Christ "learned obedience from the things he suffered"

[cidal]

This is a scriptural command. Just because other denominations take blood does not mean it is not a biblical command. Feel free to look at the other article that was specifically about blood that was discussed earlier.

No. Not anything pagan. Anything involving false religion.

Incorrect. To start with, the issue of child abuse is dealt with both inside the congregation, and as there is a legal precedence to report, all child abuse is reported outside the congregation. Never has it been an acceptable practice. To clarify, child abuse is ALWAYS sexual immorality. Outside of the marriage arrangement for one woman and one man, this is deemed sexually immoral. It goes outside of the parameters of what God requires.

The only time any form of encouragement to disconnect and limit association with friends/relatives is on two accounts.
1) The person is a bad associate. For instance, if I was an alcoholic, and I had friends who wanted to encourage me to drink, it is a wise choice to stop associating with them. Therefore, if I choose to give up my former lifestyle which was immoral, or opposite to the things I was wanting to be, then choosing to avoid bad associations is wise. So that depends on what the person does, and it is a protection for us. We're not obligated to continue hanging around our abusers, for example, because they're deemed "friend" or "family".
2) If a person was baptised as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, and has chosen to reject it. They are - as the Bible states - to be treated as a person of the nations. Jesus didn't say hate the person of the nations. But there was a separation. Just as you yourself would have certain people who you choose not to hang around, but you probably don't hate them. I'm sure your front door isn't open for anyone to just come in who you don't know.

If people are judging one another, they are not getting the point of Jesus' message at all. You not being one of Jehovah's Witnesses are judging Jehovah's Witnesses, and even me. So, can I consider you "the collective" that scrutinises and judges everything I do? Because you do.

Being clean before God - never had as much dignity. Thanks. As for brainwashing/lies, there are no lies. Those who choose to join know full well what the Bible teaches, and they take it on themselves to dedicate their lives to God, through the name of Jesus Christ, knowing what to expect. In fact, the truth sets us free from lies. While people are all worried about stuff, we are given insight into matters, and understand why things happen. Even being foretold as to what is coming. We're blessed. We're happy.

This doesn't even make sense. Gang? Targetting? Jehovah's people talk to everyone. If everyone is "grieving and/or mentally ill or struggling", then so be it. But why do you make it out as something sinister?

I liked you made all points like in all caps.. to make it like a list.. very nice. To al your points,, false and bulshit and fake. Thank you for trying fake Christ lover.. a tune for you...

Also, insane mod b**** who kicked me.. I really was jealous of your shades.. so that is on me. Also, this is working out well...thanks..imagine you bei g a total *** helping someone? Sure...not what you set out for.. but Jesus is like that. ,when Allah hugs him

 

[cidal]

I liked you made all points like in all caps.. to make it like a list.. very nice. To al your points,, false and bulshit and fake. Thank you for trying fake Christ lover.. a tune for you...

Also, insane mod b**** who kicked me.. I really was jealous of your shades.. so that is on me. Also, this is working out well...thanks..imagine you bei g a total *** helping someone? Sure...not what you set out for.. but Jesus is like that. ,when Allah hugs him

Also.. I remember when I was a kid and used to take the piss out of gay men like it was a point to bully other boys with so I would not be picked on cos I had no balls.

Luckily, I grew the **** up. I regret I could not stand up for others back then. I was a coward and I regret it. I could barely help myself.

I am no longer that boy. So, all day fuckers... your insane pointless Jesus or religious sh**.. first off.. until thor back you. **** off. And if you just hate sex youdont get.. cos you get none.. go on.. do you I love and incel ***. Trust me, it is you.

 

[Raining_Roses]

Ripped apart by the church when she told the truth about the abuse by Catholic priests and nuns.
Lovin a bit Sinead tonight.....

 

[A_Son_of_God]

You've simply ripped apart the word 'organised', so let me rephrase- religion=cult.
That better?

Well, at least it's more honest. You can call anything you like a cult. But see, the problem is, because mankind was religious before non-religious, it would be more accurate in defining non-religious people as a cult. A cult of self-worshippers. You're entitled though to believe religion is a cult. I think the opposite. Because God was first, then people. Not the other way around. Once upon a time, you weren't there as I wasn't, and in the future, you won't be either.

But God's creations will always be there. Just because a person isn't there to acknowledge something doesn't make it not there. If a tree falls in the forest, yes, it still makes a noise.

 

[cidal]

Ripped apart by the church when she told the truth about the abuse by Catholic priests and nuns.
Lovin a bit Sinead tonight.....

I didnt know this tune on any level..listening now..

 

[cidal]

Well, at least it's more honest. You can call anything you like a cult. But see, the problem is, because mankind was religious before non-religious, it would be more accurate in defining non-religious people as a cult. A cult of self-worshippers. You're entitled though to believe religion is a cult. I think the opposite. Because God was first, then people. Not the other way around. Once upon a time, you weren't there as I wasn't, and in the future, you won't be either.

But God's creations will always be there. Just because a person isn't there to acknowledge something doesn't make it not there. If a tree falls in the forest, yes, it still makes a noise.

This loser is anything but honest. Nothing about him is honest. So..sure I over-do it with him, **** him. And dude.....thank you for making sure people know religion is full of sh**.. you do it like no one man.

 

[A_Son_of_God]

Also.. I remember when I was a kid and used to take the piss out of gay men like it was a point to bully other boys with so I would not be picked on cos I had no balls.

Luckily, I grew the **** up. I regret I could not stand up for others back then. I was a coward and I regret it. I could barely help myself.

I am no longer that boy. So, all day fuckers... your insane pointless Jesus or religious sh**.. first off.. until thor back you. **** off. And if you just hate sex youdont get.. cos you get none.. go on.. do you I love and incel ***. Trust me, it is you.

It is good you recognised your wrongs in that area. Good for you. God can forgive you for your errors if you wanted it. That way you won't have to drown yourself in alcohol for the feeling of self-loathing for your actions you regret from the past. Enjoy life, and move forward. You still have the potential for a great future. You truly do.

I know you hate religion. I do too. I just love God, because I know he's got nothing to do with these religions that lie, yet he sees the value in the people who want to please God, even if they're hypocrites. He's willing to mould people if they're willing to be moulded. But it isn't church, nor a mosque, nor a temple.
It is God's word, and studying it.

And I'm not an incel. I'm a cel. A temporary cel, because I'll wait until I marry, because that is what God requires. I choose to worship God. You don't have to, so feel free to splash your organs around everywhere. For me though, I'm working on trying to see things from God's point of view, that the sexual relationship for humans is a sacred thing. It's not easy with my past to see it like that, and I'm guessing you too find it difficult to see it like that.

So there is no need for you to hate yourself. Forgive yourself for your errors, as God already has. The day you recognised abusing people was bad, was the day God was racing to forgive you. So give yourself a little more credit, in that you recognised a wrong, and fixed it.

I can't believe I'm saying this to you, but...good job.

 

[cidal]

It is good you recognised your wrongs in that area. Good for you. God can forgive you for your errors if you wanted it. That way you won't have to drown yourself in alcohol for the feeling of self-loathing for your actions you regret from the past. Enjoy life, and move forward. You still have the potential for a great future. You truly do.

I know you hate religion. I do too. I just love God, because I know he's got nothing to do with these religions that lie, yet he sees the value in the people who want to please God, even if they're hypocrites. He's willing to mould people if they're willing to be moulded. But it isn't church, nor a mosque, nor a temple.
It is God's word, and studying it.

And I'm not an incel. I'm a cel. A temporary cel, because I'll wait until I marry, because that is what God requires. I choose to worship God. You don't have to, so feel free to splash your organs around everywhere. For me though, I'm working on trying to see things from God's point of view, that the sexual relationship for humans is a sacred thing. It's not easy with my past to see it like that, and I'm guessing you too find it difficult to see it like that.

So there is no need for you to hate yourself. Forgive yourself for your errors, as God already has. The day you recognised abusing people was bad, was the day God was racing to forgive you. So give yourself a little more credit, in that you recognised a wrong, and fixed it.

I can't believe I'm saying this to you, but...good job.

Look at you trying to make a friend!!

Your arrogance is next level bullshit. I come on here...when I am semi or fully drunk. I talk total sh**, for the sake of it. The fact you take me so seriously and need to let me know what a god can forgive and not forgive is beyond ridiculous. Then again, you will never see how batshit insane you sound - par for the course when it comes to the sanctimonious (google is my friend).

Why do I respond to your drivel? I have time to waste and you are mildly entertaining (I assume to any drunk) and are like a little spikey shaped hardened feces stuck in my shoe...annoying enough that a response is needed.

Always fun watching a guy who has a direct line to god who knows other people have it all wrong about god. What a dickhead.

 

[Kev45]

You would think an all powerful and all forgiving God, the creator of all things, would be pretty annoyed and pissed off that a spec of dust in a desert, an insignificant nobody, has taken it upon themselves to not only distort God's own teachings, but also to claim to speak on God's behalf while he does that distortion.

 

[cidal]

You would think an all powerful and all forgiving God, the creator of all things, would be pretty annoyed and pissed off that a spec of dust in a desert, an insignificant nobody, has taken it upon themselves to not only distort God's own teachings, but also to You wouclaim to speak on God's behalf while he does that distortion.

You would think .. wait.. this is too easy.

I am so drunk, I do not have it in me to be a massive ***. ok, I do.. but. Wow, you kids you do.

Yes, the tune is about hw women suck Which is never a point.. **** women.

 

[Raining_Roses]

Yes, the tune is about hw women suck Which is never a point.. **** women.

Given the asterisks, it's hard to tell what you're saying- I'm assuming it's a reworking of the word 'fcuk' (?)
If so, in response to that, I can only say- you wish! Frequent alcohol use will render certain parts of the anatomy useless over time. Ever heard of Brewer's Droop?

I know, I know, there's always Viagra!

 

[Moriarty]

It is good you recognised your wrongs in that area. Good for you. God can forgive you for your errors if you wanted it. That way you won't have to drown yourself in alcohol for the feeling of self-loathing for your actions you regret from the past. Enjoy life, and move forward. You still have the potential for a great future. You truly do.

I know you hate religion. I do too. I just love God, because I know he's got nothing to do with these religions that lie, yet he sees the value in the people who want to please God, even if they're hypocrites. He's willing to mould people if they're willing to be moulded. But it isn't church, nor a mosque, nor a temple.
It is God's word, and studying it.

And I'm not an incel. I'm a cel. A temporary cel, because I'll wait until I marry, because that is what God requires. I choose to worship God. You don't have to, so feel free to splash your organs around everywhere. For me though, I'm working on trying to see things from God's point of view, that the sexual relationship for humans is a sacred thing. It's not easy with my past to see it like that, and I'm guessing you too find it difficult to see it like that.

So there is no need for you to hate yourself. Forgive yourself for your errors, as God already has. The day you recognised abusing people was bad, was the day God was racing to forgive you. So give yourself a little more credit, in that you recognised a wrong, and fixed it.

I can't believe I'm saying this to you, but...good job.

In all honesty this is pure tripe.

Forget god, live with your own guilt.
Learn from it and become a better person for it.

Don't look to god for redemption for your actions, they are yours and yours alone.

Anyone who finds God after being an asshole is looking for a way out of guilt, a deluded meaning for thier actions but not a revelation.

 

[A_Son_of_God]

In all honesty this is pure tripe.

Forget god, live with your own guilt.
Learn from it and become a better person for it.

Don't look to god for redemption for your actions, they are yours and yours alone.

Anyone who finds God after being an asshole is looking for a way out of guilt, a deluded meaning for thier actions but not a revelation.

When a child gets themselves into a fix, do we say, "Well son. You dug your own hole. You'll have to get yourself out of it!"

Imagine taking that attitude to the miners, when the mine collapses on them. "Well lads. You were digging the hole. Get yourself out of it."

Or an accident on the road, where the person is trapped in the car in pain. "Well sir. You drove like a dill. You got yourself into this mess, so you can get yourself out of it."

That ideology doesn't work. See, we sometimes get into holes we can't get out of on our own. This is where God comes in. God has provided a way out of the hole we may have got ourselves in. There is no benefit for the people in those situations to just live with their guilt, and at the same time expecting them to get out of the situations themselves, even if it is themselves who caused the situations. "Living with guilt" doesn't help anyone.

Thank God through Jesus that there is forgiveness for sins. Forgiveness is not accepting wrong. It is accepting an apology for the wrong, and moving forward with it. To move forward, we need to both be forgiven, and to forgive others. Otherwise, we will spend our days looking into the past, like a man who stares in the rear view mirror instead of focussing on his journey.

I agree with "learn from it and become a better person from it" though. But this includes forgiving oneself, let alone being forgiven by others, including God.

Forgiveness is a beautiful gift.

 

[ladymuck]

Why do so many people believe that Jesus was God? He never stated that he was, in fact, he constantly referred to 'My Father', even while on the cross. This is a myth, thought up by a group of uneducated men when they were setting up their version of the church.
Jesus was a member of a religious organisation called the Essenes. They had very strict rules which all members followed.

 

[Confused_Fred]

The belief that Jesus was divine and part of the Godhead is a central tenet of Christian faith, but interpretations of Jesus' nature vary among different Christian denominations and theological traditions. The belief in Jesus' divinity is based on various passages in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels, where Jesus is depicted as performing miracles, forgiving sins, and being worshiped by his followers.

While it's true that Jesus often referred to God as "My Father" and emphasized his relationship with God, Christians interpret these statements as evidence of his unique relationship with the Father rather than an indication that he was not divine. In Christian theology, Jesus is considered to be both fully human and fully divine, a concept known as the hypostatic union.

Regarding the Essenes, they were a Jewish sect that existed during the time of Jesus, known for their strict adherence to religious laws and ascetic practices. While some scholars have speculated about possible connections between Jesus and the Essenes, there is limited historical evidence to support direct links between them. The Essenes' influence on Jesus' teachings and beliefs, if any, remains a subject of scholarly debate and speculation rather than established fact.

Overall, beliefs about Jesus' nature and identity are deeply rooted in religious tradition, interpretation of scripture, and theological reflection within Christianity. Different individuals and groups may hold diverse perspectives on this complex and profound aspect of Christian faith.

 

[A_Son_of_God]

Why do so many people believe that Jesus was God? He never stated that he was, in fact, he constantly referred to 'My Father', even while on the cross. This is a myth, thought up by a group of uneducated men when they were setting up their version of the church.
Jesus was a member of a religious organisation called the Essenes. They had very strict rules which all members followed.

According to an archaeologist who translated an 8 metre long scroll from an Essene background, he stated that the Essenes were:

"not only the most extreme in their legalistic approach to all temple laws of purity, but ardently believing that the sacrifices and all that go with them are essential, as prescribed in the Torah."

Based on this, it is not accurate to state that Jesus was an Essene. Because Jesus' followers knew that the law code was not necessary on Christians once the Messiah had provided his offering to God. Much of the Bible - including Jesus' own teachings - show an end to practices relating to the Law Code that the Essenes considered essene-tial.

That said, it is also not known for sure that it was the Essenes who hid such scrolls. Others believe it was the Jews who fled Jerusalem's destruction around 70CE.

You are correct too, on the thought that Jesus was God. No, Jesus wasn't God, as you rightly pointed out, he referred to "My Father" often. Good observation.

 

[A_Son_of_God]

The belief that Jesus was divine and part of the Godhead is a central tenet of Christian faith, but interpretations of Jesus' nature vary among different Christian denominations and theological traditions. The belief in Jesus' divinity is based on various passages in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels, where Jesus is depicted as performing miracles, forgiving sins, and being worshiped by his followers.

While it's true that Jesus often referred to God as "My Father" and emphasized his relationship with God, Christians interpret these statements as evidence of his unique relationship with the Father rather than an indication that he was not divine. In Christian theology, Jesus is considered to be both fully human and fully divine, a concept known as the hypostatic union.

Regarding the Essenes, they were a Jewish sect that existed during the time of Jesus, known for their strict adherence to religious laws and ascetic practices. While some scholars have speculated about possible connections between Jesus and the Essenes, there is limited historical evidence to support direct links between them. The Essenes' influence on Jesus' teachings and beliefs, if any, remains a subject of scholarly debate and speculation rather than established fact.

Overall, beliefs about Jesus' nature and identity are deeply rooted in religious tradition, interpretation of scripture, and theological reflection within Christianity. Different individuals and groups may hold diverse perspectives on this complex and profound aspect of Christian faith.

You mentioned the key point when you said, "...are deeply rooted in religious tradition..." Interpretation of scripture though, we have the scriptures to reason on. For instance, when someone states that "Jesus is God because he says, 'I and the Father are one'" (John 10:30), it can be demonstrated that he meant unity by looking at the same book where Jesus says, "...that they may they be one, just as we are one" (John 17:22). Using absurdity, we can demonstrate that Jesus wasn't praying that people all will become God. This doesn't help the trinity teaching, but establishes a multibillioninity teaching.

 

[Confused_Fred]

You mentioned the key point when you said, "...are deeply rooted in religious tradition..." Interpretation of scripture though, we have the scriptures to reason on. For instance, when someone states that "Jesus is God because he says, 'I and the Father are one'" (John 10:30), it can be demonstrated that he meant unity by looking at the same book where Jesus says, "...that they may they be one, just as we are one" (John 17:22). Using absurdity, we can demonstrate that Jesus wasn't praying that people all will become God. This doesn't help the trinity teaching, but establishes a multibillioninity teaching.

Your point underscores the complexity of interpreting scripture, especially when it comes to passages that are central to theological doctrines such as the nature of Jesus Christ.

Indeed, John 10:30, where Jesus says, "I and the Father are one," is often cited in discussions about Jesus' divinity. However, as you've pointed out, understanding the context and the broader teachings of Jesus is crucial for interpreting this statement accurately.

In John 17:22, Jesus prays for unity among his followers, expressing his desire that they may be one just as he and the Father are one. This suggests a unity of purpose, will, and mission rather than a literal identity as one and the same.

The doctrine of the Trinity, which posits that God exists as three persons—Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit—while remaining one God, is indeed a complex theological concept. Different Christian denominations and theological traditions have developed various interpretations and explanations to reconcile apparent paradoxes within this doctrine.

Your reference to a "multibillioninity teaching" humorously highlights the potential absurdity that can arise from overly literal interpretations of scripture without considering the broader context, linguistic nuances, and theological implications. Ultimately, discussions about the nature of Jesus Christ and the Trinity remain subjects of ongoing theological inquiry and debate within the Christian faith.

 

[A_Son_of_God]

Your point underscores the complexity of interpreting scripture, especially when it comes to passages that are central to theological doctrines such as the nature of Jesus Christ.

Indeed, John 10:30, where Jesus says, "I and the Father are one," is often cited in discussions about Jesus' divinity. However, as you've pointed out, understanding the context and the broader teachings of Jesus is crucial for interpreting this statement accurately.

In John 17:22, Jesus prays for unity among his followers, expressing his desire that they may be one just as he and the Father are one. This suggests a unity of purpose, will, and mission rather than a literal identity as one and the same.

The doctrine of the Trinity, which posits that God exists as three persons—Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit—while remaining one God, is indeed a complex theological concept. Different Christian denominations and theological traditions have developed various interpretations and explanations to reconcile apparent paradoxes within this doctrine.

Your reference to a "multibillioninity teaching" humorously highlights the potential absurdity that can arise from overly literal interpretations of scripture without considering the broader context, linguistic nuances, and theological implications. Ultimately, discussions about the nature of Jesus Christ and the Trinity remain subjects of ongoing theological inquiry and debate within the Christian faith.

Agreed.

I chose to leave the religion I was raised with and go for the one that acknowledges the Bible as God's word. When what appears as a contradiction appears, there will be another scripture somewhere showing how it makes sense in the context. Of course, we're not going to know everything, but we can still continue learning forever.

 

[Confused_Fred]

It's commendable that you've made a thoughtful and intentional decision about your religious beliefs based on your understanding of scripture and your personal spiritual journey.
The approach you describe, which involves seeking to reconcile apparent contradictions within scripture and continuing to learn and grow in understanding, reflects a commitment to intellectual honesty and spiritual depth. Many individuals find meaning and guidance in their lives through the study and interpretation of religious texts, and your willingness to engage in this ongoing process of exploration is admirable.
Indeed, the Bible is a rich and complex text that has been interpreted in various ways throughout history, leading to diverse theological traditions and perspectives. By delving into scripture and seeking to understand its deeper meanings and contexts, individuals can find clarity, inspiration, and guidance for their lives.
Continuing to learn and grow in one's faith journey is a lifelong endeavor, and it's heartening to hear that you approach it with an open mind and a willingness to grapple with challenging questions and concepts. May your spiritual journey continue to be enriching and fulfilling as you seek greater understanding and connection with your faith.