Do you believe in God?

[DQuaN]

Here, maybe this will help you guys understand. I know how difficult it is to, with natural eyes though. I've been there.

You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.

Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other

How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

It's clear God is warning all of us of bad things happening, and bad things to come. The question is, are you prepared when you inevitably die? As I said, good people die at 12 or 25 in their sleep. If you die in Christ, you inherit His Kingdom.

If you want your questions answered, at least try reading with an open heart, instead of fulfilling prophecy all the time.. Here http://www.gotquestions.org/bad-things-good-people.html
It's pretty clear and straight to the point.

I mean, if a man could not give up on God in this condition, how much more for you who has everything?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Vujicic


So I ask you, if science is sharp, why can't they warn people in areas where is will happen?
I'll tell you, because there is someone sharper that you'll temporarily block out.

You see, man cannot stop the inevitable, no matter how much blood, sweat and tears come out of him.
The Bible is clear that the world has fallen, clear that people can escape it through Jesus, and it's also clear that no man is forced to do so.

I'm so sorry but, you are wrong. That is all nonsense. I'm sure it must be difficult with brainwashed eyes.

 

[Scaff]

Here, maybe this will help you guys understand. I know how difficult it is to, with natural eyes though. I've been there.

You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.

Can you name a time in recorded human history when this was not the case?

Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other

How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers.

OK. Citation.

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

It's clear God is warning all of us of bad things happening, and bad things to come. The question is, are you prepared when you inevitably die? As I said, good people die at 12 or 25 in their sleep. If you die in Christ, you inherit His Kingdom.

Please stop using the Bible as proof of the Bible.

How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
If you want your questions answered, at least try reading with an open heart, instead of fulfilling prophecy all the time.. Here http://www.gotquestions.org/bad-things-good-people.html
It's pretty clear and straight to the point.

So we are all born evil sinners, hold on didn't you say that wasn't true?

Contradiction.

I mean, if a man could not give up on God in this condition, how much more for you who has everything?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Vujicic

To which Steven Hawkins says OK, so what?

So I ask you, if science is sharp, why can't they warn people in areas where is will happen?
I'll tell you, because there is someone sharper that you'll temporarily block out.

Are you aware of how far we have advanced (and continue to do so) in medical diagnosis?

Oh no your not going to as you have given up on science.

You see, man cannot stop the inevitable, no matter how much blood, sweat and tears come out of him.
The Bible is clear that the world has fallen, clear that people can escape it through Jesus, and it's also clear that no man is forced to do so.

Please stop using the Bible as proof of the Bible.

 

[DQuaN]

@DCP If you were to fall ill. Would you go to the hospital? Or visit a doctor?

 

[DCP]

It's called the weather channel. Though, it isn't always accurate. But, how would a god warn people about a tradgic event, such as a tornado, is coming along? Your thought would be God's first sign is the moment when the tornado hits the ground. "God has shown us a sign. Now let's get the 🤬 outta here!"

Typical, always missing the point.
Death is inevitable. Have you saved your eternal soul that matters most?
Is deserted and homeless children Gods fault? You can be thankful that all children inherit the Kingdom, but woe to those who have caused the children to stumble.

For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

It's amazing that each man knows deep down that he has become exactly this, but shy's away from it because he purposely denies God.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

You've read this first time here. You have no excuse...

Can you name a time in recorded human history when this was not the case?

Yes, it's been around all the time, yet randomly.
The Bible says though, when all these things happen "at once". Perhaps we are watching different news, as there are terrible things happening all at once in recently as far as I'm concerned. You don't believe in Christ, so why look out for the signs right?


OK. Citation.




Please stop using the Bible as proof of the Bible.

I must, it's the only thing real here to save a man that wants to be saved.


So we are all born evil sinners, hold on didn't you say that wasn't true?

Contradiction.

Absolutely. As I mentioned before, through one man, ALL have sinned, and fall short of the Glory of God.



To which Steven Hawkins says OK, so what?

So what, how many he is leading away from Gods plan of salvation?
People like him encourage atheism.


Are you aware of how far we have advanced (and continue to do so) in medical diagnosis?

Oh no your not going to as you have given up on science.

Very, although what does it prove. The inevitable will still happen, randomly. The brain comes from God, and the materials. We are made in His image. I think He wanted us to learn to help people, especially love.


Please stop using the Bible as proof of the Bible.

@DCP If you were to fall ill. Would you go to the hospital? Or visit a doctor?

I would if my prayers we're not being answered, and I would question God with words.
I had Pulmonary embolism while God was in my back pocket. I didn't even realise the seriousness of it, until my family (Pro Nurse and Doctors) told me.
Since my 3 month recovery time, is all God needed to convict me, and rescue me from my sins.

Since then, my whole family has never been to the doctor. So simple. Test Him with your faith. Ask for your healing.

Besides, He created physicians... "I will use the heathen to bless you"

Might I add, those 3 months was my best sales for the year, yet I wasn't even at work.
My company (private), never questioned anything, and paid me in full, including bonuses.
If you can get that right in ZA, then it's a miracle..

You know, I never cheated on my wife physically, yet I realized I did so with lustful eyes.
One only learns and knows these things when they realize they are being Watched, no matter which person they think they are hiding from.

Now this verse was just sent in a group chat...

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.


Now please, there are plenty stunning women around, and there is nothing wrong with admiring a beautiful woman. So don't say that God forbids one to look at woman.

 

[TheCracker]

One thing we do know is that He is Holy and Perfect, and we have to face Him on Judgment Day.

See, that's where being an atheist or agnostic comes into its own. You don't need to live your life in constant fear of eternal damnation - because heaven and hell simply don't exist for you. You don't have to waste your Sunday mornings dragging your tired carcass to church. You don't have to give 10% of your hard-earned in tithing (is that net or gross of your income?). You can just get on with your life being a kind and considerate (and 10% richer) member of society. It's a win/win situation as far as i can see.

 

[FoRiZon]

Sweet, sweet "silly but repetitive" poes law...

 

[DQuaN]

Death is inevitable.

True!! I didn't think I'd post that while quoting you!

Have you saved your eternal soul that matters most?

No because it doesn't exist.

Is deserted and homeless children Gods fault?

If God existed then yes, of course it's his fault.

 

[Scaff]

You've read this first time here. You have no excuse...

An astounding level of arrogance.

Are you honestly of the impression you are the first person to minister to me?

Do you not see that you are doing the exact thing you say the 'devil' makes people do?

You can not 'clearly' see his inadvisable qualities, if that were the case you would be able to provide evidence to a repeatable and falsifiable standard.

I also don't purposely deny God. Rather the lack of evidence for any deity leads to the logical position that no Gods exist, should evidence (to a good standard) come to light then I will be more than happy to look at it and change my position based on that evidence.

 

[Famine]

Death is inevitable. Have you saved your eternal soul that matters most?

Death is merely the cessation of life. While it is inevitable, an afterlife is not - there is zero evidence for one.

What is as inevitable as death is the life that comes before it - the one we live now. How you spend that life is how you will be remembered, not how you hedge your bets in Pascal's Wager for the fantasy next one...

 

[DCP]

See, that's where being an atheist or agnostic comes into its own. You don't need to live your life in constant fear of eternal damnation - because heaven and hell simply don't exist for you. You don't have to waste your Sunday mornings dragging your tired carcass to church. You don't have to give 10% of your hard-earned in tithing (is that net or gross of your income?). You can just get on with your life being a kind and considerate (and 10% richer) member of society. It's a win/win situation as far as i can see.

You know, the word says that fear for the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Yes, I fear the Lord when I do something wilfully wrong, like fearing my dad for breaking a window at home.
We have a reverential fear for the Lord.

An astounding level of arrogance.

Are you honestly of the impression you are the first person to minister to me?

Do you not see that you are doing the exact thing you say the 'devil' makes people do?

You can not 'clearly' see his inadvisable qualities, if that were the case you would be able to provide evidence to a repeatable and falsifiable standard.

I also don't purposely deny God. Rather the lack of evidence for any deity leads to the logical position that no Gods exist, should evidence (to a good standard) come to light then I will be more than happy to look at it and change my position based on that evidence.

No Arrogance at all intended. Sometimes it's good to remind someone...
I know the annoyance. My parents used to always harp about going to church and paying tithes. Man it can be annoying. I understand where you're coming from.

Death is merely the cessation of life. While it is inevitable, an afterlife is not - there is zero evidence for one.

What is as inevitable as death is the life that comes before it - the one we live now. How you spend that life is how you will be remembered, not how you hedge your bets in Pascal's Wager for the fantasy next one...

He is thoughtless indeed who says that no one knows if there’s an afterlife, and then says that there’s no afterlife.

It's like saying, your God is at fault for everything, and then saying, God doesn't exist...

 

[Famine]

Yes, I fear the Lord when I do something wilfully wrong, like fearing my dad for breaking a window at home.

Children that fear the consequences from their parents often fear the consequences of telling their parents that they have done something wrong and don't tell them until it's well past time to solve it. My eldest daughter, @PlanetPurple doesn't fear telling me anything - she knows that whether she does something wrong by accident, negligence or poor judgement, I will do my best to fix the problem or help her through anything that can't be fixed. And, more importantly, that I will not be angry at her for it and will love her without condition placed on it.

Perhaps the Lord should attend parenting classes, because @PlanetPurple is one of the finest human beings I've ever met of any kind (she's met at least 20 different GTPers who would probably back that up) and she's only 13.

He is thoughtless indeed who says that no one knows if there’s an afterlife, and then says that there’s no afterlife.

It's like saying, your God is at fault for everything, and then saying, God doesn't exist...

Good job I didn't say either of those things then.

Though if your God does exist, he's a petulant and malevolent socio- and psychopath and I want no part of what an individual like that thinks is an idyll.

 

[TheCracker]

You know, the word says that fear for the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Yes, I fear the Lord when I do something wilfully wrong
We have a reverential fear for the Lord.

That's exactly what i'm getting at. If you don't believe in 'the Lord' then you have no need to fear his wrath. It's just like you're inviting more conflict in to your life. Life's complicated enough as it is. Why add another layer of worry to it?

It's like downloading a betting app to your phone. Sure, it promotes the possibility of unimaginable riches. But there's absolutely no guarantee, or evidence, that you'll receive them. What it does guarantee is a loss of wealth and something else to worry about.

 

[DCP]

Children that fear the consequences from their parents often fear the consequences of telling their parents that they have done something wrong and don't tell them until it's well past time to solve it. My eldest daughter, @PlanetPurple doesn't fear telling me anything - she knows that whether she does something wrong by accident, negligence or poor judgement, I will do my best to fix the problem or help her through anything that can't be fixed. And, more importantly, that I will not be angry at her for it and will love her without condition placed on it.

Perhaps the Lord should attend parenting classes, because @PlanetPurple is one of the finest human beings I've ever met of any kind (she's met at least 20 different GTPers who would probably back that up) and she's only 13.

I agree, and I'm pretty sure she is. I've got 4 -5 nieces that passed that age recently. Wonderful.
Difference is, mans judgment is natural, and satisfying.
The Judge of the universe knows everything, including innocent children inheriting the kingdom of God.
He is only bringing one final judgment, to save all who want to be saved. There cannot be a new kingdom, where sin is still lurking.

 

[Scaff]

I understand where you're coming from.

I'm far from convinced you do.

 

[DCP]

I'm far from convinced you do.

Come on man. We all go through trials and tribulations. One mans trials will seem worse than another, but then it's how that man deals with his trials is what matters most.
My God rescued me, but there is still tons I've got to do. It's fine, because it must be done.
Why do people make it seem so difficult. It's a real life changer for the better.

If I'm not being too rude, what is your and @Famine ages?

 

[FoRiZon]

Children that fear the consequences from their parents often fear the consequences of telling their parents that they have done something wrong and don't tell them until it's well past time to solve it. My eldest daughter, @PlanetPurple doesn't fear telling me anything - she knows that whether she does something wrong by accident, negligence or poor judgement, I will do my best to fix the problem or help her through anything that can't be fixed. And, more importantly, that I will not be angry at her for it and will love her without condition placed on it.

Perhaps the Lord should attend parenting classes, because @PlanetPurple is one of the finest human beings I've ever met of any kind (she's met at least 20 different GTPers who would probably back that up) and she's only 13.

It depends on who handle the situation

For me, never fear to God because he knew it already. We make mistakes like the entire humanity ever. The real challenge here is how we overcome those mistakes and thats all matters.

 

[Famine]

For me, never fear to God because he knew it already.

And yet @DCP here says he fears the Lord like he'd fear his father if he broke a window. Both of which strike me as poor parenting - you shouldn't be afraid to tell your dad you've broken a window. Dads can fix windows and we'd rather know about it with time to fix it than find out about it later.

 

[squadops]

Fear in this instance would be better defined as the desire of discipline. A child who is not instilled with unwarranted fear of parents will inevitably learn how to avoid hardship from reckless behavior. This comes from observing a parents discipline in life, not from a parent disciplining the child for wrong doing.

 

[Famine]

Fear in this instance would be better defined as the desire of discipline.

It's amazing how often in conversations about the Bible and religion, words are "better defined" by making them mean something they don't actually mean...

 

[DK]

Is anyone else getting creeped out by DCP's over-use of smilies? Funnily enough, on another forum that I'm on there's another deluded creationist who uses smilies just as frequently and unnecessarily as him.

 

[squadops]

I suppose so, to me it has always meant that in a biblical sense. I'm not moving the definition all around to fit my needs, I'm denouncing fire and brimstone across the board, it would make no sense for a father to throw his children in a lake of fire lol.

I posted to point out scaring your kids is a bad idea, bible or not. So, better defined or, replaced or, removed, as practical advice. Of course you could just remove the entire book which you have already done.

edit @DK, I think he started doing that once people pointed out he came off as condescending.

 

[FoRiZon]

And yet @DCP here says he fears the Lord like he'd fear his father if he broke a window. Both of which strike me as poor parenting - you shouldn't be afraid to tell your dad you've broken a window. Dads can fix windows and we'd rather know about it with time to fix it than find out about it later.

Lets be clear. Theres the reason theres a confession booth or counseling on churches. Even they know people cant be pure all along.

Hes too consistent of being spinning words and jumbling about science, which meant one thing:

1. Hes scared of being thrown to hell without knowing what the whole real life actually be like. (or hell, knowing the religion).

2. His dad is a hardline priest and punishes his son if they cant get one baptist per day, or

3. Poes law: Hes just playing us.

Really, what consists of merit or a sin depends of your and benefits/danger of people. Going to church or mosque or read a bible or quran can make you feel good? Thats great, keep it up. But just remember that praying is just a half of a battle. You dont live only for praying, did you (much like eating, go to work, etc).

 

[Scaff]

Come on man. We all go through trials and tribulations. One mans trials will seem worse than another, but then it's how that man deals with his trials is what matters most.

Given that you are happy to give yourself over to ignorance (and by shunning knowledge that's what you are doing) I very much doubt that you can relate to how I view the world and deal with it.

My God rescued me, but there is still tons I've got to do. It's fine, because it must be done.
Why do people make it seem so difficult. It's a real life changer for the better.

Because living my life by the dictates of a bronze age tribe will not be a life changer for the better, and once again you assume you know what I have and haven't tried in my life to date. Please stop doing that.

If I'm not being too rude, what is your and @Famine ages?

44

 

[Dotini]

Is anyone else getting creeped out by DCP's over-use of smilies? Funnily enough, on another forum that I'm on there's another deluded creationist who uses smilies just as frequently and unnecessarily as him.

@Beeblebrox237

DCP would have us believe he's a cheerful, friendly but naive villager from a backward country mainly without electricity. Perhaps he has just discovered smilies, and is playing with them like a child playing with pebbles on a first visit to the beach? But as you suggest, it's very likely a sinister creationist conspiracy to rot our minds and lead us astray over to the dark side of ignorance and superstition.

Certainly it's yet another great reason to ridicule and mock him, for it makes us all so much bigger than him.

But perhaps he does it only in an effort to be light, to fit in and to please us? What a fool. Such tactics are yet another reason to condemn him as a creep. Such cynical abuse of smilies might well justify stern warnings, infractions and banishment, if not a lengthy term in gaol.

But he should not be banished prematurely, since he is so fun to play with and torture, to twist slowly, slowly in the wind.

 

[FoRiZon]

Is anyone else getting creeped out by DCP's over-use of smilies? Funnily enough, on another forum that I'm on there's another deluded creationist who uses smilies just as frequently and unnecessarily as him.

Let me guess, the one who won a Darwin Award and now quitting GTP for good?

 

[Famine]

Such cynical abuse of smilies might well justify stern warnings, infractions and banishment, if not a lengthy term in gaol.

I think you've confused us with a completely different website.

 

[DCP]

Given that you are happy to give yourself over to ignorance (and by shunning knowledge that's what you are doing) I very much doubt that you can relate to how I view the world and deal with it.



Because living my life by the dictates of a bronze age tribe will not be a life changer for the better, and once again you assume you know what I have and haven't tried in my life to date. Please stop doing that.



44

Thanks Scaff, much respect. Please don't be mistaken, as I have everything a poor man would want. I've achieved this by knowledge, and faith. I'm content with all I have because I know what it's like not having it. I can do my part by giving.

Just to be clear, I had no intention of converting you. I only shared the good news. Every man is free to make of it whatever they please. That's the beauty of it. There is no such thing as converting or a devout Christian. Those terms one uses in religion. Christianity is not a religion. Always remember that. It's a relationship with Christ.

@Beeblebrox237

DCP would have us believe he's a cheerful, friendly but naive villager from a backward country mainly without electricity. Perhaps he has just discovered smilies, and is playing with them like a child playing with pebbles on a first visit to the beach? But as you suggest, it's very likely a sinister creationist conspiracy to rot our minds and lead us astray over to the dark side of ignorance and superstition.

Certainly it's yet another great reason to ridicule and mock him, for it makes us all so much bigger than him.

But perhaps he does it only in an effort to be light, to fit in and to please us? What a fool. Such tactics are yet another reason to condemn him as a creep. Such cynical abuse of smilies might well justify stern warnings, infractions and banishment, if not a lengthy term in gaol.

But he should not be banished prematurely, since he is so fun to play with and torture, to twist slowly, slowly in the wind.

I can't have you believe I'm cheerful. You need to find real evidence for it...jk.
Just remember, only the fool has said in his heart, there is no God.
ZA is a beautiful country, but it's just as bad as every other as far as violence is concerned. I see now they are attacking any foreigner for the last 2 days. Goodness.
I hope you enjoying yourself while I'm still around..., for the smiley boys.

 

[Scaff]

Thanks Scaff, much respect. Please don't be mistaken, as I have everything a poor man would want. I've achieved this by knowledge, and faith. I'm content with all I have because I know what it's like not having it. I can do my part by giving.

I thought you were done with knowledge?

Just to be clear, I had no intention of converting you. I only shared the good news. Every man is free to make of it whatever they please. That's the beauty of it. There is no such thing as converting or a devout Christian.

Hold on you said that if we make the wrong choice then its the devils doing?

Oh and if that wasn't an attempt at conversion I would hate to see you when you are trying.

Those terms one uses in religion. Christianity is not a religion. Always remember that. It's a relationship with Christ.

Its a relationship with an all powerful, controlling deity. Its a religion.

 

[Imari]

Besides, He created physicians... "I will use the heathen to bless you"

I find it disgusting that learned men worked hard to heal you, and yet you pooh-pooh their work and credit it to God.

Might I add, those 3 months was my best sales for the year, yet I wasn't even at work.
My company (private), never questioned anything, and paid me in full, including bonuses.
If you can get that right in ZA, then it's a miracle..

I find it disgusting that your company looked after you while you were ill, because your superiors were kind and gentle people who saw your need, and yet you attribute all that they did to God.

You're an :censored:hole. You've got people all around you helping you out, but you can't for one moment step back and recognise all the great things that they're doing for you, because you're so busy licking God's boots.

How about you take a moment and give thanks to all the amazing humans who have made an effort to make sure that you're in the position that you are today?

I understand where you're coming from.

And yet you keep doing it.

You keep using that word, "understand". I do not think it means what you think it means.

 

[sammy neuman]

I think it's sad that sensible people like you are buried in a pile of @SuperCobraJet, @DCP, and @etc. Sad also that others get caught up in shoveling at this pile that seems to invariably never reduce in size.

@sammy neuman I'm interested to know if you believe that The Bible should be taken literally, without the allowance for human interpretation, particularly in the area of specific culture(s). I find that people occupying the middle and balanced area, be they believers or non-believers, are able to have the more interesting discussions.

Note - as I typed "The Bible", I was reminded of a little thing that suggests a person is caught in a reactionary state in regards to God and religion. The Bible is a book, and book titles are written with capitals. When I see someone appear to deliberately use lower case for it, I often can't help but think that they don't have a balanced and unbiased approach.

Thank you for that, but I can sound as much like Bozo as anyone else. The short answer to your inquiry is; No. I think that every believer edits and interprets the Bible to a some extent, whether they realize it or not. I certainly know that I do. IMO this is why doctrine is so important to some: One could get confused.
As I do not know the thinking, facial expressions, voice inflections, personal motivations, etc...of the speakers/ authors, nor possess any of the original manuscripts, nor do I easily read Greek or Hebrew (and any Bible not in those languages is already an interpretation), and even when working from the original languages I still have to make interpretive decisions, IMO the question of literal interpretation is moot.
Having said that, because the Bible is an 'Anything Box', the question is not so much what constitutes a literal interpretation as it is which part is chosen to take literally.

A note on your note. I've never thought of "The Bible" as being a book title until you pointed that out. More like an anthology.

edit: removed a comma.