The broad spectrum of Christianity VERSUS the narrow-minded view

[Dan Clarkston]

My favorite Aunt

Next time you are invited to a picnic... bring a bunch of little old ladies.

When they ask you, "what's all this???"

Tell them, what's a picnic without Aunts?

 

[David in NJ]

Next time you are invited to a picnic... bring a bunch of little old ladies.

When they ask you, "what's all this???"

Tell them, what's a picnic without Aunts? View attachment 56631

Love it

Never hold back with me Brother - i love good laughter

 

[Reggie Belafonte]

"Christians don't know what they believe." - until they are brainwashed

Why do we need the church to TELL us what we believe? Must we surrender our right to our own beliefs to be a part of the church? There is even a famous book titled: Know What You Believe Which is there to inform you of what you haven't a clue about. Brainwashing, obviously. Not to say...

www.christianityboard.com

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One who is brainwashed is a Dupe ! a Fool and an Idiot that is not worthy of God or anything but a stooge !

 

[Reggie Belafonte]

You think Jesus is an idiot??? View attachment 56616

If Jesus was narrominded he would be just as the idiots who wanted to kill him in fact. But Jesus is way beyond that.

A fool is narrowminded in fact, for they can not see past their own delusions and deceptions, why is that ? well Jesus said such was true and that that was of this world !

The People before Christ Jesus were narrowminded but when they became born again then they were open to the wider higher reality's.
The Religious are Narrowmined ? but the ones who are Saved are set free from this world in fact, for they have been given Grace !

Why did they want to kill Jesus ? they were narrowminded fools in fact ! they could not see past their own nose !

 

[David in NJ]

What then is “the gospel”? Who are actually preaching it? Is there more than one truth?

Didn’t you just contradict yourself? Denominations are identified by their doctrines and the things they hold to be true. What does God see when he looks down on the human race? He has recorded one truth in his word...and we all have the same access to that word via our Bible translations.....so the salvation issues determine who is saved and who is not....right? (John 17:3)

What then are the salvation issues? Who determines what is truth amid all the various denominations and their differing doctrines? Obviously, Jesus does because he alone is God’s appointed judge. He will tell us all at the judgment who is a “sheep” and who is a “goat”.....and we already know that the majority will be rejected.....and “few” will be found on the correct path . (Matt 7:13-14; 21-23)

Jesus can identify the diamonds in that enormous pile of broken glass.....yet the ones rejected will be shocked and forced to make excuses to their “Lord”....as if he has made some kind of mistake.
Would we want to be found among them? What are they all believing that the “few” do not?

Again, what do we know about the thief hung alongside Jesus? What caused his last minute change of heart? He was also rebuking Jesus along with his fellow evil doer just before that. (Matt 27:44) So what promise did Jesus make to this late repentant wrongdoer? Was he assuring him of a place in his Kingdom as a “joint heir” with Jesus in heaven? Those positions were filled only by those who faithfully followed Jesus’ teachings and were baptized into his death....this thief was neither of those things.

What was the promise?
Luke 23:43....
“Truly I tell you today, you will be with me in paradise”.
The comma in most translations is after the first “you” but there were no commas in Greek, so the translators put the comma in where they thought it should go.....were they correct? Was this thief with Jesus in heaven that day?
The Bible proves that this was impossible, because Jesus was in his tomb for three days before he was resurrected. Jesus remained in his tomb, just as Jonah remained in the belly of the fish for three days. (Matt 12:39-40) Then after his resurrection, he stayed on earth to strengthen his disciples before returning to his Father 40 days later.

What did Jesus promise the man? He would be “with him” in “paradise”....not heaven.
What was Jesus referring to? He had told his disciples.....
John 5:28-29...
“Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice 29  and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment.”

Where was the general resurrection of the dead to take place? Jesus will call all the dead from their tombs....which are here on earth. So there are two resurrections....one (the “first resurrection”) for those who make up “the body of Christ”, who are destined to be “kings and priests” with Christ in heaven. (Rev 20:6) These will rule over redeemed mankind on earth....as even “those who practed vile things” will have their lives restored and gain an opportunity to learn about Christ and change their ways.....God has allowed a thousand years to undo all the damage that was done to the earth, and all who inhabit this beautiful planet....a thousand years with no satan and nothing to interfere with God’s original purpose, giving all ample opportunity to get right with God before one final test at the end. (Rev 20:1-3)

Rev 21:2-5 tells us this....
“I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God and prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3  With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. 4  And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

5  And the One seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new.” Also he says: “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”

What God purposed in the beginning, he brings to a successful conclusion in the end. (Isa 55:11) He did not create the human race to live in heaven, but to enjoy life right here in paradise on earth forever. He will “make all things new”, so that every vestige of our former existence under satan’s rule here, (1 John 5:19) is wiped away.....never to be seen again.

Excellent Post Aunty - ty

 

[Dan Clarkston]

If Jesus was narrominded he would be just as the idiots who wanted to kill him

Yeah, folks that don't know the Lord have no idea that Jesus was and is laser focused on only what pleases the Father which is the straight and narrow.
The broadway leads to eternal damnation... those on that path the idiots my homie!

 

[Marvelloustime]

He or she who denies JESUS is the CHRIST condmens their own self
He or she who follows another jesus , another gospel another spirit decieves their own self .
The one bringing truth and correction is not the one who is condemining
its the one who rejects it that condemns themselves .
And if a man or any dares to claim to BELEIVE JESUS is the CHRIST and yet
implies in any way its not necessary for other religoins to do so
and implies that other religoins do serve THE SAME GOD WE DO
in their own way , in a language etc , THAT MAN IS AN ANTI CHRIST doing the work
of that which is of anti christ to decieve CHRISTENDOM and all INTO A LIE .
WHO is a liar . HE who denies that JESUS IS THE CHRIST , he is anti christ
WHO calls GOD a liar , HE who beleives NOT the testimony that GOD gave of the SON .
MIght wanna let your beloved interfaith , pope and etc KNOW THAT .
We got us a real broad way of thinking going on all right
under the guise its love . ONLY IT AINT LOVE , IT AINT OF GOD . Time the church fled
the doctrines of men and rather got right into the bible to learn for themselves the TRUTH .

@amigo de christo

 

[Marvelloustime]

Rejoice when ye are persecuted for His name sake . Sister its about to get much worse .
But no worries the LORD is with the lambs and shall be with us . Our HOPE be in HIM and not in men of this world
not in men , but in GOD . March on in the trenches dear sister . TO the LORD be all glory
and may HE be glorified and magnified in all we do and say . YES on their part HE will be evil spoken of
but on our part HE Be GLORIFIED .

@amigo de christo
@Lizbeth

 

[St. SteVen]

False doctrine is another subject matter separate from Salvation as most of us still have false doctrine in some way or measure.

What makes a doctrine false?

Please quote what you would like to respond to. Thanks.

1. You've never heard it before. (knee-jerk defensive response)

2. You have heard of it before, but assume it's false. (haven't looked into it)

3. Doesn't align with your church's doctrine (your church would say it is false)

4. Doesn't align with your personal doctrine (your views differ)

5. YOUR "Bible" says it is false. (other biblical opinions don't matter)

6. It makes you uncomfortable. (therefore it must be wrong)

7. Everyone knows it's false. (except those who believe it)

What makes a doctrine false?

What makes a doctrine false? Please quote what you would like to respond to. Thanks. 1. You've never heard it before. (knee-jerk defensive response) 2. You have heard of it before, but assume it's false. (haven't looked into it) 3. Doesn't align with your church's doctrine (your church...

www.christianityboard.com

[

 

[St. SteVen]

One who is brainwashed is a Dupe ! a Fool and an Idiot that is not worthy of God or anything but a stooge !

Is that why Christians needed a book (and classes) titled: "Know What You Believe"?



[

 

[Lizbeth]

My understanding is that Jesus died for ALL. It sounds like my understanding differs from yours.

Yes I believe Jesus did die for all in one sense, but all will not receive that indescribable gift sadly. Jesus said "Ye MUST be born again." He preached the necessity of believing on Him and receiving His Spirit. We need ears to hear what the Spirit is saying with these things.

 

[St. SteVen]

NotTheRock said:
My understanding is that Jesus died for ALL. It sounds like my understanding differs from yours.

Yes I believe Jesus did die for all in one sense, but all will not receive that indescribable gift sadly. Jesus said "Ye MUST be born again." He preached the necessity of believing on Him and receiving His Spirit. We need ears to hear what the Spirit is saying with these things.

Evangelicals believe that humankind can save themselves by making a "decision" to be evangelical. ("born-again")
And unwittingly condemn everyone outside of their mindset.

"Saved from what?" - NotTheRock
Is still a good question. (which has not been sufficiently answered) IMHO

Did anyone read the OP?

[

 

[St. SteVen]

Yes I believe Jesus did die for all in one sense, but all will not receive that indescribable gift sadly.

In one sense? = Jesus DIDN'T die for all. ???

1 John 2:2 NIV
He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

[

 

[Lizbeth]

i do think that @St. SteVen is open but i AGREE with him in this aspect = it is BEYOND us to fathom how and why

For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.”
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. - Hebrews 10:30

i also AGREE with @St. SteVen that, in our own estimation of things, it seems brutal and tyrannical to be coming from a God who is Love.
Yet i know how wicked my heart is and how my only Hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Coming.

How can i, a man of corruption, be able to correct the God of Creation???

The prophet Isaiah was a better man then myself and even he cried saying:

“Woe is me, for I am undone!
Because I am a man of unclean lips,
And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;
For my eyes have seen the King,
The Lord of hosts.”

SHALOM

Yes, these things are hard to be understood and we are seeing through a glass darkly. But the bible does say we are elect according to His foreknowledge, so I think it is safe to receive and accept that.

Those who reject the words of God on salvation essentially accuse Him of being unrighteous and harsh...as we know we're not wrestling with flesh and blood but with the devil. They are thinking in a self-righteous and man-centred way rather than Christ/God-centred. Scripture says what is man that God is mindful of him....man is like the beasts that perish. But man in the flesh puts man before God. It's on this subject the bible says "who are you o man to talk back to God?" Has not the Potter the right to do what He pleases with the vessels that HE made? I'm thankful and marvel that He paid so high a price that any would be saved at all.

 

[Lizbeth]

NotTheRock said:
My understanding is that Jesus died for ALL. It sounds like my understanding differs from yours.

Evangelicals believe that humankind can save themselves by making a "decision" to be evangelical. ("born-again")
And unwittingly condemn everyone outside of their mindset.

"Saved from what?" - NotTheRock
Is still a good question. (which has not been sufficiently answered) IMHO

Did anyone read the OP?

[

No it is not a "decision" as such...we can't do this by ourselves "Apart from me you can do nothing."......and it's not about "saying a little prayer".......it's an act of God when the person opens their heart to Him when He comes knocking. It's a genuine miracle that takes place in one's heart and life. Usually by "hearing" through the foolishness of preaching, not by being convinced logically and intellectually (carnal mind). It is something that God does by His Spirit. And I believe the Lord will honour the heart that is truly seeking Him and seeking Truth. "Seek and you will find".....and I love this scripture as well:

Act 17:27
That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us

Well, as the bible teaches, salvation means to be saved from perdition. Saved from wrath, saved from perishing, saved from the wages of sin, which is death (as opposed to eternal life). And saved from our sins, since sin no longer has dominion over the child of God.

 

[Lizbeth]

In one sense? = Jesus DIDN'T die for all. ???

1 John 2:2 NIV
He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

[

I've already explained that verse to you more than once, but you don't seem to have ears to hear. We always need ears to hear what the Spirit is saying (and for that we need to have His Spirit and be relying on Him, not our carnal mind). It means His sacrifice was not only for the sins of Israel, the Jews, but for the nations (Gentiles) as well. Up to the coming of Jesus the Lord had only been revealed to Israel and He had only been dealing with them, but the gospel came for both Jews and Gentiles...to the Jews FIRST, then from them to the Gentiles. For whosoever of them both would believe.

 

[St. SteVen]

No it is not a "decision" as such...we can't do this by ourselves "Apart from me you can do nothing."......and it's not about "saying a little prayer".......it's an act of God when the person opens their heart to Him when He comes knocking. It's a genuine miracle that takes place in one's heart and life. Usually by "hearing" through the foolishness of preaching, not by being convinced logically and intellectually (carnal mind). It is something that God does by His Spirit. And I believe the Lord will honour the heart that is truly seeking Him and seeking Truth. "Seek and you will find"

I agree for the most part.
Does the religious tradition a person is raised in prevent God from doing this work?
Is salvation only available to the "born-again" church?

If Jesus didn't die for all, then salvation wouldn't be available to all.

Good tidings of great joy, which shall be to SOME people?

Wait... that's not what it says. Shouldn't it say, "... good tidings of great joy, which shall be to ALL people."? Yes indeed. But what are we taught? It is NOT for all people, but only for SOME. Good tidings of great joy, which shall be to SOME people? - Why would there be joy for all...

www.christianityboard.com

Well, as the bible teaches, salvation means to be saved from perdition. Saved from wrath, saved from perishing

Did Jesus die to save us from God? (what's wrong with this picture?)

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[Lizbeth]

Yes.
If you are posting that as a rebuttal to recognizing the WHOLE Body of Christ.

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Who is the Body of Christ? Jesus said His brothers/sisters/mother/father are those who do the will of His Father. Same with those who may say "Lord, Lord, didn't we do thus and such for you?" and what Jesus replied there, saying only those who do the will of His Father will enter the kingdom of heaven. He also said you will know them by their fruits, not by what they call themselves.

There is always a way that seemeth right to man.......and false, self-righteous, man-made "unity" is that. True unity and fellowship is of the Holy Spirit, not of the flesh. It's what those who HAVE the Spirit, HAVE amongst themselves, not what they try to manufacture.

Eph 4:3
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

 

[St. SteVen]

St. SteVen said:
In one sense? = Jesus DIDN'T die for all. ???

1 John 2:2 NIV
He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

I've already explained that verse to you more than once, but you don't seem to have ears to hear. We always need ears to hear what the Spirit is saying (and for that we need to have His Spirit and be relying on Him, not our carnal mind). It means His sacrifice was not only for the sins of Israel, the Jews, but for the nations (Gentiles) as well. Up to the coming of Jesus the Lord had only been revealed to Israel and He had only been dealing with them, but the gospel came for both Jews and Gentiles...to the Jews FIRST, then from them to the Gentiles. For whosoever of them both would believe.

My response is the same.
There are only two kinds of people in reference to Israel and Jews.
A person is either a Jew or a gentile. That's everyone. The whole world.

The verse says what it says.
You can divide it into Jews and gentiles, but it still equals to whole world.
Jesus is he atoning sacrifice for the whole world. It was a complete work.

Is it really your place to accuse others of not having spiritual ears,
simply because they disagree with your doctrinal opinions?

[

 

[St. SteVen]

Who is the Body of Christ? Jesus said His brothers/sisters/mother/father are those who do the will of His Father.

Why would you limit that to the "born-again" camp?

[