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Author
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Topic: ? Don't get it.
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Carol Swenson
Admin
Member # 6929
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posted
FlameChampion,
Dear friend, just ask God to help you know Him. He loves you more than you can imagine, (more than any of us can imagine).
I will be praying for you.
Posts: 6787 | From: Colorado | Registered: Dec 2007
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Isaiah
Advanced Member
Member # 6699
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posted
MMMMMmmmmmm... cookies!
First -the act of getting the last cookie can be done with many attitudes and for many reasons. It may just be a point of wisdom rather than sin... for if you constantly push the other cookie-lovin' folk out of the way for the last one, they won't be your 'friends' for long -unless you're just goofing around with them. If, by taking the last cookie, you happen to break one of the commandments, then it can be a sin -such as breaking into someone's house and stealing their last cookie -which you would have coveted beforehand. I'd say cookies at a buffet are fair game -but you might want to be wise about it.
It is not wrong to want what is in one's best interest, but the point of the commandments is that they are the basis of a world where everyone does what is in everyone's best interest.
Even if the entire world kept only the commandments which do not have to do with how to relate to God, the world would be much more wonderful -but then we'd die. That's where the relating to God comes in -as he can grant eternal life. It is not wrong to want eternal life. What IS wrong is wanting anything and going about getting it in a manner which is detrimental to the creation as a whole. Even those who do not believe in God consider this true -but perhaps they do not see how the commandments answer the world's ills.
"Sin" is the transgression of the law -by bible definition ...the law being the 10 commandments and any statutes and judgments in force at any given time within the framework of the commandments.
To love even our enemies is good -that is -to truly want them to live forever in peace and happiness, but often we do even good with a bad attitude or for wrong purposes -this can also be sin. Sin is spiritual. It is manifested in the world -but it begins in the heart and mind.
Finally -God does not want you to believe in anything you do not. The whole purpose for this existence -the whole of it from beginning to end -is so that we eventually know he is God -declaring the end from the beginning -and knowing our place -but if we do not yet we should not lie to ourselves about it.
The bible states that none can come to God unless God first calls them to do so -and he calls people at different times. Some are not called until after they die. It also says that faith is FROM FAITH TO FAITH. It is not an ethereal blind belief in the unproven, but something that grows from actual experience. It is the SUBSTANCE of that which is not seen -and can be as real as believing in electricity, yet never having seen an electron. Our faith can begin by hearing or reading about the experiences of another -such as in the bible, but it grows by our own experiences interacting with God. Sincere prayer is an excellent start. Many in the bible had some very extreme experiences -sure it was easier for them to believe -but some still had problems with it -experience is not everything. Also -many today do not have the experiences they might because they think they have faith but do not.
Anyway -I'd suggest reading the bible and sincere prayer for understanding -rather than asking people -because people really don't know the bible very well.
Lastly -God himself made it so that a full understanding of scripture could only be attained by diligent study of many verses.
Isa 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
Isa 28:10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
Isa 28:11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.
Isa 28:12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.
Isa 28:13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
1Co 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
1Co 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
1Co 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
1Co 15:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
1Co 15:26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
1Co 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
1Co 3:14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
1Co 3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Posts: 288 | Registered: Aug 2007
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Michael Harrison
Advanced Member
Member # 6801
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posted
FlameChampion, it is so simple, yet so awkward for some. If God wants only people who will believe in Him, because He is who He is, He can have that. If you do not believe, you have chosen. He, however, cannot deny Himself (II Ti2:13), and He loves you still. Just because you don't believe doesn't mean that He is not real. Regardless of what ranting you may hear, He loves you, regardless of whether you believe or not.
He bled to death on a Cross that you might believe. Blessed are you if you do.
If you have questions, we are pleased to address them. If you have doubts, He is pleased to address them. He will hear you if you ask.
Posts: 3273 | From: Charlotte N.C. | Registered: Sep 2007
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CWO4GUNNER
Advanced Member
Member # 6971
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posted
Actually when you really think about it brother there is no risk at all.
By the worlds standard every good or bad loving parent knows that exposing their children to hatred, cruelty, and debauchery will lead to their misery in life
By the worlds standard every good or bad loving parent knows that having them follow Jesus Christ teachings that we love one another and seek righteousness, will result in a more abundant and healthy life here on earth.
By the worlds standard almost every loving parent knows that exposing their children to witchcraft or daemon worship will result in a terrible state of mind. How much more in contrast does the Holy Spirit comfort and support those that seek God in prayer and praise.
So you see in reality the word of God and the promise of his gifts are already written in all of our harts. We just have to decide weather or not we are going going to be receptive to Gods word and gifts available to us not only in this world but the world to come (eternal life).
While it is true that by nature the world hates God because the truth of Gods exposes the worlds sin, individual people have a choice to make for themselves, to either accept their true inheritance as children of God and hated by the world, or reject their inheritance in exchange for acceptance by the world and its illusion which all men know in their harts ultimately leads to death alone.
So the truth is salvation through Jesus Christ is boundlessly upside with absolutely no risk, other then the loss of intoxicating slavery to the sin and death the world has to offer the vast majority of people that become addicted to it.
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 that way.
Matthew 7:13
Posts: 54 | From: Bullhead City, AZ | Registered: Jan 2008
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oneinchrist
Advanced Member
Member # 6532
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posted
Hi Flamechampion,
I will tell you what I have told many of my unbelieving friends........
If we choose to believe in God and we die finding out there is no God, we just remain as ashes in the ground.....
But if we choose not to believe in God, and we die finding out there is a God, we live eternally with that choice.
There is risk either way, just like there is risk either way we go about all manner of life. What we need to do is consider the weight and balance of every risk that we take.
If you dare pick up a bible and start reading it from beginning to end, you just may take the risk of finding out how much God does really love each and every one of us.
With love in Jesus Christ, Daniel
Posts: 1389 | From: Wind Lake, WI | Registered: May 2007
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FlameChampion
New Member
Member # 7081
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posted
Thank you alot friends. I will need to take some time and gather all my thoughts, put together them better and I'll be back when I'm ready.
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That's it.
Posts: 2 | From: finland | Registered: Mar 2008
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TB125
Advanced Member
Member # 2450
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posted
FlameChampion,
This will be a very brief response to your message, which is difficult to respond to because it is somewhat unfocused.
In the first place, I would suggest that you don't start to read much of the Bible. You are in no state of mind to understand any of it. It would be foolishness to you.
You indicate this:
quote:
I can't believe in something that has to prove itself from a record of some kind.
In response to that statement, I ask you these questions, then:
1. How can you prove or even know who you are without some personal records?
2. How can you know what day or time it is without some record of its passing?
3. How can you know or believe anything of importance about Finland without some record of its history?
You have other questions and opinions, but I invite you to consider my questions and to share your answers with me and the other participants in this forum. Some of them may want to address your other questions and opinions. I'll be glad to share in further discussion with you, if I can help to eliminate some of your confusion. I'll be looking for your response after you get some sleep.
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Bob
Posts: 449 | From: Rockford Illinois | Registered: Nov 2003
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CWO4GUNNER
Advanced Member
Member # 6971
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posted
Matthew 13:10-23
The disciples came up and asked, Why do you tell stories?
Jesus replied, You've been given insight into God's kingdom. You know how it works. Not everybody has this gift, this insight; it hasn't been given to them. Whenever someone has a ready heart for this, the insights and understandings flow freely. But if there is no readiness, any trace of receptivity soon disappears. That's why I tell stories: to create readiness, to nudge the people toward receptive insight. In their present state they can stare till doomsday and not see it, listen till they're blue in the face and not get it. I don't want Isaiah's forecast repeated all over again:
"Your ears are open but you don't hear a thing. Your eyes are awake but you don't see a thing. The people are blockheads! They stick their fingers in their ears so they won't have to listen; They screw their eyes shut so they won't have to look, so they won't have to deal with me face-to-face and let me heal them."
But you have God-blessed eyes—eyes that see! And God-blessed ears—ears that hear! A lot of people, prophets and humble believers among them, would have given anything to see what you are seeing, to hear what you are hearing, but never had the chance.
The Meaning of the Harvest Story. Study this story of the farmer planting seed.
When anyone hears news of the kingdom and doesn't take it in, it just remains on the surface, and so the Evil One comes along and plucks it right out of that person's heart. This is the seed the farmer scatters on the road.
The seed cast in the gravel—this is the person who hears and instantly responds with enthusiasm. But there is no soil of character, and so when the emotions wear off and some difficulty arrives, there is nothing to show for it.
The seed cast in the weeds is the person who hears the kingdom news, but weeds of worry and illusions about getting more and wanting everything under the sun strangle what was heard, and nothing comes of it.
The seed cast on good earth is the person who hears and takes in the News, and then produces a harvest beyond his wildest dreams.
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. James 1:5-7
Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” Mathew 7:16-27
*If you feel compelled in your hart and want to escape the future judgment that is coming or the certainty of judgment as a result of your own death which could happen at any moment, in either case meaning the end of the world as you know it, then you need the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. He who's birth is marked by the worlds calender, who spoke the universe into existence, and became a man to pay the price for your sins, Jesus the Christ. God's word says that if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe, (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved and have everlasting life. Pray this prayer now and don't put off God's call to you and start reading the New Testament of the Bible. Learn the truth about a living and loving God, his plan for you to have a more abundant life while on earth, escape his judgment and have ever lasting life!
**(WARNING) Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son! Jesus said, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believethin me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die."
(Romans 10:9)(John 3:16)(John 3:18)(John 11:25-26)
This is how God showed his love among us:He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, wealso ought to love one another. 1 John 4:9-11
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXF4lFvJpsQ&feature=related
So you see, just as death came into the world through one man Adam, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through Jesus Christ. Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ is saved and will be given new life.1 Corinthians 15:21-22
Posts: 54 | From: Bullhead City, AZ | Registered: Jan 2008
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FlameChampion
New Member
Member # 7081
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posted
Okay first off:
I have never read the Bible and I should have to write this, but I do know some things about Christianity and I feel like I need to let out some steam from my head. Everything I write here are my personal beliefs even if I might say something is like this or that, Please don't be offended. I'll try to be clear.
The whole concept of believing in something that people or other minds, like God, if he is like a human mind, have done in the past is completely unacceptable to me. I don't feel like I can trust these things and even if they had it on video and stuff... I can't believe in something that has to prove itself from a record of some kind. If the Christianity was unknown today and Jesus had never walked the surface of earth, do you still believe we would find it? If the Bible was never written? If it's the ultimate truth then it should be obvious and not something needed to read about, more than maybe 2 pages, it should just click.
Selfishness is not a sin. If I push a friend to the side to get the last cookie, you'd call that selfishness. If I'd let him have it instead, I'd call that even larger selfishness, because I know a good friendship is worth more than a cookie and selfishly I want that more. If we give it's because it feels better to give than to take, it just usually takes some time to realize that, infact we are all ultimately selfish, it's just our goals that change when we learn new things.
The beliefs, customs, taboos that were taught with civilisation are the reason of loneliness.
Why does a girl wear make up? She feels like she isn't good enough without it, that people would just ignore her or that she would be diffrent to everyone else but let's take the first example.
Why does she feel like she won't get enough attention without it? People on the street and everywhere around are afraid to show her attention, we only watch her for a second or 2 and look away when she looks to us. If I had the courage and if I knew how to break this, I would and I try but I feel ashamed of myself when I look at someone... And why do I and she feel that? Yes, because somewhere along the growing up we somehow learned that it's wrong to look at someone that you think is pretty, I don't know when. Sorry this part is extremely confusing. Anyway I'll maybe continue on, now i need to sleep
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That's it.
Posts: 2 | From: finland | Registered: Mar 2008
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