InHeavensService

I know for a fact that the election will change nothing. It's two sides of the same corrupted coin. Its a dog and pony show for the people really in power to make the public think they are changing something. However, I don't expect anyone to believe me until it happens, again, just as it has for decades now. (you figure people would wake up to this eventually) Mark my words, everyone will see soon enough. I won't say anything further in any of these political topics, there's no point; just don't say I didn't warn you.

Its a decent idea for other forum goers. If its for 'singles' it would scare the snot out of me, though. Definitely not for me. I just want to find friends.

An excellent point, Stan. I'd expect nothing less from you. =) Elaboration is indeed necessary. I wasn't trying to say that we should never work in such a way for the Lord, as much as that we often walk a very fine line there we have to be careful with. It's very easy for us to be over zealous since our whole heart is for our Lord. I often find many who don't do this properly, and instead spur hatred and disdain, rather than understanding and willingness for others to listen. We have to approach the situation in a way that will defeat the false ideals, not the person. I often find myself struggling with that very problem since I am very devout as well, so I know full well from my own inadequacies.

TrakerJack was just trying to make a point, Butero. Not 'straw man'. Perhaps, you misunderstood his intention. He was expressing that we shouldn't question God, rather than question what he would want from us. To put our pettiness aside for the Lord's will. We both know God wouldn't tell anyone to do that. It was an example for point. I can see how you would feel it is a fallacy, as it could have been expressed differently, but I think here the point was justified, and far from intended towards that. Not everyone has professional instruction in debate and method. Should we simply judge them for that, or try to understand them? I think Christ would do the latter. I don't think sin is acceptable, but we all have our vices, and any who say they do not, is either a perfect Saint (highly unlikely), or a liar. That is the truth. I do believe though that the very sincere and active efforts we make to overcome our sins is a testament to our Lord, which he surely understands and pays heed to, and will work with us. But why should God work with us if we refuse to work with him best we can and try to make active progression and self-improvement? That's my simple logic on the matter.

Give it some time of ponder. =) It will come to you with your many years of experience above my own.

Quite literally, everything. =)

An excellent topic. We all have our vices, and struggles, but too many Christians make excuses for their own convenience. They prefer to live in a self-delusional dream land, that they vehemently and ignorantly defend at any cost, and ignore God's command for whatever he has chosen them for in service to the world. They don't even think of where they stand with God or how to improve themselves progressively, just getting by and being however they must to keep their little bubbles form popping. Nothing good can ever come from this, in faith or otherwise. Its that kind of attitude that causes evil to form, because there is no thought as to what is right or wrong by God, just what they feel they can personally justify based on their own inclinations and desires. Sure, God wants us to feel his light and joy. He doesn't want us to be miserable. However, I highly doubt he wishes for us to be hypocritical and deluded, and to avoid any spiritual growth. One way I can tell if someone is bad news, is if they think they are good with God and need no self-improvement, or have no attitude for progression. I don't judge, but people like that can't expect others to take them seriously when they are not serious about devotion to God. Whether its the duty to raise children under God, or to put themselves at great risk for others, all is important, and no one is exempt from Gods command to constantly seek self-improvement and his will wherever we are called. From a very interesting preacher: 'Fear not a life of trials and tribulations, but rather a life of ease and complacency' 'Fear not the attack of the evil one, but fear that you never make his hit list' 'Fear not the wrath of man, but fear that you never make men consider things' 'Fear not attempting great things for God and failing, but fear attempting little things for God and succeeding' So my prayer for all of you, is not that you would live a life of misery or fear, but that you would live a life, fearing the right things.

I agree with Lisa. Judging people based on superficial things rather than the soul and quality of character, is highly hypocritical and subjective. What is the Evil one referred to in the bible? 'The Accuser'. Judging a book by its cover is a sure sign of spiritual immaturity. Would Jesus do that? I hardly think so. He would try to understand that person for WHO THEY ARE, not how they look. I suggest some Christians keep this in mind the next time they ignorantly judge someone based on something like this. How can they look objectively at God's command or word when they are too concerned with personal 'holier than thou' crusades? People like that make the entire Christian population look bad.

lol Wonderful advice indeed, and simple enough. I tend to be a bit reserved in person, though. I respond kindly to people but have issues initiating contact in person sometimes. It makes things a little difficult for me.

I wanted to post this in the Seekers Lounge, but I don't have permission for some reason. Anyone know a good free service to meet local Christians in your area for friendship? I've tried a few but they always try to lure you into paying to use the service though the advertise its for free. (Some Christian ideals, let me tell you *rolls eyes*) Any help is welcome. Thank you and God Bless You, everyone.

To Justin, I thank you for your service! Glad you agree. You spelled it out pretty clear. =) Very well said, Interplanner; And that is the other edge of extremism, when it is of one idea or people, and then we spiral into a 'presumably justifiable' dictatorship. Which, we both know is bad news, at best. This is why I said it is crucial to keep it about God, and not what we think of God. When we focus on human leaders, we are misled and grow to accept them as a sort of God role, intentional or not, rather than a chosen intermediary. Another common mistake. It's good and necessary to have trustworthy leaders, but not those who put themselves above God, or subscribe to any such mania, as you so well described. I thank you both for your thoughtful replies!

Such excellent replies. How wonderful it is to be understood!! Even if I was being a bit brash, my true meaning was seen. For that, i thank you.

I wish that people would stop trying to always pick political parties or groups, or to always be divided by something, and extremist leaning. Almost all I hear and see today is people who mostly refuse to think about anything, but rather vehemently and violently defend whatever 'group' view they've accepted without even debating properly, or speaking without fallacy. They lash out like Children with temper tantrums defending a lie.These kinds of extremes and attitudes are the very anti-thesis of truth; God's, or anyone elses'. How can anyone be objective when they have entrusted their objectivity to someone else, many times, who never deserves it to begin with? This is foolishness in the simplest form. The only person to trust with that is GOD. These kinds of attitudes are the very same that scorn anyone outside of their group, their clique, or stereotype. Bias - not understanding. They are the very same that started the holocaust, caused most major wars in history, and also allowed for corruption to root itself into nearly every financial institution alive today. They are also the same of religious extremists, such as those our brave troops face daily. It all starts with such nonsense. I pray, please, for those of you who may still harbor such ideas, leave them be and trust in God's ideas. I believe he makes them very clear. We can quote whatever is convenient to us from the bible, but thats not whats its for. It's not convenience, it's directions. Should we forget this, what makes us any different from those of evil and the ones we are against? For that isn't God's will at that point, but our own inadequacy to stand on our ideals in the Lord. It's the oldest trick in the book of the Evil One, and in war strategy. The time is now to stop being something others want you to be for their own ideas, and to start simply being Christians for God's ideas. We must all be united, or how can we look Christ in the face when he comes? Still running about like ignorant fools telling him to have mercy because we were too petty to put aside or own sins? At the one time in the world's course when he needs us the most, we cannot fail him. I hope to any this may apply, you will consider the truths here. *edited for typos*

I'd pay whatever I had to keep anything I take in, in good health. =) What I can afford, is a differnt story, however.