Posted by Gold Acacia on May 17, 19101 at 08:32:19:
In Reply to: Re: To Diana.... posted by Diana on May 17, 19101 at 04:03:11:
: First, I'm sorry I didn't realize you were a woman. I thought I was talking with a man.
A common mistake on the internet. It's happened before, and I take no offense. :0)
: Second, since I don't know you at all, I had no idea why you were here. I had questions about your purpose because of the content of some of your posts, which I found to be condescending and proselytizing, at times. I have no apologies for asking questions that would inform me and others of your purpose.
And neither do I. I apologize if I came off the wrong way. I had no intention of sounding condescending at all. However, with respect to the truth, I do not comprimise. If that comes off as condescending or insulting, then that's a risk I'm willing to take - for the truth.
: In nature, there is a bird that takes over
: another's nest. Shalomplace is Phil's "nest," so to speak. It is a place where he nourishes other fledglings with morsels of knowledge. If his "nest" is being "violated", I think he should be made aware of it.
I have no intention of taking over anything. I have my own bulletin boards that I run too. However, I have found that the best way to be built up as a Christian is to allow other points of view. In the Old Testament age, the children of Israel observed the Feast of Tabernacles once a year. At this feast, they gathered together to worship God and enjoy all the riches of the good land. This is how I see the church-life: A place where all can come and enjoy each other's portion what good would a feast be if there were only one kind of food?
: As for your opinion on denominations, I think it is in the way the word "denomination" is used that its value is determined. Therefore, denominations can be divisive..."
Someone once argued denominationalism using money as an example. We have many denominations in money (1's, 5's 10's, etc.) but on the whole of it, it is all just money. So the argument was that although there are many denominations in Christianity, we are all just Christians. While this is very true - while we are all believers in the Lord and brothers and sisters with one another (in the Lord) - this example does not deal with the real problem among us. That problem is that we are divided. We are divided by religious practices, theological viewpoints and by doctrine, mainly. And while the Lord looks down upon us all as His children and members of His Body corporately, I believe He mourns the pitiful situation we are in and the ideals we have allowed to divide us from one another.
: As for your constant reliance on Biblical quotes, I find this not at all helpful. I also find it bordering on, what I see, as a form of Biblical idolatry which can, in some instances, actually take away from seeing God in non-Christian Scripture and in our everyday life. Scripture can be used to support almost any viewpoint. As we both know, even the devil can quote Scripture.
I find the contrary to be true. The Bible is God's word. It is His breath. It is God's speaking out through men bourne by the Holy Spirit. It is even the Holy Spirit's revelation to men. In John 1, Jesus is described as the "Word" (logos, the spoken word) this means that His speaking is God's speaking to men. His words were written down (rhema) in Scripture. These words speak to today through the reading of the Bible. By reading the Bible, I grow in faith and appreciation for the Lord Jesus. And by quoting the Bible to unbelievers, I impart a measure of faith into them. The Bible is powerful and Holy. It causes men to be regenerated. It is our spiritual milk and our bread of life. Without the Bible, how could I know of God's wonderful works, Diana? How could I see God in His creation? How could I appreciate
anything that God has provided for me. And especially, How could I appreciate with full gravity the sacrifice the Lord has made on my behalf?
: The philosopher, Bertrand Russell, wrote an excellent piece entitled "Why I am Not A Christian" which points out some of the foibles and negative aspects of Christianity. I recommend it.
I've read it, thanks. This was one of my favorite books as an atheist. But then I read C.S Lewis' "Mere Christianity" and "More Christianity" and also "The Four Loves" (one of his more philisophical works). Recently I have read Lee Stroeble's book titled "The Case for Christ." I'd like to suggest this book for you, if you haven't read it.
Peace to you,
Acacia