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The way it isPosted Wednesday, September 26, 2007, at 5:33 AM
It has been said that Christians in general are to narrow minded about eternity, that we think we are the only ones going to heaven. We don't think it , we know it.
John10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 10:2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 10:5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. 10:6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 10:8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly. 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 10:12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 10:13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my [sheep], and am known of mine. 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd. 10:17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. John14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Whether Jesus is the "Son of God "or God himself does make me serve him for if God would have died himself or sent his only perfect creation who stayed that way and never sinned to die for me it is all the same difference. Jesus said himself that he would not bring peace but pit brother against brother ,father against children and person against person which is so true today. The denominations does not matter to me for me and people that I worship with see verses differently , our hearts our right , but our mind has not caught up yet. In all the doctrines of man concerning Christ such as dress codes , kinds of music, days of worship, the Lord's supper, modes of baptism , and all the other things that men add to the word of God which has made it vain. The only things to be sure of is that Jesus was born of a virgin, lived in the flesh was baptized by John to take away the sins of the world then now and forever, died on the cross to pay for our sins, and rose again to provide eternal life for all who believe . That is not much to ask for , not as much as to be asked to believe in evolution. All the extras that man adds don't gain him one thing ,only the water and the blood gets you into heaven. 1:6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 1:10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into [your] house, neither bid him God speed: 1:11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. To all my "Christian" brothers and sisters keep up the fight for your reward is great. To all others it is never to late as in the parable of the vineyard workers ,whether you have worked for Christ your whole life or just now started or still yet to start you can obtain salvation same as all. Don't wait till it's to late for the Kingdom of God is at hand. John3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
I believe why a lot of people won't accept Jesus is the pride they have to give up and the unfogiveness and the lust of the flesh and to admit the need of a Saviour. Comments Showing comments in chronological order [Show most recent comments first] |
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Nothing in any of the verses say you are going to heaven. Nice try, but no bubblegum cigar for you.
"To all my "Christian" brothers and sisters keep up the fight for your reward is great. "
Fight for your reward? You sound like an Islamic extremist.
Perhaps some of the folks already in "church" should give up their pride and unforgiveness and lust of the flesh and act like they have a Saviour.
What the saying? The life you lead is the only Bible some people read.
Some of the best Christian examples I know, do not regularly go to church.
Just my observation.....
You don't have to know every verse of the bible for a ticket to Heaven, you don't even have to go to church regularly. You need to know that Jesus is your Lord and Savior and He died on the cross for your sins. You need to own those sins and repent from them. Bottom line.
That is of course my opinion. Some, I am sure, will say I am generalizing far too much.
SIMPLY- ONE MUST BELIEVE IN GOD,CONFESS AND BE BAPTIZED TO RID YOUR SINS, AND GOING TO CHURCH REGULARLY IS JUST ALL PART OF IT, NOT TO MENTION THE WAY YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE WHICH WILL INFLUENCE OTHERS. I AM A CHRISTIAN WHO WORSHIPS WITH THE CHURCH OF CHRIST AND I BELIEVE THAT YOU READ THE BIBLE AND DO WHAT IT SAYS YOU WILL ENTER HEAVEN NO MATTER YOUR RELIGION BUT YOU CAN NOT ADD OR TAKE AWAY TO MAKE THE BIBLE FIT YOUR LIFESTYLE.
jssg1975, you do not have to meet regularly with others of your kind to repent, be saved and live a Christian lifestyle. Again, that is my opinion.
Don't hate to agree with me, Revolution. I'm not a bad person to know, or agree with.....
Mr. Bell, I may have this confused, but are you telling me that 1.2 BILLION Muslims and 500 million Buddhists and the millions of people that will never see a bible are all going to hell? I find that hard to believe sir. You have no right to say that.
Christian Fundamentalist sound an awfully like Islamic extremist that also believe that "keep up the fight for your reward is great." NO DIFFERENCE IN THE TWO.
Saw a quote the other day "Christians, America's Very Own Taliban" With that statement of keeping up the fight, you make it sound more accurate by the minute.
ONLY GOD can say who is and isn't going to hell, not you and NO, not even the bible, that is missing books and has been rewritten numerous times can tell you that.
And speaking of the Church of Christ, your church is the reason that I quit going and worshipping. I was actually told that ONLY the Church of Christ denomination would be the only ones in Heaven and when I was told to go and ask, in front of the church, for forgiveness for going to a Baptist Church, was the day my beliefs changed and I opened my mind and saw the craziness. And don't tell me that is not the way the Church of Christ thinks, been around it my whole life and I just tune it out.
dc, wasn't gonna say that but I know that first hand as well!
I don't understand the need for some people to come in here and be negative and try and tear down one person's faith. If you don't agree with what Michael says then that is fine and it is also fine to discuss your difference in opinion with the bog article. I don't agree with some of his views myself but that doesn't give me any reason to go about condemning a person's belief and insinuating that someone is like a Islamic extremist. That is a very immature comment made by someone who doesn't know how to discuss their differences(or just likes to flame because they lack any maturity) and just likes to go around and cause arguments. Plus, what makes your opinion more valued than his?
Anyway, if you have a different opinion than someone then air those opinions and state why you disagree with them and leave it at that. Keep the hate comments and the stupidity where it belongs . . .
jaxspike, I agree. matter of fact, I have said that....
BTW . . I grew up Church of Christ and only certain churches believed they were the only ones going to heaven(but that is true in every faith . .even some Baptist and Catholic churches). Every Church of Christ I attended never made that comment or believe that only "Church of Christ" was going to heaven.
BTW . . I grew up Church of Christ and only certain churches believed they were the only ones going to heaven(but that is true in every faith . .even some Baptist and Catholic churches). Every Church of Christ I attended never made that comment or believe that only "Church of Christ" was going to heaven.
My great grandmother has been going to the Church of Christ for 85 years now and she is certain, as they have told her, that only thos who worship the way they do are going to Heaven. She will tell you that too....
Laura, If I had a nickel for everytime one of my family members that are Church of Christ told me that I was going to hell because I don't believe like them, I would be a very rich person. My Grandmother will also tell you that too....
My church always taught that we were a church of Christ . . . not Church of Christ. As long as you follow what the bible teaches, then you will go to heaven no matter what name is on the front of the building. Religion is man made anyway . . . God could care less what "faith" you claim too as long as you are following his commandments and living a Christian life
Eureka! EXACTLY!
Several Church of Christs in FLA were deemed as Cults and were promptly disbanded.
My Mom made me go with her once and I just looked at her and I asked, do you not recognized the song? She said, no but I like it, I said It is Red Red Wine... its about getting drunk...
I never went again...
If you don't agree with me, you don't have to, but what he said sounds like Islamic Extremist behavior. If you listen to any of the CNN tapes of the Taliban they speak the same way. The EXACT same way.
As for my maturity, if that means I have to be a sheeple? I don't think so.
If you read any of my other comments you will see I have always made a point, and added a few humorous anecdotes to break out the seriousness sometimes. But in no fashion have I lashed out whatsoever, if you wanted me to; there would be no stopping me once I am in the "zone".
Nothing in any of the verses say you are going to heaven. Nice try, but no bubblegum cigar for you.
"To all my "Christian" brothers and sisters keep up the fight for your reward is great. "
Fight for your reward? You sound like an Islamic extremist.
-- Posted by Evil Monkey on Wed, Sep 26, 2007, at 5:53 AM
Isn't there something you would fight for or against. Its how you fight not if you fight. Just because you stand up for your beliefs doesn't make you an extremist. If you don't believe in standing up for your opinions quit posting.
Perhaps some of the folks already in "church" should give up their pride and unforgiveness and lust of the flesh and act like they have a Saviour.
What the saying? The life you lead is the only Bible some people read.
Some of the best Christian examples I know, do not regularly go to church.
Just my observation.....
-- Posted by mmp84 on Wed, Sep 26, 2007, at 7:36 AM
Sounds like politics. The best people don't get involved so the government is left to the worst. The best Christian examples should be in Church because if you're not part of the solution you're part of the problem.
Evil Monkey I think you've been on the Red Red Wine if you think FLA or any other government can "disband" cults - at least short of illegal activity. The CoC may be legalistic but I have never known them to be law breakers.
I was raised up a Church of Christ and we were taught that , but I no longer think that .
The name of the door does not matter as long as the message is Jesus Christ.
You are right some of the worst sinners are in church ,they have flaws like everybody else , but they admit they need correction, or at least some do .
We fight with love not violence if love and the doctrine of Jesus does not lead them in the right way then we move on for it takes the Holy Spirit to convict them of their sins not me.
How nice of you to make an appearance Mr. Bell and repeat yourself as usual...PLEASE answer my question with a thought out comment that doesn't just say "FAITH"
Thanks
Here is a repost for you:
Mr. Bell, I may have this confused, but are you telling me that 1.2 BILLION Muslims and 500 million Buddhists and the millions of people that will never see a bible are all going to hell? I find that hard to believe sir. You have no right to say that.
Christian Fundamentalist sound an awfully like Islamic extremist that also believe that "keep up the fight for your reward is great." NO DIFFERENCE IN THE TWO.
Saw a quote the other day "Christians, America's Very Own Taliban" With that statement of keeping up the fight, you make it sound more accurate by the minute.
ONLY GOD can say who is and isn't going to hell, not you and NO, not even the bible, that is missing books and has been rewritten numerous times can tell you that.
He has every right to say it and every right to believe it just as you have every right to to disagree. The labels put on religious groups here are completely vague to the point of being useless. There are very, very few Christian groups that advocate violence as a way of acheiving their ends. Just as not all Islamic groups advocate this. The fight of Christians is a fight of ideas which is what is going on here. Try that under a "Taliban" like regime.
The fight of Christians is a fight of ideas which is what is going on here. Try that under a "Taliban" like regime.
-- Posted by devan on Wed, Sep 26, 2007, at 2:41 PM
Like, first of all the "Taliban" is not representative of Islam whatsoever... So that is a moot and invalid point. Secondly, it is just fine to have great ideas and fight for them, but I ask questions and expect answers, as well as when everyone asks me questions they expect answers...
I do believe it was the "Fundamentalist Christians" such as Falwell, etc who believed we had a duty from god to go to war. He isn't a normal christian who represents all of them. But he is a fundamentalists and hate and violence was his rhetoric.
Church of Christ do believe they are the only ones going to heaven.. I know I too was raised in the Church Of Christ. Of course I have also noticed their rules are subject to change to fit their own needs.
A long time ago, You were a sinner and doomed for Hell, if you were divorced but now-a-days it is accepted within the Church of Christ. They also wouldn't have music inside the church (like pianos or such) only singing.. Because of the one scripture "Sing and make melody in your hearts" but now many Church of Christ have musical instruments.
And above all and no matter which church you attend:
Going to Church does not make you a Christian, anymore than standing in your garage makes you a car.
The fight of the christian is against the sinful desires of the flesh. It is certainly not a fight of violence toward others. To be a christian you have to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. They are all about love. The war of the christian is against Satan and self. Anyone claiming to be christian and advocating violence against anyone is not following Christ's doctrine and is a "christian" in name only.
Anyone trying to follow the teachings of Christ is best served in studying for himself. What if I listen to you and you mislead me. Some complain of the incomplete nature of the Bible, yes there are books that have been excluded. Have you read them? Before you get all heated up about their exclusion read them, follow them if you will. From my experience you will find that they add nothing of importance to a lifestyle of goodness. That is what it is all about: love and righteousness (doing the right thing). Treating others the way you would prefer to be treated.
Doing good to whomever you meet sounds easy but it can be difficult whenever the person in need is someone you dislike. That is the true hallmark of a christian. Read the story of the good Samaratin. He would have been hated by the man he rescued as indeed he should have hated the man in the ditch. Yet his compassion and goodness caused him to treat his enemy with love and respect. Also look at the Levite and priest who were supposedly "godly" but they passed the injured man and avoided getting involved.
Churches are full of folk such as these, but that does not negate the power of doing good and the reward that follows charity. When asked who would enter the kingdom of Heaven Christ replied, "I was hungry and you fed me, naked and you clothed me, in prison and you visited me." His disciples asked him when they had done those things for him and he replied, "in as much as you have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, you have done it unto me."
Following the commandments of God were prioritized by Christ as follows:
The greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, mind and soul.
The second is like unto it, love your neighbor as yourself.
darrick_04: I didn't say that the "Taliban" was representative of all Islam so your rebuttal is moot and invalid.
If Falwell or others like him supported the war, or any war, as a way to spread Christianity then they were wrong. But supporting our country to defend itself, prevent injustice, or protect others is not un-Christian even if it means war. That comes under the duty of citizenship not Christianity.
devan,
Falwell has a college in VA, he just opened a law school so that law students can change laws to promote Christianity in the government. Very sneaky and smart. The problem is, if history does repeat itself, it will be the 2nd Dark Ages.
Instead of fighting the system he is going to indoctrinate it from within, if that is sane and realistic enough for you. Then so be it.
As for my opinions and my beliefs, I have plenty of opinions and I have no beliefs (faith) in anything but myself. There is no one shred of evidence that could sway me otherwise because what I have heard on these blogs is pure horsecrap about churches, Faith and how the word of god is the true thing.
Yet in each comment that I have made, I had valid points that made sense. None of which can be irrational. IF there is a God, he has shown each one of us that the Bible is missing alot of pages and insight. And MAN can change, remove and add to the Word of God at anytime he wishes. Man has done so for ages.
I just pray that one day you will want to believe in something other than yourself. I suspect that being your own god gets tough sometimes. If your mind is so closed that not even evidence could convince you, I guess prayer is the only thing that would help.
He isn't a normal christian who represents all of them.
-- Posted by darrick_04 on Wed, Sep 26, 2007, at 2:49 PM
Going to Church does not make you a Christian, anymore than standing in your garage makes you a car.
-- Posted by Dianatn on Wed, Sep 26, 2007, at 4:49 PM
Priceless! I am a Southern Baptist ***shocker***, but I take from the Bible, to treat EVERYONE as a brother or sister in Christ. To love and respect people who do not need love and respect. To tell you what I believe and why and leave it at that, from that you are capable of forming your own opinion of things. The biggest lesson in the Bible is LOVE. I will stand up against injustice. I will never fail to tell you what I think if you ask. I am firm in my beliefs, and no human can shake that. This goes back to the bigger lesson though, you do not have to go to church to go to Heaven, it's not a requirement. However, if you do go to church I believe you should donate as you see fit, b/c it takes money to run a church.
"Going to church" is not a Bible phrase, and many of us don't like to use that term. Since the church is the people in it, saying "I'm going to church" would be like saying "I'm going to family." That said, I understand you to be asking what the Bible says about assembling with others in the church.
The assembly is, in some ways, a carry over from the Jewish synagogue assembly. From the beginning of the church, members gathered together (Acts 2:42-47). Often it was in homes. Sometimes it was in a public building such as the synagogue or a school (Acts 19:9-10)
Probably one reason for the assembly was because Christians were a minority, and it was good to get together with others of like faith. Most people look forward to being with family, and that is what the assembly of the church is--a gathering of family. It was also a time to worship God in song (Ephesians 5:18-19; Colossians 3:16) and prayer, to partake of the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:20-30), to study the scriptures (1 timothy 4:13), to give money (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), and to encourage one another (Hebrews 10:24-25).
The assembly was a time for encouragement. In too many churches these days the emphasis is on the other aspects of worship. While that is vitally important, if the encouragement and fellowship are not present the worship tends to become routine. When that happens, one often no longer worships, but just goes through the motions. Several of the prophets in the Old Testament said that God hates just going through the motions.
God certainly wants us to gather together for worship and fellowship. Anyone who refuses to assemble with the saints does so to his own hurt. It also hurts the family that is looking forward to being with him.
The above is quoted from a website so is not my own, but I agree completely. From the earliest times in the New Testament Christians assembled together and in Hebrews we are told not forsake this assembling together. One important aspect of belonging to a church (body of belivers) is accountability. I think some people who are so opposed to belonging to a church just don't want to be held accountable.
By the way, standing in the garage doesn't make a car a car either, but it does give shelter and protection to the car. The same way a church should give shelter and protection and a lot of other things to those who belong.
You see that is the entire problem a garage don't make a car, a car and neither does a church make a Christian.
True, but the car that's sits out in the elements all the time ususlly doesn't fare as well as the one kept in a garage all the time. If we are Christians we are all part of a church - the body of Christ - the only question is how do we acknowledge that. Throughout the New Testament it is is apparent that Christians assembled together and did various things as a church. I may be missing something, but I have never understood why people object to being a part of a church.
Because Churches are for people that have no self-awareness, no confidence, no backbone to stand up for what is correct, no understanding of what is really around them, they are lazy cause God will deliver them, and they really don't care about what goes around them. Cause God will take care of it.
Devan,
Never once did I say I was a god. Stop assuming something that isn't there. Secondly, Stop with the stupid one liner bible verses, they don't mean crap to me as the bible is so flawed and missing it could mean anything to any convuluted mentally ill person. So go twist your tales with someone else as you have nothing to prove with your drivel.
and one more thing, I never said the government disbanded the churches, the people did. Again, you assume... ASS-U-ME
As for my opinions and my beliefs, I have plenty of opinions and I have no beliefs (faith) in anything but myself. There is no one shred of evidence that could sway me otherwise because what I have heard on these blogs is pure horsecrap about churches, Faith and how the word of god is the true thing.
Yet in each comment that I have made, I had valid points that made sense. None of which can be irrational. IF there is a God, he has shown each one of us that the Bible is missing alot of pages and insight. And MAN can change, remove and add to the Word of God at anytime he wishes. Man has done so for ages.
-- Posted by Evil Monkey on Wed, Sep 26, 2007, at 11:11 PM
So your mind is closed, you only believe in yourself, and no evidence to the contrary could convince you to change. Sounds like the definition of irrational to me.
As to the FLA churches, am I to understand that the churches finally just decided they were cults and disbanded themselves. Sounds like they were on the right track.
No the neighboring people said, Enough was Enough! Nice try, more assuming?
Closed mind? no if you would actually read my comments I have been Baptist, Mennonite, Methodist, Seventh Day Adventist, and Jehovah's Witness. I have seen all points of view and I would consider myself quite open-minded as well do others around and talk to me.
Irrational: not consistent with or using reason; "irrational fears"; "irrational animals"
I believe "foot in mouth" is the definition of devan. Or should we call you by your new moniker Capt. Assume.
LOL, wow!
I would have to see some evidence before I would believe that neighbors could disband a church - if they were doing something illegal then the authorities could do that. I did not assume, I was asking you to clarify your previous statement.
I don't care what you have been in the past. If your mind is closed to evidence now then you are not consistent with or using reason. Not assuming, just using your definition.
I don't care what you have been in the past. If your mind is closed to evidence now then you are not consistent with or using reason.
-- Posted by devan on Thu, Sep 27, 2007, at 3:19 PM
So there is evidence about the world being 4 billion years old, and the word you read says 4,000-5,000 years, it also has TWO separate creation accounts... Animals first or humans first? Which is it... ?
The word I read doesn't say the world is 4 or 5 thousand years old. Some people choose to believe that taking a literal interpretation. Some believe that the 7 "days" could represent 7 eras of time.
Genesis Chapter 1 is an account of the creation in these seven "days". Chapter 2 is another account not necessarily in chronological order.
As Revolution pointed out earlier, there are many apparent contradictions in the Bible like this. Christians can refute them with their own interpretations. We could fill 1000 blogs with this argument. The question I want Evil Monkey to answer is: If presented with evidence of the truth of the Bible would he believe it or not. He said: "There is not one shred of evidence that could sway me otherwise". If he meant there is no evidence and therefore I will not be swayed, then I can accept that. That brings us right back to the faith versus fact issue. He needs evidence because that is what his experience has taught him to need. I have been in that mode also. Now I need to have faith because my experience has taught me that facts are not enough because they can't really explain some of the mysteries of life. I just need to know exactly what he meant.
Ok, and you have been presented evidence that the bible is not 100% accurate. Most of it was left out by Man...
So how can a religion that is flawed and a derivative of man be of god?
Btw:I am sure Evil Monkey will answer for himself..
I have not been presented with any evidence that the Bible is not 100% accurate. I said there are alleged contradictions and explanations of these contradictions. Its just which you choose to believe.
If you say most of it was left out by man, are you saying that a some point in time there was a complete Bible that was completely accurate?
No I am saying that even with a majority of it missing, it makes the entire thing invalid...
It would be no different than you trying to make biscuits without flour... Without all of the ingredients, or if you choose to add in or leave out other certain ingredients, it is completely incomplete! You may get a product in the end, but it will be flawed and lacking the biggest and most important ingredient... And those who pay close attention, will notice they're not getting what they expected, and the looks can be deceiving!
I personally believe in a higher power, it is the Christian church I don't believe in... I don't think god is a hypocrite and I most certainly don't think HE left out anything, which proves that humans decided what they wanted in "their bible"...
Devan you said:
"I have not been presented with any evidence that the Bible is not 100% accurate."
and I haven't been presented with any evidence that it IS 100% accurate.
and please, for the love of God, say something other than "I have faith that it is"
That would be Blind Faith.
Sure would! Glad to hear from you Diana... It has been a while!
Been really busy lately :>(
Sorry, but I work 2:30pm to 11:00pm weekdays. yeah yeah I wish I had a normal 1st shift job, but it is hard in this economy.
Devan is right, what I said could be misconstrued that I meant that if I was given evidence that the bible was in fact accurate that I still wouldn't believe. I should have worded it differently. My bad. But Devan, it was nice that you swung the pendulum in my direction, you still haven't answered me.
Also, regarding the Church incident in Fla, it was back in 91.
ah here it is, here are two older articles, still trying to find the closing of the place. Hard to find the older information.
http://www.tolc.org/alleg.htm
http://www.tolc.org/stulife.htm
When I attended I went to a few of these Bible studies and they were sooo weird. All the peeps were glassy eyed and wacked out. One guy I met said he was new and I talked to him and he had been going to two more than I had. I said Man, something isn't right and he agreed and we ditched them, it took me moving to a different area of the town to avoid them.
You stated you needed facts regarding how the bible has been tampered with by man, how many would you require before you understood what I am trying to state?
It is very hard (behind the monitor) to emphasize that I am not trying to convince you to change faiths, beliefs or convictions. But when someone spews forth christian fundamental crap without any representations or foundations on their findings; it would be hard for non-believers to take that person or belief seriously.
nascarfanatic: How do you know what is missing or added to the Bible. I will ask you what God asked Job "Where were you when I(He) laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding". If you prefer the Shakepeare version, "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy." The God I believe in is great enough to preserve his word. I have faith (not blind faith) because I have seen the fruits of Bible study and church attendance, and yes generous $giving in the lives of Christians that I associate with. If you have another way that works for you so be it.
Vindicated: For the love of God I have faith that it is.
Evil Monkey: I had already read some of this information at other sites. These churches (cults) were disassociated from main stream denominations because of their practices. I think that most of the references on this blog were to what is typical of the local Church of Christ congregations. I too, as others have stated, am an example of one who was turned off by Church of Christ teachings. Just too legalistic for me. On the other hand I don't think they are anything like these "cults".
As I said before, for every "fact" of error you can find I can find a rebuttal from a Bible believing source.
I like your reference to "behind the monitor". It is hard to communicate sometimes when everything is reduced to "soundbites" that have no personal connection. I try to live by the precepts of 1 Corinthians 13. If you are familiar with that you know what I mean. If not please indulge me and read it. I hope that is something that everyone on the blog can agree on.
Also, I hope that I have not spewed any crap and if I did remember its only crap until it becomes fertilizer.
Well you know fertilizer causes weeds to grow, right?
Just weeds?