That time of year again!
 

Well my friends it is that time of year again, that I take my bread from CAD. I wanted to let y'all know, so you won't think I am gone again.. I have noticed I am not spending hardly anytime on here.. It came a little earlier this year!

I will miss you guys and who knows I might drop in here and there.. But I have no drive to post, teach, debate or anything. My mind is constantly every where on my thoughts, and no where at all times. I am having a lot of issues I am dealing with personally, family, and financially. In which I am sure a lot of you if not most of you are going through also.. These times are draging down my spirit, and not so much as questioning, but Testing my faith. I have been bitter, more than usual. Though I would NEVER deny my savior and my God. I am not a good servant to just follow without asking questions. I do not get any answers, not like I used too.
I see the church and that means all of the churches as hypocritical, judgmental, and willing to put man under rules and laws.. I disagree with this, and do not believe that Gods will is for man Not to have absolute free will.
I find my self seeking an answer to this question, and have found none..
The question is How can a man have Absolute free will?
The church, and in some parts of the bible state, that to believe is life; But not to believe is death! How is that free will? Why cant a man believe not, and still live?
They teach that works alone cannot get you into the heavenly, but only by the blood of Christ. But then turn around and put you under rules and regulations, Imop that God did not intend..
Paul told us that everything is permissible, but not everything is profitable.. Those that teach taste not, touch not, do not. are under bondage. for anything that is done that might twinge, or activate the { I wasn't' supposed to do that} meter, then it is sin to them. Not to others.
But if we do willingly to disturb the conscious of a brother or a sister, then we have sinned against them.. This I can understand.

The church has become the embodiment of control.. They preach free will out of one side of there mouth. While out of the other they condemn for practicing free will..

I get a lot of guff, because I judge not my none believing friends.. I have been told that I support them. All because I Truly believe that God Gave us free will, and His love through Christ is unending. Therefor those who are True to there faith, and not religion are respected by me. Even though I might not agree.

People who are in witchcraft, I speak to with respect. What bothers me is someone like my ex-wife who use it for entertainment and claim something without really believing in it. They do it just for the attention.

I am not perfect! I sin continually according to the rules set by the Word of God. But in the same instance, I am in Christ so there in that aspect is no sin. why? because the Law is no more, and where there is no law, there can be no transgression. That is what John was telling us.

Those who are in Christ sin Not. And those who say they have no sin, are deceived. It is all about being honest with yourself and God. and realizing that Christ took our sin and the Law of Sin and Death. Never to see it again.. So even though we have sin of the consciouses, the Blood of Christ had took it away at the Cross.
Those in Christ have no sin-- it is not that they don't sin, it is just eternally wiped out. But not to acknowledge there sin, is to live by there own righteousness, and not resting in Christ grace and righteousness.
That gives freedome, BUT we come to the cross road and question-- What if a person doesn't believe in Christ or God, or truly believes in a diffrent faith?

This question is what and where I am troubled-- If we as men have free will, why cant we be admitted into heaven, though we might believe in something else? There lies the real essense of free will.
In short the Bible states to believe is life, and not to believe is death. If we have free will then we should be able to believe in what we wish, without the consequences of being judged into death of the soul.
Though the bible teaches that we have free reign and free spirits, as long as we believe in Christ ie God. But there is the As long part..
If we live a good life and not believe, then in the end we are judged by the old law of sin and death. NO MAN and Christ has even said so, can live up to that law. So it is death to that person..
I don't know about you, but that is not free will to me.

I look at the bible and I look at other mythology's and faiths. In there essence and foundation almost all seem to have the same foundations and stories. It is like there was this one True Faith, and after some big event or time, it had splintered down to many.. All seem to have a flood, a mosses, a savior, a Hercules {ie Samson}. So what is the Truth?

My friends I don't know, and in my spirit and mind. I fear I have crossed the line that God might have drawn of questioning, if there is one " line that is". I am troubled by all these thoughts and questions to the point of anger, and disappointment. I truly want TRUTH, I truly want God to answer me.. But He is quiet, and that just adds icing to the cake.

I see the events of end times pounding on the door, and it was foretold of this in the same Word I read. There is no denying that, and that in itself brings me back to the choice of believing or not. For there is a Truth there that cannot be denied, that I am certain. Thus I will never deny my God or Savior, for the Testimony of Jesus Christ is the Spirit of Prophecy. I will have to hold on to that for now. And maybe God will enlighten me one day in my search for Him, and His voice.

So in closing my friends, I cannot in good consciouses Teach, debate, or give godly advice anymore.. For that would make me a hypocrite, and telling someone something, when I have so many questions myself.

Be true to your faith, and Not religion. Be forgiving and faithful to your friends. Be at peace with yourselves.
DON'T be overly Righteous, Nor be Overly Evil. That is what King Solomon had told us.. For if you tip the balance--you fall. To be overly righteous means you do not need God, and to be overly Evil is the same outcome.
Evil is the Temptation to deny God. It is the Law of Sin and Death, in itself is is Holy, But when it flows through man it kills him. For we fall into the temptation, therefor sin, either against ourself, neighbors, or God.
So keep the balance.

and I did use my spell check this time.

Until then
Goodbye and may God Bless you
Slimland

Enjoy your summer break from Teaching. :)

It is a heavy burden. Lots of stress. I come here to get away from the stress, and cares of the world. If you stop in from time to time...try to just enjoy yourself, Slim. It's nice hearing from the real you, as well as the Teacher. You have friends here, and we like to see you happy, spreading your joy, and taking some with you.

Answers come in all forms. You will always have questions, and find the answers evolve with time. The more stress you feel, the more you seek stability, and balance. Your burdens are weighing you down, and I hope you take the time to find your joy. If you are not getting answers right now...something about you is in the way. It sounds to me like your heart, more than your mind. But that is for you to work out.

Find your joy Slim. That is a huge part of God, we forget from all the seriousness our lives consume, and what the cares of the world rob from our heart.

"Three things to remember as you get older.
1. Never pass up a bathroom.
2. Never waste an erection.
3. Never trust a fart." (Jack Nicholson in The Bucket List.)
:lol:

Re: That time of year again!
 

Or more rather, when does free will end and Soverniy of the Lord start. The whole election and free will are two sides of the same coin. We live this life in our well know and understood demensions, yet there are more demension than we fully know and understand. I guess I think about it in this way. Math.... What is completely impossible in a two demensional equation, is totally possible in three demensions. That being said, what seems to us impossible in 4 demensions we understand can be completely possible with God. Hopefully I didn't lose you. :D What Im trying to say, we don't always understand everything, or even the complicated things, We are dirt, remember?
Sadly Slim, Jesus asked this question in the Garden.... three times. " if there is ANY other way, take this cup from me." Answer.... No other way. That being said, The theif did not but asked to be remember by Jesus after he first mocked him. and Jesus answered..." sorry you haven't followed all my rules and regs, I'm gonna have to get back to you, what's your email address?" Kidding. You know his answer. I'm not sure what rules your church is teaching, but I am the church and not Isreal, I am of the gentile group,
Paul also said that if you seek to keep the Law you are now bond to follow all of it, Since I already know that to be impossible, remember the law is not evil or bad only a thermamitor to show you " how hot you are" or rather what you need help in.


The church is you and me, not some building with walls and speakers and mics, pray for those in bondage to a building, as a member of the church, I control nothing but my own body and tongue, and have a hard enough time doing that.


I answered this up there, But I think you are having a problem with Jesus here. I didn't teach this He did, Free will to what? What is soooo good in this life that is better then Jesus? Please let me know, because I have yet to met someone or have something that is better then Him.

Slim you sound like someone has whipserd in your ear...." did God really say that?" " Is that what God really meant?"
Those are the words of Satan.... He has been getting people to doubt God since the garden, and that old trick continues to work till this day. I guess the old saying " if it aint broke don't fix it" The Truth is God, Jesus did say it. Your choice Do you believe it, or Not? That is your choice, that is where all the splinters of Faith come from, I agree with this, Oh and I don't really like what this has to say so, Im chucking it and ... We take the truth like it's a Subway sandwich, I want that,, not this, a little of that, and don't forget to salt and pepper oil and vinegar it. I want to be able to swallow it when Im done.

My friends I don't know, and in my spirit and mind. I fear I have crossed the line that God might have drawn of questioning, if there is one " line that is". I am troubled by all these thoughts and questions to the point of anger, and disappointment. I truly want TRUTH, I truly want God to answer me.. But He is quiet, and that just adds icing to the cake.

That is how you can know that God did say it and it is written, it will happen just the way he said it. Prophetic Truth.
There is no denying that, and that in itself brings me back to the choice of believing or not. For there is a Truth there that cannot be denied, that I am certain. Thus I will never deny my God or Savior, for the Testimony of Jesus Christ is the Spirit of Prophecy. I will have to hold on to that for now. And maybe God will enlighten me one day in my search for Him, and His voice.

It's not in teaching and debating that we show who God really is, It is in Love Agape, By this they will know that you are mine. Your love for one another. Seems like such a simple and easy statement but the truth is, more and more I realize what a difficult task it is to Love mankind, and it makes me more and more in awe of the God who not only said it but showed us how, in the layind down his life, for us. Just show His love.
Be true to your faith, and Not religion. Be forgiving and faithful to your friends. Be at peace with yourselves.
DON'T be overly Righteous, Nor be Overly Evil. That is what King Solomon had told us.. For if you tip the balance--you fall. To be overly righteous means you do not need God, and to be overly Evil is the same outcome.
Evil is the Temptation to deny God. It is the Law of Sin and Death, in itself is is Holy, But when it flows through man it kills him. For we fall into the temptation, therefor sin, either against ourself, neighbors, or God.
So keep the balance.

I didn't hope you can still read it.

Slimland: Looking forward to your return and you sharing of your wisdom.

Trukswyfe: Good post..inspirational.

I too have problems with churches and finding the right one to worship and fellowship with, as I have a difficult time with some doctines and "mission statements".

This is the only thing...at the moment, I can add to the thread.

John 8:31,32 Jesus said "If you hold to my teaching you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free"
John 8:36 Jesus said "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed"

Jesus is the truth that sets us free. He frees us from the consequences of sin, and deception by Satan. He shows us the way to eternal life with God. Jesus does not give us freedom to do what we want, but freedom to follow God.

Slim, my friend, you disappoint me. I thought you were a sold out Christian Zombie! :lol:

Now, I see that you have an independant brain, and with that comes questions. You've DONE the Math, and it just doesn't add up! Welcome to MY World! :roll:

An "all knowing" god, IF he was a loving God, wouldn't have created Lucifer KNOWING that he would fall from Grace and take half of God's creation to some place called HELL with him! It's JUST not rational! :roll:

Those who want to "defend" their belief in a HELL and Satan to use SCARE tactics to force you to be "good," have no OTHER ammunition other than this FANTASY with which to control your mind and your actions.

The Bible was written by MAN to control MANKIND! It is nothing more than pablum for the masses! :roll:

Earlier versions of mankind were heathens, and ruthlessly self absorbed! there was a NEED for a "belief system" in a Higher being to keep them in line.

GOD has alway been, and by definition can be, no MORE nor LESS than "we" as humans can imagine him to be! And ALL writings about him are therefore "suspect."

With absolutely NO hyocrisy I can say that I don't know WHAT I believe! I seriously DOUBT Darwin's theory and the scienific conclusion that "I" evolved from an amoeba! If THIS is the best science can offer.... I have wasted my grant money on them! :lol:

Likewise, the prophets and preachers of this world are speaking ONLY what they BELIEVE to be true! MAN wrote the Bible from a MAN's perspective of what a "higher intelligence" would want them to believe!

The Bible (and other books of other faiths) teach really only common sense truths necessary for the evolvement of civilization. The more "strict" laws found there, are probably what we would call "pork" in a legislation today!

The Ancient Greeks, considered the forefathers of Democratic government of their PEOPLE... had MANY "Gods" One for EACH of the elements of the Universe that they did not yet understand! As Humans evolved, and science with them, we dispelled all these "mysteries" and with them..... their Gods.

Today, there remains only ONE question unanswered.....that of life after death. And, doesn't it seem ODD, that we have only ONE God left..... the one who proclaims (by word of humans) to answer this last remaining question??

And does it make sense, that the ONE God, would condemn you to an eternity in a fiery lake for not "understanding" his plan for your life? I cannot BELIEVE so!

Slim, no offense, but you are what I call a "Jesus Freak." One who did not grow up in the knowledge and teachings of religion, and came to it late in life. As an adult, you are like a child with a new toy! Your life is changed by this "new" revelation..... that many of US have heard for years.... and you are compelled to tell us about "him" as if we never knew! I'm sorry..... NOT HAPPENING! :roll:

I really would hate to see you take a "sabbatical" from the board.... you are a fresh voice here! But, I understand your evolvement intellectually to the point that you question the propaganda that you have been selling here for some time now, and like me, choose NOT to be hypocritical in your "teachings."

Your ADAMANT claims concerning what God (if there IS one) has meant for our lives, and your "obsession" with some ancient Jewish "law" that no longer applies anyway, marks you as a "newbie" as clearly as if you had taken 10 pullups to park a Schneider truck on the fender of an O/O!! :lol:

But, you are more than welcome to post your THOUGHTS and BELIEFS about the God you claim has been so "neatly" categorized and "utilized" by the religious "leaders" of our World! :roll:

There's an old saying that.... We teach BEST what me MOST need to learn!

Just a thought..... but one borne of Science!!

nice joke, drew. that made my freakin' day!


http://static.playdo.com/1013/crysta...pentagram2.jpg

Thank you RoadHog, you are a True Friend..
and I will keep intouch by Email with Ya.

Thank all of you for your responses..

Now for my Last Post for a WHile..


HOBO

Why would you think I have changed?
All these years and talks, you still think I am just a run of the mill, robotic Christian!! I wish I was. :!:

Hobo I havn't changed one bit-- I have Always Questioned, Always fail in my own eyes..
It is like having let say 100 questions and these or this happened to be last one on the list, and the hardes to answer for any believer..


Your world? You speak like I know nothing outside of my own belief!
Also speak as if I have denied my savior, and you just waiting to leap..
Well sit back there tiger, I have made no such claim. Read what I said again, this time carefuly..



Hobo-- I tried not to take offense at this, and tried to ignore it..
I must admit this eats at me..
Because You are WRONG.. Like you I grew up around Religious and Faith based famliy members, and there friends.. I was forced to go to church. etc, etc..
I rebelled, went heavily into the craft.. and without going into a lot of pointless history. I headed the calling in my heart, and STILL head it.. But I am Human, I do think, so I like a child Ask questions..
So this New Toy you think I have, has been, and will be..
As for telling you about him-- They almost 99% of them where debates, and discussions.. Which You on Your Own free will gladly joined.. To the point of asking your dad, Another one of those questions I had..

Disapointment, If anyone is disapointed it is I, and that disapointment Right now is at you..

When you Needed Prayer Hobo, whether it was for a friend or yourself. I prayed. Whether God heard me or not ???
When you where down and seeking counsel, who came to your aid here?
let see Rebel, Truckerswyfe,myself, and some others..

And since we are being honest-- I think the world of you, You are intelligent, you spell and write elouquently. You argue with confidence and clarity. BUT you are very condesending, and seem to try to carry yourself as if your higher and smarter than others..
Maybe you are!! I know you have me beaten by a long shot, in book smarts.. Maybe even in religion..
But one thing I just might be more of is Care towards others, and there afflictions that plague them.. I care to the point of not carring.. If that makes any sense, I can think of no other way to put it.. I get frustrated.

So a new Toy? No, just really a chance to enjoy some discussion with believers and NON-Believers of my Faith.. To learn what they think, and to express my own thoughts..

That is why I am disapointed-- Other than RoadHog { who by the way, knew EXACTLY what I was trying to express} the other should have been YOU.. But instead you chose this IMOP as a opertunity to jump at what you seem to express was a leaving of the Faith I stand for..
If I am wrong, then I have read your statement wrong. and my appologize.
I expected more from you.. I think I hold you to high of a standered, I hold you like I do myself.. And trust me that is high..
I get frustrated when I do not understand somethin, and I will not talk of a subject or branches of it.. when I myself do not understand it..

Again, you missunderstand my "obsession", and therfore look at it in a religious point of view..
It is of FAITH, Hobo-- My whole reason I beat on this issue, is what I had stated above.. The church's and Religious people, squash faith the whole time they proclaim it...
If I have Faith in what Christ did on the Cross, then that "obsession" means nothing.. for it would not be..
But what do I see, People being led by a Law, that they don't understand, and there leaders who MIGHT understand choose to keep it, for the sake like you said.. Controll.. For with Controll comes Power..

I In My personal as in person, live by no law.. For I am True to myself, and Hide nothing. this allows me to Love my neighbor.. Though at times I am kicking my self, for hurting there conscious by my freedom.

Peace Hobo.
And when I come back, I still expect to see you here my Friend.. :wink: :D

Your Friend
Slimland

Man, Its Too Simple...
 

I was a High School teacher for a time, and if you think your problems are huge just put yourself in the shoes of these kids who are living in foster homes, struggling with self-identity, purpose, and the adults around them who are still struggling with legitimate questions about the realities of life, as so many do.

I had one sixteen year old female whose father continuosly called her a whore and that she would end up in prison just like him. How do I as a teacher help this one youngun when there are (15 x 3 classes) everyday? It wears us down and compromises everything we are supposed to do; influence, grade, teach, etc.

As for my own position, I've tried many of the denominations out there and found so many to be truly flawed in some part of my conscience. So what does one do then? Detach from religion? This is a self-serving notion, since many churches offer community outreach which should be your reason for participating. The other would be for self-healing and support, which is also offered through most mainline churches.

Anyway, the point is; pick and choose. Though there is a 'god' many choose to adhere to, most organized religions teach their own interpretation of the scriptures. So what? This was taking place before Christ was born.

For me, I did my own research and settled into what I consider the most accurate regarding Biblical interpretation. Sure there are some flaws, but again, so what? As long as people are going to be there, there will be some controversy.

I am continuosly amazed by people who think there own analysis of what has been given in the Bible justifies their questioning God. Human reasoning, at its best, is far short of divine thought. There was one great theologian who said that when he finally stood before the Throne, he would ask God why there was so much injustice, pointing out atrocities such as Rwanda. If he, or you, or I, think that we could STAND in the presence of the Most Holy God, we've missed it. We've reduced the creator to someone we could have a party-discussion with. It doesn't work this way.

Anyone who has had a conversion from a life of sin can tell you the same; the presence, even just a wiff, washes you completely over and makes you bend/bow with humility. It brings tears to your eyes and cuts right to your soul, it infects you with the knowledge that love for others is far more important than your own 'problems'. If you have ever experienced this, you will never be the same. If you have not, keep searching. It is there for everyone who asks. You may have to look longer or even give up some notions (especially anger) but its just too simple to aquire.

Steve

I think that is why it is so difficult for any one of us to judge the life of another person, or their choices in life. We often have a big enough job reflecting on our own life, and what we choose. We are complex beings, and bombarded by both good and evil influences. Our particular circumstances often weigh upon our outlook and frame of mind.
Feelings of desperation can make anyone question their faith. But the core values remain. Our faith in God and in ourselves is an ongoing process. Not one of us can improve our life, without making mistakes first, and none of us completely succeed. However the mistakes add up, they are most valuable to the one living them out.

The Bible points out how mankind has made mistakes over and over, and often repeating the same mistakes over and over. Everything we can do wrong has been spelled out in Scripture. You'd think we'd learn.

The point that there are so many religions, and so much confusion, and so many horrible things being allowed to continue upon Earth, is actually proof our mortal lives are being influenced by Satan, just as God has taught. The purpose for these things are pure and simple...for us to learn. Why?...as mentioned...otherwise we will continue to make the same mistakes.

Question your faith, go to a Church of your choice. or not go...all we do in this age of man is for lessons to be remembered throughout eternity. We are living it out...life under Satan's rule...and one day, no longer far off, life under Christ's rule. We will have two mortal lives to examine and witness, and in the end given a choice to make.

That choice is called "free will." Same as the choice Lucifer was offered. You all have heard about the "Lake of Fire" at the Day of Judgment. How some people even after living under Satan's rule...then again under Christ's rule after the second resurrection...
that there will STILL be those who will not choose to live an immortal life under God and become a part of His Kingdom....and you wonder "how can that be possible?"

We are made in God's likeness, and are the only beings created to become God's children and heir's...but think about how perfect He created the Angels, and yet the most beautiful, and most powerful one Lucifer fell from grace, and he influenced 1/3 of the other Angels to go with him. We are all capable of doing no better...and if not careful, we too can become so twisted and with our 'free will" choose to go against all the teachings.

Man is fortunately a mortal being, now...and will be mortal once again in the second resurrection. (contemplate what being a mortal means) Thank God for the lessons we are living out. Thank God there will one day be an opportunity to live a mortal life also under Christ's rule, with Satan out of the picture....and thank God we will finally be allowed a choice to make...from witnessing and experiencing life completely.

Some of us live our life a certain way...like parts of the body, together we make the picture whole. All what we are living out today, and in the next mortal life, before we are granted immortal life are the lessons for Eternity. Our mortal lives will be the most valuable part of our existence. All our mistakes will one day offer us success...complete success, but success measured as a whole...the lives of all of us together. We should value each others differences for that reason.