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What's your thoughts?
Posted Thursday, June 19, 2008, at 6:34 PM<< Previous | Read comments | Respond | Email link | Next >>
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Some say it is global warming I tend to believe it is the birthing pains the Bible talks about. The Bible says you will be able to see when the time is near by the signs in the heavens. Earthquakes, droughts, floods, cyclones, tornadoes, these one at a time is devastating , but all within weeks of each other. They say by 2012 that the population of the planet will reach 7 billion people, 7 is the number of God according to scripture , who knows? Sure is a lot going on in the world, peace talks in Israel, the price of gas, famines around the world, the weather, rise in immorality. The winner of this election will have a lot on his hands, lets hope he has clean hands and a pure heart , and not the heart of a beast. Comments Showing comments in chronological order [Show most recent comments first] |
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Well, I'm not gonna try to guess the month/day/year... but I'm looking for Him to come back soon, real soon. Nobody, not even the angels, can name the time of His return. We just need to know that He will... and only He knows when.
So... 2012? 2100? 21200? Who knows? Nobody here on Earth, that's all I know.
You are to worried apparently about the end of time. Live each day to the fullest and do God's work and when the end comes you will be ready.
adder,
If a man if truly concerned with where souls will spend eternity he will be worried about time running out. He actually can not be worried enough.
Only a non-believer or selfess carnal Christian will not be worried about the present position of time when he sees the signs as they now come forth.
it does not seem that he is worried about everyone else. he always has a gloom and doom attitude and always posts a blog that seems to cause conflict. I am a christian but i do not dwell on the end of times because no one knows the end of times every just assumes it is now.
adder,
What is gloom and doom about the end times to a Christian? As someone recently said on here it is "deliverance and victory" to a Christian.
And yes you should be concerned about time running out if you care for other souls than your own. What if Christ only cared for Himself??
If you love your neighbor as yourself would not you be concerned about your neighbors' eternal security?
Amen adder!
We all live one day at a time.
If we make the most of the present,the future will take care of itself.
It's getting too complacent or too negative that will steal our portion of hope and keep us from achieving all we can.
We don't need to save our best for "someday" or dread some inevitable disaster.
We need to build up our resources so we'll be able to take whatever comes whenever it arrives.
Look at our militias.
Do they prepare for battle by picking fights?
Do they cower in the shadows,listening for the enemy's footfall?
In reality,they hone their skills by giving assistance in the event of natural disasters and riots.
For many years,our official armed forces were few.
It was understood that what a man did every day as a private citizen was sufficient for his readiness in time of war.
Any strength drawn from coming together and drilling was secondary to leadership applied every day.
In a similar way,a believer's best defense is a good offense.
Doing what God would have us do in "peacetime" keeps us fit for battle and serves as a pro-active affirmation of good instead of a reactive protest against Despite.
Satan's plans for the future should be of little consequence to us.
We would benefit more by forgetting about our opponent and implementing our Commanders' strategies instead.
People like Michael Bell and Parkerbrothers spend all their time focusing on exacts date of the end of time and condemning others instead of spending their time focusing on making their own life right and being a proper role model for other Christians and those that are lost.
amen jaxspike.
jaxspike ,
The exact date no one knows except the Father. However, the signs of the time will and have become evident. I wish everyone had a concern for lost souls and a care to everyone for them to "be not deceived".
It is this type of care that caused Jesus to look down at Jerusalem and weep. He knew they were lost.
Here is something that will save you some time, Don't feed the trolls. There is nothing they can say that they already haven't said before. They have nothing new to add. No point even given these hypocrites the time of the day, they are ignorant old fools that are too wise even see the true picture of what God or Jesus was about.
It isn't about the Word of God, the Living God or any other analogies they need to bring up to try to prove their side. God does not work in the way they profess. If anyone believes the way they do, they are in for a shock when the unbeknownst time of reckoning. I do not know what will be said, nor do I know what I will do, but one for is certain God will push them away saying, "I do not know you".
quantumcat,
While it is true we all live one day at a time I think it is imperative that we care for souls other than our own and try to warn the lost of the wrath to come and to spread the good news that there is a plan of salvation to escape such a wrath.
Perhaps you and others are not called to this matter and can be content not worrying for the eternal souls of others. I can accept that if only you could accept the call of others. If you can be content with just yourself so be it but why support condemners of the called???
"The exact date no one knows except the Father. However, the signs of the time will and have become evident. I wish everyone had a concern for lost souls and a care to everyone for them to "be not deceived"."
Yeah they said that in 50AD, 200AD, 400AD, 800AD 1300AD, 1550AD, 1640AD, and pretty much every decade after that. Did Christ return then? There were signs then... I didn't think so. So, do you EVER have anything valid to say? I didn't think so.
"While it is true we all live one day at a time I think it is imperative that we care for souls other than our own and try to warn the lost of the wrath to come and to spread the good news that there is a plan of salvation to escape such a wrath."
Does care mean, Believe in the Living Christ! (While I hit you with my car, then beat your mercilessly with my fists) or does caring mean getting out and doing things for the community like, Oh lets say, fixing some stuff to make your neighbors life a little easier?
Evil Monkey,
Interesting to see you talk about God when you can give no reference to where you learned of God.
You like to mention some phrase from the Bible when it is convenient but confess it to be a fairy tale and a lie among other things.
Yes, you are correct in saying "there is nothing they can say that they already haven't said before". We will always have the same story and will always reference you to the Bible.
And as I have said before also, until you believe "he came out of the tomb" it is all in vain. But I will continue with you.
So, do you EVER have anything valid to say? I didn't think so.
-- Posted by Evil Monkey on Fri, Jun 20, 2008, at 9:01 AM
It must be valid. Or else you do not have anything else to do except follow Michael's teachings.
I have noticed your blog seems dead and has no comments at all. Maybe one day there will be someone comment on it and you will seek to promote your beliefs on it instead of trying to destoy someone elses beliefs on theirs.
Does care mean, Believe in the Living Christ! (While I hit you with my car, then beat your mercilessly with my fists) or does caring mean getting out and doing things for the community like, Oh lets say, fixing some stuff to make your neighbors life a little easier?
-- Posted by Evil Monkey
This comment I agree with completely.
You can quote every verse in the bible but if your not living right and helping other rather than hurting others it doesn't matter how many verses you can quote!
"I have noticed your blog seems dead and has no comments at all. Maybe one day there will be someone comment on it and you will seek to promote your beliefs on it instead of trying to destoy someone elses beliefs on theirs."
Goes both ways chief. If you also notice, you need to be LOGGED IN to see comments. Oh but I forgot, you only read what you want to. Only ignorant people, cannot think outside of the box. At least, I do SOMETHING for my community instead of destroy lives, or make people miserable. Pretty sad that people have to take you to court to get you to do something right.
Evil Monkey,
The care I speak of does not pertain to our short earthly life or earthly matters. I care about where someone (including you) will spend eternity.
I still am amazed at how easy you can believe a story that someone was paid to get when you can not believe in a group of letters that many wrote comprising the Bible and they gave their lives in defence of their story.
"I still am amazed at how easy you can believe a story that someone was paid to get when you can not believe in a group of letters that many wrote comprising the Bible and they gave their lives in defence of their story."
Again, changing the subject... Nice ploy, doesn't work because my actions speak for me.
The care I speak of does not pertain to our short earthly life or earthly matters. I care about where someone (including you) will spend eternity.
PB it sounds like you are saying it's OK to do whatever while your alive! If I go home an abuse my kids, I'm going to pay for my mistake here on earth and in eternity as well.
I have a hard time reading your post without thinking hypocrite!
Pretty sad that people have to take you to court to get you to do something right.
Posted by Evil Monkey on Fri, Jun 20, 2008, at 9:38 AM
Evil Monkey,
I have to date been involved with over a thousand people's biggest investment they make in their life and to date I have never had a one have to carry me to court to make me do anything. I have always clearly stated what we will delevier and have always performed as stated.
I have never found anything that can not be worked out among two people if they sit down and discuss things. That has always been my way and it has worked so far and I plan on the same approach the rest of my life.
I do want to caution you on defamating any man's business. I would hate to see someone believe your false statements and you be the cause of loss of sale.
Disgusted,
Sorry you are interpreting (assuming) erroneously. I am not saying "it's OK to do whatever while your alive". If you will slow down and read what I wrote instead of what you want to see it will appear to you correctly.
While I do worry and care about what someone does on earth I think it is secondary to eternity. Yes, if you "go home an abuse my kids" you will probably have to answer for it here on earth. I however, am more concerned that you and your "kids" understand there is a greater wrath coming and there is a hope to escape it and live where there will never be any abuse for eternity.
I however, am more concerned that you and your "kids" understand there is a greater wrath coming and there is a hope to escape it and live where there will never be any abuse for eternity.
Thanks but I will worry about my eternity as well as my childrens. Please don't (assume) that you know anything about my families religious knowledge or beliefs!
Disgusted,
I wish worry and concern was something like a light swith that could be simply cut on or off. I actually believe the worry and concern comes from somewhere else but uses us as vessels to transmit it through.
I still remember your story of early childhood and can not help but be concerned. Sorry, but as I said it just does not cut on and off. Wish it did but it does not.
"I do want to caution you on defamating any man's business. I would hate to see someone believe your false statements and you be the cause of loss of sale."
Funny... I never mentioned your business... Why do you assume I meant that? Did you not get charged for allegedly assaulting someone? OK, don't you have to go to court for that? No idea why you are defending your business as I haven't mentioned them whatsoever, matter of fact, I believe I complimented you on them a few times.
I still remember your story of early childhood and can not help but be concerned. Sorry, but as I said it just does not cut on and off. Wish it did but it does not.
Uh, I think you have me confused with someone else!
Funny... I never mentioned your business
Posted by Evil Monkey on Fri, Jun 20, 2008, at 11:18 AM
Wrong, you have mentioned my business and even neighborhoods in particular. The entire transcipts are on the 17th floor of a downtown Nashville building.
Disgusted,
You may be right. I will check. But either way the ability to cut concern and worry on and off remains a more complex task than cutting a light switch on or off.
What are you talking about? Are you paranoid? You have lost your bird, man. Really.
I know whos story you're talking about, I read it too! She's probably got a better chance of making it to heaven than you or I either one!
What's my thoughts? Well, I think there is alot of judgement going on back and forth.
Only Jesus can read a person's heart. I do think each person has there own "moral standard" which is a judgement in a way and admit mine has changed through the years.
I see this:
"Perhaps you and others are not called to this matter and can be content not worrying for the eternal souls of others. I can accept that if only you could accept the call of others. If you can be content with just yourself so be it but why support condemners of the called???
-- Posted by parkerbrothers on Fri, Jun 20, 2008, at 9:00 AM
Aren't you judging that they need "your" help? What makes you think they aren't already "enlightened?
And I wonder if you are the called? It seems you are in the perfect position to minister to that rapist/murderer. But will you? Because he probably won't be able to pay you back by buying one of your houses?
That is just some of my thoughts.
Disgusted,
I think I also remember it being someone else with a similar name as yours. It was however a very touching story which no one should have to suffer through.
There are no better or worse chances of making it to Heaven. There is not going to be a set of scales to way out the difference between bad and good we have done. I have no better chance than anyone. I am not relying on chance at all. I am relying on the sacrafice of a Living Christ who is the propitiation for our sins.
countrymom,
Nothing wrong with having thoughts as you call them. I believe we all have a few of those ourselves.
I do wish though that people would study more on the English word "judge" as it is used in the Bible. It seems to be a favorite thing for everyone to use to defend everything with. I have to admit you have spun the word "judge" in a way I have never seen before. For me to say I am concerned and worried for all souls eternal destiny and you to spin the word "judging" on it is indeed a first in my life. Quite interesting.
I believe the concern for souls (including our own) and doing the will of God should not be dependant on a pending Judgement Day,our sense of mortality or a given holiday.
Just as children need to be good even before they hear that Santa is preparing for his annual ride,we need to practice meekness before the Last Trump.
We should do it as part of our everyday relationship with God.
A Chicken Little mentality makes Satan the focus and gloating on being exempted from the world's woes by the Rapture can make us smug.
If we,like our Lord,would be the same yesterday,today and forever,then we need not worry about being ready when Jesus comes.
We would be prepared to meet the Father and we would have been busy laboring on His behalf all along.
Have you seen this?
http://www.whitehouse.org/initiatives/pu...
EM~
Ummmmmmmm, what????? What has that spoof website have to do with the conversation?
EM - I've been reading through the topic here and I have to admit, I can't find the correlation between that site and the conversation here either.
BTW, that link may not be safe for work (NSFW) if you are in an uptight work environment.
Evil Monkey,
At least they blamed the Democrats for the crisis and got that part right.
Evil Monkey,
At least they blamed the Democrats for the crisis and got that part right.
Umm...the website for THE White House is www.whitehouse.gov, NOT www.whitehouse.org.
Have you seen this?
http://www.whitehouse.org/initiatives/pu......
-- Posted by Evil Monkey on Fri, Jun 20, 2008, at 1:10 PM
EM~
Ummmmmmmm, what????? What has that spoof website have to do with the conversation?
-- Posted by craftin_mom on Fri, Jun 20, 2008, at 1:27 PM
craftin_mom,
Maybe it was just what is on his mind.
I think its funny that now "global warming" has turned into "climate change". Where did "global warming" go? Looks like the Church of Al Gore is starting to go through a little "change" itself.
maybe people will stop drinking the kool-aid.
Time is Satans biggest tool. He tells everyone that they have plenty of time. "You can get salvation later in life" he says, "you can get off drugs later".
That is "WILD & Crazy". PB must not be married.
greasemonkey,
I have been waiting for someone to say that all day. You are right about time being Satan's biggest tool. What a deceiving tool it is. And almost everybody will bite off into it like it is the last apple on the tree.
It is one of the quickest ways to discern someone's message. If they condemn the "warners of time" you know whom their true leader is.
PB must not be married.
Posted by Momof3&3step&1gran on Fri, Jun 20, 2008, at 2:37 PM
And what would have your assumptions in gear today Momof3&3step&1gran?
Hehehehe Thom I saw that on this forum I frequent for webdesigners and the one guy that did this and I swear I laughed for an hour straight. He said the guy who wanted it was a conservative christian that has gotten so sick of the rightwing retards that he decided instead of getting angry about it he would show how ridiculous it could be.
"craftin_mom,
Maybe it was just what is on his mind."
Oh I am going to have to put this in the transcripts stored on the 5th floor of the parking garage somewhere in Indiana. hehe
Evil Monkey,
I just could not think of a better reason for you posting that link to the website. As everyone said it had nothing to do with the conversation. You must of simply had it on your mind to be viewing such sites????
LOL Yeah just about like how you view hitting someone with your car and beating them senseless.
I hope you can properly document your false defamating statements.
Parker, 48, allegedly struck Chad Smotherman with his No. 4 race car in the pit area of the track. Both Parker and his brother, Michael Parker, 35, are said to have attacked track owner Jim Hastings, according to a report filed with the Shelbyville Police Department by officer James Wilkerson, who also acts as security for the track.
How is the defamating statements? It is public record.
Evil Monkey,
That report sounds even different that yours. Read it closely. I would actually memorize it if I was in your shoes today.
Actually, it looks to me like it says Parker allegedly struck one guy with his car and then he and his brother "are said to have attacked" a different guy. See, here I was thinking that someone got run over and then they jumped out and beat him. It's not so bad if they beat someone else, probably still not quite the appropriate thing to do, but it's not like they beat up someone that they had just run over. That would have just been MEAN.
I should really start reading the news rather than relying on you folks for my news...lol. Then again, that's as reliable as watching the network news I suppose.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Thom is not responsible for what Thom types on these blogs.
It is only "gloom and doom" if you are not assured of your salvation.
I used to pray that God would wait just one more day , but I don't pray that prayer no more I am ready for Christ to come and put a end to all the madness in the world and recreate it the way he intended.
Where people can't tell me when or where I can pray, whether I can display the ten commandments or a cross where I want to.
Where I don't have to be politically correct when it comes to other religions or groups.
Where God says the only way his his way by his word.
No more A.C.L.U to decide what is right or wrong or filth in the world or Supreme Court Justices deciding what is allowed or not allowed.
It might be doom and gloom to you but it is peace and joy to me to know that the time is very close , even closer than we might imagine.
BTW, that link may not be safe for work (NSFW) if you are in an uptight work environment.
-- Posted by Thom
WOW, now I see why I couldnt view that earlier today!
EM that was random.....
Very well said and felt Pastor Bell.
I too remember a time I would have run and hid from Jesus upon His return.
Today you better have a good set of tennis shoes on if you think you will beat me to Him first when He returns. I look forward to the day of his return.
The peace and joy you mentioned are part of the fruits of the Spirit.
Sorry about this Marvin but I have to ask when you are beating everyone else to Him are you driving your race car? If so history says that you will beat everyone else to Him no matter what it takes to get there. Proven!
Don't be like the frog in boiling water, put the frog in boiling water and the frog will jump out.
Put him in water and turn it up gradually and he will burn to death.
The heat is being turned up gradually get out before its too late , ACCEPT CHRIST! don't be a cooked frog.
I've always found it odd that people feel the need to prattle on about the "end of days" when there have been doomsayers for millenia that have walked around with their "The End Is Nigh" signs and yet we're still here. Personally, I believe that if you live your life as if each day were your last (but plan for the future), go out of your way to keep from hurting people, and go out of your way to help people, then you're good with God (or whatever your version of God is).
OH sorry, You hit one guy with a car THEN hit another guy with your hands. My bad, NOW that sounds better eh?
Michael,
If you are going to be speaking and writing publicly, please improve your grammar.
The title should read," What are your thoughts?"
Your comment "I don't pray that prayer no more", should read, "I don't pray that prayer anymore".
I think you would have a better response if your presentation was better.
One more thing. Why do you want to be politically incorrect to other religions or groups? They are doing YOU no harm.
gottago - I tried this a while back and was scolded for my appreciation for our mother tongue.
I, too seem to have made a grammatical error.
My comment should have read ".....if your presentation WERE better'
Remember a few months ago when tempers were flaring and one blogger in particular added nothing to the conversation except for calling me names like "nascar nut"... Well it seems like all of the childish insinuations of "nascar nut" have resulted in a foot in mouth phenomena (seems to be popular lately)... Anyone else find it ironic that months after calling ME a "nascar nut" the accuser is on the suspicious end of an incident (involving racing) that could have claimed a life? That's all...
PB, no need to respond... It's just a thought.
It's likely that Michael's been studying the Word more than grammar texts.
He could start including a few refresher courses in English and maybe do an information exchange with some good teachers.
They could tell him about split infinitives,dangling participles and subject/verb agreement and he could show them that the Unpardonable Sin has nothing to do with using the first person singular in the objective case.
It's easier to improve how an idea is expressed (by working on spelling,syntax and vocabulary ) than to have a good concept to begin with.
If any of us have become lax in our usage or never mastered certain language skill, there are materials out there that can assist us.
These works are not just for children,immigrants,or copyeditors.
They can be useful to all who want to perfect the way they communicate.
I am certain that my writing/typing skills are to say the least, lacking(as is my education). What I find more interesting about this particular method of communicating is how hard it is to fully understand and to be understood. I am not 100% sure that I know exactly what points some of you writers are tring to make at times. Not that I am insulting anyone's ability to communicate, it may have more to do with my ability to comprehend. Even in the best of circumstances, with people looking face to face who know one another well, misunderstandings are common. In this forum, we do not have the same clues about the actual meaning of comments. Assuming that with everyone's different life experiences, words tend to have slightly different meanings, it is amazing to me that you all communicate so well here. I have always been fascinated with linguistics anyway.
Oh, I forgot to say "what's my thoughts". Even if I did expect a future rapture, I would have serious doubts about it being imminent. Judging not only from history, but also scripture.
We are not so far removed from where we have always been. Peace talks in Israel have been around since there have been people living there. I do not know exactly what the price of gas would have to do with it, but when figuring in for inflation, it is only about 33% higher than it really "should" be. (It would be great to see wages keep up with inflation as well though.) The weather has been much worse, so I wouldnt see that as a warning of the second coming. I do not believe that we are any more immoral than our ancestors. If you need proof of that, re-read your OT. Talk about immorality, you would have a hard time convincing me that we are not, as a whole, more moral now than we were then. I am not criticizing, societal norms do change.
My language and grammar are the least of my worries , my eternal salvation isn't based on it , or should that be ain't?
And by the way , it has only been Israel since 1948.
Before the land known as Israel became Israel there were no need for peace talks.
Those groups are doing harm and I will speak on this later.
memyselfi,
You know what? You are so right about how someone should communicate and I am sure I am guilty of just that. But for some of these people to even understand one must do that.
Michael,
You are incorrect, language and grammer are important. Then people misunderstand you.
michaelbell,
I would hope you will not put much time and emphasis on correct grammar at this point of lapsing time. Most of the ones that have corrected you on grammar having writings just as flawed.
As you should be able to figure out your grammar is quite well understood. All your comments seem to be rebutted with a clear understanding of what you were talking about.
Remember, an hour studying grammar is an hour less studying the Word. Satan's number one tool is deception of time. Just as he works through people to have them condemn your urgency of time he will work through others to have you detracted away from your mission by studying earthly grammar instead of heavenly gospel.
I seriously doubt there will be spelling bee's in Heaven or Hell.
Keep up the good work.
Evil Monkey,
You understand Pastor Michael quite well. Your problem is not in understanding, it is of acceptance.
I cannot accept fear and hate. It is wrong, it is hypocritical and you know it. You are just baiting people because you feel it is a form of control. The problem is, you have no control, not over anyone. You don't have a leg to stand on regardless of any claims you make. So do what you must but you only have 28 days left to do it.
Evil Monkey,
FEAR:
Unfortunately fear is a realistic emotion that is created when an attempt of acceptance of a reality is in front of someone. Fear can be a very healthy and protective emotion to have. Hopefully children will fear the consequence of putting their hand on a hot stove, getting in a car with a stranger or even sticking a fork in an electrical outlet.
Without fear the world would truly be chaotic.
Michael's messages are not centered on fear. Fear is just the natural by-product of the reality of his message when acceptance is required or attempted. Yes, if you try to accept his Bible based message the emotion of fear will come forth. That is where the problem starts. You are faced with accepting it and the remedy on God's terms or you will enter into denial and follow Satan's terms. The emotion of fear has been at the core of God's creation and plan from the beginning. It did not take long for Adam and Eve to experience it after the fall.
9And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
10And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was ARFAID, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
If you only read a few verses further you will see the anger and wrath side of god displayed as he drove them out of the garden. Yes, even the anger and wrath of God's character was there from the start. But so was the plan of salvation of which Michael preaches. You seem unable to see his true message because you allow denial to overtake you when the reality comes forth and fear is felt.
HATE:
There is not enough time in the day nor room on this page to discuss the simple English word hate, especially of its use in the Bible. I suspect you have allowed your perception of the meaning of the word hate and love to be molded heavily by the hands of Stargate and Days of Our Lives. It is easy to see your misperception occurring in view of such molding and shaping. Let me briefly say though that you are deceived if you think Michael has any hatred in his soul toward any person or group of people. I met him for the first time last week and had a chance to sit down and listen to him for several hours. I detected no hate in the man. I did see a driven man with a concern for eternal souls sitting across from me and a continual eruption of a Loving Holy Spirit out of him.
I have only one comment to make: If I were reading this whole conversation as a non-christian or an immature christian I would wonder why I should be a christian. When non-christians see these types of arguments going on they say "They don't act any different than me, why should I be a christian." The study of eschatology is very interesting and fascinating, but we need to meet people where they are at, and God's prevenient grace will work. I know with me actions at times speak much louder than words, but we do need to be careful with the words we use.
Sharon22,
A traditional Methodist, I presume.
Just because John Wesley introduced the theory and doctrine of prevenient grace in the 18th century gives it no necessary credence to the Bible. Catholicism, maybe.
Sharon22,
No condemnation meant. Just supporting your claim that we have "to be careful with words we use".
Michael Bell, Language and grammer are very important if you have the desire to communicate effectivly to someone. If you believe you have been called to preach, please do not doubt the written and spoken words tendancy to be mis-understood. I am not giving you a hard time, or trying to anyway. I will be the first to admit my grammer punctuation and spelling are all needing work, and that is assuming that I am typing well enough to make the words I want to see.
The name of the land currently called Israel is of little consequence. To doubt the need for and the reality of peace talks in the region (for at least the last few thousand years) shows a massive misunderstanding of the history of the area, either on my part or yours. The area has seen more than its share of turbulance to my understanding. I am well aware that the area was renamed and given to the jewish people after the war, but I do not see the significance of that, or of the peace talks currently ongoing there (or not) to prophetic scriptures.
Parker, I wonder what are your assumptions regarding grace? Are you a more Calvinistic thinker?
parkerbrothers,
I noticed you have a selective reading problem again. Regarding Fear...
"If fear of an apocalypse Prophesied by Nostradomus brings people to Christ then I have done my job."
"They say by 2012 that the population of the planet will reach 7 billion people, 7 is the number of God according to scripture , who knows?"
So in short, if using Satanic rituals brings people to Christ, But since he is "saved" thats ok.
Regarding Hate ... He has singled out groups of individuals on a regular basis. Peaceful people that don't do anything wrong.
The time we spend bathing could also be time taken away from study of the Word but we have to ask ourselves if poor hygiene would detract more than spending those few minutes a day on studying might add.
I know we're not likely to hear Michael dedicating Himself to the great "I IS" but so long as the enemy tries to discredit the Message by making the messengers seem ridiculous,we need to avoid as many distracting stumbling blocks as we can.
Our foe would like nothing better than to keep people from looking past big hair,overdone make-up,poor use of language,fad clothes,etc. to the person inside.
Even churches are guilty of this when they turn up their noses at seekers with tattoos,shorts and piercings.
Yes,these things need not impair our witness but we need to avoid them when they would.
A person can always set aside fancy talk and dress when necessary-unless they don't have it to set aside.
Having good language skills (in as many languages as possible) available when required gives us one more asset we can turn over to the Lord for Him to utilize.
Would there be as much criticism of Michael expanding his verbal skills if he were learning Spanish at the depot,sign at Bill Rice Ranch or other tongues he might need in the mission field?
If such enrichment studies are part of how God is preparing him for service,we shouldn't discourage his taking them on.
God would expand his schedule to fit them in.
If they're not part of God's plan,Michael would thrive without them.
He would not feel a reluctance to learn based on his qualms or what anyone else said to him.
Michael,do bear in mind that while God can bring forth great things from us as we are,we can grow and change and even get "book smarts" without endangering the Holy Spirit's work in our lives.
God can survive with our being educated.
It is our enemy who would like to keep us ignorant so he can pass us off as stupid.
memyselfi,
I am just a plain thinker.
My assumptions regarding grace?
The modern English word "grace" is a catch all for the Greek words charis and the Hebrew words of hanam, hen, chesed and raham.
Which are you referring to?
As far as Calvin, Wesley, Luther, etc., etc., go? I can see where all their thought originates from and can see both good and bad after effects of their doctrines. The main thing is they all built upon the foundation of a Living Christ. I beleive at times they may all have used different materials on top of the Foundation but all their homes will withstand the test of fire.
I have however been particularily drawn to Martin Luther's sermons over the last few years and read several of those every day. Other than Christ, I know of none other I would feel as priviledged to meet as I would Luther and the Apostle Paul.
Evil Monkey,
God works in mysterious ways. Yes, if for some reason a person who is involved in Satanic rituals is drawn to study the enemy of Satan and they stumble onto a Living Christ then I would say that is okay. Actually I would say that is great.
God uses different vessels to transport the great message. I am not going to be suprised if He even uses a monkey someday to deliver His message. I know if He can use a jack ass like me a monkey is not out of the question. honkkkhehonk ehonkkkk.
For the ones who believe "replacement theology" that the church has replaced Israel are sadly mistaken.
Everything to come will center around Israel.
I have seen some people foll a whole lot of people with "well educated reading and writing"
I admit I do need to touch up a few things which I will.
Calvin fooled a lot of people and there are several others in the Kingdom of God who talk and write ever so nice , but don't have a clue.
It is a simple message.
Christ crucified!
Christ resurrected!
Christ will return to judge the WORLD!
Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess!
I just choose to do it now!
Marvin , you will be in my prayers everyday until God takes care of your situation.
In reference to "What's Your Thoughts?" :
I think the bible is clear that we will not know the day nor the hour of his return but I think it also clearly teaches we will know the season. I choose to fill my lamp and I choose also to warn others to do so. I knew the bridegroom is nearby when I heard the wedding bells ringing.
1Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
So, your thought is to be a polygamist?
PB, I have not heard that in a Long Time; Thank you for posting it. That is only one of my struggles in life, being prepared - and on time. Matt. 25:
Parker, What I was asking was what do you believe? I assumed from your comment to another user that you did not believe in Wesley's idea of grace. For example, do you believe that I have not been chosen by God to come to God? Is grace something that is reserved for the few? Do we as humans have the ability to choose grace, or are we in too fallen a condition?
I am not as fond of Luther as you appear to be. In my opinion, he was just a step to the left of the monster church he evolved from, although his work to make the Bible available was very worthwhile. I would be more intersted in talking with Erasmus myself.
Michael Bell, I could not take the position that an area of land named Israel has to be the center of the end times based on scripture. Israel has been considered many things throughout the OT. Is it 1 man? Or is it 12 tribes, 1 kingdom 2 kingdoms? The bounderies of Israel have never been set firmly. Even according to scripture, the actual land was always being gained and lost. I think it would be a mistake to assume the land given to the Jewesh people 60 years ago has to be "the" Israel.
I do wish I saw religion as simply as you claim that you do. To me it is nowhere near that easy. I guess Christianity is like the game Othello "a minute to learn, a lifetime to master".
God set the boundaries for Israel in the Old Covenant and what they have is not near what God promised them.
The Temple is fixing to be rebuilt on the Temple Mount and the Anti- Christ will set in it until disposed of by Jesus then he will reign forever.
Glory be to God !
Why exactly do you believe that? Are you basing your beliefs on specific scripture?
God set the boundries of Israel, but they were not set in stone forever. They were set for a moment in time. This is evident regardless of what you believe.
I don't think any of the virgins were very bright.
If you have ten women, a limited amount of oil and no certainty as to how long it will have to last,it would seem more prudent to have one or two lamps at most burning during the night.
Four pairs of girls (one foolish,one wise) would take turns at the watch.
Ideally,the remaining pair would have gone to market early to have bought oil for the negligent five.
That preparation and rationing would have made their supplies last longer even if there weren't any Maccabean warriors in their midst.
When they couldn't make up for their mistake by commandeering fuel from their fellow brides,the dimmer damsels shouldn't have taken the advice to rush to the shops in the dark.
Instead,they should have walked alongside the women who had illumination and shared the light (if not the oil).
The wise virgins didn't seem anxious to help their sisters out.
Not only did they send the girls off into the night as their fiance' arrived,they failed to ask that the ceremony be delayed until their return.
(HE can tarry but they have to be there on time?)
Alas,the ladies who were turned away probably didn't make use of the rights of the betrothed.
If they got jilted without just cause,they could take him before the Beth Din or Jewish Courts plus they get to keep the rings,the dishes and the toaster-ovens.
Prior to the betrothal,a courting couple could not touch or be alone.
After the counselling and initial contracts (followed by a ritual known as the vort),the pair have the restrictions of marriage but not the perks.
The groom,in conjunction with the bride's father, can even nullify any contracts or vows she has made.
The couple draw up and sign a pre-nuptual agreement called a ketubah that includes that a lien would be placed on his property for the bride's support in the event of his death or a divorce.
These are just some of the stages in the year long period between engagement and marriage yet one party would have to obtain a divorce to end the arrangement.
The brides left out in the cold would each have the right to claim a wife's share of what was his even if he no longer recognized them.
If the light is the Holy Spirit,God's bride should prepare herself during their time apart and keep enough oil for her purification.
She should try to be alert when He is due.
She should hold fast to the covenants between her and her Bridegroom.
She should recall that, before they came together,each knew who and what the other was and willingly pledged themselves to one another.
They have agreed to support and protect one another.
He who would abandon the bride is not the true Bridegroom.
Her true Mate will help her gain wisdom rather than reject her for lacking the shrewdness He knew was absent when He claimed her for Himself.
quantumcat,
Great information but I think Jesus was simply instructing us to be prepared for His return when He takes His Bride (Church) home.
I see Michael's warnings a lot like him telling everybody that oil is on sale down the road.
How many that have condemned him will run to him on that day and ask for his oil. The parable tells what his answer is to be. It is too late.
He who would abandon the bride is not the true Bridegroom.
Posted by quantumcat on Sun, Jun 22, 2008, at 1:53 AM
quantumcat,
I also wish to comment that the bridegroom you have told about is not like the one Jesus represented as himself. Though I like the ideas of yours unfortunately you can not turn my bridegroom (Jesus) into what your fantasy of Him could be. He is what He is. Like it or not. We have to marry Him on His terms, not ours.
The alternative one's (satan) terms is easier for us to follow.
We often foget earth is only temporary, not eternal. There is always tomorrow we are told. One day tomorrow won"t be. Like it or not.
That is the message we all are trying to get out. If our message is wrong for you it's your choice not ours.
It's not a gloom and doom message to us it's a choice between our temporary self satisfaction, and Jesus offer of eternal salvation and joy with him, or satin's eternal hell and torment for others.
I know within my heart that one doesn't have to attend church to be saved. God will accept your words of believing anywhere at anytime. Get the SOUL right and everything will be alright.
Ten young ladies (not christians) who were friends of a certain girl that got married.v1
Foolish, because they did not take extra oil seperate vessels to replenish their supply in their lamps should be used up.v3
Wise,because they took extra oil.v4
During the hours before midnight they all fell asleep.v5
Jewish weddings were generally celebrated at night, starting at evening;but for some reason he was late. didn't arrive until midnight.v6
It was customary;starting from the home of the bridegroom his friends began shouting all along the route,people would take up the joyous cry until it would get near the home of the bride,that it would wake the sleeping ones.(the ten virgins;chosen by the bride)In our day they would be called,maids of honor.v6,7
When they heard the cry they all rose to trim their lamps,but the 5 foolish had no oil.They asked of the 5 wise(they brought extra)but they refused and sent the foolish to buy oil for themselves.v8,9,10
This is an actual bridegroom,not Jesus Christ.
The marriage is a referance to an actual marriage, not the marriage supper of the lamb.
Doors were always locked to uninvited guest.v 12
The ten virgins were friends of the bride ,not necessarily of the bridegroom who is called "Lord" in verse 11.
This is the point illustrated by this story of an oriental wedding:Take a lesson from the ten virgins,and be always watchful,we don't know the day of Jesus's arrival.
like PB said!
33:6 But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take [any] person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand.
Ezekiel 33:6 KJV
This is the reason true Christians are supposed to warn the world of things to come.
If we see people in their time of trouble and don't warn them we are held accountable.
And how much more accountable will the ones be held that allowed Satan to proclaim his message of "you have time, enjoy the world, they have been claiming the end time for 2000 years now" through them???
I don't mind the vigilance.
I just have problems when people get the idea that the only reason to wear clean step-ins is that they're going to be in a car wreck.
quantumcat,
You are right. We should wear clean drawers everyday. Maybe mothers were just using the best tactic they knew to get us to practice good hygiene?
I wonder if mothers ever knew the child was thinking the car wreck could be so frightening that the step-ins were going to need changing anyway after the wreck.
memyselfi,
I like what you say, you are pretty civil, but you are wasting your breath with the ignorant here. They believe specific things, but when you bring up something in the people, they call that specific thing an analogy. So your best thing is let them kill the beliefs of others and let them be. I made the mistake of even trying to talk sense into them, but Satan has too tight of a grip on them. It is too late for them, for they are already lost.
They will argue with mindless faith, there is no reasoning, and they have little or no point to anything they are talking about. Do not waste your time, even Jesus said that. As you can see, they will honestly sit here and waste their time "converting" people here then going out and helping others using compassion, love and understanding. These are the gifts that Jesus used, NOT wrath.
I really enjoy your posts and the way you take what is in the Bible, and I can actually feel your conviction in your dialogue. But the hope is in vain when speaking with the confused, polluted and demon-possessed minds that continually post the same thing over and over.
Peace and let them wander ..
Do not waste your time, even Jesus said that
Posted by Evil Monkey on Mon, Jun 23, 2008, at 9:29 AM
Evil Monkey,
Tell us about your Jesus and how you learned about him.
Why am I reminded of Jonah?
(Act I: The Call to Preach)
"No way. I ain't goin' to no Ninevah.
Ninevans are mean n' ugly n stupid n eat babies n if you send me there to preach,they won't get saved -they'll just kill me!"
(Act II : After the Great Fish)
"O.k. "I'll go to Ninevah- But when they chop me to pieces and He has to smite them,Boy,will HE be sorry!"
(Act III : No Good Deed Goes Unpunished)
"Oh no. Those heathens actually *listened*?
They got SAVED?
I'm goin' to be spendin' eternity in Heaven with NON-damned Ninevans.
I...I...(ulp)...I think I'll go lie down for a while."
quantumcat,
Perhaps the Ninevans were actually sheep dressed in goat skins. :)
Could be.
I know I've met a lot of sheep in wolves' clothing.
quantumcat,
Unfortunately, I have mostly seen wolves in sheep's clothing. They are the deceivers of all deceivers.
They tell the goats to "just keep grazing along, everything is okay, tommorrow will be better, do not pay attention to that old sheperd, he has been saying a wolf is on the prowl forever. The wolf is too busy chasing the three little pigs around. Just eat and drink my little goat".
I was thinking about this subject while I was laying in bed last nite. It came to me that Jesus said he would return "as a thief in the nite", it was then that I realized that I had locked the front door of my house and my truck was also locked as was my wifes car. I put little thought into these preventitive measures, to keep the thieves out. We dont mind doing these little things to protect our personal belongings (which dont really matter in the long run anyway) why cant we get the ultimate in protection services, faith in our Lord Jesus and acceptance in him as our personal saviour.
One thing you can say for satan he is a professional.
The first time God whiped him he took a third of God's angels with him and they knew who God was.
Then he got God's creation called Adam to accept death and lose fellowship with God.
God loved his creation and took his creation back with his son's life that he gave on Calvary,s cross for us.
Second defeat for big bad satan.
The way I count the score is (2-0) God's favor and going into the nineth.
Soon the game will be over and satan will have lost (3-0) game over.
greasemonkey,
You are a wise thinker.
jesse sellers,
And the pitcher has nodded to the catcher.
Even the people out in left field can bean him.
quantumcat,
Why would anyone want to "bean him" and stop the defeat of the Devil?
Let Him pitch the final ball and start the glorious victory celebration.
That lower impotence thinks he can take out our MVP.
He thinks he can defeat out our Hall of Fame.
He's spent years doing a brush back so our players would strike out or wind up with a foot in the bucket.
But,we've got the Ultimate Clean-up player on our team and anytime He even shows up for the game,the rest of the bullpen is ready to win.
Ole slewfoot better be prepared to be trounced by the kid in the dugout with the Gatorade and not a few screwballs because Tinker to Evers to Chance has nothing on Hashem to Yeshua to Sophia.
We may not know what positions we will play.
We may want to catch while the Coach would have us pitch or vice versa.
But,if we practice diligently,play by the rules and watch for our signals,we can work as one to bat our adversary back to where he belongs-FAR below the Mendoza line.
parkerbrothers, I am just wondering, shouldn't a Christian want as much time as they could get to save the unsaved? I mean, if you believe that everyone that is not saved (whatever your definition of saved is)will be removed from God forever, shouldn't it be kind of your objective to wish for the postponement of the second coming until more people could be reached. I dont know, but to me, it sounds a little selfish to be hoping it is sooner rather than later as long as you are the one who is already saved. I was just confused, and was hoping you could clarify for me.
memyselfi
Time is deciving. The younger you are the longer time seems to be. The older you get the days seem to grow shorter.
In my youth I lost five of my friends over a period of nine years to the death angel where we worked. I soon realized the word was true. I was promised no tomorrow, and the next one to leave could be me.
I suggest more need to realize that. Some one today won't be coming home to their loved ones and friends sad but true.
Could it be you?
memyselfi,
Interesting point you brought forth of which I myself have pondered on before. I came to the conclusion that noone comes to Him unless the Father draweth. The Father will draw as he sees fit and as long as he sees fit of which I have no control. He is the keeper of time.
Another viewpoint you have to consider is that every minute there are more people being born than are dying. I sometimes think Jesus's words to the daughters of Jerusalem might also apply to our time when he said:
28But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.
29For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.
30Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.
I also want to say that Paul's instructions follow through to us today when he said:
13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
and:
1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
As I have said before, if you ever are drawn to a Living Christ and accept His sacrafice as the only means of atonement for your sins you will look for and "hope" for His return to "save" you from the wrath to come.
Parker
Well said.
quantumcat,
I think we have our teams mixed up. The pitcher is none other than Jesus Christ ready to throw the last strike against the batter Satan.
That explains why I thought you were dilusional when you mentioned "bean" him.
Oh,Jesus will do the main part but the rest of us shouldn't just be sittin' on our duffs scarfin' down hot dogs and Cracker Jack.
On one hand,I'm glad the Lord didn't come during my more backslidden days.
On the other hand,I would have had a lot more fun then pouring fire ants on the bad guys.
Nowadays,I have to remember that there,but for a few literal "Come to Jesus" encounters,go I.
Hey, don't you go and start downing Craker Jacks. They are the breakfast of champions.
parkerbrothers, Okay thanks, that helps me to understand better, but it also leads me to another question, if you dont mind me asking.
Given your belief of "of which I have no control" do you still find it necessary to proselytize and witness? If so, could you let me know why?
I am trying really hard to get where you are coming from and I do not mean to challenge you, but I am having a hard time grasping exactly what you are saying.
jessie, Yes, I am aware of my fragile mortality. I would like to say that I had no fear of death, but it is not something I am currently looking forward to. My main issue with death however is not what may or may not happen to me, but the pain and problems that it will be certain to cause for my loved ones. What scares you about it?
I figure Death,Judgement Day,etc. aren't so bad,in and of themselves.
Most of us dread them because we don't feel prepared for what comes next or we shudder at the thought of what we'll have to go through in order to experience them.
(That puts them in the same rank with childbirth and puberty.)
We can find ourselves trembling at the signs of their approach,wanting to postpone them as long as possible but,at the same time,wanting to "get it over with".
The Christian can still feel that way but he has an additional feeling of celebratory anticipation.
The believer can look at the signs of the end times and hints of his own mortality and feel the same mixture of hope and panic that comes from hearing "It's Begining to Look a Lot Like Christmas" playing over a store's sound system.
Knowing there could be no tomorrow could encourage us to make our preparations as thoroughly and promptly as possible.
Then,we need not concern ourselves with a bunch of negative "what ifs" but,instead,immerse ourselves in the unique possibilities of each new day.
The student who finishes his work on Friday is free to enjoy his weekend.
The one who leaves chores and homework until Sunday at nine p.m. has had those tasks hovering in the background for three days and now must face the possibility that they cannot be completed or done well in the time that remains.
The person who readies himself for death,war,natural disster or other challenges need not be the alarmist cowering in advance from blows that might never come.
The arrangements made for surviving a harsh season can make the mild days more enjoyable,as well.
Any problem we notice and deal with before it happens is one less item to distract and impede our enjoyment of life.
So,yes,we see disasters looming and we play Cassandra issuing our warnings.
We want the inevitable bad times to be in our past and not our present or future.
But,a problem overcome is sweeter than a life without adversity.
When we acquire the means to solve difficulties (instead of merely enduring or avoiding them),then we gain a sense of victory and achievement as well as relief and contentment.
How we look at our fates to come may be mixed and uncertain but we can give assurance that the security we have for our future optimizes every bit of our present.
memyselfi
Like you, no fear.
We have already decided (family that is) how we wish to handle mine. Yes the ones you leave behind will be hurt, but some of that hurt can be eased by knowing where you will be and that a reunion will happen. My father left over thirty years ago. Yes, at times something will happen to remind me of him and a tear, but also a smile will come to me. Miss him but know where he and mom are and a reunion is in the future.
One hurt of mine is watching good people that are having a problem working out their road to eternity.
The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
An old ex-Marine and foot washing Baptist minister told me. The only sure road is Jesus.
I don't believe any one Denomitation have all the answers, that why I would like to see more fellow ship and study of God's word between them.
Denomitation - a weapon satan can use to cause descent between Christians, and cause confusion for non-christians.
My main fear for man kind is being able to cut through the Confusion satan creates in men's hearts..
Remember face to face with Jesus all things will become clear.
BUT-WE HAVE TO GET TO JESUS FIRST AND HE IS THERE WAITING FOR YOU.
parkerbrothers, Okay thanks, that helps me to understand better, but it also leads me to another question, if you dont mind me asking.
Given your belief of "of which I have no control" do you still find it necessary to proselytize and witness? If so, could you let me know why?
I am trying really hard to get where you are coming from and I do not mean to challenge you, but I am having a hard time grasping exactly what you are saying.
Posted by memyselfi on Thu, Jun 26, 2008, at 1:34 AM
memyselfi,
I have no "control" over the Father who draweth. I do try to submit to the control of the Holy Spirit who uses me only as a vessel of transportation of the Gospel. It is not me who witnesses to you or anyone. It is the work of the Holy Spirit through this piece of clay. I had rather be doing worldly things which I am drawn to also like everyone. I really do not like the ridicule and persecution I receive from the world about Jesus. However, it is His Kingdom to come and His will to be done.
Also a few verses of the bible come to mind in reference to your question that I think might help you understand better why I feel the need to "proselytize and witness":
1I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
5But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
6For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
AND:
14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
AND:
19And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
AND:
47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
AND:
60Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
AND:
17For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
19For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
AND:
16For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
AND:
28Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
29Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
Do not worry about asking questions or feel that you are challenging me. I do not take it that you are. I honestly believe you are sincere in your questions and that you are not trying to ridicule me because of my faith. I respect you for your beliefs even though I wish they were different.
jessie, Yes, I am aware of my fragile mortality. I would like to say that I had no fear of death, but it is not something I am currently looking forward to. My main issue with death however is not what may or may not happen to me, but the pain and problems that it will be certain to cause for my loved ones. What scares you about it?
-- Posted by memyselfi on Thu, Jun 26, 2008, at 1:34 AM
memyselfi,
I know your question was directed to jessie sellers and I am sure he will respond to it but I wanted to say something in regards to your question because I have had a lot of thought over the years to that very same thing when I was plagued with those questions myself.
After years of pondering the same thought over and over I came to a remarkable conclusion one day. I noticed in certain cultures death was a time of celebration. I was somewhat perplexed and dismayed to see the death of someone being "celebrated" in what we would probably label a party. A wise old man explained to me a riddle of life. He said we have everything backwards. We tend to celebrate birth and mourn death when we should actually mourn birth and celebrate death. He went on to make perfect sense. He said it is hard for them to look at a newborn and not feel sorrow when you think of the lifetime of heartache, sickness, pains and suffering that lay ahead for this child in a self centered temporal world dealing with other self centered beings that are constantly trying to "get ahead". He then said, "look at our brother". He has been released from this tent of flesh and is no longer exposed to the heartaches, sickness, pains and sufferings. He has been called to his eternal home and is truly free at last. That is why we are celebrating his death here as the angels in heaven are his birth there.
Knowing our family and friends have an eternal home that is free from all pain and sufferings we have seen them experience here allows me to look at death now as a celebration and even birth somewhat as a time of mourning.
Parker
Your invited to my going home dinner.
P.S. bring a covered dish.
jesse sellers,
Same here if I go before you. I want people to be happy for me that day because I go to a better place that has been prepared for me to "start" living. My death here is my birth there.
I almost feel at times if I was standing next to Paul when he said:
20According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
21For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
22But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
23For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
24Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
25And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
26That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
My eyes drip as I read and "feel" what he said. I realize though that God is the keeper of time and all I can do is try to suppress my will and adhere to the will of the Holy Spirit as I travel one more day toward home.
Parker
I was told once that when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I do forget that one very often.
jesse sellers,
Are you calling me a pain?
Not to me.
I was speaking of myself, but I bet you could be one if we got you wound up.
I do envy several of you. The ability a lot of you have with words is wonderful, and the knowledge a lot of you have of God's word makes me want to stand up and shout.
jesse sellers,
I knew you were not calling me a pain.
And please, do not wind me up.