Damn double post. 2 for 2 :(
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Damn double post. 2 for 2 :(
Edit: I thought this was in the lounge, and i posted a rude comment. Sorry guys :thumbsup:
turning the other cheek is the hardest thing to do in my opinion. kinda hard to forgive someone that just fucked you over, the normal reaction is to get revenge. ever since i started toking tho i feel way more chill and relaxed, and i find it easier to forgive others.
JunkYard,
"My guide is the Bible. My teacher is Jesus, and no, I'm not a Christian...Just a fan of the man."
You preach your opinion, not sound gospel. And you know what is said about opinions? They're not worth a hill of beans!!! Why would there be any more truth to your opinions over the opinions of an atheist?
The word of God is THE WORD OF GOD. Calling the word of God the word of man is like calling Jesus a liar. You're a false teacher. You can't say that Jesus is your teacher and then contradict yourself by saying that some of the bible is BS. You obviously don't believe that Jesus is THE WORD OF GOD.
Please tell me about the BS in the bible?
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We don't live under the law anymore. The law pointed us to Christ. Christ fulfilled the law and took it away from us. We are no longer under the yoke. The law convicted all of sin. The law was to show that righteousness would not come by good works, but rather by faith in God.
A quick lesson on what was brought up about adultery. Jesus was teaching that to enter the kingdom of God, our righteousness would have to exceed that of the law. Meaning that if a man actually kept the entire law (which no man did, except for Jesus cause he is God himself), it would still not make us right. Jesus is well aware of the lust in your heart. He was pointing out how sinful we are, but somehow all I hear from people these days is how great they are. The thoughts of our heart are evil continually. Anyone who claims to be righteous is a plain out liar. You can easily see this in a child. You don't have to teach a child to do "bad". This comes natural. You have to teach a child to do good.
According to the scriptures, there's nothing more evil than to reject and deny our LORD. We will all be judged according to his rigteousness. Our words will either justify us or condemn us. The choice is all yours. I thank God for opening up my heart to trust in him. :pimp:
First, I'm not a teacher; Jesus was a teacher. There's too much in life to grab hold of and enjoy then to go around preaching all the time, man. You gotta learn to live a little, and enjoy what you've been given, cause what you have can be taken in less time than it took me to write this. Think about it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pass That Shit
Jesus taught Love, pure and simple, and that is what I hold on too. I'm certainly NOT a saint, PTS, nor do I want to be. God made me a flawful man and that is what I'll always be. I embrace my flaws just as much as I embrace the good in me. I can learn from just about anything, which is the entire point of sin, imo. Sin is an archers term for "missing the mark".
I've heard some say that "Jesus as God is Love" but I don't know that Jesus was God anymore than you or me. You can worship the man if you want to, you can worship a book if you want to, but I'll stick with the creator, what he created and the Spirit of Love he has for what he made. This would include you PTS...and me and everyone else in this world, no matter what religion they cling to.
These are my views, and it's fine that you disagree. Your judgement of me will come back on you, though.
Call it karma...
Yup, Jesus taught us about karma, too! It's just a natural order of how things happen, man. (The law of harvest, bro) I'm gonna plant some good stuff, myself...like Love, life, nonjudgement of others, tolerance, and peace...
Feel free to keep your nose stuck in that book of yours, but I don't think I need it anymore. I'd much rather honor 'God' by enjoying my life, sticking with Love, and appreciating what he [the creator] gave me, man.
Don't be hatin on me yet, PTS...I've been quite tolerant of your views, but YOU have resorted to name calling. I can't say I appreciate it too awful much either.
Still Love ya, though...
It's just as much your opinion that the bible is the 'word of god'; if you wish for others to respect your opinion, you might consider showing respect for theirs.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pass That Shit
All I've seen of JunkYard's posts have been positive, promoting respect and love for others. Just because his opinions don't conform to yours doesn't mean he's a liar or that his opinions are worthless. Show a little courtesy.
I don't think judas went to hell for his betrayal, and I don't think he was punished by anyone for it either. He punished himself when he commited suicide. I believe suicide by a sane person takes that person to hell but I also think for someone to be able to commit suicide, they have to be crazy. I don't know about you guys, but I can't commit suicide :p . In my opinion, judas is in hell for hanging himself. This is the way I see it; Life is a gift from GOD no matter how bad you think it is. Killing yourself is like saying, I don't want your gift, shove it up your a$$. * Bang,* you blow your brains out. God is then not happy with your gesture, but it was your chance and you picked hell by offing yourself. I know everything on heavenly thing is goods gift (His only sons' life) but your life is more important. God is Love and Love is life. Just like marriage is suppose to be male and female fall in love, get married, make love (have sex) = baby (life). But us humans are different then any other creation of god. He gave us a choice and that is what life is about, Choices. THe choice that we as humans make is what makes the world seem Evil. Because we humans do evil things. Evil doesn't come from good whcih means god is not running the world. But he knows and sees what is happening in it. If you have a bible, in 1 John 5:19 - it reads " We know that we are children of God, and that the world is under the control of the evil one" Evil one meaning the devil. The evil thoughts come from the devil trying to manipulate our minds so that we may turn away from GOD and commits sins. But remember, the sins that we commit are our choices after knowing what is right (GOD) and wrong (Devil). You choose...Quote:
Originally Posted by psychocat
I love all you guys/gals :D, no matter what. Just don't hurt me...
Did someone just take up fo me? afghooey, much appreciated. :)
PTS is right, though. Opinions are like ........, but they 'are' worth something, even the intolerant, and closed minded ones. I think something can be learned from anything...from a 3 year old who seems to knows very little to the 90 year old wise man with an enormous amount of life experience. I think we all a have a little bit of the 'big guy' in us wether we acknowledge it or not, and at every age.
Love,
:smokin:
I have to agree with you on this one, name calling is kinda playground.Quote:
Originally Posted by afghooey
I for one believe that the Bible which was written by the prophets (men) and translated into English by men is not always right.
The phrase "Lost in translation" comes to mind , as I speak a couple of languages I do understand the difficulty in translating certain sayings and phrases from English to Dutch or visa versa and they are both Germanic languages .
Imagine what could have been misinterpreted when translating DEAD languages and you have a minefield full of uncertainties and it is very possible that whole passages could be filled with errors.
JY,
"You preach your opinion, not sound gospel. And you know what is said about opinions? They're not worth a hill of beans!!! Why would there be any more truth to your opinions over the opinions of an atheist?
The word of God is THE WORD OF GOD. Calling the word of God the word of man is like calling Jesus a liar. You're a false teacher. You can't say that Jesus is your teacher and then contradict yourself by saying that some of the bible is BS. You obviously don't believe that Jesus is THE WORD OF GOD.
Please tell me about the BS in the bible?"
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Did I call you any names? Was I disrespectful? I understand that truth hurts. I stick by what I say. If you say that some of the bible is BS, then according to his word, you're calling Jesus a liar. I know that he's not a liar. I could care less personally about what you believe in, but I judge according to the Spirit. If you don't like my judgments, which come from the word of God, then I'm sure you don't like God either. Keep in mind, that's it's his word that you have a problem with, not me. Why is ok for you to say that the bible is BS but I can't say that what you're preaching is BS?
Please tell me about the BS in the bible?
It's really the tone of your posts that comes off as disrespectful, PTS. You seem to have the attitude that all other opinions are wrong and yours are unequivocally right. No matter how many times you call everyone else a liar and claim to be right, you're still stating an OPINION. The bible wasn't written by god. It was written by men. Whether god inspired the men to write it is debatable, and if you chose to believe that he did, that's a matter of FAITH, not of FACT.
Besides, where in the scriptures does Jesus say to follow everything in the bible? Hell, his word contradicts some parts of the old testament. Turn the other cheek, or eye for an eye? In the old testament, God openly condones stoning on several occasions. Yet, Jesus says 'Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." They're both in the same book, but they're complete contradictions. And there are many, many other contradictions in the bible. It doesn't take much searching to find, literally, lists of them. Not everything is meant to be taken literally, not everything is black and white.
o.k...are you saying the "Bible" is the word of God or "Jesus"? You called me a 'false teacher' because I say the Bible has errors, or is it because I don't view and worship Jesus as GOD? Which is it PTS cause I'm getting confused here? Like I said, keep your nose stuck in that book, and worship 'IT' if you feel you must.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pass That Shit
I choose to worship/honor in a different way. The fist commandent says to serve God and God alone, but you seem to have found a man speaking for God, and decided to worship HIM as God instead, along with an incomlpete book that man/church/religious traditions has had their way with. Tell me you 'honestly' trust every single word in that book is innerant and complete.
Also, if you're judging by spirit, by which spirit am I going against God? What do you have against Love, respect, and honoring God through the commandments Jesus gave us? That's what I'm doing PTS, but I must admit that you are grinding on my nerves with the false teacher BS...take a look at what you're preaching, bro, and tell me if there is any Love in it at all...
I'm a forgiving person, and I understand that what you believe is very dear to you, man. So is what I believe, and how and 'who' I choose to serve. I've said nothing against Jesus, but I have questioned the Bible and the practices in it deemed nescessary by God. I doubt God would have his children stoned and killed for minor infractions like adultery. No, I say mankind simply got jealous, and used God as an excuse to kill and to satisfy their anger when they bashed the side of a womans skull in with a fucking rock...
Judge the Spirit, PTS. The Bible can lead a person down a road paved with intolerance, anger, and violence. It's big fuckin road too, and there are many
that go therein...
Choose Love, it's the only thing worth setting your heart on, imo. If you're looking for a fight with me, I'll oblige you with one, but I don't want to, man. I'd much rather Love you like any other, but I don't know that I'll 'keep' turning my cheek just to satisfy your need to bully us non-Christian folk with your threats of Hell, end time scenerios, or your false teacher [name calling] accusations.
Choose Love man; it's a higher path...
:cool:
2 Peter 2
1. But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
Jesus spoke of Love, he spoke not of his own will but Gods. I have not in any single post denied the fact that Jesus showed me Love, and that it saved me from the darkness within myself. I am a fan of the man Jesus, but He's not my God, he was the light that saved me, but God is my God.
What truth have I spoken against PTS? Do you think you know the mind of God, and that you are capable of conveying that knowledge to the world? No, you know what the Bible says, and the Bible is not the word of God, as the word was in the beginning with God, and was God. The Bible is not God, this might clue you in on who God is...
1 John 4:7-8
7. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
This is all I need to understand about that, as I see no error in Love. I simply choose this as opposed to setting my heart on the anger, and intollerance, and violence in the Bible. I judge bt fuits, and the fruits of Agape are always pure...
I appologize if I came off rude in my previos post, PTS. I am a flawed man, and I too get upset. I will sleep well tonight, though...
Love,
-Life is about choosing the right things :thumbsup: .Quote:
Originally Posted by JunkYard
Me myself, know that the bible can have stories that got losted in translation. I'm not saying read and believe everything the bible says when I write a post. I just want people to know that GOD loves you and and he is the only GOD. I believe knowing the true love of GOD will change the the way you/people think. I grew up going to church and I really can't remember not know GOD. I don't even want to think how it woul feel not to know the loev of GOD and living a life with no meaning :( ...
I don't know how anyone can believe christianity knowing that paganism predates it.There was already a flood story 1k yrs before the Noah story.
Each to their own man :thumbsup: can't fault a guy (or gal) that wants to live a peaceful life . Not causing harm to others is a good thing.
However I am an atheist who doesn't subscribe to any particular doctrine , I'm either right or wrong :p I guess I'll know soon enough.
Till then I will continue to question everything but also try to take all sides on board in the spirit of a scientific experiment where all possibilities must be explored.
I was brought up as a protestant Christian and attended sunday school for a few years before deciding I am my only judge and it's me I have to live with if I do anything real bad (which I have done).
I make my choices and live with the consequences and don't see the point in bitching if I get caught red handed, I look for forgiveness from none and I keep my friends close and my enemies closer still :D :cool: ;)
"It's really the tone of your posts that comes off as disrespectful, PTS. You seem to have the attitude that all other opinions are wrong and yours are unequivocally right. No matter how many times you call everyone else a liar and claim to be right, you're still stating an OPINION."
I would agree with you if we we're not talking about the word of God. You see, the things I'm pointing out are sound words so it's not my opinion. These pure words have been left here for us. I just repeat them. I don't make them up, so actually it's not an opinion of mine. God claims to be true in his word and I believe it. I'm sorry, there's no way around it. If you say that the bible is not true, you're calling Jesus a liar and you will have to deal with that. I've never told anyone that they're going to hell. It's you guys that carry this conviction around. The Lord knows those that are his. It's not for me to determine who is "saved" or not. If someone doesn't believe at this moment, doesn't mean they won't have a change of heart. I judge what you preach, if you go against his word. Seriously, I'm not angry with any of you. On the other hand, I'm not afraid to point out the error of your words. I know that if I defend the word, I'll always be on top cause it's his WORD not mine. If we we're having an earthly conversation, I wouldn't be as confident cause of the possibility that I may be wrong. However, this does not apply with the word of God cause his word is true. It's not about who is right or wrong. You can't disprove the word of God. If you could disprove the word of God, he would be a liar. And I know that God DOES NOT LIE. I will take his word over yours every time.
JY,
I'm not gonna go back and forth with you. I was just pointing out that you sound all nice about this love stuff, but you fail to see the source of love. To each his own man. It's obvious that your angry cause I'm pointing out your false words. Yes, your words are false. If you say that the word of God is BS, you are lying. I'm not angry when I say this, just pointing a fact that will come to the light.
I don't want to bore you guys with scripture, but I can back up any of my points with his word if you need.
PTS, we could go back and forth for months over this, bro. Do you really want too, though? I say the source of Love is God; what say you? My words are not false, they are quite valid, and backed up biblicaly.
Why do you call me false? I don't worship Jesus...I worship God. Jesus never asked to be worshiped, or served. He only asked that we follow him, and what did he do? He spoke of Love, and of God's will...he served God just as we are to do. I don't worship the Bible, either, but admit that it can be useful for instruction, and correction. I believe that it's inspired, just as I believe there are errors in it.
I was a little upset last night, but I got over it quickly, and now your accusations seem laughable. Still, you haven't answered what you think the word of God is, nor have you explained, or posted anything biblical suggesting that the entire Bible is inerrant. You won't either, PTS. Why? Because it's not in there my friend, and you cannot back it up, so I am officially calling your bluff, and raising you a "prove it". [Biblicaly of course]
Here, I'll start you off:
John 1
1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2. The same was in the beginning with God.
3. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
You can take it from here...
Love,
The reason I didn't back it up with scripture is because you claimed that some of it is BS. How do I know which you choose to believe and which you choose not to believe? But since you asked for it, here it is. I don't even have to leave the chapter you started with.
[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
[2] The same was in the beginning with God.
[3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
[10] He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
[11] He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
[14] And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
[15] John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
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[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
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[4] And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
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[56] Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
[57] Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
[58] Jesus said unto them, Verily,verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
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[16] I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
[17] And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
[18] For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
[19] And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
[20] He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
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I may or may not return to this thread, but keep in mind that it's not me you're disagreeing with. Trust no man, just follow his word. My judgment of you doesn't matter cause it's him you will have to answer to. Take care :thumbsup:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pass That Shit
Yup, I knew exactly what you would post, and I almost did it for you. I know John pretty well, and would agree with everything he says. Only, "word", or Logos as it is written in Greek can be translated into "mind of God", or "essence". As a matter of fact, this translation has been recorded as being the first ever used. If God is the source of Love then his essence must also be Love, only Jesus contained his full essence, which is evident in his testimony. Jesus never claimed to be God, but rather the son of God born of God's Spirit [essence] Also, he never demanded worship, or said it nescessary to view him as God to save, either. I think it's a little high minded of you to say that only those who worship Jesus as God will be saved. Not to mention unbiblical...
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I agree with this also, but "bread" represents flesh to me, and "word" simply means by Gods Essence according to first recorded use of Logos, which is Love. [According to 1 John] Jesus was quite clear about Love, PTS, so was John. But, you have your own views/opinions and I suppose they are as valid as any other.Quote:
B]All scripture[/B] is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
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[4] And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
Btw, the Bible wasn't even put together back then. They only had random scriptures that they could read. Even so, never does any scripture EVER suggest that it is innerant, it only suggests that it is inspired. The Bible is not the word of God, sorry. Too many put more faith in a book then they do God, and I find it sad, and unnescessary.
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Quote:
[56] Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
[57] Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
[58] Jesus said unto them, Verily,verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
Right here, for those of you watching this post, PTS is suggesting that Jesus is God in the flesh, as oppossed to being his son born of God's Spirit. Christ or "Cristos" simply means annointed one, and I have not disputed this claim. Jesus' "divinity" came from God's Spirit, but Jesus was not God himself, imo. To much in the Bible refutes this claim, and this view didn't even come to be until the 1800's. No doubt because of this "I Am" remark...
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If you're wondering why I deleted your Revelation section, it's because I choose to take absolutely NOTHING from it, nor add to it... :cool:
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Exactly, PTS...trust no man! Follow his word which is the essence of God, and exactly what Jesus did. Did he teach with scripture? Yes, but only the commandents, and showed us a higher road than eye for an eye.Quote:
I may or may not return to this thread, but keep in mind that it's not me you're disagreeing with. Trust no man, just follow his word. My judgment of you doesn't matter cause it's him you will have to answer to. Take care :thumbsup:
In your previous post you said Love is "nice" and stuff. Well, yes it is, but it is also a "light" in the darkness, and the darkness doesn't see it. Jesus manifested that light in his life, and he died because mankind was not ready to succumb to it, or hear it. Yet, his Spirit [given by God] lives on and some do find it.
On a side note: If God is Love like 1 John says, and you believe Jesus was God, then wouldn't it be logical to view Jesus as Love as well? That's the way I view him, man...
Love,
PTS, I was wrong about when the Trinity concept came to be accepted, so if you reply to my previous post, no need to adress that. Apparently it has been used since the 4th century. I was wrong, so...
Also, If we can't agree on Jesus being Gog or not, we could at least agree that the essence of the Logos [Christ] is the same as the Theos [God], yes?
Love,
JY,
You claim that jesus is the Son of God. Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God? Do you know the difference between the son of man and the Son of God? Is Jesus not both? Didn't the son of man die on the cross? The Son of God can't die. The The Son of God doesn't have beginning of days or end of life. He has no decent. No father or mother. He is eternal. He created all things. He made the world. He was before all things. God made man in his image. Jesus is the image of the invisible God. He is the express image of his person. You are the image of your person. Don't you have a body, soul and spirit? Are you three people? God is ONE. God is LORD. Jesus is LORD. Doesn't God have a face? Don't you have a face? He made you like him. Moses saw God face to face and he lived. Jesus said that Moses wrote of him. Find me a writing of Jesus in the books of Moses? The law and the prophets (old testament) testify of him. He fulfilled their writings. God was manifest in the flesh. He always was, is and will be. Only God is to be worshipped. Only the Father recieves worship. You don't bow your knees unto two different people. Even angels which are higher beings reject to be worshipped. Why didn't Jesus correct anyone that worshipped him? Why did he accept worship? Didn't jesus say that if you have seen him you have seen the Father? He is claiming to be the image of God. Jesus says that where two are three are gathered together in his name that he is in the midst of them. How is that possible without being there in the flesh? Jesus is the Holy Spirit. Don't you have a spirit inside your body? So does Jesus. Jesus is the word of God and he claims that the old testament was written about him. The words of Jesus are the words of God. Jesus is the mouth of God. How did the word become flesh? They knew it would be God himself that would come to save them. He shall save his people. They called his name Emannuel, which means God with us. The scribes and the pharisees did not believe it was Jesus. God is a man. The ten commandments were written with the finger of God. Don't you have a finger? There is ONE SAVIOR in the OLD TESTAMENT. Jesus is revealed as Lord and Savior in the new testament. So according to you there are two saviours? Jesus is Lord. Are there two Lords? If one is not the other are they not two? Who believes in the trinity, me or you? The word trinity doesn't even exist in the bible. The Father the Son and the Holy Spirit are ONE. Your body soul and spirit makes you ONE. You are not a trinity. Neither is he. A cell is also made of three parts but it's still ONE cell.
Yup, this is right. The son of man was dying. Thats why he yelled out " My GOD, My GOD, why have you forsaken me? " then soon the spirit left him.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pass That Shit
PTS, I'm not arguing against 'your' belief system; I'm defending mine. You view Jesus as God, and I do not. This is an age old division among Christians, and some people can get extremely angry about it. Why not focus on what we have in common?
I think God is Love, I think Jesus is Love, and I think the holy Spirit is Love, I just honor the source, and I'm thantkful for the other. Surly there is more to God than just Love, like his creation for one. God is a creator, and I assume what he creates he can destroy. To me, his essence is Love, though. Jesus showed us this, and I believe him. Why wouldn't I? Love makes sense to me, and if am to love others, than surely I'm to love creation as well, yes?
I do anyway; I think we live on the most beautiful place in existence...I call it Eden, lol!
Wether Jesus is God is a moot point, imo. I think the Spirit in which he lived is what should be focused on, and not just the flesh. I would also dare say that anyone who knows/understands the purities of Love, knows God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit...even w/o knowledge of the flesh man.
Does Jesus save? Yes, but what are we being saved from, and by what Spirit? Lets not argue, and lests not try to convince each other wrong, man. I'd much rather agree to agree on some points, and disagree on others. That is what makes life so great...the fact that people vary in opinion and belief.
It's all good, imo.
Love,
Junkyard you are remarkable. Refreshingly honest.Quote:
Originally Posted by JunkYard
Thank you
Thank you, braddog...Quote:
Originally Posted by braddog10
I value honesty nowdays, too. It's amazing how a person can change once they understand/value the Love God has for us.
What denomination are you? I have adopted no strict labels, myself. I guess you could call me a liberal, or a "progressive" Christian, though.
Much Love,
I grew up in a Baptist Church which historically was very sin oriented. All of us kids departed from that as soon as we could get out of the house. There are too many spiritual pathogens related to that kind of focus. Jesus said "wash the inside of the cup, the outside will become clean". I started going to interdenominational churches that understood the true focus of Christianity, to present God's heart as He is displayed in the new testament by Christ.
It took me years to get beyond the hard programing from my early experience, just as it was also hard for national Israel to understand that God was moving beyond the previous dispensation (old testament)to a new one with His son through whom we (Christians) now have freedom to receive forgiveness and love and to then to pass it on as we have received. The Law of the Old testament kind of kills us and bring us to the end of ourselves which then prepares us to receive Forgiveness.
It's very interesting that you would ask this. It's very ironic. This brings me now to the hardest thing in my walk as a Christian that I "HAD" to do.
I had the hardest time receiving the forgiveness of God. It was so hard for me. I wanted I guess to clean myself up and then to present myself to Him clean. It was primarily cigs. I would look up and holding a cigarette up in the air would say "I'll beat this"! It's like He would Laugh and say "no You Won't"!!
Man, It beat the shit out of me for years. Finally one day sitting on my back porch I said "God I guess I just need your forgiveness for this. His word that settled in my heart was "It's about time". It took me years to yield to His Love and Forgiveness, Yeeeeears.
If I would have beaten It myself then I would have been prone to self righteousness which is faaaar worse than my smoking habit.
This is why Jesus referred to the "Religious Right" as self righteous, with references to religious pride. They were under the delusion that they were sinless. That they had cleaned themselves up.
I am so glad that God loved me enough to not let me settle for this.
His word states "God resists the Proud but gives grace to the humble".
To find myself in a position of being resisted by God would be a real shitty state.
I love Him for this. He is so much sweeter than I had ever thought.
The Christian Yoke is actually lighter. To believe otherwise is to still be under the weight of religion. I explained religion under a previous thread. I don't know exactly where.
Have a great Holiday my friend.
Have a great Holiday, braddog. :)
This is what keeps me so happy everyday (the bold above). I grew up and I'm currently in a Baptist Church. I'm only 20yrs old, so I don't remember anytime of my life without gods love :D . I believe with all my heart, if someone/anyone understands and feels the love god has for us, they will change for the better. Everyday I wake up, I feel his love just looking down over me. I know life is not perfect, we all go threw things in life that hurts in many ways, But I'm ok with it because I have no control over these things. I value the love of god so much, I don't know what/where I would be if he wasn't a part of me and my life. Have a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year & a happy love filled life gays/gals. My GOD bless you all :D ...Quote:
Originally Posted by JunkYard