we have much of the new testament nailed down to within one generation of the original writings. some excerpts/fragments are said to be contemporary or even possibly originals.

(I doubt that God would allow any originals to survive, since we tend to idolize religious objects)

the entire old testament was set in stone (well in greek actually) 300 years before Christ, yet I still hear people say that the old testament was modified to reflect Jesus's life, so people would believe he fufilled prophicies. but we know absolutly that it was word-for-word set 2300 years ago, still what we have today.

the Bible speaks for itself, as to accuracy, and has proven itself to be reliable. I do not worship the Bible, but it is Gods word, and demands respect. do I respect it as much as I should? no. but I'm gaining ground every day. as a pastor I'm responsible for the souls in my care (Hebrews 13:17)

do Christians act liek they should? no. does God act liek He should? Yes. worship God , not Man. worship, dont worry about those around you in the pews, work out your own salvation, let them work out thiers. Love one another, do that and then perhaps you can help them, but I do agree that we are not doing what we should be doing.

2Tim 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2Pe 3:3
Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,(KJV)

(NLT)First, I want to remind you that in the last days there will be scoffers who will laugh at the truth and do every evil thing they desire.
Daniel 12: 1 - 13

1 "At that time Michael, the archangel who stands guard over your nation, will arise. Then there will be a time of anguish greater than any since nations first came into existence. But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued. 2 Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who turn many to righteousness will shine like stars forever. 4 But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal up the book until the time of the end. Many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase."

5 Then I, Daniel, looked and saw two others standing on opposite banks of the river. 6 One of them asked the man dressed in linen, who was now standing above the river, "How long will it be until these shocking events happen?" 7 The man dressed in linen, who was standing above the river, raised both his hands toward heaven and took this solemn oath by the one who lives forever: "It will go on for a time, times, and half a time. When the shattering of the holy people has finally come to an end, all these things will have happened." 8 I heard what he said, but I did not understand what he meant. So I asked, "How will all this finally end, my lord?" 9 But he said, "Go now, Daniel, for what I have said is for the time of the end. 10 Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined by these trials. But the wicked will continue in their wickedness, and none of them will understand. Only those who are wise will know what it means. 11 "From the time the daily sacrifice is taken away and the sacrilegious object that causes desecration is set up to be worshiped, there will be 1,290 days. 12 And blessed are those who wait and remain until the end of the 1,335 days! 13 "As for you, go your way until the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days, you will rise again to receive the inheritance set aside for you."



1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
13 And now, brothers and sisters, I want you to know what will happen to the Christians who have died so you will not be full of sorrow like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus comes, God will bring back with Jesus all the Christians who have died. 15 I can tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not rise to meet him ahead of those who are in their graves. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the call of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, all the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and remain with him forever. 18 So comfort and encourage each other with these words.

I dont think its over yet

 

Great. Just great. Do you realize that Dr. Suess frowns upon worshipping other religions? It makes Him feel insecure, and you know what happens then...we have to start killing each other over our differences. There is no other way to resolve it.
Be careful, brother, lest the gnarled hand of Sam I Am clench your throat and drag you into iniquity...
BDV

 

BDV:

You're making absolutely no sense whatsoever. I guess making jokes about religion makes you feel more secure? Whatever floats your boat man.

I feel really sorry that you have never felt God's spirit before. It's the greatest feeling you could ever have. But hey! What can I say?! Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs right? I hope your religion finds you in ... wherever you're supposed to go after you die.

 

Hmmmmm, hey Carpe Diem, I guess you have no respect for yourself. Why do I say this? According to your post you stated:

"Jesus said , give everything to the poor and follow me"

"I think I have more respect for an atheist who is living his belief system than for a Christian"

Is the computer your typing on yours? Do you live in a nice home and have internet access? Do you have a truck or car? You seem to criticize those people who are just like yourself, if you have all of the following things. Because the degree of devotion to Christ which you are speaking of requires a sacrifice greater then you yourself are willing make. If I am wrong and you are simply using a friends computer and have no vehicle and live in a mission home awaiting your next mission trip, then I apologize. It is easy to criticize how others are living their lives, but if you have not reached, what I call, "self actualization" and are living the same life you criticize others for then you are not worth listening to.

 

While I agree that Christians should do a better job of showing their faith in their daily lives, to say that any Christian who is not living a 100% Christ-like life is "disqualified" from calling themselves a Christian is nonsense. If we could do that we would be perfect and Christ is the only one who has that status. Christianity is a growth process and a true Christian is always striving to improve his witness by trying to be more like Christ, being human and fallible makes this a difficult but rewarding journey.

 

True4.2, I make just as much sense as you do. You know how I know? Because the Cat in the Hat loves me and would never foresake me, and he told me these things, in my heart.
Suess bless Christians, those silly geese! One day when rapture comes, and all us Whos in Whoville stand before Dr. Seuss, we shall see who is right and who is damned to an eternity of Green Eggs and Ham. You just wait, true4.2, it's coming.
BDV

 

Well, seeing as how Jesus walked the Earth and Suess didn't, no you don't have a valid point. Since Suess never claimed to be God, you still have no point. Since Suess never healed anyone or made the blind see or died for you sins, you still have absolutely no point whatsoever in what you're saying.

I'm sorry but Jesus died for me. Suess just taught me how to read when I was younger. So when you try to make your story sound like the the story of Christianity, you really have no argument.

Don't get me wrong, I know what you're trying to say, but it doesn't have any "depth." (<--I'm not sure that's the word I'm looking for.) I guess you see Christianity as a story someone made up long ago for people to believe. I really don't know what you believe, but you're obviously on the wrong track.

Yes, we will...and I'm surprised that doesn't scare you.

 

true4.2,

It's an anology for belief in the Bible and God, and I think you get that, you just don't want to acknowledge it.

Waxy

 

I definately get it, but it's not as concrete a system as Christianity.

This is off the subject, but talking about this so much even gives me a headache from time to time. I'm gonna take a break from this for a while. I'll read up on everything, but I'm not gonna say anything else unless someone really wants me to. Play nice now...

 

Give it a couple thousand years.

Waxy

 

 

True4.2
In your post of 9/17 @ 8:57PM you said:
"Like I said (however many posts ago), everyone is entitled their own beliefs. If you believe in the Bible, then what I say is true. If you believe in the Koran or whatever else, that's fine too. Live by what you live by."

Very nice and tolerant of you. However, you spend the rest of your post running down every other belief system on the face of the planet. Not very nice. Don't believe me go back and re-read what you wrote. Deep down you really believe that yours is the only right way, and anyone else is doomed to eternal suffering.

I believe that God has an infinite capacity for love that we can never understand. If we could just be a little more understanding and tolerant of each other we would all be living a more Christ-like life. And by tolerant I don't just mean throwing an empty smile at someone with different beliefs and thinking privately "You're going to burn sucker!!". I mean maybe taking the time to learn a little about another belief system understaning its merits and shortfalls and maybe finding a little more common ground to get along with other people on.

I'm still wondering what your answer to my last question on 9/17 @ 2:28.

 

If you believe that GOD sent His one and only son to earth and that He was torchered, died, and has risen again because He loves you that much, then you will be saved.

Everyone who calls upon the name of the LORD will be saved! Romans 10:13
It's as simple as that. There is one way to Heaven and that's through JESUS CHRIST. If you don't believe that, I pray that someday you will before it's too late. And too late could be 2 minutes from now or 200 years. But I will be very surprised if I live to be over 70 and He has not come back to earth to take those who belong to Him.

 

I'm beginning to believe in Dr. Suess and the Cat in the Hat!

I have seen the Cat in the Hat, he has given me comfort when I was young, therefore it is concrete to me and I will try to become a missionary for him. Hopefully I can help all understand why Horton hears a Who! Because that is the only way to true salvation just as my brother Bubba has said, "no green eggs and Ham for this Sam I am"

"Just like playing Atari on a Plasma" --Good one!

 

I'm guessing this is the question you want me to answer? You are saying what a lot of people might say. You are the type of person that likes to just blame it all on God right? War started, it's God's fault. Someone dies in a car accident, God is to blame. WHY WOULD YOU LET MY BROTHER DIE GOD? WHY WOULD YOU PUT ME THROUGH THIS? I had a friend say that in front of me a few years back. He didn't know what to do, so to ease his pain, he just blamed God and went on. Who makes the guns? Who makes the ammunition for war? Who kills his own brother in war? Is it God? That's what you're saying. Someone says someone else's reilgion is wrong, and their religion is right, so they start fighting over it. Let's see, isn't that what me and you are doing right now? Now then, through our arguments, are we to look up and blame God for it? It's what I believe vs. what you believe in the end. I'm sorry, but in the beginning man sinned against God, not the other way around. We brought fighting, coruption, and SIN upon ourselves early on. We are to blame for wars, not God.

Also, you say I run every other belief down except mine? Well, if you have a belief you need to stick with it and live by it. That's all I'm saying. I live by the word of God. If you were to ask me what I think of the Book of Mormons, the Koran, or whatever else that counters the Bible, I'd say it's rubbish to my eyes. If someone else believes in it, good for them. At least the have found something they can put their faith in because honestly, they'd say the same thing about my Bible...rubbish.

If I wanted to live 2 different religions supercab, then what would I be? I wouldn't be a Christian would I? I surely wouldn't be a Mormon. I would be just another person riding different fences to please the people I was around at that time.

"Sorry, but I've never had Buddha or any other god do anything for me lately. What about you? Correct me if I'm wrong please."

Is this what didn't make sense to you? Let me spell it out for you even though I said I wasn't. My God has healed others. My God has changed lives for the better. I've never heard of any other gods doing this. Have you ever heard of any other gods healing the sick? If you have heard of this, then please correct me if I was mistaken.

Does that make better sense for you?