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Post by maryhig on Aug 1, 2015 11:58:19 GMT -5
Well really you can't say that, because how do you know that God hasn't revealed that he is there personally to those who believe? He may of some way or another, because he has to me. I have no doubt whatsoever that he exists. That may be the case but you can't prove it to anyone else. So it's likely the most honest response. That's how I see it. I once thought there was a God, was absolutely sure that he had revealed himself to me. Now I know I was mistaken. I'm not mistaken, I'm absolutely sure. I'm a very level headed person. And I don't easily believe things. I've had proof in my own life, so I know he's there. I can't prove it to anyone else, only God can do that.
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Post by matisse on Aug 1, 2015 12:05:51 GMT -5
That may be the case but you can't prove it to anyone else. So it's likely the most honest response. That's how I see it. I once thought there was a God, was absolutely sure that he had revealed himself to me. Now I know I was mistaken. I'm not mistaken, I'm absolutely sure. I'm a very level headed person. And I don't easily believe things. I've had proof in my own life, so I know he's there. I can't prove it to anyone else, only God can do that. I'm like snow....I was absolutely sure that God had spoken to me and was working in my heart. There was no question for me about God's existence.
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Post by snow on Aug 1, 2015 12:38:14 GMT -5
That may be the case but you can't prove it to anyone else. So it's likely the most honest response. That's how I see it. I once thought there was a God, was absolutely sure that he had revealed himself to me. Now I know I was mistaken. I'm not mistaken, I'm absolutely sure. I'm a very level headed person. And I don't easily believe things. I've had proof in my own life, so I know he's there. I can't prove it to anyone else, only God can do that. I didn't say you are mistaken. I said I was mistaken to believe their was a God. But at one time I was completely convinced even to the point that I believed I had a vision when I was about 10 years old where Jesus came to me when I was very down. God sure does make it pretty impossible for people to believe in him imo. I don't see why he plays all the cat and mouse games with his creation if it's so all important that we believe he exists. Especially when we can't believe he exists unless he chooses us to believe he exists. But he loves us and if we aren't chosen we get to spend eternity in torment. Makes little to no sense to me that he is a loving God, just a judgmental God. I recognize that you believe you have proof, but I'm saying I never had proof even though I thought at one time I did.
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Post by maryhig on Aug 1, 2015 12:40:33 GMT -5
I'm not mistaken, I'm absolutely sure. I'm a very level headed person. And I don't easily believe things. I've had proof in my own life, so I know he's there. I can't prove it to anyone else, only God can do that. I'm like snow....I was absolutely sure that God had spoken to me and was working in my heart. There was no question for me about God's existence. What about things happening through a third person that there is no way they could have known what was happening? This had happened in a big way twice. Unbelievable things that I can't explain. One I have written about on here, one I haven't. Plus many different smaller things also, through other people. It's not just me seeing a twinkling star or thinking I heard something. It's much bigger than that.
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Post by snow on Aug 1, 2015 12:43:12 GMT -5
I'm not mistaken, I'm absolutely sure. I'm a very level headed person. And I don't easily believe things. I've had proof in my own life, so I know he's there. I can't prove it to anyone else, only God can do that. I'm like snow....I was absolutely sure that God had spoken to me and was working in my heart. There was no question for me about God's existence. I think that's maybe why theists really don't believe those who claim to once have believed in God and now they say they no longer believe. It probably is scary at some level. If someone really was absolutely sure there was a God at one point and now they know there isn't, it could happen to them too. Especially since there is no reason why it happens it just does. One day you believe and the next it's like an epiphany and once that door opens there is no turning back towards belief. I didn't ask for that to happen. I didn't even want it to happen. Scared me a lot when it happened and for a few years afterward. But it happened.
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Post by matisse on Aug 1, 2015 12:47:33 GMT -5
I'm like snow....I was absolutely sure that God had spoken to me and was working in my heart. There was no question for me about God's existence. What about things happening through a third person that there is no way they could have known what was happening? This had happened in a big way twice. Unbelievable things that I can't explain. One I have written about on here, one I haven't. Plus many different smaller things also, through other people. It's not just me seeing a twinkling star or thinking I heard something. It's much bigger than that. I have had some amazing coincidences take place in my life. Both before and since losing my faith.
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Post by maryhig on Aug 1, 2015 12:48:22 GMT -5
I'm not mistaken, I'm absolutely sure. I'm a very level headed person. And I don't easily believe things. I've had proof in my own life, so I know he's there. I can't prove it to anyone else, only God can do that. I didn't say you are mistaken. I said I was mistaken to believe their was a God. But at one time I was completely convinced even to the point that I believed I had a vision when I was about 10 years old where Jesus came to me when I was very down. God sure does make it pretty impossible for people to believe in him imo. I don't see why he plays all the cat and mouse games with his creation if it's so all important that we believe he exists. Especially when we can't believe he exists unless he chooses us to believe he exists. But he loves us and if we aren't chosen we get to spend eternity in torment. Makes little to no sense to me that he is a loving God, just a judgmental God. I recognize that you believe you have proof, but I'm saying I never had proof even though I thought at one time I did. We have to turn to him first, and have faith. But I truly know he's there. And firstly none of us know why we are here yet, we don't know what we've done to be here but Jesus had showed us the way back to God. Also, none of us know exactly what will happen after this life, but I do know that God will judge us right.
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Post by snow on Aug 1, 2015 12:56:40 GMT -5
I didn't say you are mistaken. I said I was mistaken to believe their was a God. But at one time I was completely convinced even to the point that I believed I had a vision when I was about 10 years old where Jesus came to me when I was very down. God sure does make it pretty impossible for people to believe in him imo. I don't see why he plays all the cat and mouse games with his creation if it's so all important that we believe he exists. Especially when we can't believe he exists unless he chooses us to believe he exists. But he loves us and if we aren't chosen we get to spend eternity in torment. Makes little to no sense to me that he is a loving God, just a judgmental God. I recognize that you believe you have proof, but I'm saying I never had proof even though I thought at one time I did. We have to turn to him first, and have faith. But I truly know he's there. And firstly none of us know why we are here yet, we don't know what we've done to be here but Jesus had showed us the way back to God. Also, none of us know exactly what will happen after this life, but I do know that God will judge us right. Well Maryhig, I did turn to him, believed in him whole heartedly and then it was over, just like that. No warning, no reason I could figure that I had done anything different, or believed anything different. People keep saying we need to turn to him first. We did turn to him. Every atheist on this board turned to him first, except Rational. He is the only one of us that never believed. The rest of us believed so how do you explain it if you say all we need to do it turn to him first? DMG went to meetings and believed in God just as much as anyone else for many years and then it happened to her. Mattisse and others have also said this. I am probably one of the ones who believed the least amount of time, but when I did I was quite sure and was very devout in my belief. So it isn't as clear cut as people like to make it. We did turn to God, believed in God completely and then it's like someone switched something off or on, depending on how you view it. What I find is that theists just don't believe us when we say we were completely sure there was a God at one point in our lives. They make it sound like we are just lacking something and never had it to start with.
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Post by maryhig on Aug 1, 2015 12:57:23 GMT -5
I'm like snow....I was absolutely sure that God had spoken to me and was working in my heart. There was no question for me about God's existence. I think that's maybe why theists really don't believe those who claim to once have believed in God and now they say they no longer believe. It probably is scary at some level. If someone really was absolutely sure there was a God at one point and now they know there isn't, it could happen to them too. Especially since there is no reason why it happens it just does. One day you believe and the next it's like an epiphany and once that door opens there is no turning back towards belief. I didn't ask for that to happen. I didn't even want it to happen. Scared me a lot when it happened and for a few years afterward. But it happened. That won't happen to me, my faith is very strong. It doesn't make me afraid when others say that they did have a strong belief and don't anymore. Because I know he's there. By the way, I do believe you when you say you did believe, and I truly from my heart hope that God in some way will show you he's there. You seem to have a soft heart. And that's what God looks for. I'm hoping to see you in heaven one day, if I get in
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Post by snow on Aug 1, 2015 12:58:00 GMT -5
What about things happening through a third person that there is no way they could have known what was happening? This had happened in a big way twice. Unbelievable things that I can't explain. One I have written about on here, one I haven't. Plus many different smaller things also, through other people. It's not just me seeing a twinkling star or thinking I heard something. It's much bigger than that. I have had some amazing coincidences take place in my life. Both before and since losing my faith. I have too.
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Post by maryhig on Aug 1, 2015 12:58:25 GMT -5
What about things happening through a third person that there is no way they could have known what was happening? This had happened in a big way twice. Unbelievable things that I can't explain. One I have written about on here, one I haven't. Plus many different smaller things also, through other people. It's not just me seeing a twinkling star or thinking I heard something. It's much bigger than that. I have had some amazing coincidences take place in my life. Both before and since losing my faith. Well maybe he's helping you out more than you realise. He still loves you regardless.
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Post by snow on Aug 1, 2015 13:02:37 GMT -5
I think that's maybe why theists really don't believe those who claim to once have believed in God and now they say they no longer believe. It probably is scary at some level. If someone really was absolutely sure there was a God at one point and now they know there isn't, it could happen to them too. Especially since there is no reason why it happens it just does. One day you believe and the next it's like an epiphany and once that door opens there is no turning back towards belief. I didn't ask for that to happen. I didn't even want it to happen. Scared me a lot when it happened and for a few years afterward. But it happened. That won't happen to me, my faith is very strong. It doesn't make me afraid when others say that they did have a strong belief and don't anymore. Because I know he's there. By the way, I do believe you when you say you did believe, and I truly from my heart hope that God in some way will show you he's there. You seem to have a soft heart. And that's what God looks for. I'm hoping to see you in heaven one day, if I get in I will never be in heaven Maryhig. That much I know.
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Post by maryhig on Aug 1, 2015 13:05:39 GMT -5
We have to turn to him first, and have faith. But I truly know he's there. And firstly none of us know why we are here yet, we don't know what we've done to be here but Jesus had showed us the way back to God. Also, none of us know exactly what will happen after this life, but I do know that God will judge us right. Well Maryhig, I did turn to him, believed in him whole heartedly and then it was over, just like that. No warning, no reason I could figure that I had done anything different, or believed anything different. People keep saying we need to turn to him first. We did turn to him. Every atheist on this board turned to him first, except Rational. He is the only one of us that never believed. The rest of us believed so how do you explain it if you say all we need to do it turn to him first? DMG went to meetings and believed in God just as much as anyone else for many years and then it happened to her. Mattisse and others have also said this. I am probably one of the ones who believed the least amount of time, but when I did I was quite sure and was very devout in my belief. So it isn't as clear cut as people like to make it. We did turn to God, believed in God completely and then it's like someone switched something off or on, depending on how you view it. What I find is that theists just don't believe us when we say we were completely sure there was a God at one point in our lives. They make it sound like we are just lacking something and never had it to start with. I don't know why that happened to you snow, or anyone else. But I do know that God is there, I wish I could prove it to you but I can't. Things happen even in our meeting, and God speaks through others. Sometimes showing me what I've done is right, and sometimes putting me right, sometimes I'm pondering on something. But the people in our meeting don't know what I have done. And its brought up. And I'm given the answer. Without saying a word.
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Post by maryhig on Aug 1, 2015 13:06:58 GMT -5
That won't happen to me, my faith is very strong. It doesn't make me afraid when others say that they did have a strong belief and don't anymore. Because I know he's there. By the way, I do believe you when you say you did believe, and I truly from my heart hope that God in some way will show you he's there. You seem to have a soft heart. And that's what God looks for. I'm hoping to see you in heaven one day, if I get in I will never be in heaven Maryhig. That much I know. I don't believe that. There's hope for everyone. And I hope from my heart that you get in.
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Post by matisse on Aug 1, 2015 13:18:16 GMT -5
I have had some amazing coincidences take place in my life. Both before and since losing my faith. Well maybe he's helping you out more than you realise. He still loves you regardless. I now believe they were all simple coincidences. Period. I love and am loved....by family and friends and beyond. I accept that you believe in the Christian God. I wish that you would accept that I do not! I know you mean well, Mary, but at some point, Christian outreach starts feeling dismissive and disrespectful.
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Post by maryhig on Aug 1, 2015 13:34:40 GMT -5
Well maybe he's helping you out more than you realise. He still loves you regardless. I now believe they were all simple coincidences. Period. I love and am loved....by family and friends. I accept that you believe in the Christian God. I wish that you would accept that I do not! I know you mean well, Mary, but at some point, Christian outreach starts feeling dismissive and disrespectful. I didn't mean to sound like that, you have to believe what is right for you. But you might be surprised at the way i believe. If the Christan belief is solely based on the crucifixion of Gods son, then I'm not a Christian. I'm a Christian in as far as I follow Christ. Not any religion. So basically, according to many peoples' beliefs on here, i'm not going to heaven either! Because I don't believe that the crucifixion of Christ has saved me! So I'm not saved, or I'm lost and I'm going to heaven covered in my sins and God won't look at me, apparently! Yet I love God with all my heart! Anyway, I leave that in his hands.
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Post by snow on Aug 1, 2015 13:50:59 GMT -5
I now believe they were all simple coincidences. Period. I love and am loved....by family and friends. I accept that you believe in the Christian God. I wish that you would accept that I do not! I know you mean well, Mary, but at some point, Christian outreach starts feeling dismissive and disrespectful. I didn't mean to sound like that, you have to believe what is right for you. But you might be surprised at the way i believe. If the Christan belief is solely based on the crucifixion of Gods son, then I'm not a Christian. I'm a Christian in as far as I follow Christ. Not any religion. So basically, according to many peoples' beliefs on here, i'm not going to heaven either! Because I don't believe that the crucifixion of Christ has saved me! So I'm not saved, or I'm lost and I'm going to heaven covered in my sins and God won't look at me, apparently! Yet I love God with all my heart! Anyway, I leave that in his hands. There are so many different Christian beliefs. Hard to know which are right I suppose. Then when you add all the other religions into the mix, you can likely understand why it's even harder for those of us that don't believe to believe in any religion. I have Muslim friends that tell me the same thing you do with just as much 'strong faith' that they are right, with every bit as much proof etc. So I guess it should be easy for you to understand why it's a bit hard to believe in anything religious for non believers because we have people from all different beliefs just as 'sure' as anyone else.
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Post by maryhig on Aug 1, 2015 13:58:46 GMT -5
I didn't mean to sound like that, you have to believe what is right for you. But you might be surprised at the way i believe. If the Christan belief is solely based on the crucifixion of Gods son, then I'm not a Christian. I'm a Christian in as far as I follow Christ. Not any religion. So basically, according to many peoples' beliefs on here, i'm not going to heaven either! Because I don't believe that the crucifixion of Christ has saved me! So I'm not saved, or I'm lost and I'm going to heaven covered in my sins and God won't look at me, apparently! Yet I love God with all my heart! Anyway, I leave that in his hands. There are so many different Christian beliefs. Hard to know which are right I suppose. Then when you add all the other religions into the mix, you can likely understand why it's even harder for those of us that don't believe to believe in any religion. I have Muslim friends that tell me the same thing you do with just as much 'strong faith' that they are right, with every bit as much proof etc. So I guess it should be easy for you to understand why it's a bit hard to believe in anything religious for non believers because we have people from all different beliefs just as 'sure' as anyone else. The reason I believe the way I do, is because Jesus lived it out. And I believe that no man could have gone through what he did, or have the wisdom and love that Jesus had without having God with him. I don't ever say that people that don't believe in the way I do aren't getting into heaven. I'm not God, I don't know their hearts. I hope everyone gets in. But that's in Gods hands, just like my own life is.
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Post by snow on Aug 1, 2015 14:06:12 GMT -5
There are so many different Christian beliefs. Hard to know which are right I suppose. Then when you add all the other religions into the mix, you can likely understand why it's even harder for those of us that don't believe to believe in any religion. I have Muslim friends that tell me the same thing you do with just as much 'strong faith' that they are right, with every bit as much proof etc. So I guess it should be easy for you to understand why it's a bit hard to believe in anything religious for non believers because we have people from all different beliefs just as 'sure' as anyone else. The reason I believe the way I do, is because Jesus lived it out. And I believe that no man could have gone through what he did, or have the wisdom and love that Jesus had without having God with him. I don't ever say that people that don't believe in the way I do aren't getting into heaven. I'm not God, I don't know their hearts. I hope everyone gets in. But that's in Gods hands, just like my own life is. No you are pretty flexible in that way but you are not the norm from my experience. When I met my birth family I found out it wasn't just 2x2's that believed I was going to hell lol... They are Baptists that believe the earth is only 6000 years old and many of my nieces and nephews are also home schooling their children so they don't learn about evolution too young. They also follow the quiverful doctrine similar to what the Duggar family believes. They are the ones that have been in the news in the states lately. So there you go, everyone has a different idea about what I need to believe to be saved. Saved from what is something I haven't established yet though!
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Post by jondough on Aug 1, 2015 14:28:52 GMT -5
I think there will be some very suprised people when it comes to who gets into Heaven.
The VERY essense of what Jesus taught was LOVE. That simple.....no more complicated than that.....Love. Tell me anything that we MUST do, and it all stems back to the results of LOVE.....period.
He wants us (because of our love for others) to share this with others as well. Share the good news (the Gospel). Just like we would share it with our children that we love.
But it all comes down to LOVE.
This is why I believe there will be so many surprised people. People who were full of works and sacrifice, but would walk right past the person that is in need - like the example of the Good Samaritan.
Jesus even said ...there would be many people that prophesy in his name, but he would say to them "I never knew you".
Love does amazing things. It is so powerful, and in my mind has resulted in miracles.
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Post by maryhig on Aug 1, 2015 14:28:59 GMT -5
The reason I believe the way I do, is because Jesus lived it out. And I believe that no man could have gone through what he did, or have the wisdom and love that Jesus had without having God with him. I don't ever say that people that don't believe in the way I do aren't getting into heaven. I'm not God, I don't know their hearts. I hope everyone gets in. But that's in Gods hands, just like my own life is. No you are pretty flexible in that way but you are not the norm from my experience. When I met my birth family I found out it wasn't just 2x2's that believed I was going to hell lol... They are Baptists that believe the earth is only 6000 years old and many of my nieces and nephews are also home schooling their children so they don't learn about evolution too young. They also follow the quiverful doctrine similar to what the Duggar family believes. They are the ones that have been in the news in the states lately. So there you go, everyone has a different idea about what I need to believe to be saved. Saved from what is something I haven't established yet though! I believe that being saved is saved now from Satan in the heart by the resurrection of the spirit of Christ within our hearts. He then shows us by the spirit where we are going wrong by giving us a stronger conscience. And he helps us to overcome and gives us strength with the things that are wrong within us. Like hardness and hatred etc. Whatever we have that's not right. And we have the holy spirit as our guide. And those things are replaced by love for all. That's why I could never say certain people aren't going to heaven I'm not God how do I know their hearts? So how can I say who's going to heaven? And I believe that God loves everyone. So I hope for everyone. One thing I do believe though, that God knows when we've had a chance to truly know him. And he will judge is on whether we listen or not. But regardless, not anyone else can say who's going to heaven. Only God knows that.
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Post by maryhig on Aug 1, 2015 14:35:46 GMT -5
I think there will be some very suprised people when it comes to who gets into Heaven. The VERY essense of what Jesus taught was LOVE. That simple.....no more complicated than that.....Love. Tell me anything that we MUST do, and it all stems back to the results of LOVE.....period. He wants us (because of our love for others) to share this with others as well. Share the good news (the Gospel). Just like we would share it with our children that we love. But it all comes down to LOVE. This is why I believe there will be so many surprised people. People who were full of works and sacrifice, but would walk right past the person that is in need - like the example of the Good Samaritan. Jesus even said ...there would be many people that prophesy in his name, but he would say to them "I never knew you". Love does amazing things. It is so powerful, and in my mind has resulted in miracles. I totally believe this too. As it says in the bible that without love i am nothing! That's why I believe that Gods love in my heart is helping me fight my sins and giving me the strength to deny them. Making the love in my heart stronger for everyone around me, whatever they believe in. I believe that Gods people are here to show his love to others. And we're not here to judge. I also think there will be many surprised people when they see who's in heaven. I hope to see everyone here there. That's if i get there myself. I love the love chapter 1 Corinthians 13
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Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2015 15:29:15 GMT -5
I think there will be some very suprised people when it comes to who gets into Heaven. The VERY essense of what Jesus taught was LOVE. That simple.....no more complicated than that.....Love. Tell me anything that we MUST do, and it all stems back to the results of LOVE.....period. He wants us (because of our love for others) to share this with others as well. Share the good news (the Gospel). Just like we would share it with our children that we love. But it all comes down to LOVE. This is why I believe there will be so many surprised people. People who were full of works and sacrifice, but would walk right past the person that is in need - like the example of the Good Samaritan. Jesus even said ...there would be many people that prophesy in his name, but he would say to them "I never knew you". Love does amazing things. It is so powerful, and in my mind has resulted in miracles. I agree some are gonna be in heaven that we don't think should be there and some WONT be in heaven that we think should be there...
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Post by snow on Aug 1, 2015 17:14:39 GMT -5
I think there will be some very suprised people when it comes to who gets into Heaven. The VERY essense of what Jesus taught was LOVE. That simple.....no more complicated than that.....Love. Tell me anything that we MUST do, and it all stems back to the results of LOVE.....period. He wants us (because of our love for others) to share this with others as well. Share the good news (the Gospel). Just like we would share it with our children that we love. But it all comes down to LOVE. This is why I believe there will be so many surprised people. People who were full of works and sacrifice, but would walk right past the person that is in need - like the example of the Good Samaritan. Jesus even said ...there would be many people that prophesy in his name, but he would say to them "I never knew you". Love does amazing things. It is so powerful, and in my mind has resulted in miracles. I agree some are gonna be in heaven that we don't think should be there and some WONT be in heaven that we think should be there... Doesn't that cause anxiety among believers in heaven if you can't be sure you'll get there? I know it used to cause me anxiety when I believed in heaven and hell. No one could be sure of getting there unless of course you believed the doctrine saved by grace, which I didn't. One of the biggest pluses for me when I realized it made no sense there was either a hell or a heaven was the disappearance of that anxiety. Talk about peace!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2015 17:48:02 GMT -5
who said there was anything wrong with being agnostic? Usually when a theist throws that at someone it's usually to pass judgement on them. If that wasn't the intent then good on ya like i mentioned in another thread/post to you it is about discernment not judgement
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Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2015 17:50:24 GMT -5
That won't happen to me, my faith is very strong. It doesn't make me afraid when others say that they did have a strong belief and don't anymore. Because I know he's there. By the way, I do believe you when you say you did believe, and I truly from my heart hope that God in some way will show you he's there. You seem to have a soft heart. And that's what God looks for. I'm hoping to see you in heaven one day, if I get in I will never be in heaven Maryhig. That much I know. that's sad
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Post by jondough on Aug 1, 2015 21:36:34 GMT -5
Usually when a theist throws that at someone it's usually to pass judgement on them. If that wasn't the intent then good on ya like i mentioned in another thread/post to you it is about discernment not judgement I asked you on that thread, in this context, what do you consider the difference between Judgement and discernment?
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Post by jondough on Aug 2, 2015 12:30:55 GMT -5
A summary of my understanding of the NT ministry according to scripture: At the end of Mat 9 Mat 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
The answer to that need he saw: Mat 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Mat 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.Before appointing his 12 apostles out of his disciples He prayed all night and: Mat 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Mat 10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Mat 10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Mat 10:4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. Mat 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: Mat 10:6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Mat 10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Mat 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Mat 10:9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Mat 10:10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. Mat 10:11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. Mat 10:12 And when ye come into an house, salute it. Mat 10:13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. Mat 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
The Apostles fulfilled this short term commission amongst the 'lost sheep of the house of Israel'. They had powers which no worker today claims to have, to heal, cast out evil spirits etc.... (we have freely received and freely give with no expectation of any financial or material recompense. In my decades of involvement I have never known of any appeal for funds.) Well then Jesus died for our sins, the new covenant became effective with the death of the testator. We see that much of what is recorded in the 40 days of the resurrection is about his time with those same 11 apostles. In those 40 days the NT ministry was commissioned by widening the commission he gave to the twelve when he sent them to the Jews...This time it was to include all people for all time!!
Mat 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. Mat 28:17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. This commission was specifically for those apostles (not for all disciples)...and that ministry which he planned would continue until the end of the world. Peter understood this; that is revealed Act 1:15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) Act 1:16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. Act 1:17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Act 1:18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. Act 1:19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. Act 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. Act 1:21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Act 1:22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. Act 1:23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. Act 1:24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, Act 1:25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. Act 1:26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.Later Paul became part of this ministry, Barnabas, Silas, Timothy and so it prospered and grew. Follow the trail to the end of the Bible: Rev 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
What happened from the end of the New Testament days? God knows and it is all recorded in 'His Book'.....There will be many wonderful stories to be heard in heaven! What happened around 1900? A group of men and women were disappointed and disillusioned in their spiritual experience in the churches of the day. They looked to the NT and read of the apostolic ministry. They read of an itinerant ministry going by faith. In raw courage and faith they stepped out with dependence on God. They slept under hedges and in hay barns, they ate turnips out of fields.....and saw hundreds, thousands respond to the living message they brought, they also got spiritual life they never had before. The clergymen and the church and the establishment hated it! It was a threat to them and their position and power. One hundred years later as recently as this week I have heard the stories of those who in our generation have read the New Testament and read of the apostolic ministry recorded there and wondered if it still exists in the world today. God saw their hearts and heard their cry and they today rejoice in a new birth a new spiritual life they never had previously. What Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:11-13 "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ".is in agreement and harmony with the apostolic ministry; the NT ministry that God had planned before the world began! Not the contrived/forced (and incorrect) meaning that some seek to give it today! Thanks for this little study Review. Great little study you put together. Very encouraging and uplifting. It seems that Jesus sent them out, and basically had them do what they needed to do to get the Good News spread throughout. They definitely did not have the privileges many have today making spreading the gospel easier - or at least less hardships involved with it (in most places). I don't believe that the hardships were Jesus's point. I believe it was more of...do what you have to do to spread the Good News. The "Good News" was the point. I think that was the reason for the first lesson amongst their own people, not taking a purse, etc....showing them that - if it comes to the point that you don't have these things, I'll take care of you. Just continue to spread the word, no matter what. When he sent them out later, he was more practical, and sent them with a purse, sword, etc. Today, our Workers and others are practical as well. They take a purse (money along) and other practical needs. I'm thankful for all of you that are willing to sacrifice all to continue to spread the Good News (Gospel). Leaving the things behind that YOU FEEL will only slow, or drag you down from accomplishing this mission. No matter what, you were willing, and you did what YOU KNEW to be right for YOU. I feel that is the very most important thing that no matter what anyone says, your heart was in the right place (hopefully) and you were willing to do what you feel needed to be done, and what YOUR calling was. All of us can be thankful that the Gospel (Good News) came to us at a price. A price that Christ, and many others have paid.
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