I sat with some people this weekend and as we sat around and talked I noticed quiet a lot of resentment. It's hard to meet with others when that feel is in the air yet for my wife I did. The room was evenly split though, 50/50 as to that feeling, some were friendly and some not so friendly, though a false friendly was maintained. It was bound to happen sooner or later the topic of religion, briefly preceded by politics, two things best not brought up. On politics we agreed on about half way and on religion one would have thought we'd be in agreement, but we weren't. Both of us claiming Christianity and even down to the type, Baptist. We were a whole world apart. That is the kind of thing one expects when it comes to two different beliefs or opposite beliefs, but the same down to the letter. Unbelievable.
I don't care what one writes, who wrote it, or what it is about. It can be spun. Think Tanks are paid big money to do just that, lawyers make big money to do that, industries are paid to do that. We call it P.R. work these days and in a lot of cases we see it every day in the form of media. Radio, TV, advertisements, and unfortunately... religion. I've often wished that the TV and radio would go dead for a month then come back on. I think we'd feel mighty foolish at the crap we're fed each day, day in and day out. One that studies the past wonders why if people before the flood were so smart then where did that knowledge go. I think if I were Noah I'd let all that crap go too. Now before you say just look at all the advances, how many real life advances are there that actually improve life? There have been a few but with about 95% of the Scientist focusing on war (and I do believe that is lower than I remember hearing) not many, but that is a whole musing on it's own. So back to the focus.
The topic somehow jumped from politics to religion in one statement. It started with a mention of Jehovah's Witnesses and how dedicated they are to going door to door and how if Baptist went had that much dedication... yada, yada, yada... I have some friends that are Jehovah's Witnesses and though we differ in some areas, their hearts are good and the differences I respect. Same with Catholic and I really don't know there is much of a difference with other denominations. I have friends that are Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, and some that are Atheist, Agnostic, and Pagan. I'd rather focus on the similarities than differences. Ask them if they're right and they will tell you they are. Ask me if I'm right and I'll tell you I am. I base my friendship on their heart and it isn't my job to judge them, and I'm not talking about letting murders and rapists run free, I'm saying to judge their heart.
Then tonight I sat down to read a "religious material", I have no idea what division other than it was suppose to be Christian. He quotes James in a single quote and I read about the first two and a half pages and nothing positive. It was all negative and all but that one passage, what "he thought" it meant. It was concerning charity. Usually it's Paul who is often times misquoted and the first time I've seen James, either way I'm thinking newsflash, it's suppose to be Jesus, which is who the religion of Christianity was founded on. Usually I quote my sources but this time I'll not, just as I usually look up that scripture someone has used to see what it was in context, but it just wasn't worth the effort. Clearly when he said the words "I think", the ship was sinking. He based his views on what he knew about times back then, yet he is also the type that will say to never look outside the Bible for the past. I know what he said isn't listed in the Bible on how things were run back then. So I'm thinking why is he allowed to look back at other records to study history and we're not? Am I to believe that I am to have faith in this man?
I've said this many times and I still will stand behind it. I can stand in a barn and moo. But that don't make me a cow and I'll probably not give milk, God willing, not have to eat hay either. Just as going to an church and screaming I'm a Christian, placing a symbol, and wearing a necklace don't make me a Christian either. If you lost your voice and all the possessions you have right now, would people know you are a Christian? Everybody loves the book of Revelations yet most skip the first part which addresses the churches. Oops, too close to home I guess. If Jesus was alive today, which one would you be in, the crowd that wanted to see Him punished or the crowd that followed Him? Sadly today I think most churches and members would be against the One they are suppose to be following. Just as it was back then. Back then it was the religious institutions that killed Him along with the rich, the money changers (bankers), the marketeers, the ones who profited for the system, the war mongers, and indirectly some of the ones that followed Him at a distance. The Romans carried out the sentence, not that they were the good guys either.
I wondered many years ago why a copy of the New Testament only was given out and later I found out why. Check the word New. Except for some prophecies and background, plus 10 Laws, we could skip the Old Testament It helps to know what Jesus, The Disciples, and Paul were talking about, but then again some of what was referenced isn't in the standard Bible but in books taken out when it was complied, then shortened again. What it boils down to is highlighted pretty clear and plain. Love. It ain't easy to be a Christian and many times I fall short, thus I rely on Grace. I try and right my wrongs because I have Faith, not in myself but in Jesus the Christ. So the question at hand today is this, and I don't want an answer, answer that to yourself first, then to God. If an event happened, say a Tornado (but use whatever), and it took everything you had and in the process you lost your ability to speak or sign, would anybody know you are a Christian? Would your actions show it? And now another question. Do the ones who believe differently respect and like you? (Different than fear).
So I'll end this now with a few quotes. Not from someone else, but Jesus. I urge you to read for yourself and research for yourself.Is this the Man you follow, or are you following someone else that is easier. Please don't answer to me, that is between you and God just as mine is between me and God.
5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
13Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Matthew 7
13Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Matthew 26:52
Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
Luke 17:3
Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
Matthew 6:15
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Mark 11:25
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Mark 11:26
But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
You get the idea now. Peace...
How to do it:
Matthew 6:
7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
9After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11Give us this day our daily bread.
12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
I don't care what one writes, who wrote it, or what it is about. It can be spun. Think Tanks are paid big money to do just that, lawyers make big money to do that, industries are paid to do that. We call it P.R. work these days and in a lot of cases we see it every day in the form of media. Radio, TV, advertisements, and unfortunately... religion. I've often wished that the TV and radio would go dead for a month then come back on. I think we'd feel mighty foolish at the crap we're fed each day, day in and day out. One that studies the past wonders why if people before the flood were so smart then where did that knowledge go. I think if I were Noah I'd let all that crap go too. Now before you say just look at all the advances, how many real life advances are there that actually improve life? There have been a few but with about 95% of the Scientist focusing on war (and I do believe that is lower than I remember hearing) not many, but that is a whole musing on it's own. So back to the focus.
The topic somehow jumped from politics to religion in one statement. It started with a mention of Jehovah's Witnesses and how dedicated they are to going door to door and how if Baptist went had that much dedication... yada, yada, yada... I have some friends that are Jehovah's Witnesses and though we differ in some areas, their hearts are good and the differences I respect. Same with Catholic and I really don't know there is much of a difference with other denominations. I have friends that are Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, and some that are Atheist, Agnostic, and Pagan. I'd rather focus on the similarities than differences. Ask them if they're right and they will tell you they are. Ask me if I'm right and I'll tell you I am. I base my friendship on their heart and it isn't my job to judge them, and I'm not talking about letting murders and rapists run free, I'm saying to judge their heart.
Then tonight I sat down to read a "religious material", I have no idea what division other than it was suppose to be Christian. He quotes James in a single quote and I read about the first two and a half pages and nothing positive. It was all negative and all but that one passage, what "he thought" it meant. It was concerning charity. Usually it's Paul who is often times misquoted and the first time I've seen James, either way I'm thinking newsflash, it's suppose to be Jesus, which is who the religion of Christianity was founded on. Usually I quote my sources but this time I'll not, just as I usually look up that scripture someone has used to see what it was in context, but it just wasn't worth the effort. Clearly when he said the words "I think", the ship was sinking. He based his views on what he knew about times back then, yet he is also the type that will say to never look outside the Bible for the past. I know what he said isn't listed in the Bible on how things were run back then. So I'm thinking why is he allowed to look back at other records to study history and we're not? Am I to believe that I am to have faith in this man?
I've said this many times and I still will stand behind it. I can stand in a barn and moo. But that don't make me a cow and I'll probably not give milk, God willing, not have to eat hay either. Just as going to an church and screaming I'm a Christian, placing a symbol, and wearing a necklace don't make me a Christian either. If you lost your voice and all the possessions you have right now, would people know you are a Christian? Everybody loves the book of Revelations yet most skip the first part which addresses the churches. Oops, too close to home I guess. If Jesus was alive today, which one would you be in, the crowd that wanted to see Him punished or the crowd that followed Him? Sadly today I think most churches and members would be against the One they are suppose to be following. Just as it was back then. Back then it was the religious institutions that killed Him along with the rich, the money changers (bankers), the marketeers, the ones who profited for the system, the war mongers, and indirectly some of the ones that followed Him at a distance. The Romans carried out the sentence, not that they were the good guys either.
I wondered many years ago why a copy of the New Testament only was given out and later I found out why. Check the word New. Except for some prophecies and background, plus 10 Laws, we could skip the Old Testament It helps to know what Jesus, The Disciples, and Paul were talking about, but then again some of what was referenced isn't in the standard Bible but in books taken out when it was complied, then shortened again. What it boils down to is highlighted pretty clear and plain. Love. It ain't easy to be a Christian and many times I fall short, thus I rely on Grace. I try and right my wrongs because I have Faith, not in myself but in Jesus the Christ. So the question at hand today is this, and I don't want an answer, answer that to yourself first, then to God. If an event happened, say a Tornado (but use whatever), and it took everything you had and in the process you lost your ability to speak or sign, would anybody know you are a Christian? Would your actions show it? And now another question. Do the ones who believe differently respect and like you? (Different than fear).
So I'll end this now with a few quotes. Not from someone else, but Jesus. I urge you to read for yourself and research for yourself.Is this the Man you follow, or are you following someone else that is easier. Please don't answer to me, that is between you and God just as mine is between me and God.
Matthew 5:
King James Version (KJV)
3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
13Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
42Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
43Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
2Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
3But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
4That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
5And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
6But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
2For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
3And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
43Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Matthew 6
1Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.2Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
3But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
4That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
5And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
6But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
Matthew 7
1Judge not, that ye be not judged.2For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
3And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
Matthew 7
13Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Matthew 26:52
Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
Luke 17:3
Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
Matthew 6:15
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Mark 11:25
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Mark 11:26
But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
You get the idea now. Peace...
How to do it:
Matthew 6:
7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
9After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11Give us this day our daily bread.
12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
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