tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973631208070442800.comments2023-05-09T09:51:29.832-05:00Dear Pastor AndyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07667037752803244064noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973631208070442800.post-22068235350950254862011-05-18T15:59:18.792-05:002011-05-18T15:59:18.792-05:00Hey Keith, these are some great questions! But si...Hey Keith, these are some great questions! But since answering them all at once would turn into a really long answer, I'm going to post and answer them individually throughout the next couple of days.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07667037752803244064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973631208070442800.post-69761254901945662722011-05-18T15:58:15.965-05:002011-05-18T15:58:15.965-05:00What is true repentance? Does Jesus have to be Lor...What is true repentance? Does Jesus have to be Lord of your life in order to be a christian? Can a true genuine christian doubt his or her salvation? Can a true christian deny Christ before men? What does Jesus say about all of these things? Can church history help us out as well? --KeithAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973631208070442800.post-11635279221638187732011-05-18T12:31:33.994-05:002011-05-18T12:31:33.994-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Keithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02036871876244305994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973631208070442800.post-90661836724344833282011-04-27T13:05:51.425-05:002011-04-27T13:05:51.425-05:00thanks Gene, and yes, I believe you're absolut...thanks Gene, and yes, I believe you're absolutely correct. Sorry for not going far enough in my arguments and thanks for taking them further.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07667037752803244064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973631208070442800.post-33522309762091198082011-04-27T08:41:36.701-05:002011-04-27T08:41:36.701-05:00Hi this is Gene.
You have three separate argumen...Hi this is Gene. <br /><br />You have three separate arguments that build on one another:<br /><br />p1. God created marriage.<br />p2. Atheists do not believe in God.<br />Therefore, Atheists should not believe in marriage.<br /><br />p1. Marriage is designed to allow Christians to have sex and still be moral beings.<br />p2. Atheists are not bound by biblical morality.<br />Therefore, Atheists should not get married. <br /><br />p1. Non-Christians want to go to heaven.<br />p2. Non-Christians do not want to follow biblical law.<br />p3. They do not wish to feel less than Christians who are going to heaven.<br />Therefore, they must create a faux union to prove that they are equal to Christians and their ceremonies. <br /><br />I think this is how I understand what your saying and I agree. As for the first, I don't think you go far enough. Since God created everything and the world is a creation of God; we should inquire why non-Christians believe in anything their sensory organs tell them. To an Atheist there should be no sky, grass, or sun because God made those things and they do not believe in God.<br /><br />As for part two; I also think you didn't take your argument far enough. Why do some Atheists live their lives morally at all? Since they could get away with any sin and suffer the same consequences I wouldn't trust an atheist with anything, let alone my life. I often wonder if atheists just act like nice people and secretly scheme against Christians.<br /><br />And for the 3rd argument:<br />I agree and feel that it all comes down to cross envy. They see our lives and want what we have but they cannot live this way without taking the path of God. They can say they love each other, but as derived in your first argument, love comes from God and therefore they don't believe in love.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973631208070442800.post-53339688968637396562011-04-26T18:43:56.137-05:002011-04-26T18:43:56.137-05:00Thanks Mary for your Comment.Thanks Mary for your Comment.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07667037752803244064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973631208070442800.post-4861799673984228672011-04-26T17:17:57.771-05:002011-04-26T17:17:57.771-05:00I'm not an atheist, but I'm not a Christia...I'm not an atheist, but I'm not a Christian. I married my husband because I wanted to be his wife. Our society is set up to work with married couples, and so is our system of law. That's why so many gay couples want to get married. <br /><br />And quoting Genesis to prove something about the world to an atheist is the best example of begging the question I've seen.<br /><br />http://www.skepdic.com/begging.htmlUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16359035429744896711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973631208070442800.post-67696527645783900432011-03-10T14:34:53.884-06:002011-03-10T14:34:53.884-06:00I look forward to seeing you there, my brother! :)...I look forward to seeing you there, my brother! :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07667037752803244064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973631208070442800.post-70943366143868437892011-03-10T07:20:45.980-06:002011-03-10T07:20:45.980-06:00I will like to agree with you Pastor but when we g...I will like to agree with you Pastor but when we get heaven we understand everything better. I will see you there and you will see me there also. From Pastor Femi Ademola, Nigeria.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973631208070442800.post-50236755762977190902010-12-12T22:51:51.246-06:002010-12-12T22:51:51.246-06:00Sorry I couldn't help you with ideas. But that...Sorry I couldn't help you with ideas. But that's a good question, let me ask everybody on here for their ideas...Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07667037752803244064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973631208070442800.post-28340642779125975832010-12-12T09:34:08.878-06:002010-12-12T09:34:08.878-06:00Ok for future reference, I was wondering what are ...Ok for future reference, I was wondering what are some good ideas for a marriage proposal? Dear Pastor Do I really need to rush love?marriage helphttp://www.couplesmarriagecounseling.org/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973631208070442800.post-89418216823070634102010-11-30T07:11:47.885-06:002010-11-30T07:11:47.885-06:00Andy ~ I do agree with you to some extent...but is...Andy ~ I do agree with you to some extent...but is it not true that God's laws have been interpreted by man during the writing of the bible? Five authors...possibly more. As a English Lit major...I learned over and over again that there is much that can be lost and changed when rewriting or "transcribing" the spoken word. Another thought; do we not need laws to protect the innocent, helpless, and victimized? God's laws are one thing...but if we take the Christian God as the only God and the only law...does that not aid in perpetuating hate and disdain for all other religions? Take the current jihad and past crusades as my example. Excellent post and great thoughts.Alton J.http://www.searchology.biznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973631208070442800.post-87716194058068364452010-11-04T16:36:48.872-05:002010-11-04T16:36:48.872-05:00Yes. Anybody reading this, do NOT record the phone...Yes. Anybody reading this, do NOT record the phone calls! Such is illegal if done so without their knowledge. But saving text messages, emails, facebook posts, and recording while in person are legal ways of collecting evidence. Thanks Sydney!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07667037752803244064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973631208070442800.post-40471659230755369822010-11-04T09:09:00.870-05:002010-11-04T09:09:00.870-05:00Just know that if you record anothers' phone c...Just know that if you record anothers' phone conversation with out telling them and having them tell you it is ok, it is not only illegal but a Class 4 felony in the State of Illinois. Just be careful, don't want to see you into trouble for trying to do the RIGHT thing, which what you are doing! <br /><br />It's surprising how many persons go through life without ever recognizing that their feelings toward other people are largely<br />determined by their feelings toward themselves, and if you're not comfortable within yourself, you can't be comfortable with others.<br />- Sydney J. HarrisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973631208070442800.post-23135953294343348682010-08-10T00:17:30.555-05:002010-08-10T00:17:30.555-05:00NOW I understand what you're saying, thank you...NOW I understand what you're saying, thank you. (And this is the last comment I'll publish on this discussion).<br /><br />I understand that what you're saying is that when you look at, say, Islam, you've got people claiming and standing on false accusations about their religion...but they're people who claim to be taking the word of eyewitnesses from the time. But when you do the research yourself, you'll find that what they're saying is false. I believe this is what you're saying about the phony eyewitnesses in the murder trial. Correct?<br />Jesus said that when the blind lead the blind, they both fall into the pit. This is frightening because that means that if we're learning the wrong religion/faith, then we're going to hell, just like the one teaching us, even though we think we're correct. When I teach, I tell my students not to believe what I say, but to do their own research on it. That way, if I'm correct, they'll have the evidence from their own studies, and they're not just taking my word for it. But if I'm wrong, I encourage them to bring it to me so that I may be corrected, repent, and inform everyone else of our findings so that they too may be corrected in their future teachings. But we must do our research, and that's where I come in with what I've been saying in response to your question. Islam (for the sake of example again) can only be confirmed by Muslims. But Christianity has been talked about and proven for 2 millenniums, and events in the Old Testament for even longer. We have non-Jews, non-Christians, atheists...all talking and writing about the events, and many even as eyewitnesses to them. And even if they don't relate them to God, they're still acknowledging that they happened, even if they can't explain why or how. Remember, the Jews at Jesus' time couldn't (and didn't) deny the works that Jesus was doing, so they argued them away as evil instead, and ultimately used them to condemn Jesus to death on the cross. <br />But now, if you say you won't take the word of people in the past about amazing and unnatural things that happened, then why (or how can you) believe any history at all? When we look at Germany now, how can we possibly believe that they were once a superpower who tried to take over the world? Were you there? If not, then why take survivors' words for it? Or when we look at Japan with their advanced technology and lack of national patriotism, how can we ever believe the Samurai's life of honor and the country's past worship of the emperor? Even these things look impossible to us now because there's no sign of it anywhere in today's culture (except from those who hold fast to the belief that it happened).<br />You're correct in that some "eyewitnesses" are false or liars, and you shouldn't believe what they say. But how do you know they're liars unless you know the truth? Don't you first have to find the truth if you're to know that something is a lie?<br /><br />Jesus said that if you seek Him with your whole heart, mind, and soul, then you'll find Him. The evidence is out there, and much is still waiting to be found. But hey, don't take my word for it...do your own research.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07667037752803244064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973631208070442800.post-54491502435179045462010-08-09T14:35:41.576-05:002010-08-09T14:35:41.576-05:00What I am saying is that it is much more likely th...What I am saying is that it is much more likely that an eyewitness has made a mistake than it is that the laws of nature did not act in the way that they have always been observed to act. It is possible that the ballistics expert is wrong because he failed to follow proper procedures in his testing, and it is perfectly legitimate to challenge the conclusion of the test on that basis. However, it would not be legitimate to challenge the expert on the grounds that the marks on the bullet spontaneously changed between the time they were removed from the victim’s body and the time they were tested. That would violate the laws of nature.<br /><br />The laws of nature tell us that people don’t rise from the dead, walk through locked doors, or walk on water. In a court of law, we do not accept testimony to an event that violates the laws of nature even when that testimony is offered under oath and subject to cross examination. Why should I accept ancient stories of events that violate the laws of nature, particularly when they are recorded decades after the fact by writers whose sources are impossible to determine? Am I not perfectly justified in concluding that it is much more likely that these writers have not accurately reported events than it is that the laws of nature ceased to operate?Vinnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08955726889682177434noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973631208070442800.post-91956033851651331162010-08-09T14:04:53.064-05:002010-08-09T14:04:53.064-05:00Once again, I don't understand what you're...Once again, I don't understand what you're trying to say in regards to the post. <br />I guess the question is, what are you trying to say? That eyewitnesses are unreliable and that science should be used instead?Because in both my original post and reply, I'm suggesting that both eyewitnesses AND science can & must be used to prove Christianity, where as both can't prove any of the others.<br />Keep in mind though that in terms of lying witnesses, science can also be tampered with to display the incorrect results. Also, the honesty of the scientist needs to be reputable, for when you get right down to it, even with science, we're trusting the words of the eyewitness, for it's the testimony of the scientist and anybody who witnessed the results, right?<br />Another point to think of though is that often times, if somebody's not willing to believe based on the facts, then they probably wouldn't believe even if Jesus were to stand in front of them and tell (or show) them Himself. For often times, they're just using their questions as excuses for not wanting to believe. Jesus, Paul, and the other Apostles are said to have argued the scriptures in the synagogues. But if one continues to refuse to listen and let the Word penetrate their hearts, then it really doesn't matter what means we use to show them, whether by eyewitnesses or science, for they've already chosen not to believe. The Pharisees are a good example of such people.<br /><br />If I haven't touched on the answer to your question, then would you please explain your question without the analogy? Because otherwise, I'm not getting the point to what in fact it is that you're trying to ask me in your question. Also, if it's a sidebar question, please direct it to my email so we may discuss it off-site. Otherwise, please keep your comments in regard to the post. Thanks,<br />---Pastor AndyAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07667037752803244064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973631208070442800.post-79685246621266488052010-08-09T11:54:22.034-05:002010-08-09T11:54:22.034-05:00Perhaps another hypothetical will help: Suppose y...Perhaps another hypothetical will help: Suppose you are sitting on a jury and two eyewitnesses testify that they saw the defendant shoot the victim, however, a scientific expert testifies that ballistic testing proves that the murder weapon was another man's gun and that man had gun powder residue on his hands. Do you convict the defendant based on the eyewitnesses or do you acquit the defendant because the laws of science say that it could not have happened the way the eyewitnesses described it? If it were me, I would vote to acquit because I think it much more likely that the witnesses are mistaken than that the natural laws upon which science is based can be violated.<br /><br />My hypothetical would probably never occur for a simple reason: no prosecutor would bring a case when the scientific tests exonerate the suspect even if he had witnesses who claim they saw the suspect commit the crime. Eyewitnesses sometimes make mistakes. Sometimes eyewitnesses lie. Sometimes they misinterpret what they see. Sometimes memories change as eyewitnesses reinterpret events. However, the natural laws upon which scientific tests are based don’t change.<br /><br />Apologists love to use analogies to evidence in a court of law; however, I don't think that any competent lawyer would try to use eyewitnesses testimony to prove that an event took place if science says that it could not have occurred.Vinnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08955726889682177434noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973631208070442800.post-76479546070474967042010-08-09T00:28:17.249-05:002010-08-09T00:28:17.249-05:00Hey Vinny, forgive me for asking, but I'm not ...Hey Vinny, forgive me for asking, but I'm not sure I understand your question in response to my post. You SHOULD trust eyewitnesses' accounts (as I said in my answer). And even if we're to take out the Biblical eyewitnesses, the testimonies of secular writers, such as Josephus, Tacticus, Suetonius, Thallus, Pliny the Younger, and Julius Africanus can confirm Scripture's accounts.<br />As for science, I find it interesting how science continues to prove not only Jesus' existence, but even events, places, and people that were written about in the Bible, such as the census at Jesus' birth, the fact that Jesus was from Nazareth, He was crucified in Palestine under Pontius Pilate during the reign of Tiberius Caesar at Passover for being considered the Jewish King, He was believed by His disciples to have been raised from the dead 3 days later, His small band of disciples multiplied rapidly, spreading even as far as Rome, his disciples denied polytheism, lived moral lives, and worshiped Jesus as divine, and we even know that the darkness at Jesus' crucifixion couldn't have been a simple eclipse of the sun, for such can't take place at the time of a full moon.<br />So the points I'm trying to make are that not only should both eyewitness accounts AND science be used if such are necessary to believe, but mostly that Christianity is the only one that's real, and that can actually be proven. <br />Oh, and by the way, I'm disappointed to see that I'm not on your list of blogs you follow. ;)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07667037752803244064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973631208070442800.post-85422051645161412372010-08-08T11:19:17.340-05:002010-08-08T11:19:17.340-05:00It seems like month or so I hear some story about ...It seems like month or so I hear some story about a man being released from prison because DNA evidence that wasn't available at the time he was convicted now proves that he did not commit the crime. Often, the man had been convicted based on eyewitness testimony. Nevertheless, we know that the eyewitnesses are more likely to make a mistake than the science.<br /><br />If science can be trusted over direct eyewitness testimony in cases like this, why shouldn't I trust science over ancient stories that were recorded after decades of transmission through oral tradition?Vinnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08955726889682177434noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973631208070442800.post-30349920152206986172010-06-20T03:02:01.899-05:002010-06-20T03:02:01.899-05:00Here's another way of looking at it. If somebo...Here's another way of looking at it. If somebody cusses when they're mad (pissed), and they were to cuss when talking with God when they're pissed, will God turn them away for cussing? I believe not. <br />I've known people who talk using "F'in'" in place of "um". Will God turn them down if they talk with Him like that? Again, I believe not.<br />If in prayer, you vent out every emotion you're feeling, and some of these come out in cuss words, will God turn you away? From my own experience (and stories from friends' experiences), once again, I believe not.<br />The guy asking the question sounds really upset. I'm suggesting he fully empty himself out before the Lord, and if he has to use cuss words to fully do this, then so be it, for holding back in order to speak only "safe" words may hinder the intimacy in his walk with & towards God.<br />But I do see your argument.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07667037752803244064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973631208070442800.post-43690739371509405092010-06-16T15:07:46.669-05:002010-06-16T15:07:46.669-05:00Very, good points, and you're correct when it ...Very, good points, and you're correct when it comes to cussing and anger. But this is not a contradiction to the passages in your question. <br />For example, I once had a migraine so bad it put me into the hospital. The next day, I stood in the chapel of my school, asking Jesus questions like, "What the hell?" I explained how badly it hurt in some not-so-nice words, and very emotionally expressed my feelings about it all. I even remained angry at Him throughout the week. But it wasn't long before He revealed some things that brought me back to my knees, only this time in praise.<br />Understand, I'm not suggesting that it's OK to cuss, or that you make cuss words part of your regular language. I'm suggesting that when you're angry or confused at Jesus, you should then talk with Jesus, and when you do so, express what you feel in whatever words necessary or available. Your passages are talking about ethics and behaviors of God's people and the "wise", also that such words encourage division, conflict, and abuse towards others. I'm not talking about using Cuss words in that context, but in prayer...communicating with God in nakedness, holding nothing back, and sometimes, depending on the passion of your emotions, that may include cussing. Do you really think Jesus will turn you away if you use such words? Will He slap your face (as may of our moms did when we cussed or spoke back)? From my experiences, such will only draw you closer to Him.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07667037752803244064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973631208070442800.post-19328577293307937462010-06-16T05:29:44.955-05:002010-06-16T05:29:44.955-05:00Wouldn't cussing go against Ephesians 4:29 and...Wouldn't cussing go against Ephesians 4:29 and Colossians 4:6? I prefer Ecclesiastes 10:12 which says, "The words of a wise man's mouth win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him." Philippians 4:8-9 are good passages to meditate on as well to overcome anger and to help us with our mouths.The Seeking Disciplehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10850752852586928341noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973631208070442800.post-30965054570489536532010-06-08T22:26:18.845-05:002010-06-08T22:26:18.845-05:00A friend of mine made this comment on my facebook:...A friend of mine made this comment on my facebook:<br /><br />"Love your response. Quite true. <br />We are easily influenced by the world's values because we have been infiltrated by it.<br />How hard it is to take the scriptures and wholeheartedly apply them personally? Some of the things scripture says blatantly confronts our own sinful behavior.<br />Even Mark Twain who was said to not be a Christian is attributed to saying, 'it's not the parts of the Bible I don't understand that bother me. It's the parts I do understand.'<br />I don't think it is a believer who has trouble discerning evil.<br />I think we know what it is. A good deal of it is willful rebellion. We just don't want to repent."<br />---Thanks, Barbara :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973631208070442800.post-5826305050385238112010-05-31T22:43:43.901-05:002010-05-31T22:43:43.901-05:00Christianity is also the only faith/"belief s...Christianity is also the only faith/"belief system" in which the removal of sin is possible. No (other) religion can claim this (or even does, now that I think of it). And again, this is only possible through repentance and by entering into a genuine, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07667037752803244064noreply@blogger.com