Your Greeting Shows The Source Of Your JOY!

And YOU, Bill, in your usual evasive and cowardly manner, began this new thread instead of responding to the substance of what I actually posted. I will post it here again in order that readers of this string may see how you have deflected from it, electing instead to continue your puerile misrepresentation of my religious and political perspective.  Below--in blue--is what you should have been responding to instead of resorting to your old stale criticism of my views on separation of church and state and your erroneous characterization of me as a "liberal." I have included the full text of this part of the string (Bill in black; myself in blue), for convenience of your mostly imaginary  "Forum Friends"

From the thread where you should have stayed:

Blithering Bill submits this drivel:

"Well, my Friend, the Bible does not tell me which row to sit in, nor which chair or pew to sit in, when I go to church.   But, according to your logic -- since the Bible does not give me that information -- I should not go to church.   Okay!"

"NOT okay for us to forsake the assembling of ourselves together ( Hebrews 10:25)   This is essentially a command to "go to church." From this an obvious and necessary inference proceeds, namely that Christians should come together at some common place.  Nothing is commanded as to what kind of place in which to assemble assemble and thus the choice of the place is discretionary.

As to special Christian holidays, there is no underlying commandment or imperative of any sort in scripture for observing these, nor is there any indication in the New Testament that Christians in the First Century observed such holidays.

Can you not see the difference, Bill?   For purposes of this discussion I have not argued that the observance of religious holidays is wrong, but I am stating  that there is no parallel with the choice of seating arrangements, as in your failed attempt to construct, using your flawed exegesis and twisted hermeneutics.  And I would reiterate my CONSERVATIVE criticism of those like YOU, who rebuke and denigrate those of us who choose not to observe that which is neither commanded or exemplified in scripture.  See how that makes me more CONSERVATIVE than you, Liberal Bill!

And, Bill--the next time you list a bunch of cultists and ASSert that my beliefs are like theirs, kindly do more than ASSert such charges.  SHOW where I am in agreement with such heretics.  It might well be that YOU agree with SOME of the beliefs held by all or  some of  those you listed.  It is difficult for even a cultist to be 100 percent in error.  But instead of boringly leveling generalized and unexplicated ASSertions, how about manning up and stating your specifics and we can go from there? Or do you really want to have such discussions?"

Your new-threading tactic and your irrelevant attempt at responding shows clearly, Chicken Bill, that you do not wish to have any such discussions.  Bill Gray, you are operating in the mode of a high school student who is faced with a "discussion question" on an exam and who really does not have any idea of what his answer should be.  So what does he do? He spins off a bunch of verbiage that is vaguely related to the question but that does not actually provide an answer to that which was asked. Any teacher worth his/her salt will see right through that kind of devious stratagem and will deny credit for the non-answer.  I speak from experience,--and not as a teacher.

And, Bill, you should know by now, as savvy members of this Forum know, that when you take flight from a string where you can not handle a challenge, it is a prima facie indication that you are simply attempting to  avoid further  embarrassment.  You have done that numerous times and doubtless will do it again, but Bill---YOU AIN'T FOOLING ANYONE!

Bill Gray blithers thusly:

"But, atheists and Muslims will march, hold public demonstrations, demanding, "Stop saying Merry Christmas to me!"

And just WHERE, Bill, have there been all those marches and  demonstration of this kind by atheists or Muslims anywhere? I know of one anti-Christmas poster campaign by fanatical Muslims in Britain, which was strongly denounced by many, including political officials.  The way you present it, such affairs are an ongoing phenomenon.  Tell us where all that is happening.  

I know this much for sure: there are far more partisans like Bill O'Reilly and the AFA kicking up major dust and strife over the "Merry Christmas" vs. "Happy Holidays" bogus issue than there are Muslims or atheists marching, parading,or demonstrating for or against modes of seasonal greeting. 

Once again, Bill LSoS twists the words of others.

Above he quotes another poster as saying:

I don't need for every commercial business to say "Merry Christmas."   Because businesses offer goods for sale to so many people, from so many backgrounds, I think many businesses are just trying to stay neutral.  I am not bothered because of neutrality in a business.

Then Bill DHL™ turns around and "restates" what the other poster has posted.

And, as you said, when a business opens it doors to the public, it should expect, and will have, customers from all walks of life, from all religious backgrounds -- and they should not be restrained from greeting us in their faith -- and we should not be restrained from greeting people based upon our faith background.

Bill uses the Fundy Playbook to take a person's statement - "I'm not bothered because of neutrality in a business", and turns it into something completely different - "and they should not be restrained from greeting us in their faith".  Of course, if Bill ever walked into a store and was greeted by "Allah is great", he would go straight to management and try to have the employee fired.

This is just another example of why ol' Johhny has zero credibility.

Bill DHL™ also posts this nugget of hypocrisy:

I do not believe I have ever seen a Christian get upset or mad because another person greets him/her with "Happy Hanukkah, Kwanza, or Ramadan"  or even, "Happy Holidays." 

Very telling.  Either Bill is a hypocrite or a non-Christian.  Or both.

Contendah, my Friend,

You make the false claim:

Bill actually takes the matter to a higher order of magnitude, Crusty.  He is "upset and mad" at the choices made by any number of retail businesses and their parent corporations because they have exercised the perfectly legal right to decide how to advertise their products and services and how to label their store displays and how to have their paid staffs address customers.  Bill's distress proceeds from his deeply disordered notion of how a Judeo-Christian regime should be imposed within a culturally and religiously diverse society.

Yet, what I wrote in my initial post above, responding to David's post in your typical discussion titled "Dingbat Alert" was: 

If a person greets me, "Happy Hanukkah, Kwanza, or Ramadan" -- or if an atheist, secularist, or humanist greets me, "Happy Holidays"  -- I will smile and reply, "God bless you" or "Merry Christmas" -- whichever is appropriate.
 
None of us should be constrained from expressing our faith in terms of our own spiritual faith.

Yet, you and I both know that any of those folks can say what they want -- and it is considered okay.

But, let a Christian greet a customer, "Merry Christmas!" -- and they most likely will be fired.

I do not believe I have ever seen a Christian get upset or mad because another person greets him/her with "Happy Hanukkah, Kwanza, or Ramadan"  or even, "Happy Holidays."  
 
Yet, how many times have we seen in the news, or heard, an atheist or a Muslim get upset and demand all sort of things, when greeted with, "Merry Christmas!"? 

They must know that we are only expressing our joy in ways based upon our faith -- just as they are free to express their joy based upon their faith.

But, atheists and Muslims will march, hold public demonstrations, demanding, "Stop saying Merry Christmas to me!"

Contendah, my Friend, I can almost understand Chick's anger and bitterness when a Christian tells her God loves her -- for she is afraid, for whatever reason, to hear about God's love.   

But, YOU, who tells us that you are affiliated with some mystery church and who tells us you are a Christian -- I CANNOT understand why all your posts are so filled with anger, bitterness, and hatred toward other Christians.

The First Amendment tells us:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Yet, YOU, based upon your beliefs from your mystery church affiliation, and in adoration of your god, Obama, demand, "Yes, you have 'free exercise' of your religious preference -- but, only as long as you keep it hidden in a closet -- and NEVER displayed in public!"

My Friend, my reading of the First Amendment does not tell me to hide my Christian faith behind closed doors.

But, now that we are discussing the situation -- I may be starting to see why you so adamantly hide your church affiliation.  YOU want to keep your Christian faith hidden behind closed door.  

Well, my Friend -- YOU are a smashing success!   With all the names you call Christians, and with your resounding demands that all Christian faith be hidden -- no one would ever know you are a Christian believer.   YOU are, aren't you?

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill

billiee said,

I can almost understand Chick's anger and bitterness when a Christian tells her God loves her -- for she is afraid, for whatever reason, to hear about God's love.   

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As you well know but won't admit it billiee, Some Christians and others aren't

bitter or angry when someone says anything about God or how God feels about

them. Some people that know you are insulted when you froth your sinfully

sanctimonious god bless, wonderful day, merry tebow Christmas and other

insincere crap. They don't want to hear it from your lying mouth.

You know this but your love for the obnoxious controls your hate for those

who disagree or the hell bound people who don't believe your scam.

Vic, my Friend,

From that rambling, disjointed writing you just posted -- which is typical of all post which you personally write (the reason you most often copy/paste writings from others?) -- one thing is very apparent:

My two dear Friends, VIC and CHICK could definitely use a large dose of God - the Bible - and Jesus Christ.

My suggestion to you:  Take ten, or more, Scripture verses each night.  Add a sincere prayer (from your heart, not from a prewritten prayer book) thanking God and asking His guidance.   Do this faithfully each night -- and the two of you just might find your bitterness, anger, and hatred of all things Christian -- slowly slipping away.   That would be a good time to take a moment to ask Jesus Christ into your heart to be your personal Lord and Savior.

My Friends, if the two of you will be faithful in doing that -- we will all be in eternal fellowship one day in heaven.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill

From Bill Gray's latest blithering drivel:

"Yet, YOU, based upon your beliefs from your mystery church affiliation, and in adoration of your god, Obama, demand, "Yes, you have 'free exercise' of your religious preference -- but, only as long as you keep it hidden in a closet -- and NEVER displayed in public!"

Total ranting CRAPOLA, Bill.  First, you have placed within quotation marks something that I never said, ether specifically or as a generic observation..  That is truly bad form, Bill, by any reasonable standard.

I have never objected to displays of religious preference or observance, unless they are conducted in a manner that recruits government as an actual or implicit endorser.  For example, I have often posted on this forum lengthy lists of religious activities that are permissible for students and staffs of

the PUBLIC school systems of this nation, activities such as "Meet me at the pole," where on a designated day, many thousands of U.S. PUBLIC school students all across the land carry out in PUBLIC activities such as prayer and singing of hymns within the very PUBLIC area adjoining a PUBLIC school's flagpole. Nowhere have I written anything demanding that anyone personally professing or acting upon a profession of religion must retreat to a closet or other secret, non-public place for such activities.  

Your accusation is therefore a blatant LIE, Bill Gray, and you should apologize for making it.

And that silly little shabbiness of looping in your constant cavil about my religious affiliation does nothing to bolster your credibility, which is sagging lower that the bulging belly of an obese basset hound!

What does any of this have to do with Christ and Christmas? Seems you all argue for the sake of arguing sometimes.

There is no way to prove the exact date of when Christ was born. And even if there was we are told to commemorate His death and resurrection, not His birth.

All this huffing and puffing for something that has absolutely nothing to do with Christ and more to do with the personal pride of so called believers. I thought your Christmas traditions were about love and "good will towards man"?

Anyways have a happy Roman Festival Season everyone!!

Dies Natalis Invicti Solis

Hi GD, aka Al Wiliams, aka Malibut Girl, aka on and on,

You are most likely right that most in your New Age Urantia Book cult religion and your L.Ray Smith cult Universalism religion -- do not see the CHRIST in Christmas.  After all, your New Age Urantia Book was given to a doctor in Chicago in the 1950s -- by extraterrestrials.   

Do extraterrestrials celebrate Christmas on their planets?   

Bless your little New Age/Universalism tainted extraterrestrial heart!

Bill 

Bill DHL™, you just won today's Tool of the Day Award.  Congratulations.  The Committee is considering renaming the award to the Bill Gray Tool Award, in honor of your constant and ongoing contributions to tooldom.

billiee says

"Your Greeting Shows The Source Of Your JOY!"

When billiee opens his mouth, lies fall out. He's never walked the walked.

so he expects people to believe whatever he wants to say.

How you treat people from the silence of your heart is the hidden source

of love for people one should have and not wanting anything in return.

Vic, my Friend,

Simple question:   ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN BELIEVER?

If so, what did YOU do to become a Christian believer?

If so, what do YOU consider the "fruit" of your salvation?

And, keep in mind -- NOT answering, IS an answer!

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Hmmmmm does that "not answering is an answer" also apply to Crusty's scenario?

Ubu, my Friend,

ONLY for clearly stated and relevant questions -- NOT for childish rantings which some hope will be mistaken for questions.

Thank you for asking -- and bless your little heart!

Bill

Resident troll = Pot = Kettle = Black...

____________________

Hypocrisy at its finest.

Vic, my Friend,

Well, I guess we settled that pretty quick.   Any person who has to ask, "What is a Christian believer?" -- obviously is NOT one.  

Now we can get back to your childish prattle.

Bless your little heart!

Bill

Am I the only one who is wondering if the resident troll realizes how stupid he appears to visitors to this forum? For a while it was amusing watching him act like a donkey... More recently it has become almost obscene... He really needs to seek help... He's a few years younger than me, but his dimentia seems to be progressing at an accelerated rate... Someone reading this please talk to him... He needs help before it is too late...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As I understand it, you have attributed statements to Crusty that he claims he did not make and demands strict proof thereof. How much more relevant does it need to be?

A serious offense in my eyes.

"Christian believer" is somewhat of a redundancy.  Consider:  how could there be a Christian non-believer?

Contendah, my Friend,

Something to think about.   The word "Christian" was coined in Antioch as a derogatory name for those who "followed Jesus Christ."   Therefore, "Christian" could be stated as a "Christ follower."

The twelve apostles "followed" Jesus for over three years.  And, eleven of them eventually began to believe and know that He is true deity, the Son of God.   Judas followed Him also -- but his god was money and not Jesus Christ.  So Judas was a "Christ follower" -- but, he was not a "believer."  Therefore, Judas WAS a Christian non-believer.

The term "Christian believer" puts the final stamp, or seal, of the Holy Spirit upon that person.  

Ephesians 1:13-14, 4:30, "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.  .  . by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."

So, what is a Christian believer?  It is a person who has chosen to "follow Christ" and has also "believed" in Him as personal Lord and Savior.  

My Friend, have YOU decided to "follow Jesus" and to "believe" in Him -- that YOU might be called a "Christian believer"?   If so, why do YOU so vehemently attack others who want to share His Written Word?   Food for thought!

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill

~~~~~~~~~~~

billiee will be more than happy to reword the statement or question if he

doesn't have an answer. An attempt to hide a lie is still a lie.

And the near Christ said,,,,,,"Christian believer" is somewhat of a redundancy.  

Consider:  how could there be a Christian non-believer?

The same as an atheist Jew will still be a Jew. A person baptized into the

Christian world and has brought into all the tenets of Christianity but then

walks away in disbelief of God is still a Christian. An might go to Hell as

a Christian. An American that sells themselves to ISIS for the destruction

of this country is still an American.

'Therefore, "Christian" could be stated as a "Christ follower."'

SO IN OTHER WORDS a Christian follower is a Christ follower follower.  Ridiculous reasoning throughout the post.  Senility must be a [street usage of a female dog].

Whatever I am, I don't necessarily need to be called Christian. The misuse

and abuse of the word isn't what defines me. I have my own idea of who

I am and what I believe, and I keep that between me and realm. 

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

As it should be.

Peace and Good tidings my friend.

Vic, my Friend, 

DO YOU call yourself a Roman Catholic?

If the Pope asked you if you are a Roman Catholic, would you tell him, "NO!"?

One day, when you stand before Jesus Christ in judgment -- if He asks you if you are a Christian, will you tell him, "NO!"?

Just curious.  Vic, exactly what are you?

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill

Contendah, my Friend,

Let's take a look at Scripture:

Acts 11:25-26, "And he (Barnabas ) left for Tarsus to look for Saul; and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they [fn]met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch."

David Guzik: Study Guide for Acts 11
http://www.blbclassic.org/comm...cts&ar=Act_11_28

c. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch: How did the name Christian ever become associated with the followers of Jesus?

i. The ending ian meant "the party of." A Christ-ian was "of the party of Jesus."   Christians is sort of like saying "Jesus-ites," or "Jesus People," those of the group associated with Jesus Christ.

iii. In Antioch, they probably first used the term Christians to mock the followers of Jesus. "Antioch was famous for its readiness to jeer and call names; it was known by its witty epigrams" (Gaebelein).   But as the people of Antioch called the followers of Jesus the "Jesus People," the believers appreciated the title so much that it stuck. 

So, yes, a person can be a "Christ Follower" -- i.e., a Christ associate -- without being a Believer.

That is why I typically will use the phrase "Christian believer" -- for that eliminates all doubt.  The person is a follower (associate) of Christ -- AND is a believer in Christ.   That person has "eternal security" in Christ.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill