Timmy not trying to highjack your thread only making a point about picking and choosing out of the bible as people do it is amazing that the bible is the "infallible word of god"and people do not want to test the scriptures.....
No problem!
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
If you think your case is strongest enough for the courts of eternity, then so be it... remember, there will never come a time when doubt is sealed away, there is always an opportunity to rationalize this whole things and throw it away. I'm sure Noah felt the same way. But it doesn't change reality. Reason comes from God. The idea that we can reason, making sense of seeming chaos, is a function of divine.
I respect your journey and seeking of answers. I may also recommend a few books to you through PM on an apologetic level.
I'd be interested in such a list of books if you do put that list together and send it.
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You become free from who you have become, by becoming who you were meant to be. ~Mark from another forum I post on
God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we're in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ. ~Romans 3:24 from The Message
On the one hand, Alex, you smack my hand for being a "fear tactic" and then you proceed to end yours with a doomsday message. Listen, it wasn't a fear tactic, and I resent you for suggesting that. If you had read my point, you would have understood. Reasoning why you don't believe should be solid... and more solid than reasons why you should believe.
My calling Timmy a "lost cause" is not in any way my attempt to threaten him with an eternal suffering in a lake of fire/chamber of horrors (which I am not even sure I believe in...), but an acceptance of the fact that any attempt I make to convince him of my religious view will be a waste of my time.
And I'm ok with that... he is a free moral agent, to make any decisions he sees fit, and I have no problem with his decisions as long as they don't harm me.
My calling Timmy a "lost cause" is not in any way my attempt to threaten him with an eternal suffering in a lake of fire/chamber of horrors (which I am not even sure I believe in...), but an acceptance of the fact that any attempt I make to convince him of my religious view will be a waste of my time.
And I'm ok with that... he is a free moral agent, to make any decisions he sees fit, and I have no problem with his decisions as long as they don't harm me.
-Bro. Alex
Ah! That brings up an interesting question: am I harming anyone? To the extent that I persuade someone (not you, not anyone posting here probably, but maybe some lurkers) to my way of thinking -- i.e., to make converts! -- I suppose you must believe that I am harming them! Posting my views is worse than murder, actually. If it's not actually changing anyone's mind, it's worse than attempted murder! I am bringing people into hell with me, just like (according to some) a Trinny preacher!
Quick! Everyone put me on ignore!
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
I'm agnostic (don't know, don't believe I can know) about that, leaning toward skeptical. I am also somewhat skeptical that all the recorded sayings of Jesus are accurate. There could have been additions and edits after the fact.
Do you believe Jesus healed the sick, and gave sight to the blind. Do you belive he rose from the dead?
Many people witnessed his miracles. Many died for their testimonies. I'm bettin' the farm that those people wouldn't die for a lie. Not with what they saw first hand.
When people first told me about Christ when I was younger It seemed very hard to believe but I took it at face value and accepted it. A few years later I was baptized in Jesus name and filled with the HG. I've failed miserably since , but since then I don't doubt. I believe in him and I believe he is exactly who he said he was. He loves us both. he showed that on Calvary.
Many people witnessed his miracles. Many died for their testimonies. I'm bettin' the farm that those people wouldn't die for a lie. Not with what they saw first hand.
When people first told me about Christ when I was younger It seemed very hard to believe but I took it at face value and accepted it. A few years later I was baptized in Jesus name and filled with the HG. I've failed miserably since , but since then I don't doubt. I believe in him and I believe he is exactly who he said he was. He loves us both. he showed that on Calvary.
I know it's hard to believe, but a whole lot of people have looked at the same data that has so thoroughly convinced you, and remained unconvinced. Repeating it again and again isn't going to convince them.
You're going to have to find a different approach, or just stop trying to convince them. Timmy's only one of many.
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You become free from who you have become, by becoming who you were meant to be. ~Mark from another forum I post on
God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we're in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ. ~Romans 3:24 from The Message
Some, like Timmy, are doubters like Thomas of old...but I have seen bones mended, cancer healed, mental illness healed, and in my own case I am a walking miracle because of God's mercy and grace. I should be dead or crippled but am alive and whole.
Reminds me of a song from back in the day:
I didn't see Christ when hung on cruel Calvary. I did not see the crown of thorns He did receive. I didn't hear Him cry and say, "It's finished"...I wasn't there - I didn't see - yet I believe.
I believe that my savior is risen, or' death and hell he has claimed the victory. I didn't see when he healed and cleansed the leper...I wasn't there; I didn't see - yet I believe.
****Blessed are they that have not seen and yet believe****
I am also somewhat skeptical that all the recorded sayings of Jesus are accurate. There could have been additions and edits after the fact.
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