Do You Believe In Creation

[seasalt101]

not to preach, but god blesses those who bless him, case in point, i'm sure you know some of my medical history, i have no insurance, when i went to the hospital i was in wyoming, i stayed overnite in icu, next day i'm ambulanced to salt lake city, ( i rode with an old guy, he died on the way) i was a the number 1 cancer center in america, the head of the floor was my dr. i'm there 3 weeks, and he refers me to my dr. now a texas super doctor, (best in his field acknowledged by his peers) i won't be covered by medi-care till oct, then i get the transplant, now i haven't been blessed with cash, but a lot of love and support i'm wealthy...tobin

 

[socal57che]

Originally Posted by Jmick
Always be hated? Isn't the majority of America Christain, where is the hate coming from? I have a lot of christain friends who are a blast to go out with (granted, they are not h a r d c o r e and tend to be openminded). Where is the us against the world coming from? Christain nations are amonng the most powerful and wealthy in the world and the others tend to be third world countries...don't get it???
The term "Christian" was first used in Antioch by people who observed the followers of Jesus being Christ-like. The term stuck. If one is not Christ-like (actions reflect what Jesus would do in a situation) it can, and often is, argued that they are not really Christians. You can go to church (which is not a building by the way) every day of your life and not be a Christian. I considered myself a Christian long before I was born again. In every thing that I do or say I should be able to ask myself "would Jesus do this" and hopefully the answer is yes. I am a man and a sinner so my answer is often times no. The difference is that now I realize that my actions fall short of what God expects and I consciously effect change. I strive to do as Christ would have me do. I was a "so-called" Christian and people I interacted with got the wrong impression of Christians from a "poser."
I guess that what I'm saying is that we are not neccesarily the "Christian nation" that we all so often claim to be. (Vegas is one of the unholiest places on earth and is right here in the good ole Christian U. S. of A.
I don't want this to be misconstrued...just wanted to shed a little light on the subject of the so-called Christian. Only they know their relationship with Christ, but we should "know them by their fruits" to quote a famous guy that walked on water (not Peter, BTW, who also walked on water)

 

[jmick]

Originally Posted by socal57che
The term "Christian" was first used in Antioch by people who observed the followers of Jesus being Christ-like. The term stuck. If one is not Christ-like (actions reflect what Jesus would do in a situation) it can, and often is, argued that they are not really Christians. You can go to church (which is not a building by the way) every day of your life and not be a Christian. I considered myself a Christian long before I was born again. In every thing that I do or say I should be able to ask myself "would Jesus do this" and hopefully the answer is yes. I am a man and a sinner so my answer is often times no. The difference is that now I realize that my actions fall short of what God expects and I consciously effect change. I strive to do as Christ would have me do. I was a "so-called" Christian and people I interacted with got the wrong impression of Christians from a "poser."
I guess that what I'm saying is that we are not neccesarily the "Christian nation" that we all so often claim to be. (Vegas is one of the unholiest places on earth and is right here in the good ole Christian U. S. of A.
I don't want this to be misconstrued...just wanted to shed a little light on the subject of the so-called Christian. Only they know their relationship with Christ, but we should "know them by their fruits" to quote a famous guy that walked on water (not Peter, BTW, who also walked on water)

What percentage of Christains are posers?

 

[socal57che]

Originally Posted by Jmick
What percentage of Christains are posers?
Don't know, but I know that I was. I'm really disgusted with some of the things I said and did while falsely representing Jesus. I'm sure the number is greater than anyone is willing to admit.
On a more positive note...
There is an incredible increase in the percentage of Messianic Jews. (orthodox Jews that now believe Jesus is the Messiah)
I believe this to be directly related to the fulfilment of prophecy in the book of Revelation relating to the 144,000 who are believed to be Messianic Jews.
7:
4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed:
14:
1 Then I looked, and behold, a[a] Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads.

 

[jmick]

Originally Posted by socal57che
Don't know, but I know that I was. I'm really disgusted with some of the things I said and did while falsely representing Jesus. I'm sure the number is greater than anyone is willing to admit.
On a more positive note...
There is an incredible increase in the percentage of Messianic Jews. (orthodox Jews that now believe Jesus is the Messiah)
I believe this to be directly related to the fulfilment of prophecy in the book of Revelation relating to the 144,000 who are believed to be Messianic Jews.
Have you met Jesus? I ask this because I'd like to know how you can be certain that you are now representing his wishes. How literal do you take the bible...don't you think that certain meanings have been altered with the various translations? Is it vanity or a false sense of pride on your part to think you know his true thoughts and wishes?

 

[socal57che]

Originally Posted by Jmick
Have you met Jesus? I ask this because I'd like to know how you can be certain that you are now representing his wishes. How literal do you take the bible...don't you think that certain meanings have you altered with the various translations? Is it vanity or a false sense of pride on your part to think you know his true thoughts and wishes?
When I asked Jesus into my heart a change occured in my life that I cannot begin to convey with words. Jesus lives in me. I believe this with all that I am. Definitely not pride, Christ gets all the glory for the work in my life. All is vanity, to quote King Solomon. I take the bible very literally except when the text obviously speaks metaphorically or to describe something that the author is not familiar with which occurs in much of Revelations. Christ makes Himself very clear and by meditating in the Word and asking for understanding He makes His orders (for lack of a better term) known.
Translations vary due to the fact that context is a major factor in Hebrew and Greek (very little of the Bible was written in Aramaic) and there are many english variation of individual words. The overall message remains the same. My wife prefers the New Century version because it is easier to understand than my King James. We also read from New King James and when they don't agree I have a Hebrew, Greek and English interlinear Bible for referencing the exact Hebrew or Greek and it's possible English translation. Journeyman would be better suited for this part of the question than I. I try to grow in my faith by learning something new every day.
Again, this is what I believe and I don't feel that people with other opinions and faith are inferior. I do, however, feel that without sharing what Christ has done in my life I am doing them a great injustice and falling short of my duty to help my fellow man. I truly am concerned about a person's soul being condemned to a place meant for Lucifer. I know that I can't convert every person to believe what I do. I simply state that Christ helped me and can help them,too. Sometimes I really get under peoples skin, but if that leads them to read about Jesus for themselves and draw their own conclusion then I feel it's worth it to rub a few people the wrong way.

 

[jovial]

Originally Posted by Jmick
Always be hated? Isn't the majority of America Christain, where is the hate coming from? I have a lot of christain friends who are a blast to go out with (granted, they are not h a r d c o r e and tend to be openminded). Where is the us against the world coming from? Christain nations are amonng the most powerful and wealthy in the world and the others tend to be third world countries...don't get it???
"Where is the hate coming from?"
Much of the hatred comes from radical Islamic groups. It's hard to remember the last terrorist act committed by a radical Christian organization.
"Where is the US against the world coming from?"
The US is the most actively engaged in the war against terrorism, other countries have been attacked but have not been as dedicated or committed as the US in fighting terrorism.
"Third world countries?"
The oil producing nations of the middle east have a great deal of wealth and power. Id hardly consider them to be third world countries when you consider their standard of living.

 

[mfp1016]

I believe someone mentioned something about Muslims, Jews, and Christians believing in the same Abrahamic God; true. However, you are wrong in your statement that they divided. Actually, they all formed at different times, locations, and in different ways.
Also, someone asked "why don't christians prove God exists?"
Actually there are a number of very famous proofs put forth by varying Christian figures. Heres a basic one, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinquae_viae

 

[mfp1016]

Personally, I feel that many atheists tend to focus on the church as some sort of institution, almost like the DMV. Rather, if you really read church doctrine and understand their message it becomes something much more personal. Besides, really what is to be gained from a life of atheism? Seriously? Are you going to take to a life of Hedonism?

 

[jovial]

Id rather belive in God and be wrong than not believe and be right...death is the end? how depressing.

 

[agent-x]

Originally Posted by Jmick
...(granted, they are not h a r d c o r e and tend to be openminded).

That's they key. You can believe and be open minded it's the radicals that tend to piss me off.

 

[agent-x]

Originally Posted by Jovial
"Where is the hate coming from?"
Much of the hatred comes from radical Islamic groups. It's hard to remember the last terrorist act committed by a radical Christian organization.
"Where is the US against the world coming from?"
The US is the most actively engaged in the war against terrorism, other countries have been attacked but have not been as dedicated or committed as the US in fighting terrorism.
"Third world countries?"
The oil producing nations of the middle east have a great deal of wealth and power. Id hardly consider them to be third world countries when you consider their standard of living.
1. I seem to remember some abortion clinic bombings. I would say that definately counts as terrorism.
2. I think he meant Christians not Americans.
3. Are you kidding? Just because the "middle east" is an oil producing area does not mean that everyone is wealthy. If you don't think those people live in poverty I emplore you to go see for yourself. Yes some of them do live very nice lifes, but they are well below a level I would be refering to their standard of living like it's wonderful.

 

[agent-x]

Originally Posted by mfp1016
Personally, I feel that many atheists tend to focus on the church as some sort of institution, almost like the DMV. Rather, if you really read church doctrine and understand their message it becomes something much more personal. Besides, really what is to be gained from a life of atheism? Seriously? Are you going to take to a life of Hedonism?
As far as Atheist's I can see your point. But most people who oppose the way Christians act I do not believe to be Atheists and many of them probably lead lives more closely resembling the teachings in the bible than these so called "christians". I think the part about seeing the Church as an institution is viable in some cases. I've been to several churches in many different religions and most of the hypocrites I encountered happened to be Christians. Mainly Baptists for some reason, but that's not the point. I noticed that most (not all) Muslims and Hindus followed their religion much more "faithfully" than anyone else.
I think if you believe in any god that is great, but don't you think you should follow those teachings a little more closely. Do you really think your God is going to care if you said you were a Christian if you opposed the teachings everytime someone said something you didn't believe or that contradicted you. Look how easily I got several of you to Judge me and call me names or refer to me as "Hitler" or "Racial Profiler". All I had to do was post something on the "WWW" (which is known to be full of good moral values and nothing but truth). So I ask you, are you really a Christian or a poser. Now that said some of you stated only what you believe and left out judgment. I believe Tobin to be one of these people. I believe that is someone who truly understands.

 

[mike22cha]

Originally Posted by AGENT-X
3. Are you kidding? Just because the "middle east" is an oil producing are does not mean that everyone is wealthy. If you don't think those people live in poverty I emplore you to go see for yourself. Yes some of them do live very nice lifes, but they are well below a level I would be refering to their standard of living like it's wonderful.
No the average Middle Easterner doesn't compare with the average American, but it is not as bad as third world countries in places such as Africa.

 

[mr. guitar]

Originally Posted by socal57che
As a Christian, being persucuted and killed for your/my faith is (not to sound prideful, but I can't seem to think of a better way to put it) the most profound way to show your love for Christ. Jesus said "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me".
Although the world may hate Christians, it hated Christ first.
I don't feel threatened by the statement. I feel relieved to know that in the end of days this is how it will be. My Master will come like a theif in the night. The worse I am treated the closer that day is.
Wife says it's time to go....I'll finish later
Amen Brother! Amen!

 

[reefreak29]

Originally Posted by socal57che
As a Christian, being persucuted and killed for your/my faith is (not to sound prideful, but I can't seem to think of a better way to put it) the most profound way to show your love for Christ. Jesus said "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me".
Although the world may hate Christians, it hated Christ first.
I don't feel threatened by the statement. I feel relieved to know that in the end of days this is how it will be. My Master will come like a theif in the night. The worse I am treated the closer that day is.
Wife says it's time to go....I'll finish later
yes but be carefull, peter also said he would die for jesus but denied knowing him 3 times.

 

[reefreak29]

Originally Posted by socal57che
When I asked Jesus into my heart a change occured in my life that I cannot begin to convey with words. Jesus lives in me. I believe this with all that I am. Definitely not pride, Christ gets all the glory for the work in my life. All is vanity, to quote King Solomon. I take the bible very literally except when the text obviously speaks metaphorically or to describe something that the author is not familiar with which occurs in much of Revelations. Christ makes Himself very clear and by meditating in the Word and asking for understanding He makes His orders (for lack of a better term) known.
Translations vary due to the fact that context is a major factor in Hebrew and Greek (very little of the Bible was written in Aramaic) and there are many english variation of individual words. The overall message remains the same. My wife prefers the New Century version because it is easier to understand than my King James. We also read from New King James and when they don't agree I have a Hebrew, Greek and English interlinear Bible for referencing the exact Hebrew or Greek and it's possible English translation. Journeyman would be better suited for this part of the question than I. I try to grow in my faith by learning something new every day.
Again, this is what I believe and I don't feel that people with other opinions and faith are inferior. I do, however, feel that without sharing what Christ has done in my life I am doing them a great injustice and falling short of my duty to help my fellow man. I truly am concerned about a person's soul being condemned to a place meant for Lucifer. I know that I can't convert every person to believe what I do. I simply state that Christ helped me and can help them,too. Sometimes I really get under peoples skin, but if that leads them to read about Jesus for themselves and draw their own conclusion then I feel it's worth it to rub a few people the wrong way.

i think that was very well said and unless you feel the holy spirit working in your life its very hard to understand how real God is

 

[lil' tanker]

Originally Posted by AGENT-X
Only when I was refered to as Hitler, but that is perfectly ok.
OK wah I called you like Hitler. I'm Sorry. I didn't see the sarcasm in you saying that you wished you'd feed us to lions. What if I said that I was gonna feed you and your family and many of your friends to a lion would you be happy? Christian persecution is a serious thing whether you acknowledge it or even know about it. Christians are getting killed all over the world for what they believe. In fact I heard a story of a church in some middle eastern country that was in the middle of worship then 5 or so Muslim guys walk in the back with AK's and kill them all so please don't blame me for getting a little upset about it. And then please for your own good don't whine about it in posts like the one above it's making you look childish.

 

[agent-x]

Originally Posted by lil' tanker
OK wah I called you like Hitler. I'm Sorry. I didn't see the sarcasm in you saying that you wished you'd feed us to lions. What if I said that I was gonna feed you and your family and many of your friends to a lion would you be happy? Christian persecution is a serious thing whether you acknowledge it or even know about it. Christians are getting killed all over the world for what they believe. In fact I heard a story of a church in some middle eastern country that was in the middle of worship then 5 or so Muslim guys walk in the back with AK's and kill them all so please don't blame me for getting a little upset about it. And then please for your own good don't whine about it in posts like the one above it's making you look childish.
If you said you were going to feed me and my family to lions. I'd laugh at you. even to your face i'd laugh at you. Mainly because where the hell are you going to get a pack of lions? How was I whining about anything. I was proving a point. Which you further went onto prove for me by saying "5 or so Muslim guys" what I think you meant to say was terrorists. Thanks for helping my cause.

 

[agent-x]

Originally Posted by MIKE22cha
No the average Middle Easterner doesn't compare with the average American, but it is not as bad as third world countries in places such as Africa.
We weren't talking about Africa now were we.