Mark2005

Ok, so in the New Testament observance of Pentecost described in Acts 2, what happened? How did all of these people speak in different languages that they did not know? Do Orthodox Jews celebrate Pentecost today?

That makes perfect sense. I never knew what Shauvot or Pentecost was supposed to celebrate.

How fair is it to bankrupt the family, to wipe out college savings or investments of whatever in order to prolong the life of one person, regardless of what the chances are for recovery? I am all in favor of government-funded health care. But as long as private individuals and/or private insurance companies are footing the bill then they are the ones to call the shots. He who pays the piper calls the tunes.

I think our entire family was better off letting Dad go than we would have been letting his languish in a hospital bed indefinitely with no real chance of recovery. He lived a full life he was 85. It was just time. Sad, though.

Ok, so today (May 27) is apparently Pentecost. This seems to get far less publicity than Christmas or Easter and sort of sneaks up on some of us. What exactly does Pentecost celebrate? This is a two-fold question: I understand the Jewish people celebrated a feast of Pentecost (but have no idea what it is for). Some Christians celebrate Pentecost in a different way? What is it for and how does one celebrate this?

Had to make a similar decision with Dad earlier this year. It still haunts me, even though intellectually I believe I did the right thing to not keep him there in a semi-conscious state with no chance of recovery.

The restrictions are ridiculous. It would be like not letting Canadian hockey players play for teams based in the U.S. Hire the best people for the job.

Interesting. I read something online a few years back (sorry, can't remember the source) where a Christian medical doctor did a test on several people speaking in tongues. Apparently, these people could speak in tongues at will He found that there were variations in their brain waves when they did that. Not sure anyone knew what to make of it, but was sort of interesting to read. As to what you suggest, I suppose each person may be created with some capacities that we may not currently use. (I know my computer has a lot of capabilities that I never use.) I wouldn't believe the notion that someone who is Christian is biologically different than someone who is not. But some people may use certain parts of their brains that others do not.

Do you havse an example of a place that scrapped thier constitution and made another that worked well and did so without a lot of bloodshead? what do you consider is wrong with our constitution???/ Again, that's a huge question that I don't wish to get into here, as it only serves to divide people. If specific issues arise, we can devote separate threads to them. In summary, I will say that the Constitution forms a framework for the government to work within. If enough people wish to change something, that is their right to do so. Former president Bill Clinton said in a recent interview he wished there were no term limits and that he would have made people either vote him out or carry him out in a box. I'm undecided on the term limits thing. I think there should be some; don't know exactly how long. Some senators have been in office 30+ years and that strikes me as too long for anyone in any job.

Eh, some like it. Others do not. Thus the great political debate. My point is the Constitution has been amended multiple times throughout history. Many other amendments have been proposed. So what exactly is the difference between amendment after amendment and just rewriting the thing. Times change. When the Constitution was written, owning slaves was considered quite normal. Many of the signers owned slaves. Things changed over time and slavery became such a major issue that people felt an amendment --- not just a law --- was needed. Ditto for voting rights. Today, there are people on both sides of the same-sex marriage issue wanting an amendment one way or the other. Same for abortion or balancing the budget. My point is that if enough people feel strongly enough about an issue changes will be made. It's similar to the Jewish law of the Old Testament. First came the Ten Commandments. Then all through Exodus and the rest of the Torah, they added more laws. As the years went by, the priests added still more and more and seem to do away with others.

That's a mouthful and I don't wish to start a huge debate (each could be a thread unto itself). I will just say that, like many people, I could see room for amendments. It's all part of the political process.

Personally, I wouldn't shead a tear if they scrapped it and started from scratch. That's been done in plenty of countries throughout world history. It's not like the Constitution is somehow sacred; it's been amended 20-something times already. It's been amended everytime it suits people: slavery, voting rights, prohibition and many, many more.

I would..... if I ever finish the Gospel of John.

Feel free to elaborate in any way you wish.

Tebow is a good guy and a mediocre quarterback by NFL standards. Certainly not a Hall of Fame player. But he's a good guy with a good heart and I believe he is sincere in what he is saying, even if some other people get a bit annoyed by it at times.

Are people still quivelling over this? c'mon, people, it's time to move on. Funny how every time a Democrat happens to get elected president (Carter, Clinton, Obama), the Republicans will stop at nothing to oust him in any way possible. Well, I guess if you can't win an election, you gotta try something, right? So impeach, rail over a birth certificate, etc.

I used to believe that God guided people in making decisions throughout their lives. I earnestly prayed that God would guide me and help me make good decisions. I had so many things blow up in my face that it really caused me to doubt whether or not God listens or guides people. It's a very subjective matter. If something works out for the good, it's natural to believe God guided you. If something works out for the bad, do you blame God?

Ok, fine. Maybe this is what people want, so that is what they buy. That was the case with me. If I'm wrong, I'll deal with the consequences. The hellfire and brimstone preachers didn't do it for me. I wasn't looking for eternity; I was looking to improve my life here and now. It has nothing to do with "repentance". (Not sure what I would be repenting of anyway.) There are a lot of flavors on the spiritual menu out there and each of us has the freedom to decide what we wish to swallow.

This has come up in passing on another thread and a full discussion seems worthy of its own thread. So..... Who or what is the Holy Spirit? A person or force? What does it do? Does it actually live inside a person? How does one have the Holy Spirit in them?

Hi Jane, I am also remodeling a house and know what a massive job that can be. Nice that you have someone to work with you. In answer to your question, I personally do not believe that anyone alive today will live long enough to be alive when Jesus comes, so it is not something I have given a great deal of thought to. However, seeing that most of us spend 1/4 to 1/3 of our days asleep, I suppose that is where the probabilty lies. I feel sorry for the person who happens to be stuck in the restroom, however.

Bottom line seems to be that we have honest disagreements of opinion amongst ourselves. That is fine. Mature adults should be able to agree to disagree and remain friends. Joel's father, the late John Osteen, started the church in the 1950s. It was started as a Baptist church and then John had some disagreements with denominational leaders and went independent. Like most things, it has evolved and changed over time. So it is what it is. Some people don't like the size. Others don't like the style. Others don't like the doctrine. Fine. This is the great thing about religious freedom. It's like going to a restaurant, you pick what you WANT to eat. You don't attack the kitchen and demand they stop serving whatever or close down. How a person defines "false teacher" varies widely. It's not a kind tag to hang on anyone, but we've all heard it before. There may be many people we look up to and admire as leaders, but ultimately each person is responsible for what he/she believes. Unlike some cult figures, Osteen never asks anyone to put their faith in him. Osteen may well be more motivational speaker than stereotypical pastor. Fine. If people didn't like what he was saying, they wouldn't support him. That choice is up to each of us.

True. I guess when you see someone who you consider a friend, someone you look up to, being attacked, it can feel personal.

His brand of "Christianity" is not what anyone should be participating in. He is a false teacher and he is teaching a false gospel. The fact that he has altar calls doesn't mean anything. Mark, you appear to know next to nothing about Christanity, and as such, have no credibility as to what is or is not authentic Christianity. Shiloh, That is incredibly arrogant and mean-spirited of you. You know neither me, nor my story. Apparently you don't know Mr. Osteen, either. So what credibility do you have?

Eh, but only if the meat has been properly cooked.

King Solomon lived several hundred years before Jesus. No one had heard of Jesus in those days. They had a vague concept of a future messiah who would come someday, but not many details. So the term "saved" was not the same as we think of it today.