In response to John Y. desiring a mausoleum: I live near a property once owned by a wealthy man who had a mausoleum built for his remains. I remember visiting it several years ago and sadly area teens had vandalized it down though the years. Now it sits empty with satanic symbols and graffiti painted on it. Perhaps cremation isn't such a bad idea after all.
Dr. Tim, I agree. I just meant that in the abortion mill setting it isn't the wisest way to word it...I live near the Hope(less) abortion mill in IL and years ago there was a protester who said the same thing and the pro-aborts almost ruined him. Flip is quite savvy and more than likely knew the risk he was taking by saying "dead" in front of paranoid pro-aborts.
So while I think telling a pro-abort at a baby killing mill they're dead in their sins might be a bit foolish because they'll use it against you, I can vouch for Flip Benham not being violent and actually stating this public for the OSA organization when he was leading it. Also, Jim Lincoln, there is nothing wrong with Christians putting feet to their faith and actually walking out their Christianity in this world. Perhaps if more did we would no longer have such wickedness in government or rampant violence both in and out of the womb. I respect John MacArthur, but he is not infallible.
It seems to me law officers and school resource officers weren't properly trained on how to respond to this type of situation. So, while I might see the need for tighter scrutiny on the sale of guns to avoid putting them into the hands of the mentally unstable, I see more of a need for proper training of law officers and school personnel. (My advice to parents is to homeschool, if possible.)
Hi Kev, Thanks for the kind words. I agree that getting kicked out of that church was the best thing to happen to me and thank the Lord for it as I grew leaps and bounds in the reformed faith. I'm presently part of a local solidly reformed church with a very knowledgeable pastor. His sermons are posted here: Geoff Ingrum of Heritage of Grace Church. I'm in a good place by the grace of God.
Kev wrote: Angela you say you are reformed right? Take my last comment in light of this real life example I will give. John Yurich has told us HIS PASTOR teaches that election is a quote ‘satanic Lie’ do you believe they know the God of the Bible blaspeming God like that? You have a whole bunch of false converts who have not the love of the truth and this is what happens when you are ashamed to preach the full council of the Lord.
I know some arminians teach that and as a new believer I believed them. But the good Lord led me to the devotional Morning and Evenings by CH Spurgeon which eventually put me at odds with my church leadership and soon had me forced out of that church. I believe the pastor is a Christian, though in error. My prayer is for his correction. He wasn't ashamed of preaching the whole truth of the Bible, but instead was wrongly taught at Bible College.
Well, Kev, some of us were sounding the alarm years before Mr. Graham's death. I'm sure I posted a few articles, too. BUT I am not going to jump on the "burn the heretic" bandwagon because I am a sinner saved by grace who still needs much grace and forgiveness everyday of my life. And my hope is that when all is said and done, the good Lord will say "she did what she could." I'm willing to extend mercy and grace to others during a time of bereavement. We can argue theology later. A wise man once said "there is a time for everything..."
Check this out and listen to elderly Billy Graham explain what he's saying... Folks, he is ELDERLY. I hope and pray his critics keep their minds sharp in old age and do not misspeak on Larry King Live (or some other public forum like SermonAudio): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaapCTGVrA0&app=desktop
Here's some food for thought: People can actually change their mind and repent. So, while the grumpy old men (and I know I can be a grumpy old lady) post every stupid thing Mr. Graham said, please include the date. Also, my father has Alzheimer's Disease (he's 82), so I can't take everything he says as gospel truth. And lastly, why not respect the family of Mr. Graham enough to allow them a period of grief before you condemn the man. Thank you.
Some of the regular commenters here remind me of the grumpy old men from the Muppets. Anyway, I've found it encouraging to see the news programs cover Mr. Graham's death and instead of promoting sin, sharing the Gospel message and treating Christianity with respect. If you find fault with this, then perhaps you should go take a nap and wake up in a better mood.
Excerpt from Billy Grahams last column for the Fayetteville Observer: "...I won’t be in heaven because I’ve preached to large crowds or because I’ve tried to live a good life. I’ll be in heaven for one reason: Many years ago I put my faith and trust in Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to make our forgiveness possible and rose again from the dead to give us eternal life. Do you know you will go to heaven when you die? You can, by committing your life to Jesus Christ today.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life†(John 3:16) Link: http://www.fayobserver.com/news/20180221/billy-grahams-last-column-by-time-you-read-this-i-will-be-in-heaven
Dear Watcher, I take the truth very seriously, especially when it comes to Scripture and false teachers. I've already said that I'm aware of errors that Billy Graham reportedly taught, but where I draw the line is stating the man was not saved. We really don't know his final thoughts or prayers as those are between him and God. I don't see that I need any correction, but I am open to it if I'm proven to be in error. I belong to a solid reformed church with a knowledgeable pastor and if you feel I need correction, you can contact him. Just let me know if you want his name. His sermons are posted here at SA with a link to the church's website.
Hi Watcher, I'm not ignoring the truth - I just haven't seen the comment with links to the articles proving Billy Graham is in hell. I'm reformed now, but wasn't always; yet I believe I was a Christian as an arminian, as are countless others. I am a student of church history and have yet to find one Reformer without error or sin.
Aren't we all sinners? My good works are but filthy rags before a holy God. I remember reading that Christians should do good works and that if we do, "sinners" will see our good deeds and give glory to God. Our nation badly needs the Gospel message and if some are hearing it due to Mr. Graham's death, then who am I to criticize?
Thanks Lurker... Out of the comments made of those referring to me, I think you best articulated my concern. For example, I'm not 100% positive that my aged father who suffers from Alzheimer's Disease knows Christ, and when he passes away it would be devastating to read remarks posted in a public forum stating that he was in hell . I still say shame on those who malign the recently deceased. How can they know the final state of any man unless it is one blaspheming God with his very last breath? Also, I do know Mr. Graham's errors and I have probably published them on my blogs. But today is not the day for me to do that - instead I tried to find an objective article (from Wikipedia of all places!) and then I emphasized a good work he did early in his ministry.
Responding to my two cents: I know the facts and condemning a man to hell is not your place to do so. Have you not heard that the measure you use to judge a man will also be applied to you? I think the best position is for us to cry out to God for mercy because we've all sinned and gone astray. I sincerely doubt if your "fruit" would stand up to your own measure of Mr. Graham's. You condemn yourself as you condemn him. Grow up is all I can say to you and the other judges on this thread.