To me, what passes for Christianity nowadays is very different from the first-generation passion of what it meant to follow Jesus back then. And that may be why the church isn’t connecting with our current culture. The gospel of grace was and is an irresistible message. The first century approach of advancing the gospel of grace modeled by Jesus and His apostles and His other followers is the exception rather than the rule nowadays. It’s no wonder that so many resist it, reject it, and rebuff its followers. I do not think the fault lies with Jesus or His teachings or His life’s example. He taught a simple ethic in the great commandment: love God and love others.
But a heckuva bunch more than that is exemplified by many Christians nowadays...and they’d seemingly rather only correct unbelievers than connect with them. Those first century Jesus followers lived in the butthole of the Roman Empire, and they were a subjugated people. Life was hard for them every single day in ways that we can only imagine. Would they be attracted to what passes for Christianity nowadays...? Not likely. But they were attracted to the early...and accurate...Christian faith. They were attracted to what Christianity originally was.
And guess what...? The resurrection was at the very center of their apologetic...it was THE foundation of their faith. And to me, the resurrection should be at the very center of our apologetic as well...and it should be THE foundation of our faith as well. The approach of those Christians made a huge positive difference in the world.
Learned long ago not to try to reason with "swine" who have no intention of wanting to know the truth.
That just doesn't sound like a very "Christian" thing to say. So is everyone who disagrees with you a swine, or just those who don't buy your sky daddy dogma?
Learned long ago not to try to reason with "swine" who have no intention of wanting to know the truth.
That just doesn't sound like a very "Christian" thing to say. So is everyone who disagrees with you a swine, or just those who don't buy your sky daddy dogma?
It certainly isn't Christian-like to return insult for insult. Many of us don't claim to be good Christians, just Christians. Many on here think they can walk all over the faith and its followers with no pushback and the same ones get angered when the faithful don't take their insults lying down. Just how it is and YMMV.
The question remains: why would a God of Love condemn people for something that is forced upon them? Accept the mark or you and your family starve is hardly a fair option. Who would not want to care for their own? Who would let their own children starve?
No, the question is what are you waiting for? The God of love has extended an open hand to you your entire life. It sounds to some of us that you responded with a clenched fist. No need for that. Just ask Him something like, please help me to believe. Then pick up the KJV Bible and start reading the gospel of John.
So many posts on this thread are based on ignorance. Ok, no worries! Answers exist, but they are only available to those that are really, genuinely seeking them. The answers are in the Bible; from what God reveals to you as you read and pray to him. There is no other way. People, pastors, priests, family, and friends can’t help. Only our Creator. But no one will go to Him
Smith and Wessons are Thoroughbreds; Rugers are Clydesdales —John Taffin
No, the question is what are you waiting for? The God of love has extended an open hand to you your entire life. It sounds to some of us that you responded with a clenched fist. No need for that. Just ask Him something like, please help me to believe. Then pick up the KJV Bible and start reading the gospel of John.
Let's say it comes to the point where you receive the Mark or become homeless and starve.....what is your choice? Not necessarily you personally, but young parents, families with children? This is a serious question.
The question remains: why would a God of Love condemn people for something that is forced upon them? Accept the mark or you and your family starve is hardly a fair option. Who would not want to care for their own? Who would let their own children starve?
Taking the mark is not your only option. Faith in God is the very most important action we can ever have taken. Also in understanding what is said in the entire book is important and for that you have to read it. I'm not saying you haven't. Look at this.
2 Corinthians 4:18
“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
We are being told how to look at everything in life and our actions are to be towards an eternal life with God. With that being said everything we do should be centered around the idea that this life in not final. We will have an eternity either in heaven or hell. So if by taking this mark you buy some comfort in this life you forfeit the life in heaven.
But back to your question. Lets say we are prevented from buying food or whatever. People of the past have bartered for what they needed. No cash involved and there will be others that haven't taken the mark that you can trade with. You'll do as you see fit in the end but nobody can re-write the Bible to make exceptions for not wanting to follow it. God has done miracles for his people before to keep them and can do it again. He parted the Red Sea for all those Hebrews about to be slaughtered by the Egyptian army. Faith is the key because God will never fail.
Learned long ago not to try to reason with "swine" who have no intention of wanting to know the truth.
That just doesn't sound like a very "Christian" thing to say. So is everyone who disagrees with you a swine, or just those who don't buy your sky daddy dogma?
It's irrelevant what you think. What matters is the truth.
Matt 7:6 King James Bible Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you
It is irrelevant what you think. What matters is the TRUTH.
Learned long ago not to try to reason with "swine" who have no intention of wanting to know the truth.
That just doesn't sound like a very "Christian" thing to say. So is everyone who disagrees with you a swine, or just those who don't buy your sky daddy dogma?
It's irrelevant what you think. What matters is the truth. P Matt 7:6 King James Bible Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you
NVhntr, I think that he was simply initially referring to the verse that he later posted. It’s just an admonition to Christians to not waste time with, or invite harassment from, those who are obviously hostile and hard hearted to the beliefs of Christians, and “who have no intention of wanting to know the truth.”