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Author
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Topic: Looking for intelligent replies
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SoftTouch
Advanced Member
Member # 2316
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posted
One more topic I would like to include from GotQuestions.Org regarding the Bible:
http://gotquestions.org/proof-inspiration-Bible.html
Question: "Is there proof for the inspiration of the Bible?"
Answer: Here are some evidences that the Bible is from God:
1) Fulfilled prophecy. God spoke to men telling them of things that He would bring about in the future. Some of them have already occurred. Others have not. For example, there were more than 300 prophecies concerning Jesus Christ's first coming 2,000 years ago. There is no doubt that these are prophecies from God because of manuscripts and scrolls dated before the birth of Christ. These were not written after the fact. They were written beforehand. Scientific dating proves this.
2) The unity of Scripture. The Bible was written by approximately 40 human authors over a period of approximately 1,600 years. These men were quite diverse. Moses, a political leader; Joshua, a military leader; David, a shepherd; Solomon, a king; Amos, a herdsman and fruit pincher; Daniel, a prime minister; Matthew, a tax collector; Luke, a medical doctor; Paul, a rabbi; and Peter, a fisherman. The Bible was also written under a variety of circumstances. It was written on 3 different continents, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Yet, the great themes of Scripture are maintained in all the writings. The Bible does not contradict itself. There is no way apart from God the Holy Spirit supervising the writing of the Bible that this could have been accomplished.
Contrast this with the Islamic Koran. It was compiled by one individual, Zaid bin Thabit, under the guidance of Mohammed's father-in-law, Abu-Bekr. Then in A.D. 650, a group of Arab scholars produced a unified version and destroyed all variant copies to preserve the unity of the Koran. The Bible was unified from the time of its writing. The Koran had to be unified through the editing of men.
3) The Bible presents its heroes truthfully with all of their faults and weaknesses. It does not glorify men as other religions do about their heroes. When you read the Bible, you realize that the people it speaks of have problems and do wrong just as we do. What made them great was that they trusted in God. One example is David. David is described as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). Yet, David committed adultery (2 Samuel 11:1-5) and murder (2 Samuel 11:14-26). This could have been left out of Scripture to hide these details of David's life. But, God included these things.
4) Archaeological findings support the history recorded in Scripture. Though many unbelieving people throughout history have tried to find archaeological evidence to disprove what is recorded in Scripture, they have failed. It is easy to say that Scripture is untrue. Proving it to be untrue is a different story. It has not been done.
The Bible’s claims of being from God should not be understood as arguing in a circle or by circular reasoning. The testimony of reliable witnesses - particularly of Jesus, but also of others such as Moses, Joshua, David, Daniel, and Nehemiah in the Old Testament, and John and Paul in the New Testament - affirmed the authority and verbal inspiration of the Holy Scriptures. Consider the following passages: Exodus 14:1; 20:1; Leviticus 4:1; Numbers 4:1; Deuteronomy 4:2; 32:48; Isaiah 1:10, 24; Jeremiah 1:11; Jeremiah 11:1–3; Ezekiel 1:3; 1 Corinthians 14:37; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:16–21; 1 John 4:6.
You also might be interested in the writings of Josephus. He was an historian who recorded much of the history of Israel during the first century. In this he records some events which coincide with Scripture. Beware though - his writings are rather lengthy.
Considering the evidence given, I have no choice but to accept the Bible as being from God (2 Timothy 3:16). I pray this information helps you and adequately answers you question. Keep Studying the Word! 2 Timothy 2:15
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Psalm 119:104Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. 105Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
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SoftTouch
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Member # 2316
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by RedPhoenix:
I have read other threads on here in which everyone comes off thumping thier bibles and saying how satan has his hand in anything non-christian. I want someone to explain to me how you can believe this. ...
You can use this link to BibleGateway where you can look up the various Bible passages online: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/
Here is a link to GotQuestions.org where you can look up a multitude of Biblical questions on a variety of topics: http://gotquestions.org/archive.html
Here are a few I cut and pasted that speak to some of the questions you posed on your post.
http://gotquestions.org/devil-Satan-person.html
Question: "Is the devil / Satan a person or a force / personification of evil?"
Answer: Although he has persuaded many people in our modern world that he doesn't even exist, Satan very definitely is a real, personal being, the fountainhead of all unbelief and of every kind of moral and spiritual evil in the world. He is called by various names in the Bible, including Satan (meaning, “adversary”—Job 1:6; Romans 16:20; etc.), the devil (i.e., “slanderer”—Matthew 4:1; 1 Peter 5:8; etc.), Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12), the serpent (2 Corinthians 11:3; Revelation 12:9; etc.), and many others.
To the Christian, the existence of Satan as a real person is proved by the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ recognized him as such. He referred to him frequently by name (e.g., Luke 10:18; Matthew 4:10; etc.), and indeed called him “the prince of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11).
The Apostle Paul called him the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4) and the “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). The Apostle John said “the whole world lieth in the wicked one” (1 John 5:19) and that he is the one “which deceiveth the whole world” (Revelation 12:9).
The Scriptures teach that, before man and the world were made, God had created an “innumerable company of angels” (Hebrews 12:22), a heavenly host of spiritual beings, of great strength and intelligence. The highest of these beings are the cherubim, who are attendants at the very throne of God, and the “anointed cherub that covereth” that throne was originally Satan himself (Ezekiel 28:14). He was “full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.”
God did not create Satan as an evil being. However, the angels, like man, were created as free spirits, not as unthinking machines. They were fully able to reject God’s will if they should choose to do so.
The root of all sin, in both man and angels, is the twin sin of unbelief and pride—the refusal to submit to God’s will as revealed by His own Word and the accompanying assertion of self-sufficiency which enthrones the creature and his own will in the place of God. This was the original sin of Satan, rejecting God’s Word and trying to become God himself. He said in his heart: “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: . . . I will be like the most High” (Isaiah 14:13,14).
Jesus also told us of some of the characteristics of Satan. Christ said he was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him, and that when he speaks he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44).
It is very crucial that Christians realize the reality of Satan in this world and that he prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). It is impossible to overcome sin and temptation from the devil by ourselves, but Scripture tells us how be strong. We need to put on the full armor of God daily to be able to stand our ground against temptation (Ephesians 6:13). Jesus also demonstrated how to overcome the lies and temptations of Satan, when Satan tried to tempt Jesus, as recorded in Matthew, Mark and Luke.
http://gotquestions.org/does-God-love-everyone.html
Question: "Does God love everyone or just Christians?"
Answer: There is a sense in which God loves everyone in the whole world (John 3:16; 1John 2:2; Rom 5:8). This love in not conditional – it is based only on the fact that God is a God of love (1John 4:8,16). God’s love for all of mankind results in the fact that God shows His mercy by not immediately punishing people for their sins (Rom 3:23; 6:23). If God did not love everyone, we would all be in hell right now. God’s love for the world is manifested in the fact that He gives people the opportunity to repent (2Pet 3:9). However, God’s love for the world does not mean that He will ignore sin. God is also a God of justice (2Thess 1:6). Sin cannot go unpunished forever (Rom 3:25-26).
The most loving act of eternity is described in Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Anyone who ignores God’s love, who rejects Christ as Savior, who denies the Savior who bought him (2Pet 2:1) – that person will be subject to God’s wrath for eternity (Rom 1:18) not His love (Rom 6:23). God loves everyone unconditionally in that He shows mercy to everyone. God conditionally loves only those who place their faith in His Son for salvation (John 3:36). Only those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will experience God’s love for eternity.
http://gotquestions.org/Jesus-only-way.html
Question: "Is Jesus the only way to Heaven?"
Answer: "I'm basically a good person, so I'll go to heaven." "OK, so I do some bad things, but I do more good things, so I'll go to heaven." "God won't send me to hell just because I don't live by the Bible. Times have changed!" "Only really bad people like child molesters and murderers go to hell."
These are all common rationales among most people, but the truth is, they are all lies. Satan, the ruler of the world, plants these thoughts in our heads. He, and anyone who follows his ways, is an enemy to God (1Pet 5:8). Satan always disguises himself as good (2Corinthians 11:14), but he has control over all the minds that do not belong to God. "Satan, the god of this evil world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe, so they are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News that is shining upon them. They don't understand the message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God" (2Corinthians 4:4).
It is a lie to believe that God doesn't care about small sins, and that hell is reserved for "bad people." All sin separates us from God, even a “little white lie”. Everyone has sinned, and no one is good enough to get to heaven on their own (Romans 3:23). Getting into heaven is not based on whether our good outweighs our bad; we will all lose out if that is the case. "And if they are saved by God's kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God's wonderful kindness would not be what it really is - free and undeserved" (Romans 11:6). We can do nothing good to earn our way to heaven (Titus 3:5).
"You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way" (Matthew 7:13). Even if everyone is living a life of sin, and trusting in God is not popular, God will not excuse it. "You used to live just like the rest of the world, full of sin, obeying Satan, the mighty prince of the power of the air. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God" (Ephesians 2:2).
When God created the world, it was perfect. Everything was good. Then he made Adam and Eve, and gave them their own free will, so they would have a choice whether to follow and obey God or not. But Adam and Eve, the very first people God made, were tempted by Satan to disobey God, and they sinned. This separated them (and everyone that came after them, including us) from being able to have a close relationship with God. He is perfect and cannot be among sin. As sinners, we couldn't make it there on our own. So, God made a way that we could be united with Him in heaven. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). Jesus was born so that He could teach us the way and die for our sins so that we would not have to. Three days after His death, He rose from the grave (Romans 4:25), proving Himself victorious over death. He bridged the gap between God and man so that we may have a personal relationship with Him if we would only believe.
"And this is the way to have eternal life - to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth" (John 17:3). Most people believe in God, even Satan does. But to receive salvation, we must turn to God, form a personal relationship, turn away from our sins and follow him. We must trust in Jesus with everything we have and everything we do. "We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this way, no matter who we are or what we have done" (Romans 3:22). The Bible teaches that there is no other way to salvation than through Christ. Jesus says in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."
Jesus is the only way of salvation because He is the only One who can pay our sin penalty (Romans 6:23). No other religion teaches the depth or seriousness of sin and its consequences. No other religion offers the infinite payment of sin that only Jesus Christ could provide. No other “religious founder” was God become man (John 1:1,14) – the only way an infinite debt could be paid. Jesus had to be God so that He could pay our debt. Jesus had to be man so He could die. Salvation is available only through faith in Jesus Christ! “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12
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Psalm 119:104Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. 105Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
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NGCapnJack
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Member # 4238
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posted
Hm, Born Again,
That's a good point... I know this is off-topic, but I think God has control over the large things in life - the major plan is already set out - but we can make our individual choices. The plan is set, but we have free will in our lives. I don't understand how else the Bible can say that everything has been planned already, but we have free will.
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Arr matey, May the Lord Bless yer soul. ![[thumbsup2]](graemlins/thumbsup2.gif)
"The LORD is my Shepherd" (Psalm 23). ![[Cross]](graemlins/cross.gif)
Posts: 30 | From: Canada | Registered: Jan 2005
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BORN AGAIN
unregistered
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posted
NGCapnJack, the LORD will raise up some unlikely "bedfellows" to accomplish His purposes. Witness the cruel Assyrians and Babylonians, for instance:
Jeremiah 6:23
They {the Babylonians} shall lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roareth like the sea; and they ride upon horses, set in array as men for war against you, O daughter of Zion.
God bless, BORN AGAIN
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NGCapnJack
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Member # 4238
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posted
[QUOTE]Originally posted by BORN AGAIN:
Since 9/11, we are seeing the battle for supremacy between Satan's counterreligion forces and Jesus's forces heating up, as the time for the coronation of Jesus as King of the earth approaches.[/QUOTE/
Sorry, there's no way I can agree with you there. One can hardly call George Bush Jesus's force, and most of the killing is being done by Americans. These "counterreligions", are not fighting for religious reasons, but in retalitaion. Furthermore, Jesus's Force (which you're technically calling America) is killing many Christians in Iraq, partially by getting rid of Saddam, so that the Muslims can now freely kill Christians in Iraq. I don't see this scenario was "good vs. bad", just a whole lot of bad and worse situations.
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Arr matey, May the Lord Bless yer soul.
"The LORD is my Shepherd" (Psalm 23).
Posts: 30 | From: Canada | Registered: Jan 2005
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BORN AGAIN
unregistered
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posted
RedPhoenix writes quote:
I have read other threads on here in which everyone comes off thumping thier bibles and saying how satan has his hand in anything non-christian. I want someone to explain to me how you can believe this.
The nation of Israel was founded by one man, Abraham, and it is a historical fact that the Israelites were dispersed into the countries of the world on 3 occasions, the last of which happened in 70 A.D.
Then it was predicted by Ezekiel circa 580 B.C. that the Israelites would come out of the countries again and return to the mountains of Israel, which occurred in 1948 A.D.
It was furthermore predicted by the physician Luke that Jerusalem would be trodden down of the Gentiles until the time of the Gentiles was fulfilled, and this was fulfilled in 1967 A.D. when the Jewish Defense Forces retook Jerusalem and for the first time since the Babylonian captivity, Jerusalem was freed from Gentile domination.
Western society is furthermore counting its calendar from the birth of Christ, showing that Christ was not merely a literary figure, but someone very important.
The land of Israel is prepared and ready for Jesus Christ to come for the second time, this time as conquering King.
Satan raised up the Islamic counterreligion to thwart the Kingship by Jesus over the earth, and indeed to take this Kingship for himself.
Since 9/11, we are seeing the battle for supremacy between Satan's counterreligion forces and Jesus's forces heating up, as the time for the coronation of Jesus as King of the earth approaches.
Another tidbit: in the 16th century A.D., I think it was Suleiman who decided to seal up the Eastern Gate of the temple wall at Jerusalem, and the Eastern Gate has been sealed eversince. Why? Because the Bible predicted in Ezekiel circa 580 B.C. that the Eastern Gate would be closed, because that gate is for the Prince Jesus to enter:
Ezekiel 44
1 Then he brought me back the way of the gate of the outward sanctuary which looks toward the east; and it was shut.
2 Then said the LORD to me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the LORD, the God of Israel, has entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut.
3 It is for the prince; the prince, he shall sit in it to eat bread before the LORD; he shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate, and shall go out by the way of the same.
What are the odds that Suleiman would fulfill this scripture about 21 centuries later so that in our time the Eastern Gate is still shut?
God bless, BORN AGAIN
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MentorsRiddle
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Member # 2108
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posted
Good day to you Red phoenix,
I would like to say that you will receive no judgment coming from me for anything that you practice because, like you, I used to practice pagan rituals, so I have absolutely no room to judge you for your sins. Through many hardships God has revealed to me the root of most all pagan worship that I can think of, at least all that I have researched. I do not believe that anything happens for a reason, and I do not believe that you came here just wanting to do research for your own religious studies. I believe that God has lead you here to open a door for you as this website did for me. I am sure you have already disagreed with that statement but I know that you will come to find that I am in fact correct. First I would like to ask what manner of Pagan are you? Also, I would like to ask you what Gods/Goddesses, you worship and or pray to if you do at all. How much historical research have you put into your religion to determine the accuracy of what you practice?
I can already tell that you have received much criticism from people who claim to be Christians but let me assure you that the criticism came from Wolfs in sheep’s clothing, or from over zealous “bible thumpers” as you so colorfully called them. A true Christian would never judge you or put you down but would only speak the truth to you and let you keep believing what you want. A Christian can only be seed planters for the faith in God, but can not be the Harvester of the seeds. That is Jesus’ job, and alas it is a mistake that many Christians make thinking that they are the harvesters. They think by trying to force you to grow will bring you closer to God, but in fact only pushes you further away. Trust me I know, I went through it.
I am happy you are here, and look forward to sharing the Word of my Father with you
I would also like to say that I am sorry if my paragraphs are jumbled I just get excited when talking about my father to someone new.
God bless
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With you I rise,
In you I sleep,
kneeling down I kiss your feet,
Grace abounds upon me now,
I once was lost
but now I'm found.
The gift of God dwells within,
To this love I now give in.
Posts: 1337 | From: Arkansas | Registered: Sep 2003
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Caretaker
Advanced Member
Member # 36
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posted
My faith is based upon the resurrection, for it is the empty tomb, which is the pivotal point differentiating the Christian from all other religions, and establishes the credibility of the Word of God.
1) The resurrection was foretold by Jesus Christ. Matthew writes, “From that time Jesus Christ began to show His disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and raised up on the third day”(Matt. 16:21) Though his followers did not understand what He was telling them at the time, they remembered and recorded His words.
2) The resurrection is the only reasonable explanation for the empty tomb. If Jesus had been only wounded he could not have removed the stone or gotten past the soldiers, likewise his disciples could not have gotten by either. His enemies would not have taken the body for it would have only encouraged belief in the resurrection.
3) The resurrection is the only reasonable explanation for the appearances of Jesus to His disciples. There were at least ten different occasions, and even eating and allowing them to touch him.
4) The resurrection is the only reason for the beginning of the Christian church. This was the foundation upon which the church was founded, and the primary subject of the first sermons.
5) The resurrection is the only reasonable explanation for the transformed lives of the disciples. They deserted Jesus during His trial and crucifixion. They remained in hiding, and it was only after the resurrection that they emerged. These same sheep hiding in the darkness emerged with power and boldness, in the very presence of their enemies, to turn the world upside down. Where once they had cowered in fear and confusion, and Peter had made his denial three times, they now endured horrid persecution and death, with faith unshaken. The transformation in the life of Paul, can only be reasonably explained by the resurrection. For he was the lead persecutor of the early church. After meeting the resurrected Lord upon the Damascus road, Paul was transformed, and he went forth boldly proclaiming the faith, even unto a martyr’s death.
6) Lastly I offer into evidence the transforming power of the resurrection, in the lives of countless millions through the centuries, who have received Christ. Each of us gives evidence in our testimony to the resurrection power of Jesus of Nazareth, to break the bonds of sin, and produce peace and righteousness in our lives.
Polycarp was a personal disciple of the Apostle John. As an old man, he was the bishop of the Church at Smyrna in Asia Minor (present-day Turkey). Persecution against the Christians broke out there and believers were being fed to the wild beasts in the arena. The crowd began to call for the Christians' leader Polycarp. So the authorities sent out a search party to bring him in. They tortured two slave boys to reveal where Polycarp was being hidden.
When asked to renounce Christ Polycarp replied:
"Eighty-six years I have served Him. He had never done me wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who has saved me?"
The proconsul reached for an acceptable way out: "Then do this, old man. Just swear by the genius of the emperor and that will be sufficient." (The "genius" was sort of the "spirit" of the emperor. To do this would be a recognition of the pagan gods and religion.)
REPLY: "If you imagine for a moment that I would do that, then I think you pretend that you don't know who I am. Hear it plainly. I am a Christian."
Polycarp was burned to death, but his faith never wavered as the fires burned higher.
"THE HARVEST"
© 2000 Drew D. Montgomery
I hear of a hill called Golgotha,
Blood that was shed for me,
A man who was God and innocent,
Who died on that rugged tree.
My sins confront me as a tidal wave,
Covering in muck and mire,
I deserve the pits of Hades,
I've earned that torturous fire.
But, God was incarnated,
And strode forth from Galilee,
Stretched forth his precious sinless hand
And set the captives free.
He arose from the tomb where they laid Him,
And appeared to those in need.
For 40 days Jesus walked with them
Planting the Gospel seed.
On the Mount of Olives he left them
Returning from whence he came
To the right hand of the Father
His disciples were never the same.
They tarried awhile in Jerusalem
Praying in the Upper Room,
'Till a mighty rushing wind swept in
And fire-tongues split the gloom.
They strode forth in the spirit
And spoke to the hearts of man.
Three thousand came to Christ that day
Three thousand took a stand.
They walked the roads of Imperial Rome,
Teaching love from the living Word.
Great triumph and horrid tribulation
Were faithfully endured.
Stephen was stoned at the feet of Saul
James fell to Herod's sword.
Just as John the Baptist
Had died as Salome's reward.
Saul became Paul at Damascus
Struck blind by Heaven's light
After living a life of blindness
Day three, Christ restored his sight.
Amazing grace from Heaven,
A Comforter from God's throne.
Empowered the early Christian Church
And made them His very own.
Nero fanned the fires of Rome
And Christians shed their blood.
But the Gospel message persevered
Flowing forth an irresistible flood.
Constantine compromised with the Pagan
In Christening Imperial Rome,
But the purity of the Gospel
Was preserved in hearts and home.
Now here we sit in comfort
In luxury and at ease.
Only facing on the nightly news
Persecution, famine, disease.
If we were asked to give our best
To give our very all
Would we step up in the face of death
After seeing our brethren fall?
One day soon a trump will sound,
And the dead in Christ will rise,
And we which are alive and remain,
Will join the Bridegroom in the skies.
Those that remain will be ostracized
At the arising of the Beast
And either choose a martyr's death
Or partake of an evil feast.
But a trump will sound from Heaven's gate
With Christ descending on a great white steed
Defeating all evil and casting away
Reaping the harvest he'd planted as seed...
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A Servant of Christ,
Drew
1 Tim. 3:
16: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh..
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RedPhoenix
Community Member
Member # 4295
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posted
Alright everyone. I joined this site because I like to study all religions. Now for the shocker. I am a 35yo Pagan male. I have read other threads on here in which everyone comes off thumping thier bibles and saying how satan has his hand in anything non-christian. I want someone to explain to me how you can believe this. Trust me, I know all the bible verses that you can throw at me and try to "save" me that way, but I am not interested in that. I went through the saving thing when I was younger but I have a hard time believing in a god that will let so many souls "burn" because they don't believe. The god that I believe in is a compassionate god that will not turn his back on someone because his/her beliefs are different from others. Now I will leave this thread here and see what kind of discussion starts. Now just so everyone knows I am not here to start trouble, nor am I here to try to convert anyone's thoughts. I would appreciate the same in return.
Thanks
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RedPhoenix
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