God's grace to forgive and transform is not conditioned to recognizing Jesus' deity, blood atonement or physical resurrection

[civic]

To "fish for men" effectively, we are called to be living examples of Christ's love and truth. Jesus Himself set the ultimate example, living out the Gospel in action-through His compassion, humility, and sacrifice. In Matthew 4:19, He says, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." This points to both the message we preach and the life we live. To witness to others, our actions must mirror the transformation Christ brings.

We are living epistles, as Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 3:2-3: "You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men." This emphasizes the importance of our testimony and the integrity of our lives-people are watching, and the way we live speaks louder than words.

As believers, we must avoid the trap of having "a form of godliness but denying its power" (2 Timothy 3:5). Our lives must be consistent with the Gospel we preach. In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus warns that mere verbal profession without the corresponding fruit of the Spirit is insufficient. He stresses that it's not just about talking the talk, but walking the walk.

Key Principles for Effective Witness:
Live a Christlike life (1 Peter 2:21-23).
Be ready to share the hope in you (1 Peter 3:15).
Let your good works shine (Matthew 5:16).
Speak with love and gentleness (Ephesians 4:15).
Pray for boldness (Acts 4:29-31).

Our witness is most powerful when it’s both a declaration and a demonstration of Christ’s love. We must live out the gospel in such a way that others are drawn not just to our words, but to the life we live. Through this combination of life and message, we "fish" for men and invite them to come and see the difference Christ makes.

Online AND offline-would you agree @praise_yeshua?

J.

And we are also to speak the truth in love and be ready to reprove , rebuke, correct false teaching as well.

As you know we cannot compromise the gospel and the Person and work of Christ.

 

[Johann]

And we are also to speak the truth in love and be ready to reprove , rebuke, correct false teaching as well.

As you know we cannot compromise the gospel and the Person and work of Christ.

Personally, I think we take this "rebuking thing" too far-


epitimaó G2008 [to rebuke]
epitimia G2009 [censure]

epitimao corresponds to the twofold sense of timao, "to award honor or blame," and comes into use for "to blame," "to reprove." In the LXX it is applied especially to God's rebuke (cf. Job_26:11; 2Sa_22:16; Psa_106:9; Psa_119:21).

In a limited way it is also used for human rebuke (Gen_37:10; Rth_2:16), but human reproof is often held to be presumptuous, and only judicial, pastoral, or fraternal rebuke is commended.

The NT follows the LXX 1. in treating human rebuke with great reserve.

Thus the disciples are overhasty with their rebuke in Mar_10:13, the crowd in Mar_10:48, and Peter in Mat_16:22 (Jesus here responds with his own legitimate rebuke).

The only acceptable rebuke is that of humility. Thus one of the crucified thieves rebukes the other in Luk_23:41, and one believer may rebuke another if it is done in a spirit of forgiveness (Luk_17:3).

Rebuke is especially a responsibility of pastoral oversight in 2Ti_4:2. The NT also follows the LXX 2. in regarding rebuke as essentially a prerogative of divine lordship. Only God may rightly rebuke the devil (Jud_1:9). Jesus plainly has the right of rebuke (Mar_8:33; Luk_9:55; Luk_19:39-40).

In Mar_8:30 epitiman is used to show how strict is his charge to the disciples not to disclose his messiahship at this point. The same term is one of lordship when he commands the demons to keep silence in Mar_3:12. He displays a similar power when he rebukes and expels the unclean spirit in Mar_9:25, when he rebukes the fever of Simon's mother-in-law in Luk_4:39, and when he rebukes even the elemental forces of nature in Mar_4:39. His unconditional divine power and prerogative are clearly and forcefully revealed in his epitiman .
epitimia occurs in the NT only in 2Co_2:6 as a technical term in congregational discipline for the church's "punishment" or "censure."
[E. STAUFFER]
Reference To:
epiphaino
epiphaneia
epiphanes
epiphausko
phos
epoikodomeo
oikodomeo
epouranios
ouranos

"exhort" This is another aorist active imperative. This is the same root as "encourage."

To reprove or rebuke without encouragement and patience is not Christian (cf. 2Ti_3:10; 1Ti_1:16).

Just my 2 cents brother.

J.

 

[praise_yeshua]

Our witness is most powerful when it’s both a declaration and a demonstration of Christ’s love.

We must live out the gospel in such a way that others are drawn not just to our words, but to the life we live. Through this combination of life and message, we "fish" for men and invite them to come and see the difference Christ makes.

Online AND offline-would you agree @praise_yeshua?

Not entirely. You tried to "choose your words wisely" but I believe you misunderstand the necessity of reality. There is no "loving way" to tell others about the dangers of God's judgement. God's judgement is severe.

Rom 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness,

I started to post a thread on this subject yesterday and I didn't. I'm glad I didn't. I try to have a sense of when/how to deal with the subject "at hand".

I've often said in my life that "as much as God loves, He hates." The loving longsuffering and mercy of God sooner or later turns God into a "lover scorned". I believe we must properly represent the hatred God has for those who reject Jesus Christ. I very seldom do this but there comes a time when it should be done.

John The Beloved asked those in his day the question... "Who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come".........

Luk 3:7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Luk 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

This fact is true. Very few people will actually do what it takes to bring realty into the conversation. People need to hear this. They needed to know exactly what they are and how dangerous it is to spurn the love of God fully displayed in Jesus Christ. Love comes before judgment but be certain..... there is no remedy for rejecting Jesus Christ. Only SEVERE damnation.

The way these men are treating the blood of Jesus Christ in the Atonement is blaspheme. They should clearly realize what this means. When "things" come to this point in a conversation about God. The only thing left to give them is this warning. I know they believe they are right. Let them have their own choice.

 

[praise_yeshua]

Jesus had His own will, as all men have, at least the Jesus "of the Bible" did. One of the many things that made His Life so extraordinary is the Biblical fact that HE Chose God's Will, over His own from the beginning of His human life.

Jesus' actions were not contrary to God, because Jesus "learned obedience by the things HE suffered", and Jesus "CHOSE" to "do the will" of His Father, not His Own. At least this is what Jesus Himself said in the Testimony of Witness. And it is also written;

Is. 7: 14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 15 Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know "to refuse" the evil, and "choose" the good.

You can't understand this level of faith and devotion to the Righteousness of God because you don't really believe in HIM.

Ps. 45: 7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore (Because of this) God, thy God, "hath anointed thee" with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

"Many" who call Jesus Lord, Lord, promote a religion which preaches that God anointed Jesus, "Because" HE was God, disguised as a man. Not because of the choices HE made to humble Himself to God.

Jesus warned me about these "Many" who come in His Name, through Matthew and Paul.

You clearly are presenting the scenario wherein Jesus had a will contrary to God.

Please focus on the word "contrary" I just used.

Just like us, when our will matches God's will. Our will is not just our own. It is in agreement with God. As such. We are UNIFIED in such.

Just because Jesus appealed to God's will..... it doesn't indicate that His will was contrary to God's will. Jesus is focusing to the hearer.... that He is unified with the father. NOT desiring anything contrary to Himself.

You would know this if you actually knew the doctrine of the Hypostatic Union. You have no faith in such a teaching. Thusly, you haven't put forth the effort to know it.

Man never truly seeks to know God without first expressing faith in the unknown. Those that seek...... find. It is clear that you haven't found such. You haven't sought it.

 

[praise_yeshua]

Personally, I think we take this "rebuking thing" too far-


epitimaó G2008 [to rebuke]
epitimia G2009 [censure]

epitimao corresponds to the twofold sense of timao, "to award honor or blame," and comes into use for "to blame," "to reprove." In the LXX it is applied especially to God's rebuke (cf. Job_26:11; 2Sa_22:16; Psa_106:9; Psa_119:21).

In a limited way it is also used for human rebuke (Gen_37:10; Rth_2:16), but human reproof is often held to be presumptuous, and only judicial, pastoral, or fraternal rebuke is commended.

The NT follows the LXX 1. in treating human rebuke with great reserve.

Thus the disciples are overhasty with their rebuke in Mar_10:13, the crowd in Mar_10:48, and Peter in Mat_16:22 (Jesus here responds with his own legitimate rebuke).

The only acceptable rebuke is that of humility. Thus one of the crucified thieves rebukes the other in Luk_23:41, and one believer may rebuke another if it is done in a spirit of forgiveness (Luk_17:3).

Rebuke is especially a responsibility of pastoral oversight in 2Ti_4:2. The NT also follows the LXX 2. in regarding rebuke as essentially a prerogative of divine lordship. Only God may rightly rebuke the devil (Jud_1:9). Jesus plainly has the right of rebuke (Mar_8:33; Luk_9:55; Luk_19:39-40).

In Mar_8:30 epitiman is used to show how strict is his charge to the disciples not to disclose his messiahship at this point. The same term is one of lordship when he commands the demons to keep silence in Mar_3:12. He displays a similar power when he rebukes and expels the unclean spirit in Mar_9:25, when he rebukes the fever of Simon's mother-in-law in Luk_4:39, and when he rebukes even the elemental forces of nature in Mar_4:39. His unconditional divine power and prerogative are clearly and forcefully revealed in his epitiman .
epitimia occurs in the NT only in 2Co_2:6 as a technical term in congregational discipline for the church's "punishment" or "censure."
[E. STAUFFER]
Reference To:
epiphaino
epiphaneia
epiphanes
epiphausko
phos
epoikodomeo
oikodomeo
epouranios
ouranos

"exhort" This is another aorist active imperative. This is the same root as "encourage."

To reprove or rebuke without encouragement and patience is not Christian (cf. 2Ti_3:10; 1Ti_1:16).

Just my 2 cents brother.

J.

So you really believe "rebuke" lacks encouragement to do otherwise?

What are you going to do next. Grovel?

Did Jesus GROVEL? GROVELING doesn't really change anyone. I've seen people do this over the years. I actually watched as people literally begged a person to get saved to the point that person literally had a mental breakdown and would have done anything to get out of the situation. Including.... COMPLY with the request.

Jesus seeks the willing. We MUST be willing. There is no meaningfulness in simply trying to please someone you don't really care about.

 

[Johann]

So you really believe "rebuke" lacks encouragement to do otherwise?

What are you going to do next. Grovel?

Did Jesus GROVEL? GROVELING doesn't really change anyone. I've seen people do this over the years. I actually watched as people literally begged a person to get saved to the point that person literally had a mental breakdown and would have done anything to get out of the situation. Including.... COMPLY with the request.

Jesus seeks the willing. We MUST be willing. There is no meaningfulness in simply trying to please someone you don't really care about.

What did Jesus do in "fishing for men"? He approached people with authority, commanding them with clear imperatives rather than groveling or pleading. When He called His disciples, He simply said, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). There was no hesitation or indecision-He walked with confidence, giving them a clear call to action. Jesus didn’t shy away from confrontation when necessary, but He always sought the heart of the matter without attacking the person.

There is a delicate balance between rebuking someone for their faults and attacking their character. In Matthew 7:3-5, Jesus warns against the danger of focusing on the speck in another’s eye while ignoring the log in our own. “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?” This highlights the importance of humility before attempting correction.

Jesus also taught the importance of rebuke with love and gentleness, saying in Galatians 6:1, “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” This rebuke should be done with a spirit of restoration, not condemnation.

Furthermore, pride can manifest in many ways, often as a blind spot that leads to an inability to correct one’s own faults. Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” It’s easy to become so focused on rebuking others that we fail to examine our own hearts. Jesus often called attention to the need for inner transformation first (Matthew 23:25-26), reminding us that true righteousness begins within, not just in outward actions.

When correcting others, James 4:6 reminds us that “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” It’s critical to approach others with the humility that Jesus demonstrated, recognizing our own faults before attempting to correct others.

Cheers.

J.

 

[civic]

What did Jesus do in "fishing for men"? He approached people with authority, commanding them with clear imperatives rather than groveling or pleading. When He called His disciples, He simply said, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). There was no hesitation or indecision-He walked with confidence, giving them a clear call to action. Jesus didn’t shy away from confrontation when necessary, but He always sought the heart of the matter without attacking the person.

There is a delicate balance between rebuking someone for their faults and attacking their character. In Matthew 7:3-5, Jesus warns against the danger of focusing on the speck in another’s eye while ignoring the log in our own. “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?” This highlights the importance of humility before attempting correction.

Jesus also taught the importance of rebuke with love and gentleness, saying in Galatians 6:1, “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” This rebuke should be done with a spirit of restoration, not condemnation.

Furthermore, pride can manifest in many ways, often as a blind spot that leads to an inability to correct one’s own faults. Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” It’s easy to become so focused on rebuking others that we fail to examine our own hearts. Jesus often called attention to the need for inner transformation first (Matthew 23:25-26), reminding us that true righteousness begins within, not just in outward actions.

When correcting others, James 4:6 reminds us that “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” It’s critical to approach others with the humility that Jesus demonstrated, recognizing our own faults before attempting to correct others.

Cheers.

J.

Jesus said get thee behind me Satan to Peter. Paul rebuked Peter to his face in front of the Jews for his hypocrisy. What do we have to do with judging outsiders ? God judges them we are to remove the wicked from our midst. A little leaven leavens whole lump.

Read Hebrews 12 for the discipline and correction of the Lord.

 

[DavidTree]

I roasted lots of coffee beans last weekend I'm enjoying right now drinking my pourover coffee

Smells GREAT and tastes even BETTER

 

[Johann]

Jesus said get thee behind me Satan to Peter. Paul rebuked Peter to his face in front of the Jews for his hypocrisy. What do we have to do with judging outsiders ? God judges them we are to remove the wicked from our midst. A little leaven leavens whole lump.

Read Hebrews 12 for the discipline and correction of the Lord.

Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Do Not Grow Weary
Heb 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Heb 12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
Heb 12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

See here @civic-- which agrees with my post-guess you didn't read it.

Heb 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Heb 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
Heb 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
Heb 12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
Heb 12:10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
Heb 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Heb 12:12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
Heb 12:13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Heb 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
Heb 12:16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
Heb 12:17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken
Heb 12:18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
Heb 12:19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:
Heb 12:20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:
Heb 12:21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake
Heb 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
Heb 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
Heb 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
Heb 12:25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:
Heb 12:26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.
Heb 12:27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
Heb 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
Heb 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.

Here is my take-better to be rebuked by the Lord than by fallible men-you have steel manned my point.

J.

 

[DavidTree]

And we are also to speak the truth in love and be ready to reprove , rebuke, correct false teaching as well.

As you know we cannot compromise the gospel and the Person and work of Christ.

@Johann = in NJ there are many many muslims now of which i share JESUS with in His Love and in His Truth

THREE short SIMPLE STRAIGH-FORWARD passages of scripture say it all, from who receives Salvation to who receives Judgment

John 1:10-13

John 3:16-18

John 8:24


Make no mistake, Jihad is in the waiting and they are eager to carry it out.

 

[Johann]

@Johann = in NJ there are many many muslims now of which i share JESUS with in His Love and in His Truth

THREE short SIMPLE STRAIGH-FORWARD passages of scripture say it all, from who receives Salvation to who receives Judgment

John 1:10-13

John 3:16-18

John 8:24


Make no mistake, Jihad is in the waiting and they are eager to carry it out.

I fully concur with the 3 verses @DavidTree and here is another one-

2Ti 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
2Ti 3:11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
2Ti 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
2Ti 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
2Ti 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;--

Right?

J.

 

[Doug Brents]

I am opening the thread to discuss and refute the commonly held view that God's grace that forgives and changes the life of people is conditioned to their acceptance of doctrines such as Jesus' deity, blood atonement or physical resurrection.

I will do it following two main lines of argumentation: The analysis of reality, and the analysis of Scriptures.

• Reality shows that people from all religions are forgiven and transformed.
• Across the Bible, God never demanded the sinner to hold those beliefs in order to be forgiven and transformed. All references found in Scriptures to rituals or oral confessions as requisites for salvation do not represent a superstitious appeal to a salvation based on rituals or oral confessions. They must be understood within the context in which such references were made.

I'm inviting anyone interested in presenting arguments in a spirit of respect and brotherhood.

1 Cor 15:12-17 - If Christ is not raised from the dead, then we are false preachers preaching against God, and you are still in your sins.
If you do not accept that Christ Jesus is raised from the dead, then any faith you claim to have is vain, dead, worthless, and meaningless.

If Jesus is not God, then He lied when He said that He was one with God (John 10:30), and therefore sinned, and cannot be the pure, holy lamb that takes away the sin of the world. So if you don't believe He is God, then you believe He lied, and the faith you claim to have is again vain, dead, worthless, and meaningless.

If you don't believe that His pure blood is the atonement for sin, then you don't really believe that the Scriptures are God's Word, and so all of the faith you claim to have is again vain, dead, worthless, and meaningless.

All of these doctrines are so intrinsic to being a Christ follower that if you do not hold these beliefs then you are not really a Christ follower. And since He is the ONLY way to be saved from sin, you remain condemned in sin and are bound for Hell for eternity.

 

[Studyman]

Saved by following the Christs instruction. Impossible. And your christ is impersonal just the opposite of the personal Christ of the Bible.

Yes, I know what this world's religious businesses preach about being a "Doer" of Christ's Sayings, and not a hearer only. "Impossible" you all preach. So you create your own image of God, with your own judgments and your own high days as did the religions of this world before you.

Truly there is nothing new under the sun.

 

[praise_yeshua]

What did Jesus do in "fishing for men"? He approached people with authority, commanding them with clear imperatives rather than groveling or pleading. When He called His disciples, He simply said, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). There was no hesitation or indecision-He walked with confidence, giving them a clear call to action. Jesus didn’t shy away from confrontation when necessary, but He always sought the heart of the matter without attacking the person.

Brother, this is contrary to fact.

Joh 8:21 Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.
Joh 8:22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.
Joh 8:23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
Joh 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

Can you explain why you're insisting that Jesus didn't attack anyone and we KNOW this is not true. I can read the Scriptures. I know you're wrong. Dead wrong.

What did Jonah do in Nineveh? I could go on and on and on.....

You're wearing "rose colored glasses".....

 

[praise_yeshua]

Yes, I know what this world's religious businesses preach about being a "Doer" of Christ's Sayings, and not a hearer only. "Impossible" you all preach. So you create your own image of God, with your own judgments and your own high days as did the religions of this world before you.

Truly there is nothing new under the sun.

You don't know God without Jesus.

 

[Studyman]

Like calling me "Copeland". Is that a label meant to marginalize? Physician, heal thyself.

If I called you "Copeland" it probably would. But I didn't. Again, you just made it up whole cloth, so you have something to argue against.

The symbol of the cross has been used by pagans. However, that doesn't make it pagan. Pagans use many things in an attempt to mimic Jesus Christ. Much like you're doing now.

The Symbol of the "Cross" was created by Pagans in worship of their images of god created in the Likness of men. Placing Jesus name on a Pagan Symbol doesn't "cleanse the Symbol", just as placing Jesus Name on an image of God, doesn't erase idolatry, just as placing Jesus name on a Pagan high day, doesn't make the high day holy, just as calling Jesus Lord, Lord, doesn't make you Holy.

These things are all true. Do they matter? Maybe not, nevertheless they are true.

I can actually compare you to Jesus Christ. I KNOW that you're not like Jesus Christ. You're a pretender. A fake. A tattered facsimile.

Thank you again for your blessings.

Jesus is so much BETTER than you.

I have never implied anything differently.

You even know you are. Just pretending. Just like the angels that fell. You know your end. That doesn't stop you from being what you are.

Again, thank you for your perpetual blessings. I am humbled.

I haven't praised you. Never. You're delusional.

Again, I have never implied such a thing. Perhaps you should take your Meds.

You're caught in your own illusion in your mind. There goes that "marginalization" effort again.....

Physician. Heal thyself.

Thank you again Jesus, for the blessings being rained down on me for Your sake.

You might be "past hope". You're certainly not an apostle. Nor are you like Paul. More pretending on your part.

How sad it must be, to live with a heart filled with so much hatred, resentment and bitterness.

I thought God sent Mohammad? You have no right to name Jesus Christ when you believe what you believe about Him. You blaspheme His name.

So which is it. Mohammad or Jesus? You can't have both. Mohammad had epilepsy and hated humanity. He was like Satan. He only loved his own. Satan loves his own.

Thank you Jesus, for showing me the true "Praise Yeshua". Please don't hold these sins against him, he simply doesn't know any better.

 

[civic]

You don't know God without Jesus.

Amen

 

[praise_yeshua]

If I called you "Copeland" it probably would. But I didn't. Again, you just made it up whole cloth, so you have something to argue against.

You used the phrase "like you and Copeland" without any delineating distinctions. Jesus doesn't lie. He has never lied. You are different than Jesus.

The Symbol of the "Cross" was created by Pagans in worship of their images of god created in the Likness of men. Placing Jesus name on a Pagan Symbol doesn't "cleanse the Symbol", just as placing Jesus Name on an image of God, doesn't erase idolatry, just as placing Jesus name on a Pagan high day, doesn't make the high day holy, just as calling Jesus Lord, Lord, doesn't make you Holy.

These things are all true. Do they matter? Maybe not, nevertheless they are true.

Repeating a lie don't make it true. The evidence does show that pagans used the image. Like a good pagan you know how to steal and twist things in fabricate nonsense as being true. Satan does it all the time.

Thank you again for your blessings.
I have never implied anything differently.
Again, thank you for your perpetual blessings. I am humbled.

You can be more creative with your sarcasm. Please do. I do enjoy good sarcasm. I haven't seen any from you yet.

Thank you Jesus, for showing me the true "Praise Yeshua". Please don't hold these sins against him, he simply doesn't know any better.

Who are you trying to deceive? I've been no different with you from the beginning. I grant hope to those are still alive. You're still alive. I see no hope for you unless you change. You are capable of changes but you don't even know HOW you need to change.

I tell you what. Tell me a single thing you would change about yourself. Just one. I'd love to know. It will help you as well.

 

[DavidTree]

If I called you "Copeland" it probably would. But I didn't. Again, you just made it up whole cloth, so you have something to argue against.



The Symbol of the "Cross" was created by Pagans in worship of their images of god created in the Likness of men. Placing Jesus name on a Pagan Symbol doesn't "cleanse the Symbol", just as placing Jesus Name on an image of God, doesn't erase idolatry, just as placing Jesus name on a Pagan high day, doesn't make the high day holy, just as calling Jesus Lord, Lord, doesn't make you Holy.

These things are all true. Do they matter? Maybe not, nevertheless they are true.



Thank you again for your blessings.



I have never implied anything differently.



Again, thank you for your perpetual blessings. I am humbled.



Again, I have never implied such a thing. Perhaps you should take your Meds.



Thank you again Jesus, for the blessings being rained down on me for Your sake.



How sad it must be, to live with a heart filled with so much hatred, resentment and bitterness.



Thank you Jesus, for showing me the true "Praise Yeshua". Please don't hold these sins against him, he simply doesn't know any better.

Whose idea was it that JESUS should be nailed to a 'cross"???

 

[Johann]

Brother, this is contrary to fact.

Joh 8:21 Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.
Joh 8:22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.
Joh 8:23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
Joh 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

Can you explain why you're insisting that Jesus didn't attack anyone and we KNOW this is not true. I can read the Scriptures. I know you're wrong. Dead wrong.

What did Jonah do in Nineveh? I could go on and on and on.....

You're wearing "rose colored glasses".....

Depends through what lenses you read the Scriptures-there's nothing I can learn from you. Jesus did NOT attack anyone.


In Jesus' ministry, His approach to individuals varied depending on their heart posture and intent. He never attacked anyone with malice or personal vengeance but did confront hypocrisy, false teaching, and unrepentance with strong, direct words.

Instances Where Jesus Confronted with Strong Language:
Rebuking the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law

In Matthew 23, Jesus delivers a series of "woes" (οὐαὶ) to the Pharisees, condemning their hypocrisy. He calls them "hypocrites" (ὑποκριταί) and "blind guides" (τυφλοὶ ὁδηγοί), accusing them of outward religiosity while neglecting justice, mercy, and faith (Matthew 23:23-28).

For example, in Matthew 23:27, He says: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs (τάφοι κεκονιαμένοι), which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness.”
Driving Out Money Changers in the Temple

In John 2:14-16, Jesus overturns tables and drives out the money changers, accusing them of turning His Father’s house into a "market" (ἐμπορίον). His righteous anger is expressed through His actions and words, emphasizing His authority over the temple.
Calling Herod a "Fox"

In Luke 13:32, Jesus refers to Herod as a "fox" (ἀλώπηξ), a term implying cunning and deceitfulness. This was not an attack on Herod personally but a critique of his corrupt and self-serving leadership.
Confronting Peter's Misguided Words

In Matthew 16:23, Jesus rebukes Peter, saying, “Get behind me, Satan! (ὕπαγε ὀπίσω μου, Σατανᾶ).” Here, Jesus uses Σατανᾶ ("adversary") not to attack Peter personally but to address the spirit of opposition to God’s will that Peter was expressing.
Engaging the Canaanite Woman

In Matthew 15:26, Jesus initially responds to the Canaanite woman with a parabolic statement: “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs (κυνάρια).” While "dogs" might seem offensive, the diminutive form κυνάρια ("little dogs") softens the term, indicating a test of her faith rather than an outright insult. Her persistent faith is ultimately commended.

Key Observations:
Purposeful Confrontation: Jesus’ strong words were directed at exposing sin, hypocrisy, or lack of faith. His confrontations served to correct, teach, and call people to repentance, not to demean or attack.

Authority in Truth: Jesus' confrontational statements carried divine authority, as seen in His use of imperatives like “Woe” (οὐαί) or “Get behind me” (ὕπαγε).

Compassionate Rebuke: Even when confronting sin, Jesus always left room for repentance and transformation (e.g., John 8:11, addressing the adulterous woman).

Jesus’ ministry balanced grace and truth (John 1:14). While He used strong language to challenge pride, error, and sin, His ultimate goal was restoration and reconciliation, exemplifying the perfect balance of love and justice.


You are not Jesus, and it is not lawful for you to usurp His divine prerogative by using it as justification to "attack" another member. Christ’s authority is unique, and He wielded it perfectly in righteousness and truth (Matthew 28:18). As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His character, speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and being slow to anger, for “the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20).

Jesus’ authority to rebuke came from His divine nature and perfect understanding of the human heart (John 2:24-25). As fallible humans, we are instructed to correct one another gently, with humility, and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 6:1), not with a spirit of attack or superiority. Let our words edify and bring peace (Colossians 4:6).

Again-for clarity-Jesus did NOT attack anyone in His short stay on earth-and YOU are not Jesus @praise_yeshua.

Capiche?

Johann.