@Ievolovel But, my basis for believing was deeper than just a knowledge-based understanding of Christianity. The reason I'm a Christian today is because God sought after me and gave me knowledge and wisdom of the gospel. Made me understand that I could live my whole life listening to punk music and saying there is no God. But, instead He saved me from all that. That's the grace of God that was too irresistible for me to walk away from.
@Ievolovel I never said I was better than you. I'm a sinner just like you. We're both on the same level. I never did anything to deserve this wisdom, therefore I have no good reason to be on a high horse. God gave this wisdom indiscriminately and without requiring merit.
Thank you so much for the great post! I totally know that this is true...however my flesh, the devil & world system heck away at my focus on God and Love of Himself. GOD HELP ME GET THIS! LIVE THIS! SPREAD THIS!!! Give me words to explain it to other children of yours!?!?!?
@Ievolovel It was really just stumbling upon a college campus ministry by invitation of a friend. Being a nice guy (because we're close friends), I just went along with it. Saw that what I had understood about Christianity based on the things I heard from opponents (ie: Flag) were all false. Gradually, it made sense to me, and it became more related to my life (as a sinner and a human clinging on to my own "knowledge".) Eventually embraced the faith and I semi-actively study theology.
@Ievolovel I didn't say "rely on human effort". I said "rely TOO MUCH on human effort." Philippians 2:12 definitely says to "work out your salvation" but 2:13 continues, "for it is God who works in you, both to will and work for His good purpose." Effort is definitely part of it. But, ultimately God makes it happen, and makes it happen with a true God-serving heart. That's what differentiates true Christians from legalistic "Christians". Isn't people's preaching God's method of FINDING YOU?
To be honest...i think christian actually think more than non christians...because christianity is both a spiritual and intellectual exercise...anyone who is stuck in the ways of the world just thinks their wise....but it takes one who is humbled by god to really think....wow...i actually don't know it all...and there's someone greater than me that is wiser....that is humility and that is when u are unblinded by ur pride....because that's all pride does...it makes u lazy and makes u think ur wis
@Ievolovel For several reasons, some more complex than others. For starters, my personal experience not only in myself (which by itself is already a miracle of God) but also His work in others which can be described in no other way outside of "miraculous." These are inner changes, nothing possibly superficial. More complex reasons have to do with the Scriptures, its tens of thousands of manuscripts, the historical witness of Jesus and the apostles. That must be explain in much greater detail.
@Ievolovel Have you ever considered 1 Corinthians 1:18 which says, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." You never wondered if you could be one of those who are perishing? If you can remember from (forcefully) reading the Bible twice, do you remember that it says only the Spirit gives knowledge and wisdom of these things? What if while you and your father read the Bible, you never had the Spirit?
I've read the bible twice on my own and I studied it along with my father because I was forced to from the age of 9 to 16. I think I know more than the majority about christianity. Oh quick question... where do animals go when they die? Or are they not on the same plane as humans therefore they are less important in your eyes?
I grew up in a home that was Catholic, but I didn't know even the basics of Christianity. Are you gonna tell me that just because you grew up in a Christian household, you all of a sudden know enough about Christianity?
@Ievolovel The problem is that Hindu's don't say the same thing. In fact, no religion teaches what Christianity teaches. This is why I tell you to really get to understand Christianity. Other religions rely too much upon the effort and work of humans. They say that you're the one who brings upon your own "enlightenment" or salvation or Nirvana. But, Christianity says that GOD brings you salvation and that your own works are meaningless. He chooses us, not vice versa.
@Ievolovel Note the keyword here: "FORCED" You're not forced into Christianity except that God Himself compels you (John 6:44.) What happened to your biblical knowledge when you were blind to the error of your father in FORCING you to study your Bible? Do you really think you know about Christianity?
@hvyd4life I don't know where you get the idea that the Bible doesn't teach to spread the gospel. Off the top of my head, the fourth chapter of 2 Timothy gives the command "Preach the Word." No human work can please God, for Isaiah wrote that our "righteous" deeds are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6.) Instead, work out your salvation (continually repent and live as if the gospel was real) for God is the one who works in you to will and work for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:12,13).
Doesn't say in the bible...go to church....the bible doesn't require u to spread the gospel....but because u are saved....u would want to and it is a fruit of the spirit....salvation is not a work of human effort ...salvation comes first...and then human works come after...
@Ievolovel I really challenge you, if you have the time, to read a book called "More Than A Carpenter" by Josh McDowell, a greater skeptic than I. It goes over historical context of the Bible, and uses actual human reason to give an account to the Bible's accuracy. No theological or doctrinal content for the most part. This book was made for skeptics. It's available online or hopefully in a local Christian bookstore. (ps: read this long after I became a Christian too.)
saying truth is relative is like saying honesty is relative, integrity is relative. Loving your children? "in some cultures they beat their children to a pulp when coffee isn't made right...but in that culture it is right to kill your child." Relative? "in some cultures, raping women is a honorable thing." Relative?
Doesn't matter what you believe if a Christian God truly exists. Your opinions are overrided by God's declarations. Shouldn't you pride yourself in being a sinner in light of Christianity anyway? It just means that you believe you are god and that you are the center of your universe and reality. Do you know what the first beatitude is? "Blessed are the poor in spirit" because those who deny that they are sinners cannot be saved and dare I use the H word?
So you're telling me someone who is a hindu and say's the exact same thing you did, but replaces the god with lord krishnah is wrong? And that when they die they go to hell...
@Ievolovel Then you should be glad that that's not what I'm saying. Compare you and me. You read the Bible twice and your still don't comprehend the message of the gospel. I've only read through a number of books of the New Testament, and I understand the gospel. Everything else I read from then on fits into a systematic theology that I've come to understand and attribute to God's providing.
I feel extremely bad for you. Giving up listening to good bands and devoting your only life to basically nothing. Hopefully one day you reject it all again and live life to the fullest the way that suits you and you can listen and do the things you want without being threatened by eternal torture in a place that doesn't exist. All false threats. I've got to go now. I'll pray for you... and sacrifice a goat for you too.
@Ievolovel In other words, you believe that this whole Christianity and God business is all hogwash? The wise are not bloated with pride, thinking they are smarter than God. If there truly is a God that is greater than all things and you are one of his creations, your "reasoning" against His existence won't save you from Him. You can continue living in the deceit that your logic is greater than an all-powerful God or realize the foolishness in that and submit yourself to God.
Well then I guess that makes my dad god because I was definitely forced into it. But I must know... why are you so confident that christianity is the correct religion and all others are false? Serious question I'm actually curious.
FYI, I lived years rejecting Christianity. If anything, I was closer to the end of the rejection side of the spectrum. It didn't help that I was heavily into punk music and the most cynical of them all, Black Flag, was my number one favorite band. You're not talking to some kid who grew up with Christianity as a tradition. I HATED Christianity. You're talking with a former skeptic. You can bring any argument like "circular reasoning" but face it, your mind is as limited as mine.
What!? They certainly weren't straight edge! Henry used to use LSD before shows and you clearly saw Chuck in Decline of Western Civilization drinking a beer. Is that good enough for credibility? Check your facts again. I was into punk rock. I loved Zero Boys, Bad Brains, SSD, DOA, early Beastie Boys, Germs, X, Adolescents. I loved all of them, and I rejected all of them.
Not replying anymore because I'm not going to get anywhere. Maybe one day you will understand this is the only life you have so make good use of it don't throw it away because some god made up by man told you too. Have a nice day. May god be less.
This Message... Is So... Not structured... im more confused about being a christian after hearing this than before = =... and the bible itself is already confusing enough.. this just made it worse.
From your comments, it also appears that you have a poor understanding of Christianity. Why oppose something you don't even understand? Why always look to sources that are solely critical of Christianity? Don't you think you're getting biased information? Or do you just stick us in the categorization of "religion" and don't care? You accuse me of not using my brain and taking the easy way out, but you're guilty of the same thing.
No, sin is for you and you only because that is what """"""""YOU""""""""" believe in. Sin is what """""""MAN""""" says sin is. It is not your position to force your dogma on me unless you are god. And you aren't because he/she/it doesn't exist.
I love how this man teaches the word of God,, he goes into great detail and leaves no punches,, Glory to God
This is wonderful! It needs to be shown in all churches everywhere. So much truth that doesn't get preached in alot of churches.
Great, transforming message. I was blessed just by listening to this teaching.
@Ievolovel
But, my basis for believing was deeper than just a knowledge-based understanding of Christianity. The reason I'm a Christian today is because God sought after me and gave me knowledge and wisdom of the gospel. Made me understand that I could live my whole life listening to punk music and saying there is no God. But, instead He saved me from all that. That's the grace of God that was too irresistible for me to walk away from.
If you watch from 33:50 on, you'll save a lot of time. That's his main point.
if you listen toit all you'll take n an array of notes as the Spirit speaks to you...
@Ievolovel
I never said I was better than you. I'm a sinner just like you. We're both on the same level. I never did anything to deserve this wisdom, therefore I have no good reason to be on a high horse. God gave this wisdom indiscriminately and without requiring merit.
Thank you so much for the great post! I totally know that this is true...however my flesh, the devil & world system heck away at my focus on God and Love of Himself. GOD HELP ME GET THIS! LIVE THIS! SPREAD THIS!!! Give me words to explain it to other children of yours!?!?!?
@hvyd4life "the bible doesn't require u to spread the gospel"... Yes it does actually. Matthew 28:16-20
@Ievolovel
It was really just stumbling upon a college campus ministry by invitation of a friend. Being a nice guy (because we're close friends), I just went along with it. Saw that what I had understood about Christianity based on the things I heard from opponents (ie: Flag) were all false. Gradually, it made sense to me, and it became more related to my life (as a sinner and a human clinging on to my own "knowledge".) Eventually embraced the faith and I semi-actively study theology.
@Ievolovel
I didn't say "rely on human effort". I said "rely TOO MUCH on human effort."
Philippians 2:12 definitely says to "work out your salvation" but 2:13 continues, "for it is God who works in you, both to will and work for His good purpose."
Effort is definitely part of it. But, ultimately God makes it happen, and makes it happen with a true God-serving heart. That's what differentiates true Christians from legalistic "Christians". Isn't people's preaching God's method of FINDING YOU?
To be honest...i think christian actually think more than non christians...because christianity is both a spiritual and intellectual exercise...anyone who is stuck in the ways of the world just thinks their wise....but it takes one who is humbled by god to really think....wow...i actually don't know it all...and there's someone greater than me that is wiser....that is humility and that is when u are unblinded by ur pride....because that's all pride does...it makes u lazy and makes u think ur wis
Yes! how is this on here its 52 minutes!?
@Ievolovel
For several reasons, some more complex than others. For starters, my personal experience not only in myself (which by itself is already a miracle of God) but also His work in others which can be described in no other way outside of "miraculous." These are inner changes, nothing possibly superficial. More complex reasons have to do with the Scriptures, its tens of thousands of manuscripts, the historical witness of Jesus and the apostles. That must be explain in much greater detail.
@Ievolovel
Have you ever considered 1 Corinthians 1:18 which says, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
You never wondered if you could be one of those who are perishing? If you can remember from (forcefully) reading the Bible twice, do you remember that it says only the Spirit gives knowledge and wisdom of these things? What if while you and your father read the Bible, you never had the Spirit?
@Ievolovel is relative truth true for everyone, or just for some people? truth is truth
I've read the bible twice on my own and I studied it along with my father because I was forced to from the age of 9 to 16.
I think I know more than the majority about christianity.
Oh quick question... where do animals go when they die?
Or are they not on the same plane as humans therefore they are less important in your eyes?
I grew up in a home that was Catholic, but I didn't know even the basics of Christianity. Are you gonna tell me that just because you grew up in a Christian household, you all of a sudden know enough about Christianity?
@Ievolovel
The problem is that Hindu's don't say the same thing. In fact, no religion teaches what Christianity teaches. This is why I tell you to really get to understand Christianity. Other religions rely too much upon the effort and work of humans. They say that you're the one who brings upon your own "enlightenment" or salvation or Nirvana. But, Christianity says that GOD brings you salvation and that your own works are meaningless. He chooses us, not vice versa.
@Ievolovel
Note the keyword here: "FORCED"
You're not forced into Christianity except that God Himself compels you (John 6:44.) What happened to your biblical knowledge when you were blind to the error of your father in FORCING you to study your Bible? Do you really think you know about Christianity?
What event ,if you will, caused you to become a Christian?
Or was it over time?
@hvyd4life
I don't know where you get the idea that the Bible doesn't teach to spread the gospel. Off the top of my head, the fourth chapter of 2 Timothy gives the command "Preach the Word."
No human work can please God, for Isaiah wrote that our "righteous" deeds are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6.) Instead, work out your salvation (continually repent and live as if the gospel was real) for God is the one who works in you to will and work for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:12,13).
Doesn't say in the bible...go to church....the bible doesn't require u to spread the gospel....but because u are saved....u would want to and it is a fruit of the spirit....salvation is not a work of human effort ...salvation comes first...and then human works come after...
Where do you read this in the Bible?
@Ievolovel
I really challenge you, if you have the time, to read a book called "More Than A Carpenter" by Josh McDowell, a greater skeptic than I. It goes over historical context of the Bible, and uses actual human reason to give an account to the Bible's accuracy. No theological or doctrinal content for the most part. This book was made for skeptics. It's available online or hopefully in a local Christian bookstore. (ps: read this long after I became a Christian too.)
saying truth is relative is like saying honesty is relative, integrity is relative. Loving your children? "in some cultures they beat their children to a pulp when coffee isn't made right...but in that culture it is right to kill your child." Relative? "in some cultures, raping women is a honorable thing." Relative?
Doesn't matter what you believe if a Christian God truly exists. Your opinions are overrided by God's declarations. Shouldn't you pride yourself in being a sinner in light of Christianity anyway? It just means that you believe you are god and that you are the center of your universe and reality.
Do you know what the first beatitude is? "Blessed are the poor in spirit" because those who deny that they are sinners cannot be saved and dare I use the H word?
So you're telling me someone who is a hindu and say's the exact same thing you did, but replaces the god with lord krishnah is wrong? And that when they die they go to hell...
@Ievolovel
Then you should be glad that that's not what I'm saying. Compare you and me. You read the Bible twice and your still don't comprehend the message of the gospel. I've only read through a number of books of the New Testament, and I understand the gospel. Everything else I read from then on fits into a systematic theology that I've come to understand and attribute to God's providing.
I feel extremely bad for you. Giving up listening to good bands and devoting your only life to basically nothing.
Hopefully one day you reject it all again and live life to the fullest the way that suits you and you can listen and do the things you want without being threatened by eternal torture in a place that doesn't exist.
All false threats.
I've got to go now. I'll pray for you... and sacrifice a goat for you too.
@Ievolovel
In other words, you believe that this whole Christianity and God business is all hogwash? The wise are not bloated with pride, thinking they are smarter than God. If there truly is a God that is greater than all things and you are one of his creations, your "reasoning" against His existence won't save you from Him. You can continue living in the deceit that your logic is greater than an all-powerful God or realize the foolishness in that and submit yourself to God.
Well then I guess that makes my dad god because I was definitely forced into it.
But I must know... why are you so confident that christianity is the correct religion and all others are false?
Serious question I'm actually curious.
Wake up.
FYI, I lived years rejecting Christianity. If anything, I was closer to the end of the rejection side of the spectrum. It didn't help that I was heavily into punk music and the most cynical of them all, Black Flag, was my number one favorite band. You're not talking to some kid who grew up with Christianity as a tradition. I HATED Christianity. You're talking with a former skeptic. You can bring any argument like "circular reasoning" but face it, your mind is as limited as mine.
Like I said, you didn't get it.
Stop misusing quotations and learn to spell.
What!? They certainly weren't straight edge! Henry used to use LSD before shows and you clearly saw Chuck in Decline of Western Civilization drinking a beer. Is that good enough for credibility? Check your facts again. I was into punk rock. I loved Zero Boys, Bad Brains, SSD, DOA, early Beastie Boys, Germs, X, Adolescents. I loved all of them, and I rejected all of them.
Not replying anymore because I'm not going to get anywhere.
Maybe one day you will understand this is the only life you have so make good use of it don't throw it away because some god made up by man told you too.
Have a nice day.
May god be less.
This Message... Is So... Not structured... im more confused about being a christian after hearing this than before = =... and the bible itself is already confusing enough.. this just made it worse.
David Z. What is confusing?
From your comments, it also appears that you have a poor understanding of Christianity. Why oppose something you don't even understand? Why always look to sources that are solely critical of Christianity? Don't you think you're getting biased information? Or do you just stick us in the categorization of "religion" and don't care? You accuse me of not using my brain and taking the easy way out, but you're guilty of the same thing.
@InSlaveryToChrist You are in an abusive relationship.Get help!
No, sin is for you and you only because that is what """"""""YOU""""""""" believe in. Sin is what """""""MAN""""" says sin is. It is not your position to force your dogma on me unless you are god.
And you aren't because he/she/it doesn't exist.
You all wasted 52 minutes of your lives.