@waxeagle actually, I thought of that when I was writing a nomination... I've got some IRL responsibilities that I feel I would be neglecting if I took on any more responsibility. I'd like to think I would turn it down. Not like I've acted here in a way that I'd be a suitable candidate anyway.
In fact, it's even possible to sin against someone (hurt them) when you are trying to be kind.
@Ben: I don't think God ever damns anyone for living in a time and place where they could not hear of God.
@Ben: Many people have killed others, thinking they were doing God a favor... I would consider that an example of sinning against God while believing they are doing something for Him.
@Ben 2 things. 1 its only by grace any of us are saved. 2. God is capable of revealing himself through nature. I believe there are folks who are not part of the Judeo-Christian belief system that we will see in Heaven because they were convinced by nature. Melchizidek is actually the best example I can think of
of course not, but you can't prove that God is against homosexuality except by citing a SINGLE verse, every other verse that talks about it is referring to it.
I think that "homosexual behavior" is something God told us not to do, because he designed us to be most fully fulfilled in a happy heterosexual relationship, and homosexual behavior gets in the way of that sort of happiness.
Ben: There are many verses that indicate God's plan is heterosexual marriage, even if there is only one verse that is cited to specifically "forbid" homosexual behavior
It is quite common for people who claim to be homosexual to say that God created them this way. Some way even go so far as to say it was a misfortune that they were born into:
"Unfortunately for me, God made me gay."
This line of reasoning usually continues with "so I can't do anything abou...
@Caleb if that goes on to talk about conversion therapy, I've lost all respect for you. Conversion therapy asks a homosexual to be that which they are not, and they will NEVER be happy that way.
@Ben First of all I posed a question not an answer. Second I've never heard the term "conversion therapy", but if it has anything to do with the Christian concepts of regeneration, repentance, being made into new men, etc then there might be something there. Maybe you can do a write up.
The site hits public beta soon. We will have many difficult situations after that.
We should remember to pray for this community, for one another and for those passing by. Especially, we should pray for those that cause us the most trouble. And when we are most at each other's throat's, we shoul...
The point is... Homosexuality isn't wrong because God wants to make homosexuals unhappy... it's wrong because it gets in the way of our greater happiness.
And it's unfortunate that many people are afflicted with various sexual "abnormalities" that make that difficult.. but would expect a pedophile, or exhibitionist, or anyone else with unhealthy sexual tenancies, to not act on his urges, and seek Christian counseling--not necessarily to "cure" him, but to help him deal with his temptation.
@Ben i don't doubt you have. However you did mention that you had only heard one verse. I suggest its more than that. However I will not condemn you. Any man who claims not to struggle with sexual issues, even in the context of a heterosexual relationship is lying.
I think its still a sin, but its also really not any worse than any other sin (particularly sexual ones). And we all commit those. If God's grace is sufficient for my sin, its certainly sufficient for yours.
@Ben I'm not saying the act of sex is a sin. I'm saying that we as humans nearly always use it for selfish reasons and it ends up being sinful because we are selfish creatures.
Prosperity gospel, as I understand it, is the teaching that God wants to bless us with wealth and health. I can't really see this in the Bible. For example, Paul writes in 2 Cor 12:7-10 (ESV):
7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a th...
> 9 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez,[c] saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” 10 Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.
@dancek I haven't read it, but its one of the verses the prosperity folks point to. I'm more of a poverty gospel type :)
2
God is going to bless us wildly, just not on earth for the most part. God answers real material needs and he does choose to bless some of his people wildly on earth, but our real treasure is in heaven and it makes everything we are given on earth look pretty darn piddly...
All that to say, that's a question I don't have perspective on :)
@waxeagle well, given what the economy looks like, maybe you eventually will be blessed with poverty :)
Frankly though, I live in Europe and with all the social security and such, as a student with a part-time job I have no debt and make more money than I need.
I am a bit short of the 1250 rep to create tag synonyms. But I'm thinking that we should create the synonym between these two tags:
roman-catholic
catholicism
Could we (should we) synonymize those?
The chaos was mostly baking related (we went to two parties, both of which I baked and decorated cakes for, I had a friend come over to learn to make pound cake, and a plumber come replace one of our sinks).
I asked about the later life of the twelve disciples in a single question. I was asking about how those disciples ended their days and about every biographical fact that is not recorded in the scripture. The wisdom of crowds says that I must split this question for each disciple.
This question i...
I asked about the later life of the twelve disciples in a single question. I was asking about how those disciples ended their days and about every biographical fact that is not recorded in the scripture. The wisdom of crowds says that I must split this question for each disciple.
This question i...
I asked about the later life of the twelve disciples in a single question. I was asking about how those disciples ended their days and about every biographical fact that is not recorded in the scripture. The wisdom of crowds says that I must split this question for each disciple.
This question i...
There is a legend that says that John traveled to Ephesus where he took care of Virgin Mary and that he lived there until the end of his life.
Is this legend true? Are there any historical accounts that support the legend? Are there any other theories about the later life of apostle John?
There are some legends that say that the apostle James the Greater (brother of John) traveled to the actual territory of Spain where he spread the Word. Also there are some accounts that place his final days in Jerusalem where he was martyred.
Is this legend true? Are there any historical accoun...
There are some legends that say that Peter travelled to Rome where he was martyred.
Is this legend true? Are there any historical accounts that support the legend? Are there any other theories about the later life of apostle Peter?
Please take the rest of the post as just an example, the answers to this question should be generic and addressed to a person who is in a situation like the one described in the title. There could be a lot of people who are in the same situation and need advice and this question should be answere...
@waxeagle well I agree with Nathan in the comments "nearly every question on a "Christian" site will likely solicit opinion, debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. The only topic which "shouldn't" is that Christ is both God and the Son of God, He died for our sins, and God raised Him up on the third day. Pretty much everything else is extremely subject to opinion and personal interpretation"
@thephpdeveloper I'm far more concerned that this question is long,rambling and not very good and it got reopened with no editing whatsoever. I don't care that its subjective...
@waxeagle Thank you. I hadn't heard of it until you asked. It's a fascinating topic and I feel more solid in my understanding of grace knowing about this concept.
@Richard When you start from a framework of total depravity, Common Grace becomes a necessary explanation for how humanity has advanced at all. Its a wonderful concept and solid evidence for God having more mercy on humanity in general than we deserve.
though is my John 3:16 answer bad? He asked for the scope, and of course that makes it open to interpretation...what's so bad about my taking the literal route?
@waxeagle I hope so. @ahardin I'm nowhere near die-hard...the reason most of answers aren't well-received is likely because I haven't even read the bible.
@waxeagle I still don't understand why people are fishing for answers without references...some questions can't be answered that well, but more as advice. but if all the answers are advice than it's not a bad thing.
@Purmou when is it not appropriate? for instance I think a good answer to the John 3:16 question should probably reference either a commentary or the greek.
which Richard did...and so I understand why my answer got a downvote. But, like, how would you reference a bibile verse to answer a question about a bible verse?
@Purmou I'm kind of confused myself. Basically if you have a scripture you're confused about, you look at more, related scripture and see if you can figure out what it says.
(i can't even put what i'm trying to say in words)
the main thing i'm upset about is how my answer about amputees warranted 4 separate people to spend the time to come in and down vote it and completely overlook the even worse answer on the same question.
@Purmou note likely. although at times prior contributions do come into play with voting habits, if someone has a generally good reputation you might give them the benefit of the doubt, if someone doesn't have a great rep then you might not. I try not to let it interfere with my voting, but it creeps in sometimes
It is quite common for people who claim to be homosexual to say that God created them this way. Some way even go so far as to say it was a misfortune that they were born into:
"Unfortunately for me, God made me gay."
This line of reasoning usually continues with "so I can't do anything abou...
I am a bit short of the 1250 rep to create tag synonyms. But I'm thinking that we should create the synonym between these two tags:
roman-catholic
catholicism
Could we (should we) synonymize those?
The term "Common Grace" is often thrown around in reformed circles. What is this concept? What is the scriptural basis for the belief?
The Upper Room
The Upper Room