Fiosh

You will certainly reflect Jesus to those around you, poorinspirit. God bless you, Fiosh

I'd be interested to hear your comments on this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NtgjNLNpao It's Brian McLaren, one of the prominent figures in the Emergent Church movement...or as they call it, conversation.

come on, how have i bashed anyone??? not only that but i don't have just a morbid curiosity about the subject - my aunt and uncle are members, my sister went with them for awhile and other family members have attended with them. Not totally positive, but I don't think that was directed at you, Fraught.

how is that generalizing anything Mornin' Fraught, Reading comprehension consists of more than merely understanding individual phrases in a literal manner. Advanced comprehension necessitates that one analyzes the import of the paragraph in its entirety. If you look at the post as a whole, it's clear that the writer makes a connection between the few people he knows, and his/her evaluation of the Church of Christ as a cult. That is faulty logic. I'm Catholic. I know plenty of Catholics that, frankly, are an embarassment to the RCC. I also know plenty of Lutherans who do not shed a positive light on their denom, etc. I also know numerous Catholics who revere Jesus Christ and declare Him as Lord. If you knew them also, would that make Catholicism a "true" church in your eyes? In order to judge the degree to which a denom can be considered a "true" church, one must study their doctrine, teachings, "We Believe" statement, practices, etc. Wordsower does this to some degree, but hinges the argument on his/her assessment of a few members. That was my point. First of all, how can I truly know the relationship an individual has with Jesus. Yes, I can see their fruits. But I cannot see their deepest parts. I don't know the trials and hurts they've come thru to make them who they are. What I observe may or may not be as a result of what denomination they belong to. I'm not a fan of the Church of Christ. But my opinion is based on a study of what they teach, not on the behavior of a few members. Fact is, I have a very dear friend who is CoC. She is a devoted Christian with a true heart for Jesus Christ. In His Love, Fiosh

Thanks everyone for your input! I've been following the thread and giving all your responses careful consideration. While most here do not agree with the philosophy/theology of the Emergent movement (myself included), how the Church responds to this new generation is a challenging question. And, it starts with understanding. It's interesting to hear all the unique perspectives you've offered. There is truth in all of them. Peace, Fiosh

DISCLAIMER: Nancy Pelosi does not represent the views of the Pope, myself or any other Catholics!

Wow! Could you generalize ALL the members of a denomination any more severly than that? Have you personally met EVERY member of the Church of Christ? AND evaluated their relationship with Christ? AND judged whether they "behaved in a Godly manner". Maybe its time to start working on that beam.....

Statistics show that in approx. 20 years (if current trends continue) only 10% of the population of the U.S. will attend church on a regular basis. Some call them the "postmodern" generation. Whatever you call them, what do you think is behind this? What is creating a generation of young people who feel they do not need the church? Is it the culture? Is the Church pushing them away---or not effectively drawing them in? Is it a more global phenomena? Why are we not effectively reaching this generation with the Gospel? Your views? Thanks, Fiosh

While there no direct mention of an "age of accountability", there is scripture that backs up the belief that those who never heard (or cannot mentally comprehend) the Gospel can be allowed into Heaven: Romans 2: 13-15 13(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 14For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) Lord, thank you for BibleGateway.com's Bible word search. Thank you for agreeing there is no scripture directly supporting the idea of an 'age of accountability'. You have attempted to proof quote scripture to support your private view that there is such a thing, but there is not and I will demonstrate, using your quotes that there is not. Your quote is: Romans 2: 13-15 13(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. This says absolutely nothing about an age of accountability. It seems to be the Paul/James controversy between works and faith. 14For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Again, this has nothing at all to do with an age of accountability. This deals with the fact that god's laws are intuitive and everyone regardless of faith or creed simply 'gets' that murder and other bad things are wrong. 15Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) See what I wrote for verse 14. Again, this 'proof text' utterly fails to present any evidence whatsoever that there is any such thing as an age of accountability in the bible. What is in the bible is this: Everyone is born unto sin. There is nothing that any human can do that is good in God's eyes because it is all tainted. Everyone is deserving of eternal damnation. Those who escape damnation do so not because of merit, but grace and mercy. The very idea of an 'age of accountability' is completely foreign to scripture and it is pure nonsense that those who cannot stomach God as he is invent false doctrines to assuage their conscience. Make no mistake it is a 100% invented doctrine and has absolutely zero scripture supporting it. Take God as he is. Love him or hate him, but stop trying to make him out to be more politically correct than he is. Edited to address this to username_5 Let me ask you this. A baby, less then 5 hours old, dies from heart failure. Where will this child go? EricH is correct. Scripture is not clear on this issue. We trust babies to the mercy of God.

Hey Afal! Just wanted to pop in and say "Good Morning" to you---before I go to bed. Glad that your doctor appointment wasn't a total bust. Love ya, Fiosh

are you serious????? yes she's serious. It was the worst duty that any marine could serve when the clintons were in office! When the clintons left office, that day they got on the helicopter, the Marines turned their back on him as he left. That was the only way they could voice their displeasure at having served under them. The proper proceedure is to turn toward the leaving president, and to await the newly arriving president facing the CIC. When they turn their back on the CIC they are disrespecting him. While I couldn't blame them, I doubt that could be true. A Marine follows orders and protocol. Period. They don't decide what they do or don't do. If they disobeyed an order or broke protocol, it would be an insult to the corps, not to the president. I'm guessing it is protocol for those standing nearby to turn their back as a helicopter lifts off ---as a safety precaution. Maybe someone could check it out. I haven't been able to find the protocol.

You go, girl! Afal

Hi Afal! I haven't had much computer time lately, and just caught up on the last couple days of posts on your thread. Sorry to see that you have come thru another rough stretch. Unfortunately, that will probably continue to happen, though hopefully less frequently. There is something very special about you, Afal, that causes many here to love you like a sister, even though we've never met you. You have somehow managed to rise above the trauma in your life to become a beautiful, caring person. Don't ever doubt that you have worth---for in doing so, you would be calling your Father a liar. Remind yourself that none of us is perfect in the eyes of the world. The world will kick you and try to put you down at every chance. But that doesn't determine who you are. God has already claimed you as His precious daughter. A sister to His Son, Jesus. A daughter of the King. You are a princess, Afal! Now, get out there and survey your kingdom. Enjoy your day, little sis. Love, Fiosh

What an awesome testimony, damo1! God has certainly redeemed your life from the ashes just as He promised. May He continue to bless you as you strive to serve Him. Peace, Fiosh

Bush is the only world leader with the guts to stand up against the Muslim terrorist threat; and to stand with Israel. History will eventually show that he was the ony one with the insight to see what will happen if every last nation turns a blind eye to them. While Europe acquiesces, the Muslim population grows. They will be conquered by their own lack of vigilance and backbone. Who is left to try to stop them???? ********************************************************* Change a few words and this could apply to the United States today: " Upon this battle depends the survival of Christian civilization. Upon it depends our own British life, and the long continuity of our institutions and our Empire. The whole fury and might of the enemy must very soon be turned on us. Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this Island or lose the war. If we can stand up to him, all Europe may be free and the life of the world may move forward into broad, sunlit uplands. But if we fail, then the whole world, including the United States, including all that we have known and cared for, will sink into the abyss of a new Dark Age made more sinister, and perhaps more protracted, by the lights of perverted science. Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, 'This was their finest hour.' " Winston Churchill - June 18, 1940 ******************************************************** May God continue to give Pres. Bush wisdom, and the courage to stand by his convictions. Peace, Fiosh

AMEN, ladypeartree!!! And, have you noticed the number of "views", Afal?---those that read but do not post. This thread is not for you alone. Many others may be taking comfort and wisdom from it. Not to mention that you minister to us as much, if not more, than we minister to you, Afal. You are an extraordinary woman, and I admire you. Peace, Fiosh

I'm sorry, too, Afal. Rejection is tough to take no matter who you are. And, it's especially hurtful when it's your own mum. It's normal to feel hurt when rejected. Tomorrow will be a better day. Love ya, Fiosh

What a wonderful blessing, Afal! If it wasn't so early in the morning I'd jump for joy. Unconditional love is a rare find in this world. Cherish him, dear sister.

Mr T. is a very, very very, very, very, very, very, very special man in my life (if you know what I mean!!! ). I will say more when he 'pops the question', but as he has already asked me what kind of engagement ring I would like, then I don't think I will need to wait too long for that ... I am feeling better than I did last night - Thank God!! God bless you Whoa! Back it up!!!! How did I miss this? You have a special man in your life? You've been keeping secrets from me, Afal. I hate to be out of the loop. when did all this happen? C'mon, spill all the details....how did you meet, what's he like, how long do you know him? Girl, you are full of surprises. Love, Fiosh

I paid him to do it just to annoy you. You probably did................ btw......i've got an inside scoop for you, scarlet. After the service on Sunday, don't drink the grape Kool-aid!

I paid him to do it just to annoy you.

Thanks for your replies. I just "accidentally" ran across the verse I wanted while looking for something else. I'm afraid I wasn't remembering it even close to what it actually is: I Peter 3:15-16 "Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence,..." The verses you've shared are good ones, and I'll file them away to use in the future. Love, Fiosh

I'm sure there's another verse but I can't find it. It's similar to Ephesians 4:15 but not quite. Thanks, Fiosh

Shall I tell the doctors that or do you want to do that for me????????? Thanks for the encouragement! Tell the Doctors that the GREAT PHYSICIAN is going to show them what real healing is! Amen, Scarlet! Bring 'em on, Afal, we'll tell 'em. They obviously don't know the Great Physician. Afal, you are surrounded by prayers and wrapped in love; you can't lose.