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When God Closes a Door

Acts 16:1-15

Have you ever prayed about a situation, felt confident of God’s will, and made your plans, only to discover the door has suddenly slammed shut? Maybe it was relocation to another city, a relationship leading toward marriage, or a job opportunity that seemed so promising. Whatever the situation, the result was confusion, disappointment, and maybe even despair. What was God doing?

Paul and Silas had a similar experience on their second missionary journey. After originally intending to visit previous church plants, they instead decided to move into new territory with the gospel. But the Holy Spirit forbade them from going into Asia (modern-day Turkey). So they went north to Mysia with the intention of heading east to Bithynia. Yet once again the Holy Spirit closed the door.

At that point, they may have wondered why God would prevent them from preaching the gospel. After all, hadn’t Jesus given them the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20)? The answer came to Paul in a dream as the Lord redirected them to Greece—a nation with great metropolitan cities. From there, the gospel could spread more rapidly, and eventually Paul circled around to Ephesus, bringing the gospel to Asia. By the time John wrote Revelation, there were at least seven churches on that continent.

God often uses closed doors to redirect us into His perfect will and timing. Therefore, the wisest response is to rely on His infinite wisdom, wait for His clear direction, and follow the Holy Spirit’s promptings. God’s redirection brings blessing if we’ll simply trust and obey.

Keith
Keith posted:

Jesus Christ Is Lord

Romans 14:7-12

Followers of Jesus would agree that whether we live or die, we do so for Christ. But His sovereignty is not limited to those who claim Him as King. The entire world—the whole universe, in fact—is subject to His authority. At the final judgment, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess and praise God.

In the here and now, relatively few people recognize the Lord’s rule and seek to remain in His will. Most refuse to see that all of our human constructs—such as government, culture, and society—thrive or falter in the palm of God’s hand. Moreover, nonbelievers resist Christ’s sovereignty in their own lives. People who won’t surrender their will to the Lord’s great purpose assume control of their own destiny. However, the Lord’s supreme reign cannot be thwarted.

It’s common for men and women today to believe that there are no consequences for rejecting the lordship of Jesus Christ. You may have heard people say things like, “That Christian stuff works for you, but it’s not for me. I’ll live on my own terms.” Yet Jesus’ parable of houses built on either solid rock or sand offers a different perspective (Matt. 7:24-27). Only those who make their abode in the Lord can withstand the upheavals of this world.

Kneeling before Jesus Christ as the Lord of your life is the wisest decision you can make. The sovereign Ruler of the universe loves you and desires to bless all of your days. Make your eternal home in the safety of His kingdom, and forever delight in Him.

Suppose that all of this is just make believe? Suppose that what people say of Jesus and what he actually was are two completely different realities? No doubt believers of Jesus will point to what others wrote of Jesus to support their belief. However, if one realistically take the very limited events, words and actions of Jesus as documented in the New Testament free from blind faith, one will come to a different conclusion.

To begin with, Jesus was no king. He was born to an unmarried woman in a barn and does not even know his father. He grew up in the working class with barely any measurable accomplishments. He hanged out with a bunch of other guys who made him feel important but he was not even acknowledged as a leader of the church and had no meaningful role in the church of his peers.

But that was not all. He was also rude, obnoxious and prejudiced as shown in the manner of how he referred to people who were not Jewish of or his inner circle. Names like dogs, pigs, swine, wicked and adulterous people to name a few. He constantly whined about the comforts that others had while he had nothing of his own. If you weren't Jewish, you were not worthy of his acknowledgement. He was even rude and disrespectful to his own mother who bore him through pregnancy and childbirth regardless of her getting pregnant and not disclosing who got her pregnant.

Now this all may sound harsh but they will make sense once one is willing and able to remove the blinders of faith for no matter how much lipstick one put on a pig, it is still a pig. And if Jesus had no problem calling others pigs, none should be concerned that I use the pig reference here.

FM

Jews have always had tremendous influence in the world. In the world today, that is easily observed in banking, business, politics, science, music, entertainment, fashion, news/print media and pornograhy like in blue movies and main stream cinema. They influence the heathens, gentiles and infidels.

All for the almighty DOLLLAR.

Jewish principles of doing business is similar to Jacob's method-conniving, deciet and outright thiefing of Esau's birthright. A Jew will tell you that all of that is acceptable. As long as they seek Forgiveness at Hanukah. And start a new year again, doing the same things.

Adolph Hitler had a problem with them and that. And again they have resorted to their old ways. Misery for the world masses in all form IN EVERY CONTINENT.

Christ came only to the Jews and the His Disciples took His message to them to the far reaches of the world. 

The way we read the New Testament, is like a person must ONLY ACCEPT. But, the Orthodox Jews have a much more thorough explanation of Elohim and Yesuwah. They waiting for Him to come. He already came, and the things he said about them is all true today.

Now, the Apostle Paul, I percieved tobe like the modern day Orthodox Jewis Rabbi. Listening to them opens up a whole understanding of the scriptures. Paul knew the Torah inside out. And he wrote and spoke of Yahweh and Yesuwah in simplistic terms considering the mulitudes of background of the gentiles.

Christ came  for the Jews for them to change their ways and give harmony to the world. And he knew they will not change. But because, they were the chosen ppl, the effort had to be and must be made. The Apostle Paul, gave us his wriiten thoughts how live in a world full of sufferings. Christ said the same things to the Jews, all from the ancient texts. Paul simple tells us how bear our chafe untill the Lords returns.

S

Learning From Adversity

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

What are we to do with our pain when, despite our pleading, God won’t remove it? He knows we’re hurting but does nothing. How can He be a God of love yet not come to our aid?

Today’s passage gives us intimate insight into a very painful event in Paul’s life. We don’t know exactly what the “thorn in the flesh” was, but his account of what he learned through that experience is an amazing example of what God wants to teach us through adversity.

First of all, God is sovereign over the situation. Ultimately, He is the one who allowed the thorn and the one with the power to remove it.

• Second, God prioritizes the spiritual. Paul wanted physical relief, but the Lord was working for his spiritual good. The thorn was a protection against pride, which would have seriously hindered Paul’s ministry and corrupted his character. Whatever God allows to afflict believers is designed to protect them from sin, produce holiness, and equip them for faithful service to Christ.

• Third, God’s grace is sufficient. The Lord didn’t remove the pain but gave Paul both the grace to endure it and strength in his weakness. If God doesn’t provide a way out, He will provide a way through.

Once we understand the Lord’s sovereignty, priorities, and sufficiency, we can respond to our afflictions as Paul did—with gladness. When Christ’s strength is perfected in us, we can be content in whatever difficulties God allows in our life. The Lord’s unwillingness to give us relief is not neglect. Rather, it is evidence of His surpassing love, which seeks our eternal good.

Keith

Even Christ didn't understand the Lord's sovereignty, priorities, and sufficiency. When the pain of the crucifixion began to hurt him, he exclaimed; "my God, my God, why have you forsaken me".

Looks like Paul's response was better than Christ's was to affliction.

FM
ksazma posted:

Even Christ didn't understand the Lord's sovereignty, priorities, and sufficiency. When the pain of the crucifixion began to hurt him, he exclaimed; "my God, my God, why have you forsaken me".

Looks like Paul's response was better than Christ's was to affliction.

You have not read enough to fully grasp the uttering. And if you did, you will never be enlightened. Because, you are in denial of the Holy Spirit.

There are some things never understood by carnal minds. 

S

Who We Are in Christ

1 Peter 1:1-7

Peter wrote the first of his two epistles to encourage people who were undergoing persecution. And the disciple decided to begin the letter by reminding believers of who they are in the Lord.

Believers are chosen in Christ. It’s not that the Lord selects some people to enter heaven and others to go to hell. Rather, the good news of Jesus Christ is offered to all humanity (John 3:16; Rom. 1:20)—salvation is for everyone who receives the Savior through an act of free will. The bottom line is that God wants you (2 Pet. 3:9).

Believers are recipients of mercy. No one can claim that his or her righteous works earned a place in heaven. We are saved through the mercy of Christ alone (Titus 3:5). God loved us so much that He made a way for us to be in relationship with Him now and forever.

Believers are protected. Psalm 34:7 says, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him.” We are so well guarded that the only way our life can be touched by hardship is if God allows it. That doesn’t mean we won’t experience loss or upheaval. Sometimes the Father permits His children to walk through dark valleys, but always the protective shepherd, He remains by their side (Psalm 23:4).

The message of Peter’s letter is simple: Do not be afraid when you go through trying times. Focus on who you are in Jesus Christ. You have reason to be bold, assured, and triumphant, because you are a chosen, beloved, and well-protected child of God.

Keith

Our True Identity

Ephesians 1:3-8

When I hear a believer say, “I’m just a sinner,” I feel like responding, “That’s what you used to be.” A lot of folks cling to a view of themselves as a patched-up, slightly-better-than-before version of their old self. The Word of God contradicts that opinion: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come” (2 Cor. 5:17). In fact, according to Scripture, we’re dramatically different once we are complete in the Lord.

The question is, Will Christians trust in what they feel, or will they believe what God says about them? His Word calls us saints (Rom. 1:7), disciples (John 13:34-35), and fellow heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17). If your opinion is that you are “just a sinner,” then you cannot fully experience and enjoy your identity as a follower of God.

Believing what the Lord says about our new self is a choice. Satan certainly schemes to convince believers that Scripture doesn’t apply to them. He knows that people held captive by spiritual poverty back away from opportunities to share the gospel and serve God’s kingdom. It’s much easier to spiritually bankrupt someone who already thinks of himself as “just a sinner” than it is to conquer a disciple who knows he is a child of the loving heavenly Father.

Our true identity is defined not by our past actions but by the Savior’s. Jesus purchased our lives with His blood and brought us into relationship with the Father, who adopted us as His beloved children. We have every reason to hold our heads high, stand firm, and courageously proclaim the gospel.

Keith

Free to Enjoy God

Psalm 37:3-5

The gospel writers spoke about children coming to Jesus, giving the impression that the young were very comfortable around Him (Matt. 18:2-3; Matt. 19:13-14). Some probably climbed onto His lap, while others perhaps sat at His feet. We can picture them asking Him lots of questions, begging to hear more parables, and whispering secrets in His ear. It isn’t surprising that they would gather around Jesus; children can usually sense when an adult loves them deeply.

Contrast this snapshot of the Savior’s welcoming, loving nature with the picture some Christians have of God—they see Him as a judgmental taskmaster who motivates by intimidation. While it’s true that we are to obey the Lord’s commands, we’re also to delight in Him, just as we would enjoy the company of a close friend.

Do you think of God as a stern overlord who weighs good actions against bad? If so, you’ll have trouble considering Him a friend. Christians who envision a harsh God devote much time and energy to proving their salvation is deserved. How much better to have a biblically accurate view—namely, that God, while sovereign over the universe, balances authority with love. He wants us to relax and enjoy spending time with Him.

Taking pleasure in the Lord requires that we understand His attitude toward us: Our Father loves us passionately. He sees past our faults and mistakes to the precious child He created. In fact, He loves us so much that He sent Jesus Christ to save us and enable us to be with Him in heaven eternally. We have no greater friend!

Keith
seignet posted:
ksazma posted:

Even Christ didn't understand the Lord's sovereignty, priorities, and sufficiency. When the pain of the crucifixion began to hurt him, he exclaimed; "my God, my God, why have you forsaken me".

Looks like Paul's response was better than Christ's was to affliction.

You have not read enough to fully grasp the uttering. And if you did, you will never be enlightened. Because, you are in denial of the Holy Spirit.

There are some things never understood by carnal minds. 

Seignet, I couldn't say it any better, I was going to reply in length but why bother when one cannot grasp the uttering.

Ksazma, who was responsible for Christ death? Answer me that and we will have an enlighten conversation.

Keith
Keith posted:
Ksazma, who was responsible for Christ death? Answer me that and we will have an enlighten conversation.

God. All births and deaths are by God's decree. Jesus is no different. His birth and death were also by God's decree.

btw, you started out as your topic claims that it is not a sermon, just a thought. How did a thought become a two page sermon? Why did you claim that your sermon is not a sermon?

FM
Last edited by Former Member

Enoch never experienced death, so did Elijah. Life and death is the power of God. He has dominion over every minute aspects and events. As mortals, we are awed considering many to be miracles.

Yes, Christ died but He is not Dead. Resurrection was not an uncommon phenomenon back then, before and after. I have listened to many interpretations of what the Quran has to to say about Christ and Mary. And resurrection was not uncommon to the writer of the Quran. For the amount of written comments about Jesus in the Quran, the Quran itself establishes the reality of His divinity.  

Mark, the first gospel writer wrote of Christ as His teacher. And his accounts stopped at the scene of an empty tomb. A clear statement that Christ is alive.

S
seignet posted:

Enoch never experienced death, so did Elijah. Life and death is the power of God. He has dominion over every minute aspects and events. As mortals, we are awed considering many to be miracles.

Yes, Christ died but He is not Dead. Resurrection was not an uncommon phenomenon back then, before and after. I have listened to many interpretations of what the Quran has to to say about Christ and Mary. And resurrection was not uncommon to the writer of the Quran. For the amount of written comments about Jesus in the Quran, the Quran itself establishes the reality of His divinity.  

Mark, the first gospel writer wrote of Christ as His teacher. And his accounts stopped at the scene of an empty tomb. A clear statement that Christ is alive.

Yes, Christ died but He is not Dead - Now this is what I call crazy logic.

For the amount of written comments about Jesus in the Quran, the Quran itself establishes the reality of His divinity.   - Interesting that all the statements in the Qur'an clearly stated that Jesus is NOT divine. You don't have to assume what the statements mean as they are crystal clear. Nothing like how you have to find ways to fully grasp the utterings of the Bible. Jesus is no different from any other prophet. No better nor worse.

A clear statement that Christ is alive - If Jesus is alive, where is he and how you think he must look now given that he would be 2000+ years old.

 

FM
Last edited by Former Member
ksazma posted:
seignet posted:

Enoch never experienced death, so did Elijah. Life and death is the power of God. He has dominion over every minute aspects and events. As mortals, we are awed considering many to be miracles.

Yes, Christ died but He is not Dead. Resurrection was not an uncommon phenomenon back then, before and after. I have listened to many interpretations of what the Quran has to to say about Christ and Mary. And resurrection was not uncommon to the writer of the Quran. For the amount of written comments about Jesus in the Quran, the Quran itself establishes the reality of His divinity.  

Mark, the first gospel writer wrote of Christ as His teacher. And his accounts stopped at the scene of an empty tomb. A clear statement that Christ is alive.

Yes, Christ died but He is not Dead - Now this is what I call crazy logic.

For the amount of written comments about Jesus in the Quran, the Quran itself establishes the reality of His divinity.   - Interesting that all the statements in the Qur'an clearly stated that Jesus is NOT divine. You don't have to assume what the statements mean as they are crystal clear. Nothing like how you have to find ways to fully grasp the utterings of the Bible. Jesus is no different from any other prophet. No better nor worse.

A clear statement that Christ is alive - If Jesus is alive, where is he and how you think he must look now given that he would be 2000+ years old.

 

For the rational minded person who reads the written words about Christ in the Quran they themselves would honor His Divinity. I expect a lot of muslims will see the light when enlightement comes to them. Maybe some has already, but the fear of death keeps Christ quietly, in their hearts. 

Celestial Beings doan age. Angels, Archangels and Ministering Angels are forever the same. 

The Middle-East, before Christ, was no diiferent than India, gods of all descriptions. Many of the nations in that region would adhere to the teachings of Christ through the Apostles and Paul. But there lies the nation state of Arabia, approximately 600 years after Christ, still worship mulitudes of gods.

It has been stated over and over, Mohammad was illiterate in a household with a vast library. And he was taught to read. From the beliefs of Mohammad concerning a monolithic God, one can conclude the library would have had the Gospels, the Torah(The Books of Moses) and most certain the Book of Enoch. He also was a man who had had business dealings with people of all faiths in the region.

Convinced of only one God, he would do what Moses did to the Hittites, the Amorites and all the others who worshipped idols. Declared war and killed the heathens. Which Mohammad did and began teaching Arabians about the One God.

Mohammad had enough written material to teach from.

When Christ came, he reasoned with his listeners about God. He came with a message that was not written anywhere. The Jews knew of their God-according to Moses Laws. There is this man who spoke of freedom for slaves when the world at that time were determined to be 75% slaves. He spoke of a new kingdom. He said a great many things. And He said, that He came from the realm of God and Him and the Father are one.

And the Deciples saw Him on a cross. His pain escruciating, And uttered, the words.  

It must have been devasting for the deciples. Jesus left no wriiten accounts or instructions. They expected a fullfilment of what He said in real time. 

And so, the deciples sought to undersatnd what had taken place. And they started with the utterance,"Father why has thou forsaken Me." They would find the reasoning for those words in the Psalms. From that point onward the Holy Spirit would guide them through the Torah for the prophecies related to His coming.

Some 50 yeras later after the resurrection, The Gospels are written and letters of Paul. All with aim of an explanation of what took place.

 

 

S
seignet posted:
 

Responses highlighted in yellow

For the rational minded person who reads the written words about Christ in the Quran they themselves would honor His Divinity. I expect a lot of muslims will see the light when enlightement comes to them. Maybe some has already, but the fear of death keeps Christ quietly, in their hearts.

Why would anyone who reads where the Qur'an stated crystal clear that Jesus was NOT divine still foolishly "honor his divine"? One would be foolish to use the Qur'an which clearly stated that Jesus was NOT divine to insist that he was.

Celestial Beings doan age. Angels, Archangels and Ministering Angels are forever the same. 

Jesus was no celestial being. He was a human being like all others.

The Middle-East, before Christ, was no diiferent than India, gods of all descriptions. Many of the nations in that region would adhere to the teachings of Christ through the Apostles and Paul. But there lies the nation state of Arabia, approximately 600 years after Christ, still worship mulitudes of gods.

Arabia was not a nation state in 600 C.E.

It has been stated over and over, Mohammad was illiterate in a household with a vast library. And he was taught to read. From the beliefs of Mohammad concerning a monolithic God, one can conclude the library would have had the Gospels, the Torah(The Books of Moses) and most certain the Book of Enoch. He also was a man who had had business dealings with people of all faiths in the region.

I don't know where you get your information from dude. Muhammad's household did not have any vast library. He was not taught to read nor did he ever read any written words throughout his life. The words of the Qur'an are what he claimed he heard from the archangel Gabriel. While the people mentioned in the Qur'an are also mentioned in the Bible, the accounts of their lives are vastly different so clearly Muhammad in dictating the words of the Qur'an chose to disregard the stories of the Bible. And while he did have contact with others as he travels as a merchant, he clearly did not relate their accounts of the Bible in his dictation of the Qur'an.

Convinced of only one God, he would do what Moses did to the Hittites, the Amorites and all the others who worshipped idols. Declared war and killed the heathens. Which Mohammad did and began teaching Arabians about the One God.

Mohammad had enough written material to teach from.

Muhammad did not declare war on the Meccans. They declared war on him. He even left Mecca in the middle of the night and escaped to Madinah because the Meccans were planning to kill him. Yes, he did began teaching the Arabians about the One God after he learned of that One God from the archangel Gabriel.

When Christ came, he reasoned with his listeners about God. He came with a message that was not written anywhere. The Jews knew of their God-according to Moses Laws. There is this man who spoke of freedom for slaves when the world at that time were determined to be 75% slaves. He spoke of a new kingdom. He said a great many things. And He said, that He came from the realm of God and Him and the Father are one.

Jesus did not reason with anyone. He had a tumultuous relationship with anyone he came into contact with except his 12 compadres and even then he had issues with them from time to time. He was very angry and selfish. He called people insulting names like swine, dogs, pigs, etc. He was even disrespectful to his mother who brought him into this world through the pain of childbirth. And he was constantly complaining about all the stuff that others had while he had nothing as not "even a place to rest his head". And all this in only a three year period. The rest of his life is not known to anyone. He never freed a single slave during his life. While he did say that he and God are one, he clearly stated that he is NOT God and rebuked a man for addressing him as good when only God is good.

And the Deciples saw Him on a cross. His pain escruciating, And uttered, the words.

The disciples did not see him on a cross or see his excruciating pain nor hear his uttered words. They all got afraid and fled the scene leaving Jesus alone to bear his chafe.

It must have been devasting for the deciples. Jesus left no wriiten accounts or instructions. They expected a fullfilment of what He said in real time. 

Jesus had no time to leave any instructions. He was too busy those three years enjoying the attention his 12 compadres were giving him.

And so, the deciples sought to undersatnd what had taken place. And they started with the utterance,"Father why has thou forsaken Me." They would find the reasoning for those words in the Psalms. From that point onward the Holy Spirit would guide them through the Torah for the prophecies related to His coming.

Regardless of what the disciples thought, Jesus demonstrated gross lack of faith, patience and devotion when he questioned God's decree. Job showed more devotion to God than Jesus did.

Some 50 yeras later after the resurrection, The Gospels are written and letters of Paul. All with aim of an explanation of what took place.

The Romans found a way to rewrite the story of Mithras replacing Mithras ' name with Jesus' and so began what we know as Christianity today. As Christians celebrate Christmas today, they are actually celebrating Mithras' birthday and not Jesus as Jesus was born in July. Jesus is not even his real name. It is Esau.

 

 

 

FM

Eternally Secure in Christ

Colossians 2:13-14

As Christians, many of us know we’re saved yet still wonder about eternal security. Does our behavior play a role in keeping our salvation? Examining what happened when we trusted Jesus as Savior will bring reassurance of how secure we are in Him.

Prior to salvation, we had a spiritual problem. We were born with a nature inclined to rebel against God. Our inner self consistently rejected His rule and took charge. Because of our sinful state, we were spiritually dead (Eph. 2:1), under God’s judgment, and destined for eternal separation from Him. No amount of good works, repentance, or improved behavior could have changed our sinful condition. Our problem required a divine solution. Knowing this, God the Father provided what we needed through His Son Jesus (Heb. 9:11-14).

The day we trusted in Christ, our condition was changed from condemnation and death to forgiveness and life (Heb. 5:24). We received a new nature—one that wants to please God—and were adopted into His family (2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 1:5). His gift of salvation delivered us from eternal death, made us spiritually alive, and gave us eternal life. We cannot return to our dead, unforgiven state. Our new status as God’s children is permanent because it is based on what Jesus has done.

While our behavior may not always reflect our new nature, any mistakes we make do not jeopardize our salvation. Remember, it’s not our actions but Christ’s work on the cross that changed everything. And nothing can undo a spiritual rebirth that came about through faith in Jesus (John 6:37).

Keith

If God is so smart, he would have sent Christ earlier so that all those people who lived and sinned for thousands of years prior to the coming of Christ would have had a similar opportunity to accept salvation too. 

FM

Eternal Security: Can We Be Sure?

1 John 5:1-13

Our loving heavenly Father wants us to know with certainty that we have eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ. What assurances do we have that we are permanently secure?

God’s love. One reason we can be sure of never-ending salvation is our heavenly Father’s unconditional love. At the cross, He demonstrated just how much we mean to Him: He sent His Son to die so that we might have eternal life (1 John 4:9-10).

Christ’s life and death. Because Jesus was without sin, He qualified to serve as our substitute and take our place on the cross. By dying for us, He paid for all our sins and finished the work necessary to secure our salvation (John 19:30).

Jesus’ promise. We have our Lord’s assurance that we will spend eternity with Him. He promised that we can never be separated from Him and that no one can snatch us from His hand (John 10:28). He has gone ahead to prepare a place for us and will return to bring us there (John 14:2-3).

The indwelling Holy Spirit. Another assurance of eternal security is the presence of God’s Spirit within each believer. The Holy Spirit acts as a seal, guaranteeing that we belong to the Lord and serving as a pledge of our future in heaven with Him (2 Cor. 1:21-22).

The Word of God is filled with His promises that those who have received Jesus Christ as Savior will spend eternity with Him. If you struggle with doubt, then meditate on Scripture and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into a biblical understanding of your salvation.

Keith

1. Whenever I think of a father who love unconditionally, I think of one who will give his life for his children, not one who will ask one of his children to give their live instead.

2. I don't know how someone can be without sin when they display utmost disrespect for the majority of people around them. The bigotry, hatred, calling people names like dogs, pigs, swine. If those are not sinful acts, them what are?

3. Jesus also promised Judas that no one can snatch him from his (Jesus) hand also and he found out that his promise was not good enough to keep Judas from betraying him.

4. Looks like that Holy Spirit was not enough of a seal to keep folks like Jimmy Swaggart, Jimmy Bakker amongst others from falling off the cliff. If that Holy Spirit was able to guide these dudes who proclaimed frequently of speaking directly to God, why would that Holy Spirit have any better result with anyone else. These were dudes who spoke directly to God and still ended up screwing up in many ways than one.

All this Christian promise is pie in the sky. No one can pay for another person's actions. Everyone is responsibility for their own actions. If nothing people do is good enough to help them, that is their problem. If God is so powerful and loving, he doesn't need to send his only son to die so those people have salvation. All he has to do is lower the threshold instead of stubbornly setting unreasonable demands on people. There is nothing perfect about Jesus. If he is part of the Triune Godhead, one would expect him to know about things around him. If I were to ask a local for a certain fruit and that fruit was not in season, that local would know that it is not in season and tell me so. Jesus didn't even know that it was out of season for the fig tree. So he got pissed off when he found out that he was mistaken and how did he respond? He cursed the tree. That is one amazing display of love to curse a tree that did nothing just because he was wrong. Talk about being wrong and strong. One can put as much lipstick as they wish on a pig but it will still be a pig.

Now this is straight talk.

FM
Last edited by Former Member
ksazma posted:

If God is so smart, he would have sent Christ earlier so that all those people who lived and sinned for thousands of years prior to the coming of Christ would have had a similar opportunity to accept salvation too. 

Your question is different to "If God knew that Adam and Eve would sin, why did He create them?" but have a similar answer.

The Bible says that God created all things—including us—for Himself. He is glorified in His creation. “From him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen” (Romans 11:36).

God is omniscient (Psalm 139:1–6), and He knows the future (Isaiah 46:10). So He definitely knew that Adam and Eve would sin. But He created them anyway and gave them a free will with which they chose to sin.

Now to answer your Question
Oh before I begin, there was a man asking God some questions and he said "God what is a million years to you"? A million years to you would be 1 second to me! "God what is 1 million dollars to you"? A million dollars to you would be 1 penny to me! "God ",the man said, "can I have a penny"? God said, in a second!....That was a joke but think on it.
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I find it helpful to step back a little bit and get the big picture for this question.

The question is not just about why God didn't send Jesus earlier, but about all the seeming delays in the redemptive plan of God. That is, why does God “wait” to do anything?

I mean, if we pray for something, and God knows He is going to give us what we prayed for, why does He sometimes make us wait weeks, months, or even years before granting the request?

There are, of course, a thousand possible answers to this question. Maybe God’s apparent delay had something to do with God’s perfect timing. Maybe God did immediately answer our prayer request, but Satan temporarily stopped us from receiving God’s answer. Maybe God was waiting for us to be an answer to our own prayer, and we were the ones who slowed Him down.

There are other possibilities as well, but these go to show that when it comes to delays in God’s timetable, there is really almost no way to know why God does what He does when He does it.

Here is a basic timetable of God’s major redemptive works in history, counting from the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden.  Note that in between each major event, there are larger periods of relatively uneventful history. (The number of years listed below is based on the  most conservative estimates. Obviously, there are more liberal estimates which extend these periods of time out to tens of thousands of years.)

  • The Fall of Adam and Eve
  • Wait 2000 years
  • The Call of Abraham
  • Wait 500 years
  • Giving the Law to Moses at Mt. Sinai
  • Wait 1500 Years
  • Ministry of Jesus
  • Wait 2000+ Years
  • The Second Coming of Jesus (in the Future)
  • The New Heavens and New Earth

Obviously, God is not silent and is not inactive during these waiting periods, but this outline of events is simply to show that God’s plan of redemption does seem to occur in small steps spread out over long lengths of time.

Rather than that order of events, we often think it would have been nice for the order of events to follow this outline:

  • The Fall of Adam and Eve
  • Wait 20 minutes
  • The Death and Resurrection of Jesus
  • Eternal Bliss

Honestly, from a human perspective, this second order of evens would have saved a lot of horrible grief, bloodshed, death, sorrow, and sadness. Nobody would have ended up in hell. There never would have been wars, or famines, or diseases. Adam and Eve would have sinned, Jesus would have immediately shown up to fix it, and that would have been that.

So why indeed was there a delay in God’s redemptive plan? Why did He wait so long to choose Abraham? Why did He wait so long to give His law? Why did God wait so long to send Jesus? Why is He waiting so long to send Jesus back?

It only seems long to us
The first answer some provide is really a non-answer. It is one of those pat answers to difficult theological questions which really does nothing to answer the question. It is a Christian cliché: "God’s timing is not our timing."

2 Peter 3:8: But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

So in other words, though it seems like God took thousands of years to send Jesus, from His perspective, it only seemed like a couple days.

Peter’s point is valid in the context, but I don’t think we can say that just because God is not restricted by time, this means that God doesn’t comprehend time, or that God doesn’t care that we struggle with how long His plan takes. I know that this is not what people mean when they say this, but to many, that is how it comes across.

Here is how this answer sounds: "Oh, life is hard and you are wondering why God is taking so long to answer your prayers and set things right? Well, God’s timing is not our timing."

This is a Christian way of saying, "Life sucks; then you die. Deal with it." In other words, "Shut up. Nobody cares. Not even God."

God does care. He knows that although our lives are less than mere breaths before His infinite existence, the years of our life are often full of pain, hardship, trials, burdens, sickness, fear, and sorrow.

To teach humanity about the depth of our sin
If Jesus had shown up 20 minutes after Adam and Eve sinned, we never would have understood the depth and breadth of our sinfulness. Nor would we have understood how desperately we need God. It could be argued that one reason Adam and Eve sinned is because they didn’t fully comprehend how horrible it would be to live life disconnected from God.

Due to the long period of time in which we have wallowed in our sin, we now know — do we ever! — how wicked, evil, and brutal people can be.

One great benefit to this way of viewing God’s delay is that it seems to be supported by Scripture. Over and over again in Scripture we see this cycle:

1. Human development (the Law, Land, Judges, Kings, Prophets, etc.)
2. Great expectations for human utopia
3. Greater evil than ever before

I like this explanation, except that it seems like a bit of overkill. Pun intended. Do we really need thousands of years of bloodshed, rape, murder, torture, war, famine, pestilence, and disease to tell us that sin is bad? I don’t know… maybe we do. After all, human history reveals that every so often, people think that humanity has progressed to the point that worldwide peace and prosperity is just around the corner, that human utopia is almost assured. Usually, not long after these rosy predictions of our future are made, humanity enters into one of the most violent and bloody eras of its history.

In fact, you can almost predict future events based on how rosy of a picture is being painted about that future. The rosier the picture, the bloodier the future.

To teach the angels about God’s redemptive purpose
This idea comes from 1 Peter 1:12 and a few other verses which seem to indicate that one reason God created humanity and is carrying out His redemptive plan is to teach something to the angels. Nobody really knows what God might be trying to teach the angels that they don’t already know, but apparently, the angels are learning from watching how God deals with rebellious humanity.

If God is teaching the angels something, then apparently, it takes a long time to teach them.

To wait until the time when the Gospel could spread the quickest
Sometimes, and specifically in connection to why Jesus came when He did, some people say it had something to do with the Roman empire. The Roman empire built roads and had a common tongue which allowed the message of the Gospel to spread more quickly and with greater ease than it could have at other times.

I suppose in theory, this is somewhat true, but if God was waiting until there was a common language and good lines of communication before sending Jesus, He could have picked no better time than right before humans decided to build the Tower of Babel. There was only one language at the time, and it seems their communication was so good, there was nothing they could not accomplish. That is partly why the text says that God scrambled human communication (Genesis 11:6).

Furthermore, if God was really waiting for the quickest and most worldwide method of communication, He should have waited for Twitter/Facebook.

I’m kidding....Kind of …

Look, when we say that God waited to send Jesus until there was a common tongue and a good road system, what we are also saying is that the only part of the world that God really cared about was the part under Roman rule (Most of Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia). The rest of the world did not have access to the Roman road system, nor did they speak the common language of the Roman empire. So are we saying then that God didn’t care about most of Africa, most of Asia, and all of North and South America?

That was why I was kind-of only half-joking when I mentioned Twitter/Facebook. If God was waiting until the quickest form of communication was available to all the world, then He could have waited until a worldwide system of instantaneous communication was in place … a system much like Twitter/Facebook.

So anyway, while I do think the Roman road system and common language helped the spread of the Gospel, I don’t think we can say that this was why Jesus came at the time and place that He did.

To fulfill prophecy
Then there is the explanation that Jesus came when He did because He had to fulfill prophecy.

There is some truth to this, especially depending on how you understand the prophecy of Daniel’s 70 Weeks (Daniel 9:24-27). It may be that Jesus had to come when He did to complete the prophecy given 490 years earlier.

Also, in relation to this, Paul writes that Jesus came "at the appointed time" (Galatians 4:4). Other New Testament authors say similar things.

While there is truth with this answer, it really doesn’t answer the question. All it does it move the question back. If Jesus came at that time to fulfill prophesy, then why did God prophecy that Jesus would come at that time? Why didn’t God move prophets to predict that Jesus would come a two thousand years earlier … or later? Why then? Why there?

(My! This post is getting long … Let’s see if I can wrap it up.)

To wait until human theological development had evolved to the point where we could understand Jesus
One final view is that God waited for so long because mankind had  to develop socially and spiritually enough in order to understand and receive the revelation of Jesus Christ.

This idea is based on the concept of progressive revelation, that God has slowly explained Himself and unfolded His plan and purposes for the world over time. The reason is that we could not understand and grasp it all at once, and so He has had to teach us bit by bit, one step at a time.

God had to slowly teach humanity about Himself and His ways, so that over time, we would grow and develop into the people He wanted us to become.

Progressive revelation is a definite fact of Scripture, but I am a bit wary of this idea, for it seems to fall prey to what C. S. Lewis called "chronological snobbery." Lewis often criticized other scholars for thinking that just because they lived in 1960, they knew more about how the world worked and what God was like than people who lived in say, 60 AD. Just because we are further along in years, C. S. Lewis argued, does not mean we necessarily know more. We may, in fact, know less.

But, for the most part, I think this view has some merit, and does help explain what Jesus might have meant in John 16:12 where He said He had much more to teach, but could not do so because they were not ready to hear it. Verses like this are everywhere in Scripture (cf. Matt 13:10-13), which seems to indicate that God only provides further revelation after we have incorporated His previous revelation into our thinking and practice (for the most part).

What is my view about why God waited thousands of years to send Jesus? What is my view on all of this? I hold some strange mixture of all of the above.

Essentially, I believe that whatever we say about God’s timing in sending Jesus is similar to what we should say about God’s timing in doing anything. There are a variety of answers at any given time, and any action of God can have a variety of explanations.

While I believe that faith in God includes faith in God’s timing, I am not always sure we can understand God’s timing …

Keith
ksazma posted:
Keith posted:
Ksazma, who was responsible for Christ death? Answer me that and we will have an enlighten conversation.

God. All births and deaths are by God's decree. Jesus is no different. His birth and death were also by God's decree.

btw, you started out as your topic claims that it is not a sermon, just a thought. How did a thought become a two page sermon? Why did you claim that your sermon is not a sermon?

it's not a sermon, It's a thought/discussion

Keith

Too many maybes but none adequately answers the question. Nothing new has been achieved by God's impeccable timing when he sent Jesus 2000 years ago except the make believe notion that somehow people have salvation now. There is even more sin now than there were before Jesus came. Him "being on the cross" was an "act of murder" which is also a sin. Those who betrayed him as well as others still continued to betray others. The lying, killing, cheating, stealing, etc. still continued to this day exponentially. No one can put this make believe salvation on a platter and say, here it is. This is no less a delusion than any other. There are ways to prove that all this make believe is non-existent but no rational way to prove that any of it is existent.

FM
Keith posted:
ksazma posted:
Keith posted:
Ksazma, who was responsible for Christ death? Answer me that and we will have an enlighten conversation.

God. All births and deaths are by God's decree. Jesus is no different. His birth and death were also by God's decree.

btw, you started out as your topic claims that it is not a sermon, just a thought. How did a thought become a two page sermon? Why did you claim that your sermon is not a sermon?

it's not a sermon, It's a thought/discussion

Don't fool yourself dude. It is a sermon.  A thought or a discussion goes like this; "what/how do you think/feel about this? and it moves from there. To just post one passage or another is nothing other than a sermon. Perhaps you are unable to differentiate one from the other.

p.s. Check other topics for clarification on what is a discussion.

FM
ksazma posted:
Keith posted:
ksazma posted:
Keith posted:
Ksazma, who was responsible for Christ death? Answer me that and we will have an enlighten conversation.

God. All births and deaths are by God's decree. Jesus is no different. His birth and death were also by God's decree.

btw, you started out as your topic claims that it is not a sermon, just a thought. How did a thought become a two page sermon? Why did you claim that your sermon is not a sermon?

it's not a sermon, It's a thought/discussion

Don't fool yourself dude. It is a sermon.  A thought or a discussion goes like this; "what/how do you think/feel about this? and it moves from there. To just post one passage or another is nothing other than a sermon. Perhaps you are unable to differentiate one from the other.

p.s. Check other topics for clarification on what is a discussion.

Call it whatever you want, to me is clarity

Keith
ksazma posted:

1. Whenever I think of a father who love unconditionally, I think of one who will give his life for his children, not one who will ask one of his children to give their live instead.

Think on this: During the days of Abraham, Isaac and Jacobs when there was a sinful act or the people in general had sin what was required of them to do? The were require to bring a unblemished Lamb/Goat/Calf to the alter and offer it up as a sacrifice, as a remission of sin. Are we still offer animals up to God to cleanse/forgive us of our sin?....I think not.

You see Christ was staring into a chalice of wrath and judgment that must have made His soul recoil (Isa. 51:17). Mankind had filled it with the most depraved deeds and thoughts that they could conceive. According to Scripture, Jesus Christ did not just die for our sin; He became our sin (2 Cor. 5:21). The holy, perfect Lamb of God took upon Himself all that was vile and dark

Furthermore, Jesus knew the consequences of taking on mankind’s evil. God’s holiness prevented Him from being in the presence of sin. Therefore, the heavenly Father would have to separate Himself from the Son. Jesus had always enjoyed perfect oneness with God. To contemplate a wrenching rejection must have been terrifying and heartbreaking.

There was no question that Jesus would obey the will of God. He would become sin and be separated from the Father, if that’s what was required to save mankind. So, yes, in the garden, He pleaded for another route to our redemption. However, when it was clear that the Father’s answer was, No, this is the only way, Jesus obediently sacrificed Himself for us.

Jesus Christ sacrificed more than His life. He exchanged perfection for wickedness and holy union for separation. The Savior did this so we could be transformed into righteous men and women with an eternal future. No wonder all of heaven exalts Him (Rev. 5:11-14).

 2. I don't know how someone can be without sin when they display utmost disrespect for the majority of people around them. The bigotry, hatred, calling people names like dogs, pigs, swine. If those are not sinful acts, them what are?

I wouldn't even bother to attempt to answer this ...I have no clue what you are talking about maybe someone else can take a shot at your question here.

3. Jesus also promised Judas that no one can snatch him from his (Jesus) hand also and he found out that his promise was not good enough to keep Judas from betraying him.

First of all you need to read the scripture/chapter in it entirety to avoid making  false statement such as you did but the fact that you pick a verse not understand what you read wind up with this false notion. Jesus was speaking to the Jews and you can now read below.

John 10:21-30: 21 Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

22 Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. 24 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you.a]">[a] 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one.”

4. Looks like that Holy Spirit was not enough of a seal to keep folks like Jimmy Swaggart, Jimmy Bakker amongst others from falling off the cliff. If that Holy Spirit was able to guide these dudes who proclaimed frequently of speaking directly to God, why would that Holy Spirit have any better result with anyone else. These were dudes who spoke directly to God and still ended up screwing up in many ways than one.

I cannot answer for their down fault, those folks will face the same judgment you and I will face one day and each of us will have to be accountable for the deeds we did while we were alive.

Lets understand what you are talking about here which is the Holy Spirit

God’s Spirit possesses three defining characteristics of personhood: intelligence, will, and emotion. Let me prove these points by guiding you to some New Testament verses. First Corinthians 2:10-11 explains that the Spirit knows God’s thoughts and illuminates the truth for us. Later in the same book, He is identified as the One who determines the spiritual gift(s) of each believer (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). Finally, the Holy Spirit’s feelings are revealed in verses like Romans 15:30, which tells of His love, and Ephesians 4:30, which warns against grieving Him.

Consider also that Jesus spoke of a Helper who would come after Him (John 14:16, 14:26). Aiding and assuring others are the acts of a person, as is teaching—these are some of the Holy Spirit’s primary tasks.

Perhaps you misunderstand the Spirit of God as I once did. He isn’t an “it” any more than God the Father or Jesus Christ is. The Spirit is a member of the Trinity, and if you’re a believer, He is with you now. God has given you His Spirit as a special Helper—one who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).

All this Christian promise is pie in the sky. No one can pay for another person's actions. Everyone is responsibility for their own actions. If nothing people do is good enough to help them, that is their problem. If God is so powerful and loving, he doesn't need to send his only son to die so those people have salvation. All he has to do is lower the threshold instead of stubbornly setting unreasonable demands on people. There is nothing perfect about Jesus. If he is part of the Triune Godhead, one would expect him to know about things around him. If I were to ask a local for a certain fruit and that fruit was not in season, that local would know that it is not in season and tell me so. Jesus didn't even know that it was out of season for the fig tree. So he got pissed off when he found out that he was mistaken and how did he respond? He cursed the tree. That is one amazing display of love to curse a tree that did nothing just because he was wrong. Talk about being wrong and strong. One can put as much lipstick as they wish on a pig but it will still be a pig.

Read here:

https://www.gotquestions.org/curse-fig-tree.html

Now this is straight talk.
        Now those are answers to your straight talk...digest it.

 

Keith
Last edited by Keith
Keith posted:
ksazma posted:
Keith posted:
ksazma posted:

btw, you started out as your topic claims that it is not a sermon, just a thought. How did a thought become a two page sermon? Why did you claim that your sermon is not a sermon?

it's not a sermon, It's a thought/discussion

Don't fool yourself dude. It is a sermon.  A thought or a discussion goes like this; "what/how do you think/feel about this? and it moves from there. To just post one passage or another is nothing other than a sermon. Perhaps you are unable to differentiate one from the other.

p.s. Check other topics for clarification on what is a discussion.

Call it whatever you want, to me is clarity

Now that is the right attitude. Everyone sees things differently. The only people who accept your premise are Christians. The rest of the world have their own beliefs. You are better served by stating that your sermons are what Christians believe instead of preaching that they are absolute truths for everyone else. 

FM
ksazma posted:
Keith posted:
ksazma posted:
Keith posted:
ksazma posted:

btw, you started out as your topic claims that it is not a sermon, just a thought. How did a thought become a two page sermon? Why did you claim that your sermon is not a sermon?

it's not a sermon, It's a thought/discussion

Don't fool yourself dude. It is a sermon.  A thought or a discussion goes like this; "what/how do you think/feel about this? and it moves from there. To just post one passage or another is nothing other than a sermon. Perhaps you are unable to differentiate one from the other.

p.s. Check other topics for clarification on what is a discussion.

Call it whatever you want, to me is clarity

Now that is the right attitude. Everyone sees things differently. The only people who accept your premise are Christians. The rest of the world have their own beliefs. You are better served by stating that your sermons are what Christians believe instead of preaching that they are absolute truths for everyone else. 

The fact that you are here reading this is kind of disturbing is it? Something is bothering you on the inside and you need to lash out .....go ahead I can it. while you are wresting with whatever it is, may God have the glory in it all.

Keith
Keith posted:
ksazma posted:

1. Whenever I think of a father who love unconditionally, I think of one who will give his life for his children, not one who will ask one of his children to give their live instead.

Think on this: During the days of Abraham, Isaac and Jacobs when there was a sinful act or the people in general had sin what was required of them to do? The were require to bring a unblemished Lamb/Goat/Calf to the alter and offer it up as a sacrifice, as a remission of sin. Are we still offer animals up to God to cleanse/forgive us of our sin?....I think not.

You see Christ was staring into a chalice of wrath and judgment that must have made His soul recoil (Isa. 51:17). Mankind had filled it with the most depraved deeds and thoughts that they could conceive. According to Scripture, Jesus Christ did not just die for our sin; He became our sin (2 Cor. 5:21). The holy, perfect Lamb of God took upon Himself all that was vile and dark

Furthermore, Jesus knew the consequences of taking on mankind’s evil. God’s holiness prevented Him from being in the presence of sin. Therefore, the heavenly Father would have to separate Himself from the Son. Jesus had always enjoyed perfect oneness with God. To contemplate a wrenching rejection must have been terrifying and heartbreaking.

There was no question that Jesus would obey the will of God. He would become sin and be separated from the Father, if that’s what was required to save mankind. So, yes, in the garden, He pleaded for another route to our redemption. However, when it was clear that the Father’s answer was, No, this is the only way, Jesus obediently sacrificed Himself for us.

Jesus Christ sacrificed more than His life. He exchanged perfection for wickedness and holy union for separation. The Savior did this so we could be transformed into righteous men and women with an eternal future. No wonder all of heaven exalts Him (Rev. 5:11-14).

 2. I don't know how someone can be without sin when they display utmost disrespect for the majority of people around them. The bigotry, hatred, calling people names like dogs, pigs, swine. If those are not sinful acts, them what are?

I wouldn't even bother to attempt to answer this ...I have no clue what you are talking about maybe someone else can take a shot at your question here.

3. Jesus also promised Judas that no one can snatch him from his (Jesus) hand also and he found out that his promise was not good enough to keep Judas from betraying him.

First of all you need to read the scripture/chapter in it entirety to avoid making  false statement such as you did but the fact that you pick a verse not understand what you read wind up with this false notion. Jesus was speaking to the Jews and you can now read below.

John 10:21-30: 21 Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

22 Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. 24 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you.a]">[a] 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one.”

4. Looks like that Holy Spirit was not enough of a seal to keep folks like Jimmy Swaggart, Jimmy Bakker amongst others from falling off the cliff. If that Holy Spirit was able to guide these dudes who proclaimed frequently of speaking directly to God, why would that Holy Spirit have any better result with anyone else. These were dudes who spoke directly to God and still ended up screwing up in many ways than one.

I cannot answer for their down fault, those folks will face the same judgment you and I will face one day and each of us will have to be accountable for the deeds we did while we were alive.

Lets understand what you are talking about here which is the Holy Spirit

God’s Spirit possesses three defining characteristics of personhood: intelligence, will, and emotion. Let me prove these points by guiding you to some New Testament verses. First Corinthians 2:10-11 explains that the Spirit knows God’s thoughts and illuminates the truth for us. Later in the same book, He is identified as the One who determines the spiritual gift(s) of each believer (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). Finally, the Holy Spirit’s feelings are revealed in verses like Romans 15:30, which tells of His love, and Ephesians 4:30, which warns against grieving Him.

Consider also that Jesus spoke of a Helper who would come after Him (John 14:16, 14:26). Aiding and assuring others are the acts of a person, as is teaching—these are some of the Holy Spirit’s primary tasks.

Perhaps you misunderstand the Spirit of God as I once did. He isn’t an “it” any more than God the Father or Jesus Christ is. The Spirit is a member of the Trinity, and if you’re a believer, He is with you now. God has given you His Spirit as a special Helper—one who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).

All this Christian promise is pie in the sky. No one can pay for another person's actions. Everyone is responsibility for their own actions. If nothing people do is good enough to help them, that is their problem. If God is so powerful and loving, he doesn't need to send his only son to die so those people have salvation. All he has to do is lower the threshold instead of stubbornly setting unreasonable demands on people. There is nothing perfect about Jesus. If he is part of the Triune Godhead, one would expect him to know about things around him. If I were to ask a local for a certain fruit and that fruit was not in season, that local would know that it is not in season and tell me so. Jesus didn't even know that it was out of season for the fig tree. So he got pissed off when he found out that he was mistaken and how did he respond? He cursed the tree. That is one amazing display of love to curse a tree that did nothing just because he was wrong. Talk about being wrong and strong. One can put as much lipstick as they wish on a pig but it will still be a pig.

Read here:

https://www.gotquestions.org/curse-fig-tree.html

Now this is straight talk.
        Now those are answers to your straight talk...digest it.

 

Now the time I spent to read that nonsensical attempt to explain why Jesus cursed a fig tree is forever lost. It was no more than a bunch of hullabooloo. Plain and simple, Jesus was hungry and he saw a fig tree which he went running for the fig. He didn't find any fig and as they say "a hungry man is an angry man" Jesus acted as he did many times during those three years when he hang out with his compadres, lash out at anyone and anything that seem to benefit more than he did.

About above.

1. Just because men chose to off a sacrifice to God to connect with him doesn't mean that God has to follow the same silliness in offering his son so that he can connect with men. If God was smart, he should just say, those fools doing stupidness. I am too great to do stupidness like them. What is so wrong with God that out of his infinite mercy, he couldn't just forgive his creation for their shortcomings especially since he is supposed to know that he created them with flaws. God's Holiness my ass. If God is so great and holy and can't be amongst sinful people, he should have done a better job of creating sinless people.

2. That is good because they only preach about a sinless Jesus. Somehow Christians don't see anything wrong with calling others pigs, dogs, swine, etc. just because they weren't Jewish.

3.  I have read more than enough. The reality was that Jesus even though he was supposed to be God and know everything didn't even know that one of his compadres was wicked and he recklessly stated that that wicked compadre was going to sit with him on the right hand of God as if God has hands, feet, eyes, etc. Makes me wonder is God also has a penis since he is a male God.

4. Sure you cannot answer for their downfall now that their mischief is public. But what happened to this amazing Holy Spirit that was supposed to be a seal to keep them from these mischiefs. That only goes to show that no Holy Spirit does anything. It is individual people who act out of their own humanity to do good or bad and they will be rewarded here or there if they there is a there.

 

FM
Keith posted:

The fact that you are here reading this is kind of disturbing is it? Something is bothering you on the inside and you need to lash out .....go ahead I can it. while you are wresting with whatever it is, may God have the glory in it all.

Don't flatter yourself dude. I have been having discussions since 1980 and over those 36 years, nothing in the Bible or any make believe glory has brought me any closer to it or its precepts. If anything, the more I read and learn about it, the more I conclude that it is a bunch of hullabooloo.

My only objection is you calling something a thought when it is really a sermon. Nothing with doing a sermon but be honest to call it one.

Now what does bother me is deceitful people and actions regardless of what religion they profess. Or even if they profess no religion.

FM
ksazma posted:
Keith posted:
ksazma posted:

1. Whenever I think of a father who love unconditionally, I think of one who will give his life for his children, not one who will ask one of his children to give their live instead.

Think on this: During the days of Abraham, Isaac and Jacobs when there was a sinful act or the people in general had sin what was required of them to do? The were require to bring a unblemished Lamb/Goat/Calf to the alter and offer it up as a sacrifice, as a remission of sin. Are we still offer animals up to God to cleanse/forgive us of our sin?....I think not.

You see Christ was staring into a chalice of wrath and judgment that must have made His soul recoil (Isa. 51:17). Mankind had filled it with the most depraved deeds and thoughts that they could conceive. According to Scripture, Jesus Christ did not just die for our sin; He became our sin (2 Cor. 5:21). The holy, perfect Lamb of God took upon Himself all that was vile and dark

Furthermore, Jesus knew the consequences of taking on mankind’s evil. God’s holiness prevented Him from being in the presence of sin. Therefore, the heavenly Father would have to separate Himself from the Son. Jesus had always enjoyed perfect oneness with God. To contemplate a wrenching rejection must have been terrifying and heartbreaking.

There was no question that Jesus would obey the will of God. He would become sin and be separated from the Father, if that’s what was required to save mankind. So, yes, in the garden, He pleaded for another route to our redemption. However, when it was clear that the Father’s answer was, No, this is the only way, Jesus obediently sacrificed Himself for us.

Jesus Christ sacrificed more than His life. He exchanged perfection for wickedness and holy union for separation. The Savior did this so we could be transformed into righteous men and women with an eternal future. No wonder all of heaven exalts Him (Rev. 5:11-14).

 2. I don't know how someone can be without sin when they display utmost disrespect for the majority of people around them. The bigotry, hatred, calling people names like dogs, pigs, swine. If those are not sinful acts, them what are?

I wouldn't even bother to attempt to answer this ...I have no clue what you are talking about maybe someone else can take a shot at your question here.

3. Jesus also promised Judas that no one can snatch him from his (Jesus) hand also and he found out that his promise was not good enough to keep Judas from betraying him.

First of all you need to read the scripture/chapter in it entirety to avoid making  false statement such as you did but the fact that you pick a verse not understand what you read wind up with this false notion. Jesus was speaking to the Jews and you can now read below.

John 10:21-30: 21 Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

22 Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. 24 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you.a]">[a] 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one.”

4. Looks like that Holy Spirit was not enough of a seal to keep folks like Jimmy Swaggart, Jimmy Bakker amongst others from falling off the cliff. If that Holy Spirit was able to guide these dudes who proclaimed frequently of speaking directly to God, why would that Holy Spirit have any better result with anyone else. These were dudes who spoke directly to God and still ended up screwing up in many ways than one.

I cannot answer for their down fault, those folks will face the same judgment you and I will face one day and each of us will have to be accountable for the deeds we did while we were alive.

Lets understand what you are talking about here which is the Holy Spirit

God’s Spirit possesses three defining characteristics of personhood: intelligence, will, and emotion. Let me prove these points by guiding you to some New Testament verses. First Corinthians 2:10-11 explains that the Spirit knows God’s thoughts and illuminates the truth for us. Later in the same book, He is identified as the One who determines the spiritual gift(s) of each believer (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). Finally, the Holy Spirit’s feelings are revealed in verses like Romans 15:30, which tells of His love, and Ephesians 4:30, which warns against grieving Him.

Consider also that Jesus spoke of a Helper who would come after Him (John 14:16, 14:26). Aiding and assuring others are the acts of a person, as is teaching—these are some of the Holy Spirit’s primary tasks.

Perhaps you misunderstand the Spirit of God as I once did. He isn’t an “it” any more than God the Father or Jesus Christ is. The Spirit is a member of the Trinity, and if you’re a believer, He is with you now. God has given you His Spirit as a special Helper—one who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).

All this Christian promise is pie in the sky. No one can pay for another person's actions. Everyone is responsibility for their own actions. If nothing people do is good enough to help them, that is their problem. If God is so powerful and loving, he doesn't need to send his only son to die so those people have salvation. All he has to do is lower the threshold instead of stubbornly setting unreasonable demands on people. There is nothing perfect about Jesus. If he is part of the Triune Godhead, one would expect him to know about things around him. If I were to ask a local for a certain fruit and that fruit was not in season, that local would know that it is not in season and tell me so. Jesus didn't even know that it was out of season for the fig tree. So he got pissed off when he found out that he was mistaken and how did he respond? He cursed the tree. That is one amazing display of love to curse a tree that did nothing just because he was wrong. Talk about being wrong and strong. One can put as much lipstick as they wish on a pig but it will still be a pig.

Read here:

https://www.gotquestions.org/curse-fig-tree.html

Now this is straight talk.
Now those are answers to your straight talk...digest it.

Now the time I spent to read that nonsensical attempt to explain why Jesus cursed a fig tree is forever lost. It was no more than a bunch of hullabooloo. Plain and simple, Jesus was hungry and he saw a fig tree which he went running for the fig. He didn't find any fig and as they say "a hungry man is an angry man" Jesus acted as he did many times during those three years when he hang out with his compadres, lash out at anyone and anything that seem to benefit more than he did.

ksazma are you an agnostic or an atheist? Just need to know who I am chatting with here.

About above.

1. Just because men chose to off a sacrifice to God to connect with him doesn't mean that God has to follow the same silliness in offering his son so that he can connect with men. If God was smart, he should just say, those fools doing stupidness. I am too great to do stupidness like them. What is so wrong with God that out of his infinite mercy, he couldn't just forgive his creation for their shortcomings especially since he is supposed to know that he created them with flaws. God's Holiness my ass. If God is so great and holy and can't be amongst sinful people, he should have done a better job of creating sinless people.

You missed the point, without the shedding of blood there is no remission for sin. Is it that hard to comprehend.

2. That is good because they only preach about a sinless Jesus. Somehow Christians don't see anything wrong with calling others pigs, dogs, swine, etc. just because they weren't Jewish.

I don't know who you been talking too but we are all created in God's image therefore to call someone a despicable name as you mention is disrespectful. I think it's wrong, we are here to help and uplift each other and not the tear each other apart with words that hurt.

You been talking to the wrong Christians buddy.

3.  I have read more than enough. The reality was that Jesus even though he was supposed to be God and know everything didn't even know that one of his compadres was wicked and he recklessly stated that that wicked compadre was going to sit with him on the right hand of God as if God has hands, feet, eyes, etc. Makes me wonder is God also has a penis since he is a male God.

Alright....find where in the bible stated what you mention above then I will address it.....Then again if you find it I will mail you a check for $100. Agreed?

4. Sure you cannot answer for their downfall now that their mischief is public. But what happened to this amazing Holy Spirit that was supposed to be a seal to keep them from these mischiefs. That only goes to show that no Holy Spirit does anything. It is individual people who act out of their own humanity to do good or bad and they will be rewarded here or there if they there is a there.

I still see you don't understand anything about the holy spirit. I will leave it at that. I don't have the time to explain more if you are not will to read and understand what's being stated.

I am sure you have hear about Guyana so call pope, you can add him to your list. The folks on your list have their own agenda their hearts are far from God, there only mission is to get rich or fulfill the lust of the flesh. Hey, I am not here to judge them, they will be a day when we will either here, well done my good and faithful servant" or "depart from me you worker of iniquity, I never knew you".

 

Keith

A Realistic View of Life

2 Timothy 4:6-8

Our culture desperately tries to postpone death. Vitamins, exercise, and diet are ways we attempt to live as long as possible. Not that these things are bad! Motive, however, is key.

For instance, since our bodies are God’s temple (1 Cor. 3:16), we should take care of His dwelling. And since He has good works for us to do (Eph. 2:10), we should stay fit to complete His tasks.

On the other hand, prolonging life for fear of dying isn’t of God. Because Jesus died in our place, those who have faith in Him as Lord and Savior need not fear death. Once saved, we have assurance of a real place where we will live eternally in His presence. And according to Scripture, fear itself isn’t from God (2 Tim. 1:7). In fact, the apostle Paul assures us that far from being a dreadful change, physical death actually leads believers home to be with the Lord forever (2 Cor. 5:8).

God already knows the duration of each person’s life. With this in mind, how can we best prepare for what’s next? The first step is to receive Jesus as Savior through faith. Next, we should live a surrendered life and strive to walk according to His will. Furthermore, it is vital that believers fight the tendency to view this world as home. If we become too comfortable here and look for security and worth in earthly success, we won’t be able to maintain an eternal perspective.

It is an inescapable fact that our time on earth is temporary. It would be foolish not to prepare for something inevitable. How can you best live so that you are ready when God decides your life span is complete? (Psalm 139:16).

Keith
Keith posted:
Keith posted:
Keith posted:
ksazma posted:
Keith posted:
ksazma posted:

1. Whenever I think of a father who love unconditionally, I think of one who will give his life for his children, not one who will ask one of his children to give their live instead.

Think on this: During the days of Abraham, Isaac and Jacobs when there was a sinful act or the people in general had sin what was required of them to do? The were require to bring a unblemished Lamb/Goat/Calf to the alter and offer it up as a sacrifice, as a remission of sin. Are we still offer animals up to God to cleanse/forgive us of our sin?....I think not.

You see Christ was staring into a chalice of wrath and judgment that must have made His soul recoil (Isa. 51:17). Mankind had filled it with the most depraved deeds and thoughts that they could conceive. According to Scripture, Jesus Christ did not just die for our sin; He became our sin (2 Cor. 5:21). The holy, perfect Lamb of God took upon Himself all that was vile and dark

Furthermore, Jesus knew the consequences of taking on mankind’s evil. God’s holiness prevented Him from being in the presence of sin. Therefore, the heavenly Father would have to separate Himself from the Son. Jesus had always enjoyed perfect oneness with God. To contemplate a wrenching rejection must have been terrifying and heartbreaking.

There was no question that Jesus would obey the will of God. He would become sin and be separated from the Father, if that’s what was required to save mankind. So, yes, in the garden, He pleaded for another route to our redemption. However, when it was clear that the Father’s answer was, No, this is the only way, Jesus obediently sacrificed Himself for us.

Jesus Christ sacrificed more than His life. He exchanged perfection for wickedness and holy union for separation. The Savior did this so we could be transformed into righteous men and women with an eternal future. No wonder all of heaven exalts Him (Rev. 5:11-14).

 2. I don't know how someone can be without sin when they display utmost disrespect for the majority of people around them. The bigotry, hatred, calling people names like dogs, pigs, swine. If those are not sinful acts, them what are?

I wouldn't even bother to attempt to answer this ...I have no clue what you are talking about maybe someone else can take a shot at your question here.

3. Jesus also promised Judas that no one can snatch him from his (Jesus) hand also and he found out that his promise was not good enough to keep Judas from betraying him.

First of all you need to read the scripture/chapter in it entirety to avoid making  false statement such as you did but the fact that you pick a verse not understand what you read wind up with this false notion. Jesus was speaking to the Jews and you can now read below.

John 10:21-30: 21 Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

22 Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. 24 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you.a]">[a] 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one.”

4. Looks like that Holy Spirit was not enough of a seal to keep folks like Jimmy Swaggart, Jimmy Bakker amongst others from falling off the cliff. If that Holy Spirit was able to guide these dudes who proclaimed frequently of speaking directly to God, why would that Holy Spirit have any better result with anyone else. These were dudes who spoke directly to God and still ended up screwing up in many ways than one.

I cannot answer for their down fault, those folks will face the same judgment you and I will face one day and each of us will have to be accountable for the deeds we did while we were alive.

Lets understand what you are talking about here which is the Holy Spirit

God’s Spirit possesses three defining characteristics of personhood: intelligence, will, and emotion. Let me prove these points by guiding you to some New Testament verses. First Corinthians 2:10-11 explains that the Spirit knows God’s thoughts and illuminates the truth for us. Later in the same book, He is identified as the One who determines the spiritual gift(s) of each believer (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). Finally, the Holy Spirit’s feelings are revealed in verses like Romans 15:30, which tells of His love, and Ephesians 4:30, which warns against grieving Him.

Consider also that Jesus spoke of a Helper who would come after Him (John 14:16, 14:26). Aiding and assuring others are the acts of a person, as is teaching—these are some of the Holy Spirit’s primary tasks.

Perhaps you misunderstand the Spirit of God as I once did. He isn’t an “it” any more than God the Father or Jesus Christ is. The Spirit is a member of the Trinity, and if you’re a believer, He is with you now. God has given you His Spirit as a special Helper—one who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).

All this Christian promise is pie in the sky. No one can pay for another person's actions. Everyone is responsibility for their own actions. If nothing people do is good enough to help them, that is their problem. If God is so powerful and loving, he doesn't need to send his only son to die so those people have salvation. All he has to do is lower the threshold instead of stubbornly setting unreasonable demands on people. There is nothing perfect about Jesus. If he is part of the Triune Godhead, one would expect him to know about things around him. If I were to ask a local for a certain fruit and that fruit was not in season, that local would know that it is not in season and tell me so. Jesus didn't even know that it was out of season for the fig tree. So he got pissed off when he found out that he was mistaken and how did he respond? He cursed the tree. That is one amazing display of love to curse a tree that did nothing just because he was wrong. Talk about being wrong and strong. One can put as much lipstick as they wish on a pig but it will still be a pig.

Read here:

https://www.gotquestions.org/curse-fig-tree.html

Now this is straight talk.
Now those are answers to your straight talk...digest it.

Now the time I spent to read that nonsensical attempt to explain why Jesus cursed a fig tree is forever lost. It was no more than a bunch of hullabooloo. Plain and simple, Jesus was hungry and he saw a fig tree which he went running for the fig. He didn't find any fig and as they say "a hungry man is an angry man" Jesus acted as he did many times during those three years when he hang out with his compadres, lash out at anyone and anything that seem to benefit more than he did.

ksazma are you an agnostic or an atheist? Just need to know who I am chatting with here.

About above.

1. Just because men chose to off a sacrifice to God to connect with him doesn't mean that God has to follow the same silliness in offering his son so that he can connect with men. If God was smart, he should just say, those fools doing stupidness. I am too great to do stupidness like them. What is so wrong with God that out of his infinite mercy, he couldn't just forgive his creation for their shortcomings especially since he is supposed to know that he created them with flaws. God's Holiness my ass. If God is so great and holy and can't be amongst sinful people, he should have done a better job of creating sinless people.

You missed the point, without the shedding of blood there is no remission for sin. Is it that hard to comprehend.

2. That is good because they only preach about a sinless Jesus. Somehow Christians don't see anything wrong with calling others pigs, dogs, swine, etc. just because they weren't Jewish.

I don't know who you been talking too but we are all created in God's image therefore to call someone a despicable name as you mention is disrespectful. I think it's wrong, we are here to help and uplift each other and not the tear each other apart with words that hurt.

You been talking to the wrong Christians buddy.

3.  I have read more than enough. The reality was that Jesus even though he was supposed to be God and know everything didn't even know that one of his compadres was wicked and he recklessly stated that that wicked compadre was going to sit with him on the right hand of God as if God has hands, feet, eyes, etc. Makes me wonder is God also has a penis since he is a male God.

Alright....find where in the bible stated what you mention above then I will address it.....Then again if you find it I will mail you a check for $100. Agreed?

The second part of your question is not worth address, you let me know when you see Him.

4. Sure you cannot answer for their downfall now that their mischief is public. But what happened to this amazing Holy Spirit that was supposed to be a seal to keep them from these mischiefs. That only goes to show that no Holy Spirit does anything. It is individual people who act out of their own humanity to do good or bad and they will be rewarded here or there if they there is a there.

I still see you don't understand anything about the holy spirit. Right now I need the holy spirit to help me exercise patience. I will leave it at that. I don't have the time to explain more if you are not willing to read and understand what's being stated.

I am sure you have hear about Guyana so call pope, you can add him to your list. The folks on your list have their own agenda their hearts are far from God, there only mission is to get rich or fulfill the lust of the flesh. Hey, I am not here to judge them, they will be a day when we will either here, well done my good and faithful servant" or "depart from me you worker of iniquity, I never knew you".

 

 

 

 

Keith
Keith posted:

Now the time I spent to read that nonsensical attempt to explain why Jesus cursed a fig tree is forever lost. It was no more than a bunch of hullabooloo. Plain and simple, Jesus was hungry and he saw a fig tree which he went running for the fig. He didn't find any fig and as they say "a hungry man is an angry man" Jesus acted as he did many times during those three years when he hang out with his compadres, lash out at anyone and anything that seem to benefit more than he did.

ksazma are you an agnostic or an atheist? Just need to know who I am chatting with here.

Irrelevant condition.

1. Just because men chose to off a sacrifice to God to connect with him doesn't mean that God has to follow the same silliness in offering his son so that he can connect with men. If God was smart, he should just say, those fools doing stupidness. I am too great to do stupidness like them. What is so wrong with God that out of his infinite mercy, he couldn't just forgive his creation for their shortcomings especially since he is supposed to know that he created them with flaws. God's Holiness my ass. If God is so great and holy and can't be amongst sinful people, he should have done a better job of creating sinless people.

You missed the point, without the shedding of blood there is no remission for sin. Is it that hard to comprehend.

Who said that blood sacrifice is necessary for the remission of sin? Not because the people of old made that mistake thinking it was, that means God should also make that mistake.

2. That is good because they only preach about a sinless Jesus. Somehow Christians don't see anything wrong with calling others pigs, dogs, swine, etc. just because they weren't Jewish.

I don't know who you been talking too but we are all created in God's image therefore to call someone a despicable name as you mention is disrespectful. I think it's wrong, we are here to help and uplift each other and not the tear each other apart with words that hurt.

You been talking to the wrong Christians buddy.

If it is wrong for someone to call others despicable names, then you must have a real problem with Jesus because he called people all sorts of despicable names during those three years when he pranced around with his compadres.

3.  I have read more than enough. The reality was that Jesus even though he was supposed to be God and know everything didn't even know that one of his compadres was wicked and he recklessly stated that that wicked compadre was going to sit with him on the right hand of God as if God has hands, feet, eyes, etc. Makes me wonder is God also has a penis since he is a male God.

Alright....find where in the bible stated what you mention above then I will address it.....Then again if you find it I will mail you a check for $100. Agreed?

The second part of your question is not worth address, you let me know when you see Him.

Just proved that you gloss over the test because it is there in black and white. Actually it is in red in the Red Letter Bible. Like you have an issue of thinking if God has a penis too.

4. Sure you cannot answer for their downfall now that their mischief is public. But what happened to this amazing Holy Spirit that was supposed to be a seal to keep them from these mischiefs. That only goes to show that no Holy Spirit does anything. It is individual people who act out of their own humanity to do good or bad and they will be rewarded here or there if they there is a there.

I still see you don't understand anything about the holy spirit. Right now I need the holy spirit to help me exercise patience. I will leave it at that. I don't have the time to explain more if you are not willing to read and understand what's being stated.

I am sure you have hear about Guyana so call pope, you can add him to your list. The folks on your list have their own agenda their hearts are far from God, there only mission is to get rich or fulfill the lust of the flesh. Hey, I am not here to judge them, they will be a day when we will either here, well done my good and faithful servant" or "depart from me you worker of iniquity, I never knew you".

They too thought/professed that they had the Holy Spirit in them.

In conclusion, it is all pie in the sky. All make believe hullabooloo that require going around in circles to explain the unexplainable.

FM
ksazma posted:
Keith posted:

Now the time I spent to read that nonsensical attempt to explain why Jesus cursed a fig tree is forever lost. It was no more than a bunch of hullabooloo. Plain and simple, Jesus was hungry and he saw a fig tree which he went running for the fig. He didn't find any fig and as they say "a hungry man is an angry man" Jesus acted as he did many times during those three years when he hang out with his compadres, lash out at anyone and anything that seem to benefit more than he did.

Answer: ksazma are you an agnostic or an atheist? Just need to know who I am chatting with here.

Irrelevant condition.
      Answer: Not to me it isn't, I have my reason for asking.

1. Just because men chose to off a sacrifice to God to connect with him doesn't mean that God has to follow the same silliness in offering his son so that he can connect with men. If God was smart, he should just say, those fools doing stupidness. I am too great to do stupidness like them. What is so wrong with God that out of his infinite mercy, he couldn't just forgive his creation for their shortcomings especially since he is supposed to know that he created them with flaws. God's Holiness my ass. If God is so great and holy and can't be amongst sinful people, he should have done a better job of creating sinless people.

Answer: You missed the point, without the shedding of blood there is no remission for sin. Is it that hard to comprehend.

Who said that blood sacrifice is necessary for the remission of sin? Not because the people of old made that mistake thinking it was, that means God should also make that mistake.

Answer: God Said it. God required animal sacrifices to provide a temporary covering of sins and to foreshadow the perfect and complete sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Leviticus 4:35, 5:10). Animal sacrifice is an important theme found throughout Scripture because “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). When Adam and Eve sinned, animals were killed by God to provide clothing for them (Genesis 3:21). Cain and Abel brought sacrifices to the Lord. Cain's was unacceptable because he brought fruit, while Abel's was acceptable because it was the “firstborn of his flock” (Genesis 4:4-5). After the flood receded, Noah sacrificed animals to God (Genesis 8:20-21).

What was God teaching them through those sacrifices? For one thing, He was teaching them the seriousness of sin. Sin isn’t insignificant or easily excused; blood must be shed to atone for it. God also was teaching them that He is holy and pure, and sin must be judged. But God was also teaching them about His grace and mercy, because instead of being put to death for their own sins, He was willing to accept a substitute.

But those sacrifices are no longer needed, because by His death on the cross Jesus made the final sacrifice for sin! The Bible says, “But now he has appeared once for all… to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself” (Hebrews 9:26).

============================================
2. That is good because they only preach about a sinless Jesus. Somehow Christians don't see anything wrong with calling others pigs, dogs, swine, etc. just because they weren't Jewish.

Answer:
I don't know who you been talking too but we are all created in God's image therefore to call someone a despicable name as you mention is disrespectful. I think it's wrong, we are here to help and uplift each other and not the tear each other apart with words that hurt.

You been talking to the wrong Christians buddy.

If it is wrong for someone to call others despicable names, then you must have a real problem with Jesus because he called people all sorts of despicable names during those three years when he pranced around with his compadres.

Answer: Christians should not name call others because it comes from unrighteous anger. For example, someone accidentally steps on your shoes and you say fool. Do you know if that person is a fool? No, but are you angry he stepped on your shoes? Yes, that’s why you name called him.

Names that Jesus called people in the Bible:

  • hypocrites” – Matt 23:15
  • child of hell” – Matt 23:15
  • blind guides” – Matt 23:16
  • fools” – Matt 23:17
  • whited sepulchers” – Matt 23:27
  • full of… iniquity” – Matt 23:28
  • serpents” & “generation of vipers” – Matt 23:33
  • murderers” – Matt 23:34 

Jesus said the word fool and other name calling words, but they were from righteous anger. He was speaking the truth. God is all-knowing. He knows your heart and intentions and if He calls you a liar then you’re a liar.

If He calls you a fool then you’re a fool and you better change your ways immediately. If you deliberately take away and add words to the Bible to teach others you are a fool? Is that insulting you?

No because it’s the truth. All the ways of Jesus are righteous and He always has a just cause for calling someone a fool or a hypocrite. Refrain from unrighteous anger, be angry and do not sin.

The conclusion I draw is that in calling these religious leaders all these names, the Jesus did not react in anger or malice toward those who opposed Him. Instead, He declared their true character in hopes that they would come face-to-face with the truth about themselves and repent.

So, the big question a person needs to ask of themselves when they use name-calling as a tool, is this: Are you responding out of anger or malice, or compassion? Is your intent to shine a mirror and expose a person’s true character, or to make yourself feel better with "one-upmanship"? Are you hopeful that the person will repent as a result of your use of the name-calling technique, or could you care less? And do you suppose that you have the same ability to know a person’s heart as Jesus did to even attempt name-calling?

==========================================

 

3.  I have read more than enough. The reality was that Jesus even though he was supposed to be God and know everything didn't even know that one of his compadres was wicked and he recklessly stated that that wicked compadre was going to sit with him on the right hand of God as if God has hands, feet, eyes, etc. Makes me wonder is God also has a penis since he is a male God.

Answer: Alright....find where in the bible stated what you mention above then I will address it.....Then again if you find it I will mail you a check for $100. Agreed?

The second part of your question is not worth address, you let me know when you see Him.

Just proved that you gloss over the test because it is there in black and white. Actually it is in red in the Red Letter Bible. Like you have an issue of thinking if God has a penis too.

Answer: Have you notice that my answer to your questions reference the scriptures in the bible so to make clear I am not making anything up?

Now I am challenging you still! to find what you are referencing above in the bible and if you do my offer still stands.

=============================================

4. Sure you cannot answer for their downfall now that their mischief is public. But what happened to this amazing Holy Spirit that was supposed to be a seal to keep them from these mischiefs. That only goes to show that no Holy Spirit does anything. It is individual people who act out of their own humanity to do good or bad and they will be rewarded here or there if they there is a there.

I still see you don't understand anything about the holy spirit. Right now I need the holy spirit to help me exercise patience. I will leave it at that. I don't have the time to explain more if you are not willing to read and understand what's being stated.

I am sure you have hear about Guyana so call pope, you can add him to your list. The folks on your list have their own agenda their hearts are far from God, there only mission is to get rich or fulfill the lust of the flesh. Hey, I am not here to judge them, they will be a day when we will either here, well done my good and faithful servant" or "depart from me you worker of iniquity, I never knew you".

They too thought/professed that they had the Holy Spirit in them.

In conclusion, it is all pie in the sky. All make believe hullabooloo that require going around in circles to explain the unexplainable.

Answer: I am sure you hear of the term wolf in sheep clothing, right?

Matthew 7:15: Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

Romans: Chapter 16 verses 17-20: 17 Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.

18 For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.

19 For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil.

20 And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

 

Keith
ksazma posted:
Keith posted:

ksazma, have you ever pick up the bible and read it from Genesis to Revelation?

 

Yes

Read it again, this time slowly, you may have missed a few things the first time....only a thought.

Keith
Last edited by Keith
Keith posted:
ksazma posted:
Keith posted:

ksazma, have you ever pick up the bible and read it from Genesis to Revelation?

 

Yes

Read it again, this time slowly, you may have missed a few things the first time....only a thought.

My advise to you also.

Perhaps you are willfully overlooking some of it. Like how you claimed that Jesus didn't call people gods, pigs, swine, etc. Unless you don't consider those people, people.

FM
Keith posted:
ksazma posted:
Keith posted:

Now the time I spent to read that nonsensical attempt to explain why Jesus cursed a fig tree is forever lost. It was no more than a bunch of hullabooloo. Plain and simple, Jesus was hungry and he saw a fig tree which he went running for the fig. He didn't find any fig and as they say "a hungry man is an angry man" Jesus acted as he did many times during those three years when he hang out with his compadres, lash out at anyone and anything that seem to benefit more than he did.

Answer: ksazma are you an agnostic or an atheist? Just need to know who I am chatting with here.

Irrelevant condition.
      Answer: Not to me it isn't, I have my reason for asking.

1. Just because men chose to off a sacrifice to God to connect with him doesn't mean that God has to follow the same silliness in offering his son so that he can connect with men. If God was smart, he should just say, those fools doing stupidness. I am too great to do stupidness like them. What is so wrong with God that out of his infinite mercy, he couldn't just forgive his creation for their shortcomings especially since he is supposed to know that he created them with flaws. God's Holiness my ass. If God is so great and holy and can't be amongst sinful people, he should have done a better job of creating sinless people.

Answer: You missed the point, without the shedding of blood there is no remission for sin. Is it that hard to comprehend.

Who said that blood sacrifice is necessary for the remission of sin? Not because the people of old made that mistake thinking it was, that means God should also make that mistake.

Answer: God Said it. God required animal sacrifices to provide a temporary covering of sins and to foreshadow the perfect and complete sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Leviticus 4:35, 5:10). Animal sacrifice is an important theme found throughout Scripture because “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). When Adam and Eve sinned, animals were killed by God to provide clothing for them (Genesis 3:21). Cain and Abel brought sacrifices to the Lord. Cain's was unacceptable because he brought fruit, while Abel's was acceptable because it was the “firstborn of his flock” (Genesis 4:4-5). After the flood receded, Noah sacrificed animals to God (Genesis 8:20-21).

What was God teaching them through those sacrifices? For one thing, He was teaching them the seriousness of sin. Sin isn’t insignificant or easily excused; blood must be shed to atone for it. God also was teaching them that He is holy and pure, and sin must be judged. But God was also teaching them about His grace and mercy, because instead of being put to death for their own sins, He was willing to accept a substitute.

But those sacrifices are no longer needed, because by His death on the cross Jesus made the final sacrifice for sin! The Bible says, “But now he has appeared once for all… to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself” (Hebrews 9:26).

Then God is confused. Looks like he cannot make up his mind what is necessary of not. In Guyana we used to overuse the "a straight line is the shortest distance between two points" rule. Looks like God didn't know about that if he has people chasing their tails as he struggles to make up his mind on what is necessary and what is not.


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2. That is good because they only preach about a sinless Jesus. Somehow Christians don't see anything wrong with calling others pigs, dogs, swine, etc. just because they weren't Jewish.

Answer:
I don't know who you been talking too but we are all created in God's image therefore to call someone a despicable name as you mention is disrespectful. I think it's wrong, we are here to help and uplift each other and not the tear each other apart with words that hurt.

You been talking to the wrong Christians buddy.

If it is wrong for someone to call others despicable names, then you must have a real problem with Jesus because he called people all sorts of despicable names during those three years when he pranced around with his compadres.

Answer: Christians should not name call others because it comes from unrighteous anger. For example, someone accidentally steps on your shoes and you say fool. Do you know if that person is a fool? No, but are you angry he stepped on your shoes? Yes, that’s why you name called him.

Names that Jesus called people in the Bible:

  • hypocrites” – Matt 23:15
  • child of hell” – Matt 23:15
  • blind guides” – Matt 23:16
  • fools” – Matt 23:17
  • whited sepulchers” – Matt 23:27
  • full of… iniquity” – Matt 23:28
  • serpents” & “generation of vipers” – Matt 23:33
  • murderers” – Matt 23:34 

Jesus said the word fool and other name calling words, but they were from righteous anger. He was speaking the truth. God is all-knowing. He knows your heart and intentions and if He calls you a liar then you’re a liar.

If He calls you a fool then you’re a fool and you better change your ways immediately. If you deliberately take away and add words to the Bible to teach others you are a fool? Is that insulting you?

No because it’s the truth. All the ways of Jesus are righteous and He always has a just cause for calling someone a fool or a hypocrite. Refrain from unrighteous anger, be angry and do not sin.

The conclusion I draw is that in calling these religious leaders all these names, the Jesus did not react in anger or malice toward those who opposed Him. Instead, He declared their true character in hopes that they would come face-to-face with the truth about themselves and repent.

So, the big question a person needs to ask of themselves when they use name-calling as a tool, is this: Are you responding out of anger or malice, or compassion? Is your intent to shine a mirror and expose a person’s true character, or to make yourself feel better with "one-upmanship"? Are you hopeful that the person will repent as a result of your use of the name-calling technique, or could you care less? And do you suppose that you have the same ability to know a person’s heart as Jesus did to even attempt name-calling?

So Jesus do the same shit like others and his shit is righteous while others' is not? That is some really warped thinking. What makes him more righteous than others. There are more people who came into the world, worked their asses off for the benefit of others and left legacies and products that others can actually use to better themselves than Jesus did. All he did for 3 years is waltz around with his compadres criticizing others and never raising his hands to do anything for anyone, especially if that person was not Jewish. Talk about being a racist.

=========================================

3.  I have read more than enough. The reality was that Jesus even though he was supposed to be God and know everything didn't even know that one of his compadres was wicked and he recklessly stated that that wicked compadre was going to sit with him on the right hand of God as if God has hands, feet, eyes, etc. Makes me wonder is God also has a penis since he is a male God.

Answer: Alright....find where in the bible stated what you mention above then I will address it.....Then again if you find it I will mail you a check for $100. Agreed?

The second part of your question is not worth address, you let me know when you see Him.

Just proved that you gloss over the test because it is there in black and white. Actually it is in red in the Red Letter Bible. Like you have an issue of thinking if God has a penis too.

Answer: Have you notice that my answer to your questions reference the scriptures in the bible so to make clear I am not making anything up?

Now I am challenging you still! to find what you are referencing above in the bible and if you do my offer still stands.

I didn't say that you made anything up. You didn't write the Bible. I said that you gloss over things when you claimed that Jesus didn't call people names. Now I read that you see those name calling as righteous anger. Imagine anger coming from gentle Jesus. That is why I say it is al make believe pie in the sky nonsense.

=========================================

4. Sure you cannot answer for their downfall now that their mischief is public. But what happened to this amazing Holy Spirit that was supposed to be a seal to keep them from these mischiefs. That only goes to show that no Holy Spirit does anything. It is individual people who act out of their own humanity to do good or bad and they will be rewarded here or there if they there is a there.

I still see you don't understand anything about the holy spirit. Right now I need the holy spirit to help me exercise patience. I will leave it at that. I don't have the time to explain more if you are not willing to read and understand what's being stated.

I am sure you have hear about Guyana so call pope, you can add him to your list. The folks on your list have their own agenda their hearts are far from God, there only mission is to get rich or fulfill the lust of the flesh. Hey, I am not here to judge them, they will be a day when we will either here, well done my good and faithful servant" or "depart from me you worker of iniquity, I never knew you".

They too thought/professed that they had the Holy Spirit in them.

In conclusion, it is all pie in the sky. All make believe hullabooloo that require going around in circles to explain the unexplainable.

Answer: I am sure you hear of the term wolf in sheep clothing, right?

Matthew 7:15: Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

Romans: Chapter 16 verses 17-20: 17 Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.

18 For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.

19 For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil.

20 And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

And this is the final downfall of all. Because they profess to things that never happened and they can only do so for so long before that pretense wears off. They all talked to God. That is what preachers do. They claim to the public that they talk to God and then you find out that while they were supposed to be talking to God, they were actually talking to their hookers.

Now take that last passage you posted. How cam this God of peace hasn't crushed Satan under his feet as yet. Two thousand years later, the mightiest preachers and representatives of that God of peace are smelling that wonderful scent of their women than the scent of holy incense.

 

 

FM

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