Results 181 - 200 of 257
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Results from: Notes Author: Brian.g Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
181 | Did we witness a miracle this week? | Bible general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 16749 | ||
Charis I think I'll take your lead and end this thread. Brian |
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182 | Did we witness a miracle this week? | Bible general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 16673 | ||
The 'should have died' number was based on: If I or anyone had laid out a scenario before hand of the WTC and Pentagon attacks, how many people would you normally expect to have died - statistically speaking. 20,000 to 40,000 is the number I and others came up with. Brian |
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183 | 'Conscientious Objection' Biblical? | Ex 20:13 | Brian.g | 16672 | ||
Ed I told you that you gave me food for thought, and I'd like to share with you some of my thoughts. I can see situations in which people can strive so hard to be Christ-like and to follow the teachings of Christ so diligently, that we can overstep what Jesus was teaching and begin to add our own interpretations. Subsequently, our interpretations could be inconsistent with the teachings of Jesus - or using your term, Humanistic in action, not by plan. This exemplifies the importance of proper guidance from our Church leaders and teachers as to what Jesus meant for us to do. We have to rely on our Church leaders who have spent the hundreds and thousands of hours analyzing and dissecting these topics from a theological standpoint and then to share with us, their interpretations. This is why the role of a teacher is so important to insure that the teachers are instructing according to the denominations beliefs. Again, this is how the pieces came together on this topic for me. Thanks for the good debate. Brian |
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184 | 'Conscientious Objection' Biblical? | Ex 20:13 | Brian.g | 16626 | ||
Ed Thanks for the clarification. I'm not sure if I fully agree with you, but you have given me food for thought. Brian |
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185 | 'Conscientious Objection' Biblical? | Ex 20:13 | Brian.g | 16600 | ||
Ed I understand your thoughts on Humanists. Do you feel that people who oppose the death penalty are all Humanists, or can a Christian be opposed to the death penalty, also. Brian |
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186 | 'Conscientious Objection' Biblical? | Ex 20:13 | Brian.g | 16384 | ||
Ed God gave us the law Jesus taught us mercy Brian |
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187 | 'Conscientious Objection' Biblical? | Ex 20:13 | Brian.g | 16160 | ||
Charis I think we must remember that life does not end with the death of the body. Brian |
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188 | if someone take there own life where wil | NT general Archive 1 | Brian.g | 16012 | ||
I just said it was a sin, not that it would keep him from heaven. If a person suffers financial loss or some other situation which would cause humilitation and ultimately, suicide, I'm not sure that they have found and trusted Jesus. Otherwise, I would hope that their faith in Jesus would help them through this crisis. |
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189 | Should Christians practice nonresistance | Lev 26:6 | Brian.g | 15978 | ||
Norrie I think Charis and Nolan both had excellent suggestions: Unite in prayer and end this thread Brian |
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190 | Should Christians practice nonresistance | Lev 26:6 | Brian.g | 15971 | ||
If we can stop these people from acting again without killing them, then that is how we should proceed. If the only way to stop them is in death, then that must be done. |
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191 | Should Christians practice nonresistance | Lev 26:6 | Brian.g | 15939 | ||
Charis One area which I do agree with you is in war if it a war to defend ourselves from an agressor, then I feel we are justified to kill the aggressor if that is the only way of stopping him. Also, in criminal activity, if another life is in danger during the act of the crime, then I do feel we have the right to defend ourselves and others against the criminal, even if that means the criminal dies. But, once the crime is over and the war is over - the killing must end Which, based upon the world news developing as I write this, today is a good day for all Christians to unite in Christ. Brian |
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192 | Should Christians practice nonresistance | Lev 26:6 | Brian.g | 15922 | ||
Charis The point of my posting was that we have the responsibility to protect the diginity of man and that protecting human life is one aspect of it. Life is a gift from God. When we begin accepting the destruction of life from one perspective, then it becomes easier to end life from other perspectives. The different acceptable reasons for destroying life begin to feed upon each other. With specific regard to the death penalty: Our legal system attempts to accomplish four goals: 1. Rehabilitation of the criminal - this consists of repentance and moral reform. One of the Apostles was a reformed murderer. 2. To defend society aginst the criminal. - Sometimes that includes life in prison. Which, while is a harsh punishment, the criminal still can reform and repent and can live the remainder of his life in Christ. At that point, the physical location of life is unimportant. Look at the writings of the Apostles which were created while in prison. 3. Deterrance - I feel life imprisonment is as much of a deterrant as the death penalty - when people fully understand the magnitude of the sentence. A 14 year old will not fully understand the significance of the death penalty nor life in prison but a 20 year old should. 4. Retribution - Punishment should try to restore the right order violated by the crime. The criminal should pay a price for the crime committed and if possible, the victims should be compensated for the wrong suffered. This does not mean revenge. Mathew 9 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" 12 On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Exodus 20:13 "You shall not murder |
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193 | Does this mean God is the author of sin? | 2 Sam 12:11 | Brian.g | 15918 | ||
Joe I'm not sure as to why you are focusing on good works getting people into heaven, that was not my point. You have no argument from me that good works alone is not the key to salvation. Believing and accepting Christ and then living your life accordingly is what I think we are both saying. My only point is that it is easier to see, understand and accept Christ, when people are given proper guidance to do so, from an early age. And, in addition, I believe that, by nature, people want to and are willing to follow Christ, but are side-tracked by other influences in our life. But, the bottomline is, if you don't accept Christ by the time you're ready to move on, then don't hold your breath waiting for good things to happen in the next life. Brian |
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194 | Should Christians practice nonresistance | Lev 26:6 | Brian.g | 15880 | ||
Charis I think the main question which needs to be addressed is: what is the value of human life? Where do we draw the line as to when it is acceptable to end life. Who is right in determining the final answer. If we keep accepting more and more justification for ending a life, does it make taking the life easier - and then devalues life even further. If we never permitted abortion, would we be debating stem cell research today. If we permit stem research today, what will be tomorrow. If today we allow stem cells to be harvested from aborted children on the justification that it helps others, aren't we promoting the possibility of women getting pregnant in order to sell their fetuses to cell harvesting companies. If cell harvesting is permitted and we continue killing criminals - can we then kill any criminal who has murdered 5 people so we can use his organs for transplants - our justification is that he is paying back for his crimes. And if we need more organs, maybe we can pull back that number to include criminals who have killed 3 people. What about older people who are in relatively good physical health, but suffering from Alzheiners - they will not be cured and they will be a drain on our medical resources - but instead they can help others live by letting us euthanize them and donating their organs to sick people. The point I'm making with this, is that in today's world - these scenarios don't seem as far fetched as they would have 10-20 years ago. And that is because human life is rapidly being devalued. Where is the line drawn All life is from God and all life is sacred. It is not our right to end any human life for any reason. By the way, I believe there an Apostle who murdered someone. Thank God he was given the opportunity to repent and follow Christ. I think he made a difference in the world. |
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195 | Does this mean God is the author of sin? | 2 Sam 12:11 | Brian.g | 15865 | ||
Joe First, when I speak, I am speaking as a Catholic. My position is one of not just repeating the Catholic philospophy, but of evaluating the topic and personally agreeing with the Catholic Churches principles. When I speak of Satan's influence, I abbreviated my terminology to represent the total causes of sin (i.e.: ignorance, infirmity, malice, suggestions, persuasion, temptation and bad example). I agree that man is not morally neutral. But, I believe that man, as a creation of God is good and not naturally 100 percent driven by sin. If man is given proper guidance from birth, then, he should REMAIN good and by the time he reaches the age of reason, that man will be more inclined to understand salvation, accept Jesus and live his life accordingly. Here I use the word inclined, because I feel the final action will be that of a free will decision on the part of the man. But, if a man is not given proper guidance (i.e.: bad examples from parents, etc), it will influence his actions in the opposite direction as he grows. Those actions will be sinful. The key is that man is not starting from a morally nuetral position, but one of goodness - and affected by other influences - internal and external. Romans 8: falls into the category that man cannot serve two masters. I believe that if man is taught to follow the correct master from a young age, then he will be more inclined to follow God, but there is no guarantee. Romans 8:5, the prelude to 7-8 which you referenced, doesn't imply man is sinful from birth, it refers to those who have chosen the path of the flesh - again, free will. |
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196 | Jesus descended into hell? | 1 Pet 3:19 | Brian.g | 15371 | ||
Nolan Thanks for expanding the thought. By the way, I have truly enjoyed reading your postings this past week. They show true thought, reflection and focus with the purpose of guiding and teaching. I, personally, have found your postings helpful in expanding my understanding on different topics. I can see that you are focusing more on quality of guidance, than quantity. Please, keep up the good work, many people benefit from your efforts. Brian |
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197 | Inquiring minds want to know. | 2 Tim 2:23 | Brian.g | 14618 | ||
Sandman I understand. When reacting/responding to a situation which gets our attention, I always try to do two things: 1. Step back, relax and then ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in responding in a manner which will promote harmony, goodwill, cooperation and help maintain the dignity of man (mine and his). 2. I ask myself, (WWJD) What Would Jesus Do With regard to the students, age is not a factor. The people seeking the truth, knowledge and understanding cover the full spectrum of ages, backgrounds, and so on. Maybe, you and Radioman would help guide those who were lost, and are now found. Start with the basic discussions - but pertinent discussions, which will enable them to progress along the correct path. By providing guiding questions, and not the answers, you will be providing an opportunity to let the students learn, from their explorations and from their guidance by you and other teachers on this forum. But, always remember your responsibility, as a teacher,to your student and in accordance with your denomination (which at times, you may need to make sure others understand yours). Titus 2:1 You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine James 3:1 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. Many people stand to benefit from your gift, if presented properly. I suspect you will live up to your responsibility. Brian |
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198 | Inquiring minds want to know. | 2 Tim 2:23 | Brian.g | 14599 | ||
Sandman Would you join Radioman in helping to develop some guiding questions for the students on this forum Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace Brian |
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199 | Inquiring minds want to know. | 2 Tim 2:23 | Brian.g | 14598 | ||
Radioman We spoke before that sin will be defeated when people are educated in Christ to reject sin. Some of the students who come to this forum are seeking to learn more of God and to develop their Christian faith. But, as with most new students, they have so many questions, they may not know where to begin. In turn, some of the questions they ask, may not be the best type of questions for learning. Some of the posts shown here are geared more for the individual, like yourself, who has a higher degree of knowledge and it may be difficult for the newer student to join into the discussion and/or to comprehend. For the newer student who comes here to enhance his/her education in God, could you post a few basic 'starting point' questions which you feel would assist them in beginning their discussions, but in a manner which will truly help educate and guide them. With your questions as a startng point, I can envision the newer students now being able to discuss the possibilities, while being guided by the more experienced teachers on this forum. For the sake of all forum members, could you put (SP) for starting point, in front of each of your questions. I'm sure with your guidance, other teachers on this forum will also be able to assist students and more guiding questions can be developed. 2 Thessalonians 2 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter Brian |
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200 | Are we do pray to Jesus? - II | Matt 6:9 | Brian.g | 14590 | ||
I believe it is acceptable to pray to either Jesus or God, directly. The right answer for you is whichever you are more comfortable doing. Jesus' message to us is that it is important that we love God and to be comfortable speaking to God, through our prayers and that Jesus will be with us to support and guide us in our efforts. |
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