So to follow the thought to it's logical conclusion... If I am white, I a racist. I cannot control being white, therefor I cannot control being racist. Since it is not a choice to be racist, I cannot be held accountable. If I am not accountable, You have no right to judge me. I am a racist and you are intolerant! I feel so discriminated against!
One last post from me on this subject. I have a hard time with those who claim KJV only. Is English God's language? What bible do those who speak other languages have? What original manuscripts was it translated from? Were they the same scholars as the KJV? Are the believers who read those scriptures in error because they don't have the KJV? By God's grace and through the working of the Holy Spirit we are brought to faith in Jesus Christ. There is one faith. Can one be led to Christ using an ASV, NIV, Good News or other Bible? If the Lord wills, YES!!! Do not condemn your brothers because they do not answer to you but to God. True understanding comes by the leading of the Holy Spirit regardless of which version you read. Study to show yourself approved. Read, pray and listen. God will reveal Himself to you if you truly seek Him. Grace and Mercy to you all in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus!
It is important to understand what is written and what is implied by the scriptures. I regularly read the ESV but I also use a KJV with Strongs Hebrew and Greek reference numbers to clarify what the original manuscripts were saying. Then it is the job of the Holy Spirit to guide me in my understanding. Solo Gloria Deo!
Unfortunately, due to Sheriff Clarke's outspoken opposition to liberal policies and his common sense approach to law enforcement, he will see more activity like this in his jurisdiction due to being targeted by BLM and the Soros funded useful idiots that are trying to destroy America as we know it.
It seems to me that when scripture says that we will be "like unto Angels" that our resurrected bodies will not be of flesh and bone but spiritual in nature. I've never had an issue with cremation since I believe the He who created all things from nothing will have no problem in making me a new bod! Plus, we have many saints who were martyred in fire and cremated, and many saints who have perished thus. In answer to Piper I would say that God and his resurrection power is glorified in my cremation and the faith I proclaim. My hope is to flee idolatry and not leave a monument to myself but to leave a plaque that says, "By the grace of God he lived and died." If paul is correct in that to be absent from the flesh is to be present with the Lord, then the disposal of our carcass is of little consequence.
I had served as a missionary to Haiti in the 80's and was told that Haiti was 98% Catholic and 100% Voodoo and many of the priests were also witch doctors. Throughout my life I have witnessed people who claim to be Catholic also participating in very unchristian activities such as buddhism, eckankar, yoga, TM, etc. When confessionals dispense absolution without repentance there is no reason to adhere to the truth.
Those 'pastors' who continue to support Hillary are as flawed in their politics as they are in their theology. I pray to God for mercy that he doesn't give us the president we deserve. He/she may be worse than the last one.
At one time I was one of those who partook during bible study because I felt more spiritual. Really, I was just stoned. The bible tells us to be filled with the spirit and that being chemically altered is dissipation. Being more spiritual is something that comes from God alone and isn't something we can force through ritual, chanting or pharmacology. It doesn't bring glory to God or rely solely on the spirit to work. If they are truly seeking God, the Spirit will show them their error. May they follow His leading.
Jim Lincoln wrote: excerpt from, [URL=http://www.ibtimes.com/charleston-shooting-south-carolina-has-19-active-hate-groups-including-kkk-chapters-1972964]]]Charleston Shooting: South Carolina Has 19 Active Hate Groups, Including KKK Chapters[/URL].
It would appear that if one is a member or associated with any group that seeks to champion one group over another, any crime committed would be a hate crime if committed against those outside the group. So if a young person is assaulted by a member of AARP, is that a hate crime? Hate crime legislation seeks to make all non-followers of the predominant party criminals. When I speak against sin and for Christ I will be labeled a hater and then persecuted under the laws. Sad that this country has devolved into such a festering mass of idiots. COme quickly Lord Jesus!
I am concerned by the focus that the church has placed on one particular sin, homosexuality. In Paul's list of aberrant behaviors in Romans, it is not the headliner. Yes, it is sin. And we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. If the church had given attention to the other sins it turned a blind eye to in years past, perhaps we would not be battling this trend today. Love and treat the sinner with dignity and respect for they too were created in the image of God. Be compassionate but stay strong in the Lord and serve Him. Oppose sin, but reach out to the sinner.
This is why I gave up watching televised sports, because it has become a religion unto itself with the worship of athletes and teams. Music is the same with their concerts to worship the musicians. It's all idolatry. "Hear O Israel, the Lord your God is one God, and HIM ONLY shall you worship."
To fulfill biblical prophecy, the nation of Israel must be forsaken by all (including America) and have no hope of survival against the invading hoards. The the Lord God shall appear and smite the enemies of the nation and bring the nation to true repentance.
Seems like 18 may be a little too late to be telling her "NO" and making it stick. I feel sad that these parents are finding out just what a spoiled, miserable, ungrateful little brat they had raised. Bet you Sunday school never figured into it.
"He, convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still." When unregenerate men are presented the truth, they will dismiss it as a fairy tale. The Bible tells us that it is by faith we believe the creation story. It is by faith we believe the Bible is the word of God. Faith is a gift from God. So, if you hate God then you will not believe, no matter what the argument is.
From their own scriptures: "As man is god once was; As god is someday man shall become." Satan's original lie, "Ye shall be as God" still resonates today in the Mormon religion.
I was a lifelong attender of churches but it wasn't until I was on my own that the Lord opened my eyes to the truth of His word and I was truly "Born Again". My personal study and devotion feeds my spiritual growth, augmented by sound teaching from certain radio preachers. I am not a church member but I love getting together with like minded believers. Why does it have to be at a church? God gives us gifts to bloom and grow where we are. If there is no "church" worth attending you will still find communion with other believers in other setting and you and they will be edified through God's gifts. This forum is always a blessing to me.