End of the world

[URAVIP2ME]

So am I correct in assuming that what your saying is that while humanity right now possesses the ability to destroy all human life on earth, we won't because Jesus will come kill all the "evil doers". After Jesus is done with that, a tree will appear and this tree will control human free will preventing us from being wicked to one another forever. Thus ushering in world peace.
If you are correct then wouldn't it be in the best interest of the world for the president to go ahead and fire off all the nukes (or attempt to, according to you) and force Jesus to usher in peace now?

In Scripture I find there is a difference between killing, murder and an 'execution' for the sake of justice.
The words (Not nukes) from Jesus' mouth will 'execute the wicked' for the sake of justice for the righteous.
We can Not read hearts but Jesus can, and will Not judge by the mere appearance to the eyes as per Isaiah 11:3-4.
Only the wicked will be destroyed according to Psalms 92:7.
If Jesus would Not involve himself into mankind's affairs then even the righteous will be in harm's way.
The figurative righteous ' sheep'-like people at the soon coming time of Matthew 25:31-33,37 are considered as righteous or upright ones because they have chosen to use their free-will choices to do good, and Not evil.
Whereas the figurative 'goat'-like people use their free-will choices for doing what is Not right.

Please remember the Genesis ' tree of life ' did Not control Adam nor Eve's choices.
They lost access to the tree of life only after they broke the Law of the Land.
By Revelation stating about the return of the tree of life for healing earth's nations is showing 'everlasting life' on Earth for those who choose to use their free-will options to obey the Law.
If you are alive on Earth during Jesus' 1,000-year reign over Earth, and you want to opt out of everlasting life on Earth all you have to do is purposely break the Law. Only those who choose to be humble meek people will inherit the Earth. By the 'end' of Jesus' millennium-long day of governing over Earth those alive at that time are the ones who want to live forever on Earth under God's kingdom governmental rule requirement of love.

 

[URAVIP2ME]

I've always believed God doesn't have or need a religion. I like to say I follow the same religion God does. Be like God, and you don't need a religion
They would belong to one they feel is helpful to them spiritually. Many religions can offer that to people, and it's really a matter of which one works for you personally. The religion that works for you, is the right one. A different religion that works for someone else, is the right religion for them. It's that simple, actually.
Jesus condemned hypocrisy. Jesus wasn't a legalist. He was a "lovist". He taught Love over all other matters, including religious beliefs and doctrines.
No, I'm afraid I don't believe that was this issue. Straining at gnats, the letter of the law, while swallowing a camel of being unloving towards others. That was he condemned. And so do I.
Unloving is wrong, whether you are Christian, Hindu, Jew, Muslim, or all other religions.

With Adam and Eve I find they were to worship their God. Adam and Eve failed in 'love' for God.
To me the definition about religion as found at James 1:27 makes a lot of sense:
To look after widows and orphans and keep oneself without spot for the world (1stCor.5:7; James 4:4; Rev. 18:4)
God does Not need faith, but we need to learn about faith and having confidence in God's Word (Bible) as Jesus did.
At John 17:17 Jesus taught that Scripture is religious truth, and such truth sets us free from what is religiously false.

There are a lot of people who consider themselves as spiritual but Not religious. Not affiliated but a life-style inside of a person. Some often take up such BIG issues that can't be solved such as health and environmental concerns.
Kind of like they 'preach' we have to do something to control carbon pollution or we are doomed.
Kind of like Earth Day worship or religion.
What a person puts first in their life is their God and their religion. Some people look in the mirror and see their ' god'.
That religion might work for them as the right one, but the religion or the worship that works for the God of the universe is the one that is the right one in His eyes.
The Pharisees were sincere, 'sincerely wrong' according to Jesus at Matthew 15:9 and Matthew chapter 23.
The Pharisees had the Scriptures and their religious teachings outside of Scripture was right for them.
Jesus stressed Not the letter of the Law, but the spirit of the Law which includes God's Golden Rule.
The spirit of the Law is summed up as the kingly law, or the royal law, embodied in Jesus' New commandment to have self-sacrificing love for others as he has.

 

[URAVIP2ME]

Love is the fulfilling of the law. Those who love do no harm. Those who love, no matter where they are or what religion they follow, are doing God's will.

I find Adam and Eve ' broke the law of love ' by failing to Lovingly obey their Heavenly Father and Creator.
Because they failed to do God's will, they brought 'harm' to us in the form of sin and death.
There are people, such as those described at 2 Timothy 3:1-5,13, who have a selfish distorted view or form of love that is the opposite of the definition of Christ-like love as defined at 1 Corinthians 13:4-6.
Jesus taught love was more than do No harm, such as in his illustration about the neighborly good Samaritan.
We are to broaden our in showing our love, widen out in our showing love, helping on a one-on-one basis as he did.
Jesus gave his followers a spiritual work to do. God's will, God's purpose, is to proclaim the good news message about God's kingdom government (Daniel 2:44) on an international-global scale according to Matthew 24:14; Acts of the Apostles 1:8.
So, I find those who love God will listen to what Jesus said to do, and it is being done globally today.

 

[The magical volleyball]

Please remember the Genesis ' tree of life ' did Not control Adam nor Eve's choices.
They lost access to the tree of life only after they broke the Law of the Land.
By Revelation stating about the return of the tree of life for healing earth's nations is showing 'everlasting life' on Earth for those who choose to use their free-will options to obey the Law.

So there's a tree that while not controlling Adam and eve, it did put them in a more peaceful mindset. This tree is also capable of healing. Kinda sounds like marijuana to me. And marijuana is making a comeback and finally returning to the nation's of the world. Maybe this is revelations.

 

[URAVIP2ME]

So there's a tree that while not controlling Adam and eve, it did put them in a more peaceful mindset. This tree is also capable of healing. Kinda sounds like marijuana to me. And marijuana is making a comeback and finally returning to the nation's of the world. Maybe this is revelations.

Maybe revelations to people who do Not consider Revelation 22:2.
Marijuana plants to the best of my knowledge do Not produce ' fruit ' for the healing of earth's nations as per Rev. 22:2

 

[The magical volleyball]

Maybe revelations to people who do Not consider Revelation 22:2.
Marijuana plants to the best of my knowledge do Not produce ' fruit ' for the healing of earth's nations as per Rev. 22:2

Remember words in the bible can mean different things like how slaying the wicked according to you is actually Jesus talking the wickedness away. Fruit could be interpreted as monthly taxes paid to fund schools and the betterment of society. And also remember The verse you are referencing also states that it's the leaves that do the healing. Marijuana active ingredients are in the bud of the plant, and people of this time period most likely would've used the leaves like rolling paper to help smoke it. If you know of a plant that better lives up to the criteria you have set forth then please offer it as evidence. Until then it would seem our best hope is DOPE.

 

[Windwalker]

At John 17:17 Jesus taught that Scripture is religious truth, and such truth sets us free from what is religiously false.

In that verse when Jesus speaks of "thy word", why is it assumed that means the Bible you have today? If you read the Psalms, you can see clearly that "the words" of God are those displayed in nature, not those written on pages with an ink and a pen (see Psalm 19).

There are a lot of people who consider themselves as spiritual but Not religious. Not affiliated but a life-style inside of a person.

I think to be spiritual is the first priority. To be religious is simply a support to that. If you don't have the first, but excel in the second, you are "religious but not spiritual". I consider that a sad, pitiable state indeed.

Some often take up such BIG issues that can't be solved such as health and environmental concerns.

Why can't those be solved? I certainly believe they can be, if people are willing to face reality and accept responsibility, as opposed to living in denial. That's what Jesus would want us to do, to be sure.

Kind of like they 'preach' we have to do something to control carbon pollution or we are doomed.
Kind of like Earth Day worship or religion.

I don't quite see it like that. It's more like those who know that if you dump raw sewage into the water upstream from you will pollute your fresh water source which result in your own illness and death. They aren't worshipping stupid idols in their ignorance but are instead facing reality through basic reason that that crap upstream is a reality that can kill us, and those who dump it there are immoral and despicable souls. I call that being intelligent and responsible, versus irresponsible to yourself, your neighbor, and the garden God granted you to tend to as stewards.

That religion might work for them as the right one, but the religion or the worship that works for the God of the universe is the one that is the right one in His eyes.

What do you mean, "that works for the God of the universe". God has requirements that makes him happy? He's not self-existent in need of nothing? He's like us, with our ego getting bruised, or something?

The Pharisees were sincere, 'sincerely wrong' according to Jesus at Matthew 15:9 and Matthew chapter 23.

Actually, no. They were not sincere at all! That's why Jesus repeatedly called them hypocrites. That's the whole theme in Matthew. They were utterly, sinfully, insincere; straining at gnats while swallowing camels whole.

Jesus stressed Not the letter of the Law, but the spirit of the Law which includes God's Golden Rule.

Amen. The Golden Rule is Love. Why is it then then so many of today's most vocal Christians stress following to the letter what "God's Word" supposedly says? They say "follow love", then say "love means following the letter of the law"? Isn't that just a bit messed up?

The spirit of the Law is summed up as the kingly law, or the royal law, embodied in Jesus' New commandment to have self-sacrificing love for others as he has.

And when we can realize that, then we understand the true nature of what it means to be "spiritual but not religious". In fact, I argue Jesus embodied just that.

 

[The Kilted Heathen]

I thought you realized this was a discussion thread, not a debate thread.

They aren't worshipping stupid idols in their ignorance

Oh yeah, you're all about love...

 

[URAVIP2ME]

In that verse when Jesus speaks of "thy word", why is it assumed that means the Bible you have today? If you read the Psalms, you can see clearly that "the words" of God are those displayed in nature, not those written on pages with an ink and a pen (see Psalm 19).
I think to be spiritual is the first priority. To be religious is simply a support to that. If you don't have the first, but excel in the second, you are "religious but not spiritual". I consider that a sad, pitiable state indeed.
Why can't those be solved? I certainly believe they can be, if people are willing to face reality and accept responsibility, as opposed to living in denial. That's what Jesus would want us to do, to be sure.
I don't quite see it like that. It's more like those who know that if you dump raw sewage into the water upstream from you will pollute your fresh water source which result in your own illness and death. They aren't worshipping stupid idols in their ignorance but are instead facing reality through basic reason that that crap upstream is a reality that can kill us, and those who dump it there are immoral and despicable souls. I call that being intelligent and responsible, versus irresponsible to yourself, your neighbor, and the garden God granted you to tend to as stewards.
What do you mean, "that works for the God of the universe". God has requirements that makes him happy? He's not self-existent in need of nothing? He's like us, with our ego getting bruised, or something?
Actually, no. They were not sincere at all! That's why Jesus repeatedly called them hypocrites. That's the whole theme in Matthew. They were utterly, sinfully, insincere; straining at gnats while swallowing camels whole.
Amen. The Golden Rule is Love. Why is it then then so many of today's most vocal Christians stress following to the letter what "God's Word" supposedly says? They say "follow love", then say "love means following the letter of the law"? Isn't that just a bit messed up?
And when we can realize that, then we understand the true nature of what it means to be "spiritual but not religious". In fact, I argue Jesus embodied just that.

The ancient manuscripts include the old Hebrew Scriptures in which Jesus was referring to at John 17:17.
Psalms to me is a good example. For example: Psalms 119:105 where it says God's Word (Scripture) is a lamp (flash light) to one's foot (shed light on our immediate steps), and a light (high beams) to our path or roadway ( to see clearly what is ahead of us).

At Psalms 78:36-41 when the people turned their backs on God it placed limits on what God could do for them.
Psalms 15:1-5 tells how God feels about things. They provoked God according to Psalms 78:58.

Religious Jesus gave priority Not to healing, nor feeding everyone, nor resurrecting everyone, but religious Jesus gave priority to doing his spiritual work of Luke 4:43 which was to educate people in giving them knowledge about God's kingdom government of Daniel 2:44 to pray for God's kingdom to come.
So important was that to religious Jesus that he said we should do the same spiritual work at Matthew 24:14; Acts 1:8 but do it on a global scale.
Those following Jesus' teachings would Not be polluting, Not even littering ! Thus showing they will be good stewards of God's Garden (aka Earth - Psalms 115:16) to become part of the humble meek to inherit the Earth.
God will bring to ruin those ruining Earth according to Revelation 11:18 B.

One requirement that makes God's happy is to have self-sacrificing love for others as per John 13:34-35.
Blessed in Scripture means happy such as found about God at 1 Timothy 1:11.

 

[Windwalker]

The ancient manuscripts include the old Hebrew Scriptures in which Jesus was referring to at John 17:17.
Psalms to me is a good example. For example: Psalms 119:105 where it says God's Word (Scripture) is a lamp (flash light) to one's foot (shed light on our immediate steps), and a light (high beams) to our path or roadway ( to see clearly what is ahead of us).

Yes, sure. One can draw inspiration from the words of poets and prophets, as much as from the stars in the night sky. It's all "the word of God", even the smile on the face of a child next door. That too is God's word.

At Psalms 78:36-41 when the people turned their backs on God it placed limits on what God could do for them.
Psalms 15:1-5 tells how God feels about things. They provoked God according to Psalms 78:58.

Yes, when we don't do the things we know in ourselves to do, we harm ourselves. This is what "places limits on what God can do", since we are not be true to what we know to be true. We can't flourish when we are out of balance.

Religious Jesus gave priority Not to healing, nor feeding everyone, nor resurrecting everyone, but religious Jesus gave priority to doing his spiritual work of Luke 4:43 which was to educate people in giving them knowledge about God's kingdom government of Daniel 2:44 to pray for God's kingdom to come.

I understand the Kingdom of God, to be something inside of us, as Jesus taught in Luke. I don't see it as an "earthly kingdom', but the eternal kingdom without regional boundaries. It exists in all conditions, within us.

So important was that to religious Jesus that he said we should do the same spiritual work at Matthew 24:14; Acts 1:8 but do it on a global scale.

I would agree. Everyone should awaken to understanding themselves in the light of Love, and then love each other as themselves, as Jesus taught.

Those following Jesus' teachings would Not be polluting, Not even littering ! Thus showing they will be good stewards of God's Garden (aka Earth - Psalms 115:16) to become part of the humble meek to inherit the Earth.

Well, that rules out all of American rightwing Evangelical Christianity!

God will bring to ruin those ruining Earth according to Revelation 11:18 B.

Yes, they will be ruin to the earth, but they will be left with less than nothing since their lives were lived without love for others.

One requirement that makes God's happy is to have self-sacrificing love for others as per John 13:34-35.

I would say so myself. The Spirit within us is pleased to do, what Spirit does, which is Love. You ever wonder what that means to "not grieve the Holy Spirit"? To not love is what grieves Spirit.

Blessed in Scripture means happy such as found about God at 1 Timothy 1:11.

I'd say it's more than being happy. I'd say it's being alive, fully alive. "I come to give you life, and life more abundantly". To love fully is to be fully alive.

 

[URAVIP2ME]

Yes, sure. One can draw inspiration from the words of poets and prophets, as much as from the stars in the night sky. It's all "the word of God", even the smile on the face of a child next door. That too is God's word.
Yes, when we don't do the things we know in ourselves to do, we harm ourselves. This is what "places limits on what God can do", since we are not be true to what we know to be true. We can't flourish when we are out of balance.
I understand the Kingdom of God, to be something inside of us, as Jesus taught in Luke. I don't see it as an "earthly kingdom', but the eternal kingdom without regional boundaries. It exists in all conditions, within us.
I would agree. Everyone should awaken to understanding themselves in the light of Love, and then love each other as themselves, as Jesus taught.
Well, that rules out all of American rightwing Evangelical Christianity!
Yes, they will be ruin to the earth, but they will be left with less than nothing since their lives were lived without love for others.
I would say so myself. The Spirit within us is pleased to do, what Spirit does, which is Love. You ever wonder what that means to "not grieve the Holy Spirit"? To not love is what grieves Spirit.
I'd say it's more than being happy. I'd say it's being alive, fully alive. "I come to give you life, and life more abundantly". To love fully is to be fully alive.

First of all, I was referring to God's 'written Word '(Bible) as mentioned at 2 Timothy 3:16-17 being inspired by God.

I like how you say,"......we harm ourselves. etc."

The people of Hebrews 6:4-6; Matthew 12:32 grieved God's holy spirit.

You're not alone in the understanding about the Kingdom of God to be something inside of a person.
Any thoughts about what Jesus said about the ' inside ' at Matthew 15:19; Mark 7:20-23, - and Jeremiah 17:9.
Please notice at Luke 17:20-21 that Jesus is addressing or talking to his enemies the hate-filled Pharisees.
Surely Jesus was Not teaching the Kingdom of God (Daniel 2:44) was inside of those Pharisees.
Then, please notice that ' after ' Jesus finishes talking to the Pharisees, then in the next verse at Luke 17:22 Jesus then talks to his followers.
Jesus addresses his followers ' after ' he concludes what he said to the Pharisees.
Then, Jesus talks to his followers at Luke 19:11-15 that the kingdom would Not appear immediately or at that time.
Jesus would have to wait according to Psalms 110. That is why would there be time to proclaim about the 'coming' (not the came) kingdom at Matthew 24:14. That is also why we pray for the (thy) kingdom to come, and why we are invited to pray the invitation for Jesus to come at Revelation 22:20.
Jesus loved us fully according to John 13:34-35, and that is why we can be fully alive with the prospect of everlasting life in view right in front of us now and forever.

 

[URAVIP2ME]

Love is the fulfilling of the law. Those who love do no harm. Those who love, no matter where they are or what religion they follow, are doing God's will.

I can agree that 'love is God's will' as love is defined by the definition of love as found at 1 Corinthians 13:4-6.
The neighborly good Samaritan of Jesus' story did more than just no harm.
He put forth effort to help that distressed stranger. Love on a one-on-one basis.
I find in Scripture that Jesus preached and taught as showing God's will for him and us as per Luke 4:43; Acts 1:8.
Fulfilling the kingly law, or royal law, such as the Golden Rule is doing God's will which I find at Matthew 24:14 to include talking to others as Jesus did.

 

[URAVIP2ME]

Remember words in the bible can mean different things like how slaying the wicked according to you is actually Jesus talking the wickedness away. Fruit could be interpreted as monthly taxes paid to fund schools and the betterment of society. And also remember The verse you are referencing also states that it's the leaves that do the healing. Marijuana active ingredients are in the bud of the plant, and people of this time period most likely would've used the leaves like rolling paper to help smoke it. If you know of a plant that better lives up to the criteria you have set forth then please offer it as evidence. Until then it would seem our best hope is DOPE.

I find the fruit on the Genesis 'tree of life' had nothing to due with taxes, etc. but life itself. (Revelation 22:2)
Good observation that its the ' leaves ' of the trees of life that are connected to the healing of earth's nations.
Since ' No one will say, " I am sick......" ' as per Isaiah 33:24, then to me it would take more than marijuana plants to heal the nations. The tree of life is more than a plant because isn't a tree more substantial than a plant.
Since No one will say, " I am sick....", then even 'enemy death' will become a thing of the past on Earth according to 1 Corinthians 15:26 and Isaiah 25:8.

 

[Windwalker]

I can agree that 'love is God's will' as love is defined by the definition of love as found at 1 Corinthians 13:4-6.
The neighborly good Samaritan of Jesus' story did more than just no harm.
He put forth effort to help that distressed stranger. Love on a one-on-one basis.
I find in Scripture that Jesus preached and taught as showing God's will for him and us as per Luke 4:43; Acts 1:8.
Fulfilling the kingly law, or royal law, such as the Golden Rule is doing God's will which I find at Matthew 24:14 to include talking to others as Jesus did.

Everything you say is true. The entire law is fulfilled in love. Romans 13:10. Those who love, no matter which religion fulfil the law. One could say, they 'follow Jesus', even if they don't know that name.

 

[URAVIP2ME]

Everything you say is true. The entire law is fulfilled in love. Romans 13:10. Those who love, no matter which religion fulfil the law. One could say, they 'follow Jesus', even if they don't know that name.

We know for sure everyone who lived before Jesus did Not know his name. (their hope lies in the resurrection)
Jesus' ransom can cover them because he gave his life for all according to 1 John 1:7. (Ephesians 1:7)
Since those who hear or learn about Jesus 'deliberately refuse' to accept the self-sacrificing love as Jesus taught at John 13:34-35, then that is why Matthew 20:28 says Jesus' ransom covers MANY and does Not say all.

2 Timothy 3:1-5,13 describes the selfish distorted form of love many display.
That form of selfish love is the opposite of the definition of Christ-like love as defined at 1 Corinthians 13:4-6.

Because Matthew 24:14 is fulfilled today about the good news about God's kingdom government of Daniel 2:44 is now proclaimed internationally as never before in history that means people ( even in earth's remote areas ) can have the opportunity to hear about Jesus, and that is why Acts of the Apostles 17:30-31 can say the times of ignorance ( Not knowing about Jesus) is past.

 

[Windwalker]

Since those who hear or learn about Jesus 'deliberately refuse' to accept the self-sacrificing love as Jesus taught at John 13:34-35, then that is why Matthew 20:28 says Jesus' ransom covers MANY and does Not say all.

I do not believe that just because someone doesn't convert to the Christian religion, this means they are rejecting love. There are myriad reasons why someone might not leave their religion for one foreign to their culture. We are not saved by concepts, or doctrinal beliefs and we are not "held responsible" to all be looking at the things the same way. A crucified god might not fit into their religious views, but just because it doesn't fit, or can fit, does not mean they are "deliberately refusing" Love. Accepting "Christ" can take many forms, because they are accept the way of love. Even when they find the idea of blood sacrifices for sin, very foreign, or even repulsive. Do you think God expects them to think like that? Or does God care about the spirit of the law, which is love, and beliefs about forgiveness of sins through a human blood sacrifice are entirely incidental and unnecessary for that to be realized in their lives?

2 Timothy 3:1-5,13 describes the selfish distorted form of love many display.

That's actually not a form of love of any kind. It shows those who don't know love or act from love whatsoever.

That form of selfish love is the opposite of the definition of Christ-like love as defined at 1 Corinthians 13:4-6.

"Selfish love" is an oxymoron. It's mutually exclusive. You have selfish on the one hand, and love on the other. There is no such thing as selfish love. That's like saying loving hatred, or peaceful violence, are calm agitation, or happy anger, and so forth.

Because Matthew 24:14 is fulfilled today about the good news about God's kingdom government of Daniel 2:44 is now proclaimed internationally as never before in history that means people ( even in earth's remote areas ) can have the opportunity to hear about Jesus, and that is why Acts of the Apostles 17:30-31 can say the times of ignorance ( Not knowing about Jesus) is past.

I don't believe we are saved by beliefs. When you consider that Christians say very wide range of contradictory beliefs and views between each of the 40,000 some odd sects of it, I don't think "the good news" is actually all that clear to people if correct belief is the criteria for knowing God. That can't be the criteria for knowing God in one's life. Right?

 

[URAVIP2ME]

I do not believe that just because someone doesn't convert to the Christian religion, this means they are rejecting love. There are myriad reasons why someone might not leave their religion for one foreign to their culture. We are not saved by concepts, or doctrinal beliefs and we are not "held responsible" to all be looking at the things the same way. A crucified god might not fit into their religious views, but just because it doesn't fit, or can fit, does not mean they are "deliberately refusing" Love. Accepting "Christ" can take many forms, because they are accept the way of love. Even when they find the idea of blood sacrifices for sin, very foreign, or even repulsive. Do you think God expects them to think like that? Or does God care about the spirit of the law, which is love, and beliefs about forgiveness of sins through a human blood sacrifice are entirely incidental and unnecessary for that to be realized in their lives?
That's actually not a form of love of any kind. It shows those who don't know love or act from love whatsoever.
"Selfish love" is an oxymoron. It's mutually exclusive. You have selfish on the one hand, and love on the other. There is no such thing as selfish love. That's like saying loving hatred, or peaceful violence, are calm agitation, or happy anger, and so forth.
I don't believe we are saved by beliefs. When you consider that Christians say very wide range of contradictory beliefs and views between each of the 40,000 some odd sects of it, I don't think "the good news" is actually all that clear to people if correct belief is the criteria for knowing God. That can't be the criteria for knowing God in one's life. Right?

I find the people of Acts of the Apostles 17:11 searched or researched the Scriptures daily to see if what they were learning or hearing was what the Bible really teaches. In Matthew chapter 7 Jesus forewarned MANY would come 'in his name' but they would prove false. So, it is Not a matter of quantity but quality. That is why Jesus gave the story about how genuine ' wheat ' Christians would grow together along side fake 'weed/tares' Christians until the harvest time. The harvest time, or the soon coming ' time of separation ' to take place on Earth as mentioned at Matthew 25:31-33,37. Since it is Jesus who does the separating work it is up to Jesus to decide who are the figurative humble sheep-like people and who are the haughty goat-like people.

My point was that 'selfish love is an oxymoron'. The people who act like those described at 2 Timothy 3:1-5,13 do Not have real-genuine love as defined at 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 but they think they do as the news shows.
They are the ones who might think in oxymoron terms of having peaceful violence, calm agitation, good grief,etc.
Pick up any newspaper and read about the bad news of men's kingdoms or governments, whereas the Bible contains the good news about God's kingdom of Daniel 2:44 with Christ coming as King or head of God's kingdom to govern over Earth for a thousand years.

If you knew a reliable weather forecaster who told you there was such a severe storm warning that you needed to leave your house would you stay or put faith and belief in his warning for you. Exercising belief in such warnings have saved people. So, there is belief, and there is belief. Credulity or blind faith belief does Not help anyone.
Whereas the Bible is talking about being 'saved/rescued/delivered' alive through the coming great tribulation of Revelation 7:14, so that people can remain alive on Earth, and continue to live on Earth right into the start of calendar Day One when Jesus' coming 1,000-year governmental rule over Earth begins. Everyone will have the opportunity to put faith in Jesus, as Prince of Peace, who will usher in global Peace on Earth among persons of goodwill.

 

[Windwalker]

I find the people of Acts of the Apostles 17:11 searched or researched the Scriptures daily to see if what they were learning or hearing was what the Bible really teaches.

Sure, that was their means to accessing God. Not everyone accesses God that way. It's one of a myriad of ways humans do.

In Matthew chapter 7 Jesus forewarned MANY would come 'in his name' but they would prove false. So, it is Not a matter of quantity but quality.

Oh absolutely. I would take great swaths out of the mainstream Christian faith professing, right-wing fundamentalist population and put them squarely in the sights of Jesus' bullet on this one! It's not those who profess his name... it's those who love. And that means they might be Buddhists, or Hindus, or Muslims.......

That is why Jesus gave the story about how genuine ' wheat ' Christians would grow together along side fake 'weed/tares' Christians until the harvest time. The harvest time, or the soon coming ' time of separation ' to take place on Earth as mentioned at Matthew 25:31-33,37. Since it is Jesus who does the separating work it is up to Jesus to decide who are the figurative humble sheep-like people and who are the haughty goat-like people.

Yes, it's up to the Spirit to show who knows Love, and who does not. Be they Christians, Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, Hindus..........

My point was that 'selfish love is an oxymoron'. The people who act like those described at 2 Timothy 3:1-5,13 do Not have real-genuine love as defined at 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 but they think they do as the news shows.

I would agree. "By their fruits you shall know them".

If you knew a reliable weather forecaster who told you there was such a severe storm warning that you needed to leave your house would you stay or put faith and belief in his warning for you.

But you know, those warnings are not about distant futures, but everyone's present one, in all generations. If you don't love, you damage yourself and others. I don't take the injunctions as some future threat.

Whereas the Bible is talking about being 'saved/rescued/delivered' alive through the coming great tribulation of Revelation 7:14, so that people can remain alive on Earth, and continue to live on Earth right into the start of calendar Day One when Jesus' coming 1,000-year governmental rule over Earth begins. Everyone will have the opportunity to put faith in Jesus, as Prince of Peace, who will usher in global Peace on Earth among persons of goodwill.

Why do you imagine the kingdom of God is some future place, and not all places at all times, like Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is within you"?

 

[URAVIP2ME]

Why do you imagine the kingdom of God is some future place, and not all places at all times, like Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is within you"?

I don't imagine the Kingdom of God (Daniel 2:44) to be ' some ' future place but coming soon to: Earth.
Jesus, as King of God's kingdom, will bring global or world-wide Peace on Earth among people of goodwill.

Who was Jesus speaking to at Luke 17:20-21 but I find the hate-filled enemy Pharisees.
Surely, to me, who would say the kingdom was within or inside of those Pharisees.
I note that it is Not until verse 22 ('after' Jesus is done talking to the Pharisees) that Jesus addresses his disciples.
Please notice: Jesus' continues his discussion with his disciples at Luke 19:11-15.
There Jesus, as the nobleman, first goes away to a far country (heaven) before he returns at the kingdom glory time of Matthew 25:31-33,37 still ahead of us. First, the good news about God's kingdom government (Daniel 2:44) would have to be proclaimed on a global or international scale as mentioned at Matthew 24:14; Acts of the Apostles 1:8 before King Jesus could come in kingdom glory.
So, by Jesus saying the kingdom of God was within those Pharisees was that Jesus, as king designate of God's kingdom, was among them, within their reach, in the midsts of them but they rejected Jesus.
What was within those Pharisees is more like what Jesus said at Mark 7:20-23, and please note Matthew 23:13.