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My view on life is, if it makes YOU happy…..do it. That might have huge repercussions for your nearest and dearest, so if it works in this messed up world….continue on the path…..Originally Posted by Gofer Blue
As far as I know I am probably the only other Christian who contributes to the CCMB. As I wrote in a post earlier this month I have deliberately chosen not to take part in any of the ping-pong interactions going on in this thread (and various others of recent times), not least because I have a life outside this MB! Basically I am repeating that earlier post here. I make no apologies for my faith nor whether others accept it or not – that's not my responsibility. Everyone who reads my posts related to faith matters has been exposed to the Christian message, so I have done my bit. What each person does with that knowledge is up to them!
There are some posters who, on faith matters, I simply ignore now as it's pointless to try to engage. There are others who at least are able to put together a reasoned paragraph in response rather than “it's all bollocks” for example. I notice that the main antagonist of the latter persuasion has recently disappeared – maybe he either got an Old Testament-style thunderbolt retribution or he repented and got taken up to heavy-metal heaven?
As TP says he does not anticipate much support and to win friends on the MB (same goes for me), as we are clearly in the minority, not just here but in the world in general. I suspect very few CCMB posters believe in Biblical prophecies but TP's quote from those very telling words of Jesus “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first” - that sounds remarkably accurate to me, as indeed does “there will be plenty of scoffers in the last days”.
I am just getting on with my life, trying my best to be a follower of Jesus, doing the things that he would expect me to do, not because I am seeking Brownie points, but out of love and respect for him. It is a relationship rather than a philosophy, a way of life not a hobby which I pursue just on a Sunday! I try to put my faith into action every day and that is my Christian witness to others i.e. judge me not by my words but by my actions - difficult on an Internet forum of course, a bit like trying to cover a snooker match on radio.
Jesus's teaching and his actions go straight to the heart of the human condition. I don't think he got too bothered about talking snakes or talking donkeys, or what age Noah lived to, in fact, he never mentions them as far as I know. He (Jesus) is far more interested in what is in the heart of each person as that is of the utmost importance to him, anything else like status, wealth, worldly knowledge and power are irrelevant. Love God and love your neighbour is easy to say, less so to put into practice, but that's the bottom line. God came into our world in the shape of Jesus and his teaching was (and indeed still is) unpalatable to many as it requires a significant change away from our selfish human behaviour, i.e. it requires repentance. The world has largely ignored his teaching, hence we are where we are, with starvation, wars, human trafficking, and civil unrest endemic in our world; and on a smaller scale, marriage breakdowns, broken homes, record numbers of children in care, prisons full to overflowing etc.
The ruling theocracy in Jesus's time tried to exterminate him and his early followers as they were a threat to their power and authority but failed on both counts as Christianity spread throughout the Roman empire and eventually the whole world. The irony that many people seem to overlook is that Jesus was anti-authority in his day, so talk of Christianity being created to suppress the masses is nonsense; he preached freedom which was anathema to the Jewish theocracy and led to his execution.
TP and I are “on the same page” as they say, only our responsive styles are different. I agree 100% with his statement “people who have no respect for the Bible are generally not used to hearing direct answers from people who are confident that the answers given by scripture are pertinent”; if that in turn comes across as arrogant in a world where everyone can create their own 'truth' then that's the way it is people!
BTW: Happy New Year to all - let each of us try to do our bit to make the world a little bit better in 2025!
Same place. I await your insight on this topic...I can show you a differing view anytimeyou don’t have to talk nonsense to everyone, most of whom will be trying to avoid you right? We will still all end up in the same place….live and let live
Thank you TBG. I think I would describe myself as a repentant sinner rather than a gentleman! Anyway, I hope my posts on aspects of Christianity have caused folk to at least stop and think about these things even if they ultimately reject them. That would be sad but we all have free will and of course the choices we make have consequences......!
That's an interesting statement which I often hear. It reminds me of a comment a relative once made to me when he said “I play golf on a Sunday and you go to church on a Sunday – you have your hobby and I have mine”. It begs the question – did I become a Christian simply to be happy?
I found this really well articulated response on the Internet which explains my situation exactly. I could not have expressed it any better myself:
First of all, being a Christian is not abiding by a set of rules but actually having a relationship with Christ and His Father, our Creator. His love is unmatched and infinite. When you read of how God sent His own Son to die for our sins, we realize how precious we are, even in our weaknesses, to God. This truth itself gives life meaning and joy (BTW there is a big difference between happiness and joy – my words. A discussion for another time!).
Secondly, it is the ultimate truth. People have always been on quests for truth and with time some of the most outlandish theories have been conceived. We have reached an age where a majority think that truth is subjective. (“Whatever is true for you” etc. - my words again). But the Bible is crystal clear on not only what the truth is, but how important truth is. Its principles are as relevant to our time as they were when they were first written.
Thirdly, and very importantly, it gives you purpose. When you're a Christian you recognize where you came from, who you ought to be and where you should strive to go. As you grow closer to God in faith, you understand what's truly important in life. In such a confused world, your mind is clear. You know of the things truly worth dying for. People's priorities have shifted to such trivial things; money, possessions, celebrity obsession etc. They waste their valuable time and abilities on that which profits them nothing. But when you devote yourself to Christ, you gain instant perspective on what's truly valuable and worthwhile. That is to first love God with all your heart and then to love people more than yourself. You empty yourself of pride and selfishness and go out to serve. This is what brings the true happiness and contentment to a persons life that so many are looking for.
Ah, the consequences.....
Ah, the consequences.....
Same place??I can show you a differing view anytime
Dead. Ashes or feeding the worms. No consciousness. Blackness. Nothing. A fading memory for those we lived our lives with.
No fluffy clouds. No magic or fantasy re-birth or desperate dreams of paradise. No more brain washing or 'opium of the masses'.
As it is and always has been. As it should be!
As it should be you say
More you and others like you hoping you won't give any account for your life!
Yet here you are every day, a man seeking JUSTICE in the World, mainly against Israel in 2024.
So have you given up on a correct place for justice?
Not at all.As it should be you say
More you and others like you hoping you won't give any account for your life!
Yet here you are every day, a man seeking JUSTICE in the World, mainly against Israel in 2024.
So have you given up on a correct place for justice?
'A correct place for justice' is The Hague (home of the International Criminal Court).
Hope that helps.
The ultimate truth….i think that’s where many people might disagree. I’m glad it gives you purpose, I’m quite clear on my path so I don’t seek or need guidance, Im Sure ‘fate’ will play its part too, looking back it always has. Why have I met so many Christian’s in my life who struggle with mental health so badly despite their commitment? They are neither happy or content…….
Yeah….reach for the sky eh? He’s waiting with open arms feasting on prime rib steak, sea bass, the finest wines and beautiful women. No wonder you can’t wait…..hope he’s into decent music, not like sludge.
The Hitchhikers Guide to reality is always entertaining, but only as a brief albeit amusing distraction.
Reality is very serious and not be be handled lightly.
Yeah so is the art of happiness by the Dalai Lama
Happiness always depends on circumstances, the Joy of the Lord does not.
Choose wisely.
Question: how does the Hague deal with those who are physically dead but didn't receive appropriate justice in this life? (Saville, West, Hitler etc)Not at all.
'A correct place for justice' is The Hague (home of the International Criminal Court).
Hope that helps.
Answer: it doesn't.
The fact that international institutions and legal/moral codes deal with the real world - not a supernatural and invented unreal world - is not a dilemma that requires a magical solution.
Saville, West, Hitler etc are dead and oblivious to any human judgement on their lives and crimes. Their reputations and their legacy mostly reflect the disgust felt by the majority of those with a knowledge and opinion.
Justice is for the here and now. 'Justice delayed is justice denied'.
Taking your example of Hitler, fighting fascism in Europe and beyond (80 years ago and now) is what should occupy us, not some fantasy about how a mass murderer will be judged by a made up deity in a made up afterlife.
Are Hitler, Pol Pot, Genghis Khan, Ivan The Terrible, Jimmy Savile, Ghandi, Plato, The Dalai Lama, you, me and all Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Shintoists, Taoists, Zoroastrians, Pagans and Buddhists (all defined as 'anti-Christ' by truthpaste unless I am mistaken) going to be in the same area as hell, I wonder.
So to sum up, justice as you and I see it and would want it to be, cannot be delivered (in the above cases and millions more) within your world view? All we are left with is the disgust we have for what they did, which delivers nothing whatsoever in justice.
As you said, justice delayed (beyond the realm of time)
is justice denied! = ZERO JUSTICE.
So I repeat my question:
So have you given up on a correct place for justice?
Looking at what’s left of Christianity in the uk with all its abuse and peados ( less than 3% go to church isn’t it?) and the state of Islam with all the jihadists nonsense…a simple faith like Buddhism ticks a lot of boxes, or you can just go with what you believe in regardless of having to have a ‘faith’. Maybe just treat folks like you’d like to treated without preaching? You can go on about the bible all you want, but it was written so long ago it’s barely relevant….will a dvd or usb port be relevant in 2000 years?
A DVD or USB is blank until written on; The Bible is not and it's age is of no concern as it is more up to date than tomorrows news as it's prophecy proves year on year; Buddhism appeals to you because it is simply a philosophy which means you don't have to change at all.
And for the record, this here isn't preaching, it's simply giving reasons and answers that are eternal in value rather than temporary. So carry on kicking the can down the road, but it won't go away.
What proof do you have they got they deserved in the made up place.
Is it in an area?
I appreciate that you wouldn't believe a thing on this until a youtube channel direct from the Lake of Fire was available. All I know is this, in all that Christ said that we CAN verify, He was and continues to be 100% correct.
He spoke more on a place of Judgement than He did about Heaven - somewhere the godless like to talk about and hope for!
In this dialogue I am making the point that if this life is all there is, then justice cannot be given, particulary for the likes of Saville etc
Only the justice that Christ speaks of CAN offer justice in all cases, nothing else comes close.
Kicking the can is working out just fine thanks, I’m running away from no reality, like you are. Maybe you don’t have to change to follow Buddhist philosophy, but maybe your just alright, on a decent path and not being pegged down to following a fake life just go to make you feel worthy everyday? If I’m kicking the can down the road, your driving a lorry with a nuclear bomb on it blind fold…..
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