Mike wrote: Let the Gospel not be associated with American imperialism and death. The military is a force for evil, killing and subjugating people in the Muslim world who mistakenly believe this is what Christianity commands. Christian, nationalism is a blind spot and the currency of bankrupt despots. Bloodshed is something God takes very seriously... do not support the military in thought, word or deed!
You do not know your scripture,the sword is given to goverment as a minister of God. Rm 13:3.4 The military is to be God's instrment of justice in the war on evil.
I.M. Wright wrote: Just think about it--don't older men look better in suits than in jeans and T-shirts? Formal wear hides defects, so it is a benefit that we wear it.
According to who and based on what?
Where is the sanity and comfort in tying a piece of garment around your neck? To me, it's just stupid.
Who decides what is formal and what is not formal and where does the Bible speak of each?
And what is considered clean apparel and who decides?
OP wrote: When worshipping for GOD, we are to dress modest. We are to dress with respect to God. We are not getting together for a picnic to eat or swim. We are coming together to honor Christ! This is a more sober and dignified atmosphere. Wear decent clothes! No excuses please. There are thrift stores that have dresses and slacks. Stop talking about wearing those old faded dirty jeans. If I touch a nerve, then that is a good thing.!
I am not a dispensationalist, but I beleive that God judges an ungodly nation. This country was formed on biblical principles and blessed for that. when it turns from these truths God will judge it. Abortion and homosexual unions are ungodly. Unless we as a church strongly condem these acts we are just as guilty as the ungodly.
I feel more safe because as I grow in knowledge of God and my salvation in Christ, I fear not the world. I do not trust in chariots, horses, or man, I trust in God the sovereign LORD of all.
I am neither of them I am Christian. I follow Christ and his revieled word, Not any denomination of man. There is one God and one salvation. Our only hope is in the imputed finnished work of Jesus Christ. Paul spoke of the division in the letter to the Corintians, I follow Apollos and I follow Paul, there should be no man made devisions, which are but man's sinful nature, but the truth of scripture need to be followed with out the ditortions of man's opinion. I have yet to meet any one who can interprite scripture correctly 100%.
God hates unrepentant sinners. Christians hate sin but love the sinner by revealing to their sin and telling them about Christ. McDonald's hates the homosexual by telling them evil is good.
Artyvet wrote: I feel the purpose of the church is to win souls for Christ. Without that everything else in the survey is useless.
The church does not win soul for Christ! It's purpose is to proclaim Christ and let the Holy Spirit work on the hearts of the elect opening them up to Gospel message. No one can see the kingdom of heaven untill they are "born again". Nor do they seek it.
We in this country are experiancing a dumbing down. We used to be near the top in all subjects taught in school. Now we are lower than many countries that are no bigger than states. The church has moved in this direction too. Untill people get away from the entertainment mind set, church will be only that for many. There are movements in this country to return to the doctrines our reformation for fathers wrote. We need to move out of this self help mentality and return to the hard truths that scripture teaches. Penal substitution, propitiation, depravity of all men, justification, santification are all basic doctrines of the Christian faith, but less than 10% of the church even understand it. The goats are abundant and need to here the gospel.Only those who have been given a new heart will hear and belive. Will there be any faith left when Christ returns?
Faith is a gift of grace poured out on all whom the Holy Spirit has regenerated in the new birth. We can not have true faith till we have been circumsized of the heart and now love the God whom we as enimies before hated. Eph 2:8-9 Eze.36:26-27 Deut 30:6 The dead must be given life before we have faith Eph 2:1f
JD If you would read Luther's book you would find where you are miss understanding scripture. You are putting meaning into them that is not there. Peter's letters are to the elect, both jew and ingrafted gentile. Christ died for the whole world not just the Jews. This does not mean everybody (person) but for the elect from every nation (ethnos)
Michael Hranek wrote: Socrates Need to read Martin Luther? Your post brings me to some interesting thoughts. Why should anyone of us put seek to learn from "Calvinists" when they continually point non-Calvinists to human authors rather than to the Holy Written Authoritative Word of God? It kind of gets to this...I know that Jesus died for me. God Himself has told me so in the Bible. Those into "Calvinism" believe Jesus died for them, 'the elect', and them only because the authors of Calvinism have told them so.
Every thought in Luther's book is supported with scripture. He use scripture alone to make his point. It also shows how the free will scriptures are taken out of context. Read it if you are not afraid it may change you mind.
Any of you armenians and semi palagions need to read Martin Luthers book Bondage of the will. His arguments a gainst free will are consise and very convincing. They are not his thoughts but truths supported by scripture. To you reformened thinkers. Remember understanding of TULIP is a grace only some have been given.
Christ died for the elect only! If Christ had died for all, all would be saved. Even Pol Pot, Hitler and Stalin who killed hundreds of thousands of people. The cross was sufficent for all but efficient for few.The elect from befor the foundations of the world.
2/4/13 10:36 AM
12/5/09 10:48 AM
