When we spend our time trying to convince others that we are correct, are we not saying that we have absolute truth? Can any of us make that statement? That we totally understand the scripture and that the truth that we know will not change in understanding.
If you take that position then you’re no better than the vipers of Jesus’ day. They felt that they had absolute understanding, yet Jesus corrected them on numerous occasions. For the sake of argument, can we not claim that we do have an understanding of scripture and that there is an outside chance that as we mature spiritually our understanding will grow (change)? Wouldn’t this be authentic faith? Knowing the way of salvation, which is Jesus Christ, the only constant and is unchanging. Then, while overtime and clinging tightly to this thing called grace, we can openly discover the hidden truth that is within God’s profound Word. Is it not OK to have questions and even doubts, the Apostles did.
Here’s a thought, you can argue that alcohol is bad, unhealthy, addicting and that the bible warns us to be cautious of it because of its effects and that Christians are not to drink, period. On the other hand, I can just as easily agree that you are correct, while allowing the individual to decide (not the corporate) to decide if they should totally avoid alcohol or enjoy a glass with their meal. Is alcohol sin or how we choose to use it? So tell me where the absolute is in this example and who should decide what is binding in this case (non-salvation issue)?
Grace, patients, forgiveness, trust, love and compassion are some of the traits of Christ. The very same traits that were given to all us to live out daily. Where is the absolute in that? Here, are a few examples of absolute. No tattoos, alcohol, piercing, makeup, jewelry, murderers, prostitutes, rapists, tax collectors or even flip-flops. Men must wear suits and women dresses and we only worship on a specific day to be acceptable to God. In other words, we must dress as if we’re going to meet the President of the United States.
Folks, news flash here, the President is not my savior nor my father and I doubt the Secret Service would allow me to run up and give him a big O’bear hug. I’m also confident that the President has no interest in receiving one from me either. So yes, I would dress differently for him. But God, my Father, who anxiously welcomes me with open arms to embrace me with love? My Father doesn’t care about the outside; it’s the condition of my heart. Am I exhibiting His love and extending His grace that was given to me feely with others.
We must bind each other only on the specific things of salvation, which is Jesus Christ. Not someone else’s personal preference or conviction, while leaving the rest up to the Holy Spirit (individual convictions). After all, it is Christ’s Church isn’t it?
Look back at God’s word, we are all (everyone professing to be a Christian) called to witness to the lost world. Yet few will speak of the One that gave them life. You want to talk, lets talk about how we can all begin to change the world one person at a time by sharing and living out the gospel. What I am trying to say for those of you that just don’t get it, “It is time to become accountable”.
Just because a church chooses to worship and lead in a specific way does not mean that they are the only (absolute) way. And if they are making that claim, may God have mercy!
In closing, (I promise) I honestly feel, (my opinion) that God knowing our very prideful nature, specifically placed questions and challenges of faith within His very word. In an attempt to keep us from becoming: placid, arrogant, proud, all knowing and to create conversation between His children. These very conversations forces all of us to reach out and seek His wisdom and not our own.
So lets talk.
Tuesday, 29. January 2008
You just admitted that you could be wrong and are fallible! I am going to share this will all my friends. Who is lost Jimmy Mac, my point validated, case closed!
Tuesday, 29. January 2008
Absolute truth, is there such a thing (other then God’s word)? I don’t think so, there is only the perception one has.
Four people see a car crash, you ask them what happened and each of them are going to tell a slightly different story (it’s perception). It is the same when it comes to the living word. God placed those question in the bible so that His children will 1) still seek His wisdom and knowledge and 2) be in fellowship with others and discuss their perception of the bible.
However, if we knew it all and we “thought” we had the absolute truth then at what point would we need the Father, or any one else for that matter.
ABSOLUTE TRUTH, it’s a scary thing. Because when you think you have all the answers and that there is nothing more to learn; that’s when the devil is at his best. Making you think that you have complete knowledge and you no longer need to seek God. Just keep to the traditions that you have become accustomed to.
Great discussion. I look forward to what others have to say.
God bless
Tuesday, 29. January 2008
We must stand on the values taught by the church. It keeps us on track and focused on God. You sound boarder line heretical, you better look again at what you’ve written. You are walking on dangerous ground.
Tuesday, 29. January 2008
Let me clarify what I had written at the last part of my previous statement. First let’s look at Galatians, when Paul is writing to the churches of Galatia, specifically in chapter 3. Paul explains that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the laws. (The churches of Galatia probably felt that they had the absolute truth.) But scripture says, ” It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” Now I’m not saying that traditions are wrong. God says to fall back on your traditions when you feel that you have fallen off his path. I’m just saying that traditions do not give you salvation, Christ does. That’s just my perception.
The only absolute truth is God and His living word.
Wednesday, 30. January 2008
When I write in all caps, I didn’t know it is considered yelling. That’s just my way of emphasizing.
God Bless
Wednesday, 30. January 2008
Jimmy Mac
Cry baby, are you afraid you might offend some body with those big bad letters. “ABSOLUTE TRUTH” so is it out there? CAN ANYBODY HERE ME!!!!!!!
Wednesday, 30. January 2008
Deliverer,
WELCOME BACK!!!!! The true reason I just posted that is very simple. I think that this is a great discussion and I want to hear what others have to say, so I wanted it to be in the “recent post” section (because that’s where most people tend to look up the articles). That’s why I put something insignificant. Thank you for you assistance.
P.S. you’re still in my prayers.
God Bless
Wednesday, 30. January 2008
Delivery boy or whatever your coolness thinks of himself. Dude, you got it so wrong on so many levels. Just around 2 years ago, I had so many issues, drop out, runner, cutter, doer , 6teen and whatever else. And when I was on the road this dude Larry you are bustin on said hi and got me a hot lunch. He talked God stuff and I ate and buzzed off. Dude, he is for real, no props he just cares and listend to what I had to say. I hadden showed in days on the road from San diego headin to home in Florida, lost, lonly, cold and hungry. Just like Christ, he did it with nothing to gain escpt my friendship. Dude I was so ready to bust him but he never told me I had to have his Jesus or go to his church. He just said that he cared about me and that Jesus loved me so much that he hung on a cross for me. That stuck on me as he talked about Jesus life and death and how it looked. Lookin back, how studud he looked coming to me for friendship. I did not have anything to give him, nothin at all.
Just like Larry said, Jesus was patient and waited for me. NO MORE WAITING!!!
Just chill out and give God’s man a brake.
Joe Joe The Amazing Circus Boy
Miami, the onein Florida
Friday, 1. February 2008
Deliver, I am curious. I am new to this blog thing. Are you Christian, Atheist, Agnostic. I only wonder what your background is because you seem to be so angry with God and anyone who chooses to lift him up. Id like to know what it is or who it is you worship.
Friday, 1. February 2008
Terri Jo, I am my own, I answer to no one! Don’t be curious, become free. No more slavery. At the end it is game over so enjoy it now, you can’t take it with you.
Sorry Jo Jo that you got sucked into the delusion. We could have hung out.
Jimmy Mac, you are very fake.
Friday, 1. February 2008
Thank you for clarifying Deliverer. I will still be praying for you to get as you put it sucked in. You have obviously never been touched by the Holy Spirit. What a wonderful feeling. I do not believe the way you do and it makes me sad that you have nothing to look forward to. The Lord has blessed me in so many ways throughout my life I cannot imagine a life without Him in it. Well, with prayer anything is possible so I look forward to the day we see your comments on this blog about your salvation. God Bless you.
Friday, 1. February 2008
Alright Deliverer and Jimmy Mac. Are we going to need to have a good ol’ fashion, 3 fall, winner take all caged grudge match. Seriously everyone, this blog is for everyone to process not attack. The only person that had it all right hung on a tree about 2,000 years ago. This includes all of you that have had your postings zapped.
My goal is simple… Try this on.
Authentic faith is neither seeking to be with the left or right wing, but is the honest desire to become relevant to God, His word, His mission, and to become personally accountable for our thoughts and actions.
May the games continue!
Tuesday, 5. February 2008
2 all of you so predictable faithful ones. What has happened to all of you so called godly-chilled’ren. TYPICAL, TYPICAL, TYPICAL. OR SHOULD I SAY TRIPICAL. Once the man speaks you all become quiet. I kind of like Larry, we have hating homosexuals in common. Only if he would just come right out and say it.
Terri Jo, you were so concerned about what I believed in, yet now vanished. is your faith not strong enough? AM I to compelling to argue with? And to clarify, I am not angry with god, just you idiots that think you have the only clue. I’ll tell you what, it was col. mustard in the library with the candlestick!
Tuesday, 5. February 2008
Deliverer I have not vanished just busy on other things. I do not spend a lot of time in the blogging world. I will never argue with you, just not my style. My faith grows stronger every time I see God’s work being done. And in my opinion this blog is just another way to show God’s glory. If you want to talk to me and not argue I will answer Otherwise my only communication with you will be through God in prayer. P.S love the comment on Col. Mustard. You obviously have a sense of humor. You should show it more.
Tuesday, 5. February 2008
Terri Jo, I’m glad I could give you a laugh, but that was not the intent. Look deeply at yourself and religion. See what is behind it all, man. Satanists at least believe in themselves as gods. Poor blind, blind christians. Don’t waste your time praying when you can be productive.
I look at people like Jo Jo and I know they will be back on the market soon. He will be let down by this man manipulated thing called christianity. So until then we wait!
Jimmy Mac, exposed himself and I quote “I wanted it to be in the “recent post” section (because that’s where most people tend to look up the articles). That’s why I put something insignificant.”. SO LETS ALL BE INSIGNIFICANT, he wants to be seen. From your limited writing, I’ll bet your young and assertive in life. A real go gett’r. You’ll burn out soon, just not soon enough.
For all the other bleeding hearts, best of luck and question EVERYTHING. Jimmy Mac I am yelling now.
I hate to say it but that “Spears” post makes sense, to bad no one will get it. They never do.
Tuesday, 5. February 2008
Deliverer,
Very cleaver. But you took that out of context (as if you didn’t know). YOU know that it was only to get others to comment on another post. But why tell the truth when you can manipulate it, right.
I know that you feel as if you have it all figured out. If you can’t touch it, taste it or smell it, then it can’t be reality. If that was true then how do you believe in gravity (for one example). How do we know that if we jump that we are not going to fly into space, what will catch us. Same with the Lord our Savior, when your heart is in the right condition and your eyes are open, then you know that He will catch you when you fall. I just pray that you allow Him to catch you.
Also thank you for the “young” comment, I still think I am. Oh, sorry about the limited writing, I don’t feel the need to sound edubicated.
Tuesday, 5. February 2008
Hello all,
I need to address a specific comment made here. Deliverer, I have never stated (for clarifying) nor implied that I hate homosexuals or anyone else for that matter. You have made an inflammatory statement and I offer an apology on both of our parts to anyone that may have been offended by that unnecessary remark. No need to respond to this Deliverer, it may result in banishment.
I am responsible for what happens on this blog (to some extent). I encourage people to converse and discuss as adults the subjects at hand. So with that said, keep it clean and in good taste! GAME ON:)
God Bless
Tuesday, 5. February 2008
Deliverer, You are certainly getting a lot of attention on this blog. Good for you for stirring up conversation and also reaffirming peoples faith. I just received an email this morning that goes along with blind blind faith. Here it is just for you.
‘Let me explain the problem science has with Jesus Christ.’ The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand.
‘You’re a Christian, aren’t you, son?’
‘Yes sir,’ the student says.
‘So you believe in God?’
‘Absolutely.’
‘Is God good?’
‘Sure! God’s good.’
‘Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?’
‘Yes.’
‘Are you good or evil?’
‘The Bible says I’m evil.’
The professor grins knowingly. ‘Aha! The Bible!’ He considers for a moment.
‘Here’s one for you. Let’s say there’s a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?’
‘Yes sir, I would.’
‘So you’re good…!’
‘I wouldn’t say that.’
‘But why not say that? You’d help a sick and maimed person if you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn’t.’
The student does not answer, so the professor continues. ‘He doesn’t, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?’
The student remains silent.
‘No, you can’t, can you?’ the professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.
‘Let’s start again, young fella Is God good?’
‘Er…yes,’ the student says.
‘Is Satan good?’
The student doesn’t hesitate on this one. ‘No.’
‘Then where does Satan come from?’
The student : ‘From…God…’
‘That’s right. God made Satan, didn’t he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘Evil’s everywhere, isn’t it? And God did make everything, correct?’
‘Yes.’
‘So who created evil?’ The professor continued, ‘If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil.’
Without allowing the student to answer, the professor continues: ‘Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?’
The student: ‘Yes.’
‘So who created them?’
The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question. ‘Who created them? There is still no answer. Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized.
‘Tell me,’ he continues onto another student. ‘Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?’
The student’s voice is confident: ‘ Yes, professor, I do.’
The old man stops pacing. ‘Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?’
‘No sir. I’ve never seen Him’
‘Then tell us if you’ve ever heard your Jesus?’
‘No, sir, I have not.’
‘Have you ever actually felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?’
‘No, sir, I’m afraid I haven’t.’
‘Yet you still believe in him?’
‘Yes.’
‘According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn’t exist. What do you say to that, son?’
‘Nothing,’ the student replies. ‘I only have my faith.’
‘Yes, faith,’ the professor repeats. ‘And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith.’
The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of his own. ‘Professor, is there such thing as heat?’
‘Yes,’ the professor replies. ‘There’s heat.’
‘And is there such a thing as cold?’
‘Yes, son, there’s cold too.’
‘No sir, there isn’t.’
The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain.
‘You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don’t have anything called ‘cold’. We can hit up to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can’t go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.’
Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.
‘What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?’
‘Yes,’ the professor replies without hesitation. ‘What is night if it isn’t darkness?’
‘You’re wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light,
flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it’s called darkness, isn’t it? That’s the meaning we use to define the word. In reality, darkness isn’t. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn’t you?’
The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This will be a go od semester. ‘So what point are you making, young man?’
‘Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed.’
The professor’s face cannot hide his surprise this time. ‘Flawed? Can you explain how?’
‘You are working on the premise of duality,’ the student explains. ‘You argue that there is life and then there’s death; a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can’t even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it.’
‘Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?’
‘If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do’
‘Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?’
The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed.
‘Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavour, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?’
The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided.
‘To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what I mean.’
The student looks around the room. ‘Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor’s brain?’ The class breaks out into laughter.
‘Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor’s brain, felt the professor’s brain, touched or smelled the professor’s brain? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, with all due respect, sir. So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?’
Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable.
Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. ‘I guess you’ll have to take them on faith.’
‘Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life,’ the student continues. ‘Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?’
Now uncertain, the professor responds, ‘Of course, there is. We see it everyday. It is in the daily example of man’s inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.’
To this the student replied, ‘Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God.
God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God’s love present in his heart. It’s like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light.’
The professor sat down.
May God Bless you with his overwhelming Mercy and Grace.
Tuesday, 5. February 2008
Terri Jo,
That story is truly a blessing to any one that reads it. Thank you for sharing it.
God Bless
Wednesday, 6. February 2008
Terri Jo, I will give you props. You are very confident and determined to share what you believe. The story, predictable (religion blog folks, not nuclear fission) yet executed well. If nothing else it gave me a chuckle as I visualized the professors face as he was being railroaded.
I am not getting weak or soft, just interested to see how strong all of your faith really is. And thanks for giving me the attention. It isn’t like I don’t get it wherever I go.
Wednesday, 6. February 2008
That story is incredible. That is one of the main things non-beleivers always try to say; you can’t see Him, taste Him, feel Him…What an amazing explanation.
Yes I do walk by faith, but I’ve also felt the presence of the Holy Spirit working in me, convicting my heart to recieve Him, drawing me closer to Jesus, giving me insight and understanding that He is real. I can feel it, and it is the best engagement you will ever feel.
Deliverer, I do see that you are very popular here, welcome. One of these days, soon, when you feel the power of the Holy Spirit you will know He is real and you will understand. You are so blessed, all these people are praying for you and now I am one more added to that list. You only have great things to come for your life.
God is good, all the time! He will always be faithful to you, if you believe.
Thursday, 21. February 2008
When first reading this story it touched to have read something so profound! I am a “young” christian and this only made me more passionate! I know this story has really touched some lifes in my life and a couple of my friends.GOD really worked his way with this story and I’m very greatful for it may it continue in the world.