leftoverture

Other one you make interesting points about technology. We, too, operate nearly cashless most of the time. And technology is changing how we buy and pay much faster than we can imagine. I think you are correct that these things are still not the mark of the beast, but they are signaling something coming, I am sure.

Happy Thanksgiving to all. May God bless you and keep you.

I think it IS a 'higher thing' if it makes you really look at what you believe. Sorry, but it seems like a pointless, hypothetical argument to me. How is this thread helping anyone? How is it moving anyone to action with regards to doing God's work?

Two threads on this forum about hypothetically killing baby Hitler? Shouldn't we be talking about ways we can be sharing our faith or how we can become more Christ like or how we can show the love of Christ to those in need? Seems to me as Christians we should be concerned with higher things. Just saying......

Very good topic. And I might add that if we have faith we will be obedient and share our faith with those around us. Thanks for your meaningful and thought-provoking post.

Agreed. Very good movie. Inspiring.

I can see by this thread that there are many on here who do not have a good understanding of hermeneutics. May I recommend Fee & Stuart's "How to Read The Bible For All It's Worth". It is an excellent resource for learning the exegetical method.

Exactly, Shiloh. Well stated.

Not at all. Men are forbidden to cover their heads during worship (1 Cor 11:4,7), and wearing a ball cap backwards is even worse than wearing a hat while preaching. The title of the sermon would be "I have absolutely no regard for you, for Scripture, or for God". And let's stop using the term "legalistic" in these matters. If a preacher has no clue about Christian decorum and order in worship, he has no business preaching. and is yet a novice. Paul was speaking to a certain audience in a certain culture when he wrote that. It was decorum only for that time and place. I think that is wrong, couldn't people use that argument for absolutely everything in the Bible? Yes, they could. But the method we use is called exegesis, meaning that we search for the original meaning the author had for the intended audience. Paul also wrote that women should be silent in church, do you feel that still applies today?

Not at all. Men are forbidden to cover their heads during worship (1 Cor 11:4,7), and wearing a ball cap backwards is even worse than wearing a hat while preaching. The title of the sermon would be "I have absolutely no regard for you, for Scripture, or for God". And let's stop using the term "legalistic" in these matters. If a preacher has no clue about Christian decorum and order in worship, he has no business preaching. and is yet a novice. Paul was speaking to a certain audience in a certain culture when he wrote that. It was decorum only for that time and place.

Wearing a hat is fine. Especially if you are preaching to young people or athletes. What matters is the message that is preached and lived out.

I am reading Honest Evangelism by Rico Tice. In chapter 3, he challenges us to see if we have any idols in our lives.....basically things that get more of our attention than God. Things that maybe prevent us from evangelism. I will confess here and now that my idol has been cars. I guess they're is nothing wrong with being a car enthusiast, but when the hobby takes on central importance it had become an idol. And when you get part of your identity from what you drive....well, I think the idolatry is obvious. I won't go into the whole story for fear of creating a post of unreadable length, but this week drove home the reality of the idolatry that was taking place in my life. And I have been praying in repentance and faith for God to help me remove this from my being. So how about you? Is there anything in your life that is taking up too much of your time and/or attention? Is there something that is possibly keeping Christ from being the absolute center of your life and thus keeping you from sharing his truth at every possible chance?

Sounds like we believers need to devote more of our time and energy to sharing the Word with others.

Indeed, God's plan is always better. Trusting Him is not always easy, but He is always trustworthy.

Leftoverture....title of an album by the rock band Kansas. As I was just mentioning in another thread, they were the first concert I ever went to and their song Hold On is about finding Christ and was significant to me when I got saved. I use the name on all forums.

Amen. BTW, I see the reference to Kansas in your handle Yes, Kansas was the first band I ever saw in concert, way, way back. Later on, when I was seeking Christ, the song "Hold On" really spoke to me. As I understand it, Kerry Livgren wrote the song to his wife to encourage her to accept Christ. Outside your door He is waiting Waiting for you Sooner or later you know He's got to get through No hesitation and no holding back Let it all go and you'll know You're on the right track Hold on, Baby Hold on 'Cause it's closer than you think And you're standing on the brink Hold on, Baby Hold on 'Cause there's something on the way Your tomorrow's not the same as today

God created marriage and his intention for it is the same today. One man, one woman, joined together as one for life.

Thanks everyone for the replies. Your input was helpful! God bless.

I'm looking for some feedback. My wife and I have been invited to my niece's "wedding" next month and we are requested to RSVP. Now, my problem is this: my niece is gay and the person she is "marrying" lives as a man but is really a woman. The people of the state of MN made this legal a couple years ago. Obviously, my wife and I don't agree with this lifestyle choice. And I am not posting this to get anyone's views on that lifestyle choice or homosexuality in general. Rather, we are conflicted about whether or not to attend this event. And that is what I would like input on. On one hand, we don't want to go because we don't condone the lifestyle choice and we don't want to even suggest that we condone it. I also think that we may find the "service" to be offensive. On the other hand, this is my family. What message about Christian love do we send if we don't attend? Will we be closing the door to a future witnessing opportunity? Most of my family is very, very liberal and they do not understand the Christian way. And my parents are very old and I don't want to start conflict with them that may not be resolved before they pass. Is it a valid option to skip the service but go to the reception? I appreciate your well thought out input on the situation, but realizing this is a controversial topic, please restrict your input to the choice we have to make. Thanks & God bless.

I did not mean to imply we could not voice our opinions on issues, that we certainly can do. . .and perhaps in some cases. . .we must do. But we always must do so with respect. I wrote in response to some posts that were critical when he hasn't even taken office yet and my main point is that if we are to offer critique, let it be directed at issues and not at the person. And most importantly, if we really want to effect change, let us preach the Gospel message, for it is the Gospel that has the power to bring change. . .one heart at a time. . .

The main thing we all need to remember is that Barack Obama is going to be president whether we like it or not. And as such, he deserves all the respect that comes with the office. In other words, we respect the office, if not exactly the man who holds it. We do not want to treat Obama like the liberals treated President Bush. Let us as Christians rise above that. Also, remember that he could not have come to power if the Lord didn't allow it. Our job as Christians is to be gracious and to preach the Gospel. We would do well to stick to our primary purpose. (And next election cycle, we should get out and vote!)

Being that most of my family are not saved, every year I buy some type of Christ-centered gift to witness to them. This year I got a comedy DVD from Ken Davis (a seriously funny guy!) I will give to each brother/sister, aunt & uncle, mom & dad.

Indeed, we would all do better to exercise more humility. The Bible says all have sinned, all fall short of the glory of God. Christians must always remember they are forgiven, not perfect. When dealing with others who are caught in a sin, we are to restore them gently not judgmentally.

I'm sorry if you have been hurt. Alot of people are confused by the fact that Christians speak out against sin, they think this is "disrespect" or "hatred". But for the Christian, the rule is hate the sin, love the sinner. The truth is, we all make bad choices, Christians and non-Christians alike. This is the very reason we need a savior. I hope you will look past human imperfections and seek that which is perfect: Jesus Christ.

The devil also preaches Christ. Do we accept his gospel along with the rest? Forgive me.... I was trying to find the passage, but I guess it wasn't 2 Tim 3... I woudl have to try and find it again. I very rarely ever post just a chapter and verse number. When I post something from the Word, I will post the verse and let people see for themselves. I don't want someone to simply take my word for it. If it's in the Word, I want them to see it. Just a thought. Man. . .your post seems a bit rude to me. Kittylover: I believe the verse you were thinking of is Philippians 1:17-19: 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.[a] 18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. Good job on remembering the concept. I always have trouble remembering which verse, too. But this is an important concept for us in these days.