Questions = Answers

[newhaircut]

As most of you guys and gals (all two of you) know, I'm a Christian.

There are a lot of misconceptions out there about being a Christian and about Jesus. I want to start a thread so that if any of you have any questions you can get them answered here either by post or PM.

I don't want any of you guys to feel "pushed" in any way. I would like to keep this thread as serious as possible, however, I know there will be some clowning around. I also want to note that I don't know everything and if there are ever any questions that I cannot answer, I will do my best to get answers for you.

I'll first start by stating my (very) basic beliefs and go from there.

What it means to be a Christian:
1) You accept Christ as the Son of God.
2) You accept that Jesus died for your sins and that He is the only pat to God.
3) You ask Jesus to lead your life.

What does this get you?
1) A personal relationship with Jesus/God/Holy Spirit.
2) Holy Spirit enters you.
3) Free ticket into heaven.

Can you loose salvation?
As long as you truly turned your life over to Jesus you cannot lose your salvation.

Can you earn your salvation?
No, It's a free gift only for those that ask.

So, what questions issues do you have about/with Christianity that I may be able to clear up? Don't be scurred to ask. :thumb:

[gudeman00]

How can God just 'exist' forever and not have started at some point? Everything has a beginning...

[newhaircut]

How can God just 'exist' forever and not have started at some point? Everything has a beginning...

Unfortunately, this is one of those questions we won't have the "right" answer to until we die because, the humans conscience is bound by "time."

This is kind of odd since man created time (and according to Einstein, time is relative). God, on the other hand, dwells outside the bounds of time and our feeble minds will never be able to comprehend it until we are also outside of the bounds of time.

I'm sorry if this sounds like a cop out answer but it's the best I've got.

EDIT: If you want a Biblical answer, I'll post up a verse. However, it won't help your confusion.

[MSMoores]

What happens to all my left socks when I put them in a dryer?

Where do they go?

[Hitman]

How can God just 'exist' forever and not have started at some point? Everything has a beginning...

God's existence isn't something we can comprehend. Look at it this way, our whole existence could be just a second in time for God. If you look at the sheer magnitude of the universe and how many bilions and billions of stars and planets, we are only one needle in an ocean full of needles. God is everywhere and nowhere at the same time. Our reality might not be God's reality. We rationalize things into a beginning and an ending. We are born, we live and we die. Upstairs, time could be frozen or time might not even exist. As far as we know, we could just be a thought in God's subconscious. Everything that we know and have learned could be completely different.

[Hitman]

What happens to all my left socks when I put them in a dryer?

Where do they go?

I think you have a gateway into the 3rd dimension. Sort of like what happened to Homer Simpson when he went through the wall and also what happened in the twilight zone episode where the kid disappears through the portal under his bed. You might as well just write off the socks as a loss and buy some new ones. You'll never find them.

[newhaircut]

What happens to all my left socks when I put them in a dryer?

Where do they go?

Well, considering you're a Jew, you probably subconsciously take them back out because you think your saving money on your electricity bill.

Where you put them after that is a good question. I bet you just drop them back in the dirty laundry hamper...that's where I'd look.

[SassySRT]

God's existence isn't something we can comprehend. Look at it this way, our whole existence could be just a second in time for God. If you look at the sheer magnitude of the universe and how many bilions and billions of stars and planets, we are only one needle in an ocean full of needles. God is everywhere and nowhere at the same time. Our reality might not be God's reality. We rationalize things into a beginning and an ending. We are born, we live and we die. Upstairs, time could be frozen or time might not even exist. As far as we know, we could just be a thought in God's subconscious. Everything that we know and have learned could be completely different.


That's pretty interesting to think that we could possibly be nothing more then a though. Kinda strange yet interesting.

[newhaircut]

God's existence isn't something we can comprehend. Look at it this way, our whole existence could be just a second in time for God. If you look at the sheer magnitude of the universe and how many bilions and billions of stars and planets, we are only one needle in an ocean full of needles. God is everywhere and nowhere at the same time. Our reality might not be God's reality. We rationalize things into a beginning and an ending. We are born, we live and we die. Upstairs, time could be frozen or time might not even exist. As far as we know, we could just be a thought in God's subconscious. Everything that we know and have learned could be completely different.

Great explaination!! Think of our world kind of like a book where God is the author. Each character has their own mentality and characteristics and they do things of their own accord. They know that they exist only in a book and they know God is their author. Unfortunately, until they can cross over to God's side, they will never understand how he works.

Think of it this way, say you read a book about the civil war. To the people in the book they wouldn't be able to understand how you can read about them in their "real time" yet exist in the future.

It's hard stuff to comprehend.

[The-Violator]

What's the point of praying for something to happen? According to you religious type people God already has a plan for everyone. So if it's already planned, why bother praying?

[newhaircut]

What's the point of praying for something to happen? According to you religious type people God already has a plan for everyone. So if it's already planned, why bother praying?

Say you're a dad. You know your kids want a snack, but you wait for them to ask. And it gives you pleasure to make them happy and to see them happy.

Prayer is a way for us to develop a personal relationship with God. He already knows all of our every wants and needs but he also wants us to be able to come to Him.

[Hitman]

Well, God has a plan, but he gives us the free will and free choices to do what we want. Otherwise, he could have made robots. We just have to make the right choices and decisions.

[Hitman]

I've probably been living in the dark, but I assumed most people were "Christians" to some extent or another.

[The-Violator]

ok I have another.. WTF does a bunny and EGGS fucking EGGS have to do with Easter?!?!

[gudeman00]

ok I have another.. WTF does a bunny and EGGS fucking EGGS have to do with Easter?!?!

Same thing santa clause has to do with CHRISTmas

[newhaircut]

I've probably been living in the dark, but I assumed most people were "Christians" to some extent or another.

I did too until i started posting in Off-Topic on the other forum. Go have a conversation with WildmouseX!

[brettdemon]

I'm a Christian too, and this question has been asked a million times by many and I'd like to here your reasoning. Why does God give INNOCENT children painful and deadly diseases? Keep in mind that this hits close to home.

[newhaircut]

ok I have another.. WTF does a bunny and EGGS fucking EGGS have to do with Easter?!?!

Absolutely nothing! Matter of fact, Easter has nothing to do with Jesus (at least not in the beginning)

Easter started out as a pagen holiday for the god eshtar. When the Roman emperor Constantine became a Christian, he forced all of his kingdom to convert to Christianity. The problem was that his entire kingdom was full of pagens that worshipped random gods.

So, to ease the transition, he mixed some of their major pagen traditions with Christianity to form a "new" Christianity which we know of today as the Roman Catholic Church.

[newhaircut]

I'm a Christian too, and this question has been asked a million times by many and I'd like to here your reasoning. Why does God give INNOCENT children painful and deadly diseases? Keep in mind that this hits close to home.

This is a very hard question to answer because it is a very painful and touchy subject. I will do my best to answer it with care.

God does not give anyone painful or deadly diseases. Unfortunately, man brought this on himself when Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden. When God kicked man out of the Garden, he pronounced a few curses that would plague man until Christ came back for the second time. If you would like to read them, you will find them in Genesis 3:14 - 19. I'll outline them here.

The first curse God handed out was to the serpent, the second curse was on Eve with regards to the "pain of birth." Because children are born from their mother, this curse falls on them at birth. The third curse was on the whole ground of the earth. The Bible states that it would produce "thorns and thistle's" for man. This can also be interpreted as disease and pestilence.

God is purely a God of love. He does not want any of us to suffer, however, because of our sin, we do suffer. I'm not saying that the babies and young children that are born with horrible diseases are in sin. It's just a byproduct from man's "original" sin.

I don't know if that makes any sense to you. If not, let me know and I'll clear it up the best that I can.

Th

[The-Violator]

And yeah, that's another thing.. How the hell did everyone of us come from just 1 man and 1 woman. We are some seriously inbreed country trailer trash then huh? :rofl:

[slow4dr]

And yeah, that's another thing.. How the hell did everyone of us come from just 1 man and 1 woman. We are some seriously inbreed country trailer trash then huh? :rofl:


Maybe that is why we only use like 10% of our brains.

[newhaircut]

And yeah, that's another thing.. How the hell did everyone of us come from just 1 man and 1 woman. We are some seriously inbreed country trailer trash then huh? :rofl:

What you have to realize is that Adam and Eve were basically perfect when they left the garden of Eden. Take a good peace of paper and draw a person on it. Now go find a copier and make copies of that drawing. Then make a copy of the copy...keep doing this until you find an error. If you do this on a really good copy machine you won't get noticeable errors until you get into the 100's of thousands.

Same goes with man. God put a stop to inbreeding during the time of Moses. By this time there were millions of people on the earth.

Scientist did a gnome tracking of over 100 different people form different races and they found that they all had common ancestry (Noah and his family). We humans truly are all related.

[brettdemon]

This is a very hard question to answer because it is a very painful and touchy subject. I will do my best to answer it with care.

God does not give anyone painful or deadly diseases. Unfortunately, man brought this on himself when Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden. When God kicked man out of the Garden, he pronounced a few curses that would plague man until Christ came back for the second time. If you would like to read them, you will find them in Genesis 3:14 - 19. I'll outline them here.

The first curse God handed out was to the serpent, the second curse was on Eve with regards to the "pain of birth." Because children are born from their mother, this curse falls on them at birth. The third curse was on the whole ground of the earth. The Bible states that it would produce "thorns and thistle's" for man. This can also be interpreted as disease and pestilence.

God is purely a God of love. He does not want any of us to suffer, however, because of our sin, we do suffer. I'm not saying that the babies and young children that are born with horrible diseases are in sin. It's just a byproduct from man's "original" sin.

I don't know if that makes any sense to you. If not, let me know and I'll clear it up the best that I can.

Th

My goodness, that sounds like a VENGEFUL God. Taking it out on the innocent who had nothing to do with Adam or Eve or what they did. I thought God was forgiving. What you say does make sense, and that was how I learned it, but when it does blindside your family like a semi-truck you waver with your faith. I've been wavering for some time now and I'm sure in time everything will heal itself, but it just doesn't seem fair, regardless if it's a by product.

[MSMoores]

I did too until i started posting in Off-Topic on the other forum. Go have a conversation with WildmouseX!

:bs: It's impossible to understand what he's saying unless you prepare yourself. Preparation involves hitting yourself repeatedly in the head with a reboundless rubber mallet. HARD.

[slow4dr]

If Adam & Eve were Caucasion where'd the other races come from?

[newhaircut]

My goodness, that sounds like a VENGEFUL God. Taking it out on the innocent who had nothing to do with Adam or Eve or what they did. I thought God was forgiving. What you say does make sense, and that was how I learned it, but when it does blindside your family like a semi-truck you waver with your faith. I've been wavering for some time now and I'm sure in time everything will heal itself, but it just doesn't seem fair, regardless if it's a by product.

I agree with you 100% it doesn't seem fair. But, compared to eternity, we are on this earth for an un-measurably short amount of time.

God, also allows us to go through things because He knows in the end that our faith will only be stronger for it. I can't sit back and tell you why this baby gets sick versus this one. But, I can tell you that God is with each of them and it pains Him to see us in pain.

Matter of fact, it pained God so much to see what was happening to the world because of that one sin, He sent his son, Jesus, to die a horribly painful death so that our sins would go on Him.

One way to look at pain on the earth is to think about it this way, when you die, you are with God and you feel neither pain nor sorrow. All you feel is incalculable (<--may not be a word) joy.

It's like remembering a headache you had last week. You remember that you felt pain in your head, however you don't feel it anymore. That's how it will be for those of us in heaven. We will remember that we suffered, but, we will never feel the pain of that suffering again.

[The-Violator]

Ha, explain this..

"Mrs. A: There's a golden watch sitting on a stump, how did the watch come to be?

Me: Well, it was made in a factory.

Mrs. A: How did the factory get there?

Me: By mankind.

Mrs. A: How did mankind get here?

Me: I'm sure you know about the theory of evolution.

Mrs. A: How did the monkeys get here?

Me: By single-celled organisms

Mrs. A: How did they come to be?

Me: They appeared on the Earth, when it began to form.

Mrs. A: How did the Earth come to be?

Me: By natural resources throughout the universe.

Mrs. A: Where'd they come from?

Me: They have always existed.

Mrs. A: They must have had a creator.

Me: If they must, then where'd God come from?

Mrs. A: He has always existed. "

[newhaircut]

If Adam & Eve were Caucasion where'd the other races come from?

Not long after the flood of Noah, There was a warrior ruler by the name of Nimrod. Nimrod was the great great great grandson of Noah. As we all know, everyone on the earth died except for Noah, his sons and their wives.

Well, Nimrod's great great grandfather disgraced himself before God and he was ostricized by God. Well, Nimrod decided to get back at God by making his own gods (the beginning of greek mythology). All of the pagen gods can be traced back to Nimrod. Anyhow, Nimrod decided that he was going to build a great tower (tower of babel) that was to reach into the heavens in honor of the gods he created. He was doing this to mock the one true God.

At this point in time, all people spoke the exact same language and they were very well organized. Well, God would not have his creation mocking Him in this way. So, He struck down this tower and He changed the language of all the people on the earth. Some spoke one language others spoke another.

In time, all the people that spoke the same languages banded together and moved to a more desireable areas. When they got to these areas their bodies started to adapt to their environment.

And thus, we are who we are today.

[The-Violator]

Oh and I also would like to discuss Noah if I may..

As everyone knows, 2 animals of every kind were taken on the ark, one male and one female. I told Mrs. A that it would be impossible to have 2 of every animal on a boat. She said why. I had said there are at least 30,000 types of birds alone. How is it possible that eight people could provide provisions for billions of animals? How could Noah travel all throughout the world and get every species that existed on Earth? I doubt that when "Noah was alive" he had access to the South Pole just to get some stupid penguins. The Earth is vast, and impossible to cover with just eight people. She had said God helped them.

Size of Ark: 450 feet in length, 45 feet in height, the ark had 3 floors + a basement, each height of floor = 11.5 feet. Height of giraffe > 11.5 ft. Total area of available space = 1800 feet.

Let's say there's 2 billion species on Earth. On an average each species needs about 5 ft. x 5 ft. to live. I know elephants need more space, however rats do not so this should compensate the space. 25 ft. times 2.5 billion does not equal 1800 feet.

[newhaircut]

Ha, explain this..

"Mrs. A: There's a golden watch sitting on a stump, how did the watch come to be?

Me: Well, it was made in a factory.

Mrs. A: How did the factory get there?

Me: By mankind.

Mrs. A: How did mankind get here?

Me: I'm sure you know about the theory of evolution.

Mrs. A: How did the monkeys get here?

Me: By single-celled organisms

Mrs. A: How did they come to be?

Me: They appeared on the Earth, when it began to form.

Mrs. A: How did the Earth come to be?

Me: By natural resources throughout the universe.

Mrs. A: Where'd they come from?

Me: They have always existed.

Mrs. A: They must have had a creator.

Me: If they must, then where'd God come from?

Mrs. A: He has always existed. "

I can't tell you where God came from. All I can tell you is what God says:

John 1:1-4 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it."

The passage above is saying quite a bit, but the main thing to take from it is that in the beginning was God and that ALL things came from God.

[brettdemon]

I agree with you 100% it doesn't seem fair. But, compared to eternity, we are on this earth for an un-measurably short amount of time.

God, also allows us to go through things because He knows in the end that our faith will only be stronger for it. I can't sit back and tell you why this baby gets sick versus this one. But, I can tell you that God is with each of them and it pains Him to see us in pain.

Matter of fact, it pained God so much to see what was happening to the world because of that one sin, He sent his son, Jesus, to die a horribly painful death so that our sins would go on Him.

One way to look at pain on the earth is to think about it this way, when you die, you are with God and you feel neither pain nor sorrow. All you feel is incalculable (<--may not be a word) joy.

It's like remembering a headache you had last week. You remember that you felt pain in your head, however you don't feel it anymore. That's how it will be for those of us in heaven. We will remember that we suffered, but, we will never feel the pain of that suffering again.

I understand where you are coming from, but what about the forgiveness. Where is God's forgiveness for Adam & Eve. That should take care of the rest of mankind, regardless of what the fictional Bible says.

[newhaircut]

Oh and I also would like to discuss Noah if I may..

As everyone knows, 2 animals of every kind were taken on the ark, one male and one female. I told Mrs. A that it would be impossible to have 2 of every animal on a boat. She said why. I had said there are at least 30,000 types of birds alone. How is it possible that eight people could provide provisions for billions of animals? How could Noah travel all throughout the world and get every species that existed on Earth? I doubt that when "Noah was alive" he had access to the South Pole just to get some stupid penguins. The Earth is vast, and impossible to cover with just eight people. She had said God helped them.

Size of Ark: 450 feet in length, 45 feet in height, the ark had 3 floors + a basement, each height of floor = 11.5 feet. Height of giraffe > 11.5 ft. Total area of available space = 1800 feet.

Let's say there's 2 billion species on Earth. On an average each species needs about 5 ft. x 5 ft. to live. I know elephants need more space, however rats do not so this should compensate the space. 25 ft. times 2.5 billion does not equal 1800 feet.

Great questions! Quite simply, I don't know the answer. However, from the commentaries I have read, God brought the animals to Noah. And for the trip they went into a type of hybernation due to the lack of light abord the boat. Kind of a suspended animation, if you will. If that is how it happened then they would need very little room/food for each animal.

But, I don't know the right answer, I can only guess. What I do know is that if God can create the earth, He can handle putting animals on a boat.

[newhaircut]

I understand where you are coming from, but what about the forgiveness. Where is God's forgiveness for Adam & Eve. That should take care of the rest of mankind, regardless of what the fictional Bible says.

God has forgiven us of our sins, including Adam and Eve. We will not see eternal punishment for our sins (<--those in Christ).

However, God did not take away the earthly consequences of our sins. That will come during the second coming of Jesus. This is when we all get our new eternal "heavenly bodies" and all pain and sorrow are taken away (save those that chose not to trust in Jesus).

I wish I could give you a better reason for the pain we have. I can't imagine what you are going through. But I do know that you will be rewarded greatly for sticking with God and fighting through it. I will pray for what ever your situation is.

[pbui3057]

If God was almighty and powerful, then why banish Satan and have him rule the underworld? Why give us temptations of greater sins when lesser sins would easily be forgivable? Why is there an evil counterforce to God's plans? Does God like to make work for Him/Her/Itself? I understand that we are all able to be forgiven of our sins, but why would God create "Evil" if it wasn't necessary?

Does God like to test us everday for our entire lives?

If we are not Christians and believe in God, do we go to hell? And if so, how many millions of people who are Buddhist, Hindi, Islamic, Taoist, etc. are going to hell? Does God care for organized religion or is he looking for the person who doesn't commit sin? If a child was still-born before he is baptised, does he go to hell?

What makes Christianity the only religion that is true? How does God create Christianity on Alien planets where they have never heard of Jesus or Humans or anything of the sort? This leads into existence in General? We are not alone but all aliens that are not Christian are going to hell?

[poorwboy]

And yeah, that's another thing.. How the hell did everyone of us come from just 1 man and 1 woman. We are some seriously inbreed country trailer trash then huh? :rofl:
:rofl: :rofl:

[newhaircut]

If God was almighty and powerful, then why banish Satan and have him rule the underworld? Why give us temptations of greater sins when lesser sins would easily be forgivable? Why is there an evil counterforce to God's plans? Does God like to make work for Him/Her/Itself? I understand that we are all able to be forgiven of our sins, but why would God create "Evil" if it wasn't necessary?

Does God like to test us everday for our entire lives?

If we are not Christians and believe in God, do we go to hell? And if so, how many millions of people who are Buddhist, Hindi, Islamic, Taoist, etc. are going to hell? Does God care for organized religion or is he looking for the person who doesn't commit sin? If a child was still-born before he is baptised, does he go to hell?

What makes Christianity the only religion that is true? How does God create Christianity on Alien planets where they have never heard of Jesus or Humans or anything of the sort? This leads into existence in General? We are not alone but all aliens that are not Christian are going to hell?

Wow!! That's a lot of questions all at once!! Give me some time to reformat your post so that I can make sure to answer then all.

[poorwboy]

I would like to hear your side of why innocent good hearted peoples lives are taken. And not the drugee down the street molesting his 2 yr old daugter. I have an answer I would just like to hear your input. Thankyou.

[MSMoores]

God has forgiven us of our sins, including Adam and Eve. We will not see eternal punishment for our sins (<--those in Christ).

However, God did not take away the earthly consequences of our sins. That will come during the second coming of Jesus. This is when we all get our new eternal "heavenly bodies" and all pain and sorrow are taken away (save those that chose not to trust in Jesus).

I wish I could give you a better reason for the pain we have. I can't imagine what you are going through. But I do know that you will be rewarded greatly for sticking with God and fighting through it. I will pray for what ever your situation is.

That's the one thing that I dislike about Christianity, the idea that accepting Jesus is the only way to save yourself from Hell. I love and believe in God, but I don't accept Jesus as the son or incarnation of God on earth. What makes one person's faith greater than another's faith? It's my opinion that there is one God, and many different ways of worshipping that God. As long as you are adhering to those rules and leading a life that is good, there shouldn't be a problem.

Well, considering you're a Jew, you probably subconsciously take them back out because you think your saving money on your electricity bill.

Where you put them after that is a good question. I bet you just drop them back in the dirty laundry hamper...that's where I'd look.

It was actually a trick question, although you were correct with the assumption that Jewry came into play. It is a guarded secret that all Jews have two left feet (if you doubt this look at our traditional dances) and all dryers send left socks to a central sorting and distribution center. From there, socks are distributed at a discounted (slightly) price to all Jews around the world, with the remainder being sold to people of other religions at an inflated (but fair) price.

You didn't hear that from me though.

[newhaircut]

I would like to hear your side of why innocent good hearted peoples lives are taken. And not the drugee down the street molesting his 2 yr old daugter. I have an answer I would just like to hear your input. Thankyou.

I'll answer your question first because it's not 100 in one.

There is a saying that states, "there are only two things in life that are guaranteed, death and taxes." Well, the truth is that there is only one thing that is guaranteed, and that is death.

Now the question is why would God allow good people to die bad deaths?

What you have to realize is that Satan has control over the earth and he has the power to influence those that do not belong to Jesus. And, if Satan can use an evil person to destroy the life of a Christian, he's going to take full advantage. The Bible says that, "like a roaring lion your adversary, the devil, prowls around, looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8.

I've looked all through the Bible trying to find where God promises us a fair life, and you know what? It's not there. All he promises us is that our salvation is guaranteed if we put our lives in the hands of His son, Jesus.

The path to salvation is not an easy road, that's why very few take it.

Mathew 7:14 "For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to [salvation], and there are few who find it."

[newhaircut]

That's the one thing that I dislike about Christianity, the idea that accepting Jesus is the only way to save yourself from Hell. I love and believe in God, but I don't accept Jesus as the son or incarnation of God on earth. What makes one person's faith greater than another's faith? It's my opinion that there is one God, and many different ways of worshipping that God. As long as you are adhering to those rules and leading a life that is good, there shouldn't be a problem.

The Bible clearly states that the Jews are God's chosen people and will always be God's chosen people. Without getting into too much, God is not done with you yet. He's got more in store for His people.

But, I do differ with you on the path's to God. This is what the Bible says:

John 14:6-7 "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. NO ONE comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also."

On this, we are just going to have to agree to disagree. But, I don't think any less of you :banned:

[poorwboy]

I'll answer your question first because it's not 100 in one.

There is a saying that states, "there are only two things in life that are guaranteed, death and taxes." Well, the truth is that there is only one thing that is guaranteed, and that is death.

Now the question is why would God allow good people to die bad deaths?

What you have to realize is that Satan has control over the earth and he has the power to influence those that do not belong to Jesus. And, if Satan can use an evil person to destroy the life of a Christian, he's going to take full advantage. The Bible says that, "like a roaring lion your adversary, the devil, prowls around, looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8.

I've looked all through the Bible trying to find where God promises us a fair life, and you know what? It's not there. All he promises us is that our salvation is guaranteed if we put our lives in the hands of His son, Jesus.

The path to salvation is not an easy road, that's why very few take it.

Mathew 7:14 "For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to [salvation], and there are few who find it."
Thankyou That was a good answer. Ihave been in the bible and All I read was god does not promise happines on earth.

[newhaircut]

If God was almighty and powerful, then why banish Satan and have him rule the underworld?

As of right now, Satan is not banished from Heaven. Satan has free reign of the earth and access to the throne room of Heaven where God resides.

Most people believe that Satan is ruler over hell and that if you are bad he rules over you when you go there. The truth is that Satan has never been to hell and will not go there until Jesus banishes him there.

You see, hell was created as a punishment for Satan when God finally judges him. The down side is that all those that reject the free gift of salvation from Jesus, in essence, follow Satan and it’s their choice to go to hell with him.

Why give us temptations of greater sins when lesser sins would easily be forgivable?

All sin has the same weight in God’s eyes. Whether it be lusting after a girl while looking at pr0n or murder. Humans are the one’s that place weight on sin. God has also promised us that he will never let us fall into temptation that is too much for us to bare.

Why is there an evil counterforce to God's plans?

This is a very difficult question to answer! I hate to say it, but evil exists because God allows it to exist. If there was not evil in this world then there would be no way for God to “test” his followers. You see, God has given us the free will to choose Him. However, there has to be something else to choose from. That’s why Satan is still around.

Now, there is soon coming a day when God will finally judge Satan for his actions and he will be cast into the lake of fire (hell).

Does God like to make work for Him/Her/Itself?

What do you mean? I’m kind of confused with this question.

I understand that we are all able to be forgiven of our sins, but why would God create "Evil" if it wasn't necessary?

See two quotes up, this question has the same answer.

Does God like to test us everyday for our entire lives?

I wouldn’t say it’s a matter of God “liking” to test us. Do you know why man is tested to the level that we are tested? There is a whole lot more to heaven than us floating on the clouds playing with our harp things.

Man has been created in the image of God and His plan for our eternal lives is to reign with Jesus for all eternity. God is using this time for us on earth to train us and prepare us for all eternity. He even says that we will judge the angels in heaven.

Now, don't take that as meaning we will have trials in heaven, because in heaven there is no sorrow and no suffering. It's pure happiness.

[newhaircut]

If we are not Christians and believe in God, do we go to hell? And if so, how many millions of people who are Buddhist, Hindi, Islamic, Taoist, etc. are going to hell?

This is not my place to answer. So I will only post what the Bible says:

John 14:6-7 [Jesus Speaking] "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. NO ONE comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also."

Does God care for organized religion or is he looking for the person who doesn't commit sin?

Yes and no. God cares about the intentions of your heart. He is concerned about why you do the things you do. Now, does he care if you are a Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Protestant, etc? Absolutely Not!!

The only thing God says about organized religion is not to forsake the fellowship of other believers. This simply means that you need to spend time with other believers and discuss things of God and thank God for what He is doing. Does this mean you have to do this at a church? No. You can do it at Starbucks if you wanted (and while you’re there, order a short cappuccino! They’re terrific!).

If a child was still-born before he is baptised, does he go to hell?

No, the child will be in heaven with God. This also applies to all aborted babies and to any child that is not of the age to where they know the difference between right and wrong.

Matter of fact, you don’t have to be baptized to go to heaven. All you have to do to go to heaven is accept that Jesus is God’s son, ask him to forgive you of all your sins, admit to him that you cannot make it on your own and ask Jesus to lead your life. That’s all that’s required to go to heaven.

Now, Jesus does command His followers to get baptized when they accept Him. This is for symbolic reasons. It’s like a wedding ring. You can still be married but not wear the ring. However, you can wear the ring and not be married. Just like you can be baptized and not be saved.

What makes Christianity the only religion that is true?

Because God stated, through numerous profits (and Jesus), that He was going to send His son to this world to save His people and rule forever. This was fulfilled through Jesus.

How does God create Christianity on Alien planets where they have never heard of Jesus or Humans or anything of the sort?

One would have to believe in aliens to answer this question. I personally do not. Now, God does tell us to be wary about signs in the heavens (UFO’s and what not). He states that the enemy has many powerful demons and will use all sorts of tricks to gain followers.

This leads into existence in General? We are not alone but all aliens that are not Christian are going to hell?

Again, you would have to believe in Aliens, and I do not.

-------------------

I think I answered all of your questions. If I have left any out, let me know and I'll go back and answer them.

-Joe

[The-Violator]

Because God stated, through numerous profits (and Jesus), that He was going to send His son to this world to save His people and rule forever. This was fulfilled through Jesus.

:bs: Don't you watch south park!?!?! The gatekeeper of hell on that one episode clearly states that the Mormon, "yes the Mooormon" religion is the correct one! Sorry..

[newhaircut]

:bs: Don't you watch south park!?!?! The gatekeeper of hell on that one episode clearly states that the Mormon, "yes the Mooormon" religion is the correct one! Sorry..

That was a funny episode. However, a have a mormon friend and she was not amused.

[Broken5hift]

nothing pisses me off more than people trying to tell me what religion is and how it works.

[newhaircut]

nothing pisses me off more than people trying to tell me what religion is and how it works.

Please note, that I'm not pushing any "religion" on anyone. I'm here to answer questions that people have and clear up any misconceptions that they may have on Christianity.

If this bothers you, I'm sorry. Please don't read this thread.

This is not a recruiting thread. What religion you chose to have (if any) is completely up to you.

[blackturbo]

ok i am not saying that i dont believe in God but the whole religion stuff is confusing to me..............
i maybe stupid for saying this but i am going to say it anyway.....

everyone is so quick in believing in God and all that he preaches even though noone has seen him, they just go by what they learn in church through bibles that someone had to write and who to say it is the truth.

but people are quick to state that there are no such thing as (just en example) ghosts. you cant see them so it must be made up or just an over active imagination............but you say you saw God and see how many people believe you and want to hear your whole story............

just my opinion

[Broken5hift]

Please note, that I'm not pushing any "religion" on anyone. I'm here to answer questions that people have and clear up any misconceptions that they may have on Christianity.

If this bothers you, I'm sorry. Please don't read this thread.

This is not a recruiting thread. What religion you chose to have (if any) is completely up to you.

no im not trying to start shit with you its just a pet peeve i have. no one really knows the truth yet everyone tries to explain to everyone else how it really is.

its like "hey in my own world, this is how things work" and who really gives a shit about your own world. its not my world. if we disagree about something theres no answer to who is right. i find the entire subject a carousel of retardation.

I guess i spent to much time in the christian AOL chat rooms argueing :ftard:

[The-Violator]

Is anyone else tired of Mexican people seeing the Virgin Mary everywhere they look? Doors, Clouds, a potato chip, a fuckin pancake! I mean COME ON!!

And Virgin? PFFT YEAH RIGHT!! :rofl:

[Broken5hift]

mexicans like pretending to see virgins cause they usually loose theres by grade school

[The-Violator]

mexicans like pretending to see virgins cause they usually loose theres by grade school

Oooo BURN!! hhahaha

[newhaircut]

ok i am not saying that i dont believe in God but the whole religion stuff is confusing to me..............
i maybe stupid for saying this but i am going to say it anyway.....

everyone is so quick in believing in God and all that he preaches even though noone has seen him, they just go by what they learn in church through bibles that someone had to write and who to say it is the truth.

but people are quick to state that there are no such thing as (just en example) ghosts. you cant see them so it must be made up or just an over active imagination............but you say you saw God and see how many people believe you and want to hear your whole story............

just my opinion

You make some very good points and I'm glad you brought them up. Faith is the hardest thing for someone to have. What does the dictionary define faith as?

Faith: A firm belief in something for which there is no proof.

Now, why would anyone willingly believe in something for which there is not proof? How many people can honestly say that they have seen God? I can tell you that I have seen God. Now, before you go off and call me a crazy wacko, let me explain. I have not directly seen God and neither has anyone else. If we were to actually see God in our earthly bodies, we'd instantly die. So, how have I seen God? The way I've seen God is by view His works around me.

To help you understand this better, picture in your mind a person that has been blind from birth. Now, try to get this guy to believe clouds exist. It will be very hard for him because he cannot see them. This is the same with God. It is very hard for us to believe in Him because we cannot see Him.

Now, the only way for the blind person to know that the clouds exist is for him to read about them in a book (obviously a braille book) or hear someone tell them about the clouds. This is the same with God. The only way we would know he exists is for someone to tell us (Pastors at church) or to read (Bible).

However, just because you read about it in a book or someone tells you it's true does not mean it's is. That's the same with God. Let's go back to the clouds. The blind man can take it on pure faith that what he's been told is true. Or, he can "see" the effects of the clouds, for instance, rain / thunder/ snow / etc. The same goes for us. Since we can't see God directly we would have to "see" Him by the works he does around us. Now, these works are different for each person. What I see may not be the same as what you see. However, you would not know what to look for unless you read it (bible). Just like the blind person would not know how to "see" the clouds unless he read it/heard it. Also, I should point out that just because the blind person cannot see the clouds does not mean that they are not there. Same applies with us and God. Just because we cannot see Him does not mean that He is not there.


Now for your second thought...Do ghosts exist? I don't believe so. Jesus told us that once you die you go straight to judgment. There is no "hanging around." Now, can someone see what they may think is a ghost? I believe so. The reason I say this is that Satan has an army of fallen angels (demons) that he has control over. Since these demons are fallen angels, they have the power to show themselves on the earth. It's the same as God's angels showing themselves to certain people through out history. However, since the Holy Spirit is actively working on the earth, the power of Satan and his angels are greatly reduced. Though, there is a day coming (and I believe it's very soon) that the Holy Spirit will withdraw from the earth and God will no longer hold back the power of Satan.

So, do ghosts exist? No. Do demons exist? Yes. Can demons act like ghosts? Yes.

-------------

The decision to follow Jesus or any religion is not an easy choice to make. Jesus even tells us that there are very few people that take the road leading to Him because it is a very hard road to be on. I hope I was able to help clear things up a little for you with my reply. If you want more clarification let me know and I'll do my best to try.

[newhaircut]

no im not trying to start shit with you its just a pet peeve i have. no one really knows the truth yet everyone tries to explain to everyone else how it really is.

its like "hey in my own world, this is how things work" and who really gives a shit about your own world. its not my world. if we disagree about something theres no answer to who is right. i find the entire subject a carousel of retardation.

I guess i spent to much time in the christian AOL chat rooms argueing :ftard:

You're right. The truth that I believe in is found in the Bible. The answers that I'm giving are not my own, they are coming from the Bible. Now, I'm not telling you what you should believe in or how you should believe. That's entirely up to you. I'm merely explaining what I believe in and answering any questions that people may have about Christianity.

If you don't think Christianity is for you then don't listen. The choice is yours. Many people feel that religion is "pushed" on them (especially from Christians). I find this very sad because in a way, it's true. There are a lot of "religion pushers" that do more harm than good, even though that's not their intention.

Well, I'm not here to "push" a thing, I'm hear just to answer questions about what I believe in. If it's not for you, it's not for you. Far be it for me to tell you what's right for you.

[Tom Joad]

That's pretty interesting to think that we could possibly be nothing more then a though. Kinda strange yet interesting.

The Matrix has you.

[The-Violator]

Ok enough churchy stuff for me for the next millennia!! haha

http://www.violatorsrt4.com/pics/forumpics/threadeject.jpg

[Broken5hift]

You're right. The truth that I believe in is found in the Bible. The answers that I'm giving are not my own, they are coming from the Bible. Now, I'm not telling you what you should believe in or how you should believe. That's entirely up to you. I'm merely explaining what I believe in and answering any questions that people may have about Christianity.

If you don't think Christianity is for you then don't listen. The choice is yours. Many people feel that religion is "pushed" on them (especially from Christians). I find this very sad because in a way, it's true. There are a lot of "religion pushers" that do more harm than good, even though that's not their intention.

Well, I'm not here to "push" a thing, I'm hear just to answer questions about what I believe in. If it's not for you, it's not for you. Far be it for me to tell you what's right for you.

I understand. I know your not trying to push anything on me and im not trying to say you are. now those jehovas witnesses are another story :rofl:

im just saying, how do you know christianity? its like the government, your only told what they want you to hear. if you honestly believe everythings in the bible then you may be more blind than insightful. just a thought :thumb:

[newhaircut]

I understand. I know your not trying to push anything on me and im not trying to say you are. now those jehovas witnesses are another story :rofl:

im just saying, how do you know christianity? its like the government, your only told what they want you to hear. if you honestly believe everythings in the bible then you may be more blind than insightful. just a thought :thumb:

That's true, I guess I'll find out 100% when I die.

[Broken5hift]

That's true, I guess I'll find out 100% when I die.

thats what im waiting for. im not gonna dwell over something i have no clue about.

[The-Violator]

Oh one more quick question before I punch out for real..

So when I die do I still get the chance to repent my sins and accept Jesus Christ as my lord and savior?? Or do I have to do that before I die?

[newhaircut]

Oh one more quick question before I punch out for real..

So when I die do I still get the chance to repent my sins and accept Jesus Christ as my lord and savior?? Or do I have to do that before I die?

The Bible says before you die. When you die, you go straight to judgement. There is no passing "go."

[The-Violator]

GOD DAMN IT! So much for my ultimate loophole! :furious3:


Errr wait.. do I have to confess or something now? :lol:

[newhaircut]

GOD DAMN IT! So much for my ultimate loophole! :furious3:


Errr wait.. do I have to confess or something now? :lol:

Nope, all you have to do is:

Pray to God and:

1) Tell Him that you believe that Jesus is His Son.
2) Ask Him to forgive you for all your sins.
3) Admit to Him that you cannot have salvation with out Jesus.
4) Ask Jesus to lead you life from here on out.

That's it. If you pray and ask/declare the above things (and mean them), then your salvation is guaranteed. You don't have to do anything else.

[Tom Joad]

How does the whole jew loophole thing work? Or do we get cut out in the end? It's been a long time since I studied religion.

[newhaircut]

How does the whole jew loophole thing work? Or do we get cut out in the end? It's been a long time since I studied religion.

God's plan for the Jews will start during the last seven years of the earth, known as the times of tribulation. That's when He will make is last effort to reach the Jews and most of you will go with God and be saved or you can accept Jesus now and not have to live through those times.

Eitherway, Good luck to you! Just don't forget that God is still with you even today.

[Tom Joad]

God's plan for the Jews will start during the last seven years of the earth, known as the times of tribulation. That's when He will make is last effort to reach the Jews and most of you will go with God and be saved or you can accept Jesus now and not have to live through those times.

Eitherway, Good luck to you! Just don't forget that God is still with you even today.

I thought it was something like that. Thanks. :thumb:

[brettdemon]

All sin has the same weight in God’s eyes. Whether it be lusting after a girl while looking at pr0n or murder. Humans are the one’s that place weight on sin. God has also promised us that he will never let us fall into temptation that is too much for us to bare.





I have to disagree with that answer. If all sins have the same weight in Gods eyes then why did he make the Ten Commandments, which is what I was taught in church to be GODS LAWS TO LIVE BY. Don't break these laws. While it says "though shalt not kill", it does not say "though shalt not cheat on a test in school". To me there are 10 sins that carry more weight than any others. Then there is the Golden Rule, but we can talk about that later. Comments.

[ayat108]

hey newhair, first time poster, long time reader:

why do i keep thinking about explosives?

[MSMoores]

hey newhair, first time poster, long time reader:

why do i keep thinking about explosives?

I'll field this one. You don't love Jesus enough.

[Tom Joad]

hey newhair, first time poster, long time reader:

why do i keep thinking about explosives?

I hate reading things like this. It just SO makes me want to push the boundries of good taste. :rofl:

[ayat108]

I'll field this one. You don't love Jesus enough.

did you just scratch me?

[MSMoores]

did you just scratch me?
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y71/yoquindas/mt1112830074.jpg

[Broken5hift]

did someone say allah? oh nevermind it was just a pig farting

[MSMoores]

http://www.uriasposten.net/pics/JP-011005-Muhammed-Westerga.jpg

=

http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/photo/12006/m34528.jpg

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/060214/060214_pakistanprotests_vlg_12p.widec

http://www.theepochtimes.com/news_images/2006-2-5-natcartoon.jpg

[ayat108]

i totally skipped the image. which prophet was it: jesus or muhammad?

[MSMoores]

i totally skipped the image. which prophet was it: jesus or muhammad?

Who the hell is Jesus?

[ayat108]

http://www.universitypark.org/latino/116.jpg

[Broken5hift]

Who the hell is Jesus?

he's in alot of books

[MSMoores]

http://www.universitypark.org/latino/116.jpg

Weird. Jesus sure has one gay mustache.

[MSMoores]

he's in alot of books

Those are the things that are like movies except for being really boring, right?

[MSMoores]

Who the hell is Jesus?

Nevermind, I answered my own question. http://www.sprengmeister.org/nsfw/jesusishitler/

[Broken5hift]

Those are the things that are like movies except for being really boring, right?

those are the things that let teachers know your not smart.

[Broken5hift]

Nevermind, I answered my own question. http://www.sprengmeister.org/nsfw/jesusishitler/

the link didnt work. and im not gonna chance it again

[MSMoores]

the link didnt work. and im not gonna chance it again

I have to admit that I was sceptical at first, but this timeline convinced me.

http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/631/timeline0ys.jpg

[MSMoores]

Okay, okay. How about this one?
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e114/WanderingWulf/chanukah_ass_card_sm.jpg

[newhaircut]

I have to disagree with that answer. If all sins have the same weight in Gods eyes then why did he make the Ten Commandments, which is what I was taught in church to be GODS LAWS TO LIVE BY. Don't break these laws. While it says "though shalt not kill", it does not say "though shalt not cheat on a test in school". To me there are 10 sins that carry more weight than any others. Then there is the Golden Rule, but we can talk about that later. Comments.

Any sin you come across can be rooted down to one of the Ten Commandments. Matter of fact all sins can be boiled down to one
human characteristic. Do you know which one that is?

As far as the "thou shall not cheat on a test in school." This sin is the same as, "Thou shall not bear false witness." What does it mean to
bear false witness? It means lying. If you cheated on a test and turned it in, you are basically saying that the answers you gave are your own.
When in fact they are not yours, but your neighbors.

[MSMoores]

Uh-oh, dad's home... EVERYONE CLEAR OUT FAST! :lol:

[ayat108]

*hides bong under bed*
so how was the new j-o-b

[MSMoores]

...maybe he was still at work?

[newhaircut]

Uh-oh, dad's home... EVERYONE CLEAR OUT FAST! :lol:

HA, looks like I'll be able to post after all...in three weeks (<--I'll be in training till then).

[brettdemon]

Can you explain why there are 7 Deadly Sins. From what I remember they are not in the Bible. How did they become entwined with Christianity.

[punkrokdood]

Can you explain why there are 7 Deadly Sins. From what I remember they are not in the Bible. How did they become entwined with Christianity.
that was invented by people. its basically a spin off of the 10 commandments. if you really get down to it, all "sin" can be boiled down to selfishness/greed.

[newhaircut]

Can you explain why there are 7 Deadly Sins. From what I remember they are not in the Bible. How did they become entwined with Christianity.

The "Seven Deadly Sins" are sins that the council of bishops (catholics) decided were the worst sins of all. The problem is that this is a "tradition" that was conceived by humans, not God.

Jesus tells us that there is only one unforgivable sin and none of the seven deadly sins are it.

[newhaircut]

that was invented by people. its basically a spin off of the 10 commandments. if you really get down to it, all "sin" can be boiled down to selfishness/greed.

punkrokdood is right. All sin boils down to selfishness.

[kenskiv]

+1...


At least that's where mine all come from...:banned: