Thousands of churches are closing across the U.S.

[Audie]

Maybe you could be a little more specific with your references and designate chapter & verse… “Matt 16 17 28 “ is not very clear.
I did read the first line you wrote.

I do believe that God inspired and directed human authors to write and include what He wanted in the biblical scriptures.

You are not aware that "jesus" said some
alive then would see his rreturn?

I don't doubt that you believe as you
say.

People all over the world and through
time have fervently believed, staked
( all too literally, betimes) theirs and others'
lives on Belief that the knew of the one true
faith, knew just what the gods / spirits want from them.

So you do believe you've won the lottery against
immense odds, you actually do know the one True.

Do you find this to be reasonable, eminently
sane and credible?

 

[InChrist]

You are not aware that "jesus" said some
alive then would see his rreturn?

I don't doubt that you believe as you
say.

People all over the world and through
time have fervently believed, staked
( all too literally, betimes) theirs and others'
lives on Belief that the knew of the one true
faith, knew just what the gods / spirits want from them.

So you do believe you've won the lottery against
immense odds, you actually do know the one True.

Do you find this to be reasonable, eminently
sane and credible?

Jesus did not say some alive, whom He was speaking to, would see His return to earth. He said…

Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” Matthew 16:28

Then six days later “some” Peter, James and John did see Jesus in His kingdom glory….

Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Matthew 17:1-3


Jesus also said and indicated there wound a future generation at the end of the age that would see the signs taking place indicative of His soon return. The nation of Israel being number one, as referenced by the “ fig tree”.

Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
Matthew 24:32-35

So clearly it’s not about a lottery or odds, but about paying attention, being aware, and noticing what is going on.
I can’t think of anything more sane than listening to and heeding the words of God, my Creator and Savior. I actually think to ignore God is to ignore reality, a form of insanity.

 

[Audie]

Jesus did not say some alive, whom He was speaking to, would see His return to earth. He said…

Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” Matthew 16:28

Then six days later “some” Peter, James and John did see Jesus in His kingdom glory….

Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Matthew 17:1-3


Jesus also said and indicated there wound a future generation at the end of the age that would see the signs taking place indicative of His soon return. The nation of Israel being number one, as referenced by the “ fig tree”.

Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
Matthew 24:32-35

So clearly it’s not about a lottery or odds, but about paying attention, being aware, and noticing what is going on.
I can’t think of anything more sane than listening to and heeding the words of God, my Creator and Savior. I actually think to ignore God is to ignore reality, a form of insanity.

So totally sane and credible that of all the religions
ever ypu lucked I to the One True.

Paying attention and " noticing" you still think
there really was a flood. Never noticed there was not.

Do you see flood- evidence in the grand canyon?
It's typical of "believers" to believe such twaddle,
and avoid paying attention or noticing the proof
that it could not possibly be.

Those who dont believe in uniorns, talking
animals, the sun stopping, etc are insane.
Good you got that on record.

At another time and place lightning was some
god's anger. Insane not to accept that.

The less educated, the more sane eh?

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

He also said those living in his
day would see end times.
But to give proper credit, there's
not much chance of whatever the guy
actually said being written down
verbatim from memory decades larer

Absolutely. The Bible is all hearsay and faded memories, nothing was written down at the time.
However I expect at least the gist of Jesus teachings have some legitimacy. Even if the words were not recorded verbatim.
The entire early church was based on the expectation of the immanent End of Times. Which is called Eschatology
This is clearly shown in the earliest wording of the Lord's Prayer found in the Didache and taught by the first communities of Judao-Christians after Jesus death, and before the systematic collection of the new testament biblical writings.

 

[Audie]

Absolutely. The Bible is all hearsay and faded memories, nothing was written down at the time.
However I expect at least the gist of Jesus teachings have some legitimacy. Even if the words were not recorded verbatim.
The entire early church was based on the expectation of the immanent End of Times. Which is called Eschatology
This is clearly shown in the earliest wording of the Lord's Prayer found in the Didache and taught by the first communities of Judao-Christians after Jesus death, and before the systematic collection of the new testament biblical writings.

The gist of what he said and did?

First, forget the miracles.

As for his "teachings" what's new in it?

What is attributed to him reads like the
same folk wisdom as we learn in China.

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

The gist of what he said and did?

First, forget the miracles.

As for his "teachings" what's new in it?

What is attributed to him reads like the
same folk wisdom as we learn in China.

All religion seems to be based on folk law, fable and wishful thinking.
Jesus teachings were different enough to get him killed.
They were largely far more liberal than those of the Judaism of the day. And changed the perception of God as being loving rather than vengeful.

Belief in miracles continues to this day, it is another example of wishful thinking trumping reason.
Some times things do work out better than expected. So it is probably safer to leave out goodies for the good luck fairies.

 

[mikkel_the_dane]

All religion seems to be based on folk law, fable and wishful thinking.
Jesus teachings were different enough to get him killed.
They were largely far more liberal than those of the Judaism of the day. And changed the perception of God as being loving rather than vengeful.

Belief in miracles continues to this day, it is another example of wishful thinking trumping reason.
Some times things do work out better than expected. So it is probably safer to leave out goodies for the good luck fairies.

I would change it so most, but yes, even as religious I agree.

 

[The Sum of Awe]

I was told a new Buddhist temple was put up a few hours from here yesterday... I wonder what new things will replace the old.

Where is that at?

 

[Audie]

Absolutely. The Bible is all hearsay and faded memories, nothing was written down at the time.
However I expect at least the gist of Jesus teachings have some legitimacy. Even if the words were not recorded verbatim.
The entire early church was based on the expectation of the immanent End of Times. Which is called Eschatology
This is clearly shown in the earliest wording of the Lord's Prayer found in the Didache and taught by the first communities of Judao-Christians after Jesus death, and before the systematic collection of the new testament biblical writings.

Maybe more like fluffed up than faded.

 

[JustGeorge]

Where is that at?

Somewhere in the Des Moines area.

I looked up what's around there; Des Moines has much more interesting things. Quite a few Buddhist temples/centers. Two Gurudwaras.

 

[InChrist]

So totally sane and credible that of all the religions
ever ypu lucked I to the One True.

Paying attention and " noticing" you still think
there really was a flood. Never noticed there was not.

Do you see flood- evidence in the grand canyon?
It's typical of "believers" to believe such twaddle,
and avoid paying attention or noticing the proof
that it could not possibly be.

Those who dont believe in uniorns, talking
animals, the sun stopping, etc are insane.
Good you got that on record.

At another time and place lightning was some
god's anger. Insane not to accept that.

The less educated, the more sane eh?

I wouldn’t say I lucked out and picked the True One, as you say. It was more like I had tried and experienced different religions, spiritual ideas, and cults. I was really tired of all that stuff and the spiritual confusion. I just sought and prayed to find the truth about God, whoever God was. I waited and wondered. It was frustrating. Then God just led me through various incidents to Jesus and I knew He was the answer; freedom, peace, and love beyond description, but so real. Once my eyes and mind were opened and blindness gone, I could look back and see how God had been working in my life leading, protecting me for years.

I’m not going to get into a big debate with you about the flood or other supernatural things mentioned in the Bible. I realize you bring them up to mock or dismiss the scriptures, which is understandable from one of your perspective. My perspective is that I trust God and the God I know is the Creator of heaven and earth; everything in the universe. So it’s not as if I think this Being is incapable of “miraculous” supernatural events beyond human understanding.

 

[Audie]

I wouldn’t say I lucked out and picked the True One, as you say. It was more like I had tried and experienced different religions, spiritual ideas, and cults. I was really tired of all that stuff and the spiritual confusion. I just sought and prayed to find the truth about God, whoever God was. I waited and wondered. It was frustrating. Then God just led me through various incidents to Jesus and I knew He was the answer; freedom, peace, and love beyond description, but so real. Once my eyes and mind were opened and blindness gone, I could look back and see how God had been working in my life leading, protecting me for years.

I’m not going to get into a big debate with you about the flood or other supernatural things mentioned in the Bible. I realize you bring them up to mock or dismiss the scriptures, which is understandable from one of your perspective. My perspective is that I trust God and the God I know is the Creator of heaven and earth; everything in the universe. So it’s not as if I think this Being is incapable of “miraculous” supernatural events beyond human understanding.

I see. Your luck was to have superior insight
and God's personal help.

That superior God assisted insight is on display
in your next paragraph.

You " realize" things about me that you simply
made up. You understand nothing about me.

I've never mocked scripture or dismissed it.
That's just lying about me, saying otherwise.
You think I am stupid or mean spirited, or what?
Where do you get the idea that its Christian, or even
decent to make things up about other people?

You've no idea what my perspective is. You just make up what suits you.

Here is a hint though - I have far more regard for
scrioture than someone who indulges in the
narcissism of thinking that they know things
they cannot possibly know because they "trust".
Or whatever is the supposed source of what yiu claim to know

If " god" were really guiding you, he sure would
not sponsor belief that he is some psycho monster
who would drown everything in an event that
didn't even happen. Or tell you falsehoods about me.

Real iffy trust and respect in spreading that kind
of calumny about a god you claim to respect.

Oh, and sure, if there were a supernatural all portent
God he could have made you into Marulyn Monroe
yesterday. But he didnt. Could have made your flood
and then fakedvall the proof that it didn't happen.
Quite the joker, that god.

It's what your stated faith comes down to though.
It's what he would have had to do,

That sort of belief may be this, and it may be that but it sure isn't trust and faith, worship, love, and respect.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

You are not aware that "jesus" said some
alive then would see his rreturn?

My old Church got around that by stating it must mean some of those Jesus were talking to are still alive.

 

[InChrist]

You " realize" things about me that you simply
made up. You understand nothing about me.

I've never mocked scripture or dismissed it.
That's just lying about me, saying otherwise.
You think I am stupid or mean spirited, or what?
Where do you get the idea that its Christian, or even
decent to make things up about other people?

You've no idea what my perspective is. You just make up what suits you.

I apologize. You are right, I really know nothing about you. I assumed that you would be someone who dismisses or mocks the biblical scriptures, but I don’t personally know your perspective. I sincerely do not think you are stupid. I sense, rather, that you are quite intelligent. Neither do I think you are mean spirited, maybe somewhat sarcastic, but not mean. It’s pretty hard to actually know someone just by reading posts on a forum, anyway, don’t you agree?

 

[InChrist]

My old Church got around that by stating it must mean some of those Jesus were talking to are still alive.

I never heard that one before.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

I never heard that one before.

Well, if Jesus said there are those who heard him who yet wouldn't know death, either it means Jesus is a liar and isn't ever coming back because everyone who heard him died a couple thousand years ago, or it means there must be some still alive who hasn't yet knowm death.

 

[Audie]

I apologize. You are right, I really know nothing about you. I assumed that you would be someone who dismisses or mocks the biblical scriptures, but I don’t personally know your perspective. I sincerely do not think you are stupid. I sense, rather, that you are quite intelligent. Neither do I think you are mean spirited, maybe somewhat sarcastic, but not mean. It’s pretty hard to actually know someone just by reading posts on a forum, anyway, don’t you agree?

Apology accepted, no prob.

But don't you think more important
would be to address privately, what
it is that would lets you feel so free to just
make things up?

And, FTM, claiming to "KNOW"
as immutable and absolute fact,
that some "god" about which you choose to
believe what suits you, is " the creator".

You do not know that. It is phony and
arrogant to pretend you do.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

I’m not going to get into a big debate with you about the flood or other supernatural things mentioned in the Bible. I realize you bring them up to mock or dismiss the scriptures, which is understandable from one of your perspective. My perspective is that I trust God and the God I know is the Creator of heaven and earth; everything in the universe. So it’s not as if I think this Being is incapable of “miraculous” supernatural events beyond human understanding.

When it comes to holes in the Bible story, magic poofing covers a multitude of sins, I guess.

 

[InChrist]

Well, if Jesus said there are those who heard him who yet wouldn't know death, either it means Jesus is a liar and isn't ever coming back because everyone who heard him died a couple thousand years ago, or it means there must be some still alive who hasn't yet knowm death.

That’s not how I see it. Initially, Jesus said some would not see death until they saw Him coming in His kingdom ( Matthew 16:28). It was only 6 days later, when SOME were still ALIVE, specifically Peter, James and John did see Him in His kingdom glory on the mount of Transfiguration…

Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. ( Matthew 17:1-3)

Later when Jesus spoke to the disciples about the end of the age ( Matthew 24 ), He indicated that the generation alive at that time, seeing those things take place, especially those alive after the nation of Israel being re-established (Matthew 24:32-34), would see His return.

 

[Audie]

That’s not how I see it. Initially, Jesus said some would not see death until they saw Him coming in His kingdom ( Matthew 16:28). It was only 6 days later, when SOME were still ALIVE, specifically Peter, James and John did see Him in His kingdom glory on the mount of Transfiguration…

Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. ( Matthew 17:1-3)

Later when Jesus spoke to the disciples about the end of the age ( Matthew 24 ), He indicated that the generation alive at that time, seeing those things take place, especially those alive after the nation of Israel being re-established (Matthew 24:32-34), would see His return.

I don't believe unbelievable stories.

Or just make things up.

I can't really identify with those who do.