You are my brethren

[bbyrd009]

But, props for not adding to Acts 2:38!

[Titus2woman]

Well... I love you no matter who you are... sinner, saint, butcher, baker, candlestick maker. Even if you are gay... your sexual attractions are none of my business but even if they were, like all struggles and temptations in other's lives.. I'm sure they hurt you a lot more than me... and well... I've got my own issues.... and I'm working those out, with fear and trembling... but if I can help you let me know because I believe that is the reason, really the most important reason, I will drow my next breath. To be there for you if you have need of me. I believe it's the reason we are all here at all.

I can't even address the 'send you to hell' business because it's so alien to me anymore... literal hell... the idea that someone could have or would want the ability to 'send someone there' in thought or word... just too horrific... I avoid contemplating it at all...ever. I am not sure I could even sit somewhere anymore that they expound on it...

Maybe I'm a greasy grace girl now... or maybe when God sees where I'm at now... He smiles... and I like to focus on what makes God smile.

[CC1]

Originally Posted by OneEyedFatMan

I was speaking more to the exclusionary nature of the post. In this case I will say... my bad, because he alludes purely to Pentecostals, not humanity as a whole.

Flaming's definition of brother/sister only extends to members of this particular creed, mine goes somewhat beyond it to encompass... well everyone.

Universal reconcilliation? (if so you guys save a ton of money since you don't need to send missionaries to spread the gospel!)

[Michael The Disciple]

I can't even address the 'send you to hell' business because it's so alien to me anymore... literal hell... the idea that someone could have or would want the ability to 'send someone there' in thought or word... just too horrific... I avoid contemplating it at all...ever. I am not sure I could even sit somewhere anymore that they expound on it...

This statement to me sums up why there is no fear of God left almost anywhere.

After all did not Christ preach about Gehenna Fire? He meant it as motivation to turn from sin and obey him. Nowadays people seem to think the devil invented Hell.

Now as far as burning in flames for billions and trillions of years indeed that is false. The Gehenna Fire is meant to destroy evil souls not let them have eternal life. Rather it ENDS life.

Todays Churches and "Christians" have no credible message of eternal judgment. And indeed practically no one preaches it anymore at all. Yet most who think they are going to Heaven will actually be going there.

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

This statement to me sums up why there is no fear of God left almost anywhere.

After all did not Christ preach about Gehenna Fire? He meant it as motivation to turn from sin and obey him. Nowadays people seem to think the devil invented Hell.

Now as far as burning in flames for billions and trillions of years indeed that is false. The Gehenna Fire is meant to destroy evil souls not let them have eternal life. Rather it ENDS life.

Todays Churches and "Christians" have no credible message of eternal judgment. And indeed practically no one preaches it anymore at all. Yet most who think they are going to Heaven will actually be going there.

I meant "going there" as to Gehenna or "Hell".

[Titus2woman]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

This statement to me sums up why there is no fear of God left almost anywhere.

After all did not Christ preach about Gehenna Fire? He meant it as motivation to turn from sin and obey him. Nowadays people seem to think the devil invented Hell.

Now as far as burning in flames for billions and trillions of years indeed that is false. The Gehenna Fire is meant to destroy evil souls not let them have eternal life. Rather it ENDS life.

Todays Churches and "Christians" have no credible message of eternal judgment. And indeed practically no one preaches it anymore at all. Yet most who think they are going to Heaven will actually be going there.

I do not agree that my stance is why there is no fear of God or at least for me. I do not fear God because I am a blood bought child of the King and have nothing to fear from my Heavenly Father.

Theologically I do not believe in an eternal tormenting hell because I do not believe in an immortal soul except as it is given, as by far the largest gift, to people upon being filled with the Holy Spirit. Without the infilling of the spirit all humans will face a final destruction, not an eternal tormenting hell... but hey have it your way, I'm easy.

I simply refuse to play the game where we all spend significant energy trying to figure out who will wind up annihilated (or in hell) for theological beliefs different than our own... A) Because it's not up to me. B) Because it a huge waste of precious time. C) Because it is depressing as hell. D) Because it causes extreme damage to the Kingdom by being divisive. And lastly because it just makes people sound pompous and stupid. I am not Jesus and neither is anyone else here.

[bbyrd009]

I wonder if you don't both agree, when MTD's word 'eternal' is redefined in the light of "Understand I AM;" and T2W's word 'fear' (more doctrine of Original Sin, there) is redefined "unique respect?"

[Titus2woman]

Originally Posted by bbyrd009

I wonder if you don't both agree, when MTD's word 'eternal' is redefined in the light of "Understand I AM;" and T2W's word 'fear' (more doctrine of Original Sin, there) is redefined "unique respect?"

Perhaps...

[seekerman]

Originally Posted by FlamingZword

Dear friends

If you have been baptized in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38), received the Holy Spirit and believe in one God, then I consider you my brethren.

Baptized with the baptizor intoning Jesus....check.

Received the Holy Spirit.....check.

Believe in one God....check.

[n david]

I like what Johnny James would say: "You may be my cousin, but you're not my brother unless you have His name."