Brothers and Sisters,

Great posts - great discussion.

There is obviously a huge difference between physical death and eternal destruction. We all die physically.

The word "FALL" is a very interesting word when it is rendered from the ancient languages. In many places, "STUMBLE" would be an accurate replacement for "FALL". It's a fact that all Christians stumble more than once at some time during their lives.

There's another fascinating portion of this discussion. God deals with the sins of the lost and Christians very differently. Many lost people might appear to be wallowing in sin and disobedience most of their lives, and some of them don't appear to suffer any consequences. Well, we know what happens if they physically die in their sins without ever accepting Jesus and praying for forgiveness. On the other side of the coin, many Christians appear to be punished or chastised fairly frequently while trying to live lives that are opposite of continual wallowing in sin and disobedience. Maybe this could be compared to a LOVING FATHER trying to get HIS child to obey and do HIS WILL. However, we are NOT condemned to eternal destruction when we physically die. That LOVING FATHER we have has more and more GRACE to give us when we stumble and pray for forgiveness.

Our JUDGMENT and the JUDGMENT of the lost are two completely different events with opposite purposes. The sins of the lost will be judged for eternal destruction and condemnation. The good works of the SAVED will be judged for rewards.

Love In Christ,
Tom

[civilization]

So which sins should a Christian be involved in punishing someone for? Should it be based on something arbitrary like opinion? Where would you draw the line? Would there be a line, or should Christians support punishing people for ALL sins?

If the sin happens to be against the law, the people decide what is against the law through a representative and elected form of government. That would be the case in America. What you are really doing is asking an inside-out, upside-down question. If the sin is against the law, the punishment and/or fine is also prescribed by a law of the people in America. If a sin is also against the law in other countries, the same would be true. It's called civilization, and God specifically allows government and law. Further, obedience is directed.

Chesed,

I don't plan to spend much time arguing about the Sabbath. Those answers are already posted in numerous places on the forum.

Here's a hint for you if you don't care to look at a massive amount of information already posted.

#1 Jesus was talking to Jews who were living under Mosaic Law, the Old Covenant.

#2 Jesus had not gone to the CROSS yet, so the New Covenant was NOT in place yet.

#3 What are the commandments of Jesus Christ? List them.

#4 Try to determine what the purpose of the CROSS was.

#5 Try to determine what the effects of the CROSS were and are.

#6 Do a forum search for "Sabbath" and study what you find.
__________________

By the way:

Is there some reason why you have two accounts?

Chesed
oneBook

Tell me about it.

Moderator

Symphony,

     ROFL - can't get up.

I must investigate:

[WE MISSED YOU!!]

Symphony and Tigerlily,

It is great to have both of you back.

WE MISSED YOU!!

Love In Christ,
Tom

[ONLY WAY!]

Silver Surfer,

You might agree that Jesus Christ is the ONLY WAY for Salvation. I really don't know about you, but I'm 100% certain that Jesus Christ is the ONLY WAY!

What are the commandments of Jesus Christ? Please list them.

Let me know if you don't have a clue and I'll list them for you.

Tom

[AMEN BROTHER!!!]

DreamWeaver,

AMEN BROTHER!!!

There is nothing secret about the RAPTURE. It was made public by Daniel in the Old Testament and confirmed in many other precious portions of Scripture. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reveals much more, including much that was not known by men of other ages. Specifically, Paul revealed a mystery about a church not made with human hands, the CHURCH WHICH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST. Paul certainly didn't hint of any fear about the RAPTURE, just the opposite. The RAPTURE is a time of great JOY, not fear.

HOWEVER, the children of darkness WILL most definitely have reason to fear. The destruction will be beyond imagination.

Great posts Brother!

Love In Christ,
Tom

[AMEN BROTHER!]

2nd Timothy,

AMEN BROTHER!

Silver Surfer Said:

Yes, Because Jesus is the creator of this world and the universe.
And, he is the re-creator of men, giving them the born-again experince to become new creatures in Christ, enabling them to living a sinless lifestyle, in preparation for the Kingdom of heaven.

Well, I would say that you did fair on the important part of the test. Inquiring minds will wish to know if you are one of those people who think they live in perfection without sin.

If so, this would represent another part of the Holy Bible that you either ignore, disbelieve, or are confused with beyond measure. You would also be completely unique and be Jesus Christ, the ONLY ONE who ever walked this earth in sinless perfection.

UM?? - I'm positive that you are NOT Jesus Christ. You deny the catching up (RAPTURE) of HIS CHURCH, the CHURCH WHICH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST. You also appear to be TRYING?? to live under the law, ignoring the purpose and GIFT of Jesus Christ on the CROSS. That's why I asked you about WHO Jesus Christ is.

Let's see if you can do a little bit better on Bible Test #2. It's just as easy as the first test.

What are the commandments of Jesus Christ? List them please so we can all understand some of your other posts here.

Tom

Silver Surfer Said:

Yes, Because Jesus is the creator of this world and the universe.
And, he is the re-creator of men, giving them the born-again experince to become new creatures in Christ, enabling them to living a sinless lifestyle, in preparation for the Kingdom of heaven.

Well, I would say that you did fair on the important part of the test. Inquiring minds will wish to know if you are one of those people who think they live in perfection without sin.

If so, this would represent another part of the Holy Bible that you either ignore, disbelieve, or are confused with beyond measure. You would also be completely unique and be Jesus Christ, the ONLY ONE who ever walked this earth in sinless perfection.

UM?? - I'm positive that you are NOT Jesus Christ. You deny the catching up (RAPTURE) of HIS CHURCH, the CHURCH WHICH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST. You also appear to be TRYING?? to live under the law, ignoring the purpose and GIFT of Jesus Christ on the CROSS. That's why I asked you about WHO Jesus Christ is.

Let's see if you can do a little bit better on Bible Test #2. It's just as easy as the first test.

What are the commandments of Jesus Christ? List them please so we can all understand some of your other posts here.

Tom

[Another Amen!!]

Brother Love,

Another Amen!!

Brother Love Said:

By placing our faith in Christ’s shed blood and nothing else, we can have eternal life.  Isn’t today a good day to place your faith in Christ?  There will never be a better time.  In fact, there is no guarantee of another day. Trust Christ today.  

Jesus is the ONLY WAY!, and right now is the time to accept HIM as personal Lord and Saviour. For Christians, every minute and every hour is time to Thank God for HIS unspeakable GIFT, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour forever!

OUR SAVIOUR LIVES!

Love In Christ,
Tom

[Another Amen!!!]

Evangelist,

Another Amen!!!

I think that most of the hardest questions boil down to the weakness of mankind that can never be compared to the absolute MIGHT AND GLORY OF ALMIGHTY GOD!

Who is able to break the SEAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?

Who is able to undo the work of JESUS that made us fit for our inheritance?

Who is able to snatch us from the MIGHTY HAND OF JESUS?

Brother, I'm positive that the devil doesn't want us to have 100% assurance of Salvation. Doubt is what the devil wants.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Oklahoma Howdy to Asaph,

Brother, I found your post to be fascinating. Psalms is indeed a beautiful Book of the Bible. It's also interesting to note there is Bible prophecy in Psalms.

I was looking at a group of favorite Scriptures from Psalms when I read your post. I don't believe in coincidence.

Psalms 13:6  I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

Psalms 18:28  For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.

Psalms 18:46  The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.

Psalms 19:14  Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Psalms 31:3  For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy names's sake lead me, and guide me.

Psalms 35:9  Any my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.

Love In Christ,
Tom

[STRENGTH]

Oklahoma Howdy to Luke O,

WELCOME!!!! - Congratulations on making the most important decision of your life - accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. I don't know very much about wrestling, but I give thanks there was a Christian who helped to lead you to Christ.

I'm a boxing fan, and I've heard many boxers give beautiful testimonies for Christ. They were strong physically, but Jesus gave them a STRENGTH that was much more important than strength obtained in the gym. Brother, I pray that you grow and mature in Christ and experience the full JOY AND PEACE OF JESUS CHRIST.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Oklahoma Howdy to Nevada77,

WELCOME!!!!  CONGRATULATIONS on the most important decision of your life - accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour. I pray that you will grow and mature in Christ, strong and unmovable. As you grow, your JOY in CHRIST will be more and more full.

Love In Christ,
Tom