roman soldiers could not defend themselves, which would include a great many people, not just Jesus.
It would appear that you have more love for your son than God had for Jesus. God obviously didn't care.
- SirDentposted 11 years ago0
Joe_3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.
Decisions are being made every day. Many are choosing to follow God while others choose to follow after their own heart. They believe they can make their own way and everything will be fine. The Word of God declares that whosoever believes in Jesus shall not perish but have everlasting life. (Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. )
The bible also says, "Deu_30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:" Why not choose life over death?Didn't you leave out a third group? Those that follow where their mind and reason lead them? The mind that your god gave them to use?
Why not choose mind and truth over emotion and imagination?We can an do make our own way just fine, thank you, very much.
- SirDentposted 11 years ago0
To live without God in your life is easy. People do it every day. I know many who are still alive without Him in their lives. The problem is dying without God. When a person dies without God in their life, they end up being tormented continually. (Rev 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. )
It doesn't have to be this way. God made a way of escape for all men and women. Accept Jesus Christ and believe in Him now. Now is the appointed time. Now is the day of salvation come to you.So Gandhi is burning in hell, yet Micheal Bray and Pat Robinson are going to heaven.
The "going to hell so you better convert" thing doesn't really work that well on non-Christians or even some Christians (myself included), considering the company we'll be keeping.
An eternity with David Koresh or Fred Phelps really isn't all that appealing.
It sounds snarky, but it's really not meant to be. Most atheists (and again some Christians) really don't like interacting with fundamentalists in our short time on earth. Promising an atheist (and again...) an eternity surrounded with nothing but is excessively unappealing.
Does that make sense? I mean honestly, I've got a pretty high pain tolerance and a very low arrogance tolerance... if my decision for Christianity was based on heaven v. hell, I'm going go with the brimstone.I rarely read this thread and don't think I've ever commented. I thought I'd respond to this due to the arrogance in the rebuttal offered thus far. There is a great deal of ego associated with both sides of the heaven and hell discussion. 'Believe as i do or burn' 'I'm morally superior as a Christian than you, so I'll choose hell as opposed to being stuck for an eternity with you'. And on and on.
Both sides lack the traits God is said to be associated with. Compassion, reason, forgiveness and wisdom. Who are any to interpret words to mean these traits are negated? And, seriously. If God is everywhere how does one live without God in their lives?
If God made a way of escape for all men and women then it exists at all times for all. Maybe, there was a window of opportunity where all had to accept Jesus Christ and believe in him at that moment, but it is reasonable to assume that window has passed. There is no active force in our world which leaves no room for question or doubt. You can't fairly fault anyone for not believing as you do. Would God be unfair?It appears that the way God is described by most people and the way God is described in the bible are two completely different descriptions. If you want a peaceful, loving, compassionate God don't read the bible.
Unfortunately there is much truth in that statement. The God presented in the Christian scriptures is not a creature worthy or worship OR love. That it has the power (freely wielded) to send people into eternal torture is irrelevant; such actions serve only to reinforce it's unsuitability for my worship.
He also supposedly has the power to feed the starving and cure childhood cancer, but choses to simply watch. I hear many excuses for his impotence, but I feel the only reasonable answer is that a loving, compassionate all powerful God simple doesn't exist.
I disagree, primarily because i assume that, if Jesus is to be considered the Son of God then all assumptions as to the nature of God would be best gleaned from looking at the words and actions of Jesus. Anything in direct contradiction would be misunderstood. I know both sides love to quote the Old Testament to make their points, but anything in direct contradiction with the example of Jesus would not apply. It's kind of like you telling someone who i was. Recollecting what you thought the things I had done meant. Documenting things from your perspective. Then I move to town and people see me and talk to me. Should i be judged by what you say, or what I do? If your words take precedent, then why?
That would make sense if Jesus was said to speak out against the teachings of the OT. But he not only didn't speak out against the OT he made it clear the OT was the word of God.
Again. Perspective. He never delved into the written word with those he talked to. Why? Were he to interpret it in the manner you do, hr wouldn't have been who he was. His actions would have been different. His words would have been different.
I think, he attempted to show the true nature of God through the life he lived. Ignore it, and fall back on the Old Testament. Ignore it and pay homage to Paul by defining him through the words of others. But, if you do, it negates any value to his life and actions.Perspective?
We don't even know if he ever existed. We have some conflicting stories written well after his supposed death and there are still some who say he never died on the cross and lived the rest of his long life in india. The stories written about him appear to be based on stories of Gods before him. The four gospels were chosen by men out of many gospels. Some of the ones not chosen say he was in fact married. I have no doubt that if he did live as described in the bible he was much more ethically mature than any of those around him, but the fact remains he did (according to scripture) say that he was not there to do away with the OT.
There are some problems with all that. Massive ones, to me at least.
You're saying that "like father, like son", something God was all too happy to do. Whey he punished multiple generations (with eternal damnation and torture!) for the sins the father. That's just wrong.
God required his son to suffer a lifetime of pain and sorrow, culminating in one of the most hideous ways to die ever invented. Not the other way around, and looking at Jesus would give no indication the Dad would be that cruel. What God did was just wrong as it could have no possible reason for an omnipotent being except to be a little easier than doing it other ways.
No, best gather your understanding of God from observing His actions. It won't be the loving, kind creature the priests tell us of, and it likely won't inspire love or calmness in you, but you will have a far better shot at truth.
Do you actually believe your childish threats of hellfire are going to work on anyone other than a child? Try growing up and act like an adult, if indeed you are one.
Angry? Childish threats from alleged adults are utterly laughable.
me being angry from threats of hellfire --->Aw, you seem happier now. I wouldn't have known it if you hadn't posted your little happy face.
Yes, I understand you believe we're angry, but that is merely you projecting your own anger and frustration onto the rest of us.
Funny, how you still haven't figured out the hysterical laughter your beliefs create.
So the Sovereign LORD says: "I will pour out my terrible fury on this place. Its people, animals, trees, and crops will be consumed by the unquenchable fire of my anger." (Jeremiah 7:20 NLT)
- SirDentposted 11 years ago0
Pro_26:4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
Sometimes it is hard to figure out what to say to some people. At times like that, it is best to keep silent.You should have thought of that before threatening me with hellfire. But, you didn't.
Actually, it was a fairly serious point.
I wonder why the threat of "I'm going one place and you're going another" is used so often. Generally, the person it's being said to is at least mildly annoyed-often more than mildly- by being preached at, lectured and threatened. The obvious response is "where ever you're going to be, I want to be the other place"
So it looks like it's counter-productive if the intent is leading people to God. If that is the intention, it is producing the opposite effect.
So, knowing that, the person is either 1. Not caring if people are being lead to God. 2. Is actively seeking to drive people away from God or 3. Saying it to purposely annoy people. 4. Saying it to fulfill their own needs.
I mean only a fool keeps doing something that is obviously so blatantly ineffective. Speaking in general, not specific.
(1 Corinthians 3:18) Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
but wait....
(Psalms 5:5) The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.- SirDentposted 11 years ago0
A man is accused of murder. He goes on trial and video shows him with a handgun discharged at the back of the head of a man on his knees facing away from the shooter. The jury acquits him for no apparent reason. He is set free never to be tried again.
Was the judgment fair?Could you explain what this seemingly ridiculous scenario has to do with anything?
I understand the question, but I need a little help putting it into context within the conversation. A little clarification please?
- SirDentposted 11 years ago0
To be judged rightly, the man is guilty as charged and sentenced according to the law. be it death by hanging, electric chair, lethal injection or life in prison, he should be sentenced.
Should not God, who is sovereign, sees all and knows all, likewise judge rightly?That is exactly what I am doing. Everyone seems to think they are so special that I would take time out of my day just to threaten them with hell. On the contrary, just as Jesus defeated Satan and the pharisees by using the Word on them, I spread the Word that comes from the mouth of God. Judgment has already been handed down, just not carried out yet. There is a way to escape the wrath that is to come. Simply believe in Jesus.
But, that's exactly what you did.
It's little wonder why we reject your beliefs, Sir Dent. They are without a doubt very disturbing.No name was mentioned in my post. Go back and check if ya want. The idea of escaping such a bad sentence must be pretty bad for you. I suppose you would rather take it yourself instead of being acquitted. You have every right to do so.
Sorry, but I have no idea what you're saying.
Do those kinds of scenarios happen every day, Sir Dent? Do juries simply acquit murderers for no reason whatsoever? Seriously dude, whatever you're smokin'...
Why would God care if you believe in Jesus or not? You should really take your own advice and let your God do the judging.
Did you not read my earlier reply?
http://hubpages.com/forum/topic/109430? … ost2497290
Why should God allow you freedom when you reject Him and His Son? A gift is offered, will you accept that gift?Do you understand what freedom is?
One can't reject what doesn't exist. When you have evidence of his existence let me know.The glory of God is shown in the heavens. His glory is all around you. Everything didn't just appear by accident. All things work for a purpose. It isn't just random happenings.
Now, it is not my job to convert anyone nor to save anyone. I am merely here to declare the Word of God.That's quite a list - do you have anything besides opinion to back up the statements?
If you are not here to convert or save, what is the purpose of declare the Word? Just to make people wonder at someone spouting obvious opinions as facts?Opinions or not, you don't have to read or comment on them. Just to set the record straight, I will witness what I know to be a fact whether anyone believes it or not. Can you say the same?
Many will proclaim what scientists have said but do they know them to be facts? They can't really know, can they. Take off the blinders and see for yourself. Stop listening to those who try to lead you away from the truth and listen to the One (Jesus) who is trying to show you the truth.Yes, scientist deal with facts, Sir Dent. If they didn't, you wouldn't have a computer, an internet connection or these forums to post your opinions. You wouldn't have many things if not for science, Sir Dent.
That would be you who is leading us away from the truth, Sir Dent, based on what you have told us already.
You are making no sense at all. How can the glory of God be found in heaven and be all around us. We are not in heaven. Every thing does in fact happen randomly.
If it's not your job to convert why do you try so hard?
What does freedom have to do with accepting or not accepting a gift?
If one's freedom is taken away because they don't accept a gift, then that gift is not a gift, it is something that is being forced upon them as a threat, the threat of losing one's freedom.You have the freedom to reject the gift. The problem is what rejecting it ensues.
A man is stuck in a ditch but refuses help to be pulled out. Why does he do it? Does he enjoy being stuck? Maybe he doesn't believe he deserves to be pulled out. Maybe he doesn't believe he can be pulled out.sure, the same way you have the freedom to refuse the offer of "protection" from a mob boss.
If a guy in a cheap Italian suit comes into your place of business and offers you "protection" at the price of 200/week and you refuse to pay him so he puts a bullet in your brain, it's not your fault that you got shot. It's the fault of the guy who tried to extort you and shoot you. The god of the bible is little more than a mob boss demanding love or punishment - eternal punishment at that.Really now. Why should anyone believe what you just wrote? Is it because you say so?
In Genesis chapter 6, the whole world was evil continually except for Noah. Do you understand what continually means? They never did a good deed or had a good thought at all. Everything about them was wicked and evil, self serving their own lusts and pleasures.
Even with all this, they were given 120 years to repent. They refused just as you have refused the gift that God placed before you. There was no great revival with many being saved at that time. 120 years of preaching and only 8 souls were saved.But, we are not like that at all, Sir Dent. It is not relevant to us. We are not wicked and evil and we do good things.
Are you sure about that? (note: I am not saying you are and you don't have to answer me here. Just be honest with yourself)
Have you ever told a lie in your entire life?oh look...he's Ray Comforting.
Want a banana?You've left intelligent communication in favor of mockery.
Yes, I am very sure, Sir Dent. Quite positive that I'm not evil or wicked.
If I did, does that make me evil and wicked?
I attempt to be honest about everything, Sir Dent. Because, if I can't be honest with myself, first and foremost, I can't be honest with anyone else.
Why are you not honest with yourself, Sir Dent?
so you believe in an impossible, global flood where all of the deer and Indians in North America had to die because the people in a tiny corner of the middle east were "all evil all of the time" - so much so that an all-knowing, all-powerful deity REGRETTED a decision that he made.
And all of this led up to one of the worst comedic blunders in history. This all-knowing, all-powerful god thing decided that the only way to fix his creation that he allowed to go so horribly wrong was to impregnate a "virgin" (incidentally, a mistranslation from the Hebrew word for "young woman" with himself in order to sacrifice to himself to appease himself for a plan that he fucked up so badly in the first place.
And we're supposed to believe all of your assertions because...why....you're one of the few people in the entire world to interpret the bible correctly? If god is not the author of confusion, and he freely admits to creating evil, why are there over 40,000 christian denominations? That sounds like confusion to me - because NONE of them seem to agree on even the basic tenants of their own faith - and they don't at ALL resemble any of the incarnations of the early church. Your god is so powerful that he can't manage to defeat chariots of iron - because they're made of iron? He's so intelligent that he creates plants before creating the sun that they need to survive and grow? You believe in literal talking snakes and donkeys, it's a fulfilled prophecy if I say in the morning that I'm going to have steak for dinner, then go out an order a steak, etc, etc, etc. The bible is one divine blunder after another, and the whole concept of original sin is so unjust that it's ridiculous. If a child doesn't understand what obedience is, nor do they have any concept of the punishment for being disobedient, then you blame the entire rest of the human race for a concept that the two original "people" couldn't even recognize, it's morally repugnant. Slavery is repugnant, and there is no set of circumstances that can make slavery favorable to freedom. Human sacrifice is repugnant. I'm assuming you're "pro-life" but you have no problem with god ordering the slaughter of children - to the point of ordering his people to rip open the bellies of pregnant women with the sword. Most of the people I know are more moral and more intelligent than your god. He's a tyrant. a Monster. Period.LOL. Now you are being funny.
The Bible states the whole world, not a tiny corner of it. I also see you are trying to make me angry. This will be my last reply to you.
Did you ever wonder why every woman who prayed for a child in the Bible always prayed for a son? Not one time in the Old Testament did a woman pray for a daughter. In the garden of Eden God declared that the seed of the woman would bruise the head of Satan.
All women who prayed for a child prayed for a son because they wanted to give birth to the Son of God. You can call the word virgin a mis-translation all you want. Gabriel told Mary, you have found favor in the eyes of God. This means she was seeking God and drew close to God. She was expecting something from God but not to give birth to Jesus Christ.
You see, no matter what you say or do, no matter what I say or do, the Word of God will always be true. There is a scripture that says, "The blind lead the blind and they all fall in a ditch." stop following the blind and give Jesus a chance. If he ever touches you, I guarantee, you will never forget it.There may have been evil in those words. With the intent to hurt rather than help.
How can presenting an opinion different than yours possibly make you angry? That doesn't sound mature or adult. You've said a lot worse about atheists in the posts of yours I've seen.
You can say that the "word of god" is true all you want. But you can't back it up. You can't prove it. Saying that the Bible says that it's true, therefore it is true is a circular argument. The Koran says essentially the same thing but I doubt you think that ITS true. So basically, a circular argument AND special pleading. Want to go for a few more logical fallacies just to round it all out?
God did say that he creates evil. If you're unaware of that, I'd suggest you read it.
It also says to not get drunk with wine, but you know - Christians don't like to pay attention to that one.
You have no idea what my background is, so making assumptions about it seems a bit far fetched, don't ya think?
incidentally - do you know what God's murder count is, just in the bible era alone? Over two million. Know what satan's murder count is? 10 - and those 10 were with god's divine permission. When did you decide that the god in the bible was good - and that satan was evil? Seems to me that Satan is god's little pawn who only acts with his express permission - not that either of them actually exist.
Then, as I already mentioned, it is not a gift, because gifts don't come with strings attached, they are given freely without any consequences.
Again, you present another ridiculous scenario that means absolutely nothing, has no relevance at all.Of course it has no relevance in your own mind.
I wonder if Ted Bundy thought he was giving a gift to those young women he murdered, then raped. He didn't give them a choice at all.
A serious question for you. Do you truly want to know the truth?It has no relevance to our discussion, Sir Dent.
And, what does Ted Bundy have to do with this discussion?
You're just talking in circles, Sir Dent. You aren't making much sense or are presenting any relevant scenarios to support your so-called truth.You seem to have trouble with scenarios. Ted Bundy gave a free gift to those young women without giving them a choice to refuse or accept it.
You want God to force the gift upon you, per one of your previous comments. You said a gift is given with no strings attached and there is no choice to refuse it.Are you therefore equating Ted Bundy to God? Are their "gifts" the same thing? Is murder a gift, Sir Dent?
That's not what I said. A gift is given freely without any consequences. I shouldn't have to do anything if someone gives me a gift, should I? That is the entire idea behind a gift.
Or, do you have some other idea of what a gift represents? Here is the definition of a gift.
Gift: something voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation.
You can't be serious, Sir Dent?
You present an utterly impossible scenario, in which, most likely, there is no such scenario that has ever happened and then compare that to your God's judgement?
Obviously, because the scenario is so unlikely to ever occur, I can only conclude your threat of hellfire is equally unlikely ever to occur.
And, is that how you see folks who don't share your beliefs, cold blooded murderers who deserve to be hanged, or given the electric chair?
Unbelievable posts, Sir Dent. Very disturbing to say the least.I am sure you know what a scenario is. The law might state that the person should be hung, electrocuted, injected with a lethal substance or imprisoned for life.
Should God the unrighteous to be righteous? That is the whole point of it all.So what? How can you compare such a scenario with sharing your beliefs, they are not related in the least.
God shouldn't anyone to hell if He is a loving God. Simple really.So you are saying the murderer should be acquitted?
What does that have to with anything, Sir Dent? What point are you trying to make here? That we are murderers that shouldn't be acquitted just because we don't believe the same things as you?
Again, what are you smokin'?So what you're saying is that a murderer can repent two seconds before his death and enjoy all the spoils of heaven after a life spent cursing God. Meanwhile, his victim didn't believe in God, but spent their lives giving to others and trying to make the world a better place, and they get to roast forever in hell. That's not justice
Yeah, lots of posts, all seemingly unrelated to each other. So I'm just going to wander off, completely unenlightened, however with a slightly more negative view of Christianity.
I'm going to have to stop coming to these forums before the Christians convert me to atheism.- SirDentposted 11 years ago0
I used to drink when I was lost. I also used to smoke pot, hash and take speed. I played music in clubs so others could have a good time while getting dog-faced drunk. I played music for strippers a few times. I was evil and wicked. I was headed to that lake of fire that I mentioned in an earlier post.
One night, I met Jesus. The change was instant. I have never touched another joint, took a hit of speed, nor has a drop of alcohol touched my lips. I have never gone back into any clubs since then either. One thing I will never ever forget, is the time that Jesus touched me.
All I want is to do His will and to see others allow Him to touch them. Jesus said, "I stand at the door and knock." He will not force His way in. He desires to be a part of you and you a part of Him but only by your choice.You were never evil or wicked.
Drinking doesn't make one evil or wicked. Smoking pot doesn't make one evil or wicked. Playing music doesn't make one evil or wicked.
Even the strippers you played for aren't/weren't evil or wicked.
Going to clubs doesn't make you evil or wicked either.
I think when one starts throwing such words around, one begins to see the world as a dark, shadowy place full of horrible people when they really don't need to see that.
Sometimes it hurts those innocent people accused of wickedness. More often though, it just makes the person that sees the world that way miserable.
Christ words were never meant to cause anyone pain. Indeed, following them should make one content if not happy. That's one of the reasons I believe he implored us not to judge... not so we wouldn't make others unhappy, but so we wouldn't make ourselves miserable. You can't live in a beautiful world, when you're actively searching for darkness and corruption. It becomes all you see after a while.This seems to be a problem today. Confession of sins is a thing of the past. Most would rather hide their sins than confess them and be set free from them. How sad that you think there is no need to repent. Making light of sin is not right. We are commanded to confess our sins. We won't confess them if we believe we have no sin.
Jesus said more than once to "Go and sin no more." In other words, become a new creature, not remain the same old evil creature you once were.
The words of Christ were meant to set free that which was bound by the devil.It's not that confessing your sins is a thing of the past. Her point is that even though you were doing things that did not line up with God's word, you were not wicked for drinking or for playing music in a strip club. The Bible states that the power of life and death is in the tongue. It also says as a man think so is he. More often than not, man becomes what he calls himself. With this in mind, not everyone who commits a sin is evil and wicked. People make mistakes in life and all fall short. But rather than saying you're a wicked human being, you can say "hey I made a mistake" ,repent, then try again to get it right
I'm not sure anything you mentioned was a sin... but then again I'm not in your mind.
If I have a glass of wine am I sinning?
If I sing music am I sinning?
If I'm in a club am I sinning?
If I smoke a joint am I sinning?
If I take speed am I sinning?
I'm not even 100% sure that stripping is sinning. I know drinking alcohol isn't a sin. I know singing isn't. I never read anything in the bible about speed, clubs, or pot.
I'm also not sure what you mean about confessing... to whom? A priest? A forum board? A church?
I can't hide my sins from God... Not that I have all that many of them. I'm likely the most boring person you'll ever meet.Sorry Sir Dent, but it does not say anywhere in the Bible that drinking alcohol, smoking pot and playing music are sins that require you repent. Nor, does it say that one is evil and wicked if they do.
That would be a decision it appears you yourself have made, not Jesus. Therefore, you can't go around telling others to believe in Jesus based on your decision that smoking pot, drinking alcohol and playing music are sins, that would be false advertising. Jesus would certainly not appreciate you doing that in his name.
No, you weren't evil or wicked, you didn't hurt anyone, you instead brought joy to others with your music. That doesn't sound evil or wicked at all.
Was Jesus in the club? Did you talk to Him?
We all have the ability for self-control and moderation, Sir Dent. We don't need religion to stop smoking pot or drinking alcohol.
Many of us have self-control, Sir Dent. We don't need a religion for that sort of thing, we have brains that think and reason, that can rationalize not smoking pot and drinking alcohol, or at least do so in moderation.
- SirDentposted 11 years ago0
Ephesians 4:29. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
We as believers should maintain a high standard of speech. We should avoid gossip, slander, and profanities. Because we belong to Christ, the Holy Ghost is living in us. Anything we might do to that would embarrass or hurt Jesus grieves the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost empowers us to live for Christ. We either yield to Him or our old sinful nature.From the guy who tells people that they will burn if they don't do as they are told.
If not one Christian ever shared any information that hell was real and that it could be avoided (yes they would all be terribly negligent), but that wouldn't erase what the Bible says. Pretend you'd never heard about it from another human being. Pretend the only mention you'd ever known of hell itself was in a message from God Himself. Then do with that message what you wish.
More of the same. It's like the mafia telling you if you don't pay up Mario will break your legs and then turning around and telling his fellow mobsters that they have to set a good example.
Only not, because at least Mario will be there to break your legs, but hell only exists in the minds of the morally immature.Yes, that's exactly what it's all about, Beth, pretending. There is no message from God Himself, there is only a book of myths and superstitions written by men centuries ago who didn't even know where the sun went at night. Christians have no idea if hell is real or not, they only believe it is because it's written in the book.
Correct. If it weren't written in the Bible, we wouldn't believe it.
Exactly, and since the Bible was written by men who couldn't possibly know if hell existed or not, we can't trust what it says.
And, that is why we can't trust anything you say, either.
Well then, you and your friends, have a good day.
We will, as long as we don't hear Christians telling us we're going to hell.
Cover your ears, eyes and mouth and you should be fine.
Cover your mouth, instead, so we don't have to hear it, and we'll all be fine.
I expected that response the way I expected the sun to come up this morning. lol
I wished you a good day, but that's never enough for you.
Please, have the last word. I can't offer you any more help than I have.I expected that response the way I expected the sun to come up with morning. lol.
Do you actually believe that it is perfectly acceptable for you to say things like that, but not anyone else?
You have offered only your irrational and disrespectful beliefs about us going to hell. That is far from helpful, quite the contrary, in fact.
There are many contradictions, its up to one's belief.
The verse refers to hurting other people "corrupt communication".
Have you now given up on trying to defend drinking alcohol and smoking pot as sins?
We have no sinful nature, Sir Dent.
- SirDentposted 11 years ago0
Rom_10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
That is all it takes to be saved. Just call upon His name.
Act 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
Act 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
There is no other way to be saved.Sure there is stop listening this nonsense. Hit the do not follow button.
Of course Jesus is gonna save us from what he and his (God)father are gonna do to us in the first place. That's called EXTORTION. Which is considered immoral, and criminal.
*PSA: Please stand up to bullying.Except it isn't true.
Matthew 7:21 Not everyone who calls out to me, 'Lord! Lord!' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.
- SirDentposted 11 years ago0
In our walks with Christ we are constantly at war. The flesh is against the spirit and the spirit is against the flesh. We fluctuate from spirit to flesh and vice versa. In order to gain a spot in the Kingdom of God we must be holy and acceptable to the Lord. Sin cannot enter into God's kingdom. Blameless, spotless and perfect in every way is what is required of us. Until we get our flesh under subjection, we cannot be perfect in the Lord. To walk by faith and not by sight means to walk in the Spirit.
Isn't that the opening paragraph to one of your hubs?
http://sirdent.hubpages.com/hub/Flesh-and-Spirit
- SirDentposted 11 years ago0
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
What kind of excuse is Jesus going to accept when people come before Him on judgement day. " Well I didn't know", " no one told me", "i was too busy". None of these excuses will hold water. " I had to support my family", "my wife needs more clothes my kids need more stuff to play with". There is really no excuse at all that will hold water. The bible says the grace that brings salvation has appeared unto all men. Lets just keep telling people about Jesus. Lord let us be a light to the lost and dying world that we are in.I don't know, but I'd have to say supporting your family is up there.
You see Jesus I have this brain that is good detecting B.S. I used it to see through the lies SirDent was spewing in your name so I followed the path of ethics and morality raised 3 of my own children by making sure they have good food to eat and a roof over their head and the best education I could find as well making making sure they are good helpful people.
But please don't be to hard on SirDent, many people like him fall into that crack and truly think they are helping.So, not matter how good a person you are, how many people you help, it doesn't amount to squat unless Jesus gets some attention.
No, Sir Dent, I have no problem with the teachings of Jesus, but I wholeheartedly reject your version of Christianity, which is nothing short of horrible and pathetic. We don't want to hear it, thanks.If you truly didn't want to hear it, you could simply not read it. What is necessary to one is abhorrent to another. Your abhorrence doesn't negate the fact that it is necessary to that person. (just as your conclusions appear abhorrent to them, yet you retain the right to hold them) Do you have the right to silence another? If not, why consistently insist they be silent? Why write in such a manner as if you speak for a consensus?
Are trying to silence the silencer? Are you complaining that he doesn't have the right to complain? Oh the hypocrisy.
Yes, I understand it is necessary for Sir Dent to believe we are evil and need to roast in hell for an eternity, but is it necessary for him to tell us that? Is it necessary for a person to spread hate speech, bigotry and intolerance, Emile? Is that what you're defending?
What kind of an excuse will people have for Allah? "I didn't know"...."no one told me"
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