by StoneWall 347 Replies latest watchtower bible
StoneWall
What this video misses is the purpose of the law. Jesus didn't give us commands to make us better humans. He gave them to show us how much we need God's grace.
Romans 5:20
The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, 21 so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
DD--Thanks for that grand underlying point.
To show how grateful I am, I'll just be quiet.
Well.
I'm off the internet for the whole weekend, and I just came back to read this. (Since this thread is fourteen hours old, I'm going to go off-topic for a moment without too much fear of derailing it)
Maeve- thank you so much for your kind words. I think you give me far too much credit, mind you :) I just say what I feel, and believe. If that resonates with someone, then wonderful. But the many different perspectives have helped me to see the world more openly, and given me much to think about. I hope that by sharing my perspective, I can do the same for others.
I also love to read your perspective. You are kind, thoughtful, and genuine. I love your twisting in the wind comment above, by the way. It is one of the worst feelings, if you believe you've done something wrong. And one of the best when someone just continues to discuss with you calmly, as though it's just forgotten.
This has actually been a very thoughtful thread - especially considering the video that prompted it. Terry was quite poetic himself, and leaving things to personal reflection.
Gladiator - You always make me feel like I'm doing something right. Oh, and according to this: 'not in your job description?' I think you give yourself too little credit. You share from your beliefs and experiences to help others, and you back down when you think you should be backing down. Not very many people can do that.
So there are my thoughts on this thread and the people posting in it. I enjoyed reading the different thoughts on 'the sword'. Perhaps in the morning, I'll give my opinion on that - though I am often quite divided on the subject.
But right now, I'm off to bed.
Tammy
Thanks for that Tammy. You said, ‘…you back down when you think you should be backing down.’
Fighting to the bitter end to win points is often about ego. I am not trying to win at the expense of hurting people or making them look foolish. I post my thoughts because I sometimes get bored. I try to avoid using the forum to vent my personal frustrations on sincere people. I sometimes fail.
It is not my intention to destroy people’s faith, if it brings them comfort. I believe people should hold onto what gets them through the night, or day, until they have are ready to change. I have nothing to offer that will bring the same comfort. I enjoy Philosophy and psychology but it is not a replacement for faith. Not every one can or wants to live without faith.
I have done the big debate thing, over the years, when I used to post under my real name. I thrashed a few people, and it left a bad taste in my mouth. Now I just have fun. In real life, I enjoy the company both believers and non-believers.
I would have to disagree somewhat with this statement.
Go back in your bible and read Matthew chapter 4(where Jesus is being tempted by Satan) and read how many times
Jesus quoted scripture and said "it is written"
There is many more if you need me to get them for further reference.
Satan liked to quote scripture out of context so Jesus beat him at "his own game".
Jesus was not bound by anything, much less scripture, HE IS the WORD.
This is what happens when you strip verses of all textual or historical context.
Well said.
I enjoy the company both believers and non-believers.
So do Jesus and God.
As for the wht question of the topic, why do intelligent christians disobey Jesus?
I recall someone onece asking me what so many "born agains" are such assholes, LOL, why some christians are such bastards, self-righteous hipocrits and such, why christianity has given itself such a black eye over and over.
Well, the answer is kind of simple, Christianity isn't the problem,, its not about "too much" Christianity but about not enough.
The core teachings of love, forgiveness, redemption, love of our neighbours and enemies like ourselves, the accepteance and tolerance of all as equals ( there is no man or woman, no master or slave...), the NOT judging of others, these core treachings are what are LACKING in the very pople that "self profess" to be "exemplary" Christians.
Christianity is NOT about going to church, follwoing the rules of a religous organization, it's not about how many prayers and how long they are, it's not about believing oneself to be morally special or unique, it is about HUMILITY and the understanding and accepteance that we are NO MORE OR NO LESS than anyone else under God.
As Tim Kessler ( I think that is his name, I am lousy with names) once wrote: Christianity is a hospital for sick people and NOT a museum for saints.
I enjoy the company both believers and non-believers.
So do Jesus and God.
PSac -- What fellowship does Light have with Darkness?
PSac -- What fellowship does Light have with Darkness?
Can one have light without dark?
Does the sun not shine on non-believers as it does on believers?
Does it not rain on believers as it does on non-believers alike?
Do we all not hunger? feel cold, feel love, feel pain , joy and sorrow?
We are all God's children, even those that reject him for God KNOWS why they reject, God knows that scars that run deep and God's love is eternal and patient for us all.
