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Hi to my Forum Friends

In the discussion titled "How The Web Is Killing Faith" Robust is faithful to his Atheist religion when he copy/pastes from a Washington Post article written by the atheist, Hemant Mehta:


"...This is why atheists love the Internet.  We can tell Christians the emperor’s not wearing any clothes.  We can question the dogma they’ve simply accepted all their lives.  We can expose religious frauds.  We can explain the many unfortunate consequences of unquestioned belief. The Internet is blind faith’s worst nightmare..."


And, then Robust declares, "By definition, all faith is blind."

Then, we have what, I suppose, we could call the "Dueling Atheists" concert with Robust and Deep tuning their proclamation voices, ready to declare, "God is dead!"    But, I still believe "Dueling Banjos" are much better.

Deep proudly proclaims, "When the false claims of religions can be examined fairly, the normally intelligent and extraordinarily brave have no choice but to reject them.  It's no wonder clerics of all stripes are railing against the very medium that makes these posts possible.  The Internet is about to break their rice bowls."

And, Robust comes back to him with his amen, "Indeed Deep,  Each theist on this board is actively, though inadvertently, contributing to the overall demise of religious faith and power by trying their best to defend the absurd and impossible on the internet."

This dialogue between our atheist Friends reminds me very much of the 1959 movie starring Peter Sellers, titled "The Mouse That Roared."   It is the satirical tale of a very, very small, fictitious European nation (3 miles wide, 5 miles long) which is bankrupt.  Its leader, Peter Sellers, decide that the only way for his nation to survive is to declare war on the United States, be defeated, and then be given the Foreign Aid which America always gives to rebuild its defeated enemies. 

 

Yes, I do believe I see quite a bit of Peter Sellers' character in this newest atheist boast of defeating Christianity.  Sail on, fair prince!

And, I do believe I can feel God smiling, even though, like small children, those who insist upon walking without opening their eyes keep bumping into their own walls of unbelief.  Do we need any more proof of God's eternal mercy and patience?

When we consider the atheist/secular world's claims that Christianity is dying -- isn't it amazing that a belief which began with a small handful of followers over 2000 years ago -- has now fully encompassed the world, with billions of the faithful holding hands in Christian love and fellowship around the world -- while those faithful to the Adversary still huff and puff about its demise?

Yes, it is truly amazing how one Man, Jesus Christ, with only twelve apostles, could start a faith which has not only lasted for over 2000 years -- but, continues to grow despite defamation, denigration, and very often, persecution, from the Adversary's army.   The Christian church, the body of believers worldwide, began on that Day of Pentecost, 33 AD, with only 120 believers gathered in the Upper Room, praying and waiting upon the gift of the Holy Spirit which God had promised to send to them.   That faith was surely well placed.

That day was the first God-intended, permanent indwelling of believers, when the Holy Spirit came upon and began His permanent residence within each believer waiting in the Upper Room -- sealing them until their day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13, 4:30).  From that day, He would be within them and within all believers -- until the day we either die in this mortal body or are raptured from this mortal body.  All that began with only 120 people.  And, since then has spread to billions of people worldwide -- despite the persecution and denigration of a world of non-believers.

And, our atheist Friends, Deep and Robust, tell us that Christianity is dying?  Once again, this brings to mind the short story I have shared on the Religion Forum several times (Nothing Comes To Forumland).  It is the story of two atheist friends, Argue and Debate, who had come to Forumland in a futile attempt to introduce the good folks of Forumland to the religion followed by Argue and Debate -- the Religion of Nothing.  Of course, in real life we all realize this is speaking of the Religion of Atheism and its sister religions, Secularism and Humanism.

Let's look back at what happened after that Day of Pentecost indwelling of the 120 disciples.  We know from Acts 2:41 that when the apostles, newly indwelled with the Holy Spirit, began to teach about Jesus Christ and eternal salvation -- that very day about 3000 became believers.

Then, we are told, in Acts 4:4, that when the apostles continued teaching on subsequent days, the number of believers grew to many more than 5000, for the number, 5000, only reflects the number of men counted.  This was the cultural custom in that day.  So, when we add the women and children -- we have many more than 5000 believers brought into the family of God -- in just a few days of the apostles' teachings.

And, in spite of the passive nature of so many Christian believers, then and today -- the body of Christ, the body of believers -- continued to grow then and it continues to grow today.  Many times I get frustrated when people, whom I know to be Christian, will not stand with other brothers and sisters when we share the Gospel.  I know it is not because they do not believe; so, the only answer is that, somehow, they have convinced themselves that Christians should be passive.  We see this even in those first early days of the Christian church, when many in Jerusalem were too passive to stand alongside Peter and the other apostles:


Acts 5:12-14, "At the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon's portico.  But none of the rest dared to associate with them; however, the people held them in high esteem.  And all the more believers in the Lord, multitudes of men and women, were constantly added to their number."

 

Yet, in spite of that passivity, this passage tells us that "multitudes of men and women, were constantly added to their number."    And, non-believers tell us God is dead?  Has there ever been a better example of false bravado?

What happened when the apostles continued to teach in Jerusalem?  Well, the Pharisees, like our atheist/secular Friends, thought they could fight against God and stop His teachings.  We read:


Acts 5:27-29, "When they had brought them (the apostles), they stood them before the Council.  The high priest questioned them, saying, 'We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.'  But Peter and the apostles answered,'We must obey God rather than men.' "

 

What Christian believer does not want to be accused of this -- "You have filled your Jerusalem (your immediate world) with your Christian teaching!"  Wow!  Talk about receiving the Medal of Honor!

And, what a glorious feeling when we can declare, "We must obey God rather than men."

Yet, praise God, we are told, in Acts 5:42, of the actions of the apostles in that early church, "And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ."  Isn't that what Jesus Christ is telling every Christian believer to do in Matthew
28:19-20, Acts 1:8, and in Mark 16:15 -- take His name to all the world?

In Romans 16:17 the apostle Paul tells us, "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."

That is solid advise, "Keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching."   The Bible is not teaching that we should enter into the lion's den, into the confidence of those who are working on their end of the rope to pull the believer down into their world -- but, that we stay aware of this agenda and offer them the love of Christ -- not the rope to pull us into their world.

We believers have the Solid Rock of Scripture upon which we can stand as we reach out to those still mired in the world:


2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."

 

The apostle Paul teaches his disciple, Titus, whom Paul had left in Crete to establish the church there:


Titus 1:7-9, "For the overseer (elder, pastor) must be above reproach as God's steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful Word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict."


While we know that this is Paul's instructions to Titus for establishing the local church in Crete -- shouldn't that be the goal of every believer -- "To hold fast the faithful Word which is in accordance with the teaching, . .  and to refute those who contradict."

In the book of Revelation Jesus Christ sent letters to the seven churches.  Here we find the (1) Persevering church, Ephesus; we find the (2) Suffering church, Smyrna; we find the (3) Persecuted church, Pergamum; we find the (4) Compromising church, Thyatira; we find the (5) Dead church, Sardis; we find the (6) Faithful church, Philadelphia; and we find the (7) Lukewarm church, Laodicea.

Jesus has a very personal message to each of these churches -- which I see as the different kinds of Christian churches found throughout the entire Church Era, that time from the Day of Pentecost until He comes to Rapture His church out of this world.  Most likely, many of us have experienced several of these types of churches, maybe more, until we found our Faithful Philadelphia church -- which has become our church home, our Christian fellowship.

To the Persecuted church of Pergamum, His message was:


Revelation 2:12-14, "And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword (the Word of God) says this:  'I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is (the world); and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith. . .  But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality.' "

Revelation 2:15-16, "So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.  Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth (the Word of God)."


And, in His message to the church of Ephesus, Jesus declared, in Revelation 2:6, "Yet this you do have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate."

From these Scripture passages, we can tell that Jesus Christ did not hold the Nicolaitans in high regard.  Just who, or what, were the Nicolaitans?


DEEDS OF THE NICOLAITANS?

By David Baker, What Do The Scriptures Say?

http://www.scripturessay.com/c...-of-the-nicolaitans/

 

Question:  "Could you explain what are the 'Deeds of the Nicolaitans'?”

Answer:  The Nicolaitans are only mentioned twice in Scripture, both in Revelation chapter 2. . . . Other than these passages, we have no information on the Nicolaitans.

There is speculation about them based upon the etymology of the words used to make the name.  The first part of the name – nico – comes from the Greek word “nikao” meaning “to conquer.”  The second part of the name – laitans – comes from the Greek word “laos” meaning “people.”  Hence, the speculation is that they were a group of people who enslaved others in some way. . .

The etymology is probably more in keeping with the overall nature of the Revelation.  The writing is highly figurative so such would fit the character of the book.  In this light, we would view the teaching of the Nicolaitans as any teaching that would enslave others to false teaching.  This warning is certainly valid throughout Scripture!

In Acts 8:23 (NIV) we see Peter saying to Simon, “For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin."  The Apostle Paul warned the Colossians, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ” (2:8 NIV).  He tells Timothy that the servant of the Lord must be able to instruct those (who) oppose him so “that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will“ (2 Tim 2:26 NIV).

This understanding seems to be the most consistent with the teaching of the Bible.  Rather than referring to a particular group of people, it most likely refers to a form of teaching opposing the truth of God's Word.


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

So, my Friends, based upon what you have read here, I think you will agree with me that our TimesDaily Religion Forum is infested with the "Deeds Of The Nicolaitans!"

But, never fear!  God has already won the war.  We are only involved in the clean-up skirmishes until He returns to take us home with Him.   Yet, each believer is appointed the task, the awesome responsibility (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, Mark 16:15), of pointing as many people as possible toward Jesus Christ, toward the Holy Spirit, who will lead them out of the world and into the Family of God, before Christ comes to Rapture us home.

Based upon that, please feel free to share this with your Friends, Relatives, Associates, and Neighbors -- all your FRANs.  Let us all be active "sowers" of the seeds of salvation -- until He comes.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill

 

John 8-12 - Farm and Barn - Kincaid - 1

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So, my Friends, based upon what you have read here, I think you will agree with me that our TimesDaily Religion Forum is infested with the "Deeds Of The Nicolaitans!"


There is speculation about them based upon the etymology of the words used to make the name.

Hence, the speculation is that they were a group of people who enslaved others in some way. . .

 

You decided that this forum is infested with speculation?

quote:  Originally Posted by Zazu:

So, my Friends, based upon what you have read here, I think you will agree with me that our TimesDaily Religion Forum is infested with the "Deeds Of The Nicolaitans!"


There is speculation about them based upon the etymology of the words used to make the name.  Hence, the speculation is that they were a group of people who enslaved others in some way. . .

 

You decided that this forum is infested with speculation? 


Hi Zazu,

 

I do believe you overlooked the key element of what was said about the Nicolaitans.  So, please allow me to refresh your memory about what was written in my initial post:

 

In this light, we would view the teaching of the Nicolaitans as any teaching that would enslave others to false teaching.  This warning is certainly valid throughout Scripture!

In Acts 8:23 (NIV) we see Peter saying to Simon, “For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin."  The Apostle Paul warned the Colossians, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ” (2:8 NIV).  He tells Timothy that the servant of the Lord must be able to instruct those (who) oppose him so “that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will“ (2 Tim 2:26 NIV).

This understanding seems to be the most consistent with the teaching of the Bible.  Rather than referring to a particular group of people, it most likely refers to a form of teaching opposing the truth of God's Word.

 

Based upon THAT description, yes, I would say we do have a wee "cabal" infesting the Religion Forum who would love to snuff out all discussions about God, Christianity, and salvation.   But, trying to snuff out God -- is rather like trying to spit into the wind, the wind of level 5 tornado.  Still, the "Faithless Few" continue to try.  You can recognize them by the residue on their faces.

 

I pray you are having a great Memorial Day.  I won't be around much for a while; I have to go fix a lock on my daughter's door.  But, we can chat more later.

 

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

 

Bill

Based upon THAT description, yes, I would say we do have a wee "cabal" infesting the Religion Forum who would love to snuff out all discussions about God, Christianity, and salvation.

 

That is a lot of speculation, guesses and conclusions drawn from two lines of scripture.

 

The Nicolaitans are only mentioned twice in Scripture, both in Revelation chapter 2. . . . Other than these passages, we have no information on the Nicolaitans.

 

Since 'Religion' has 3,118 topics as of today, I don't think discussions are being snuffed out. As long as there has been religion, there has been those who disagree with it in general.

 

And my Memorial day has been great, hope yours is too.

We have two topics mentioning A.R.'s assertion that faith is blind by definition. Blind faith is necessary in some instances--combat for example. No commanding officer could wage battle with troops who questioned his every command.

 

Other faith has been cultivated. I have faith the sun will set in the west in a few minutes and that it will rise in the east tomorrow. I have faith that if I turn on the faucet, I will see water gushing out. I have faith that if I open a can (of any kind), I will have eight little feet running into my kitchen. All these faiths are based on past experience and observation...as is my faith in God.

Originally Posted by FirenzeVeritas:

All these faiths are based on past experience and observation...as is my faith in God.

_______________________

Based on my past experience & observation, those that say they have faith in God, are the very ones to stab you in the back faster than someone that doesn't have it. But after all that stabbing, all they have to do is ask God to forgive them & bingo. Safe until they go thru the whole routine again, again, again.......

Talk is cheap.

Originally Posted by FirenzeVeritas:

We have two topics mentioning A.R.'s assertion that faith is blind by definition. Blind faith is necessary in some instances--combat for example. No commanding officer could wage battle with troops who questioned his every command.

 

Other faith has been cultivated. I have faith the sun will set in the west in a few minutes and that it will rise in the east tomorrow. I have faith that if I turn on the faucet, I will see water gushing out. I have faith that if I open a can (of any kind), I will have eight little feet running into my kitchen. All these faiths are based on past experience and observation...as is my faith in God.

==
It takes no faith whatsoever to reliably understand, explain, predict and prove the behavior of planetary orbits/in-home plumbing/mammal psychology.

But you're right that blind faith (or more accurately: faith) is absolutely necessary in some instances. The most obvious/common example is religion. The belief in gods and obedience/subservience to something that doesn't exist, can't be proven to exist and for which few believers within the same religion can even agree on - can only happen by faith.

 

You can't in good conscience lump religious faith (e.g. faithful Christians neighbors murdering other faithful Christians neighbors for generations in N. Ireland) with the mechanics of indoor plumbing...

Originally Posted by semiannualchick:
Originally Posted by FirenzeVeritas:

All these faiths are based on past experience and observation...as is my faith in God.

_______________________

Based on my past experience & observation, those that say they have faith in God, are the very ones to stab you in the back faster than someone that doesn't have it. But after all that stabbing, all they have to do is ask God to forgive them & bingo. Safe until they go thru the whole routine again, again, again.......

Talk is cheap.

I would suggest you get better friends/or family. For those who sin repeatedly, they don't get the enchilada.

 

John 3:8-9

"8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God."

Luke 16:13
13 “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”

 

 
Originally Posted by FirenzeVeritas:

All these faiths are based on past experience and observation...as is my faith in God.

_______________________

Originally Posted by semiannualchick:

Based on my past experience & observation, those that say they have faith in God, are the very ones to stab you in the back faster than someone that doesn't have it. But after all that stabbing, all they have to do is ask God to forgive them & bingo. Safe until they go thru the whole routine again, again, again.......

Talk is cheap.

____________________

Originally Posted by Zazu:

I would suggest you get better friends/or family. For those who sin repeatedly, they don't get the enchilada.

 John 3:8-9
Luke 16:13

 __________________

Show me where I said friends/family had stabbed me in the back??? You can't, because I didn't.

 

John 3: 8? "He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning".

I've mentioned that scripture on here to some of the "Christians" before. They refuse to get it.

 

As far as Luke 16:13 goes, where did I say anything about serving two masters??? I didn't.

Originally Posted by semiannualchick:
_____

Show me where I said friends/family had stabbed me in the back??? You can't, because I didn't.

 

John 3: 8? "He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning".

I've mentioned that scripture on here to some of the "Christians" before. They refuse to get it.

 

As far as Luke 16:13 goes, where did I say anything about serving two masters??? I didn't.

Since you said it had been your experience to be 'stabbed in the back', I assumed you were talking about friends or family. If not, skip that part.

The two masters also referred to the backstabbers, not you.

One cannot sin repeatedly and be forgiven nor can someone serve two deities. Repeatedly  sinning is following Satan, not God.

 

No need to be so defensive.

Bill -- you say:

 

"Let's look back at what happened after that Day of Pentecost indwelling of the 120 disciples.  We know from Acts 2:41 that when the apostles, newly indwelled with the Holy Spirit, began to teach about Jesus Christ and eternal salvation -- that very day about 3000 became believers."


Can you tell us at what point these 3000 "became believers"?

Hi Contendah,

In an earlier post, I had written:


"Let's look back at what happened after that Day of Pentecost indwelling of the 120 disciples.  We know from Acts 2:41 that when the apostles, newly indwelled with the Holy Spirit, began to teach about Jesus Christ and eternal salvation -- that very day about 3000 became believers."

 

And, you ask me, "Can you tell us at what point these 3000 'became believers'?"

We find the answer to that question in Acts 2:38, "Peter said to them, 'Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.' "

Do you notice the sequence?  REPENT -- and then be baptized.   First, the people were told to repent.  What does it mean to repent?  That is when one confesses his/her sins, turns from following the world and its pleasures -- and turns 180 degrees to become a Christ Follower.

This action of repentance is illustrated in Ephesians 1:13-14, "In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the Gospel of your salvation -- having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory."

Then, the believer will obey Scripture and be baptized -- symbolically following Christ in His death (going under the water) and in His resurrection (rising from under the water).  This we do as an outward manifestation of an inner change.  What is that inner change?  It is when we believe, receive Christ, and are indwelled with the Holy Spirit.  THEN, we announce to the world that we are Christ Followers as they witness our obedient baptism.

But, Contendah, let me ask you a question.  If baptism is truly required before one can be saved, i.e., become a child of God -- why does the Bible tell us that Jesus baptized no one -- and that Paul, the most prolific Christian writer, is glad that he baptized only a couple of people -- for, as he tells us, he was not sent to baptize anyone.  He was sent to share the Gospel, not to baptize.  What happened when he shared the Gospel?  People believed and became children of God.  Then, Paul moved on and allowed others to later baptize those he had led to Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:16-17, "Now I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any other.  For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the Gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void."

That does not sound like Jesus Christ taught that a person must be baptized to be saved.

John 4:1-3, "Therefore when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (although Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were), He left Judea and went away again into Galilee."

Again, if baptism is so mandatory for salvation -- why did Jesus not baptize people?   Would He die on the cross to save us -- and, then, stop short by not baptizing anyone -- if baptism were a requirement for salvation?

Contendah, my Friend, it would seem that you are too caught up in legalistic rituals -- which clouds your view of the full Gospel.  Let's take God at His word:


Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."


God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill

Signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder to look out for:

  • Jealousy and possessiveness
  • Excessive need to feel special, adored, loved, appreciated, or admired
  • Rage attacks when you do not sufficiently meet his/her needs
  • Controlling behaviors (trying to control how you spend your time, who you talk to, how you dress, etc.)
  • Inflated self-esteem, or grandiosity (bragging, "fishing" for compliments)
  • Dramatic, insecure behaviors
  • Expecting you to take responsibility for making him/her feel better about him/herself
  • Blaming you for behaviors or feelings (i.e., "YOU made me do this," or "YOU made me feel this way.")
  • Not taking responsibility for angry behavior and justifying angry outbursts
  • An attitude that demonstrates "the world revolves around me" and "you need to cater to my ideas, opinions, thoughts, and feelings." (i.e., threatening numerous lawsuits.)
  • An unwillingness to reflect on his/her own behaviors
Originally Posted by Zazu:
Since you said it had been your experience to be 'stabbed in the back', I assumed you were talking about friends or family. If not, skip that part.

The two masters also referred to the backstabbers, not you.

One cannot sin repeatedly and be forgiven nor can someone serve two deities. Repeatedly  sinning is following Satan, not God.

No need to be so defensive.

________________

Firenze mentioned faith based on past experience, observation & her faith in God.

I replied to her post because it's those "Christians" & church people that will stab you in the back the quickest. They are also the quickest to judge & gossip about others. I've seen Firenze & some (not all) other "Christians" do it on this forum.

If you believe repeatedly sinning is following Satan, how many times can a true Christian sin? Or do you mean you can't willfully choose to keep sinning?

Peter denied Christ 3 times, which I would call repeatedly sinning, since he did it 3 times. Was he not forgiven?

 

I'm sorry if I sounded defensive. I'm used to constantly being judged by some of the "Christians" on here & just assumed you were doing the same. Now I realize you weren't.

I am not judging anyone's beliefs,  judging behavior is a different matter and no religion is required. I have noticed the atheist and the Christian make a lot of assumptions about each other, especially as to intelligence, sincerity and honesty. Easy to do on a forum since there is no face to face confrontation.

 

As for:

Peter denied Christ 3 times, which I would call repeatedly sinning, since he did it 3 times. Was he not forgiven?

 

If you believe in the Bible, then Peter did according to the plan God laid out. The same as Judas denying him.

Originally Posted by Zazu:

I am not judging anyone's beliefs,  judging behavior is a different matter and no religion is required. I have noticed the atheist and the Christian make a lot of assumptions about each other, especially as to intelligence, sincerity and honesty. Easy to do on a forum since there is no face to face confrontation.

_______
I would say a person's behavior can be a result of their belief.
There may not be any face to face confrontation's but our instincts can tell us a lot about a person when having daily dialog. If you read/listen closely & follow your instincts, you can know who is intelligent, sincere & honest, who is all three, or who is none of those.
quote:    Originally Posted by Zazu:

I am not judging anyone's beliefs,  judging behavior is a different matter and no religion is required. I have noticed the atheist and the Christian make a lot of assumptions about each other, especially as to intelligence, sincerity and honesty. Easy to do on a forum since there is no face to face confrontation.

 

As for:

Peter denied Christ 3 times, which I would call repeatedly sinning, since he did it 3 times. Was he not forgiven?

 

If you believe in the Bible, then Peter did according to the plan God laid out.  The same as Judas denying him. 


Hi Zazu,

 

First, let me address your comment in an earlier post:

 

One cannot sin repeatedly and be forgiven nor can someone serve two deities. Repeatedly  sinning is following Satan, not God.

 

That is true, for continually repeating the same sin defines a lifestyle.  And, a person living any sin lifestyle is not following Christ; but, as you wrote, is following Satan and the world.  This is why I say that all same-sex marriages are wrong, for they are committing themselves to following a sin lifestyle and denying God's Word.  Therefore, neither they nor their lifestyle can be considered Christian.

 

Regarding Peter and Judas, they were both exercising their God given gift of "free will."  Peter was convicted and chose to repent, seek forgiveness, was forgiven, and went on to do wonderful things in the name of the Lord.

 

Judas, although feeling remorse and trying to return his blood money -- according to the Bible did not repent.  Instead he killed himself without repenting.  Now, some will jump on this as proof that a believer can lose his/her salvation.  However, there is no proof that Judas was ever a believer.  Yes, he walked with the Lord and His disciples -- but, nowhere in the Bible does he show any fruit of salvation, any proof that he truly believed. 

 

On the other hand, Zazu, I agree with you that both men's actions were according to Scripture.  God, in His omniscience KNEW the path, the actions, each man would follow.   He did not force either man to follow a particular path, but, knowing their hearts -- He allowed each to play his individual role in fulfilling Scripture.

 

Just my thoughts.

 

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

 

Bill

Cross On Hill - Romans 1-16_1

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Originally Posted by semiannualchick:
Originally Posted by Zazu:

I am not judging anyone's beliefs,  judging behavior is a different matter and no religion is required. I have noticed the atheist and the Christian make a lot of assumptions about each other, especially as to intelligence, sincerity and honesty. Easy to do on a forum since there is no face to face confrontation.

_______
I would say a person's behavior can be a result of their belief.
There may not be any face to face confrontation's but our instincts can tell us a lot about a person when having daily dialog. If you read/listen closely & follow your instincts, you can know who is intelligent, sincere & honest, who is all three, or who is none of those.

Maybe, maybe not.  Many people use a fake personality when posting and thus are not actually projecting their true self. Since there is no threat of recrimination, the meek can become the aggressor and the saint can be the liar. 'Instincts' over the internet would not be very reliable. Think of all the Facebook accounts of 'crazies' and the dating services that lead to horrible conclusions.

As with anything public, discretion is best.

Originally Posted by Bill Gray:

On the other hand, Zazu, I agree with you that both men's actions were according to Scripture.  God, in His omniscience KNEW the path, the actions, each man would follow.   He did not force either man to follow a particular path, but, knowing their hearts -- He allowed each to play his individual role in fulfilling Scripture.

 

Just my thoughts.

 

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

 

Bill

Cross On Hill - Romans 1-16_1

Exactly.

Originally Posted by Zazu:

As for:         

Peter denied Christ 3 times, which I would call repeatedly sinning, since he did it 3 times. Was he not forgiven?

If you believe in the Bible, then Peter did according to the plan God laid out. The same as Judas denying him.

_______       
Originally Posted by: Bill Gray

On the other hand, Zazu, I agree with you that both men's actions were according to Scripture. God, in His omniscience KNEW the path, the actions, each man would follow. He did not force either man to follow a particular path, but, knowing their hearts -- He allowed each to play his individual role in fulfilling Scripture.

________

Bill, what scripture is Peter fulfilling by denying Christ 3 times?

 

 

 

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