alabuck Loc: Tennessee

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If I remember Job correctly, the inference was that the talk between God and satan took place on Earth. There is no evil in Heaven. Other than the brief mentioning of "fallen angles," in the Bible, every other location of a meeting between God/Jesus and satan, has been either on the Earth or within/under it.

Rufus Loc: Deep South

I may look into scripture later this evening and get with some friends tomorrow in my study class. It is an interesting question.

fiatlux

The comments seem pretty straightforward by his sister and nothing seems out of place.

Blade_Runner Loc: DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

The correct translation of that phrase from the original Greek is "spiritual wickedness in high places." IOW, the "high places" could be on earth, as in government or some other such entity. Men have manifest "spiritual wickedness" since the beginning.

Lot of that going around these days.

ColdDrink

Jesus said on more than one occasion that humans are not "wicked" or "evil" but merely blind. If they had the eyes to see would mean a change of heart and an end to wickedness and evil on their part. As Christians, we are meant to be visual aids, a distinct choice between godliness and worldliness. When anyone looks on us, watches what we say and do, they are to clearly see a way of life that is contrary to worldly values and radically different than conventional wisdom. That is our measure in all that we do.

alabuck Loc: Tennessee

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You're assuming that the "Christians" being watched are actually living the love that Christ displayed; even to those who didn't believe who and what He was; and, even those who persecuted Him for defying their opinions as to what He was supposed to do as their God and Savior. What's sad, is that too often, the Christians being watched aren't acting like the Christians we put ourselves up to be. Quickly, we're pointing out the sins of others, beating our own chests, expounding on our virtuous faith, and claiming that we are the salvation of all of Christendom.

To anyone who is even only halfway familiar with the Bible, we're easily seen as reincarnations of the Pharisees. Christ didn't go around pointing out everyone's sins, except those whose attitude about themselves set them above everyone else. Christ didn't take scrolls and use them to beat up others; like we do with the Bible. He didn't threaten them with an eternity in hell. Instead, He simply told sinners to "go and sin no more." Now, how do the actions of Christ compare with the actions of way, too many "Christians," today?

ColdDrink

No, I am not assuming anything. I am saying that to actually be a Christian is to be a clear choice between godliness and worldliness. Who cares there are those who do not or make bad choices.

Dummy Boy Loc: Michigan

There is quite the chorus of hypocrites here, do I respect an atheist for being honest about their disbelief or listen to liars that hide behind the bible?

Dummy Boy Loc: Michigan

Here's the truth, this is how he really feels: it will emerge soon, just thought I would break the news now.

alabuck Loc: Tennessee

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But, Christ, Himself, said that, "[His] kingdom is not of this world." As such, would it not be up to us to demonstrate our future reward in Heaven by, "loving thy neighbor," and "not judging, least you be judged as well," here, on Earth?

alabuck Loc: Tennessee

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That's an unfortunate occurrence of many religions and denominations. Sadly, Jesus Christ was crucified because, in part, He pointed out the hypocrisy of the Sadducces and Pharises to them. Compared to Christ, I'm barely a speck of dust on a grain of sand, on a large, yet, remote beach. But, I can still make my point.

alabuck Loc: Tennessee

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When really pressed and frustrated, this is how they respond. I still hope that their hearts can be softened to "hate the sin, but, love the sinner." By "hating the sinner," we're not demonstrating the love that God has for us; sinners all. While the sinner may be unrepentant, their judgment is up to God, not us. While on Earth, were to show "Christ's love" for our neighbors; not what we think the Father's judgment should be. His judgment may be 180 degrees from what they expect. I wonder why.

Other than what I've written in other threads, I've not seen anything written by anyone else regarding the "atoning death of Christ," and how it applies to sin. Whenever I've mentioned it, the responders blow right past it. It's like no one else has heard of it; yet, it's a cornerstone of Christianity.

My guess is that people look it up and read about it. Once they realize what it is, they choose to ignore it because it doesn't fit in with their Religious Right's political agenda. I would like to know if I'm wrong on this, but without any others discussing the "atoning death of Christ," it's hard to draw any other conclusion.

mwdegutis Loc: Illinois

By "atoning death of Jesus Christ," are you referring to the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, meaning that if we accept what he did on the cross for us we are cleansed of our sins, past, present and future?

Blade_Runner Loc: DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

Just to be square with this, alabuck, I will admit that I let Dummy Boy know rather bluntly that I do not care what he thinks. He has a major chip on his shoulder regarding Christians, continually slamming us as hypocrites ( which is likely the kindest term he uses). Obviously, my harsh response hit a nerve with him, and his repeated posting of a screenshot of my comment to him is evidence of that. I really don't care about that either. Truth is, I do not hate him for his anger toward me and Christians in general. But how many times throughout the Bible do we find God Himself, the prophets and kings, Jesus, His Disciples, and the Apostles warning us to turn away from unreceptive reprobate minds?

I have posted many times, on this forum and elsewhere that we should embrace the sinner, but condemn the sin. This is a concept many do not understand.

Regarding the Passion of Christ on the cross, His atonement for our sins, I am fully aware of its critical importance to our Salvation. As the great prophet Isaiah put it centuries before the event, "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was broken for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed." This too is a spiritual concept that the unreceptive atheist will never grasp.

I pray constantly for God's grace upon all sinners for I am one also. No one is perfect. And, I pray that those who have rejected Him, who deny him, defy Him, and mock Him may, by the Grace of God, experience the blessings of an epiphany and find their place in the sun. I know that it is a stretch of Faith to hope all can be saved, but it has happened to some, so no harm done.

God be with you.

Dummy Boy Loc: Michigan

Yes, and without being a hypocrite.