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Post by alwaysbekind on May 23, 2023 13:23:10 GMT -5
I guess I don’t see your point. I am angry about that as well… I was responding to Roselyn regarding why people were angry. It's not just that CSA has happened often in the group, but that the workers were aware of it for decades and became accomplices instead of turning them over to authorities. That was my point to her. I imagine that you are angry for the same reason? Oops, sorry for butting in.
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Post by alwaysbekind on May 23, 2023 13:30:32 GMT -5
This goes round and round all right. I think justbekind a more appropriate moniker would be I mightbekind but only if you never disagree with me. I guess I could admire your fighting spirit. You are You are certainly tenacious. Your beliefs and opinions are clear as they can be. Am I wrong on thinking that Jesus had different energy towards the Pharisees, who tried to lure him in, catch him in his words, twist them around, take things out of context than the energy he had towards other people? Go read all of those verses again he wasn’t always kind to them, but he wasn’t unkind. To the sinners and the multitudes, he had a lot different tone towards those who would want to learn and debate and question. And before someone says it, I am not Jesus, but that is who I look to as an example and who I guess that’s who I relate to with some on here. Human nature is to rip their heads off and go on the offensive, but I don’t think that’s right, either. So I’m trying to find the balance in this with myself, so I hope you can appreciate that.
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Post by snow on May 23, 2023 13:38:53 GMT -5
I would have to agree with you there. My journey has taken me to not believe in any gods at all. I do believe that humans have had a need since we became sentient to want a protector, meaning to life, wanting to exist past death etc. and all the world's cultures have created gods or philosophies to do just that. I understand why. It brings comfort and something to look forward to. But for me it's a false comfort and hope. We all process life differently and like you say, we need to be true to where our journey has taken us. I appreciate your point of view, and I can see how you have arrived at that conclusion. You seem to be a deep thinker, so I’d love your thoughts on this: What do you think humans purpose in life is for? Our existence? Is this it? Do we just live 80 years struggling through life and going through ups and downs and terrible times and just survive just to survive our species? None of it makes sense to me, if so. why are we so different from the animals, who only have instinct built into them. Why are we so so different? Why are we able to build and live in a submarine underwater for months and months? I understand intelligence is what separates us from the animals, but my question is why? Those are good questions and have been asked by many minds greater than mine for centuries. I believe my purpose in life is to live it to the fullest. It is also to try and be kind and helpful to others instead of an obstacle. I believe that we have survived and evolved because of our ability to co exist and cooperate with each other. For me, I don't think we're that much different from animals in many ways. We do live life instinctually to some degree like they do. But I do understand what you mean about us having the ability to go that next step. We do know that dolphins and several other species are as smart as we are but they lack the bodies to be able to do what we can do. Our hands make it possible for us to create. All animals have different strengths. We do not have the speed or strength that many animals have for instance. So we have had to depend on being able to devise weapons and shelters to protect ourselves. We are very vulnerable to heat and cold in ways that many other animals are not. So we had to learn how to shelter. So while it appears that we are so much more intelligent because we have the ability to create because our bodies allow us to, I don't think that we are that much more intelligent than other mammals that have been shown to be incredibly intelligent in their own right. It's a very interesting subject for sure. But unless we know for sure there is anything before or after death, we have to just acknowledge that some animals are smarter than others, and have their own strengths and weaknesses. I'm sorry but I don't have any more insight into the why's.
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Post by snow on May 23, 2023 13:40:51 GMT -5
I was responding to Roselyn regarding why people were angry. It's not just that CSA has happened often in the group, but that the workers were aware of it for decades and became accomplices instead of turning them over to authorities. That was my point to her. I imagine that you are angry for the same reason? Oops, sorry for butting in. Not a problem. You didn't butt in, but I was trying to explain who I was responding to in that post I made. You can feel free to answer it if you like but it really wasn't a question, more of my insight into why so many of us are frustrated and angry that this has gone on for so long.
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Post by getreal on May 23, 2023 13:47:57 GMT -5
This goes round and round all right. I think justbekind a more appropriate moniker would be I mightbekind but only if you never disagree with me. I guess I could admire your fighting spirit. You are You are certainly tenacious. Your beliefs and opinions are clear as they can be. Am I wrong on thinking that Jesus had different energy towards the Pharisees, who tried to lure him in, catch him in his words, twist them around, take things out of context than the energy he had towards other people? Go read all of those verses again he wasn’t always kind to them, but he wasn’t unkind. To the sinners and the multitudes, he had a lot different tone towards those who would want to learn and debate and question. And before someone says it, I am not Jesus, but that is who I look to as an example and who I guess that’s who I relate to with some on here. Human nature is to rip their heads off and go on the offensive, but I don’t think that’s right, either. So I’m trying to find the balance in this with myself, so I hope you can appreciate that. I can see you trying. Thank you for at least grouping me with the Pharisees. Tell me, what was Jesus angry about the Pharisees. No need to answer quickly. Just something to think about in your down times.
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Post by alwaysbekind on May 23, 2023 14:08:07 GMT -5
Am I wrong on thinking that Jesus had different energy towards the Pharisees, who tried to lure him in, catch him in his words, twist them around, take things out of context than the energy he had towards other people? Go read all of those verses again he wasn’t always kind to them, but he wasn’t unkind. To the sinners and the multitudes, he had a lot different tone towards those who would want to learn and debate and question. And before someone says it, I am not Jesus, but that is who I look to as an example and who I guess that’s who I relate to with some on here. Human nature is to rip their heads off and go on the offensive, but I don’t think that’s right, either. So I’m trying to find the balance in this with myself, so I hope you can appreciate that. I can see you trying. Thank you for at least grouping me with the Pharisees. Tell me, what was Jesus angry about the Pharisees. No need to answer quickly. Just something to think about in your down times. I never called you a Pharisee. I did use that as an example of why I respond that way. Again, you twisting words. This is exactly what I’m talking about, you just proved my point. Good day to you, Im unlikely to respond to you.
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Post by curlywurlysammagee on May 23, 2023 15:05:11 GMT -5
I would have to agree with you there. My journey has taken me to not believe in any gods at all. I do believe that humans have had a need since we became sentient to want a protector, meaning to life, wanting to exist past death etc. and all the world's cultures have created gods or philosophies to do just that. I understand why. It brings comfort and something to look forward to. But for me it's a false comfort and hope. We all process life differently and like you say, we need to be true to where our journey has taken us. I appreciate your point of view, and I can see how you have arrived at that conclusion. You seem to be a deep thinker, so I’d love your thoughts on this: What do you think humans purpose in life is for? Our existence? Is this it? Do we just live 80 years struggling through life and going through ups and downs and terrible times and just survive just to survive our species? None of it makes sense to me, if so. why are we so different from the animals, who only have instinct built into them. Why are we so so different? Why are we able to build and live in a submarine underwater for months and months? I understand intelligence is what separates us from the animals, but my question is why? Other than the size of our brains which has given us the ability to reason, there is nothing else to set us apart from other animals. That being the case, there is also no reason to think there is a purpose in life. Like every other animal, we live and we die. Dead is dead. The reason why we are as we are is a bit of a mystery. Scientists will research this and postulate that it is because of this or that. Religious people who are not satisfied with the scientific method simply make stuff up such as your god and its creation. You may think that solves the problem of "why" but it does not deal with the mass of evidence that points to your solution as being a pile of horse manure. I pointed out to you one of the holes in your genesis story but you ignored it. There are countless more holes. For instance, when this planet was formed the atmosphere was not condcive to life for millions of years. news.uchicago.edu/explainer/formation-earth-and-moon-explained. That is a brief synopsis of how our solar system formed. Our star, the sun, is a third generation star. i tmay have that term wrong. However, it is a young star and formed along with the planets from the debris from previous stars. Life on earth did not start immediately due to an extremely toxic environment. Oxygen did not exist. here is a bit of info on early life. www.planetary.org/articles/20150209-planet-formation-origin-lifeLastly, our planet is not dependant on a creator for its existence.
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Post by curlywurlysammagee on May 23, 2023 15:09:51 GMT -5
With regard to the genisis myth, it says that yjr dun and the moon were created on the fourth day. It then adds, almost as an afterthought that the stars were also made. However our star, the sun and our planet were formed from the debris of other suns that had reached their end of life. So the stars in our galaxy already existed. That's another hole a galaxy wide in the genesis myth.
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Post by intelchips on May 23, 2023 15:28:14 GMT -5
I appreciate your point of view, and I can see how you have arrived at that conclusion. You seem to be a deep thinker, so I’d love your thoughts on this: What do you think humans purpose in life is for? Our existence? Is this it? Do we just live 80 years struggling through life and going through ups and downs and terrible times and just survive just to survive our species? None of it makes sense to me, if so. why are we so different from the animals, who only have instinct built into them. Why are we so so different? Why are we able to build and live in a submarine underwater for months and months? I understand intelligence is what separates us from the animals, but my question is why? Those are good questions and have been asked by many minds greater than mine for centuries. I believe my purpose in life is to live it to the fullest. It is also to try and be kind and helpful to others instead of an obstacle. I believe that we have survived and evolved because of our ability to co exist and cooperate with each other. For me, I don't think we're that much different from animals in many ways. We do live life instinctually to some degree like they do. But I do understand what you mean about us having the ability to go that next step. We do know that dolphins and several other species are as smart as we are but they lack the bodies to be able to do what we can do. Our hands make it possible for us to create. All animals have different strengths. We do not have the speed or strength that many animals have for instance. So we have had to depend on being able to devise weapons and shelters to protect ourselves. We are very vulnerable to heat and cold in ways that many other animals are not. So we had to learn how to shelter. So while it appears that we are so much more intelligent because we have the ability to create because our bodies allow us to, I don't think that we are that much more intelligent than other mammals that have been shown to be incredibly intelligent in their own right. It's a very interesting subject for sure. But unless we know for sure there is anything before or after death, we have to just acknowledge that some animals are smarter than others, and have their own strengths and weaknesses. I'm sorry but I don't have any more insight into the why's. “The Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything.” Is either 42 or thus, an answer to The Ultimate Question of "What is the purpose of life?" is that we are here so that we can continue to live, adapt, learn, and grow. A purpose of life, and our purpose, is to continue to evolve.
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Post by alwaysbekind on May 23, 2023 15:49:15 GMT -5
Those are good questions and have been asked by many minds greater than mine for centuries. I believe my purpose in life is to live it to the fullest. It is also to try and be kind and helpful to others instead of an obstacle. I believe that we have survived and evolved because of our ability to co exist and cooperate with each other. For me, I don't think we're that much different from animals in many ways. We do live life instinctually to some degree like they do. But I do understand what you mean about us having the ability to go that next step. We do know that dolphins and several other species are as smart as we are but they lack the bodies to be able to do what we can do. Our hands make it possible for us to create. All animals have different strengths. We do not have the speed or strength that many animals have for instance. So we have had to depend on being able to devise weapons and shelters to protect ourselves. We are very vulnerable to heat and cold in ways that many other animals are not. So we had to learn how to shelter. So while it appears that we are so much more intelligent because we have the ability to create because our bodies allow us to, I don't think that we are that much more intelligent than other mammals that have been shown to be incredibly intelligent in their own right. It's a very interesting subject for sure. But unless we know for sure there is anything before or after death, we have to just acknowledge that some animals are smarter than others, and have their own strengths and weaknesses. I'm sorry but I don't have any more insight into the why's. “The Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything.” Is either 42 or thus, an answer to The Ultimate Question of "What is the purpose of life?" is that we are here so that we can continue to live, adapt, learn, and grow. A purpose of life, and our purpose, is to continue to evolve. Boy, What an empty, hollow purpose that is to me. We, sleep, go to the bathroom, try to sniff some roses along the way, better ourselves, and die. I’m thankful for what I believe with all my heart. But I do respect the fact that my faith is as much nonsense to you as your science reasoning is to me. It just seems so meaningless, so depressing... like there’s gotta be something more.
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Post by intelchips on May 23, 2023 15:59:31 GMT -5
“The Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything.” Is either 42 or thus, an answer to The Ultimate Question of "What is the purpose of life?" is that we are here so that we can continue to live, adapt, learn, and grow. A purpose of life, and our purpose, is to continue to evolve. Boy, What an empty, hollow purpose that is to me. We, sleep, go to the bathroom, try to sniff some roses along the way, better ourselves, and die. I’m thankful for what I believe with all my heart. But I do respect the fact that my faith is as much nonsense to you as your science reasoning is to me. It just seems so meaningless, so depressing... like there’s gotta be something more. What was your parents' occupation and education? Did they not teach you to enjoy friendships, a well-cooked meal, the joy of helping to solve a complex problem? Scuba Diving, gees so many things in life to enjoy perhaps someday we will know how to treat depression if we survive long enough.
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Post by alwaysbekind on May 23, 2023 16:20:14 GMT -5
Boy, What an empty, hollow purpose that is to me. We, sleep, go to the bathroom, try to sniff some roses along the way, better ourselves, and die. I’m thankful for what I believe with all my heart. But I do respect the fact that my faith is as much nonsense to you as your science reasoning is to me. It just seems so meaningless, so depressing... like there’s gotta be something more. What was your parents' occupation and education? Did they not teach you to enjoy friendships, a well-cooked meal, the joy of helping to solve a complex problem? Scuba Diving, gees so many things in life to enjoy perhaps someday we will know how to treat depression if we survive long enough. No, We pretty much sat around my whole childhood, waiting for eternity haha just teasing, of course they did. I am very much an advocate of trying to glean the most out of this brief life. I believe God wants His people to have the best in this life, and the life after. Pursuing happiness. Great food, great fellowship, a sunrise and sunset, Working hard and accomplishing things, etc. what I meant by depressing and empty, hollow, and meaningless is the thought that this life is all there is, all just a bunch of randomness. That our purpose of existing is just for the purpose of existing. I’m just talking big picture. But I get your point. Life is good though! 👌🏼
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Post by intelchips on May 23, 2023 16:42:28 GMT -5
What was your parents' occupation and education? Did they not teach you to enjoy friendships, a well-cooked meal, the joy of helping to solve a complex problem? Scuba Diving, gees so many things in life to enjoy perhaps someday we will know how to treat depression if we survive long enough. No, We pretty much sat around my whole childhood, waiting for eternity haha just teasing, of course they did. I am very much an advocate of trying to glean the most out of this brief life. I believe God wants His people to have the best in this life, and the life after. Pursuing happiness. Great food, great fellowship, a sunrise and sunset, Working hard and accomplishing things, etc. what I meant by depressing and empty, hollow, and meaningless is the thought that this life is all there is, all just a bunch of randomness. That our purpose of existing is just for the purpose of existing. I’m just talking big picture. But I get your point. Life is good though! 👌🏼 I don't have to be right. However, if I'm correct then you will never know you were wrong.
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Post by alwaysbekind on May 23, 2023 16:57:24 GMT -5
No, We pretty much sat around my whole childhood, waiting for eternity haha just teasing, of course they did. I am very much an advocate of trying to glean the most out of this brief life. I believe God wants His people to have the best in this life, and the life after. Pursuing happiness. Great food, great fellowship, a sunrise and sunset, Working hard and accomplishing things, etc. what I meant by depressing and empty, hollow, and meaningless is the thought that this life is all there is, all just a bunch of randomness. That our purpose of existing is just for the purpose of existing. I’m just talking big picture. But I get your point. Life is good though! 👌🏼 I don't have to be right. However, if I'm correct then you will never know you were wrong. You are right…if your theory is correct, I will never know it’s correct. But, if what I believe is correct, and there is a heaven and hell, you will know I am correct for all of A lost eternity, wishing and praying and hoping you would have listened and changed. I have no pleasure in saying that, that is just the weight and realization of this conversation. The stakes are high. The highest of all stakes. I hope I’m wrong for your sake, and others like you. But what happens after the grave, if anything, is not up to me and it’s not up to you. Whatever will be will be.
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Post by getreal on May 23, 2023 17:16:59 GMT -5
Am I wrong on thinking that Jesus had different energy towards the Pharisees, who tried to lure him in, catch him in his words, twist them around, take things out of context than the energy he had towards other people? Go read all of those verses again he wasn’t always kind to them, but he wasn’t unkind. To the sinners and the multitudes, he had a lot different tone towards those who would want to learn and debate and question. And before someone says it, I am not Jesus, but that is who I look to as an example and who I guess that’s who I relate to with some on here. Human nature is to rip their heads off and go on the offensive, but I don’t think that’s right, either. So I’m trying to find the balance in this with myself, so I hope you can appreciate that. I can see you trying. Thank you for at least grouping me with the Pharisees. Tell me, what was Jesus angry about the Pharisees. No need to answer quickly. Just something to think about in your down times. [ Well I certainly have felt as you put it, different energy from you. You put 2 plus 2 together I am apparently in the category of pharisees in complete unacceptability, by your judgement. It really didn’t take twisting. Your meaning is pretty clear. You avoided to question? Why was Jesus angry at the Pharisees?
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Post by matisse on May 23, 2023 20:34:28 GMT -5
“The Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything.” Is either 42 or thus, an answer to The Ultimate Question of "What is the purpose of life?" is that we are here so that we can continue to live, adapt, learn, and grow. A purpose of life, and our purpose, is to continue to evolve. Boy, What an empty, hollow purpose that is to me. We, sleep, go to the bathroom, try to sniff some roses along the way, better ourselves, and die. I’m thankful for what I believe with all my heart. But I do respect the fact that my faith is as much nonsense to you as your science reasoning is to me. It just seems so meaningless, so depressing... like there’s gotta be something more. I used to believe like you. I will say that losing my faith involved a long, difficult, profoundly humbling tumble "back to Earth". Today, I am much happier with my feet planted firmly on the ground, playing a small, but important (to a few), role in the present-day Circle of Life. In two or three generations, I will be forgotten. I am at peace with that. Today, I am happy to be alive.
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Post by alwaysbekind on May 23, 2023 20:54:38 GMT -5
Boy, What an empty, hollow purpose that is to me. We, sleep, go to the bathroom, try to sniff some roses along the way, better ourselves, and die. I’m thankful for what I believe with all my heart. But I do respect the fact that my faith is as much nonsense to you as your science reasoning is to me. It just seems so meaningless, so depressing. .. like there’s gotta be something more. I used to believe like you. I will say that losing my faith involved a long, difficult, profoundly humbling tumble "back to Earth". Today, I am much happier with my feet planted firmly on the ground, playing a small, but important (to a few), role in the present-day Circle of Life. In two or three generations, I will be forgotten. I am at peace with that. Today, I am happy to be alive. Thanks for sharing, I agree. I love that outlook on life. I think believers and non-believers should think that way. be happy to be alive, be the best we can be, strengthen our little circle around us, try to find what makes us happy is in life, and not get swept away with things and people that take away from that.
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Post by Roselyn T on May 23, 2023 22:08:03 GMT -5
Okay, I am not sure what you mean alwaysbekind. Have you watched the 60 Minutes episode? My point was, people in Australia have been wanting change for many years. Surely after the exposure that the Workers got after 60 Minutes they would have done something ! This is why people get angry because nothing was done ! I have not watched the 60 minutes. It’s not news to me that in Australia, and in the US, there’s been a cry for change. alwaysbekind, I have sent you a message
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Post by fixit on May 23, 2023 22:26:08 GMT -5
I can see you trying. Thank you for at least grouping me with the Pharisees. Tell me, what was Jesus angry about the Pharisees. No need to answer quickly. Just something to think about in your down times. I never called you a Pharisee. I did use that as an example of why I respond that way. Again, you twisting words. This is exactly what I’m talking about, you just proved my point. Good day to you, Im unlikely to respond to you. Who do you think you are that you can come on to a forum and behave like you own it? You don't have to respond to every message even if you started the thread. Saying who you will ignore is unnecessary. Rather pathetic actually.
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Post by Dan on May 23, 2023 23:02:13 GMT -5
John 3:16.... But that seems too simple, lets complicate it and invent a ton of rules and restrictions.
Of course, making it to heaven is one thing, but I believe rewards will be dished out in accordance with individual faith/works. (Matthew 6:20). What does the word believe mean to you in John 3:16? What rules and restrictions are you specifically referring to? It does seem like the Bible talks about 1) and inheritance that every child of God, who makes it to heaven gets and 2) our own individual reward for the treasure we have laid up in heaven… what you call Faith/works
First there''s hope, then belief, and then faith. Belief is a choice to accept something that you hope is true. We can all read a gospel and some will choose to believe it while others reject it. Faith is the confirmation or evidence of what you've chosen to believe. In other words, if I told you that I put $100 under your bed, you might hope its true, but you wouldn't look under your bed unless you believed the money was actually there. And faith is when you crawl under the bed to retrieve it.
The excessive rules and restrictions was tongue-in-cheek sarcasm.. Read all the gospels and no where did Jesus comment on how someone was dressed. To me, separating yourself from the world was a spiritual command, Jesus didn't hide from the world, he ate with sinners and preached to anyone who would listen. It always seems to me that those in the Truth got hung-up on petty things of no consequence. Having the right look is superficial, and when one focuses on superficial things, they tend to miss the big picture. A radio in a car just never seemed like something that Jesus would have thrown a tizzy-fit over.
Jesus said, "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him" (John 14:21). That's the rules in its simplest form.
Belief automatically saves a person, no Christian will come under judgement because our sins are blotted-out in the lambs blood. So what's to condemn? As you've said, we aren't judged for sin but for our good works, "Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be" (Revelation 22:12).
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Post by Dan on May 23, 2023 23:08:04 GMT -5
I never called you a Pharisee. I did use that as an example of why I respond that way. Again, you twisting words. This is exactly what I’m talking about, you just proved my point. Good day to you, Im unlikely to respond to you. Who do you think you are that you can come on to a forum and behave like you own it? You don't have to respond to every message even if you started the thread. Saying who you will ignore is unnecessary. Rather pathetic actually.
I tried ignoring someone once, but she just wasn't having it
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Post by mrdobalina on May 24, 2023 2:11:32 GMT -5
Be sure not to eat shellfish or wear mixed fabrics. That's in your "how to" manual, as well as swapping 200 Pharisee foreskins for a wife. Paragraph four sums up what's wrong with your death cult quite nicely. Philistine foreskins. Just to be accurate. Thanks for the correction. I appreciate that it's unlikely you have said apparatus, however, can you imagine the ruckus if someone showed up unannounced wanting your one? I'm sure nobody said "sure, it's down there, help yourselves" Now multiply that by 200.
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Post by mrdobalina on May 24, 2023 2:18:51 GMT -5
I don't have to be right. However, if I'm correct then you will never know you were wrong. You are right…if your theory is correct, I will never know it’s correct. But, if what I believe is correct, and there is a heaven and hell, you will know I am correct for all of A lost eternity. Here's a tip. Rather than studying the bible, study how it came to be, the timelines, and everything surrounding the creation of the bible, and also specifically the version you are most fond of. After you are familiar with most of that, again read the Bible with the new information you have learned in mind.
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Post by elizabethcoleman on May 24, 2023 3:15:08 GMT -5
Philistine foreskins. Just to be accurate. Thanks for the correction. I appreciate that it's unlikely you have said apparatus, however, can you imagine the ruckus if someone showed up unannounced wanting your one? I'm sure nobody said "sure, it's down there, help yourselves" Now multiply that by 200. Definitely not on my wedding gift registry! Saul was one sick individual. Though his plan was that David would be killed by the Philistines; he didn't think he'd actually be successful in bringing back the foreskins. The weirdest bride price ever.
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Post by mrdobalina on May 24, 2023 3:23:32 GMT -5
Thanks for the correction. I appreciate that it's unlikely you have said apparatus, however, can you imagine the ruckus if someone showed up unannounced wanting your one? I'm sure nobody said "sure, it's down there, help yourselves" Now multiply that by 200. Definitely not on my wedding gift registry! Saul was one sick individual. Though his plan was that David would be killed by the Philistines; he didn't think he'd actually be successful in bringing back the foreskins. The weirdest bride price ever. Sure was. Many years ago I gave my future father in law a Engine valve refacing machine, and a pair of wheels for a motorcycle he was rebuilding.
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Post by Umfolozi on May 24, 2023 10:02:39 GMT -5
What does the word believe mean to you in John 3:16? What rules and restrictions are you specifically referring to? It does seem like the Bible talks about 1) and inheritance that every child of God, who makes it to heaven gets and 2) our own individual reward for the treasure we have laid up in heaven… what you call Faith/works
First there''s hope, then belief, and then faith. Belief is a choice to accept something that you hope is true. We can all read a gospel and some will choose to believe it while others reject it. Faith is the confirmation or evidence of what you've chosen to believe. In other words, if I told you that I put $100 under your bed, you might hope its true, but you wouldn't look under your bed unless you believed the money was actually there. And faith is when you crawl under the bed to retrieve it.
The excessive rules and restrictions was tongue-in-cheek sarcasm.. Read all the gospels and no where did Jesus comment on how someone was dressed. To me, separating yourself from the world was a spiritual command, Jesus didn't hide from the world, he ate with sinners and preached to anyone who would listen. It always seems to me that those in the Truth got hung-up on petty things of no consequence. Having the right look is superficial, and when one focuses on superficial things, they tend to miss the big picture. A radio in a car just never seemed like something that Jesus would have thrown a tizzy fit over.
Jesus said, "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him" (John 14:21). That's the rules in it simplest form.
Belief automatically saves a person, no Christian will come under judgement because our sins are blotted-out in the lambs blood. So what's to condemn? As you've said, we aren't judged for sin but for our good works, "Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be" (Revelation 22:12).
Truely appreciated what you said Dan🌷
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Post by getreal on May 24, 2023 14:13:26 GMT -5
You are right…if your theory is correct, I will never know it’s correct. But, if what I believe is correct, and there is a heaven and hell, you will know I am correct for all of A lost eternity. Here's a tip. Rather than studying the bible, study how it came to be, the timelines, and everything surrounding the creation of the bible, and also specifically the version you are most fond of. After you are familiar with most of that, again read the Bible with the new information you have learned in mind. And the historical context of when this movement arose, the Victorian era, is also really important to understand. It was a time of huge change when you consider the Industrial Revolution, science and Darwinism, women beginning to demand rights and speaking up, and immense change in religion. The Victorians are known as the first modern doubters of the bible. It was a time of an explosion of evangelism and the ability due change of laws to actually choose your religion. The mainstream religions moved towards more of the outward symbols the friend in a previous post is opposed to. They were adopted in the Victorian era. At the same time there was a rebellion towards returning to the simplicity of the gospels. Lots of push and pull. And if you read some of the writings of that time the debates are so similar to now. I will post article that puts this all together in a fairly readable form and look at page 5 and a paragraph that addresses Ireland in particular. In short, it is not surprising the beginnings of this group arose at that time. How it has evolved would greatly surprise and disappoint those who started the movement.
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Post by getreal on May 24, 2023 14:22:45 GMT -5
orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/122273/3/2.+Heimann+UK.Victorian+Piety+and+the+Revival+of+Material+Religion+in+Britain.8+May+2019.pdfThe article re religion and Victorian Britain and Ireland page 5. In case anyone is interested. It didn’t come out of nowhere. Evangelical groups were everywhere as it became legal to preach on a street corner. We tend to see this birth of the 2 by 2’s not only through our lens but as a singular event rather than something that happened as a result of the massive historical change of that time.. To separate it is to not understand it and to assume God was a part of all or part of it. It becomes mysterious and elevated. Just food for thought.
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