Topic: Bible Study: Enjoy your lesson!
started by: the breeze
Posted by the breeze on Jan. 14 2016,8:27 am
Bible Study: Enjoy your lesson! Remember what Jesus said: 'Goats on the left, sheep on the right' (Matthew 25:33).
Jesus also told Peter that if he wanted to catch fish do it from the right side of the boat. They did and filled the boat with fish.
John 21:6 (NIV) ... He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish."
I have often wondered why it is that Conservatives are called the "right” and Liberals are called the "left".
By chance I stumbled upon this verse in the Bible: Ecclesiastes 10:2 (NIV) - "The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left."
Thus sayeth the Lord. Amen.
It surely can't get any simpler than that. Spelling Lesson:
The last four letters in American... I Can
The last four letters in Republican.... I Can
The last four letters in Democrats..... Rats End of lesson ...
Test to follow on November 6, 2016.
Remember, November 2016 is to be set aside as rodent removal month. Please share this Bible Lesson with all your friends and email buddies to help achieve that goal.
Posted by Glad I Left on Jan. 14 2016,10:19 am
Stealers Wheel told me "Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right"
Posted by Self-Banished on Jan. 14 2016,11:38 am
Yes, there are definitely a lot of clowns on the left. 
Posted by stardust14 on Feb. 02 2016,12:39 am
Gotta love it when "religious" folks attempt to defend their beliefs and the Bible but usually end up disgracing both. Perfect example here.
Posted by Self-Banished on Feb. 02 2016,4:33 am
Defense of belief is not needed, all one needs is faith.
Posted by Counterfeit Fake on Feb. 02 2016,8:22 am
Sadly, it is those who scream the loudest about what good Christians they are and are the first to quote scripture to support their beliefs and actions, that seem to have the weakest faith. they feel so threatened by anyone not believing exactly what they believe because their faith is so tenuous that anything that may cause them to question even the tiniest facet would bring their whole house of cards down. I respect and enjoy being around Christians who live good lives, love everyone regardless, and are examples of Christs love. You can tell they are Christians without them having to tell you every other second to prove how good of Christians they are. They use quotes from the Bible to teach not judge. They offer love and support to those who they believe have fallen from God, not ridicule and condemnation. They acknowledge themselves as sinners and welcome people into the flock despite their sins rather than do all they can to drive wedges between themselves and those they consider to be worse sinners or believers of the wrong flavor of Christianity.
"Christians" like Breeze are easy to see and drive people away from the faith. Christ like Christians are subtle and work their way into your heart and bring you closer to God even if you don't believe the same things. They are the kindly Grandmother you long to be around. Not the raging drunken Father who beats you for your own good to make you a better person.
Posted by Rosalind_Swenson on Feb. 02 2016,11:19 am
(Counterfeit Fake @ Feb. 02 2016,8:22 am)
QUOTE
Sadly, it is those who scream the loudest about what good Christians they are and are the first to quote scripture to support their beliefs and actions, that seem to have the weakest faith. they feel so threatened by anyone not believing exactly what they believe because their faith is so tenuous that anything that may cause them to question even the tiniest facet would bring their whole house of cards down.
I respect and enjoy being around Christians who live good lives, love everyone regardless, and are examples of Christs love. You can tell they are Christians without them having to tell you every other second to prove how good of Christians they are. They use quotes from the Bible to teach not judge. They offer love and support to those who they believe have fallen from God, not ridicule and condemnation. They acknowledge themselves as sinners and welcome people into the flock despite their sins rather than do all they can to drive wedges between themselves and those they consider to be worse sinners or believers of the wrong flavor of Christianity.
"Christians" like Breeze are easy to see and drive people away from the faith. Christ like Christians are subtle and work their way into your heart and bring you closer to God even if you don't believe the same things. They are the kindly Grandmother you long to be around. Not the raging drunken Father who beats you for your own good to make you a better person.
I respect and enjoy being around Christians who live good lives, love everyone regardless, and are examples of Christs love. You can tell they are Christians without them having to tell you every other second to prove how good of Christians they are. They use quotes from the Bible to teach not judge. They offer love and support to those who they believe have fallen from God, not ridicule and condemnation. They acknowledge themselves as sinners and welcome people into the flock despite their sins rather than do all they can to drive wedges between themselves and those they consider to be worse sinners or believers of the wrong flavor of Christianity.
"Christians" like Breeze are easy to see and drive people away from the faith. Christ like Christians are subtle and work their way into your heart and bring you closer to God even if you don't believe the same things. They are the kindly Grandmother you long to be around. Not the raging drunken Father who beats you for your own good to make you a better person.
Amen.
Stardust:
QUOTE
Gotta love it when "religious" folks attempt to defend their beliefs and the Bible but usually end up disgracing both. Perfect example here.
Honestly, what should we expect from two of these "loved by Christ" christians? One who justified the genocide of Native Americans by saying that's the only way to deal with "savages" and another who says that Jesus would bring the hot dogs for a wienie roast as a family's house burns down.
Still scratching my head wondering what version of the bible some of these people have read.
Posted by stardust14 on Feb. 02 2016,11:24 am
(Counterfeit Fake @ Feb. 02 2016,8:22 am)
QUOTE
Sadly, it is those who scream the loudest about what good Christians they are and are the first to quote scripture to support their beliefs and actions, that seem to have the weakest faith. they feel so threatened by anyone not believing exactly what they believe because their faith is so tenuous that anything that may cause them to question even the tiniest facet would bring their whole house of cards down.
I respect and enjoy being around Christians who live good lives, love everyone regardless, and are examples of Christs love. You can tell they are Christians without them having to tell you every other second to prove how good of Christians they are. They use quotes from the Bible to teach not judge. They offer love and support to those who they believe have fallen from God, not ridicule and condemnation. They acknowledge themselves as sinners and welcome people into the flock despite their sins rather than do all they can to drive wedges between themselves and those they consider to be worse sinners or believers of the wrong flavor of Christianity.
"Christians" like Breeze are easy to see and drive people away from the faith. Christ like Christians are subtle and work their way into your heart and bring you closer to God even if you don't believe the same things. They are the kindly Grandmother you long to be around. Not the raging drunken Father who beats you for your own good to make you a better person.
I respect and enjoy being around Christians who live good lives, love everyone regardless, and are examples of Christs love. You can tell they are Christians without them having to tell you every other second to prove how good of Christians they are. They use quotes from the Bible to teach not judge. They offer love and support to those who they believe have fallen from God, not ridicule and condemnation. They acknowledge themselves as sinners and welcome people into the flock despite their sins rather than do all they can to drive wedges between themselves and those they consider to be worse sinners or believers of the wrong flavor of Christianity.
"Christians" like Breeze are easy to see and drive people away from the faith. Christ like Christians are subtle and work their way into your heart and bring you closer to God even if you don't believe the same things. They are the kindly Grandmother you long to be around. Not the raging drunken Father who beats you for your own good to make you a better person.
Excellent post!
My wife attempted to bring me back to a church setting a few years back. Some really good people, but too many with phobias and racist backgrounds. Many church organizations become private exclusive clubs that evolve their own expedient set of "christian" rules and behavior.
Those who claim faith is all one needs(and not virtuous behavior) remind me of the UfOlogy crowd. They, too, believe in some tantalizing unseen force, and all too often fail in acting responsibly towards their fellow man.
When Breeze and other political pimps prostitute the Bible and Jesus for personal agendas they unfortunately
do great disservice to the real Christian community.
Posted by the breeze on Feb. 07 2016,6:29 am
it was meant as a joke you guys. eat a snickers 
Posted by Self-Banished on Feb. 07 2016,7:25 am
^^
Posted by Glad I Left on Feb. 08 2016,7:00 am
(the breeze @ Feb. 07 2016,6:29 am)
QUOTE
it was meant as a joke you guys. eat a snickers
Religion is a joke. Got it. Glad we agree.
Posted by the breeze on Feb. 08 2016,7:41 am
(Glad I Left @ Feb. 08 2016,7:00 am)
QUOTE
(the breeze @ Feb. 07 2016,6:29 am)
QUOTE
it was meant as a joke you guys. eat a snickers
Religion is a joke. Got it. Glad we agree.
""Glad we agree. """"
Posted by Botto 82 on Feb. 08 2016,7:12 pm
< View on YouTube >
Posted by stardust14 on Feb. 09 2016,3:41 pm
Breeze likes to tell jokes. Here's one for enjoyment.A Hindu, a Jew, and a televangelist are driving down a desolate road late at night, when suddenly the car breaks down in front of a farm. They decide to see if the folks who live on the farm will let them sleep there for the night so they can call a tow truck in the morning.
They knock on the door of the house, and after hearing of their situation, the farmer says, "I'd be glad to give you accommodations for the night. I only have two spare beds, though, so one of you will have to sleep in the barn." The Hindu says, "No problem. I'll sleep in the barn. You guys sleep comfortably." The Hindu goes out to the barn and the Jew and televangelist get ready for bed.
Five minutes later there's a knock on the door. The farmer opens it and there stands the Hindu. The Hindu says, "I'm really sorry about this, but there's a cow in that barn, and cows are sacred to my people. Knowing that that cow is eventually going to become food makes me feel like I can't in good conscience share a room with it." The Jew says, "That's no problem. I'll sleep out in the barn. You take the other spare bed."
Five minutes later there's a knock on the door. The farmer opens it and there stands the Jew. He says, "I noticed there was a pig in that barn. My people are not allowed to eat pork on Fridays, and knowing that that pig is being raised to eventually become pork just makes me feel too uncomfortable to sleep in that barn with it." The televangelist immediately says, "Don't worry about it--I understand. Go back and take the bed you were going to sleep in and I'll gladly sleep in the barn. I'm sure nothing in there will bother me."
Five minutes later there's a knock on the door. The farmer opens the door, and there stand the cow and the pig.
Posted by Self-Banished on Feb. 09 2016,4:28 pm
^^that's about as crusty as this guy
Posted by stardust14 on Feb. 09 2016,6:55 pm
Breeze wants more jokes.What does Jerry Falwell do when not bilking old folks?
Teaches his dog to heal.
Posted by the breeze on Feb. 10 2016,6:53 am
(Glad I Left @ Feb. 08 2016,7:00 am)
QUOTE
(the breeze @ Feb. 07 2016,6:29 am)
QUOTE
it was meant as a joke you guys. eat a snickers
Religion is a joke. Got it. Glad we agree.
""""Religion is a joke. Got it. Glad we agree.""""
Please understand, I'm not selling "Christian religion" here. If anything, I still believe "religion" has kept more people from God than anything else in history.
Actually, I've discovered that true Christianity isn't a Christian religion at all - it's discovering and establishing a relationship with God. It's trusting in Jesus and what He did on the cross for you and me,1 not on what we can do for ourselves.2
"True Christianity" isn't about "organized religion." It's not about hierarchical structures, ornate buildings, flamboyant preachers, or traditional rules and rituals. In fact, let's just drop the "Christianity" label all together. Simply, it's pursuing and reconciling three basic questions of life:
• Does God exist? If so, what am I going to do about it?
• Is the Bible true? If so, what does that mean for me?
• Who is Jesus? If he is who he claims to be, how will this reality change my life?
Again, it's not about the so-called "Christian religion" at all...
It's not about the man-made machine we know today as "Christianity"...
It's all about Jesus.
He's either the Son of God who offers the only true hope for the world, or he's not.
Done. < http://www.allaboutthejourney.org/christi...hip.htm >
Posted by grassman on Feb. 10 2016,7:02 am
Thank You!
Posted by Self-Banished on Feb. 10 2016,7:23 am
^^ I'm with grassman here, let me addWow
Posted by Rosalind_Swenson on Feb. 10 2016,11:49 am
Yep, it's all about the get out of jail free card. Jesus died for your sins. That's all that matters.No need to follow any of His teachings.
Doesn't matter how big a dick you are.
He didn't come here to teach us anything whatsoever, He just came here to die for our sins.
Posted by Glad I Left on Feb. 10 2016,12:39 pm
I'll stay agnostic. thanks.
Posted by Self-Banished on Feb. 10 2016,12:55 pm
(Rosalind_Swenson @ Feb. 10 2016,11:49 am)
QUOTE
Yep, it's all about the get out of jail free card. Jesus died for your sins. That's all that matters.
No need to follow any of His teachings.
Doesn't matter how big a dick you are.
He didn't come here to teach us anything whatsoever, He just came here to die for our sins.
No need to follow any of His teachings.
Doesn't matter how big a dick you are.
He didn't come here to teach us anything whatsoever, He just came here to die for our sins.
He didn't judge either.
Posted by Rosalind_Swenson on Feb. 10 2016,1:04 pm
QUOTE
15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[c] in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”
23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
...
15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5[B] “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”
23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
...
15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5[B] “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
So if Jesus commands treating others like garbage, not helping others and judging the poor to be worthless trash, judging everyone inferior who doesn't agree with you, and only caring about yourself, then I would say that a couple christians on this forum are on the right track.
Posted by Rosalind_Swenson on Feb. 10 2016,1:10 pm
(Self-Banished @ Feb. 10 2016,12:55 pm)
QUOTE
(Rosalind_Swenson @ Feb. 10 2016,11:49 am)
QUOTE
Yep, it's all about the get out of jail free card. Jesus died for your sins. That's all that matters.
No need to follow any of His teachings.
Doesn't matter how big a dick you are.
He didn't come here to teach us anything whatsoever, He just came here to die for our sins.
No need to follow any of His teachings.
Doesn't matter how big a dick you are.
He didn't come here to teach us anything whatsoever, He just came here to die for our sins.
He didn't judge either.
He judged the sadducees and the pharisees. I have a feeling He'd also judge a so-called believer who treats others like crap and only cares about himself.
I think He'd call a dick...a dick.
Posted by Self-Banished on Feb. 10 2016,1:35 pm
^^I'm not Jesus, I live with my own reckons, I take care of my family and friends.Quit talking about dicks, you'll get Expat all worked up before he goes to work.
Posted by Liberal on Feb. 10 2016,3:04 pm
Watch "Hoo Ba Ba Kanda (Robert Tilton Remix) | Pogo" on YouTube< https://youtu.be/6k0JeEKR3Do >
Posted by grassman on Feb. 10 2016,3:28 pm
(Rosalind_Swenson @ Feb. 10 2016,1:10 pm)
QUOTE
I think He'd call a dick...a dick.
Actually he forgave Judas.
That what you said is still funny!
Posted by grassman on Feb. 10 2016,3:31 pm
(Liberal @ Feb. 10 2016,3:04 pm)
QUOTE
Watch "Hoo Ba Ba Kanda (Robert Tilton Remix) | Pogo" on YouTube
< https://youtu.be/6k0JeEKR3Do >
< https://youtu.be/6k0JeEKR3Do >
Robert Tilton does not represent a Christian.
Posted by Self-Banished on Feb. 10 2016,3:40 pm
^^ there are a lot of these clowns on TV that don't represent Christianity.
Posted by Botto 82 on Feb. 10 2016,5:53 pm
(Liberal @ Feb. 10 2016,3:04 pm)
QUOTE
Watch "Hoo Ba Ba Kanda (Robert Tilton Remix) | Pogo" on YouTube
< https://youtu.be/6k0JeEKR3Do >
< https://youtu.be/6k0JeEKR3Do >
That's funny as hell. Thanks.
Posted by Self-Banished on Feb. 10 2016,6:07 pm
Here, try this one< http://youtu.be/5lvU-DislkI >
Posted by Rosalind_Swenson on Feb. 10 2016,7:48 pm
(Self-Banished @ Feb. 10 2016,6:07 pm)
QUOTE
Here, try this one
< http://youtu.be/5lvU-DislkI >
< http://youtu.be/5lvU-DislkI >
I love that song
Posted by stardust14 on Feb. 11 2016,2:37 am
To date there is no physical evidence of a person called Jesus of Nazareth. More elusive than gravitational waves. The PBS documentary "The First Christians" does well in explaining the intricacies, politics, internal divisions of early Christianity, the many reasons why early followers of Jesus finally split from Judaism, how pagan Rome culture influenced Christian culture(and still does). Many modern Christian holidays and ritual are in fact remnants of past pagan ritual.Modern Christianity is a highly edited version of early Christianity, most ancient text being discarded due to power and politics over the ages. Most Christians today ingest well processed white Holsum bread religion.
Posted by grassman on Feb. 11 2016,5:53 am
You are right, some of the church has strayed away from the truth of the Bible. I think they have watered it down to accommodate what the people want to hear. The direction of the world and it's wants don't mix with the truth in the Bible. It was already there once, didn't end well.
Posted by grassman on Feb. 11 2016,11:45 am
Peyton Manning Shares the Shocking Reason Why He Loves Jesus, Drinks Beer, & Won’t Pray to Win“I don’t think God really cares about who wins football games…”
Peyton Manning drinks Budweiser, doesn’t point to God after scoring a touchdown, and never prays to win a football game.
He’s also a Christian (stay with me here).
Manning accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of thirteen, and since then, his faith has been his number one priority. He grew up in a Bible-believing home, and he tries to be the best man he can be…but there’s an important reason why you don’t really hear much about that side of him.
He would rather his actions outshine his words.
Often times, we squish Christianity into this little box of do’s and don’t‘s, stuffing an infinite God into the puny confines of our own minds. We think we know what following Christ looks like, but in his book Manning that Peyton co-wrote with his dad Archie, Peyton reveals how his Christian walk may not look the same as anyone else’s—but it is no greater, and no lesser.
And this is exactly what he means…
Transcript via Minding the Truth:
“Like my dad, I make it a point when I speak to groups to talk about priorities, and when it’s schoolkids, I rank those priorities as: faith, family, and education, then football. For me generally it had always been the big four: faith, family, friends, and football. And I tell all of them that as important as football is to me, it can never be higher than fourth. My faith has been number one since I was thirteen years old and heard from the pulpit on a Sunday morning in New Orleans a simple question: “If you died today, are you one hundred percent sure you’d go to heaven?” Cooper was there and Eli [Peyton’s two brothers] but it didn’t hit them at the time the way it did me. It was a big church, and I felt very small, but my heart was pounding. The minister invited those who would like that assurance through Jesus Christ to raise their hands, and I did. Then he invited us to come forward, to take a stand, and my heart really started pounding. And from where we sat, it looked like a mile to the front.
But I got up and did it. And I committed my life to Christ, and that faith has been most important to me ever since. Some players get more vocal about it—the Reggie Whites, for example—and some point to Heaven after scoring a touchdown and praise God after games. I have no problem with that. But I don’t do it, and don’t think it makes me any less a Christian. I just want my actions to speak louder, and I don’t want to be more of a target for criticism than I already am. Somebody sees you drinking a beer, which I do, and they think, “Hmmmm, Peyton says he’s this, that, or the other, and there he is drinking alcohol. What’s that all about?”
Christians drink beer. So do non-Christians. Christians also make mistakes, just as non-Christians do. My faith doesn’t make me perfect, it makes me forgiven, and provides me the assurance I looked for half my life ago. I think God answered our prayers with Cooper, and that was a test of our faith. But I also think I’ve been blessed—having so little go wrong in my life, and being given so much. I pray every night, sometimes long prayers about a lot of things and a lot of people, but I don’t talk about it or brag about it because that’s between God and me, and I’m no better than anybody else in God’s sight.
But I consider myself fortunate to be able to go to Him for guidance, and I hope (and pray) I don’t do too many things that displease Him before I get to Heaven myself. I believe, too, that life is much better and freer when you’re committed to God in that way. I find being with others whose faith is the same has made me stronger. J.C. Watts and Steve Largent, for example. They’re both in Congress now. We had voluntary pregame chapel at Tennessee, and I attend chapel every Sunday with players on the team in Indianapolis. I have spoken to church youth groups, and at Christian high schools. And then simply as a Christian, and not as good a one as I’d like to be.
How do I justify football in the context of “love your enemy?” I say to kids, well, football is most definitely a “collision sport,” and I can’t deny it jars your teeth and at the extreme can break your bones. But I’ve never seen it as a “violent game,” there are rules to prevent that, and I know I don’t have to hate anybody on the other side to play as hard as I can within the rules. I think you’d have to get inside my head to appreciate it, but I do love football. And, yes, I’d play it for nothing if that was the only way, even now when I’m no longer a child. I find no contradiction in football and my faith.
Ah, but do I “pray for victory?” No, except as a generic thing. I pray to keep both teams injury free, and personally, that I use whatever talent I have to the best of my ability. But I don’t think God really cares about who wins football games, except as winning might influence the character of some person or group. Besides. If the Colts were playing the Cowboys and I prayed for the Colts and Troy Aikman prayed for the Cowboys, wouldn’t that make it a standoff?
I do feel this way about it. Dad says it can take twenty years to make a reputation, and five minutes to ruin it. I want my reputation to be able to make it through whatever five-minute crises I run into. And I’m a lot more comfortable knowing where my help is.” (Manning, pp. 362-364)
Posted by stardust14 on Feb. 11 2016,1:11 pm
Tried your link but nothing there. Telling in itself.Because some folks question paths taken by various religions does not necessarily mean a condemnation of faith and religion; or that the great leap to atheism is the only alternative. Religious scholars and theologians refine, strengthen their faith through research and questions. When two words "I believe" are the sole basis of an individual's religious life, with little or misconstrued information to base his/her belief...in my eyes that is weak faith. Ufology comes to mind.
Another related point. The meme you present misrepresents both atheism and science. I've noticed over time this site has ZERO interest in science, outside a few politically charged science issues, which in itself says volumes of book-burning AL culture. The Dark Ages yet haunt us.
Breeze-bot is the perfect example. Claiming deep religious belief while denying the world and its inhabitants as if it were an illusion. There's more personal egotism there than any religious faith.
Lashing out at science is a sign of weakness and doubt. Many of the great scientists of past were deeply religious. They sought knowledge to enhance their religious beliefs. We are in their debt.
Posted by Rosalind_Swenson on Feb. 11 2016,1:24 pm
(stardust14 @ Feb. 11 2016,2:37 am)
QUOTE
To date there is no physical evidence of a person called Jesus of Nazareth. More elusive than gravitational waves. The PBS documentary "The First Christians" does well in explaining the intricacies, politics, internal divisions of early Christianity, the many reasons why early followers of Jesus finally split from Judaism, how pagan Rome culture influenced Christian culture(and still does). Many modern Christian holidays and ritual are in fact remnants of past pagan ritual.
Modern Christianity is a highly edited version of early Christianity, most ancient text being discarded due to power and politics over the ages. Most Christians today ingest well processed white Holsum bread religion.
Modern Christianity is a highly edited version of early Christianity, most ancient text being discarded due to power and politics over the ages. Most Christians today ingest well processed white Holsum bread religion.
I read a few years back that some guy planned on going through all the old texts he'd be able to have access to and he was going to write the bible again as they were originally written, because of the watering down and editing. I can't find anything on it anymore, I would have liked to see that happen.
I'm not christian, but I like the teachings. There are similar teachings all over the place, from Buddhism to Ozzy lyrics
. I like them all. Grassman:
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I think they have watered it down to accommodate what the people want to hear.
From my experience, the only bible teaching too many christians want to hear or live by is that belief in Jesus is their free ticket into heaven.
EDITED
Stardust, you wrote your comment while I was writing mine.
QUOTE
Because some folks question paths taken by various religions does not necessarily mean a condemnation of faith and religion; or that the great leap to atheism is the only alternative. Religious scholars and theologians refine, strengthen their faith through research and questions. When two words "I believe" are the sole basis of an individual's religious life, with little or misconstrued information to base his/her belief...in my eyes that is weak faith. Ufology comes to mind.
Completely agree.
Posted by stardust14 on Feb. 11 2016,1:49 pm
The Gnostic and Thomas Gospels run contrary in many ways to the teachings of Paul and others. There's a flavor of Eastern religious thought--introspection, individualism.There were concerted efforts to wipe out Gnosticism and other branches of Christianity, sometimes in rivers of blood. Centralizing religion as we do in the West is its downfall. Buddhism accepts science while Western religions reject.
Hundreds of newly found ancient texts are yet being transcribed. Can't wait.
Posted by grassman on Feb. 11 2016,1:58 pm
(Rosalind_Swenson @ Feb. 11 2016,1:24 pm)
QUOTE
Grassman:
From my experience, the only bible teaching too many christians want to hear or live by is that belief in Jesus is their free ticket into heaven.
QUOTE
I think they have watered it down to accommodate what the people want to hear.
From my experience, the only bible teaching too many christians want to hear or live by is that belief in Jesus is their free ticket into heaven.
That is what I am talking about. Too many figure that they can do as they want and say I believe in Jesus and that is the way. No, you have to at least try to walk the walk so to speak. None are perfect Christians, there is only one. We must try and be as Jesus is. The saying "what would Jesus do" sort of comes from that. Remember, God is good, all the time!
Posted by Rosalind_Swenson on Feb. 12 2016,8:26 am
(stardust14 @ Feb. 11 2016,1:49 pm)
QUOTE
The Gnostic and Thomas Gospels run contrary in many ways to the teachings of Paul and others. There's a flavor of Eastern religious thought--introspection, individualism.
There were concerted efforts to wipe out Gnosticism and other branches of Christianity, sometimes in rivers of blood. Centralizing religion as we do in the West is its downfall. Buddhism accepts science while Western religions reject.
Hundreds of newly found ancient texts are yet being transcribed. Can't wait.
There were concerted efforts to wipe out Gnosticism and other branches of Christianity, sometimes in rivers of blood. Centralizing religion as we do in the West is its downfall. Buddhism accepts science while Western religions reject.
Hundreds of newly found ancient texts are yet being transcribed. Can't wait.
I've read most, if not all but one, of the Dead Sea Scrolls and Nag Hammadi texts that have been published. Been awhile and now you have me wanting to read them again. The only one I know for sure I haven't read is the Gospel of Thomas, since it starts out like this:
QUOTE
These are the hidden words that the living Jesus spoke,
and that Didymos Judas Thomas wrote down. And He said:
"Whoever finds the meaning of these words will not taste death."
and that Didymos Judas Thomas wrote down. And He said:
"Whoever finds the meaning of these words will not taste death."
I'm worried that I'll find the meaning of those words!! I'm not one of the people who desires to live forever, so I'm not reading it....just in case!
Which newly found ancients texts are you referring to? I searched and I did find a couple of different things (very exciting!).
Grassman:
QUOTE
That is what I am talking about. Too many figure that they can do as they want and say I believe in Jesus and that is the way. No, you have to at least try to walk the walk so to speak. None are perfect Christians, there is only one. We must try and be as Jesus is. The saying "what would Jesus do" sort of comes from that. Remember, God is good, all the time!
If all christians actually tried to be more like Jesus, so would most of everyone else. The world would be completely different...different in a big beautiful way.
Posted by Rosalind_Swenson on Feb. 12 2016,11:31 am
Just wanted to share one of my all time favorite songs and videos in case some haven't seen it. < View on YouTube >
Powerful lyrics in this song, and mostly subtle but powerful imagery in the video. Especially the part towards the beginning where the guy is writing 1+1=2 on a piece of paper and someone snatches it away and puts a bible in it's place, and then places a flag over the bible.
Posted by stardust14 on Feb. 12 2016,2:18 pm
Like the images and idea behind the video. Reading short stories is a favorite past time of mine. Authors get to the point quickly, and often in surprising ways. Videos are a new form of short story. In fact, this thread Breeze began has become a short story in itself, not exactly evolving the way Breeze intended. Love it.As far as newly discovered ancient texts. I believe it was BBC radio that I heard the story. Can't remember exactly where they were found, somewhere in the Middle East. It was a large find of documents, mostly just text dealing with day-to-day business dealings--financial records, etc. One transcribed text dealt with a situation of "fixing" an upcoming sports contest, a sign of everyday corruption in that society. But among these texts are various religious text, most of which are not yet transcribed. Nothing ground breaking, I assume. But interesting to the degree in which AVERAGE citizens of the time reading material. THAT interests me. We already know much of what scholars and prophets of the time were promoting. But how was that resonating with diverse Middle Eastern communities? The PBS series "Early Christians" attempts to explore that question.
The now owners of these text are attempting to recruit people from around the world to help transcribe the large collection of text online. Apparently all you need is online access and knowledge of Greek alphabet. Sounds interesting indeed!
Posted by stardust14 on Feb. 12 2016,2:29 pm
(Rosalind_Swenson @ Feb. 12 2016,8:26 am)
QUOTE
I've read most, if not all but one, of the Dead Sea Scrolls and Nag Hammadi texts that have been published. Been awhile and now you have me wanting to read them again. The only one I know for sure I haven't read is the Gospel of Thomas, since it starts out like this:
I'm worried that I'll find the meaning of those words!! I'm not one of the people who desires to live forever, so I'm not reading it...just in case!
QUOTE
These are the hidden words that the living Jesus spoke,
and that Didymos Judas Thomas wrote down. And He said:
"Whoever finds the meaning of these words will not taste death."
and that Didymos Judas Thomas wrote down. And He said:
"Whoever finds the meaning of these words will not taste death."
I'm worried that I'll find the meaning of those words!! I'm not one of the people who desires to live forever, so I'm not reading it...just in case!
Just some anecdotal info. I've read the Thomas Gospels. Most days I feel far from the concept of "living forever". Quite the opposite, in fact. No need to worry.
"These are the hidden words that the living Jesus spoke".
If that doesn't give rise to curiosity nothing will.
Posted by Rosalind_Swenson on Feb. 13 2016,6:37 pm
One of the things I had come across in the newly discovered ancient texts category was something that sounded like the equivalent to an ancient christian horoscope. Kind of interesting. Is this the PBS documentary you are referring to?
< View on YouTube >
QUOTE
Just some anecdotal info. I've read the Thomas Gospels. Most days I feel far from the concept of "living forever". Quite the opposite, in fact. No need to worry.
"These are the hidden words that the living Jesus spoke".
If that doesn't give rise to curiosity nothing will.
"These are the hidden words that the living Jesus spoke".
If that doesn't give rise to curiosity nothing will.
Oh, believe me, it's been very intriguing and very very tempting. But I still haven't wanted to risk it!
Posted by stardust14 on Feb. 13 2016,11:35 pm
Yes, that is the PBS series first broadcast years ago. They reply it almost yearly. It's good.
Posted by Marneman on Feb. 14 2016,2:17 am
to Stardust; I beg to differ if anything I think the Bible actually backs science. Example:The Big bang theory;
About 8 billions years ago a mass of hydrogen atoms condensed till they exploded thus creating our universe. (I know this is somewhat simplified, but bear with me)
Genesis chap. 1;
God walked upon the face of the water(hydrogen) and said "Let there be light" (When you compress hydrogen atoms to the point where they explode one of the outcomes is a brilliant flash of light).
Okay so this is my own personnel belief, but I don't like anyone, especially fellow Christians, to put limits on God. I think the best debunking of this came in the play "Inhierant The Wind"* where the one attorney successfully argued about how long a day is for God! With our vast universe it would be illogical to argue that we are God's only chosen people and the center of said universe. I do believe in God, and that He sent his Son to us to forgive our sins, but I don't see that as a "Get out of Hell Card" either. It takes a lot more to being a Christian then saying so, or even going to church every Sunday. It means acting like Jesus did, accepting everyone despite their differences, showing kindness to others, etc.. Okay I'm starting to ramble so I'll wrap this up.
(* I know my spelling sucks. There never a dictionary around when you need one)
Posted by stardust14 on Feb. 14 2016,3:40 am
In many respects I agree with what you say. Just as many great scientists believed I also see science and religion as compatible in general terms. Also Hindu Vedic teachings and Buddhist teachings connect science and religion, almost eerily in many ways. I see it all the time. It's when die-hards on either side entrench themselves that problems arise. Books like "The Constant Fire: Beyond the Science vs Religion Debate" help bypass this contentious bitter debate.
Early Western religions and culture were much more connected to science than now. The absence of anything science related on this site is astonishing, openly attacked by some.
As you say, it is fake Christians that unfortunately too often drive the narrative. I am not anti-religion.