***UPDATED*** Questions for Christians

[fonzinator]

Originally posted by: maladroit
Maybe my question got lost amidst the flaming, but...

Why do christians believe in the trinity? Where exactly does the bible say that there are 3 persons in one god? Or was it just an "interpretation" by the church?

Check out John 1 for starters. It clearly explains how the Father and Jesus have coexisted since the beginning of time, and are coequal. Acts 5:3-4 shows that the Holy Sprit is also God.

I'm too busy at the moment to give a really detailed answer. However, check out this link from my pastor, John Piper, for some excellent material on the subject of the
Trinity. Feel free to PM me with questions and I can respond later.

 

[Pastore]

Originally posted by: LethalWolfe

Originally posted by: busmaster11I do respect my uncle, but that does not equate to respecting his faith. If you do not understand that, please explain to me how you can respect a religion without believing in it wholeheartedly, because then what you are saying is you respect a religion you know to be false. In fact, if you think any religion has any likelihood of being true, it follows that you would follow it, research it, even embrace it.

Busmaster11, you seem to be working under the idea that you are right and Christianity is the true path. But it's not. It's called "faith" for a reason. No one knows what happens after we die or which religion is right or wrong. Maybe they're all right maybe they are all wrong. No one knows. But different people subscribe to different beliefs and they have faith that they their path is the correct one. There are no facts when it comes to spirituality.

I'm Christian and I respect all the other religions of the world because other people's faith is no more, or less, valid than my own.

If you think your religion is the only true religion you are wrong. If you have faith that your religion is the only true religion you are right.


Lethal

If you believe that other religions might be right, you're not a true Christian as defined by the Bible. Because it states over and over in the Bible that Jesus is the only way to Heaven. Therefor all other ways into Heaven are fallacious, not true.

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: Beast1284

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: busmaster11
reddawn I vote liberal BTW. I try to stay true to my Christian faith but I'm otherwise more in line with liberal causes (ie the environment), as long as they don't conflict with my moral beliefs.

You call some of us Fundies... I just wonder if you're also one to look for weaknesses in our words or actions and judge us hypocrites if we don't follow what we preach to the letter. To some people Christians will always be Fundies because we don't water down the Bible to meet today's social expectations or hypocrites because we're unable to follow what we preach. It's a barrier to actually sitting down and giving God some honest consideration.

I tell you, at least acknowledge that as you may not be fully understood (and thus preached to) by "Fundies", you may never understand what drives me to make this decision. But if, IF you ever believe in a higher purpose than what most people see, and it convicts you, it follows that it will drive you.

And I rarely vote for Liberals unless they are the lessor of two evils.

As for Fundies, they should not try to force their beliefs on others who aren't interested. If they do then they shouldn't complain when others find them a nuisance and extremely irritatiing because whether they like it or not they are

No devout Christian I have ever seen has complained when the person wasn't humbly receiving of the information.

OK so those who complain aren't Devout Christians.

 

[Pastore]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: Beast1284

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: busmaster11
reddawn I vote liberal BTW. I try to stay true to my Christian faith but I'm otherwise more in line with liberal causes (ie the environment), as long as they don't conflict with my moral beliefs.

You call some of us Fundies... I just wonder if you're also one to look for weaknesses in our words or actions and judge us hypocrites if we don't follow what we preach to the letter. To some people Christians will always be Fundies because we don't water down the Bible to meet today's social expectations or hypocrites because we're unable to follow what we preach. It's a barrier to actually sitting down and giving God some honest consideration.

I tell you, at least acknowledge that as you may not be fully understood (and thus preached to) by "Fundies", you may never understand what drives me to make this decision. But if, IF you ever believe in a higher purpose than what most people see, and it convicts you, it follows that it will drive you.

And I rarely vote for Liberals unless they are the lessor of two evils.

As for Fundies, they should not try to force their beliefs on others who aren't interested. If they do then they shouldn't complain when others find them a nuisance and extremely irritatiing because whether they like it or not they are

No devout Christian I have ever seen has complained when the person wasn't humbly receiving of the information.

OK so those who complain aren't Devout Christians.

You've actually seen a Christian get pissed at a person they were trying to witness? I'd probably punch them in the face and tell them to go read some more.

 

[Red Dawn]

N/M, I'm not a Christian

 

[Pastore]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: Beast1284

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: Beast1284

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: busmaster11
reddawn I vote liberal BTW. I try to stay true to my Christian faith but I'm otherwise more in line with liberal causes (ie the environment), as long as they don't conflict with my moral beliefs.

You call some of us Fundies... I just wonder if you're also one to look for weaknesses in our words or actions and judge us hypocrites if we don't follow what we preach to the letter. To some people Christians will always be Fundies because we don't water down the Bible to meet today's social expectations or hypocrites because we're unable to follow what we preach. It's a barrier to actually sitting down and giving God some honest consideration.

I tell you, at least acknowledge that as you may not be fully understood (and thus preached to) by "Fundies", you may never understand what drives me to make this decision. But if, IF you ever believe in a higher purpose than what most people see, and it convicts you, it follows that it will drive you.

And I rarely vote for Liberals unless they are the lessor of two evils.

As for Fundies, they should not try to force their beliefs on others who aren't interested. If they do then they shouldn't complain when others find them a nuisance and extremely irritatiing because whether they like it or not they are

No devout Christian I have ever seen has complained when the person wasn't humbly receiving of the information.

OK so those who complain aren't Devout Christians.

You've actually seen a Christian get pissed at a person they were trying to witness? I'd probably punch them in the face and tell them to go read some more.

What ever happened to "Turn the other cheek" I guess you follow the same sort of Christianity that the Crusaders did.

I don't "follow" any type of Christianity, which I exclaimed in one of my earlier posts. And I meant I would punch the Christian in the face that was witnessing, because they have it all wrong.

 

[LemonHead]

Originally posted by: Corn

I hope that when I'm dying some of my nutjob Fundie Relatives don't pester me trying to convert me to their beliefs and let me die in peace and dignity.

Amen!!!!!

Yeah, you and Red will be saying that when you are BURNING IN HELL SINNER!!!! hey, ow, stop it...I'm just kidding...really.

Seriously, though, I think the job as a Christian is to be willing to let God work. It saddens me when Christianity is judged by those who think they "must save all and force Christianity on all! Turn or burn, etc" I don't think that approach is very effective, and I'm sure that Red and others have mostly witnessed this type of "Christianity." If all of us Christians were to be "Christ-like" in our approach, we would be far more impactfull and would offend less. Sure there are times where perhaps the dialog may need to be more intense and direct with someone, but never in disrespect and always in love.

 

[cmdavid]

way to ruin the thread guys...

 

[Greyd]

Red Dawn, Corn and others: busmaster11 requested that there be no detracting remarks posted. Considering what he is going through, please respect his situation and feelings and post these remarks outside of this post in another post. This is NOT the post for debating or flaming or arguing. Take the egos elsewhere please.

busmaster11:

Do NOT feel foolish about what you are trying to do. There is a heaven and a hell - do not doubt this. This is a battle for your uncle's soul. Do not let doubts and people distract you from what you need to do. Have Faith! (Mark 9:24) Pray that your uncle's heart would be opened and that he would accept Christ as his savior. In the end, it is your uncle who must make the choice - no one can force him, he has the free choice. Only God can change a person's heart and you need to continually seek him, asking that he would save your uncle and open his heart.

There is no doubt that God can save your uncle through this type of situation - I've seen it happen many times. But in the end, it is his choice. If you truly believe in the Bible and what Christ has said - the condemnation of your relatives and the possibility of "wasting your uncle's time" can not be considered as legitimate. To stand up for what you believe, to try to save your uncle from hell - this is Faithfulness and integrity.

Depend on God for strength. Ask for wisdom, the words to speak, the opportunities to speak with your uncle.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

 

[yoda291]

It has always been my experience that "Christians" who preach to "non-believers" and forcefully try to convert them with the whole "fire and brimstone" or "peaceful yet forceful" approach do more work to push people away from Christianity than bring them in. Sure, you may get the occassionaly rube with that whole schpiel, but I think a simple, occasional "Do you feel like converting? No? ok." works a hell of a lot better.

I recommend you ask your grandpa if he's having any doubts or fears and if he'd like for you to pray for him anyways or if he's comfortable. If he's at peace with himself, then let him be.

I more than half suspect all religion is just a subset of one uber religion. I, myself, am a Christian, but I think that, so long as one recognizes there's something bigger than mankind, he's on the right path and I shouldn't scare him off that way of thinking.

 

[Red Dawn]

N/M, I'm not a Christian

 

[Greyd]

After posting I can not believe the flaming and arguing that I've seen here. SERIOUSLY, you guys are ridiculous - both sides!!! Take this ego crap to another post- this is ridiculous. I can't believe you guys would be willing to try to build up your own egos, especially when busmaster11 is going through a time like this. AMAZING! What is wrong with people these days - have some decencya nd respect - TAKE IT ELSEWHERE

 

[jhu]

i'm sure your uncle would appreciate any concern that you show for him, but seriously he's going to be reincarnated.

 

[Ausm]

WTF do you think a public forum is for to express your opinions...which you are obviously well at doing. So with that thought in mind I believe we have the right to express our opinions also.

I have a brother who is a holyroller and we get into all the time.


Ausm

 

[amcdonald]

Originally posted by: Beast1284

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: Beast1284

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: Beast1284

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: busmaster11
reddawn I vote liberal BTW. I try to stay true to my Christian faith but I'm otherwise more in line with liberal causes (ie the environment), as long as they don't conflict with my moral beliefs.

You call some of us Fundies... I just wonder if you're also one to look for weaknesses in our words or actions and judge us hypocrites if we don't follow what we preach to the letter. To some people Christians will always be Fundies because we don't water down the Bible to meet today's social expectations or hypocrites because we're unable to follow what we preach. It's a barrier to actually sitting down and giving God some honest consideration.

I tell you, at least acknowledge that as you may not be fully understood (and thus preached to) by "Fundies", you may never understand what drives me to make this decision. But if, IF you ever believe in a higher purpose than what most people see, and it convicts you, it follows that it will drive you.

And I rarely vote for Liberals unless they are the lessor of two evils.

As for Fundies, they should not try to force their beliefs on others who aren't interested. If they do then they shouldn't complain when others find them a nuisance and extremely irritatiing because whether they like it or not they are

No devout Christian I have ever seen has complained when the person wasn't humbly receiving of the information.

OK so those who complain aren't Devout Christians.

You've actually seen a Christian get pissed at a person they were trying to witness? I'd probably punch them in the face and tell them to go read some more.

What ever happened to "Turn the other cheek" I guess you follow the same sort of Christianity that the Crusaders did.

I don't "follow" any type of Christianity, which I exclaimed in one of my earlier posts. And I meant I would punch the Christian in the face that was witnessing, because they have it all wrong.

Let it go Beast... He's just pushing buttons... I used to do the same thing before I started respecting people and their beliefs.
Why is it that people don't try to piss off hare krishnas and muslims and buddhists? Who has little quips for everything they say and judges them before they act? And its not that they are 'harmless'... I've had more of my friends preach to me about buddhism and stuff like smoking and crap than christianity. Sorry to be offensive, but in my experience most people who are disrespectful for their own amusement are 15-year-old kids who are mad at their parents or someone they associate christianity with and leave it at that, not having an open mind. I used to fit the previous description by the way.

There is a HUGE difference in showing someone compassionate advice about spirituality and debating over trivial matters or having witty comebacks that try make people look stupid. I don't think this thread was started to give people a chance to bicker with 80-line quotes back and forth.

 

[cmdavid]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn
<brI'm sorry but this isn't a Christians only Forum.

This has nothing to do with it being a christian only forum.. it has to do with having a little decency and respect for some guy whose losing his uncle to cancer....

 

[amnesiac]

Originally posted by: Greyd
After posting I can not believe the flaming and arguing that I've seen here. SERIOUSLY, you guys are ridiculous - both sides!!! Take this ego crap to another post- this is ridiculous. I can't believe you guys would be willing to try to build up your own egos, especially when busmaster11 is going through a time like this. AMAZING! What is wrong with people these days - have some decencya nd respect - TAKE IT ELSEWHERE

I agree, but if anyone wants to start a religion / politics based thread here it will INEVITABLY get crapped on by the more vocal members here who have an overpowering urge to swing their undersized penises around, just for the sake of being heard.

The day that a religious or political statement or question is posted here and left unchallenged is the day that my sh!t turns purple and smells like rainbow sherbet.

 

[Red Dawn]

N/M, I'm not a Christian

 

[Pastore]

Originally posted by: amnesiac 2.0

Originally posted by: Greyd
After posting I can not believe the flaming and arguing that I've seen here. SERIOUSLY, you guys are ridiculous - both sides!!! Take this ego crap to another post- this is ridiculous. I can't believe you guys would be willing to try to build up your own egos, especially when busmaster11 is going through a time like this. AMAZING! What is wrong with people these days - have some decencya nd respect - TAKE IT ELSEWHERE

I agree, but if anyone wants to start a religion / politics based thread here it will INEVITABLY get crapped on by the more vocal members here who have an overpowering urge to swing their undersized penises around, just for the sake of being heard.

The day that a religious or political statement or question is posted here and left unchallenged is the day that my sh!t turns purple and smells like rainbow sherbet.

If it tasted like rainbow sherbert then I'd be impressed.

 

[LethalWolfe]

Originally posted by: Beast1284

Originally posted by: LethalWolfe

Originally posted by: busmaster11I do respect my uncle, but that does not equate to respecting his faith. If you do not understand that, please explain to me how you can respect a religion without believing in it wholeheartedly, because then what you are saying is you respect a religion you know to be false. In fact, if you think any religion has any likelihood of being true, it follows that you would follow it, research it, even embrace it.

Busmaster11, you seem to be working under the idea that you are right and Christianity is the true path. But it's not. It's called "faith" for a reason. No one knows what happens after we die or which religion is right or wrong. Maybe they're all right maybe they are all wrong. No one knows. But different people subscribe to different beliefs and they have faith that they their path is the correct one. There are no facts when it comes to spirituality.

I'm Christian and I respect all the other religions of the world because other people's faith is no more, or less, valid than my own.

If you think your religion is the only true religion you are wrong. If you have faith that your religion is the only true religion you are right.


Lethal

If you believe that other religions might be right, you're not a true Christian as defined by the Bible. Because it states over and over in the Bible that Jesus is the only way to Heaven. Therefor all other ways into Heaven are fallacious, not true.

Thanx for helping me prove my point. You are confusing faith and fact. There is no proof that Christianity or the Bible is factually correct (in terms of spirituallity). If there was we wouldn't call it faith now would we?

If I didn't have faith that Christianity was the right path I wouldn't chose to be Christian.


Lethal

 

[Cuda1447]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: Greyd
Red Dawn, Corn and others: busmaster11 requested that there be no detracting remarks posted. Considering what he is going through, please respect his situation and feelings and post these remarks outside of this post in another post. This is NOT the post for debating or flaming or arguing. Take the egos elsewhere please.

busmaster11:

Do NOT feel foolish about what you are trying to do. There is a heaven and a hell - do not doubt this. This is a battle for your uncle's soul. Do not let doubts and people distract you from what you need to do. Have Faith! (Mark 9:24) Pray that your uncle's heart would be opened and that he would accept Christ as his savior. In the end, it is your uncle who must make the choice - no one can force him, he has the free choice. Only God can change a person's heart and you need to continually seek him, asking that he would save your uncle and open his heart.

There is no doubt that God can save your uncle through this type of situation - I've seen it happen many times. But in the end, it is his choice. If you truly believe in the Bible and what Christ has said - the condemnation of your relatives and the possibility of "wasting your uncle's time" can not be considered as legitimate. To stand up for what you believe, to try to save your uncle from hell - this is Faithfulness and integrity.

Depend on God for strength. Ask for wisdom, the words to speak, the opportunities to speak with your uncle.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

I'm sorry but this isn't a Christians only Forum.

This is a Christians only thread though, at the request of busmaster.


Bus, you know what you should do. You need to talk with your uncle, mention that God loves him. Let him know God is out there. Do not try to force it down his throat (I know you won't, Im just mentioning it because all these Red Dawn wannaBe's like to use that as a reason to hate Christians) His family cannot hold you back, as others have mentioned. You know this already, the only thing left to do is be strong, and pray to God. You him and us on your side.



To all the "fundie haters" For real, you guys are worse then the so called fundies you hate. You are yelling at us about trying to force our beliefs onto other people, and tell us to mind our own buisness. When we are minding our own buisness, in our own thread you come in here and start bashing us. Why don't you take your own advice, you are the real hypocrite. You are trying to force your "fundie hating" beliefs onto all of us.



To anyone else who's interested. People like Red Dawn and others are a prime example of how the Devil works for evil. He will corrupt MANY humans and use them for his own work. Be wary, people like this are all over. They challenge your faith time and again. The only thing to do is be strong, pray, and see companionship with other good Christians.


Red Dawn, I will pray for you.

 

[amcdonald]

I agree, but if anyone wants to start a religion / politics based thread here it will INEVITABLY get crapped on by the more vocal members here who have an overpowering urge to swing their undersized penises around, just for the sake of being heard.

LOL

 

[Ausm]

Originally posted by: amnesiac 2.0

Originally posted by: Greyd After posting I can not believe the flaming and arguing that I've seen here. SERIOUSLY, you guys are ridiculous - both sides!!! Take this ego crap to another post- this is ridiculous. I can't believe you guys would be willing to try to build up your own egos, especially when busmaster11 is going through a time like this. AMAZING! What is wrong with people these days - have some decencya nd respect - TAKE IT ELSEWHERE

I agree, but if anyone wants to start a religion / politics based thread here it will INEVITABLY get crapped on by the more vocal members here who have an overpowering urge to swing their undersized penises around, just for the sake of being heard. The day that a religious or political statement or question is posted here and left unchallenged is the day that my sh!t turns purple and smells like rainbow sherbet.

The problem is I can't stand religious Zealots...or Dipshits like yourself who state the obvious...

Ausm

 

[Pastore]

Originally posted by: LethalWolfe

Originally posted by: Beast1284

Originally posted by: LethalWolfe

Originally posted by: busmaster11I do respect my uncle, but that does not equate to respecting his faith. If you do not understand that, please explain to me how you can respect a religion without believing in it wholeheartedly, because then what you are saying is you respect a religion you know to be false. In fact, if you think any religion has any likelihood of being true, it follows that you would follow it, research it, even embrace it.

Busmaster11, you seem to be working under the idea that you are right and Christianity is the true path. But it's not. It's called "faith" for a reason. No one knows what happens after we die or which religion is right or wrong. Maybe they're all right maybe they are all wrong. No one knows. But different people subscribe to different beliefs and they have faith that they their path is the correct one. There are no facts when it comes to spirituality.

I'm Christian and I respect all the other religions of the world because other people's faith is no more, or less, valid than my own.

If you think your religion is the only true religion you are wrong. If you have faith that your religion is the only true religion you are right.


Lethal

If you believe that other religions might be right, you're not a true Christian as defined by the Bible. Because it states over and over in the Bible that Jesus is the only way to Heaven. Therefor all other ways into Heaven are fallacious, not true.

Thanx for helping me prove my point. You are confusing faith and fact. There is no proof that Christianity or the Bible is factually correct (in terms of spirituallity). If there was we wouldn't call it faith now would we?

If I didn't have faith that Christianity was the right path I wouldn't chose to be Christian.


Lethal

Not confusing faith and fact. If you have faith in something, you'd better believe it as fact. Why else would you believe it if you didn't think it was true?

 

[calbear2000]

Originally posted by: sandigga
i know its easier said than done, but your relatives ridiculing you shouldn't get to you... matthew 5:10...

also, about your uncle... your uncle is like any other human on the face of the earth... you offer them the gospel. if they reject it, leave it at that and pray for them.. don't try forcing it down his throat.... matthew 10:14
either way, keep showing him love and praying that the Lord will open his heart to see the truth...

Good quotes sandigga. For busmaster11, I looked these up for you and also recommend keeping them in mind when deciding to witness to your uncle

Matthew 5:10: Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

Matthew 10:14: If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.