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Category: Apologetics & Theology |
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Moral Absolutes Are Certain |
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Posted by:
apologetics (Posted: 07/03/2009 5:14pm)
An ethical absolutist is certain that an adequate and consistent moral theory will produce accountability for honesty and forbid dishonesty in regard to the scientific method, civil legal jurisprudence and school exams. Moral duties support the proper function of the Laws of Logic and give the imperatives necessary for understanding our world and to communicate truthfully. True morals reflect the beauty of God.
But, if true morality is based on: it's good for the strongest to survive, let the weak grovel and die. If there isn't a morality decreed by God, then logically the strongest should exploit and take advantage of the weak. To be a consistent atheist/evolutionist, one should close down the assistance programs and the schools for the blind, handicapped, and kill off all the weak. Thank God for His goodness and that He revealed goodness to men in His word which provides the fixed moral absolutes we need. Hence all men are created equal, and we must reach out and care for all. The physically or mentally challenged are to be affirmed with full equality because God is good and He instructs us to care for everyone. Plus, all of us will need compassionate assistance in different...
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The Intuitive Logistics Of Salvation. |
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Posted by:
bimonics (Posted: 07/03/2009 8:16am)
Listen (my soul), your logistics in this spiritual struggle is to reject temptation and deny the pleasure offered thereby. Return your mind-of-the-heart and emotions from bad and ungodly habits to good and godly habits. You are to become Christ-like in self-denial and return the energies of your mind-of-the-heart to their original mode of operation. Your emotions will also begin to operate according to their first nature as created. Those in the holiness movement would concur and in their terms would proclaim, "without holiness no one shall see God". Their term for the process below is often referred to as sanctification.
These logistics are so basic that they occur among every brand of ordinary Christian on through to Christianity's most elite spiritual athletes. They are involved in the most common choices of right and wrong in the every-day milieu of a Christian's life.
This model and the logistics based upon it can be seen in the deepest levels of right-reason correctly-seen true-Christian meditation and contemplative knowing. From the earliest times, it can be seen in the orthodox true-Christian traditions, practiced consistently generation after generation.[1].
Because of the difficulty of the directives given by Jesus to personally despise, renounce, and separate oneself...
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Cutting edge Christianity |
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Posted by:
cutedgefollower (Posted: 07/01/2009 8:09pm)
Despite what the title may imply, Christianity has never changed. What has changed, however, is the way people decide to interpret it. Although there are nearly 34,000 different denominations (that’s just in Protestant Christianity), I have found that the main public has two main views of Christianity. The first I call “cutesy-Christianity”, what C.S. Lewis called “Christianity-in water”. This is the cartoony, G-rated version of the Bible we get in Sunday school. This censored and often misleading version is meant for six-year olds, but somehow is rarely cleared up with age. The second is what I call “dark-Christianity”. This is the strict, hell and damnation, gothic, and sometimes gory version. This idea comes from those who try to “scare” people into Christianity. Hell is there main device in persuading people to accept Jesus. This view also comes when people only read the first few books of the Old Testament, and feel that the Law of Moses is too harsh. Religious paintings of the renaissance are often used as subliminal messages for this view.
The goal of Cutting-edge Christianity is to strip away these misguided views. To give the un-censored, un-biased, exact information stored in the Bible. It wants to face...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 1 Comment (by barbourjohn)
- Total Views: 50
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The Matrix Of Self-Love. |
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Posted by:
bimonics (Posted: 07/01/2009 8:22am)
Concerning the first display in thought (my soul) that leads to temptation: temptation in your mind of the heart begins as a thought-image transmitted from and through your senses onto the screen of your mind. If you are quiet for very long, your mind will wander and display such thought-images either from something around you or from your memory. Sometimes they can be intrusive when you want or need sleep. They have been known to especially play havoc when you set yourself aside for a time of prayer. Most of the time they just seem to be an automatic experience and you have given very little notice to them.
A true Christian practice based on belief and self-denial directs you to confront them. The thought-images pouring onto the screen of your mind held from the items of your senses or memory can each be analyzed according to how they relate to the eight types of ill-passions. Sometimes the ill-passions are experienced as negative emotions. You can tell which of the eight ill-passions and/or negative emotions are involved by the nature of the thought-image. And furthermore from that you can have insight into the type of family of demons that approached...
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Struggling With Faith.. |
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Posted by:
jsewell94 (Posted: 06/30/2009 2:34pm)
This blog post is going to be sort of a 'Introduction'/'Advice Seeking' post. So let me do the introduction first!
My name is Jacob! I'm 15 years old, and have grown up within the church. Both of my parents are pretty conservative, whereas I am more Centrist. I have two siblings (A younger brother and older sister). My first blog post was my little brother ...So if, by chance, you spot it, then please note that it wasn't me who posted it. Some of my hobbies include reading, tennis, the arts, friends, learning, and debate. I'm constantly in pursuit of knowledge and feel that, aside from my christian beliefs, it's the most important thing. I love helping others in need and am very empathetic towards others. I love a good argument and enjoy learning about other people's perspective on different topics. Foreign language is a major hobby as well. I currently know intermediate spanish and hope to also learn french and german. I love practicing with native speakers! At times, I can be an introvert. I love being around people, but cherish my alone time as well. That's pretty much me, in a nutshell!
Now, about this whole 'Advice Seeking'...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 3 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by hiswitness)
- Total Views: 31
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"THE BACK OF THE BOOK" |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 06/30/2009 1:54pm)
"THE BACK OF THE BOOK"
When I was in grade school the answers were in the back of the book. The teacher told us not to peek, but occasionally I did anyway.
The answers are also found in the back of God’s Book; it says:
- - - the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not - - - Revelation 12:7&8.
And they (the saints) overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony - - - Revelation 12: 11.
And there shall be no more curse - - - and they shall see His face, and His name shall be in their foreheads. Revelation 22:3&4.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21:4.
There we have it, - - - the good guys win, - - - we are signed sealed and delivered, - - - then we live happily ever after, - - - in the land of no regrets.
However, please note; we do not overcome by the use of weapons,...
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How do you handle the truth? |
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Posted by:
joeyleone (Posted: 06/29/2009 7:28pm)
Is truth relative or absolute? This is the question that has been in the minds of American culture for decades. One must ask themselves and battle within themselves about truth and how it relates to everyday living. However, one must also understand that there are some basic rules about truth. First, truth is about facts, not theories or opinions. Just facts. Second, truth cannot be relative. If truth is relative then what is the ruler that guides that thinking? Is it the culture that we live in? If it is culture than the American truth is different that the truth of the Middle East. Is the ruler of truth the laws of the land? If truth was dependant on the laws of the land, then each country or even state would have differences in understanding truth. This brings us to the conclusion that if truth is relative, it is also opinionative and subjective. Therefore, logic clearly states that truth is absolute.
Next we must ask ourselves, if truth is absoute, then what are the facts behind that truth. If no facts can be found, then obviously it can't be truth. Truth needs facts to be true. That is the most...
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Now Concerning Spiritual (pnyoo-mat-ik-os) ... |
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Posted by:
bimonics (Posted: 06/26/2009 8:50am)
Soul training on meditation.
Take another look (my soul) at Christian meditation and the contemplative knowing of spiritual things. The first division of contemplative knowing is between the created and Uncreated. The created is further divided into the earthly objects of perception by the senses, and the realm of those aware and participating in spiritual-noetic realities - the spirit world (demons, demon groups, fallen angels, the devil, born again men, angel groups, Seraphim, Cheribim, living creatures, etc). The latter is further divided into the contemplative knowing of the word, reason, and purpose of the spirit entities, and the essence of the entities themselves.
The division of the Uncreated portion of meditation and contemplative knowing is not divided in itself but involves being apprehended and apprehending the different Persons of the beloved Godhead according to their relationships and Unity. In truth this is a union and interacting with the uncreated energies and operations of the Holy Spirit and not the impossible union or mixing of any substance with the beloved Trinity.[1].
Take note (my soul) that the entrance or condition of entering the afore-said Christian meditation is purification - the possessing of an emptiness of your mind-of-the-heart of tempting thoughts and...
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... All Things Are Become New ... |
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Posted by:
bimonics (Posted: 06/25/2009 8:22am)
Soul training on prayer and upward movement.
Listen (my soul), gain as much of an understanding of the process of knowing (awareness, perception, reasoning, and judgment) as you can. Comprehend the logistics of the psyche and receive a true intuitive word on the nature of the soul. Discern the stages, in a loosely held way, of the contemplative knowing of created things and the uncreated operations of the Spirit. Along with this understanding, comprehension, and discernment also ask the Lord (with urgent persistence) for insight into the reasons (logoi) - word, purpose, and essence - of the true Christian life in general.
Evagrius can help you with the three kinds of mental (from the heart) occurrences that correspond to the three stages (progressive transformations) of those spiritual contemplative knowings. At each stage there are representations on each level of objects that press into the mind-of-the-heart, the representations or perceptions of each type of object with their relevant display of God's goodness, wisdom, and providence. First of all, there are the impressions, perceptions, or mental representations derived from things collected by the common senses. They are the imaging of the word (reason, purpose, and essence) of created things.
Secondly there are...
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Discussing Atheism with Pastor Craig |
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Posted by:
johnnyhawk (Posted: 06/25/2009 6:49am)
So some of you may have read in my previous Blog comments that I had made some new friends at services the other day. Again for those that don't know I recently just broke up with all of my "atheist" friends because I couldn't tolerate the anti-intellectualism running rampant through their lost souls.
All of those "facts" and "reasoned argument" simply led me to know they were sad lonely individuals that could benefit from a healthy dose of scripture and a not so subtle bonk of the head from Jesus walking stick LOL!!!
So I met the Pastor at my church, Pastor Craig (as he likes to be called). I had met them after services and he introduced me to his wife, a very attractive former atheist herself named Wanda, and we made plans to get together later that night at their home. I didn't want to bother them on a weeknight, but they informed me they had no children so YAY.
I felt bad for Wanda, because I normally would assume one would actually want children. She said that she and her husband spend so much time devoting their time to Christ that they simply haven't had time. I...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 23 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by ptl2008)
- Total Views: 227
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Former Atheist |
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Posted by:
johnnyhawk (Posted: 06/24/2009 11:19am)
I am Born Again my friiends and I needed to share... I am shaking and crying as I write this so pardon my grammar.
Wow, I can't believe what is happening to me... No wait... I do believe what is happening to me. My word I feel like the weight of all creation and that which it imbibes has been lifted off of my shoulders and cast into the pit of despair of which I thankfully leave behind... or Left Behind lol!
So I've spent the last year coming to terms with my truest and dearest beliefs, that is, beliefs that I did not hold but that were there and not necessarily true but factually correct. You are looking at a reformed atheist my friends (it sickens me to say the word let alone type it). And to all the children out there and all the families who may read this rest assured that that while there are "phases" in ones life, there is only one path to Salvation and it isn't on the back of a monkey or study of the "ecological role of protozoa in the transfer of bacterial and algal production to successive trophic levels" (yeah, whatever...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 5 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by barbarajean)
- Total Views: 73
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... Conformed To His Image ... |
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Posted by:
bimonics (Posted: 06/24/2009 8:48am)
Soul instruction on good and godly habits.
Your destination (my soul), should you remain obedient in prayer, is to be united with all three Persons of God. The true Christian history of contemplative knowing indicates the equality of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, i.e., to be united with one is to be united with all. Continue to call on the name of Jesus, allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal Him to you and all the while returning thanks to the Father. This is an obedience that will instill a humbleness and disposition of gratitude in you that is pleasing to the Three in One.
Look forward to receiving the final good and godly habit of Divine Love. One day when the Divine Light lifts your eyes up, look forward also to the gift of discernment and other good and godly habits of the essential inner entity type. Familiarize yourself with the Uncreated Light spoken of by Palamas made known through his intuitive logic of God. Experience the Light, which is union with the Son as soon as you possibly have opportunity.[1].
Do not lose sight (my soul) of the final stage of contemplative knowing, the final stage of the...
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Your Part Is To Pray ... |
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Posted by:
bimonics (Posted: 06/22/2009 9:18am)
Soul instruction on continuous prayer.
Listen (my soul), consider the method of self-denial advocated by Hesychios from the Sinai tradition. Insert the Jesus Prayer into your program of self-denial according to that tradition which has its roots in Evagrius' self-denying intuitive logic on the soul. Hesychios does not center his method on a feeling of deep regret (godly sorrow) and tears, but does allow for a place for this experience in the practice of sober watchfulness.[1].
Use the Jesus Prayer as an essential part of your self-denying program. The practice of it will create a intuitive logistical structure within. The said structure will determine your attitude toward the thoughts and images that come before your mind-of-the-heart when you settle into sober watchful meditative quietness. Properly position the Jesus Prayer (name of Jesus) within your new inward intuitive logistical structure (the kingdom of heaven is within you). Combine the inward self-denial with outward bodily self-denial. A complimentary program of outward bodily self-denial will help establish the more difficult inward dispassion and bring your body into subjection for an overall purification. In return inward purification will make outward discipline possible, for they are complementary and aid one another.[2].
Seriously consider (my soul)...
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A Look At Speaking In Tongues |
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Posted by:
yokhannan (Posted: 06/15/2009 10:31pm)
A Look At Speaking In Tongues
On the Day of Pentecost visitors to Jerusalem witnessed the unbelievable sight of Spirit-filled believers declaring the glory of God in languages they had never learned. Their response to the supernatural was natural: "What does this mean?" (Acts 2:12).
Twenty centuries later the same question is being asked as the Holy Spirit is doing spectacular things all around the world, not just in one location. Tongues-speaking Pentecostals have become the second largest family of Christians in the world, surpassed only by the Roman Catholic Church. Convincing statistics exist on the explosion of church growth around the world in the Pentecostal and charismatic groups that teach the necessity of speaking in tongues as the initial physical evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit can inspire people to speak in languages which they have not learned, as was demonstrated conclusively on the Day of Pentecost (see Acts 2) when people from all over the world heard Galileans speaking foreign languages which they could not have known. In the modern era similar episodes have occurred many times.
The expression "initial physical evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit" refers to the first...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 11 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by doulos)
- Total Views: 197
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Salt! |
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Posted by:
otter (Posted: 06/15/2009 7:19pm)
The Lord God created in us the life-saving need for salt. He gave salt many other uses, primarily as part of the grain offering (Lev. 2:13), the burnt offering (Ezek. 43:24) and the incense (Exo. 30:35). It was part of the temple offering and used to ratify covenants. Ezek. 16:4 also tells me it was rubbed on newborn babies to promote good health. Salt is still used as a preservative, but also to make land barren. I’ve killed weeds in sidewalk cracks by putting salt on them.
The Dead Sea is on the eastern border of Israel and is the lowest point on earth. Water flows in, but doesn’t flow out. Sodom was along its shores. Zechariah tells me that one day, in the Millennial Kingdom, the Dead Sea will be living waters … the same waters that John saw in Rev. 22.
Okay, enough background. I wonder if the Lord, knowing all to come of course, but always giving us an “out” to avoid His anger, made the Dead Sea to purify the Promised Land from the idolatry that was to come from His people. To preserve them so to speak. So it didn’t come to that. But it...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 2 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by otter)
- Total Views: 34
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Today is the start of the rest of your life. |
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Posted by:
alisonwhitefordmcq (Posted: 06/09/2009 11:55am)
Today is the start of the rest of our lives.
It doesn't matter who we are, where we have been, what we have done, each day is a new day. No matter how afraid of the future we are, how daunting it seems, we can trust in Jesus to help us every step of the way. The future looks great when we turn our focus to God and remember it is all about him and not us. I apologise for always talking about me. I am so selfish. The things I want to do I don't and the things I shouldn't do I do. I am a bit like Paul. I am so looking forward to Heaven it will be great, no more starving children, pain, crying. I have two ears to listen and one mouth so i should be listening twice as much as I speak. Jesus is fantastic and heaven exists I know 100%. So as this is under the category of apologetics lets look at this. Apologetics is defending your faith. How can we defend our faith in a world that is ever changing. Where multi faith and same sex relationships seem to be the norm. If...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 2 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by tipton5260)
- Total Views: 85
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Synoptics part 2 |
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Posted by:
alisonwhitefordmcq (Posted: 06/08/2009 10:46am)
Nickle thought that the author of Matthew used
some Rabbinic exegesical methods, though not a Jew . According to Streeter the first Gospel is a combination of the traditions of Jerusalem, Antioch, and Rome, while the third Gospel represents Caesarea, Antioch, and Rome. The fact that the Antiochene and Roman sources were reproduced by both Evangelists Matthew and Luke were due to the importance of the Churches. Streeter thought there is no evidence that the other sources are less authentic. “A Schweitzer took on the quest of the historical Jesus in 1906 and his research results were largely proven inconclusive though research still continues” . A further consideration is the location and the situation of the author. This could infer that he has put his own spin on the story. Certainly in terms of eschatological studies Mark believes Christ will return within his generation, Matthew thinks there is a delay and encourages us in Matthew Chapter 25 with a parable about not growing weary whilst the master is delayed in coming. Luke thinks Christ is back and the destruction of the temple was the judgement (Lecture notes). Are they all putting their own subjective analysis into their scrolls and how...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 0 Comments (view first comment - view last comment)** - Total Views: 40
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The synoptic problem |
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Posted by:
alisonwhitefordmcq (Posted: 06/05/2009 5:29am)
The aim of this essay is to explain what the Synoptic problem is and how it is solved by most theologians/scholars by giving arguments which support the view. I will also explain how these solutions affect the study of the synoptic gospels and the implications this has on the historical Jesus.
Is the Synoptic problem a problem at all? Synoptic means same view, relating to the relationship between the Matthew, Mark and Luke gospels and was first addressed by scholars in the late 18th century. The problem seems to be whose hypothetical theology do we accept as a true and fair view from which we can establish if there are major differences between the gospels which are worth considering or whether we should ignore all and consider whether it is important to the Christian faith. We need to consider scripture first, identify differences and consider the methodology used by the authors. Later the methodology will be considered in depth to identify the problem as clearly as possible and from which a variety of theologians have come up with solutions, which we will now consider.
One such way is that of James M Robinson, a renowned theologian, who thought the synoptic...
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The Crucible of Suffering |
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Posted by:
redmanmatt (Posted: 05/22/2009 7:12pm)
www.immutablewordministries.blogspot.com
04.20.09
J.A. Matteson
For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted. Hebrews 2:18
The kindness of God has placed you in the crucible of suffering so that your faith may be proven genuine, rendering you of greater use to the Savior. The accuser taunts you into erroneously presuming that you have sinned and are suffering the just recompense for your folly; you have found providence unnerving, pushed to the limits of human frailty, wondering how much longer you can endure it; you have been enticed by the evil one to sin, nudged to acquiesce to the hellish siren call, in our spirit battling the enemy of your soul, determined to remain steadfast in obedience to the Lord who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Consider it normal as a pilgrim that you find yourself in the crucible of suffering. To be put to the test is a gift from God as it furthers your sanctification
in grace, and the Lord has infinitely creative ways to prove your confession of Jesus Christ.
The test may come as a providential calamity...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 1 Comment (by lexyb)
- Total Views: 46
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Dismally Distant |
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Posted by:
redmanmatt (Posted: 05/22/2009 6:18am)
J.A. Matteson
03.11.09
"...and God gave them over... " Romans 1:24
The people of God are called out into a distinct relationship with the Creator of all things. They are to be a peculiar people, separated unto holiness as the Lord their God is holy, "put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth" (Ephesians 4:24). While longsuffering and merciful the Lord will not strive indefinitely with sin when hearts become dismally distant from His. There exists a dreadful transition zone, a tipping point, when persistent and willful defiance results in the provocation of divine wrath. In any generation when the heart of a people grows numb to the leaven of the Spirit by pronouncing right as 'wrong' and wrong as 'right', judgment is as certain to fall as a blind man who trips over a large stone. Judgment is progressive-recall the plagues of Egypt-, observable, and commences as a result of the suppression the Word of the Lord, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness" (Romans 1:18). Any who turn a blind...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 2 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by bimonics)
- Total Views: 55
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Move Off The Reservation |
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Posted by:
redmanmatt (Posted: 05/19/2009 11:07am)
05.19.09
J.A. Matteson
If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
1 Peter 4:14
The Christ of Scripture publically confronted unbelief, condemned religious hypocrisy, characterized the present generation with forceful adjectives such as adulterous, evil, sinful, perverted, and wicked, all with a view toward reconciliation. The Lamb of God came into the world speaking spiritual truth, seeking that which was lost. And unlike some in the present time that suggest He came to enter into a "conversation" with His opponents-to find common ground, Scripture reveals the Son of God directly condemning unbelief and spiritual error.
The issue of spiritual life or death comes down to a simple pass/fail test, "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Rom. 10:9). The Savior was reviled because He testified that the world's deeds were evil. He came to His own and His own rejected Him. Darkness prefers hidden places, cloistered recesses in secret, and like a serpent under a rock can violently strike when exposed by the light of truth....
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Sad and confused |
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Posted by:
ronnichol (Posted: 05/18/2009 12:39pm)
My confusion is between Armenianism and monergism. My salvation came after twenty years of drug addiction and alcoholism. I became a Christian (accepted the offer of the Gospel) and started on the long road of recovery. My journey has led me to several spiritual traditions including a stay at a Benedictine monastery. My quest for understanding led me to university where I earned a degree in Religious Studies and Ethics. I remained with the Roman Catholic church until I met my wife and married some ten years ago. We became dissatisfied with the way the services were being run 9lack of worship) and started going to the Presbyterian church. My wife joined the choir and things went well for awhile. Then monergism raised its head. The minister was quite into hyper-Calvinism and put me down several times as a know-it-all as I asked questions he has not answered. I have read up on reformed theology, double predestination, the five points of Calvinism, and lapsarianism. The problem is that when I read these articles, including Calvin's Institutes, it is like sandpaper grating over my soul. Just where do I fit in? I feel that I am an Armenian by serological experience;...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 9 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by ronnichol)
- Total Views: 91
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The Unchanging Message of the Cross |
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Posted by:
redmanmatt (Posted: 05/17/2009 9:20pm)
THE UNCHANGING MESSENGE OF THE CROSS
J. A. Matteson
02.26.09
"Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ." Galatians 6:12
Grace is antithetical to works. Justification by faith has been and will remain a stumbling block to human pride. The essence of justification in Christ is right being, a new creation, while the Adamic nature insists on external works. Let not a man consider his baptism as a means to gaining divine approval unto salvation. Let not a man be persuaded that his tithe and offerings will win him a place at the wedding feast of the Lamb. And lest he be self-deceived let him soberly reckon that even his loftiest thoughts of God remain polluted by sin and are an abomination before the eyes of him with whom he must give an account. Only by grace is a man accepted by the Lord. The Adamic nature craves the approval of men (those who desire)-at the expense of being pleasing to the Lord-and the Lord's bond-servant finds himself engaged in a daily struggle against the old nature....
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A Pilgrims search for the Truth, the whole truth, and nothing BUT the truth |
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Posted by:
goodnews (Posted: 05/02/2009 4:54pm)
Before I start this, I want to point out that I am not against people. Brothers and sisters in the Lord are what it is all about. We are of the same Kingdom and need to recognize that more and more as the time draws near. If I offend anyone's sense of beliefs and purpose, please forgive me. It is not meant that way. Denominational strongholds are another matter however, and I do not care if I offend them.
For so many years now I have been taking in what is preached with no real testing of it's content. I have conducted my life like a lamb to the slaughter.
I should have learned this lesson 33 years ago, but alas I forgot it with time.
To keep this short on to the point, I would like write about where I have come to in my own walk, after many years of seeking and following in different churches.
For years I have listened to the 'expanded' version of the Word, based on whoever happened to be preaching at whichever church I was attending.
I can't tell you how many times I have heard a verse, or section of a verse...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 2 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by goodnews)
- Total Views: 332
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A War Between a Dragon and a Lamb |
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Posted by:
dying2respawn (Posted: 05/01/2009 5:50am)
A War Between a Dragon and a Lamb
I was surprised to discover that Revelation 12 teaches that Satan did not loose his place in heaven until after Calvary. Also, it was not Lucifer but Michael, armed with Christ's victory upon the cross, who began the war to expel Satan.
Have a look:
Birth of Jesus (4BC)
· Revelation 12:1-2 A great and wondrous sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth
Time of stars falling (aprox. 4BC)
· Revelation 12:3-4 Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his heads His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that he might devour her child the moment it was born.
Child was 'snatched up' and Jewish leaders peruse the church until Paul's conversion (30AD-33AD 1260 days)
· Revelation 12:5-6 She gave...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 9 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by blackrose65)
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The Holy Spirit |
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Posted by:
awluke (Posted: 04/30/2009 8:37pm)
For a lot of Christians, I think the Holy Spirit has been misunderstood and somewhat ignored to a degree. It seems like little is known about who he is and what role that he plays within one's walk with Christ. So, just who is the Holy Spirit? For starts, he is the third person of the Trinity; a part of the God-Head - therefore, He is God. A clear indication of this is recorded at the end of Matthew, when Jesus commanded his followers to simply:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19 NKJV
As Divine - God, the Holy Spirit is all powerful and eternal. The Apostle Paul states that the Holy Spirit is that of Omniscient. Take a look at I Corinthians 2:10,11 - "But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God." 11 " For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 1 Comment (by rhennyah)
- Total Views: 271
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"ALL?" |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 04/25/2009 8:48pm)
"ALL?"
All, is a very small word with a very big meaning.
For quite a while I had difficulty reconciling the idea of the "Free Gift of Salvation," with the story about the man who sold (All ) everything he owned to purchase the "Pearl of Great Price."
Why would the Bible say the man had to sell everything he owned to purchase something called a free gift?
I found the answer in the story of the lord of the vineyard.
Luke 20:9-16, Then began he to speak to the people this parable, A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time. And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty. And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty. And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.
Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 1 Comment (by philruby)
- Total Views: 129
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"The Awesome Power of Love" |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 04/24/2009 8:06pm)
"THE AWESOME POWER OF LOVE"
(Quick read: Godly Love is the most powerful thing in the universe.)
When I was young I hardly noticed the power of love, but over the years my appreciation for the awesome power of love has grown and grown.
Have you realized that we have a one motive God. Everything God does is an act of love. In fact love is the only thing powerful enough to move Him. And the only thing that is powerful enough to stop Him dead in His tracks.
On the surface men appear to be much different, but I suspect that if we peal away a few layers we will find that love is also the primary motive of men.
First let me say that when I use the word love I am speaking about many different levels/kinds of love.
Beginning at the very top of the scale with unconditional Godly love, then family love, followed closely by brotherly love, a love for nature, patriotic love, and , - - - -. I could go on and on, but to make my point I will drop down to the bottom of the scale where all of the loves seem...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 3 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by aliveintheword)
- Total Views: 137
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Divine Revelation |
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Posted by:
rickroehm (Posted: 04/24/2009 8:09am)
Revelation of the mystery...
• Rom 16:25-26...Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
The Revelation of the person and character of Jesus Christ is ministered to the human soul through the preaching of the Gospel. The "true" Gospel message calls men to unite with the Spirit of God through belief in the death of Christ for the forgiveness of sins. The Revelation of the Gospel that Paul called "his Gospel" is what the Prophets, the Psalms, and the Law of Moses prophetically recorded about the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. The revelation offered to man through Gospel preaching is to be conveyed to the entire lost world. The evidence and fruit of the Gospel message is: the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit; becoming a member of the body of Christ; forgiveness of sins; holiness of heart; a changed life; eternal...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 2 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by rhennyah)
- Total Views: 56
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"LOVE is GOD" |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 04/23/2009 9:28am)
"LOVE IS GOD"
Every mathematician knows that if X = Y, then it must also be true that Y equals X, but many believers who are also mathematicians still disagree with me on this one.
In 1John 4:16, it says, "God is Love." Then it also goes on to say, "and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him."
I must admit that there's something that rises up in me when I hear myself say, "Love is God." I think to myself, "Of course God is loving, but to say that Love is God? That just doesn't sound right, God must be much more than that."
Or is He? Could it be that our concept of Love is way too small.
First lets review what Paul says about love in first Corinthians 13. In the King James version he uses the word charity which in original Hebrew is Agape which means a Godly Love. So I'm going to replace the word charity with the word Love
He says, Love suffereth long, and is kind, Love envieth not, Love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not...
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Infant Baptism and Reformed theology |
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Posted by:
dentisttheologian (Posted: 04/21/2009 9:24am)
I thank God for the Reformation, and my reformed brothers for their commitment to the bible. I just dont see WHY they baptize infants based on deductive covenantal theology thinking, instead of obeying scripture. What ever happened to Sola Scriptura ( Scripture alone). The New testament is so clear on the subject of WHO is to be baptized; Just look at ; Cornelius house (ACTS 10). The jailer house (ACTS 16). Crispus house (ACTS 18), LYDIA, Stephanas; All these people believed and were baptized. We cant assume that infants were baptized as well. Infants dont have the ability to believe what they hear. Even John the Baptist's baptism was one of repentance. Let's turn to scripture. Scripture is more true and precious than deductive covenantal theology and tradition. This is an area that indeed still needs reformation. I really could use enlightment or a debate with any Pedobaptist out there. Thoughts anybody????????...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 13 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by dentisttheologian)
- Total Views: 239
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A Sabbaths rest |
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Posted by:
2forhim (Posted: 04/19/2009 6:46am)
Duet. 11:10-12
For the land into which you are entering to possess it, is not like the land of Egypt from which you came, where you used to sow your seed and water it with your foot like a vegetable garden. But the land into which you are about to cross to possess it, a land of hills and valleys, drinks water from the rain of heaven, a land for which the Lord your GOD cares; the eyes of the Lord your GOD are always on it, from the beginning even to the end of the year.
John the Baptist told us, as did JESUS, to repent for the Kingdom of GOD is at hand. What is this Kingdom of GOD if it is not, to us the Promised Land? Matt. 12:28 JESUS says that if I cast out demons by the Spirit of GOD than the Kingdom of GOD has come upon you. There is many directions I want to go with things the HOLY SPIRIT has shown me about the Kingdom of GOD. In fact our entire existence is surrounded with the purpose of the Kingdom. Today I want to share about the Sabbath rest.
Entering into the...
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"KNOWLEDGE?" |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 04/18/2009 11:11pm)
"KNOWLEDGE?"
There are two completely different kinds of knowledge.
There's head knowledge, and then there's a deeper knowledge that comes from personal experience.
John 7:17, says: If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God.
Psalms 34:8, says: O Taste and see that the LORD is good.
You could read and memorize a book about knots, but if you never tied one, you wouldn't know if they worked, and in a short while you'd forget all about it.
A prominent member in the fan club of a famous person may have watched all of his movies many times, and may be able to answer a thousand trivia questions about his career, she may even think she knows everything there is to know about him, but she doesn't know him in the sense his wife knows him.
I know you already get it, but I have a story I like to tell;
It seems there's a man who died and went to the gates of heaven, but before he can enter in, he's told he must go into an office for an interview. As he enters the room a man sitting behind...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 1 Comment (by philruby)
- Total Views: 148
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The Desire to Kill God |
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Posted by:
dying2respawn (Posted: 04/18/2009 5:11pm)
-The Desire to Kill God.-
It is often said, "Sin separates us from God.".
But what do we really mean by this statement?
Does sin somehow create a literal space between us and God?
No. Psalms 139 declares that God is omni-(always) present even going so far as to say that God is equally present in hell as he is in heaven. Psalms 139:8
In fact Acts 17:28 says that we live, move and exist 'inside' God. Literal or symbolic the point is the same;
We are always in God's presence.
So what do we really mean when we say, "Sin 'separates' us from God"?
To answer this question it helps to know what sin is and is not.
SIN:
Sin is NOT a noun (a person, place or thing).
Sin is not a substance that clings to the cells of our bodies and bursts into flames when it gets too close to God.
Sin is an idea, a way of thinking , a desire to rebel against God. Matthew 5:28
Sin was born of pride. Lucifer wanted to BE God. Isaiah 14:14 Ezekiel 28:17
But how could Lucifer become God, if the one true God is always and ever...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 2 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by disciplevance)
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The Vine and the branch |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 04/17/2009 12:49pm)
GRACE AND WORKS
The Bible says, You are saved by grace through faith, and not by works, but it also says, faith without works is dead.
Then it goes on to say, we will be judged and rewarded by our works. Some people go around and round on this subject for hours on end.
I believe the best picture to explain the relationship of grace, faith, and works, is the parable of the Vine and the branch.
It is by faith that we come to Christ, and by faith we are vitally connected to him. "I am the Vine," said Christ, "ye are the branches." This represents the closest possible connection. When the leafless twig is engrafted onto the flourishing vine stock, it becomes a living branch, drawing sap and nourishment from the vine. Fiber by fiber, vein by vein, the sapling clings, until it buds and blossoms and bears fruit. The sapless twig represents the sinner. When united to Christ, soul is joined to soul, the feeble and finite to the holy and infinite, and man becomes one with Christ.
We are saved by grace through faith. Grace flows up through the vital connection that's made by faith. Grace...
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Jesus Must Have Died For A Different Reason |
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Posted by:
dying2respawn (Posted: 04/17/2009 8:48am)
- Jesus Must Have Died For A Different Reason.-
This is how forgiveness has been explained to me:
We have all sinned against God and have therefore earned death.
Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death...
God wanted to forgive us but his Holy justice demanded payment for sin.
Therefore, if we ask God to forgive us his answer is; -No forgiveness. I must be paid back in full.
So Jesus paid our debt to God by becoming a man and dying in our place, thus giving God his life in payment for ours.
The problem:
This means that God has not forgiven us, he has been paid back in full.
Our debt has not been 'canceled' it has been 'paid'.
The logic is correct and it is inescapable.
If God demands payment, then God does not forgive. Period.
But we know that God does forgive. 1John 1:9
Therefore the premise I have been taught must be wrong.
Jesus must not have died because God's justice demanded payment for sin.
Jesus must have died for a different reason.
The solution:
Romans 7:14 Says we...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 0 Comments - Total Views: 162
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Faith/Believe |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 04/16/2009 11:22am)
FAITH/BELIEVE
Both of these words have been translated from the same Hebrew word: pistos, number 4103 in Strong's Greek and Hebrew Concordance.
They mean the same thing and are used interchangeably in the Bible.
In our day these words have been watered down and are often used in a manner that falls far short of their Biblical meaning.
When the word faith appears in the Bible, as in, "The faith of Jesus," or "It is by grace through faith that you are Saved," or the word believe, as in, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved," it's speaking of a total commitment, an abiding trusting relationship that's been entered into completely and wholeheartedly.
To have faith or believe in the Biblical sense, means to place your total reliance on a person or thing. It's easy to say you believe a parachute would work in an emergency, but to believe in the Biblical sense, you must let go of the airplane and rely totally on the parachute.
After the Civil War, the slaves were legally free the moment Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, but to be free in actuality, three things had to happen.
1. Someone had...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 0 Comments - Total Views: 102
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Are you really not a modern day pharisee? |
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Posted by:
2forhim (Posted: 04/14/2009 7:13am)
Are you really not a modern day pharisee?
Pharisees of the biblical days were the ruling party of the synagogue and they did not include the vast majority of the people. Likewise the Pharisees of our day are not the majority of the people. People are lead astray by the teaching of the Pharisees. These are men and women who believe their teachings are more valuable then Jesus' input. But like the Pharisees of earlier times we do not think we are Pharisees. We believe we are the well, the enlightened, and we thank GOD for our privileged understanding. We are the Pastors, the Apostles, the Prophets, the Evangelists, the Missionaries of today. We are the ones that stand as those who "protect" the simple minded, the children of GOD.
I would read this title and think that someone is trying to pull my attention with a shock title.( They really don't work well with me.) The sad thing is, I am really asking that question to you. Rest assured I am asking this question to myself also. This is a serious question and a serious article. Many people have asked themselves,"if I were alive when JESUS was walking the...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 2 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by 2forhim)
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What is the meaning of life? |
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Posted by:
2forhim (Posted: 04/14/2009 6:47am)
What is the meaning of life
The meaning of life is relationships.
I am aware that many people have looked at this question, and in philosophical speculation walked away from it. How can there be a meaning to life unless there was someone who determined the purpose, a creator?
Many people will already interject that there is no creator. If we are to concede the lack of a creator as a fact then we must also concede that there is no purpose for life. In a bowl on my cupboard I may have sitting a cup of baking soda and due to an earth tremor; caused by the rock platelets moving together; pushed by a volcanic flow; heated and propelled by a hot earthly core (this is not a scientific sequence) a bottle of viniger is toppled on it's side. The bottle leaks a gentle flow of viniger which spills into the bowl. A chemical reaction has accurred.
What is the meaning of this? It is unconstructed. There was no meaning; there was no plan. Spontaneous reations caused by spontaneous actions have no purpose when there is no one who has co-ordinated it. Thus we would say that the meaning...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 4 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by 2forhim)
- Total Views: 102
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Is Perfection only a Reflection? |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 04/12/2009 4:19pm)
Is Perfection only a Reflection?
The Bible says we are to be, perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect.
It also says, all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
Plus Christ Himself said, no one is good but God. Even though we instinctively know it's impossible for us to obtain perfection on our own, it seems that we all feel a deep need to at least try.
Matthew 5:48, Romans 3:23, Matthew 19:17.
And try we do, but we fail. Then we feel compelled to try again even harder. Again we fail. For a while we're discouraged, but sooner or later we get up and try again, and again, until we've tried as hard as we possibly can, and still have failed.
As long as we haven't tried our very hardest we still think to ourselves, "Maybe if I would have just tried a little harder." But once we've reached the point of complete exasperation, we've learned a great truth.
We know without a doubt we absolutely cannot do it our self.
At this point if we intend to continue, there's nothing left to do but throw ourselves at the foot of the cross confessing...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 3 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by disciplevance)
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How do I stop sinning? |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 04/10/2009 10:44pm)
"HOW do I stop sinning?" part #1.
dying2respawn asked me this 'simple' question in a comment he made on my blog titled, "Still sinning? What is your excuse?"
I literally spent the entrie day attempting to answer his question. My answer comes in four parts.
-
With all due respect, d2, this seems to be a (somewhat sinister) trick question.
I can't help but notice the word 'I' in the middle of this question. Therefore this question is egocentric, and quite similar to another question us humans like to ask; "What must 'I' do to be saved."
But "fools rush in where angels fear to tread," so I will attempt to answer your question anyway.
The short answer to your question; is by becoming one with God.
In John 17, Jesus defined perfection, and prayed for us to become perfect, so it must actually be possible.
John 17:21-23, That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 17 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by disciplevance)
- Total Views: 327
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If Jesus Makes you Free, you will be Free Indeed, How? Where? |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 04/10/2009 7:44pm)
"FREEDOM IN OBEDIENCE?"
I was blessed with a very secure childhood. When I moved out on my own, I had already experienced security, so I went in search of freedom.
I tried sky-diving, hang-gliding, and aerobatics. I flew through thunder storms, and under bridges; I raced cars, and motorcycles; I hitchhiked around the country without any money, and experimented with drugs. I made my, "Free as a bird in the world" trip, in my motor-glider. I drove cab, picked apples, and became an Alaskan bush pilot.
Looking back on my life, I can see I was hooked on adrenaline rushes, but after a while even my thrill seeking became boring. I finally realized true freedom wasn't to be found on the physical plane.
As I studied the Bible, I read about a deeper freedom. It said, "When the Lord makes you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36
Free Indeed, that sounded just like what I'd been looking for.
So I continued to study and finally found the freedom that had eluded me for so long. It was hidden in the last place I would have ever thought to look for it.
Unless you've experienced it for yourself, you...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 5 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by disciplevance)
- Total Views: 133
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Still sinning? What is your excuse? |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 04/07/2009 9:49am)
"AN EXCUSE FOR SIN?"
In the church I go to we teach sanctification really works, that "with God," we can overcome our fallen nature, and by God's grace stop sinning.
However I believe Satan is feverishly trying to erode this belief, and that his plan is to get us to make excuses for sinning.
Imagine we are sitting in the heavenly court waiting for our names to be called. In the mean while we're listening to others go before us, as they present their excuses.
1. "The Devil made me do it."
2. Original sin:
a. "I didn't want to do it, but my corrupt flesh made me do it."
b. "I was in Adam's loins when he sinned, so I was condemned even before I was born."
c. "I was sold into the slavery of sin by my ancestors."
d. "I was born under the law of sin and death."
3. Cheep Grace:
a. "There was no need to stop sinning, Jesus took care of all my sins at the cross."
b. "Christ's robe of righteousness covers over my sins."
4. Predestination
a. "God knew about all of my future sins, so I was destined to commit them."
b....
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 27 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by genesis1)
- Total Views: 263
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A new way of looking at faith? |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 04/07/2009 9:45am)
"THOUGHTS ON FAITH"
Would you like to have more faith? Most Christians would answer yes, however, if you did, I may have some bad news, - - - but also some good news.
The bad news and the good news is that you may never get more faith than you already have.
In Romans 12:3, the Bible says, - - - - God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
I realize that the traditional understanding of this verse is that God gives us all a small amount of faith (like a little water to prime the pump), which hopefully will be cultivated, and someday grow into a great faith.
But what if this verse really means that our faith is a part of the basic package, like our body and our brain, like our will, and our imagination, and our curiosity. What if that measure of faith is all we will ever get?
If this were true wouldn't that mean ‘every man' would have the same amount of faith? (Please bear with me.) What if the main issue is not how much faith we have, but where we place it? What if men who Christians call...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 1 Comment (by kiwibird)
- Total Views: 109
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The Book of Life on Judgment Day |
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Posted by:
dying2respawn (Posted: 04/03/2009 8:35pm)
Speaking of Judgment day Revelation 20:15 states, "If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."
Obviously it is of great importance that our names be found written in the book of life on that final day.
In this blog I will explore the following question:
When are our names written into the book of life?
In researching this question I have searched the bible and found references to names being blotted out of the book of life (Exodus 32:33, Revelation 3:5). But not a single verse of scripture that mentions a name being written into the book of life.
However, I think we can safely reduce the possibilities to one of the following two choices:
· Our names are written into the book of life when we accept Jesus as our savior. Or
· We are born with our names already written into the book of life.
On the surface these choices may seem simple enough. However, each caries with it profound implications which deeply effect our perception of God's character and his plan for our salvation.
In exploring this question we are actually asking;
· Are we...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 27 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by disciplevance)
- Total Views: 351
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When the Bible Contradicts itself |
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Posted by:
agapoly723 (Posted: 04/01/2009 7:27am)
Have you ever been studying the word of God and come to a passage that seems to contradict another one that you're familiar with? Of course you have. We all have. But how you handle it is what really matters. We know the Bible is the Holy Scripture, inspired by God. Unfornuately, what many do when they come to scripture that seems to contradict another is pick the one that more closely fits the way they want to live, or think sounds best and they dig in their heels and get rooted in that belief, and ignore the other. I've done this myself on many occasions. I have noticed than when I am predisposed to a certain belief, that I am actually blind to certain passages. This is the very reason there are hundreds if not thousands of different religions and even more denominations and branches off of each religion. It is also the reason why when Christians from different denominations get together they can't seem to agree on anything even though they are all called to unity in the body of Christ. How can this be? If there is only one God, with one plan of salvation, and one...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 3 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by alexgllrd)
- Total Views: 149
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Things are Ideas, plus Only a Dream Away |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 03/29/2009 5:11pm)
"Things are Ideas with atoms glued to them"
Imagine that tomorrow morning when you get up you hear on the news that some mean men have destroyed every violin in the world. There is no longer any such thing as a violin.
This would be a great tragedy for music lovers, but not an impossible problem for a man named Stradivarius, for he is a master craftsman of violins.
He still has the idea of a violin in his mind, so he gets some wood and glue and whatever else it takes to make a violin and hand-crafts a new one.
That's how us humans create a new product. First we get a new idea, then we draw up some plans, then we weld or glue or nail or rivet or solder some pieces of matter together, then we find a way to mass produce and advertise it. Soon we all have one in our home, weather we need it or not.
Now in the 21st century we can do it even faster using a computer:
WHO'S IDEA ARE YOU?
(This blog is a little too short so I tagged this onto it)
"ONLY A DREAM AWAY"
Read in Genesis...
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Giving God all the glory for everything done and said... |
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Posted by:
tohimbeglory (Posted: 03/29/2009 4:03pm)
Today was Missions Sunday at our Church and there was missions related festivities. We had a luncheon and it was wonderful. My mother doesn't attend our church, she is from a different denomination. But I left her a Barnes and Nobel to browse the books while I attended my church service. I got there just in time to eat at the luncheon. I took my mother a plate to go for her to eat and thought nothing of it at the time.
But I took her to the park for her to eat the plate of food I had reserved for her. And she ate, I thought about the Lord and how fair he is. My mother is sometimes washing away the dishes while I pluck away at the keyboard trying to reach as soul in my blogs. But as she ate, I thought, how fitting for her to share the Mission Sunday banquet. Whether she realizes that or not, but she is fellow labores in the work of the Lord.
There was a time when King David was to go to battle and left some men behind to mind to logistics and kitchen. And some who went with him...
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The Paranormal |
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Posted by:
muellerjcfreak (Posted: 03/28/2009 9:02pm)
Hey everyone/anyone who reads this.
I have not written on here. I have been just busy with life: work, school, girlfriend... and have not on CB much at all or online at all much.
I just got back from seeing "The Haunting in Connecticut" which is about this family who moves into a house closer to their hospital in order to have their son have treatments for cancer. The house ends up being an old Funeral Parlor and the basement was an old embalming room. The house ends up being haunted... and the movie was based on a true story.
Here's why I'm blogging:
What do we believe? Ghosts, demons, paranormal activity, mediums and physicists? When is it real? When is is fake?
See my thing is i always believed that demons exists and that when people have experiences of seeing the dead they only see demons.
Some might not really believe that anyone sees stuff like that.
My problem with this is that we as christians experience God: now when we tell others about our experiences and they don't believe, we're frustrated.
So how can we walk around disclaiming other people's experiences.
This is why I just hesitate over...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 1 Comment (by ps4467)
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"The Key to Unlocking Bible Paradoxes" |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 03/27/2009 3:42pm)
"THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRECEPTION"
The Bible tells of a time when Adam and Eve were perfectly obedient children who walked and talked with God in the Garden of Eden. God created them in His own image, and they were in complete harmony with him, mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Genesis 2:25, And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
Gen 1:26, And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:
We know they fell spiritually and physically, but it follows that they also fell mentally. Without their connection with the Infinite Mind, their minds became unbalanced, and they lost their ability to perceive reality with their whole brain, a perception that I call three-dimensional.
I believe our minds were originally designed to think and perceive three-dimensionally, and in our fallen condition we've almost completely lost our ability to do so. Besides being unbalanced our thinking in one hemisphere of our brain seems to contradict the other, so most of us have become either left or right brain dominant.
Without the ability to think holistically we think and perceive on an inferior two-dimensional, "either / or" level, where things appear to come in...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 11 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by disciplevance)
- Total Views: 275
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"Axioms, Assumptions, and the Second Coming of Christ" |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 03/27/2009 2:32pm)
Axioms and Assumptions, and the Second Coming of Christ
(Quick read: What we believe or assume is true, pre-determines what we will see, even before we open our eyes.)
According to Webster:
Axiom: 1. A saying that is widely accepted on its own merits. 2. (logic) a proposition that is not susceptible of proof or disproof; its truth is assumed to be self-evident.
Assumption: A statement that is presumed to be true, often only temporarily or for a specific purpose.
Your world view may have been formed consciously or unconsciously, but you do have one, whether you realize it or not.
There is just no getting around it, because even if you say, "I have no world view, and I have made no assumptions," you have just defined your world view, one based on the assumption that you have made no assumptions.
To build a world view, you begin with an axiom, an axiom is just a fancy word for your master assumption, (i.e. There is a God, There is not a God, or, It is all a dream within a dream, - - ) Then pile all of your assumptions, and all of your traditions, your superstitions, and your...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 10 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by disciplevance)
- Total Views: 502
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What is the main purpose of prophecy? |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 03/24/2009 5:40pm)
"What is the Main Purpose of Prophecy?"
John 13:19, (Jesus speaking) Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am [he].
Jesus did not say, he told us what is to come so we could study prophecy and amaze our friends by predicting the future, or that he was telling us the future so we could prevent it from happening, and he did not say he told us the future so we could prepare for it.
He said he tells us the future so when it comes to pass we will believe that He is the I AM. He is saying, that the primary purpose of prophecy, is to increase our faith.
To me it seems like God plays a game with us, he uses a passage in Ezekiel 28 about the prince of Ty-rus to tell us about Satan's future, and then in Psalms 22, he uses David's words about his personal experience to give us a preview of Christ's emotional experience on the cross.
He knows he can't trust us with very much information about the future, so he either buries prophecy in some obscure passage of...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 3 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by disciplevance)
- Total Views: 266
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Why perfection in the Bible? |
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Posted by:
rickroehm (Posted: 03/23/2009 7:26am)
The controversial subject of Biblical perfection is probably misunderstood more than any other topic in the Bible. When regarding the fact that words such as perfect, perfection, perfecting, and perfected are used 120 times in the Bible this subject raises many eyebrows. What's misunderstood is that people feel they can change themselves morally and/or gradually without the power of Christ or accountability to God. This has led many away from imputed righteousness and truth concerning Biblical perfection. Many verses in the Bible concerning perfection are frequently misused and wrenched out of proper context. The reason for misuse in most cases is simply a means to justify sin or wrongdoing in the personal life. Bible language concerning perfection is often dodged because it points the fact that Christians can and should live without sin. Very few teachings will agree to the fact that Christians can live without sin. People naturally believe living without sin is impossible but, both the Spirit of God and the language of the New Testament prove this lifestyle as... the sacred theme of the Bible.
Often statements are made such as, "Christians are not perfect", "I'm striving to be perfect", or "I'm growing into maturity". These statements...
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"Heaven's Entrance Exam" |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 03/22/2009 2:25pm)
"The Entrance Exam "
Here are four things the Bible says could excude you from the Kingdom of Heaven.
Notice they all include the word 'except.'
John 3:3, Jesus answered and said unto him, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again,
he cannot see the kingdom of God."
John 3:5, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except man be born of water and the Spirit,
he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
Matthew 5:20, For I say unto you, "That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the
scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 18:3, And said, "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children,
ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Does this sound like a tough exam? Yes, it is, it's much more than tough, it's completely impossible as long as you try to do it on your own.
However, in Matthew 19:26, Jesus says, "With men (or in other words, without God) this is impossible; but WITH God all things are possible."
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This one is a little short of the 150 word...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 1 Comment (by kiwibird)
- Total Views: 113
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"The Natural and Inherent Immortality of the soul?" |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 03/20/2009 11:33pm)
"THE NATURAL AND INHERENT IMMORTALITY OF THE SOUL?"
The natural and inherent immortality of the soul is a very popular belief, but I am here to contend that this is a Satanic lie.
Two entities are campaigning for the title of, ‘King of the universe.'
The First One has said, and I quote; "The day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." Genesis 2:17.
The other candidate says, and I quote; "Ye shall NOT surely die." Genesis 3:4 .
Obviously one of them must be lying, but who will you vote for, - - - who will you choose to believe.
As my witness I call my close friend Herb Montgomery, from Renewed Heart Ministries.
http://www.renewedheartministries.com/
Herb's testimony is as follows; and I quote:
"God Has Given Us Eternal Life!"
"He who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in his own hart, but he who does not believe God makes him out to be a liar by refusing to accept God's testimony of his Son. This is the testimony; God has given us eternal life, and this life is found in His Son." 1 John 5:10-11.
Recently, I have been curiously pondering the belief that many...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 7 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by disciplevance)
- Total Views: 240
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Simple Facts Are Added With Each Verse. |
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Posted by:
bimonics (Posted: 03/20/2009 8:29am)
As you start reading the Bible, the first collection of facts center around the ideas of; God, creation, heaven, and earth. The next set of facts in order are; darkness, the Spirit, and water.
DARKNESS.
Darkness was created by God, at one time covered the earth, and was separated from the light. It is called night and is caused by the setting of the sun. According to Job it is dumbfounding and exhibits God's power and greatness.
The Bible mentions certain degrees of darkness. There is great darkness and a darkness that may be felt. There is also thick, gross, and outer darkness.
Darkness has an effect upon us. It keeps us from seeing objects, causes us to go astray, and causes us to stumble. It is called 'the swaddling band of the sea', however it cannot hide us from God.
The wicked are the children of darkness for they live and walk in it. They are full of darkness and perpetuate their plans in it.
There has been miraculous darknesses; on mount Sinai, over the land of Egypt, and at the death of Christ. It is illustrative of the greatness and unsearchableness of God, as well as obscure and...
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- Total Views: 187
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Yes, it's Biblical, but is it a salvation issue? |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 03/19/2009 4:16pm)
"A SALVATION ISSUE?"
This one is especially for the ‘perfectionists' and the ‘legalists' and the ‘church police,' among us / in us.
How many items on this list do you believe are salvation issues?
Baptism / infants? / sprinkling / full immersion / with water / in the Name of ? - - - Receiving the Holy Spirit, / speaking in tongues. - - - Receiving the Lord's Supper / believing it is symbolic, or believing it is the body and blood of Jesus. - - - Keeping' the Sabbath / eating out / jogging / swimming / starting a fire / napping. - - - Reading your Bible / X # hours per day. - - - Feeding the poor / helping the homeless / providing for widows. - - - Always bowing when you pray / closing your eyes / clapping / raising your hands. - - - Not eating unclean meat / or food sacrificed to idols / vegetarianism / fruit Aryanism / gluttony / fasting. - - - Smoking or drinking or doing drugs / intemperance. - - - Murder / hate / condescension / sarcasm. - - - Holidays / Christmas / Thanksgiving / Easter...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 18 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by disciplevance)
- Total Views: 234
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Maranatha in 1Cor. 16:22 a word study that is now a verse study. |
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Posted by:
papillionkiller (Posted: 03/14/2009 1:15pm)
Maranatha occurs one time in scripture - 1Co 16:22
Warning! If you do not like word studies then do not proceed.
This word is transliterated from Aramaic to Greek and depending on the version of your Bible it has several translations. "May our Lord come" , "Come, O Lord" , "The Lord has come" and the final two are the same "Our Lord come" and "Marana (our L-rd) tha (come)" . Most others use Maranatha with notes - I used PSNT because it is a translation of the Aramaic and the BC because I like it.
All that to ask if you see a problem in the meanings of the different Bibles; Most say "Our Lord come" future tense, one says "The Lord has come" past or present tense, and your notes are more than likely to say "our Lord has come". So, what does this word translate too? To fine out let's look at the verse and its history.
Before the seventh century this verse looked more like this "If any one love not the Lord let him be Anathema Maranatha." as one sentence with the "accursed" (Anathema) and Maranatha tied together in meaning. Putting the meaning of the...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 3 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by tchable)
- Total Views: 206
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"A Painful Peek into the Heart of God" |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 03/13/2009 1:29pm)
"A PAINFUL PEEK INTO THE HEART OF GOD"
God Himself calls King David, "a man after mine own heart." (1Samuel 13:14, and Acts 13:22)
So for a peek into the Heart of God, let us read about King David's heart for his rebellious son Absalom. (2 Samuel chapters 13-19)
David's other son Amnon rapes his sister Tamar, (13:14) so Absalom has his servants kill Amnon. (13:28)
However, even after Absalom has killed his own brother, David still loves Absalom and longs to go to him. (13:39)
Then Absalom camps out at the gate of the city and sets himself as a judge of the people, to steal the hearts of the men of Israel, and to slowly build himself an army. (15:1-6)
Absalom sends spies into the city and conspires to overthrow his father's kingdom. (15:10-12)
Absalom is much praised for his beauty and perfection from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head, and he is quite proud of his hair, which weighed two hundred shekels. (14:25&26)
Absalom goes into his fathers concubines, to provoke the king. (16:20-22)
As Absalom's army is circling the city in preparation for attack, David sends out his men to defend...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 38 Comments (view first comment - view last comment)** - Total Views: 456
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Simple Facts Are Useful If They Are Accurate. |
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Posted by:
bimonics (Posted: 03/13/2009 11:48am)
GOD.
That God is a Trinity is easily proved in Scripture. Divine titles are applied to all three persons. Each person is described as eternal, holy, and true. It is evident that each of them are omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent.
God is the creator, sanctifier, and Author of all spiritual operations. God is the source of life, the highest teacher, and the One who raised Christ from the dead.
God is the inspiration of all the prophets and the supply-er of all ministers to the Church. Salvation is His work from beginning to end. Therefore everything from baptism to benediction are given in His name.
CREATION.
Creation - the formation of things that had no previous existence was affected by God, Christ, Holy Spirit, and by their command. It took place in the beginning, in six normal days. And was created according to His purpose, for His pleasure, and specifically for Christ.
By faith you believe the creation to be God's work. Each day is enumerated, accounting for most things ranging from light to the creation of man. And God rested from creation on the seventh day.
Creation was approved of by God and was even a subject of great...
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Judgment? The jurisdiction factor. |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 03/11/2009 2:13pm)
"JUDGMENT?"
The Jurisdiction factor
On the surface of things it seems we have a paradox.
Matthew 7:1, and Luke 6:37, both say judge not.
And then on the other hand John 7:24, says we should judge, and do it righteously.
Consider this, is it possible that some of the verses that say judge not, are actually examples of how not to judge, i.e. examples of un-righteous judgement.
This is new to me, but somehow my attention became focused on what I call the, the jurisdiction factor
I will begin with the definition of the word jurisdiction.
In 1. law, jurisdiction (from the Latin ius, iuris meaning "law" and dicerr meaning "to speak" is the practical authority granted to a formally constituted leagal body or to a political leader to deal with and make pronouncements on legal matters and, by implication, to administer justice within a defined area of responsibility.
Yeah, that's it, whatever they said. At least I understand the principal that's outlined in the last part of this long legal sentence. (To administer justice within a defined area of responsibility)
Now I will share some Bible verses; please read these familiar verses with jurisdiction in mind. i.e. the idea...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 2 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by perspective)
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"BLIND JUSTICE?" |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 03/10/2009 2:56pm)
"BLIND JUSTICE?"
When I was a child a mean kid in my neighborhood told me there was no Santa Claus, no Tooth Fairy, and no Easter Bunny. I hated him for the gleeful look in his eyes while he was popping my rosy little bubble.
But now I find myself in his shoes. Hopefully I can be a little more loving than he was.
I'm here to tell you that justice, - - - at least the way we have perceived it, - - - is just another fairy tale. It will never ever happen. Besides being completely impossible, God has no desire for justice, in fact justice is God's enemy.
Justice means fair, and for something to be fair it must be perfectly balanced, the way God created things to be, in the garden of Eden, - - - "Very Good."
God warned us to never ever play with matches, but we disobeyed, and now the house is on fire and all of God's children are trapped inside. This may be hard for you to imagine while you're sitting there in your easy chair, but all of the smoke alarms are going off in heaven, and we're right in...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 8 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by disciplevance)
- Total Views: 217
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ChristianGuide |
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Posted by:
christianguide (Posted: 03/07/2009 3:19pm)
Welcome to Christian Guide
Thank you for stoping by I hope you enjoy your visit but most of all I hope you learn from and think about the things you read here. Christian Guide is a website based on showing how Jesus is the only true way to God (John 14:6 NKJV) Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. This site is geared more towards Muslims and Atheists not because I hate them but because I want to see them have eternal salvation. I will try hard not to offend anyone while at the same time laying out a clear and logical case for Christianity in hopes that you will come to a fuller understanding. If in any way a post offends you then please understand that is not my intention but I will expose any lies and sins without hesitation.
God Bless
Christian Guide...
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Other centerdness? |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 03/06/2009 8:03pm)
"Other Centeredness?"
I just finished listening to an awesome sermon by Ty Gibson, titled, "Players and Stakes."
Ty ups the ante and gets very real. I highly recommend listening to it. Click on this link, http://www.lbm.org/listen.php then download the audio called, tape of the month.
Now having said that, I intend to use Ty's sermon as an example to make a point.
In his sermon Ty says things like this: "Godly love is complete other centeredness, - - - a self sacrificing love for others,- - - those who love God and others above and before themselves, - - - "
As an example of this other centered, self sacrificing, love for others, Ty tells about a man who is starving in a concentration camp, because he is giving his share of the food to a child and an old lady.
And then of course his ultimate example of putting others above and before ones self, is Jesus dying on the cross, so we could live.
Every Christian I know would wholeheartedly agree with every word of Ty's sermon. Every Christian that is, except me.
Yes, we do tend to be selfish and self centered, but the Bible does not...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 2 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by disciplevance)
- Total Views: 149
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The Greatest News Ever |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 03/05/2009 11:03am)
"THE GREATEST NEWS EVER"
The Gospel is called, ‘The Good News," and very rightly so;
All of our sins forgiven, - - - resurrection , - - - glorified bodies, - - - our inheritance, - - - re-united with our loved ones, - - - meeting Jesus face to face, - - - crowns and hugs, - - - a wedding feast, - - - singing and dancing and praising God for ever and ever in the land of no regrets, - - - how could it possibly ever get any better than that?
Believe it or not, Jesus has asked His Father to give us something even more marvelous than all of this put together.
Read all of Jesus' prayer in John 17; but here is the absolute highlight; John 17:21, "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us."
This blog is a little short so I will add some of my other favorite Bible verses:
Proverbs 3:5&6, Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 1 Comment (by youaregolden)
- Total Views: 131
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Is There Evidence of an Eternal Hell? |
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Posted by:
tchable (Posted: 03/04/2009 2:55pm)
When speaking of eternal life and eternal death it is necessary to begin in the beginning and define what life and death is. In Genesis 2:7 we find the beginning of the life of man. God formed the body of man out of the dust of the earth and breathed into him the breath of life. Man did not have life until God breathed it into him. What is it that God breathed into him other than his life giving spirit (1 Cor 15:45)? When the spirit of man entered him then he became a living soul?
Many over the years have been confused with the words found in Gen 2:17. God told Adam in the day he eats of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil he shall surly die. Adam lives on for hundreds of years after he had eaten of the tree, so how can this be? If this is to be understood than one must understand the difference in the physical body and spirit. The physical body came from the earth and has no life without the spirit. The spirit comes from God and is the life of man. God is eternal so to...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 41 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by tchable)
- Total Views: 723
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God's original plan? |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 03/03/2009 8:39pm)
"God's Original Plan"
God said, "Let there be light." Even the light was for us, light and darkness are alike to him, God did not need light to see.
And God said, "let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters."
Then God made grass and herb yielding seed and fruit trees, and a mist went up from the earth, and watered the whole earth.
And God said, "Let there be lights in the firmament of heaven."
Next God made the fish of the sea and the foul of the air and he blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth."
And God made the cattle, and creeping things, and every beast of the earth after his kind.
Then the Lord God made man in his own image, he formed him out of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul. He said, "Be fruitful, and multiply and fill the earth, and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over all of the animals."
And God planted a...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 7 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by disciplevance)
- Total Views: 186
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Does Anyone Have an Answer for all those "IF" Statements? |
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Posted by:
tchable (Posted: 03/03/2009 12:18pm)
A few days back I read a post written by an advocate of the Eternal Salvation doctrine. It was an excellent post and pure love came forth in the words which were written. The author quoted many verses which ensure us of our security in our salvation. Of all the verses quoted none of them place any kind of condition on the security of our salvation. As I read the post big tears arose in my eyes as I felt the author's love of God and the saints pouring out through the words being written.
My oldest son is an advocate of the Eternal Security doctrine and now has moved on to faith in the teaching of Universal Salvation. To believe in either is not a reflection on their salvation. I know my son truly loves God and is His just as I feel sure of the same with the author of the blog. However, to believe in either is not to believe in the doctrine of Free Will. In one we have the option to choose God however we do not have the option of changing our minds once we do. In the other there is no free will...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 19 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by tchable)
- Total Views: 223
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A God of reason |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 03/03/2009 10:02am)
"A GOD OF REASON"
In Isaiah 1:18, God says, "Come now, and let us reason together."
If a God who cannot lie says come let us reason together, that implies that He's a reasonable God. A God who is willing to discuss things with you on a One to one basis, and not someone who says, "Get in touch with my people, " or the kind of Father who says, "This is my house, and I make the rules, so if you want to know what's what, just ask me." Or, "If you want to know what to believe, just ask me, and I will tell you what we believe."
And it follows that His Book the Bible was written in such a way that an average person, with an average education can understand it. If that were not true, it should have a warning label that says, take this Book to a Pope or a Priest or someone who has gone to a seminary and have them explain it to you.
Doug Batchelor, a prominent Adventist pastor, was a rebellious teenager, who ran away from his rich and famous family when he was sixteen years old, to live in...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 2 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by disciplevance)
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Are you still chasing after the wind? |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 03/02/2009 11:16am)
"CHASING AFTER THE WIND?"
Quick read: Whenever King Solomon says 'under the sun,' he means 'without God.' With God, it's all about relationships.
King Solomon is called the wisest man who ever lived, but when many Christians read the book of Ecclesiastes they say it sounds like Solomon became depressed in his old age. I'm seventy one so that may be why, but when I read Ecclesiastes all I hear is deep wisdom from a man who has truly had and done it all.
The key to reading Ecclesiastes is the phrase, "under the sun." When King Solomon says under the sun, he means 'without God.' So his message is basically this:
"For much of my life I got caught up in that king thing, and with all of that wealth and power and all of those wives and servants, I drifted away from God. In the process I discovered that without God, all of that is vanity, it is like a chasing after the wind, so don't waste your time on it, fear God and keep His commandments for this is the whole duty of man."
King Solomon said, "In much wisdom is much grief." And that "Knowledge increaseth...
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Abortion? Is God pro choice or pro life? |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 03/01/2009 9:09pm)
I believe God is pro-choice, and pro-life.
God has given you the gift of free will, and He would rather die than dishonor your right to choose.
He will not take back this gift even if you miss-use it. (He did not stop us from crucifying His Son.)
However, He will hold you accountable for your choices.
Death is the enemy, not life, this world is the only place in all of God's universe where people are dying.
Jesus came to this planet to abort death.
Deuteronomy 30:15-20, See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;
In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, [and that] ye shall not prolong [your] days upon the...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 2 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by disciplevance)
- Total Views: 149
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VATICAN REJECTS CHRIST IN FAVOUR OF DARWIN |
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Posted by:
peprahgyamfi (Posted: 03/01/2009 5:37am)
I was really shocked to read the following heading on the 11 Feb 2009 edition of the telegraph.co.uk , the online edition of the Telegraph Newspaper one of the leading UK Newspapers:
The Vatican claims Darwin's theory of evolution is compatible with Christianity.
Below is a word-for-word reproduction of the first few passages from the article:
"The Vatican has admitted that Charles Darwin's theory of evolution should not have been dismissed and claimed it is compatible with the Christian view of Creation.
Gianfranco Ravasi: Monsignor Ravasi said Darwin's theories had never been formally condemned by the Roman Catholic Church Photo: EPA
Archbishop Gianfranco Ravasi, head of the Pontifical Council for Culture, said while the Church had been hostile to Darwin's theory in the past, the idea of evolution could be traced to St Augustine and St Thomas Aquinas.
Father Giuseppe Tanzella-Nitti, Professor of Theology at the Pontifical Santa Croce University in Rome, added that 4th century theologian St Augustine had "never heard the term evolution, but knew that big fish eat smaller fish" and forms of life had been transformed "slowly over time". Aquinas made similar observations in the Middle Ages."
Those interested to read the whole article may do...
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 1 Comment (by tchable)
- Total Views: 164
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Please pray for the Laodiceans |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 02/28/2009 6:22pm)
"LAODICEAN?"
Revelation 3:14, And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
3:21 To him that...
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What is God's biggest problem? |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 02/27/2009 8:35am)
"God's Big Problem"
(US)
God's big problem, - - - The family of Adam, - - - the human race, - - - His estranged children.
Our Heavenly Father has always loved us with an Infinite Love, but everything He had done so far had only frightened us and driven us further away. After a difficult spiritual childhood, and Satan's anti-God add campaign, we came to perceive God as an angry vengeful Father who was just waiting for us to mess up, so He could strike us with lightning and say, "Didn't you hear me? I SAID DON'T TOUCH!!!"
Our relationship with our Father had been in a constant state of deterioration for thousands of years, communications had broken down, things had gotten to the point where most of us no longer wanted anything at all to do with our Father and His Rules, the few of us who were still worshiping Him were only doing it out of fear.
In fact in His heart God knew that if given the chance we would kill Him and take His kingdom.
God knew exactly how we pictured Him, as the scary Lawmaker God of our spiritual childhood, the Father we hid...
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Why the Cross? Revisited |
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Posted by:
disciplevance (Posted: 02/24/2009 10:24am)
WHY THE CROSS?
(Revisited)
The Cross is the key to the Gospel, so of course the Bible has much to say on this subject.
I continue to study this, and I have recently attempted to come up with a list of reasons for the Cross. So far I have found seventeen, notice that none of them include anything at all about appeasing an angry God. By God's grace many Christians have outgrown, and/or are in the process of out growing that false view of God's High and Holy Sacrifice.
1. That many hearts would be revealed.
2. To display God's Love, and to change our picture of God, and therefore our feelings for Him.
3. To defeat Satan.
4. To conquer sin and death.
5. To make manifest the nature and consequences of sin, and demonstrate it's seriousness.
6. To pay for our sins. - - - Propitiation, which means, covers or erases.
7. To fulfill and vindicate His Law.
8. To justify us sinners.
9. To redeem and sanctify us.
10. To demonstrate His mercy.
11. To satisfy justice.
12. To demonstrate that Love is both merciful and just, and that mercy and justice can not be separated.
13....
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- Category: Apologetics & Theology - 1 Comment (by doulos)
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