Casting Stones

I agree completely Mr C. Christ never embraced sin but he did love the sinners soul. He wasn't offended when the woman with the issue of blood touched the hem of his garment. He didn't snarl up his nose and act like she was going to give him her disease. He didn't even run when he was approached by the men with leprosy. And as you stated when the politicians confronted him with a woman that had been caught in the act of adultery he didn't rage at her he didn't put his finger in her face and tell she was evil or headed straight to hell, he loved her soul. He knew the hearts of the men that had brought her to him. She was simply a tool they were using to try and trip up Jesus. Would he condone her sin and go against the law? Would he condemn her and go against his own teachings that we are to love every soul? He did neither, he reminded them that "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" by telling anyone that considered themselves blameless to cast the first stone. After all the "accusers" had walked away, he turned to the woman and told her to go and sin no more. Examine your own heart before you start pointing fingers because there are three pointing right back at you every time. God does not see black sins, white sins, or even gray sins. Amazingly and thankfully he offers grace and mercy to EVERYONE.

Todd Agnew - My Jesus

quote:

God does not see (...) even gray sins.

The vast majority of Christians in the US would disagree with you on that.

quote:

Originally posted by Ironic Pentameter:

quote:

God does not see (...) even gray sins.

The vast majority of Christians in the US would disagree with you on that.

and that makes her so special!!!

maybe...but he never defined levels of sin in the Bible so that is the only conclusion I can draw from the over 350 references to sin.

quote:

Originally posted by Pickler:
maybe...but he never defined levels of sin in the Bible so that is the only conclusion I can draw from the over 350 references to sin.

.....I think you are right Pickler

If Mr. Charles is 70 pounds overweight, then perhaps Mr. Charles should concern himself first with Mr. Charles and do something about it. Mr. Charles was given the freedom of choice to choose a path that leads either to sure and certain death; or a path that leads to health and a longer life.

Mr. Charles can make judgments about what is worse but who really cares? It's not what you think that makes a difference, it's what you do.

Mr. Zip has a few extra (well, about 80) pounds gained while recovering from an (of all things, a triathlon) injury. As Mr. Zip has been unable to shed said poundage through conventional means, Mr. Zip is seeing a bariatric surgeon Tuesday.

Mr. Zip knows people with cancer and other devastating illnesses. Casting stones does no good whatsoever; it'll just wear out your pitching arm.

Mr. Charles, leave the stones on the ground. Take positive action on your own condition. Be concerned about the others, but you can only do for yourself.

quote:

Originally posted by zippadeedoodah:
If Mr. Charles is 70 pounds overweight, then perhaps Mr. Charles should concern himself first with Mr. Charles and do something about it. Mr. Charles was given the freedom of choice to choose a path that leads either to sure and certain death; or a path that leads to health and a longer life.

Mr. Charles can make judgments about what is worse but who really cares? It's not what you think that makes a difference, it's what you do.

Mr. Zip has a few extra (well, about 80) pounds gained while recovering from an (of all things, a triathlon) injury. As Mr. Zip has been unable to shed said poundage through conventional means, Mr. Zip is seeing a bariatric surgeon Tuesday.

Mr. Zip knows people with cancer and other devastating illnesses. Casting stones does no good whatsoever; it'll just wear out your pitching arm.

Mr. Charles, leave the stones on the ground. Take positive action on your own condition. Be concerned about the others, but you can only do for yourself.

Mr. Zip, isn't it true that a bariatric surgeon will not do the surgery unless you are at least 100 lbs overweight?

Not true. If there are other weight-related conditions, it is "medically necessary" and will do it. Generally, the only condition is age over 18, but I've known people who've had it done at a younger age, but rarely.

Zip, are you going for the lap band or the gastric bypass or something else?
Please be sure. Restrictions after the surgery are huge, but I'm sure you have already read up on it.
Keep us informed, please. I may have need of such in the near future.

quote:

Originally posted by LMM:
Zip, are you going for the lap band or the gastric bypass or something else?
Please be sure. Restrictions after the surgery are huge, but I'm sure you have already read up on it.
Keep us informed, please. I may have need of such in the near future.

Lap band. Removable; few restrictions and those I can live with. In a few months, I'll start training again for a masters' triathlon. Swimming and bicycling are fine now; the running hurts like the devil until I get back down to around 225.

I'll keep anyone interested posted.

Thanks.

I would do it in a heartbeat if the insurance company would pay for it and if I could find a doctor willing to do it for me. Best of luck, zip!

I'll never forget when I was 13 a homeless man was in our Church parking lot after an a.m. service. This is a large well known church in this area. He was so dirty and hungry. A few of the men at the church were going to help him and let him clean up in a church bathroom. They were also going to give him a little food from the church pantry. But when certain members of the church saw him he was asked to leave or they would call the police. After seeing that poor dirty broken man ride away on his bike hungry (for more than just food) I took on a new outlook on what it is to be a christian. I do not attend church to this day. Hypocracy abounds in this area. I wonder if anyone ever reached out to that man, perhaps ours was the last gester of compassion he felt on this earth!

People who do things like that never learn from any example. Church, in some cases, has become a social club.

Service and sacrifice to your fellow man is not solely the province of christians. Would you rather associate with the christian who threatened to call the cops, or with an atheist who bought him a meal?

And you dare say the atheist will burn in hell while that christian will rejoice in heaven.

None of those are Christians. The atheist has a better chance of getting there then them.

We have the only chance.


DF

what is wrong with this picture in my opinion it that you never know who you are talking to. so you always have to be careful how you treat any person because you really don't know who you are talking to.it could have been an angel just stopping by to see how people or so call christians would treat them so you have to be careful .this is just my opinion.

lannyh1, that is a good point. Reminds me of that song "What if God were one of us?"

quote:

Originally posted by George Sand:

Wait, are those WOMEN?

quote:

Originally posted by ahanback:
After seeing that poor dirty broken man ride away on his bike hungry (for more than just food) I took on a new outlook on what it is to be a christian. (...) I wonder if anyone ever reached out to that man,

I rather suspect that one of the last people to try to help him was an atheist.

That's just a theory, though.

quote:

Originally posted by ahanback:
I'll never forget when I was 13 a homeless man was in our Church parking lot after an a.m. service. This is a large well known church in this area. He was so dirty and hungry. A few of the men at the church were going to help him and let him clean up in a church bathroom. They were also going to give him a little food from the church pantry. But when certain members of the church saw him he was asked to leave or they would call the police. After seeing that poor dirty broken man ride away on his bike hungry (for more than just food) I took on a new outlook on what it is to be a christian. I do not attend church to this day. Hypocracy abounds in this area. I wonder if anyone ever reached out to that man, perhaps ours was the last gester of compassion he felt on this earth!

>>>>>>>>>>.<<<<<<<<<<

wow,

Wouldn't it be great if someone like yourself, with that experience, was attending a church that was a giving church, and you could reach people, Christians and non-believers alike. With your story, you could, by example show others in your 'new' church the benefits of helping those in need and seeking the lost and pointing out, with compassion, the consequences of behaving like some of those in your 'old' church.

Just a thought. OK, atheists, blast away!

quote:

lannyh1
what is wrong with this picture in my opinion it that you never know who you are talking to. so you always have to be careful how you treat any person because you really don't know who you are talking to.it could have been an angel just stopping by to see how people or so call christians would treat them so you have to be careful .this is just my opinion

I so, believe this, I call these Jesus Moments.
I was leaving work last week. A man in his 80's I know this because he said he was in WWII, stopped in the parking lot. He got out of his car and was asking me about the old plant. I told him I knew nothing about it. It was closed before I started here. He went on to say he had so many stories to tell and wanted to write a book. He said he was so lonely since his wife died. I listened, thinking I am going to be late getting home to cook. I listened still, for more that 30 minutes to his stories. At one point he told me he was sorry for taking my time and reached in his pocket to take $20 out to pay me for my time. I told him I did not want his money, and continued to listen. This making me an hour late getting home. Still I feel I listened to someone that needed to talk to someone. Being late I called to tell my..I why I was late, he said I should be careful, talking to people I don't know. I then called my daughter to tell her, she said that I probably made the old mans day.

quote:

Originally posted by ahanback:
I'll never forget when I was 13 a homeless man was in our Church parking lot after an a.m. service. This is a large well known church in this area. He was so dirty and hungry. A few of the men at the church were going to help him and let him clean up in a church bathroom. They were also going to give him a little food from the church pantry. But when certain members of the church saw him he was asked to leave or they would call the police. After seeing that poor dirty broken man ride away on his bike hungry (for more than just food) I took on a new outlook on what it is to be a christian. I do not attend church to this day. Hypocracy abounds in this area. I wonder if anyone ever reached out to that man, perhaps ours was the last gester of compassion he felt on this earth!

........That just broke my heart.

Zip made a good point about comparing our sins to someone else's. If we say, I smoke, drink, and over eat...but it's not as bad as so-and-so
who is cheating on his/her spouse, or whatever...the truth is, their sins may be worse, but if you don't take care of your own (weight, smoking,etc) you will die! Their indiscretions will not take care of your lack of self-control.
For example, the 13-yr-old who saw the bad example in church..(as well as the few that wanted to help the homeless man), he chose to perceive ALL Christians as the bad example rather than the good example he saw. So, he stays away from church the rest of his life because of one bad example. Who is the real loser here; the homeless man or the young lad who allowed one bad example to ruin his life.
There are people in churches who are church members and 'think' they are christians because they are members...when, in reality, they have never actually given their hearts to Christ and become a true born-again believer. Those are the people who set bad examples. Unfortunately, unbelievers or impressionable people see it and don't realize the truth.
The sad part is the members who don't realize they are lost.
That happened to me. When I was thirteen I joined a church and because of thinking that was all I needed, it took 13 more years to realize I wasn't born-again. Born-again is something you can't understand until you've experienced it.
I have know may people who are truly 'good' people in and out of churches that think they are ok when the truth is, they are as lost as a goose.
To become born-again you must repent, ask God's forgiveness, and truly give your entire life to him. If you have had that experience, you will never be able to turn your back on someone in need. If someone can, I would doubt their salvation...but not judge an entire church on the behavior of a few hypocrits.
And that's all I got to say about that..

quote:

Originally posted by Ironic Pentameter:

quote:

Originally posted by ahanback:
After seeing that poor dirty broken man ride away on his bike hungry (for more than just food) I took on a new outlook on what it is to be a christian. (...) I wonder if anyone ever reached out to that man,

I rather suspect that one of the last people to try to help him was an atheist.

That's just a theory, though.

That's very possible.

I think sometimes we're so busy casting stones that we forget we are just as deserving.

I've said this before on here. When Jesus leaned down to write in the sand and said "let he who is without sin cast the first stone", I think he was writing the sins of those holding stones in their hands, in detail. That will cause a crowd to scatter...lol!

Your right Joy, its so easy to sit back on our laurals and say "I would never be that person that makes a brother or sister stumble". But how do you know what measuring stick a person is using. Some people listen to what you say: do you lift people up or tear people down? Some people look at what you do: do you stop to help the dirt covered begger or do you walk on by on the other side of the road? My father was a preacher and always taught me that Christianity meant Christ in you. So if you call yourself a Christian, can the world see Christ in you (in word and in deed)or do you look just like the rest of the world.

Someone once asked on here how Christians can be friends with self-professed non-believers. My answer, because who is to say that God didn't put you in the path of that person to be the very witness that changes their heart. I'm a huge fan of contempory christian music. Casting Crowns is one of my favorite groups and this is the first song I remember hearing them play:

If We Are The Body

In case you can't see youtube here are the lyrics:

It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in trying to fade into the faces
The girls teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know

Chorus:
But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way

A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat and quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgmental glances
Tells him that his chances are better out on the road

Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the body of Christ

Jesus is the way

I love that song, Pickler...excellent message that all Christians should think on and often.

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it
The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.
'THE ONLY THING NEEDED FOR EVIL TO TRIUMPH IS FOR GOOD MEN TO DO NOTHING'



I wish the old paths were before us instead of behind us . .

THE OLD PATHS

I liked the old paths, when
Moms were at home.
Dads were at work.
Brothers went into the army.
And sisters got married BEFORE having children!

Crime did not pay;
Hard work did;
And people knew the difference.

Moms could cook;
Dads would work;
Children would behave.

Husbands were loving;
Wives were supportive;
And children were polite.

Women wore the jewelry;
And Men wore the pants.
Women looked like ladies;
Men looked like gentlemen;
And children looked decent.

People loved the truth,
And hated a lie;
They came to church to get IN,
Not to get OUT!

Hymns sounded Godly;
Sermons sounded helpful;
Rejoicing sounded normal;
And crying sounded sincere.

Cursing was wicked;
Drugs were for illness;
And divorce was unthinkable.

The flag was honored;
America was beautiful;
And God was welcome!

We read the Bible in public;
Prayed in school;
And preached from house to house
To be called an American was worth dying for;
To be called a Christian was worth living for;
To be called a traitor was a shame!

Preachers preached because they had a message;
And Christians re joiced because they had the VICTORY!
Preachers preached from the Bible;
Singers sang from the heart;
And sinners turned to the Lord to be SAVED!

A new birth meant a new life;
Salvation meant a changed life;
Following Christ led to eternal life.

Being a preacher meant you proclaimed the word of God;
Being a deacon meant you would serve the Lord;
Being a Christian meant you would live for Jesus;
And being a sinner meant someone was praying for you!

Laws were based on the Bible;
Homes read the Bible;
And churches taught the Bible.

God was worshiped;
Christ was exalted;
And the Holy Spirit was respected..

Church was where you found Christians
on the Lord's day, rather than in the garden,
on the creek bank, on the golf course,
Or being entertained somewhere else.

I still like the old paths the best!



'The Old Paths' was written by a retired minister who lives
in Tennessee.