rynodigsmusic

So little understanding and so much bitterness. If you want peace, (which Im guessing is the reason for this post) grow in understanding. You cant stop the world from turning man, sometimes you gotta just turn with it. Something set you off somewhere down the line... that happens. But have you even read a Gospel? Or are you just accepting anothers' interpretation of it? Be honest please. I am a Christian. I do not seek at all to incoorperate my beliefs with our politics, or our laws... in fact, its the separtion from the ways of the world that I seek. Do you think, after atheism grows to overcome, that your going to be free from bitterness? As long as money, power, greed, and the glory of man are in the world so bitterness will be also. There is an order to the human conscience... one can literally spend their entire life fighting it. Just relax a little. BTW, I disagree with much of your post, but one part in particular. Skyrider already brought it up. What do you think radical Islam is trying to do? Do you think they just want some space to worship? They want to kill you for not believing in Islam. Period. Your tolerance level sounds dangerously close to theirs. I wonder what Muslims would do if you vented your angst against them like you do against Christians? I have lived in 3 different predominantly Muslim countries so what I am saying is not baseless. Still... I do find it very interesting that it usually is the atheist side of these forums who start all of the religious threads. So you accuse us of intolerance and find none in yourself? "We didn't start the fire"

There is a beginning and end to everything. "I am the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end" I believe that is actually in the Gospel itself... The bible also refers to God as "I am". So you ask who made God, and the bible tells you that God is. That may sound vague, but again, its really all I got. "We didn't start the fire"

Good point. I think we all do this. One thing I try like hell to look out for is conceit growing in me. Im open to redirection if the Holy Spirit takes me there. "Wisdom is proven right by all her children." I really am trying to listen always... "We didn't start the fire"

Creation. "We didn't start the fire"

You may be a professional communicator, but does that mean you understand what everyone is telling you? I seriously doubt it. You may want to be an objective/non-biased person... but your post leads me to believe otherwise... not only that, I dont even know if its possible to be completely objective. He is asking questions that people have been looking for answers to for centuries. The Gospel carries the secrets of life. The only way to understand them is to have them revealed from inside your heart. You will not be able to "communicate" your way into the truth (respectfully). If you want life to the fullest, you have to humble yourself and ask for it. There is no backdoor. Listen. Few people understood what Jesus was saying. Im sure to most he did sound like a "babbling idiot". He spoke in parables for a reason. If you have read a Gospel, which Im assuming you have, then you would understand the poetic revelations that so many have. Even some of the most intelligent people in the history of our world could not understand what he was/is saying. As for John, the man whom you defend. Not once did I call him a babbler, but you accuse me of intentionally and almost malicioulsy implying that his intelligence is inferior to mine? Come on man. I have tried to answer his question to the best of my ability. But, if I did offend him, let me say it openly that I apologize, and if I offend you then I apologize. But I know no other way to respond to some of the things you guys ask me. Presumptious or not, it is what I believe. There is only one God, and he is the creator of all things made. That is what was implied, not insult. But seriously man, no worries, no hard feelings... and Ill tell you the same thing, if you dont understand, then you dont understand. If you feel that is an attack on your intelligence, then that is coming from your own mind, not mine. "We didn't start the fire"

Do you really think Im suprised to hear that? Ive answered your question, you just didnt hear anything. Are you the type of person who blames God for all the suffering in the world... who believes that God should take better care of his creation... while at the same time never giving thanks for anything good in your life? Matthew 11-""To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: 'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge and you did not mourn.' 18For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' 19The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by her actions." If you understand this, then you will understand what I am telling you. If not... "We didn't start the fire"

My God is your God. Your God is your God. Do you think your God loves? I dont know, thats your relationship with your God... and others are the same. A mans (or womans) God is recognized by through that man. Jesus says "A tree is recognized by its fruit" The truth is grace and grace is the truth. Instead of asking what truth is, why not ask what grace is? The bible does not say that only Christians will find heaven, but it does say that salvation is only found in Christ. Jesus is spirit. He is the very spirit of life that inhabits all living things... some hear his voice, others do not. But grace nonetheless is real, and it is only found in faith... not in a book. If everyone was filled with grace, you would not ask this question.. because it wouldnt matter. Its like asking someone why they love you... the answer is not going to change the truth of that love. "We didn't start the fire"

Like I said, no worries... in hinesight I probably should've left the baiting part of my post out... my bad. But to follow your post... This might get a little "deep", but... We dont spread the word... it spreads itself. It was never ours, it was always Gods... it is God. It touches souls and brings life to their hearts... it is life. According to the Gospel there are spiritual creations manifesting already on the earth. The bible specifys that this spiritual creation does not yet have a body and even does not yet know what it is. In Christ a seed is planted in the soul... only a seed, and life is in the seed. Picture a tree. You dont really get to see it grow, but it is always growing to satisfy its full purpose on the earth. The Word of God is like that. Jesus is the seed that was planted and it is growing... no one can stop it, it will satisfy its full purpose, which is to establish heaven on earth. It doesnt matter who speaks or with what voice... even if no one spoke, the earth would... and does. So the point is that you are right, he is spreading the verses, but not really the message. But isnt funny that because of what he has done, many are hearing the Word? There is a line of discernment here. I personally dont think he is spreading the right message... but Im not God... and the bible is very clear that the worst is yet to come. All I can do is keep the faith... what will happen will happen whether I want it to or not. "We didn't start the fire"

Im not quite sure, but it sure is a topic that can inflame a believer into judgement on another, which is against the teachings of the Gospels. If you carry judgement against anyone, you carry it against yourself, and with the measure you use it will be measured on you. Abortion is killing, is it not? But we have already determined that killing can be justified in the mind, but it doesnt make it right. However, it is understood by the creator... "Let the dead bury their own dead" Listen and see for yourself if this saying is true or not. "Sometimes we do the wrong things for the right reasons, but it still does not make it right" Everyone has done something wrong, and therefore, everyone is guilty. The only one who is not guilty is the one who gave his life for us so that we would find complete reconciliation with God. How many times do you think other Christians have attacked what I believe? Let me give you a hint... enough. "We didn't start the fire"

"I am the way, the truth, and the life..." I am always amazed at how many people deny Jesus without ever reading a Gospel... and I am more amazed at how the power of the hypocrite keeps those who are Gods from reading it as well. I didnt read or hear anything until I was 27... what I found in there suprised me to no end. Im sorry this may sound vague... but a revelation must be revealed... no one can show it to anyone. Earth is made for heaven... and the light is already shining. Everything I am saying is in the Gospels. "We didn't start the fire"

Sorry for the hi-jack... but its not what is right or wrong, but what is revealed as truth. The truth is that while we are doing that with our weapons, others are doing that with thiers. They think they are right, we think we are right... right and wrong are perceptions of man, but there is an absolute truth in the balance. What would you do if in a heated battle, freinds are dying on both sides, but somehow a wave of consiousness reveals itself and suddenly someone, either on your side or the other, throws down their weapon and walks into the open with a desire of peace? Would you do the same? This is an extremely hypothetical situation, but it is not completely out of the realm of the human heart. This will never happen... ever until Jesus is revealed again. We have that sort power, but we are too concerned with who is right and who is wrong, rather than the truth. So, we kill to protect our beliefs. This has been going on since the beginning, and will only stop when everyone knows the truth. "We didn't start the fire"

Exactly. Jesus is the perfect example of perfect love. No man could ever live up to that perfection. We saw that in the lives of the apostles; but, we can follow his perfection. What do you think he would say about a soldier who gave his life to help his freinds? That there is no greater love. Period. Brother to brother is not exclusive to Christians is it? Its the love in that sacrafice that proves real. As real as anything you can see, touch, or taste... not a figment of the imagination as so many like to believe. I have said many times that God ordains people to be what they are. Soldiers are ordained by God... Lawmen, Doctors, Scientists, Preachers, Bums on the street, and even the "evil" man. Believe it or not, the people you are fighting are also ordained by God to kill the "infidels". God ordains nature... I think nature has shown us a few things dont you? The dolphins can swim in bliss for a time, but the shark can brutally destroy its prey. There is an order to everything made... including us. War is nothing new to man. Jesus on the otherhand is new to man, and is also "ordained" by God, and his spirit is not always expressed by those who use his name. Let me be clear, I am not speaking of anyone on this forum, just speaking the truth in general. So, you keep what God has given you in your heart... he has obvioulsy made you a protector, but at least keep an ear open so that your soul can rest in peace when the real thieves begin the prowl. "We didn't start the fire"

I understand 110%... thats what I hope John and any others reading this know. I just cant agree with it for reasons that are literally unexplainable. Its along the lines of Jonahs lesson... nothing belongs to us, not our life, not even our family. But again, this is a practice few could ever live up to. For me, my journey has led me to this truth... "that life is about learning how to let go". God is and always has been the avenger... I trust in his justice, and I am FAR from innocent myself. "We didn't start the fire"

The Gospel does not say that, nor does it teach that. It does however reveal that no man is good, that only God is good. So, who exactly do you think the "good" men of this world are? Evil will never triumph over good... ever. They may win some battles of course, but they have already lost the war. Evil, by its very nature, is designed for destruction so that good can be the construct of the earth. Is this not in the Gospels??? "We didn't start the fire"

This is only for the record. If you search your heart in the moment of testing, you will see just how much more restraint and dicsipline it takes to keep peace. Anyone can grab a weapon and kill another for any reason... it takes a "stronger" man to trade the desires and justices of the world for those of the spirit. That being said, I am not a strong spiritual man, if I were, I would be able to stand up under extreme persecution, brutality, humility, hypocrisy and injustice. As it is, Jesus has already done that, all i can do is try to follow his example the best I can. Any human can loose/has lost their temper... it is the reconciliation that takes the most strength. The real evil in this world is not the one who kills you, or makes you suffer, but the one who teaches those people to do that... and make no mistake about it, there are many of them in religious churches. Full of zeal for God, but lacking in giving others the understanding that was supposedly given them. The funny thing about all this, is all of what I am saying is found in the Gospels, so your not agreeing, or disagreeing with me, but with whats in the Gospels. "We didn't start the fire"

If hell were for people who kill, then most of the prophets would be there All Im saying is Jesus did not preach killing in any way... it was the exact opposite, and people who read these posts need to know that. I dont believe Jesus approves of killing, but I do believe that he understands it. What did Jesus say when Peter cut the ear off of the Roman soldier? Peter represents us... and I think it is clearly seen in the Gospel that Jesus understands Peter much better than Peter understood himself. "We didn't start the fire"

Forgive me, but your posts lead people to assumptions that are contrary to what Jesus teaches. How would you like it if I ran around telling everyone that skydiving is perfectly safe? Your leading people to assume that killing in any way is justifiable and even "right"... are you not??? Or are you just telling people to read the Bible and go hunt some squirrels? The only one trying to win an argument here is you... with all respects. Keep in mind, I understand there is a difference between murder and killing, while your not advocating murder, are you not advocating killing?.. and I have already said that killing can certainly be justified in the mind, but it does not make it right... nor is it a practice that brings one closer to God. This is, however, something that other "religions" believe and even practice. Christ changed everything... even still, there is not much change manifested on this earth, and the reason why, is because people who stand for peace get routed out and "shut down", by others who supposedly stand for peace as well. We want the same things... world peace, love, and a long life full of happiness and enjoyment for all, but why are we on two different sides of the fence right now? "We didn't start the fire"

You really need to slow down and read the Gospel in its full context. Thinking that Jesus is a killer instead of a savior nullifies the entire Word of God. It is frustrating to me how you continualy use this verse to justify violence in anyway. Do not get me wrong, defending yourself and your family is perfectly within the limitations of any believer and non believer alike... but that does not mean that Jesus taught that. "We didn't start the fire"

This goes to everyone. I think it is safe to say that the socical envioronment of today, and even the last 10-15 years has much more influence on who we are as people than it did in the past generations. Now I think we have seen that all generations have to deal with good and bad examples of those "fashioned" personalities, but, that they most certainly are different. I didnt even have an email address until 2001... now, 8 yr olds have facebook accounts. Character is not exclusive to any generation but definitely requires discernment especially into todays social envioronment. In my grandparents' time the social fabric was like sackcloth, and in our time it is more like microfiber. So, im not saying older generations had it wrong, but it is safe to say that we are where we are because of history and change is inevitable whether it is believed or not. "We didn't start the fire"

I dont think this war was prophesised... but a "time of wars and rumors of wars" was, so of course I get what your saying, but I personally dont think the war between Christianity and Islam is what Jesus was speaking about, although Genensis does explain such a prophesy and that is much older than 2k years... so that makes it even more incredible. People should know that Jesus is about the spirit, not the world. Eph 6:12 "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" Calling this a Holy war is inaccurate, because there is NOTHING Holy about it. But many will argue about that becasue they dont understand/believe what the spirit is and where the real holy struggle is. "We didn't start the fire"

I dont think im pissed about it, but it is a completely false representation of Jesus... anymore these days all a believer can do is follow, hope, and wait for the world to destroy itself. People on both sides are consumed with so much zeal it is difficult to listen... but make no mistake, especially in light of this recent earthquake, the signs of the end times are already appearing. How many do we need before we start believing? The average man has about 75 yrs (?) I guess to figure it out... that has NEVER EVER been long enough for us to learn from past generations "mistakes". Jesus explains the end times like childbirth... he says dont worry and do not be afraid, such things must happen, but the end is still to come... And it says the earth will be destroyed by its inhabitants and by fire.... theres so much to say, but all we really can do is wait. "We didn't start the fire"

That statement would seem to be logical given the explanation and circumstances. However, having walked up and down the mountains of Afghanistan with members of the ANA and gotten to know individuals in the ANA, most would not mind or care. A good deal of the soldiers in the ANA have had to watch as their family members were either tortured or killed by the taliban and that serves as their impetus to participate in the ANA. One of the the oldest and simplest reasons that has motivated people in some cases, this being one of them, revenge/payback/an eye for an eye is the predominate reason you will hear from those in the ANA. They want payback for their personal losses and they want a better way of life for their families. So I say that your supposition is moot as it contradicts what I know to be the ground truth. The average ANA soldier would be ecstatic to have a weapon sight that better enabled him to engage and defeat his enemy. Besides, if we followed your logic, that would mean they would be opposed to using AK-47s because it's a Russian weapon and we all know thats not the case. I don't care what anyone calls it. Call it a Holy war, thats what it is if you break it down to the basic fundamentals and thats the way the radical Islamic fundamentalists view it. They want to kill everyone who does not think the way they do or those who do not agree with their belief system. For me, I don't care what you want to call it, they want to kill me and the way of life that I and those like me live. If more people could recognize and accept this truth they would realize that we are indeed in a war of existence based on belief systems that they are unwilling to compromise on. I base my statements on my experiences and my interaction with the very same people that see us as the great Satan. I don't form my opinions on what I have read or seen on TV....I have been there and lived it first hand. Understanding this without experiencing it is akin to trying to explain what it is like to skydive to a whuffo who is convinced you cannot breath in freefall. I don't care if you agree or disagree with me or my statement. There are people in this world who deal with the realities and uglier sides of the world so that others may enjoy their way of life, I am one of those people. So call it what ever you want if it helps you sleep at night but it all boils down to "US" against "THEM" and like the Holy Wars, it will likely have the same outcome when all is said and done. Such is the way of things. Wow, now thats biblical, whether you see it or not. The same outcome indeed, just as the outcome in the future will as well... The outcome of life i guess. Let me just say thank you for doing what you do, and your right I for one dont want to deal with any of it unless I had to... I wish I could sound cooler but theres really nothing I can say. I dont think that aspect of the war is exposed as much... but no one here is going to "win" this discussion. To fight or not to fight has always been a question for all humans in the human race at some point... it surely has a purpose anyway... natures crowd control I guess. "We didn't start the fire"

Agreed. God is not found on a dollar bill anymore than he is found by not using the correct hand signals while trying to relay a message of peace. Hopefully the more God reveals himself, the more we will see the truth... that the flesh truly does count for nothing. "We didn't start the fire"

Sorry man, I dont agree with that. If you find a way to justify violence in your mind and your "enemy" justifies it in his mind, then neither will find peace. Just because something is justified in the mind doesnt mean that it is right... does it? "We didn't start the fire"