Peter T 5/12/04

Thanks Peter, this exercise proved to me I need to spend more time in the scripture.

>>Do these people realize that these alleged "quotes" were written long after his death by people who were not present when the "quotes" were originally made?>Do these people realize that these alleged "quotes" were written long after his death by people who were not present when the "quotes" were originally made?>Do these people realize that these alleged "quotes" were written long after his death by people who were not present when the "quotes" were originally made?Do these people realize that these alleged "quotes" were written long after his death by people who were not present when the "quotes" were originally made?Do these people realize that these alleged "quotes" were written long after his death by people who were not present when the "quotes" were originally made?

We do understand that many were written long after Jesus' resurrection. However, although Moses wasn't around in the garden or for the Flood, and too that; John, Jesus' beloved disciple, lived into his 90's and wrote 5 books or epistles from first hand experience; all are scripture inspired and preserved by God. So in essence God used some of his creatures as scribes just as he uses some to speak for him, and will again. The Jewish and Christian scriptures promise that, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for...", that, "...O Lord thou shalt preserve them(His words) from this generation for ever.". Both testaments teach that God is knowable in "spirit and truth".

My premise as a young man was to sit down with many of the multitude of english bibles side by side and compare them because it made no sense to me that they were all God's word. Why would God have multiple scriptures that were somewhat similar, but in important doctrinal areas decidedly divergent? (The answer to that 'why' has nothing to do with God though:) Ultimately I determined that one bible was more of everything than the others: more elegant, more succinct, more clear, more demanding, less ambiguous, more pointed; more disturbing to my sensibilities, easier to understand, more pleasing to the Spirit within(who unconsciously assured me that that one is my word), that was authorized as the scripture demands by a king(although I wasn't consciously aware of this one at the time),etc. I'm usually NOT AWARE when the Lord is working on me, hopefully others are, but me, even after I put my eternal hope in Jesus Christ, I was a work in progress who was misguidedly resistant. I think it was/is just the way I was designed; or at least I hope, phew! Years later I discovered an area of thought called textual criticism, which is somewhat related in that it is used primarily to discredit one bible in particular. And then of course, once one believes on God's terms, we are given(or sealed with) the Comforter Jesus promised Joh 16:13* "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth:...." He is our teacher/taskmaster within. As an old teenager with a limited education, I just wanted the truth, and thankfully I was led to it. The scripture teaches that God draws men to him through His Son by the person of the Holy Spirit so that we too can one day distant be sons of God. But the other side of that coin is whether the drawn desires the truth of God. Without reservation I believe that if a man(in the generic sense for you PC readers) wants to know the truth, what he needs will be revealed, BUT we've gotta want to know the truth. So you see, it all comes down to what we are 'individually willing' to believe. That also is why I will not be judged for your actions, but mine alone. It is also why it is important to look at Hell as a place where people go because of what they will not believe. Afterall, if you really strip down what you think you know from what you merely accept on faith - is not the reality that, as a matter of course, you primarily operate on faith everyday anyway. So why do folks choose to believe anything but Jesus: and the answer is: Joh 3:19* And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

>> Shouldn't thinking 21st Century people question the authorship and veracity of these statements?> Shouldn't thinking 21st Century people question the authorship and veracity of these statements?> Shouldn't thinking 21st Century people question the authorship and veracity of these statements? Shouldn't thinking 21st Century people question the authorship and veracity of these statements? Shouldn't thinking 21st Century people question the authorship and veracity of these statements?

Sure, we should question. But are you coming to any workable solutions, or just questioning endlessly? Have you found peace of mind or are you just going wherever the flow goes? Do you have any assurance of what happens to you once you die? Nearly all of us will die. What if the scripture is right, and the moment you die your eternal destination is fixed based on what you did or didn't decide to believe before you died? I am not presuming, I ask?

>> Also, why do so many of these people feel so compelled to share their belief system with others?> Also, why do so many of these people feel so compelled to share their belief system with others?> Also, why do so many of these people feel so compelled to share their belief system with others? Also, why do so many of these people feel so compelled to share their belief system with others? Also, why do so many of these people feel so compelled to share their belief system with others?

Mr 16:15* And he(Jesus) said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. One example.

>> Personally, I am happy to engage in such talk but understand that for most people, talk of the weather, or the Red Sox, will suffice.> Personally, I am happy to engage in such talk but understand that for most people, talk of the weather, or the Red Sox, will suffice.> Personally, I am happy to engage in such talk but understand that for most people, talk of the weather, or the Red Sox, will suffice. Personally, I am happy to engage in such talk but understand that for most people, talk of the weather, or the Red Sox, will suffice. Personally, I am happy to engage in such talk but understand that for most people, talk of the weather, or the Red Sox, will suffice.

Refer to John 3:19 above.

>> Don't misunderstand me with respect to Jesus. As depicted in the Gospels, he's one righteous man and I embrace much of his teachings. >> As to the question of his being the "Son of God". I'd be lying if I said I believed he was.> Don't misunderstand me with respect to Jesus. As depicted in the Gospels, he's one righteous man and I embrace much of his teachings. >> As to the question of his being the "Son of God". I'd be lying if I said I believed he was.> Don't misunderstand me with respect to Jesus. As depicted in the Gospels, he's one righteous man and I embrace much of his teachings. >> As to the question of his being the "Son of God". I'd be lying if I said I believed he was. Don't misunderstand me with respect to Jesus. As depicted in the Gospels, he's one righteous man and I embrace much of his teachings. >> As to the question of his being the "Son of God". I'd be lying if I said I believed he was. Don't misunderstand me with respect to Jesus. As depicted in the Gospels, he's one righteous man and I embrace much of his teachings. >> As to the question of his being the "Son of God". I'd be lying if I said I believed he was.> As to the question of his being the "Son of God". I'd be lying if I said I believed he was.> As to the question of his being the "Son of God". I'd be lying if I said I believed he was. As to the question of his being the "Son of God". I'd be lying if I said I believed he was. As to the question of his being the "Son of God". I'd be lying if I said I believed he was.

From the scriptures point of view(& mine too) that is unfortunate: 1Jo 4:15* Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 1Jo 5:5* Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 1Jo 5:10* He that believeth in the Son of God hath the witness in himself; he that believeth not God hath made Him a liar, because he believeth not the record that God gave of His Son. 1Jo 5:13* These things I have written unto you that believe in the name of the Son of God, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe in the name of the Son of God. 1Jo 5:20* And we know that the Son of God is come and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true; and we are in Him that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and Eternal Life.

>> And let me ask you, what is one to do when one has such "reservations" about Jesus' legitimacy?> And let me ask you, what is one to do when one has such "reservations" about Jesus' legitimacy?> And let me ask you, what is one to do when one has such "reservations" about Jesus' legitimacy? And let me ask you, what is one to do when one has such "reservations" about Jesus' legitimacy? And let me ask you, what is one to do when one has such "reservations" about Jesus' legitimacy?

My advice it three fold: people can believe anything they want-and we do-so change your mind; and if you mean it, confess your difficulty to God while also confessing you desire assure of the truth; and finally, one(of many) portion of scripture assures man that we know of God's existence: Romans 1:19, ¶ Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

>> Should I be a hypocrite and just babble endlessly that he is the Lord!> Should I be a hypocrite and just babble endlessly that he is the Lord!> Should I be a hypocrite and just babble endlessly that he is the Lord! Should I be a hypocrite and just babble endlessly that he is the Lord! Should I be a hypocrite and just babble endlessly that he is the Lord!

NO, but once again, change your mind and quit being that particular sort of hypocrite. (Even after one believes he remains a hypocrite, because we are still sinful creatures with fleshly lusts that we inevitably give in to(in some form or other): Paul encountered our Saviour on the road to Damascus and yet he found it necessary to confess his sin he found within; how much more us who operate without the benefit of that sight?) And isn't better than going to an alien environment that wasn't mean for you: Mt 25:41* Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: It's something to think about. And so is this-Jesus speaking: Luke 16 19* ¶ There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20* And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22* And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23* And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24* And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25* But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26* And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27* Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29* Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30* And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31* And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

>> What kind of a follower would I be? A pretty shallow one I would reckon. I'll keep searching, while acknowledging that I may not find what I seek.> What kind of a follower would I be? A pretty shallow one I would reckon. I'll keep searching, while acknowledging that I may not find what I seek.> What kind of a follower would I be? A pretty shallow one I would reckon. I'll keep searching, while acknowledging that I may not find what I seek. What kind of a follower would I be? A pretty shallow one I would reckon. I'll keep searching, while acknowledging that I may not find what I seek. What kind of a follower would I be? A pretty shallow one I would reckon. I'll keep searching, while acknowledging that I may not find what I seek.

Better to be a shallow follower of Jesus than not one at all. Joel 2:32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call. Ac 2:21* And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Ro 10:13* For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

>> Still, please understand my hesitation at taking the leap of faith that you take when you state that the gospels in question are divinely inspired. You've taken leaps of faith all your life, why not this one? I mean if there is nothing to it, you won't be changed any way, right? But what if you are changed?!? What if He is what you are looking for and you don't take the leap? What are you going to say to Him when He questions you- which he will all of us: Rev 20 11* ¶ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12* And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13* And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14* And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15* And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Rev 21 1* ¶ And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2* And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3* And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4* And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5* And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6* And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7* He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8* But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.> Still, please understand my hesitation at taking the leap of faith that you take when you state that the gospels in question are divinely inspired. You've taken leaps of faith all your life, why not this one? I mean if there is nothing to it, you won't be changed any way, right? But what if you are changed?!? What if He is what you are looking for and you don't take the leap? What are you going to say to Him when He questions you- which he will all of us: Rev 20 11* ¶ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12* And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13* And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14* And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15* And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Rev 21 1* ¶ And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2* And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3* And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4* And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5* And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6* And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7* He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8* But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.> Still, please understand my hesitation at taking the leap of faith that you take when you state that the gospels in question are divinely inspired. You've taken leaps of faith all your life, why not this one? I mean if there is nothing to it, you won't be changed any way, right? But what if you are changed?!? What if He is what you are looking for and you don't take the leap? What are you going to say to Him when He questions you- which he will all of us: Rev 20 11* ¶ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12* And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13* And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14* And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15* And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Rev 21 1* ¶ And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2* And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3* And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4* And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5* And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6* And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7* He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8* But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Still, please understand my hesitation at taking the leap of faith that you take when you state that the gospels in question are divinely inspired. You've taken leaps of faith all your life, why not this one? I mean if there is nothing to it, you won't be changed any way, right? But what if you are changed?!? What if He is what you are looking for and you don't take the leap? What are you going to say to Him when He questions you- which he will all of us: Rev 20 11* ¶ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12* And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13* And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14* And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15* And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Rev 21 1* ¶ And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2* And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3* And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4* And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5* And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6* And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7* He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8* But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Still, please understand my hesitation at taking the leap of faith that you take when you state that the gospels in question are divinely inspired. You've taken leaps of faith all your life, why not this one? I mean if there is nothing to it, you won't be changed any way, right? But what if you are changed?!? What if He is what you are looking for and you don't take the leap? What are you going to say to Him when He questions you- which he will all of us: Rev 20 11* ¶ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12* And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13* And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14* And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15* And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Rev 21 1* ¶ And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2* And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3* And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4* And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5* And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6* And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7* He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8* But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

>> Do you view the Old and New Testaments as both divinely inspired?> Do you view the Old and New Testaments as both divinely inspired?> Do you view the Old and New Testaments as both divinely inspired? Do you view the Old and New Testaments as both divinely inspired? Do you view the Old and New Testaments as both divinely inspired?

Why of course they are, either 100% true(once you find the right so called version) or 100% bunk. Rev 22 18* For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19* And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. This is only referring to Revelations but I believe I noted elsewhere God's promise to preserve his word forever and there are other's: His scripture promises that, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for...", that, "...O Lord thou shalt preserve them(His words) from this generation for ever.". Both testaments teach that God is knowable in "spirit and truth".

>> If so, how do you reconcile those sections (the majority of which are undoubtedly in the Old Testament), that are so obviously destructive and, in my opinion, repugnant (selling one's daughter into slavery, slaying recalcitrant children at the city gates, slaying anyone who works on the Sabbath, buring someone to death if they sleep with their in-laws, there are many, many more as I'm sure you are aware). > If so, how do you reconcile those sections (the majority of which are undoubtedly in the Old Testament), that are so obviously destructive and, in my opinion, repugnant (selling one's daughter into slavery, slaying recalcitrant children at the city gates, slaying anyone who works on the Sabbath, buring someone to death if they sleep with their in-laws, there are many, many more as I'm sure you are aware). > If so, how do you reconcile those sections (the majority of which are undoubtedly in the Old Testament), that are so obviously destructive and, in my opinion, repugnant (selling one's daughter into slavery, slaying recalcitrant children at the city gates, slaying anyone who works on the Sabbath, buring someone to death if they sleep with their in-laws, there are many, many more as I'm sure you are aware). If so, how do you reconcile those sections (the majority of which are undoubtedly in the Old Testament), that are so obviously destructive and, in my opinion, repugnant (selling one's daughter into slavery, slaying recalcitrant children at the city gates, slaying anyone who works on the Sabbath, buring someone to death if they sleep with their in-laws, there are many, many more as I'm sure you are aware). If so, how do you reconcile those sections (the majority of which are undoubtedly in the Old Testament), that are so obviously destructive and, in my opinion, repugnant (selling one's daughter into slavery, slaying recalcitrant children at the city gates, slaying anyone who works on the Sabbath, buring someone to death if they sleep with their in-laws, there are many, many more as I'm sure you are aware).

I don't suppose God much cares for my opinions where I cross Him- and thus, where I am wrong -since he created me. Thus He can do whatever He likes with us - His creation. God is God and we just the clay. Probably not satisfactory to your sensibilities but God is God and you're searching for what you know not. 1Co 1:25* Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. Who are we to judge God? Assuming he created us. >> What is your take on these?> What is your take on these?> What is your take on these? What is your take on these? What is your take on these?

I don't claim to understand everything in the scripture. I certainly don't like everything. But I accept my place in the actual reality of the universe: 1Pe 1:24* For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

>> It seems to me that Christians pick and choose among these religious tenents according to what suits their agenda. > It seems to me that Christians pick and choose among these religious tenents according to what suits their agenda. > It seems to me that Christians pick and choose among these religious tenents according to what suits their agenda. It seems to me that Christians pick and choose among these religious tenents according to what suits their agenda. It seems to me that Christians pick and choose among these religious tenents according to what suits their agenda.

No argument here. All the brands of so-called christianity testify to that. However, that doesn't change the fact that you are looking for something you find wanting inside yourself. And it doesn't change the fact that faith in: 1 Cor 15 1* ¶ Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2* By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3* For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4* And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: is the answer to your emptiness, whether you ever believe it or not. Many mix in Judism and Christianity and worse. But the truth is either knowable and able to be found or it is not. What you do with it is what you will be judged upon.

>> How often do we hear Leviticus quoted when putting down gays? > How often do we hear Leviticus quoted when putting down gays? > How often do we hear Leviticus quoted when putting down gays? How often do we hear Leviticus quoted when putting down gays? How often do we hear Leviticus quoted when putting down gays?

Is it about putting them down or warning them? Probably both in many instances. But the homosexuals love it - looking victumized. They never quote Romans 1. The reason they love it is because it doesn't apply presently, and they know it - or else they would find a nice comfy closet real quick. Scripturally speaking this is the Age of Grace. Christians are not instructed to kill them. But the Law will return, during the Tribulation and Millennium. By the way, I don't hate homosexuals: even the ones who wouldn't take no for an answer, I have often enjoyed the company of the many I have known. I was pursued much to frequently from the age of 14 to about 30. The whole baby face thing...so please don't anyone try to tell me I have no understanding of the true nature of homosexuality. And if you think about the mechanics and biology, you have to admit it is a filthy habit that has had numerous diseased results. And do you use adult diapers as a result of your sexual habits?

>> Don't you have to embrace it all if you truly believe these are God's rules that we must live by?> Don't you have to embrace it all if you truly believe these are God's rules that we must live by?> Don't you have to embrace it all if you truly believe these are God's rules that we must live by? Don't you have to embrace it all if you truly believe these are God's rules that we must live by? Don't you have to embrace it all if you truly believe these are God's rules that we must live by?

If you are referring to embracing the entirety of the scripture: the single most important thing for you embrace is: John 3 15* ...That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. LO that whosoever believes on him may not perish, but obtain eternal life: 16* For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17* For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18* He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 36* He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. d That's what one/you must believe in order to be saved, and that is the only thing(consider the thief on the cross next Jesus: Luke 23 32* ¶ And there were also two others, malefactors, led with Him to be put to death. 33* And when they had come to the place which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34* Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they parted His raiment and cast lots. 35* And the people stood beholding. And the rulers who were also with them derided Him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he be Christ, the chosen of God.” 36 And the soldiers also mocked Him, coming to Him and offering Him vinegar 37 and saying, “If thou art the king of the Jews, save thyself.” 38* And a superscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek and Latin and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 39* And one of the malefactors who was hanged railed against Him, saying, “If thou be Christ, save thyself and us!” 40* But the other answering rebuked him, saying, “Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art under the same condemnation? 41* And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds. But this Man hath done nothing amiss.” 42* And he said unto Jesus, “Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy Kingdom.” 43* And Jesus said unto him, “Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with Me in Paradise.”

The thief knew who was who, how about you Peter? People only go to Hell because they refuse to believe Jesus is the Son of God who died, unjustly but willing, in order to pay the price for His human creatures sins.

Ac 1:11* who also said, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into Heaven.”

This is probably woefully inadequate but I hope to see you in the clouds anyhow.