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AROUND THE WORLDYes, Canada is Actually Arresting Christian Pastors and Banning Them From Preaching

Deeje

Avid Bible Student
Premium Member
I do believe Jesus said that isn't for you to decide.

It is up to us to 'decide' what is "Christian" and what is not as far as our behavior goes. Those who wear a "Christian" label, who then behave in a very unchristian manner, bring reproach on the rest of us. I will call them out. They don't have to listen, but I have at least made the distinction known.

As Malachi 3:17 says..."And you will again see the distinction between a righteous person and a wicked person, between one serving God and one not serving him.”

By their words and actions you can see clearly who is a disciple of Christ and who is not.
We are not their judge, but we are to speak up about what it means to BE a Christian, rather than just calling ourselves such.
 

Shadow Wolf

Certified People sTabber
It is up to us to 'decide' what is "Christian" and what is not as far as our behavior goes. Those who wear a "Christian" label, who then behave in a very unchristian manner, bring reproach on the rest of us. I will call them out. They don't have to listen, but I have at least made the distinction known.

As Malachi 3:17 says..."And you will again see the distinction between a righteous person and a wicked person, between one serving God and one not serving him.”

By their words and actions you can see clearly who is a disciple of Christ and who is not.
We are not their judge, but we are to speak up about what it means to BE a Christian, rather than just calling ourselves such.
Yet, Jesus says Judge not or be judged (matthew 7:1 , Luke 6:37), James 4:12 says there is only one judge, Paul makes it clear that judge is god (1 Corinthians 4:4), and he reitterates that part about not judging or have it judged against you (Romans 2:1-3). And of course there is tons about people will faulter for being human, so who are you to judge your brothers and sisters? (Romans 14:10)
 

Jainarayan

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
Staff member
Premium Member
America is apparently still pretending to be a christian nation.....:p....not acting like it though.

What you’re seeing is the hypocrisy that runs rampant throughout Christendom. But in fairness it’s not your next door church-attendees ho do take it seriously. They don’t crow about being “saved”, they just go about their business living the best they can. It’s the vocal “religious leaders”.
 

Deeje

Avid Bible Student
Premium Member
What you’re seeing is the hypocrisy that runs rampant throughout Christendom. But in fairness it’s not your next door church-attendees ho do take it seriously. They don’t crow about being “saved”, they just go about their business living the best they can. It’s the vocal “religious leaders”.

It's always been the religious leaders.....Jesus never had a good word to say about them in the first century....and if he was here today, he would still have nothing good to say about them.

Perhaps this hypocrisy is also perpetuated in a political system where certain leaders of powerful nations pretend to be "Christians" whilst behind the scenes are completely immoral...?
 

Shad

Veteran Member
It's always been the religious leaders.....Jesus never had a good word to say about them in the first century....and if he was here today, he would still have nothing good to say about them.

Perhaps this hypocrisy is also perpetuated in a political system where certain leaders of powerful nations pretend to be "Christians" whilst behind the scenes are completely immoral...?

Toss in the voters that place special emphasis on a politician's claim as a factor in voting. After all the sale pitch wouldn't be so popular if it didn't work. Toss in claims about religion invite theological and sectarian disputes into politics.
 

Sand Dancer

Crazy Cat Lady
Right, it's about volume. o_O
I meant that he wasn't doing it in front of a bunch of people who may not have agreed with his message. People followed him. The Bible is clear not to pray or preach to get attention from others.


Jesus was not one teacher among many.
When Jesus was in the streets his works spoke volumes. He healed the blind, embraced and healed the leper. Made the lame to walk. And raised the dead.
And in the street before the temple he overturned the money changers tables and took after them with a whip he'd made by hand. Because they were defiling the house of the Father. That was quite a scene.

There were many itinerant teachers back then doing miracles. Crazy times.
 

Deeje

Avid Bible Student
Premium Member
Toss in the voters that place special emphasis on a politician's claim as a factor in voting. After all the sale pitch wouldn't be so popular if it didn't work. Toss in claims about religion invite theological and sectarian disputes into politics.

This is why Jesus told his followers not to be a part of that system. It is the voters put these people in office and so must share responsibility for what those leaders do with the power that they gave them.

Look how much money is wasted on political campaigns! How much of that money could be put to much better use? The wealthy backers of political candidates have a lot to gain by riding on the backs of those who are in power. It's a very flawed system. Power always results in corruption, but humans never learn....therefore they are doomed to blindly keep repeating the same mistakes. When have human rulers ever done any real and lasting good for their nation? The whole system is working against every good intention (if they actually have any) No wonder people in democratic nations have taken to the streets....they are fed up with the lies and failed promises. But no one has a better system to put in its place.....until now.

Globalisation, under the auspices of the UN, has been on the drawing boards for decades, waiting for the right time to introduce it. When it is offered, it will seem like a good solution to the world's current problems, but interestingly, the Bible predicted this situation 2000 years ago. This form of rulership will be totalitarian, robbing the world's citizens of all of the freedoms they have fought for. It will be introduced as the only way to bring "peace and security" to the world.....but there will be a sting in the tail. It will be at the expense of personal freedom. The enforcers are trained and ready in all nations to ensure compliance with the new laws.....combat gear...jackboots and all. Be prepared.....it is coming......but for the majority, its impact will be unexpected.
 

SugarOcean

¡pɹᴉǝM ʎɐʇS
I meant that he wasn't doing it in front of a bunch of people who may not have agreed with his message. People followed him.
Jesus was put to death because the scribes and pharisee of the Jewish temple did not agree with his message. His message was new to everyone to whom he ministered. Jews and pagan Roman's alike.
The Jews were taught in the temple by those who would read the scrolls to them. Jesus taught a message beyond that. One of the Messiah come. Whereas what was taught in the temple included the Messiah promised.

The Bible is clear not to pray or preach to get attention from others.
Book, chapter, verse please.




There were many itinerant teachers back then doing miracles. Crazy times.
There were many charlatans at work, yes. Even turning water into wine was a trick. But not when Jesus did it.

However, Jesus taught that after he would later depart back to the Kingdom of the Father there would be those who would perform signs and wonders. They'd even claim Jesus was to be found in the desert, or here or there, and after he had left. Jesus warned, do not believe them. Because they would bring teachings that would deceive even the elect.
This was precisely the profile Saul of Tarsus later on.
 

Shad

Veteran Member
When have human rulers ever done any real and lasting good for their nation?

Lincoln.

The whole system is working against every good intention (if they actually have any) No wonder people in democratic nations have taken to the streets....they are fed up with the lies and failed promises. But no one has a better system to put in its place.....until now.

Most of those people are only in the streets because their "guy" lost. They are happy to accept the lies from their "guy"

Globalisation, under the auspices of the UN, has been on the drawing boards for decades, waiting for the right time to introduce it. When it is offered, it will seem like a good solution to the world's current problems, but interestingly, the Bible predicted this situation 2000 years ago. This form of rulership will be totalitarian, robbing the world's citizens of all of the freedoms they have fought for. It will be introduced as the only way to bring "peace and security" to the world.....but there will be a sting in the tail. It will be at the expense of personal freedom. The enforcers are trained and ready in all nations to ensure compliance with the new laws.....combat gear...jackboots and all. Be prepared.....it is coming......but for the majority, its impact will be unexpected.

Minus the Bible prediction part I do agree. The UN's system in the GA puts nations which are not close in parity in anything on voting parity. IE Qatar has the same voting power as Canada. Bloc voting of Muslim nations is another example. The only thing preventing this is the security council seats. Once this changes the UN is done
 

Deeje

Avid Bible Student
Premium Member

Wow! You actually found one ! In the whole world, you could probably count on one hand those who actually made a positive and lasting difference for their nation. Ghandi would probably make that list. But once those influential people pass away, those who take their place may not continue on with their vision for the future.

Lincoln freed the slaves but he did not eradicate the ingrained hatred for black Americans in his lifetime. It's still there in many people, even today. Children are not born hating....it has to be taught.

Most of those people are only in the streets because their "guy" lost. They are happy to accept the lies from their "guy"

Yes, isn't it amazing how forgiving people are when "their guy" is in power? But what are the issues that make people take to the streets? Anything that either side has solutions for? How many problems are there that need solutions that never materialize, no matter who is in power?

Minus the Bible prediction part I do agree. The UN's system in the GA puts nations which are not close in parity in anything on voting parity. IE Qatar has the same voting power as Canada. Bloc voting of Muslim nations is another example. The only thing preventing this is the security council seats. Once this changes the UN is done

This is where I find that the Bible's prophesies are amazing.
The UN has been a toothless tiger for the whole of its existence, both before and after WW1, where, as the League of Nations, it was an utter failure at preventing WW2. Reforming after that world conflict, it has never achieved its goal of trying to bring peace and security to the world......but the Bible says that all the nations will give it the kind of power that it needs to bring about world change. The only trouble is, it won't be the kind of change that people want or expect.

It will be interesting to see what happens.
 

Shad

Veteran Member
Wow! You actually found one ! In the whole world, you could probably count on one hand those who actually made a positive and lasting difference for their nation. Ghandi would probably make that list. But once those influential people pass away, those who take their place may not continue on with their vision for the future.

Lincoln was an easy bet.

Ghandi idea about a reformed caste system didn't survive in the aisle of power after his death. However Ghandi didn't have the government power to make his ideas law like Lincoln.

Lincoln freed the slaves but he did not eradicate the ingrained hatred for black Americans in his lifetime. It's still there in many people, even today. Children are not born hating....it has to be taught.

He didn't have the power by law to do so. Keep in mind such power while pleasing when used in a positive context can be abused. After all it is granting government the power to determine what are right and wrong thoughts to have.

Hatred can learned via experience and faulty thinking as well.



Yes, isn't it amazing how forgiving people are when "their guy" is in power? But what are the issues that make people take to the streets? Anything that either side has solutions for? How many problems are there that need solutions that never materialize, no matter who is in power?

Some solution never are used because of ends do not justify the means. Some due to politics. Take your pick


The UN has been a toothless tiger for the whole of its existence, both before and after WW1, where, as the League of Nations, it was an utter failure at preventing WW2. Reforming after that world conflict, it has never achieved its goal of trying to bring peace and security to the world......but the Bible says that all the nations will give it the kind of power that it needs to bring about world change. The only trouble is, it won't be the kind of change that people want or expect.

Depends on the US and what happens in my view. Granting that I am commenting on the UN and the expansion of it not prophecy.

It will be interesting to see what happens.

Interesting is not the word I would use. I think it will be a disaster.
 

Deeje

Avid Bible Student
Premium Member
Jesus was put to death because the scribes and pharisee of the Jewish temple did not agree with his message.

It wasn't just that, but Jesus exposed the Pharisees as the hypocrites that they were. Calling their teachings "leaven".....corrupted. He was performing miracles and making them look bad.

After he raised Lazarus, John 11:45-48 says....
"Therefore, many of the Jews who had come to Mary and who saw what he did put faith in him, 46 but some of them went off to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the Sanʹhe·drin together and said: “What are we to do, for this man performs many signs? 48 If we let him go on this way, they will all put faith in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”

Were they interested in what Jesus had to say so that they might accept his corrections? No! All they were interested in was their own importance in the Jewish system that Rome allowed to exist.

His message was new to everyone to whom he ministered. Jews and pagan Roman's alike.
The Jews were taught in the temple by those who would read the scrolls to them. Jesus taught a message beyond that. One of the Messiah come. Whereas what was taught in the temple included the Messiah promised.

Jesus whole ministry was centered around the message of God's Kingdom. He preached the Kingdom wherever he went. The Jews had an understanding about the kingdom and messiah from their own distortion of scripture. They expected their Messiah would be a powerful political figure who would break the yoke of Rome and restore Israel to its rightful place with the religious leaders figuring prominently in it. Jesus completely exposed that expectation as a load of rubbish. He came to do exactly what he said he would do....to rescue the "lost sheep of the house of Israel". Those sheep were lost because of the neglect of Israel's shepherds. Jesus came to get them out of that filthy pen and into a new clean pen with fresh pasture and clean water. He would now shepherd them and treat them as precious. The Pharisees treated them like dirt.

Book, chapter, verse please.

Matthew 6:5-6...
"Also, when you pray, do not act like the hypocrites, for they like to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the main streets to be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your private room and, after shutting your door, pray to your Father who is in secret. Then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you."

As for preaching, they were to continue without letup, (Acts of the Apostles 5:42) even if things got tough....they carried on, even getting arrested for doing what Christ commanded them to do. But they were not to spout Christ's message into the air...they were to talk "to" people, not "at" them.

However, Jesus taught that after he would later depart back to the Kingdom of the Father there would be those who would perform signs and wonders. They'd even claim Jesus was to be found in the desert, or here or there, and after he had left. Jesus warned, do not believe them. Because they would bring teachings that would deceive even the elect.

Yes, the "weeds" that Jesus foretold would soon be hard at work trying to choke out the "wheat". Satan was also a sower of seed.....the wrong kind.

This was precisely the profile Saul of Tarsus later on.

Hang on.....is this suggesting that Paul was a charlatan? Do you think that the other apostles who had by this time received the holy spirit, would have tolerated another traitor in their midst? They accepted Paul as an Apostle and through the spirit, they had the ability to read hearts. (Acts of the Apostles 5:3-5) Paul was a "chosen vessel" to Christ because he was so different to the other Apostles.....as a zealous Pharisee who was bent on eradicating any who were followers of Jesus, Saul was shown that his zeal for God's worship was misdirected, and he humbly accepted that correction, unlike any of the Pharisees encountered by Jesus.
Paul was never one of the 12, but his assignment was as "an Apostle to the nations".
As an Israelite, of the tribe of Benjamin; an educated Pharisee, the son of Pharisees, and born a Roman citizen, Paul was used where the 12 would never have been accepted, such as before the philosophers of the Ar·e·opʹa·gus. (Acts of the Apostles 17:22-23) And before rulers. (Acts of the Apostles 25:11-12)

At 1 Timothy 1:12-13 Paul said.....
"I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who imparted power to me, because he considered me faithful by assigning me to a ministry, 13 although formerly I was a blasphemer and a persecutor and an insolent man. Nevertheless, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and with a lack of faith."

1 Timothy 1:15-16...
"This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Of these, I am foremost. 16 Nevertheless, I was shown mercy so that by means of me as the foremost case, Christ Jesus might demonstrate all his patience, making me an example to those who are going to rest their faith on him for everlasting life."

His difficult life course from that time on, he saw as penance for his actions against those who became his brothers. These are the words of a humble Christian, not an arrogant Pharisee.
 

SugarOcean

¡pɹᴉǝM ʎɐʇS
It wasn't just that, but Jesus exposed the Pharisees as the hypocrites that they were. Calling their teachings "leaven".....corrupted. He was performing miracles and making them look bad.

After he raised Lazarus, John 11:45-48 says....
"Therefore, many of the Jews who had come to Mary and who saw what he did put faith in him, 46 but some of them went off to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the Sanʹhe·drin together and said: “What are we to do, for this man performs many signs? 48 If we let him go on this way, they will all put faith in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”

Were they interested in what Jesus had to say so that they might accept his corrections? No! All they were interested in was their own importance in the Jewish system that Rome allowed to exist.



Jesus whole ministry was centered around the message of God's Kingdom. He preached the Kingdom wherever he went. The Jews had an understanding about the kingdom and messiah from their own distortion of scripture. They expected their Messiah would be a powerful political figure who would break the yoke of Rome and restore Israel to its rightful place with the religious leaders figuring prominently in it. Jesus completely exposed that expectation as a load of rubbish. He came to do exactly what he said he would do....to rescue the "lost sheep of the house of Israel". Those sheep were lost because of the neglect of Israel's shepherds. Jesus came to get them out of that filthy pen and into a new clean pen with fresh pasture and clean water. He would now shepherd them and treat them as precious. The Pharisees treated them like dirt.



Matthew 6:5-6...
"Also, when you pray, do not act like the hypocrites, for they like to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the main streets to be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your private room and, after shutting your door, pray to your Father who is in secret. Then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you."

As for preaching, they were to continue without letup, (Acts of the Apostles 5:42) even if things got tough....they carried on, even getting arrested for doing what Christ commanded them to do. But they were not to spout Christ's message into the air...they were to talk "to" people, not "at" them.



Yes, the "weeds" that Jesus foretold would soon be hard at work trying to choke out the "wheat". Satan was also a sower of seed.....the wrong kind.



Hang on.....is this suggesting that Paul was a charlatan? Do you think that the other apostles who had by this time received the holy spirit, would have tolerated another traitor in their midst? They accepted Paul as an Apostle and through the spirit, they had the ability to read hearts. (Acts of the Apostles 5:3-5) Paul was a "chosen vessel" to Christ because he was so different to the other Apostles.....as a zealous Pharisee who was bent on eradicating any who were followers of Jesus, Saul was shown that his zeal for God's worship was misdirected, and he humbly accepted that correction, unlike any of the Pharisees encountered by Jesus.
Paul was never one of the 12, but his assignment was as "an Apostle to the nations".
As an Israelite, of the tribe of Benjamin; an educated Pharisee, the son of Pharisees, and born a Roman citizen, Paul was used where the 12 would never have been accepted, such as before the philosophers of the Ar·e·opʹa·gus. (Acts of the Apostles 17:22-23) And before rulers. (Acts of the Apostles 25:11-12)

At 1 Timothy 1:12-13 Paul said.....
"I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who imparted power to me, because he considered me faithful by assigning me to a ministry, 13 although formerly I was a blasphemer and a persecutor and an insolent man. Nevertheless, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and with a lack of faith."

1 Timothy 1:15-16...
"This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Of these, I am foremost. 16 Nevertheless, I was shown mercy so that by means of me as the foremost case, Christ Jesus might demonstrate all his patience, making me an example to those who are going to rest their faith on him for everlasting life."

His difficult life course from that time on, he saw as penance for his actions against those who became his brothers. These are the words of a humble Christian, not an arrogant Pharisee.


Great post. :)
With regard to your question concerning Saul, yes. Jesus forewarned of false teachers that would say, after Jesus returned to Heaven, come follow me Jesus is here, Jesus is there, come see. They'd also give false teachings that would deceive even the elect. Performing miracles, signs, wonders. And Jesus said of that future, do not believe them.

Saul of Tarsus fulfilled everything Jesus warned against . Everything.
Saul was also found to be a false teacher by the church in Ephesus.

Revelation 2:2
2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.

Further, Christians are led to believe it was the Christ Saul encountered on the road to Damascus. Saul was in the company of two companions. And yet, the accounting of this light vision has contradiction per the witnesses with Saul. Saul claimed he heard a voice speak from the light. In one account his two companions concurred. In another account they said they saw the light but only heard Saul speaking. (These contradictory accounts are found in Acts chapters: 9, 22, and 26. )

After this encounter Saul claimed he was being led, taught, by the Christ to deliver his ministry to the Gentiles.
(Remember, Lucifer, light bringer, Prince of this world)
That can't be true.
Because in the course of Saul teaching what Saul on numerous occasions decreed was his (Saul's) gospel, also committed to the heresy of denying Jesus divinity. Something the divine spirit of the Christ would never have taught Saul.


The Apostle John knew Saul was false.
2John 1:9
Whoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

Saul claimed to be a disciple of Christ, Galatians 1:1-12, 1 Timothy 2:7 and 2 Timothy 1:11 ordained by Christ, however he was not that. The actual Apostles of Christ did not ever refer to Saul as an Apostle. They called him brother. Big difference.
Acts 1:21-22 sets out the qualifications for being an actual Christ appointed Apostle.
21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

Jesus appointed, anointed, when he washed their feet, his chosen 12 Apostles while in the upper room prior to his crucifixion. Anointing their feet, in a sense, baptizing their feet that would carry them forth to execute the Great Commission. Twelve Disciples/Apostles. Twelve tribes.
Revelation 21:14 precludes there being a 13th Apostle. (Matthias was chosen to take Judas' place so as to be the 12th Apostle. Acts 1:12-26)

Saul, in delivering his gospel , Acts 19:9, 23, to area's prior to where the Apostles would travel levied a curse upon them prior should they arrive in those places. If anyone brings you a gospel different than the one I have brought you, let them be accursed.

Galatians 1:6-8 I am astonished how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a divine curse! 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you embraced, let him be under a curse!


That's just a small proof to sustain my prior observation concerning Saul .

The individual will have to exert the effort to research and find why Saul was not of Christ and was delivering a false teaching. Saul was not sent to teach the Gentiles because Jesus sent his anointed 12 to bring the good news to all people. Even Gentiles.

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, some may contend. Yes, he was. Because the lost sheep, due to the politics of the temple elders, were still aware of the promise of Messiah And Jesus was sent to show them the Messiah prophecies in him were fulfilled.
This did not mean Jesus came to die only for Jews. The Messiah prophecy began with the Jewish scrolls foretelling of Messiah. It did not end there.
John 10:16
I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.


 

Deeje

Avid Bible Student
Premium Member
@SugarOcean concerning Paul's apostleship....

Do you believe that the NT is the word of God? Did God inspire its writers? If so, why would he primarily include the writings of a false apostle....a traitor? Why did his holy spirit not reveal Paul's appointment as deception to the 12 who had his spirit? How was Peter able to discern the deception of Ananias and his wife, but not Paul's?

Your accusations concerning the authenticity of Paul as a genuine apostle are nothing new, but they don't stack up under scrutiny IMO.

The designation "Apostle" simply means "one sent forth". In this sense, Jesus is also called an "apostle". Someone with a special mission.

Paul's appointment was in many respects the same as the 12....being chosen by Christ himself for his special mission....to bring the good news to the Gentiles. He was educated by the resurrected Jesus through holy spirit, not by the other apostles. He was so different in his qualifications compared to the 12, but he was well suited for the role that Christ assigned to him.

Considering the territory into which he was sent, his education, knowledge of scripture, and status as a Roman citizen made him a good choice.

Why are Paul's writings so prominent in the Christian scriptures, when most of the 12 did not contribute anything that is included in the canon.

Matthew 10:2-4...
"2 The names of the 12 apostles are these: First, Simon, the one called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebʹe·dee and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bar·tholʹo·mew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Al·phaeʹus; and Thad·daeʹus; 4 Simon the Ca·na·naeʹan; and Judas Is·carʹi·ot, who later betrayed him."

How many of the 12 listed here wrote books or letters contained in the NT? The book of James was written by Jesus' brother who was not one of the two apostles named James in that list.
Matthew, John and Peter are the only ones I see. Yet Paul contributed more to NT scripture than most of them.

If the Bible is God's word, how do you account for that? Does God want us to be confused? Does he expect us to doubt what is written in his word because of who wrote it?

Casting doubt about some parts of God's word, casts doubt on all of it.....not a good thing to be guilty of, wouldn't you say?

I believe that God is more than capable of choosing what belongs in his own instruction manual.
 

sooda

Veteran Member
I doubt she'll take that advice once she and her brother pick themselves up.
See, I know how you meant it however, when you have those who have shouted mean stuff here for years and you address this new member, you're wrong.
When a Humanist posts as a Humanist Nihilist truth in calling that out as Nihilism isn't mean. It's truth.
And when addressing his bully sister-prototype, who's post history is public, it isn't mean to recognize what she is, as I posted to her personally. It's righteous.
God knows who are his and who will be saved. He knew this before the world came to exist. Those who know they're not in the Book of Life , even when they claim not to believe such "nonsense", act the part. They join religious forums, Christian forums , as she has because she uses the same avatar and name in all of them. And they proceed to assail Christians.

That doesn't make us look bad.

Preachers aren't supposed to ramp up hatred and violence.


http://geography.name/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/christianIslamAfricaMap-640x542.jpg[/img]
 

sooda

Veteran Member
It wasn't just that, but Jesus exposed the Pharisees as the hypocrites that they were. Calling their teachings "leaven".....corrupted. He was performing miracles and making them look bad.

After he raised Lazarus, John 11:45-48 says....
"Therefore, many of the Jews who had come to Mary and who saw what he did put faith in him, 46 but some of them went off to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the Sanʹhe·drin together and said: “What are we to do, for this man performs many signs? 48 If we let him go on this way, they will all put faith in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”

Were they interested in what Jesus had to say so that they might accept his corrections? No! All they were interested in was their own importance in the Jewish system that Rome allowed to exist.



Jesus whole ministry was centered around the message of God's Kingdom. He preached the Kingdom wherever he went. The Jews had an understanding about the kingdom and messiah from their own distortion of scripture. They expected their Messiah would be a powerful political figure who would break the yoke of Rome and restore Israel to its rightful place with the religious leaders figuring prominently in it. Jesus completely exposed that expectation as a load of rubbish. He came to do exactly what he said he would do....to rescue the "lost sheep of the house of Israel". Those sheep were lost because of the neglect of Israel's shepherds. Jesus came to get them out of that filthy pen and into a new clean pen with fresh pasture and clean water. He would now shepherd them and treat them as precious. The Pharisees treated them like dirt.



Matthew 6:5-6...
"Also, when you pray, do not act like the hypocrites, for they like to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the main streets to be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your private room and, after shutting your door, pray to your Father who is in secret. Then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you."

As for preaching, they were to continue without letup, (Acts of the Apostles 5:42) even if things got tough....they carried on, even getting arrested for doing what Christ commanded them to do. But they were not to spout Christ's message into the air...they were to talk "to" people, not "at" them.



Yes, the "weeds" that Jesus foretold would soon be hard at work trying to choke out the "wheat". Satan was also a sower of seed.....the wrong kind.



Hang on.....is this suggesting that Paul was a charlatan? Do you think that the other apostles who had by this time received the holy spirit, would have tolerated another traitor in their midst? They accepted Paul as an Apostle and through the spirit, they had the ability to read hearts. (Acts of the Apostles 5:3-5) Paul was a "chosen vessel" to Christ because he was so different to the other Apostles.....as a zealous Pharisee who was bent on eradicating any who were followers of Jesus, Saul was shown that his zeal for God's worship was misdirected, and he humbly accepted that correction, unlike any of the Pharisees encountered by Jesus.
Paul was never one of the 12, but his assignment was as "an Apostle to the nations".
As an Israelite, of the tribe of Benjamin; an educated Pharisee, the son of Pharisees, and born a Roman citizen, Paul was used where the 12 would never have been accepted, such as before the philosophers of the Ar·e·opʹa·gus. (Acts of the Apostles 17:22-23) And before rulers. (Acts of the Apostles 25:11-12)

At 1 Timothy 1:12-13 Paul said.....
"I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who imparted power to me, because he considered me faithful by assigning me to a ministry, 13 although formerly I was a blasphemer and a persecutor and an insolent man. Nevertheless, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and with a lack of faith."

1 Timothy 1:15-16...
"This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Of these, I am foremost. 16 Nevertheless, I was shown mercy so that by means of me as the foremost case, Christ Jesus might demonstrate all his patience, making me an example to those who are going to rest their faith on him for everlasting life."

His difficult life course from that time on, he saw as penance for his actions against those who became his brothers. These are the words of a humble Christian, not an arrogant Pharisee.

We don't have any preachers as good as Jesus no matter how arrogant they are.
 

SugarOcean

¡pɹᴉǝM ʎɐʇS
@SugarOcean concerning Paul's apostleship....

Do you believe that the NT is the word of God? Did God inspire its writers? If so, why would he primarily include the writings of a false apostle....a traitor? Why did his holy spirit not reveal Paul's appointment as deception to the 12 who had his spirit? How was Peter able to discern the deception of Ananias and his wife, but not Paul's?

Your accusations concerning the authenticity of Paul as a genuine apostle are nothing new, but they don't stack up under scrutiny IMO.

The designation "Apostle" simply means "one sent forth". In this sense, Jesus is also called an "apostle". Someone with a special mission.

Paul's appointment was in many respects the same as the 12....being chosen by Christ himself for his special mission....to bring the good news to the Gentiles. He was educated by the resurrected Jesus through holy spirit, not by the other apostles. He was so different in his qualifications compared to the 12, but he was well suited for the role that Christ assigned to him.

Considering the territory into which he was sent, his education, knowledge of scripture, and status as a Roman citizen made him a good choice.

Why are Paul's writings so prominent in the Christian scriptures, when most of the 12 did not contribute anything that is included in the canon.

Matthew 10:2-4...
"2 The names of the 12 apostles are these: First, Simon, the one called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebʹe·dee and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bar·tholʹo·mew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Al·phaeʹus; and Thad·daeʹus; 4 Simon the Ca·na·naeʹan; and Judas Is·carʹi·ot, who later betrayed him."

How many of the 12 listed here wrote books or letters contained in the NT? The book of James was written by Jesus' brother who was not one of the two apostles named James in that list.
Matthew, John and Peter are the only ones I see. Yet Paul contributed more to NT scripture than most of them.

If the Bible is God's word, how do you account for that? Does God want us to be confused? Does he expect us to doubt what is written in his word because of who wrote it?

Casting doubt about some parts of God's word, casts doubt on all of it.....not a good thing to be guilty of, wouldn't you say?

I believe that God is more than capable of choosing what belongs in his own instruction manual.

I would suggest you study on how the Canon was formed.
And then consider how the epistles, letters, of a man who never heard the living Jesus speak, nor saw him, is the source for nearly 2/3rds of the new testament.

Saul, who was of the order, Pharisee, that Jesus called:Ye blind guides (Matt. 23:16),Ye fools (Matt. 23:17), Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees…for ye are like whited supulchres…full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness (Matt. 23:27), Ye serpents (Matt. 23:33) , Ye generation of vipers (Matt. 23:33), Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! (Luke 11:44), Ye are as graves which appear not (Luke 11:44). (Source)

Matthew 23:33
Woes to Scribes and Pharisees
…32Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your fathers. 33You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape the sentence of hell? 34 Because of this, I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify, and others you will flog in your synagogues and persecute in town after town.

How can we imagine Jesus would return to Heaven and then ordain a man of that order Jesus condemned to deliver His Gospel? When Saul was on a mission to murder apostate Jews at the time of the vision on the Damascus road.

While the enemy of God, that which appeared to us in scripture first as a serpent, remained as prince of this world after Jesus ascension. And would indeed be in kind with Saul who was seeking out and killing Jews who turned to follow the Messiah Jesus. He whom the Pharisee wanted to be murdered by Rome on the charge of blasphemy.

Further, when you ask how can someone deny Saul was an Apostle my short answer is very simple.
Jesus told me to. And he told you to as well. Matthew 24. In short, Jesus said do not believe anyone who comes after He has ascended and claims to have seen him.
What hubris that Saul would imagine he was ordained to finish Jesus work by bringing the gospel to Gentiles. When Jesus had charged his actual Disciples with this task.
However, it would make sense that Saul was to bring a contradictory teaching in the name of Jesus when led by the spirit that remained on this earth as that which is averse to the good news.

It is really simple. Jesus said do not believe Saul when he comes forth and claims to have met the Christ on the Damascus road. (Summarizing Matthew 24)

Fear? No, I don't fear believing what Christ commanded concerning those who would come after him performing signs and wonders, bringing false doctrine, that would deceive even the elect. Do not believe them.
I follow Jesus. Not Saul. Jesus warned of Saul. Saul contradicted Jesus.

It isn't hard to decide who was of God and who was not. A man that never met Jesus, never saw him, never heard him preach, occupies with his writings the majority of God's new covenant teachings concerning Messiah.
That alone should lead any Christian to question why. When it is the Gospel of Christ Jesus that saves and yet his words occupy so little of the NT. While Saul's, who contradicted Jesus teachings and did not know the most basic things about him, occupies the most.

I see it as a test. Jesus commanded, do not believe those who would come after him and claim to have seen him. Much less are being taught by him to teach contrary to what Jesus died to deliver as God's word.

Those who follow Christ obey Christ.
Those who do not consider what Christ warned against, while Saul later would fit precisely the warning Jesus gave against such people, err.

But there's always time to reconsider. You see, the Epistles are not God's words. They are the letters of Saul of Tarsus who asks you to believe from time to time what he wrote was of God. However, when God told you prior to Saul's arrival do not believe someone who arrives as Saul did, claiming to have met Jesus on the road to Damascus, performs signs and wonders so as to claim that lends proof he is of God and an Apostle , 2 Corinthians 12, you have to decide who knows more?
And whom do you follow and believe?
God?
Or that one which God told you not to?
 

Shadow Wolf

Certified People sTabber
Those who know they're not in the Book of Life , even when they claim not to believe such "nonsense", act the part.
Verily I say unto thee, I act no such part. I am disqualified on many accounts, condemned to death, and have committed the unforgivable. I do end up fulfilling the peace amd love thing Jesus talked about, but its more of an issue of respecting people until they give me reason to not respect them. And then the love ends amd my thoughts turn to wrath. I am aligned with Lucifer, Lilith is my Mother, and I want my name in the Lambs Book as much as I want it in the paper in the arrest records.
And, by the way, whatever happened to " thou shalt not bear false witness?"
 

Sand Dancer

Crazy Cat Lady
Book, chapter, verse please.
Matthew 6:5-8 New International Version (NIV)
Prayer
5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
 

SugarOcean

¡pɹᴉǝM ʎɐʇS
Verily I say unto thee, I act no such part. I am disqualified on many accounts, condemned to death, and have committed the unforgivable. I do end up fulfilling the peace amd love thing Jesus talked about, but its more of an issue of respecting people until they give me reason to not respect them. And then the love ends amd my thoughts turn to wrath. I am aligned with Lucifer, Lilith is my Mother, and I want my name in the Lambs Book as much as I want it in the paper in the arrest records.
And, by the way, whatever happened to " thou shalt not bear false witness?"
It is still there as a command.
And I have no such offense when one insists on providing evidences for all to witness. As you said, you are of the Devil. (Isaiah 14:12) And as I said previously, with note of your chosen signature, and you affirm again and again , even bragging here; your prayers have been answered.

I don't know you at all. However, I would have hoped you'd think more of yourself than to be proudly damned.
We could all be wrong about what comes next. If I'm wrong at least my legacy will be one of living in the light of Christ. If you're wrong and we whom you hate, mock, and yet pay so much attention to in places like this, it will be too late for repentance. And I would never now even consider saying of that future you could face and with smug pride; I told you so.
You see, that's the difference between us.
 
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