I don't particularly want to sin...

[loverofhumanity]

Every islamic terrorist who plans / is part of attacks on western targets (the US, France,...) say exactly that: that these attacks are not aggressions but rather responses to those countries attacking "islam" and muslims in the middle east.

None of these people consider the US or western secular democracies in general to be "innocent".

And when you ask them why they attack the innocent civilians because "they aren't the ones dropping the bombs", then the reply is that they consider those civilians guilty, because the countries are democracies and it's the people who vote the leaders into office who then order the bombings.

It sounds like you are completely unaware of how these people justify their violence.



You mean like how the US and others have helped the israeli zionists to drive palestinian muslims from their homes?
Again, it's like you have no clue about how these people justify their violence.



In other words, all allies of Israel are oppressors.

There are over 1.7 billion good upright Muslims in the world whom you are trying to paint with the same brush. This kind of generalisation cannot be based upon anything but bias and prejudice because not 1.7 billion Muslims are terrorists but you are trying to smear their religion, which is a peaceful religion based upon what criminals have done.

You fail to point out that the majority of Muslims are peaceful upright people who are well wishers of mankind. The handful you refer to do not represent the Quran, nor Muhammad nor the Islamic world. It’s completely unjust not to accept the 1.7 billion as good people and only focus on a handful of criminals who represent no one but their selfish ambitions.

 

[loverofhumanity]

Obviously, it's not clear.

Then read the Quran.

 

[ppp]

Then read the Quran.

Don't be arrogant and assume that I haven't.

 

[Sheldon]

loverofhumanity said: ↑
It’s very clear in the Quran not to kill.

Obviously, it's not clear.

Yeah, I took a double take when I read that as well.

Try printing a cartoon of Mohammed, and see how "clear the Koran is on this".

 

[Sheldon]

It’s very clear in the Quran not to kill.

Then read the Quran.

One assumes Muslims read it no? So if it is clear, why do they not agree?

A cartoon of Mohammed, seems to blur its meaning pretty quickly.

However more explicitly, "As of 2014, there were eight Muslim-majority countries where apostasy from Islam was punishable by death"

Has anyone shown them the Quran? I mean what with it being clear not to kill and all?

 

[England my lionheart]

This is, of course, in counterpoint the thread "I just want to sin!!"

I offer up this question to those believers who honestly think that, without God, everything is permitted. That is, if you really do believe that dictum ("without God, everything is permitted"), then you must also admit that if you did not believe in God, and follow what you believe to be God's commands, you would not know right from wrong.

Really? Is that really true?

Make a case for me, anyone who really thinks that.

I think we need a reference point,good luck.

 

[loverofhumanity]

Don't be arrogant and assume that I haven't.

The Quran has numerous passages about peace (10:25) returning good for evil(41:34) and only permits self defence (2:190) but forbids premeditated murder. (5:32)

 

[ppp]

The Quran has numerous passages about peace (10:25) returning good for evil(41:34) and only permits self defence (2:190) but forbids premeditated murder. (5:32)

I am not sure what your point is. I agree. Those passages are in there, as well.

This strikes me as being similar to Christian responses to criticisms of the Bible. There are bad parts. I agree, there are also good parts. But citing the good parts doesn't erase the bad.

 

[loverofhumanity]

I am not sure what your point is. I agree. Those passages are in there, as well.

This strikes me as being similar to Christian responses to criticisms of the Bible. There are bad parts. I agree, there are also good parts. But citing the good parts doesn't erase the bad.

It’s all the Word of God and as a Baha’i I don’t see any bad parts. It’s not my religion but I believe that Muhammad was a Prophet and the Quran is from God but things people call bad I believe are misinformed opinions because all Muhammad did was state there was one God then the Meccans attempted genocide, to exterminate the entire Muslim community because the idea of one God clashed with their 360 profit making idols.

Muhammad and His followers fled first to Abyssinia where a Christian King Negus gave them refuge, then to Medina. Yet the Meccans still pursued them to try and kill and exterminate every man, woman and child. It was then, to the Muslims dismay, that God told Muhammad to defend themselves.

Anyone who wanted peace, Muhammad offered them peace. But those intent on attacking the Muslims, what else were they to do? They were being forced to recant their beliefs.

So Muhammad and His followers fought for freedom of religion and eventually Mecca was peacefully won. The Quran describes a lot of events but is always just and fair.

 

[firedragon]

Yes, I see all kinds of humans throughout our history attempting to encode morality into laws and rules in societies all across the globe.
I see us humans debating aspects of morality literally right now.

Thats correspondence, not causation.

 

[F1fan]

Here are dozens of examples out of millions of how the Bible has made the world a better place, and made people better people:

https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/categories/VODIntExpTransformations

Yeah, good people seeing the Bible back up their goodness. They would surely be good people without the Bible as many other non-religious good people can do.

I Put Down My Rifle a woman in the military in Canada relates how the Bible changed her life:

https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/VODIntExpTransformations/docid-502016525_1_VIDEO

Awesome. Obviously she already had reservations and just needed a little advice. That could have come from a therapist or friend. It was HER who decided via her own wits. The Bible did nothing.

Former Enemies Who Became Friends relates how the Bible changed a former gangleader's life, and united people who once hated each other:

https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/VODIntExpTransformations/pub-jwb_201701_4_VIDEO

My Gang Was My Religion - Deals with the life transformation of a former gang member and how the Bible transformed his life for the better. I personally know Fernando he lives in Rosarita, here in Mexico. Before the pandemic we would go to Baja California, usually every December for our assemblies where he lives. A very nice person.

https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/VODIntExpTransformations/pub-jwb_201703_3_VIDEO

Yeah gang life in LA sucks. Most all kids HAVE to be part of the neighborhood gang just for protection. Not all kids want to be involved, but have little choice but to do things. There is a lot of social pressure to conform to norms, including gang life. So no doubt some of these kids found their way out. Lime any people in crisis that need to adjust their beliefs and attitudes they will surely attribute their changes to a God. This is classic 12 step methodology.

But you don't address all the bad theists who think they are good people but are not. What is your expanding for them IF God exists and religions are valid? Surely there is a flaw in the system somewhere. What did God do wrong?

 

[Kenny]

As long as your actions do not attempt to compel others to adhere to your religious beliefs through legal statute, social policy, intimidation or force. Sure!

Never advocated that nor even desire that. We agree.

n any sense. If there is a god, you have no way to determine whether you have it right, or whether you are one of the deluded religionists who honestly and earnestly believes whatever..

Or, it is you that is deluded?

And your interpretation on what God wants is one of those personal opinions.

Not really.

If you are just going to acerbic and snotty...

Was that statement morally right?

That God, as depicted in the Bible is moral, maybe?

Absolutely... just not by your standard that changes over time.

 

[Kenny]

Nonetheless as Pierre-Simon Laplace once pointed out to Napoleon, no deity is necessary for our understanding of the universe. When that changes, please do post the evidence.

Actually, science only explains what it can see. It does take a Deity to understand how it all began.

 

[F1fan]

that is true... in the natural sense. However, God may have a differing viewpoint when one meets Him face to face. (whether you believe that there is a God or not, IMV, it will still happen)

So you cam

So we adhere to (and all agree in our faith) that you don't commit murder,

But if you are accused of witchcraft we are justified in torture and executing you. Fortunately enough Christians protested because they might be next, so that "moral behavior" by Christian leaders was ended.

you don't have other gods,

Kinda problematic for the Trinity. Or does God hate gays or doesn't He? Christians are in a dispute to which God is real. Wouldn't a false God, like belief in one that hates something He doesn't, be contemptible? Why do Christians disagree so much over what God is, and yet all are correct and saved?

you honor your mother and your father, you don't covet what isn't your et al.

Well we know evangelicals have affairs like the end is coming. Among the highest divorce rates too because someone doesn't think marriage is sacred. Your thoughts?

Which, again, proves my point. You don't either but God is still constant.

But his believers are not. Why are they so confused and uncertain? What should we atheists do when you Christians can't agree to anything?

And you cited a few of the 10 Commandments, but do you follow the other over 600 Jewish laws as well?

 

[F1fan]

There are over 1.7 billion good upright Muslims in the world whom you are trying to paint with the same brush. This kind of generalisation cannot be based upon anything but bias and prejudice because not 1.7 billion Muslims are terrorists but you are trying to smear their religion, which is a peaceful religion based upon what criminals have done.

You fail to point out that the majority of Muslims are peaceful upright people who are well wishers of mankind. The handful you refer to do not represent the Quran, nor Muhammad nor the Islamic world. It’s completely unjust not to accept the 1.7 billion as good people and only focus on a handful of criminals who represent no one but their selfish ambitions.

I find your assessment a bit naive. Let's note you could characterize all American citizens as upright citizens, but a good 40% of them voted for trump, a corrupt conman who has no good reason to be in any position of public service. There are some of these folks calling and leaving death threats to public servants. A number rallied at the Capitol on Jan 6 and broke into the Capitol. Qanon has attracted millions to their nonsense. Many don't oppose republicans in power to setting up laws that will hinder voting access. And most all of these people are Christian.

Most people on the planet want to have stability and peace to go about their lives. But there are mn ay who are manipulated by authoritarian leaders, often using religion, to get these ordinary people to do unethical things. Not murder. Not theft. But anti-democracy which leads to a lack of law and freedom. So there is passive complicity that you don't seem willing to acknowledge.

 

[lukethethird]

Actually, science only explains what it can see. It does take a Deity to understand how it all began.

Science appeals to the intellect.

 

[Eyes to See]

Yeah, good people seeing the Bible back up their goodness. They would surely be good people without the Bible as many other non-religious good people can do.



Awesome. Obviously she already had reservations and just needed a little advice. That could have come from a therapist or friend. It was HER who decided via her own wits. The Bible did nothing.



Yeah gang life in LA sucks. Most all kids HAVE to be part of the neighborhood gang just for protection. Not all kids want to be involved, but have little choice but to do things. There is a lot of social pressure to conform to norms, including gang life. So no doubt some of these kids found their way out. Lime any people in crisis that need to adjust their beliefs and attitudes they will surely attribute their changes to a God. This is classic 12 step methodology.

But you don't address all the bad theists who think they are good people but are not. What is your expanding for them IF God exists and religions are valid? Surely there is a flaw in the system somewhere. What did God do wrong?

The Bible has the transformative power to change lives. I have seen it many times over in people from all walks of life. It is God's word and thus applying its advice in your life will make you better no matter whom you are or where you are.

In today's world advice is ever changing. What was in fashion today is gone tomorrow. Yet God's word tells us exactly how to have happy family lives, better relations with our neighbors, and how to find real happiness finding a meaningful relationship with the living God Jehovah.

God tells us:

“I will give you insight and instruct you in the way you should go.
I will give you advice with my eye upon you."
-Psalm 32:8.

To answer your question as to why many people do not listen God or let his word shape their lives? Well, that is their choice. God does not force anyone to serve him or do what is right. He is not going to force them to do so any more than he is going to force you.

Jesus told us that the majority of people chose the broad and spacious road, the easy road, where the majority of all religions lead, that is to destruction:

"Go in through the narrow gate, because broad is the gate and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are going in through it; whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are finding it."-Matthew 7:13-14.

The way of the truth is not an easy way of life. The gate to the road is narrow, not a lot of people are going to find it or go in through it, and the road is cramped. Not many people are going to find it.

Remember I was telling you about freewill and how it was given us to show love, because an animal governed by instinct cannot show true love. When Jesus was on earth he empathized this fact when he was asked what was the greatest of all the commandments:

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” He said to him: “‘You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment."-Matthew 22:36-38.

Love is the fulfillment of the law. But what does it mean to love Jehovah, to really love him? John tells us:

"For this is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome."-1 John 5:3.

Most people when they learn what God's word teaches and what it requires of a person to have a relationship with the Creator decide not to. Most don't want to leave the vices they have, or perhaps they don't want to be ridiculed by others for serving the true God, or perhaps they are too focused on things of this world, gaining wealth, fame, power. There are many reasons people decide not to let God's word mold them.

Now Jesus said the second greatest commandment in the law is:

"The second, like it, is this: ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’"-Matthew 22:39.

Scripture tells us that there is no law apart from love, and in the end the only law you really need is love. Because a person who uses their freewill correctly to love, love God, and love neighbor has no need for any other law. Laws in themselves are for lawless people.

"On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,  mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law."-Galatians 5:22-23.

Going back to the beginning, in the garden of Eden when humankind had perfection there was only one stipulation to the first human pair, Adam and Eve, and it was not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and bad.

It seems like a simple rule and it was. Things back then were much simpler as well. The tree and the rule given the first human pair represented God's right to rule, and humankind's willing to be obedient to him. Were they going to exercise their freewill to show God obedience, loyal love?

And that is what it really boils down to. Loyal love. That is not a common phrase in today's world. Yet God is a God not only of loyalty or of love, but of loyal love. And we, his children, have been given the capacity to display loyal love. Unfortunately the first human pair decided to abuse of their freewill and chose for themselves what was right and wrong. And that is why you are at where you are today. Confused, alienated, alone, without God. In the darkness.

The Bible reveals to us who was the real person behind the serpent who mislead Eve and got her to eat of the forbidden tree. The original serpent, Satan the Devil planted seeds of doubt in her mind as to God's motives, and she foolishly fell for it. He did so out of selfish longing for worship. Eve did not show loyal love to God, and afterward she showed her husband Adam what she had done, and he knew very well what he was doing but he also was disloyal, he did not cultivate real love for God.

Now the Bible tells us that the whole world is lying in Satan's power:

"The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one."-1 John 5:19.

It tells us that Satan, the god of this system, has blinded the minds of the unbelievers so that the glorious good news about the Christ may not shine through and they be saved:

"Among whom the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through."-2 Corinthians 4:4.

It tells us that Satan and his wicked angels have been outsted from heaven and they are misleading the entire inhabited earth:

"So down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth."-Revelation 12:9.

So that is why there are so many that do not obey the good news. Scripture tells us that Satan is transforming himself into an angel of light and his ministers act as ministers of righteousness:


"And no wonder, for Satan himself keeps disguising himself as an angel of light. It is therefore nothing extraordinary if his ministers also keep disguising themselves as ministers of righteousness."-2 Corinthians 11:14-15.

So it is of little surprise that people who are really evil and bad who claim to represent God and follow the Bible are really liars and hypocrites as you have mentioned. The last part of the scripture should be of note to you for it says:

"But their end will be according to their works."

And so by their works you will discern whether they are really from God or not.


This is the light of the world. Humankind is in darkness because Satan is the ruler of the world and he has blinded the minds of the unbelievers. There is a universal war being waged and we, you and me, and everyone else alive today were born smack dab in the middle of this war.

The Psalmist declared:

"Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good; His loyal love endures forever."-Psalms 136:1.

Unlike disobiedent humans and angels who have disregarded showing love, and being loyal in love God will always show loyal love forever. And he impels us also to display loyal love to him and to others:

"This is what Jehovah of armies says, ‘Judge with true justice, and deal with one another in loyal love and mercy."-Zechariah 7:9.

Not everyone will display loyal love. Because God does not force any of his free moral agents to do so. But he sets the divine pattern of love and he does expect us to follow it. It is your choice if you will or not. These words are true. And they are divine. Loyal love is not of human origin, and it is not a trait animals can show.

You have the choice to display loyal love to the Creator, and to your fellow humans. If you did so, and if everyone else did there would be no more racism, no more war, no more hatred. That is a divine command. It is beyond human origin.

And the Bible tells us the day is very near that only those who display loyal love will remain on earth. All the wicked and ungodly will be removed. And then there will be no more need of Jehovah's Witnesses to tell the people who Jehovah is for everyone will know him, from one end of the earth to the other:

“And they will no longer teach each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know Jehovah!’ for they will all know me, from the least to the greatest of them,” declares Jehovah. “For I will forgive their error, and I will no longer remember their sin.”-Jeremiah 31:34.

Jehovah's Witnesses have the distinguished honor of bearing the name of the living God. They dispel many of the lies that false religion has placed on his name. Out of their loyal love of Jehovah and of neighbor they declare the name of Jehovah and they tell others who he really is! Imagine if a dear friend you loved was slandered, would you not stand up for his name and defend it? People that teach that God condones bad, that he tortures people, that he is the cause of evil, these people are wicked and slander the name of a good and loving God.

God is not the cause of suffering:

"When under trial, let no one say: “I am being tried by God.” For with evil things God cannot be tried, nor does he himself try anyone."-James 1:13.

Heed this word if you wish life:

"Know this, my beloved brothers: Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger,  for man’s anger does not bring about God’s righteousness.  Therefore, put away all filthiness and every trace of badness, and accept with mildness the implanting of the word that is able to save you."-James 1:19-21.

 

[Eyes to See]

Sorry I ran out of room...

Know that God is a God not of disorder but of peace and there is one way and one salvation. In God there is unity and peace. It is the wicked god of this world who has blinded and mislead the masses of human society. And they march on choosing for themselves what is right and wrong sinning the way Adam and Eve did in the beginning:

"One body there is, and one spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling;  one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."-Ephesians 4:4-6.

If it were for the ruler darkness, the ruler of the world, Satan, all would remain in the darkness. But the light is in the world and it is more powerful than the darkness and darkness will never be able to overcome it, and God's word is bringing everything into subjection to it.

The word of God is not of human origin. It is alive and exerts power. True, most chose to ignore it. But it is powerful by God as a weapon in our warfare against the ruler of the world, Satan the Devil. And it is able to overturn the strongly entrenched things. It is overturning all reasoning of mankind, and brings every thought into captivity and makes it obedient to the Christ:

"For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but powerful by God for overturning strongly entrenched things. 5 For we are overturning reasonings and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are bringing every thought into captivity to make it obedient to the Christ; 6 and we are prepared to inflict punishment for every disobedience, as soon as your own obedience is complete."-2 Corinthians 10:4-6.

I will leave you with this thought. Jehovah God says of his people:

“You are my witnesses,” declares Jehovah,
“Yes, my servant whom I have chosen,
So that you may know and have faith in me
And understand that I am the same One.
Before me no God was formed,
And after me there has been none.
I—I am Jehovah, and besides me there is no savior.”
“I am the One who declared and saved and made known
When there was no foreign god among you.
So you are my witnesses,” declares Jehovah, “and I am God."
-Isaiah 43:10-12.

These words were uttered thousands of years ago. And here you see Jehovah's Witnesses declaring the truth about God in all the earth. Just as he foretold. No, God's word is not of human origin. And yes it is alive. Today you have seen prophecy fulfilled. This is the power of the spirit and operation of the Almighty God Jehovah.

No false god could do such a thing.

 

[F1fan]

The Bible has the transformative power to change lives.

The Bible is just a book. It is powerless to do anything unless a human decides to change their own lives. If a human needs to change and uses things in the Bible to find a bit of support, fine, they are still doing what they are capable of, and acknowledge its what they need to do. The Bible isn't doing anything.

If you are correct your Bible has a huge failure rate because there is a long history of needy people, even Christians, but were still bad people. What went wrong?

I have seen it many times over in people from all walks of life. It is God's word and thus applying its advice in your life will make you better no matter whom you are or where you are.

I think you are very eager to attribute power and effectiveness to your Bible. As noted it fails to reach those who need to be reached the most. Why the failure rate?

I'm a bike racer. If I only raced against beginners I'd win every time, and if I only told you about these fantastic list of victories you might be impressed. But if you found out I only told you about races I could win, and neglected to tell you about all the times I got my assed kicked by experienced athletes, you'd feel like I was lying to you, yes? Deceptive.

So, tell my why your Bible fails to reach the people who need to be reached the most. If this book has power, why is the power so limited? You are eager to tell me all about the successes but evade the failures.

In today's world advice is ever changing. What was in fashion today is gone tomorrow. Yet God's word tells us exactly how to have happy family lives, better relations with our neighbors, and how to find real happiness finding a meaningful relationship with the living God Jehovah.

Not really. It's a book written by ancient people from an ancient perspective. Some truths are in there that exist in other religions and philosophies. As a book the Bible has problems and the self-affirmed have little use for it.

God tells us:

“I will give you insight and instruct you in the way you should go.
I will give you advice with my eye upon you."
-Psalm 32:8.

To answer your question as to why many people do not listen God or let his word shape their lives? Well, that is their choice. God does not force anyone to serve him or do what is right. He is not going to force them to do so any more than he is going to force you.

Jesus told us that the majority of people chose the broad and spacious road, the easy road, where the majority of all religions lead, that is to destruction:

"Go in through the narrow gate, because broad is the gate and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are going in through it; whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are finding it."-Matthew 7:13-14.

The way of the truth is not an easy way of life. The gate to the road is narrow, not a lot of people are going to find it or go in through it, and the road is cramped. Not many people are going to find it.

Remember I was telling you about freewill and how it was given us to show love, because an animal governed by instinct cannot show true love. When Jesus was on earth he empathized this fact when he was asked what was the greatest of all the commandments:

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” He said to him: “‘You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment."-Matthew 22:36-38.

Love is the fulfillment of the law. But what does it mean to love Jehovah, to really love him? John tells us:

"For this is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome."-1 John 5:3.

Most people when they learn what God's word teaches and what it requires of a person to have a relationship with the Creator decide not to. Most don't want to leave the vices they have, or perhaps they don't want to be ridiculed by others for serving the true God, or perhaps they are too focused on things of this world, gaining wealth, fame, power. There are many reasons people decide not to let God's word mold them.

Now Jesus said the second greatest commandment in the law is:

"The second, like it, is this: ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’"-Matthew 22:39.

Scripture tells us that there is no law apart from love, and in the end the only law you really need is love. Because a person who uses their freewill correctly to love, love God, and love neighbor has no need for any other law. Laws in themselves are for lawless people.

"On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,  mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law."-Galatians 5:22-23.

Going back to the beginning, in the garden of Eden when humankind had perfection there was only one stipulation to the first human pair, Adam and Eve, and it was not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and bad.

It seems like a simple rule and it was. Things back then were much simpler as well. The tree and the rule given the first human pair represented God's right to rule, and humankind's willing to be obedient to him. Were they going to exercise their freewill to show God obedience, loyal love?

And that is what it really boils down to. Loyal love. That is not a common phrase in today's world. Yet God is a God not only of loyalty or of love, but of loyal love. And we, his children, have been given the capacity to display loyal love. Unfortunately the first human pair decided to abuse of their freewill and chose for themselves what was right and wrong. And that is why you are at where you are today. Confused, alienated, alone, without God. In the darkness.

The Bible reveals to us who was the real person behind the serpent who mislead Eve and got her to eat of the forbidden tree. The original serpent, Satan the Devil planted seeds of doubt in her mind as to God's motives, and she foolishly fell for it. He did so out of selfish longing for worship. Eve did not show loyal love to God, and afterward she showed her husband Adam what she had done, and he knew very well what he was doing but he also was disloyal, he did not cultivate real love for God.

Now the Bible tells us that the whole world is lying in Satan's power:

"The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one."-1 John 5:19.

It tells us that Satan, the god of this system, has blinded the minds of the unbelievers so that the glorious good news about the Christ may not shine through and they be saved:

"Among whom the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through."-2 Corinthians 4:4.

It tells us that Satan and his wicked angels have been outsted from heaven and they are misleading the entire inhabited earth:

"So down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth."-Revelation 12:9.

So that is why there are so many that do not obey the good news. Scripture tells us that Satan is transforming himself into an angel of light and his ministers act as ministers of righteousness:


"And no wonder, for Satan himself keeps disguising himself as an angel of light. It is therefore nothing extraordinary if his ministers also keep disguising themselves as ministers of righteousness."-2 Corinthians 11:14-15.

So it is of little surprise that people who are really evil and bad who claim to represent God and follow the Bible are really liars and hypocrites as you have mentioned. The last part of the scripture should be of note to you for it says:

"But their end will be according to their works."

And so by their works you will discern whether they are really from God or not.


This is the light of the world. Humankind is in darkness because Satan is the ruler of the world and he has blinded the minds of the unbelievers. There is a universal war being waged and we, you and me, and everyone else alive today were born smack dab in the middle of this war.

The Psalmist declared:

"Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good; His loyal love endures forever."-Psalms 136:1.

Unlike disobiedent humans and angels who have disregarded showing love, and being loyal in love God will always show loyal love forever. And he impels us also to display loyal love to him and to others:

"This is what Jehovah of armies says, ‘Judge with true justice, and deal with one another in loyal love and mercy."-Zechariah 7:9.

Not everyone will display loyal love. Because God does not force any of his free moral agents to do so. But he sets the divine pattern of love and he does expect us to follow it. It is your choice if you will or not. These words are true. And they are divine. Loyal love is not of human origin, and it is not a trait animals can show.

You have the choice to display loyal love to the Creator, and to your fellow humans. If you did so, and if everyone else did there would be no more racism, no more war, no more hatred. That is a divine command. It is beyond human origin.

And the Bible tells us the day is very near that only those who display loyal love will remain on earth. All the wicked and ungodly will be removed. And then there will be no more need of Jehovah's Witnesses to tell the people who Jehovah is for everyone will know him, from one end of the earth to the other:

“And they will no longer teach each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know Jehovah!’ for they will all know me, from the least to the greatest of them,” declares Jehovah. “For I will forgive their error, and I will no longer remember their sin.”-Jeremiah 31:34.

Jehovah's Witnesses have the distinguished honor of bearing the name of the living God. They dispel many of the lies that false religion has placed on his name. Out of their loyal love of Jehovah and of neighbor they declare the name of Jehovah and they tell others who he really is! Imagine if a dear friend you loved was slandered, would you not stand up for his name and defend it? People that teach that God condones bad, that he tortures people, that he is the cause of evil, these people are wicked and slander the name of a good and loving God.

God is not the cause of suffering:

"When under trial, let no one say: “I am being tried by God.” For with evil things God cannot be tried, nor does he himself try anyone."-James 1:13.

Heed this word if you wish life:

"Know this, my beloved brothers: Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger,  for man’s anger does not bring about God’s righteousness.  Therefore, put away all filthiness and every trace of badness, and accept with mildness the implanting of the word that is able to save you."-James 1:19-21.

You put a lot of work into this, but I'm sorry, this is a sermon, not an argument based on facts. I'm not convinced.

 

[F1fan]

Sorry I ran out of room...

Know that God is a God not of disorder but of peace and there is one way and one salvation.
.....

And yes it is alive. Today you have seen prophecy fulfilled. This is the power of the spirit and operation of the Almighty God Jehovah.

No false god could do such a thing.

Since this is your belief, and you are a fallible human, is there any chance you could be mistaken?